Comments (42)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., July 4, 2011 8:49 am

Which is more important: Competition or Collaboration?

For years, I’ve been wondering why so many people feel that helping their competition Is a bad thing and holds negative for them. People seem to cringe at the idea that other people are out there trying to do the thing you’re trying to do? Some are even copying your work! BUT, I love competition, for competition makes me work harder to be better and stronger.

You may feel fear that other people are starting the same kind of business. Many are. Instead of dreading the competition, just accept the fear for what it is: an emotion.

There are six billion people in the world and room for competition. My findings are that it is about coming up with a unique idea and giving your idea your own personal expression, so that you connect with some of those other 5,999,999,999 people.

Ask yourself these questions?

-What is the passion for why you are doing this business?

-How do you plan to differentiate yourself from your “competition?”

-Who will be your target market?

-When will you take time to be creative and put YOU into YOUR business?

-Why do you want to work in the subject area you choose?

As an image professional, I am constantly refining and focusing what separates the way I work with clients from the way other people do. For me, it is about the final product as much as it is about the process of arriving at the final destination a lot of people like to work with me because of way I treat them!

-No one else is YOU. People do business with people they like. Make your clients like you!

Fear is good because it reminds you that you probably are not doing everything you can to be your best and creating something unique. Competition is a warning signal and a reminder that you might need to change something to differentiate yourself. Allow any fear to remind you that you need to stay focused on what makes the way you offer your product or service special.

Keep in mind that when one changes from the competitive mindset to the creative, the realization of abundance occurs — and one shifts from competing for what others have, to creating things for oneself (without fear)

Rather than concerning yourself with competition, how about collaboration?

The past way of thinking suggested that Small Business need to worry about competitors. Worrying takes the focus off of the business. By collaborating with competitors the focus remains on the client and business goals. Does there become a point in which we may be in a better place by choosing to work with instead of against another company.

A quote by Arie De Geus says, and I quote,: “The ability to learn faster than your competitors may be the only sustainable competitive advantage.”

Instead of putting your concentration on your competitors, put your concentration on YOU and YOUR business, so that you can be abreast of the latest information in your field of endeavor. Time after time, people call, email, or skype me about ‘what the competition is doing.” My answer is always, “For every minute you concern yourself with that others are doing, that is a minute lost in deciding what you will do to increase business!’

Here are some ways to collaborate with your competition in a win-win matter.

1)Drop them a note telling them how much you enjoy their work.

2)If you see an article they are quoted in, send it to them. This way, you will always keep the door open. Email works because it’s a baseline. Everyone has it.

3)Find out if you can work with them on a project that will benefit both of your companies. Sometimes, two are better than one.

4)Set up a VOIP Connection with Skype. Discussing topics in your industry could be just what both competitors need.

By choosing collaboration over competition, we all win by helping each other to become stronger and more independant.

Comments (171)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., June 22, 2011 1:13 am

Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic.Some people think just because they are behind the computer, etiquette rules do not apply. But, online image and etiquette are just as important and may make a huge difference with how you build and nurture relationships.

The Internet can be one of the most ambiguous channels of communication. However, it is also one of the fastest and greatest ways to communicate. Nowadays, many of us find it hard to survive without email or social networking sites.

Networking online is an art; building mutually long term relationships requires the same quality of professional courtesy and dual respect as any other means of communication. Inner wellness can be expressed in many forms through social networking sites and email.

Netiquette is a code of ethics for the Internet. Unlike the code of professional conduct of accountants, lawyers or doctors, which is supported by legislation, the code of conduct for the Internet requires high levels of self discipline that is ultimately dependent upon our inner quality. When no one can see what we are doing, what else do we have, but our soul, to keep our decorous behavior?

The suggestions below are a basis of good universal code of conduct for email and online networking:

Email

- Never contain too much personal opinion, emotional elements, cartoons, slogans or jokes when sending formal business email.

- Learn to use the emoticon chart (below) as they are all appropriate for informal business emails to keep us up to date:

:> or :-> = Devilish grin
:] or :-] = Friendly
or = Frowning
:/ or :-/ = Frustrated
or = Smiling
:O or :-O = Surprised
or = Winking
:} or :-} = Wry smile

- Do not show a humorous character that may be offensive to others as we have no way to support our humor with proper body language or to see if our message is being interpreted correctly. Even self depreciating humor could cause others to see you as a low esteemed person.
- When forwarding appropriate jokes to co-workers or friends, do not send them too often. Also, be careful of sending attachments with huge file sizes.

