September 26, 2006

I Wanna Hold Your Hand   "Oh yeah, I´ll tell you something I think you'll understand When I say that something I wanna hold your hand I wanna hold your hand I wanna hold your hand." The Beatles   Whose hand are you holding - figuratively and literally?  Holding hands is one way of showing others you care about them.  Caring is where it's at, no matter what your profession.  It's true: people want to know how much you care before they care how much you know.  So, how can you show that you care?   1.      Listen.  Be interested in others, ask them questions, and then give them your undivided attention as you listen.  "The contrast between hearing and really listening can be as different as night and day", said Mr. Ken Johnson.  "And in a business environment, not listening effectively to customers, employees, and peers can mean the difference between success and failure." 2.      Be empathetic.  When you have allowed yourself to experience a wide range of feelings you will find it easier to identify with and understand the feelings of others. If you have not walked in their shoes, you can still be there for them.  Acknowledge their feelings without judging, belittling, criticizing, or ignoring the person. 3.      Appreciate people.  Appreciation in business encounters can make or break you.  Likewise, your personal life would suffer if no one in your circle felt appreciated.  Value those people in your life and be grateful for their friendship and their business.  Show and tell them. 4.      Smile.  "Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing", said Mother Theresa.  Go ahead and spread the cheer a smile reveals.  It's contagious. 5.      Come from your heart.  As the song with the same name says, "You got to sing like you don't need the money, Love like you'll never get hurt. You got to dance like nobody's watchin'.  It's gotta come from the heart if you want it to work."  Do not hide behind your feelings if you want healthy relationships. People want the "real" you, not a phony substitute. 6.      Give your time.   Most people are in such a rush that they never stop to give others the time of day.  Not a great way to run a business, is it?  Your clients, customers, friends and family know when they're getting the brush off.  Slow down and savor the moments before you are not given a second chance to show you care. 7.      Say the person's name.  A simple request, yet oh so powerful.    Caring brings out the best in people.  You can't hide from that.     "And when I touch you I feel happy, inside It's such a feeling... I can't hide I can't hide I can't hide."          "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."             Leo F. Buscaglia   "I feel the capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance."             Pablo Casals   "The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm."             Swedish proverb   "It's your unlimited power to care and to love that can make the biggest difference in the quality of your life."             Anthony Robbins        No doubt you have seen the advertisements touting a "Caring Dentist", but you must walk your talk if you are going to have a thriving practice.  The same philosophy applies to any profession.  On the other hand, as a customer, you know when you are not being well cared for.  It doesn't lead to repeat business, does it?  Take your caring up a notch and feel the difference.   Today is my birthday.  Yes, one year older but I feel ten years younger.  I've been taking care of myself.  I am seeing a nutritionist who placed me on a meal plan that fuels my body and gives it what it needs and I have been working with a trainer who continually upgrades my exercise regimen so that I lose fat and gain muscle.  I feel great and have more energy.   Have a fantastic week and hold someone's hand.   Stephanie        We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com