Give it Away

I'm a huge fan of Panera Bread. Since the restaurant is close to my counseling office, I eat lunch there often. Even my 11-year-old daughter is hooked on their Black Bean Soup. But really, the reason she loves Panera is the free bread samples. If you've ever visited Panera, you know what I'm talking about. As soon as you walk in the door, there's the basket of samples. It's the next best thing to sliced bread: FREE sliced bread!



This is a brilliant marketing move and one we should all follow. As soon as patrons walk in the door, they get something. They're happy customers! They didn't have to jump through hoops, sign up for a credit card, or become a "loyal" customer before receiving something. And, the sample teaches them about what Panera has to offer.

In a tough economy, we're often reluctant to give away our product or service. This is not the time to act stingy! If you fear that giving something away means you have less to sell, then you're in the wrong field. One sign that you're using your strengths is that you have an abundance of ideas and products to offer. Share the overflow with those you are meant to serve. It's the best marketing you'll ever do - plus it's the right thing to do.

On that note, have you checked out my free E-Seminar? Just click on the link for a 30-minute podcast and workbook download. Easy. While you're at it, sign up for my free monthly E-Zine, Communication Tip Sheet. You'll also find my free video tips posted on YouTube, with more to come.

And, how about this holiday offer? Purchase 25 or more of any tips booklet and receive a 60-minute E-Seminar of your choice for FREE! That's a $25 value!
Tips booklets make fantastic stocking stuffers or a business Thank You with value. Add one of your business stickers to the front or inside cover for a customized message. Then, educate yourself with a free E-Seminar of your choice! Place your online order for 25 or more tips booklets and I'll contact you personally for your bonus E-Seminar download. Hurry, offer ends December 23!

Now, what are YOU going to give away today?

Long-Term Success

Our team staying warm just before running their path to success!

"I did it!" Eleven-year-old Shanna was beaming at her accomplishment. She had just finished her first 5K along with 200 other local girls from Girls on the Run. I had the privilege of running/walking along side of her in Sunday's Cleveland Fall Classic. We were surrounded by 1,000 other runners, but all that mattered for me was that Shanna cross that finish line. It helped when she saw her family in the home stretch, cheering her on with pride. She got a burst of energy, we held hands, and she sprinted to the end.

Our team trained 10-weeks for this moment. For most of these girls, it is the biggest goal they've ever achieved. Children today don't often have the opportunity of completing a long-term goal. We've set them up for instant gratification, so if rewards aren't paid off in minutes, they're off to something else. Yet it is in the working and earning for a goal over time where confidence is built.

You better believe these girls made their parents proud on Sunday. But, more importantly, these girls were proud of themselves.

Follow This Recipe

Backstage with Guy Fieri

There are thousands of chefs in the world, so what makes Guy Fieri stand out? It's more than his spiked, blonde hair. I met Fieri backstage at Cleveland's Fabulous Food show and watched his show. He's passionate and energetic on and off stage. He has what the producers of all successful Food Network shows want: personal stories.

This is a recipe for success we all need to follow. Whatever your profession, I guarantee you, thousands of others do the exact same thing. On paper, you're forgettable. The only thing that makes any of us stand out is our personal perspective shared through stories.

Guy's prep food fridge also included personal stories...

The best stories come from living a full life. Break out of what everyone else is doing and go explore your passions. Develop your interests and hobbies. Learn something new, meet new people, observe your world. These are the things that make you unique! Anyone worried about job security or how to stand out in an interview needs to remember what Guy Fieri knows: no one can compete with your personal perspective.

Sous chefs prepping behind the stage of the Fabulous Food Show.
Prep your "show" by developing stories from your life.

Everyone has a story! Make the most of yours.