- Forwarding should not be sent to everyone in your address book. One good principle to remember is that no one has the ability to stop the mail delivery once you click “Send.” So, make sure you choose wisely before sending a forwarded email.

- It could be rude to use BCC on personal or family emails. “Season greetings” messages or e-cards for special events should be sent individually. For some people, the CC function is marginally acceptable.

- Do not forward any unverified warning or urgent assistance to others. Experts claim that currently there is no way for anyone to count the number of copies of an email in circulation on the Internet; nor can the number of times something has been forwarded be counted.

- Keep flaming at a minimum. Flaming stands for deluge of critical e-mail, the directing of a large volume of abusive and insulting email at somebody, often as part of a flame war.

However, flaming also describes a situation in which a person or group of people express their criticism or negativity about something. It could be news, current affairs or world events. When a flaming is directed toward a country, a race, group of people, a person and his/her beliefs, prejudice and offensive elements are hard to avoid.

This kind of flaming should be minimized as much as possible. Unnecessary confrontation is a target of avoidance on the Web. When you find that you are inevitably involved in flaming, notify your readers and maintain your objectivity. A professional individual maintains their professionalism, even when he has to fight or confront it.

Social Networking and Online Forums

You do not have to travel to meet interesting people from different places of the world because now, we have Facebook and other social networking sites. There is nothing more fascinating than talking with interesting friends from around the world or joining insightful forums without having to pay entrance fees.

However, it pays to remember some basic rules to remember when talking to your global friends:

- Netiquette itself has no legislative standards at the moment and is different in other countries. Do not expect everyone in your discussion group to follow the same rules. Stay positive and keep an open mind.

- While you are free to express your opinions, do not expect everyone to agree with you or to share your beliefs.

- Never jump to conclusions, especially when you join a forum that is in the middle of a discussion. In such situations, be patient to observe and catch up in the discussion– before posting any comments.

- When posting your point of view, be sure that it is a constructive and informed one. Sending premature messages gives people negative feelings and may even lead to flaming. It is very immature to be discussing something that you know nothing about.

- Utilizing FAQ is a good way to avoid asking stupid questions. In reality, more than 85% of your questions are answered by the preset FAQ.

- Finally, remember that you are actually talking to human beings. Your computer is no more than a tool to communicate; it is a tool of technology and limitation at the same time.

In conclusion, email and social sites are here to stay. Every day, there seems to be something new “popping up” for us to decide to join. So, we always have to remember to maintain a professional image and practice common etiquette rules anywhere we decide to network.

Do you have any other suggestions for online networking and communicating? How about any stories to share or comments to make about maintaining a professional image online?

Since 1985, Dr. Joyce Knudsen, AICI CIM (Certified Image Master) has been President of The ImageMaker, Inc.® and has been an International Trainer, Author, and Mentor. For more information, go to www.imagemaker1.com. You can also read inside her new book here: http://amzn.to/a92p7V

Comments (50)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., June 21, 2011 8:25 am

In order to be successful in life, we need to be emotionally well, physically fit, and spiritually sound. Whether you are a student, young adult, homemaker, secretary, teacher, sales executive, trainee, clerk, or factory worker, this self-help book can be your daily guide to looking and feeling good about yourself.

It is a misconception to think that only people in certain positions or social situations need to look good. Many people walk around feeling unsure of who they are and probably feel that they are alone in these feelings. This simply is not true. We are all unsure of ourselves. Childhood experiences, peers, school, environment and family influenced our thinking over the years.

If we get positive acceptance from the things we do, we develop self-confidence in these areas. If we get negative feedback from the things we do, we develop a lack of self-confidence in these areas. If you acquire self-acceptance within yourself, you will have the ability to accept others; if you feel self-rejection within yourself, you will not be able to accept others. Self-acceptance thus equals acceptance of others, whereas self-rejection equals rejection of others.

Looking good on the outside is what makes people want to look inside to see what you are all about. The outside ”shell” is the packaging for what lies within. The tongue can be untruthful, but the body acts with instinct. No matter how confident or sure of yourself you try to appear, you will always project how you feel about yourself on the inside. If you do not feel good about yourself physically or mentally, you will not make a good impression. Self- image is an attitude, believing in yourself and in what you can do. You earn self-confidence when you achieve. Here are some elements to consider for a strong development of strong self-image.

1) POSITIVE THINKING
You can control what you say and what you feel. A positive attitude will give you the best opportunity for positive results. One positive thought a day is the beginning of an attitude that will continue to keep you moving in a strong upward direction.

2) SELF-BELIEF
We are unique and need to do what we feel is right, no matter how someone else feels about it. We have power over ourselves and do not need to let words or opinions of other people change the way we feel about ourselves. If you do what someone else wants you to do, you are not being yourself. Of course, in business, there are times when you may want to compromise. However, it is okay to be assertive, not aggressive, and say what you feel. Many times, if you do not say anything, the situation can get worse. In normal circumstances, the problem is not as difficult as you originally thought!

3) FORTITUDE
Reach for what you want and get what you want. It is within your power to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Many famous historians, authors, believed in who they are, set a goal, and had the fortitude to persist. Thomas Edison, a dunce until he was ten, tried endlessly to invent the light bulb and did not give up. Although Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record of lifetime home runs, he struck out 1383 times. You can do what you want to do as well.

4) PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Each of us has a mental picture of ourselves–a self-image–which controls much of how we act and think. To find life reasonably satisfying, you need a self-image that you can live with. You must be acceptable to yourself before you can be acceptable to others. Trust and believe in the self you are. You can begin to do this by following these steps:

•Develop your strengths. Make a list of all the things you are good at and read these daily. You were born with unlimited potential. Happiness and success are a choice, an attitude, and always up to you.

•Know what you are capable of doing. What have you not done that you could be doing? According to William James, the average person uses only ten percent of their potential. Expand your dreams. Dreams make plans come true.

•Write down what you want to achieve. Unless you make the choice, decide you want it, and visually look at it on paper, chances are you will not achieve your goal. If you “look’ at your dream and work toward it, there is no doubt that you can do it. Of course, you must be realistic in what you set forth to do.

•See yourself doing it! If someone tells you that you could not do something, it is difficult to erase past programming. However, if you take a picture, either in your mind or an actual photograph of what you want to achieve, you are on your way to getting there.

•Create a new person beginning right now. If you put yourself in the frame of mind that you have already made achievements, you are almost there. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Self-confident people do positive things and earn self-confidence in the process. They have a clear sense of who they are and what they want. They are achievers and a successful in life.

Looking your best through hairstyles, skin care and fashion is essential to building a strong self-esteem and
confidence.

Looking your best makes you feel good, and when you feel good, you can accomplish more. However, deeper than your outside appearance is your inner soul– the innermost part of you that must feel good. Your body will function at its best if you have your internal and external image in balance.

The goal of this book is to give you a sense of knowing who you are and how you present yourself to the world. We are judged so much on what we do not say—our non-verbal communication.

You will now have a guide to what others are deciding about you, based on the way you choose to look. While in the business world, external image is important, we felt it necessary to bring in the inner self.

A business professional will get so much further ahead if that professional understands image, because people will see that you care about yourself and about them. This book is a “must-read” for first impressions. Your internal image will always come through.

“It is no exaggeration to say that a strong positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life.” Dr. Joyce Brothers

“Within you right now lies the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you just as soon as you can change your beliefs.” Maxwell Maltz

As a man thinketh, he becomes.- The Bible

“You cannot control circumstances, but you can control your own thoughts.” Charles Pepplestown

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” Eleanor Roosevelt

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

Reach for and get what you are after.

Feeling good from the inside will shine through on the outside. Your body will function at its best, and your skin will glow. Most of all, you will experience the wonderful feeling of being whole, from the inside out.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6358040

Comments (47)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., June 10, 2011 11:03 am

WHAT IS YOUR COMMUNICATION QUOTIENT
1. Do people often ask you to say something again?

never sometimes often

2. Have you made it a habit to ask someone to “paraphrase” back to you what you have said?

never sometimes often

3. If you do not understand something someone has said, do you ask for clarification or just pretend you hear them correctly?

never sometimes often

4. While in a conversation, do you find it difficult to keep your feelings to yourself?

never sometimes often

5. When somone else has a different view from you (Democrat/Republican) can you beobjective and see their viewpoint?

never sometimes often

6. Do you understand what most people are telling you?

never sometimes often

7. Do you interrupt when you feel you have something relevant to add to the conversation?

never sometimes often

8. Do you observe the nonverbal communication while talking to someone?

never sometimes often

9. Do you tend to “finish peoples sentences” or thoughts?

never sometimes often

10. Do you “hide” your inner feelings when talking to someone and tend not to disclose yourself?

never sometimes often

11. Can you admit it when you know you are wrong?

never sometimes often

12. Do you apologize if you can see that you hurt someones feelings?

never sometimes often

13. Do you tend to get defensive?

never sometimes often

14. Do you “jump to conclusions?”

never sometimes often

15. Do you put yourself in the “other persons shoes?”

never sometimes often

16. Do you raise your voice or has someone told you “ I can hear you?”

never sometimes often

17. Do you tend to “fill in” other peoples words?

never sometimes often

18. Do you tend to dominate the conversation?

never sometimes often

19. Do you feel that people may be intimidated by you

never sometimes often

20. Are you really interested in what other people say?

never sometimes often

21. Do you talk about someones actions or are you directly criticizing them?

never sometimes often

22. Can you confront someone who has hurt your feelings?

never sometimes often

Self Evaluation Try to compare you honest answers with the following answers:
1. Never
2. Never
3. Often
4. Never
5. Never
6. Often
7. Often
8. Often
9. Often
10. Never or Sometimes
11. Never or Sometimes
12. Often
13. Often
14. Never or Sometimes
15. Never
16. Often
17. Often
18. Never
19. Never
20. Never or Sometimes
21. Often
22. Never
23. Often

This Assessment for communications quotient is a trademark of The ImageMaker, Inc.® Without written permission, using this information in any way, shape, or form is a copyright violation and punishable by law.

Comments (28)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., April 8, 2011 10:49 am

As a Senior Citizen, I’m told, “You can’t wear this.” “You can’t do that.” Why not? Who write those rules? I do not follow them! I am an individual and not a number. Let’s talk!

It depends on the senior. If a senior still looks good, she/he can be fashionable. We can exercise, have a positive life outlook and have longer hair! You can still have a fabulous hairstyle and if your face shape looks good with longer hair, I say, “Go for it.”

Just because you’re 65, you don’t have to move into a short hairstyle with your Social Security check. In fact, a younger look and lighter color can take years off your face.

When you reach the young age of 40 or 50, you are not doomed to short hair!

If you’re looking for a job or hoping to move up the ladder at this age, you might be competing with younger women. Take years off your look by using hair color and getting a sharp hairstyle that flatters your face shape. Try layers. Piece-y layers around the face are flattering or go one-length with under layers. This will give hair body and looks great dried under.

Hair that is too styled can make you look dated. Even if hair is short, don’t go for a spiky look; instead ask for longer layers. Cut out pictures and bring them to the stylist with you.

A lighter color can take years off your face. Ask your stylist what color works best for your skin tone. Don’t be afraid to try a change. Sometimes a slight variation in a style or how you care for your style is all you need. Or, you might decide that you need a bigger change in order to meet the demands of your current activities. Ease into change gradually. If you decide to cut your shoulder length hair, you can start with “stage one” cut that only takes off a few inches. Then you can continue to have it cut and restyled over a period of months until you reach the length you want.

The key is to find a style that flatters your face and is easy to maintain. If your life has changed over the past few years, maybe your hairstyle should, too. If you are searching for a new hairstyle, look at pictures of yourself – Pull out pictures taken of you over the past ten years. Look for styles and lengths that looked the best. Review pictures and models you find in magazines. Find a look that shows the style you are considering. Take this to a good hairstylist and see if your hair is the type that can carry that style. Remember to talk to your stylist – They understand the texture and behavior of your hair, so they are a key source for suggestions on a new style that will meet your particular needs. Be sure to tell them what length you prefer to stay at.

Remember, you are an expert on yourself; do what is best for YOU.
If you decide to make a change, be sure that your stylist allocates enough time to show you how to handle your new style. Before you leave, you should feel comfortable with all aspects of your new hair routine including knowing what you need in order to style your hair. Ask your stylist to show you the styling products you should use, how much to use and how to apply. Buy them from your stylist or head directly to the store after your appointment and be sure to have your stylist explain what you should do first, what brush you should use and how you should dry the various parts of your style. Practice with your stylist watching and coaching you. Use a hand mirror to watch how your stylist works with the back of your hair.

Perms:
Choose soft curls or body waves if you decide your hair needs a perm. With pin-straight hair, I’ve had perms for over 30 years and having them has never hurt my hair. You just have to choose a stylist who does perms all the time. Perms add body to thinning hair and cover up any areas that start to recede.

Skin Care and MakeupWhat is your skin type?
OILY SKIN—tends to be shiny. You generally see pores and tend to get whiteheads and blackheads.
DRY SKIN—tends to show a dull appearance. The pores are difficult to see and you seldom get whiteheads or blackheads.
NORMAL SKIN—tends to be clear and has no sign of oiliness.
COMBINATION SKIN—The skin is oily in the T zone (forehead, nose and chin) and clear in other areas.

Perform a Tissue Test:
Cut a tissue into 4 pieces. Press one piece against your forehead, chin, nose and cheek. Wait about 10 seconds. If your tissue sticks and is moist, this is an oily section. If it is unchanged, this is an indicator of dry skin.

The skin needs fresh air, daily exercise and lots of water. It needs a balanced diet, daily cleansing and sunscreen. Skin care is vital to health and beauty. Daily living dries out the skin due to pollution, traffic fumes, heat and cold.

The number one enemy of the skin is the sun.

If you compare the back of your arm to the inside, you can see the difference. The following rules apply to a good skin care program.
1.Keep your skin clean. Be sure to remove surface oils, dust, and dirt each morning and evening. Never rub your skin, always pat.
2.Moisturize. Apply to clean, still-damp skin and smooth on with fingers or a cotton sponge. Apply evenly and generously three times a day if possible. Do not forget your neck area.
 
We are all individuals with various allergies and sensitivities. Makeup has several ingredients that may or may not give you a reaction. It is best to try a product and experiment to see which products work for you.

The word “hypo-allergenic” can be misleading. There is no company or lab that purposely produces a product that will cause problems for a consumer. You need to become an expert on yourself to determine what you can and cannot use.

Less is more when it comes to downplaying wrinkles on your face.
Find out the right and wrong way to apply powders and foundation.
Highlight your eyes. Great eye makeup will make eyes “pop” and attract eyes away from the wrinkles on your face. Always keep brows groomed and filled in.

Many women with wrinkles make the mistake of trying to cover them. But a face full of heavy foundation only highlights wrinkles. Instead, try a tinted moisturizer and use only on the parts of your face that need covering up. I recommend a great tinted moisturizer or use Dior’s Air Brush. It’s fantastic!

Do not use Powder. When you were younger, you likely had oilier skin and got used to powdering your entire face. But dewy skin is actually youthful and you should put away your powder (except for the nose and chin). Makeup artists tell me they NEVER use powder on women over 50 unless they’re going to be taped, because powder sits on top of the wrinkles, highlighting them. Instead, use Evian Water and spray moisture on to your face. Choose eye-shadows that are creamy, rather than powder.

For a great video on makeup for adults, go to: http://www.monkeysee.com/play/1677-makeup-for-adults-creating-a-flawless-complexion-for-women

For information about makeup classes, email imagemaker@bellsouth.net and go to http://www.imagemaker1.com or call 1-855 Dr Joyce.

Comments (44)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., April 7, 2011 11:13 am

Today many men regard shaving as a daily chore ( a have to do) which must be completed as quickly as possible. This is a shame as the benefits of a good traditional wet shave are many. Shaving exfoliates the skin, removes dead skin cells and allows the skin to breathe. The method also provides the closest possible shave with lasting results. However, too often the result of shaving incorrectly is discomfort in the form of razor-burn, rashes and dry-skin.

Preparation

The key to the perfect shave is preparation. If possible, shave after a shower or apply hot water to the face prior to shaving to soften the beard and open the pores. Although shaving cream may be applied with the fingers. A richer lather is achieved with the use of a good quality shaving brush. The more thorough the lathering process, the better the shave. Use a small amount of glycerin-based shaving cream and rub onto the wet skin by moving the brush in a circular motion and back and forth over the skin, against the grain of the beard to produce good lather. Spend time on the lathering process, up to 2 or 3 minutes.

Shaving

Always shave with the lie of the beard, never against. Failure to do this is the major cause of razor burn. Glide the razor gently over the skin, holding the skin taut with the free hand whilst shaving. Keep the razor well rinsed to avoid clogging the blade and apply more water if necessary. After the shave, apply cold water to the face to close the pores and pat the skin dry. In the event of nicks or cuts, apply a moistened Block of Alum or Styptic pencil to stop the bleeding. Apply a skin food or moisturizing balm to restore moisture and nourish the skin.

Care of the Brush & Razor

Rinse and flick dry the shaving brush and razor. Shaving brushes should always be allowed to dry naturally, with the hair pointing downward in a suitable stand, to prevent moisture seeping into the base of the brush. Never store a shaving brush in a closed cupboard where mildew may form.

Block Out UV Rays

Cover up. Wear tightly-woven clothing that blocks out light. Try this test: Place your hand between a single layer of the clothing and a light source. If you can see your hand through the fabric, the garment offers little protection.
Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. You want to block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.
Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re unsure about the sun’s intensity, take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are the day’s strongest
.
Nail Care:Johnny Carson once quoted, “For days after death hair and fingernails continue to grow, but phone calls taper off.“

Our nails are meant to be strong and healthy. Follow these nail care hints:

1) Incorporate the recommended daily allowance of vitamin B, calcium and protein into your diet. *Be sure to ask your doctor if you can do this. We are all different.
2) Take a daily multivitamin to ensure that you are getting the proper amounts of other vitamins.(*)
3) Do wear rubber gloves whenever you use cleaning products when your hands are about to get wet to protect your nails from chemicals and dirt.
4) Moisturize nail beds regularly (at least once a week) with a non-drying nail lotion. Rub the lotion over the entire nail bed at least once a day.
5) Trim cuticles once each week. Soften cuticles with a specialized cuticle cream and trim carefully with a cuticle clipper. You should push your cuticles back and only trim where obvious. It is best not to cut around your nail. This can cause infection.
6) Clip your nails regularly in a rounded or squared shape. The pointier the tip of your fingernail, the more likely it is to break off.
7) Give your nails a break from any polish (even clear) as often as possible. The more time your nails spend are natural, the less they will dry and chip.

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth:

No matter how old you are, you need to take care of your teeth and mouth. When your mouth is healthy, you can eat the foods you need for good nutrition. You will also feel better about smiling, talking, and laughing. Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can protect them for many years.

Every day, a thin film of bacteria builds up on your teeth. Over time, the bacteria can cause holes in the enamel and cause a cavity. Brushing and flossing your teeth can protect you from tooth decay. You can protect your teeth from decay by using fluoride toothpaste.

•Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
•Floss once a day.
•Visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning.
•Eat a well-balanced diet.
•Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.

Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums:

There is a right way to brush and floss your teeth. Every day:
•Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
•Use small circular motions and short back-and-forth strokes.
•Take the time to brush carefully and gently along the gum line.
•Lightly brush your tongue to help keep your mouth clean.

You also need to clean around your teeth with dental floss every day. Careful flossing will take off plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush can’t reach. Be sure to rinse after you floss.

If you are in the job market, you need to be well-groomed, that is, if you want to get the job!

For more information about grooming and image, go to www.imagemaker1.com.

Comments (3)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., April 2, 2011 6:52 pm

Discovery Questions for Consultative Selling
 What are your goals?
 What will success look like?
 What are your clients doing now? (Provide a Needs Assessment)
 What does your goal mean to you, personally?
 What can I do to help?
 What are your three biggest challenges and what would happen if nothing were done?
 What are your resources, budget, schedule, and timeline?
 Are you the decision-maker or do you have to get “permission?”
 What does your typical day look like?
 If you could change anything at all, what would it be?
 What is the biggest issue you have today? –
 Is it painful? Why?
 What is the measure of that pain (time, effort, etc.)?
 How are you solving this problem today? When was the solution implemented? Why was it done like that? Who made the decision?
 What is this problem costing you? (lost revenue, lost customers, increased service costs, etc.)?
 Who would you expect to solve this problem? expectations around that for service, price, etc.
 What are you hoping to achieve?
 What are the barriers standing in the way of effectiveness?
 How does this affect your results, programs and what you deliver to your clients?
 Is there a will to implement change? What’s your commitment level after the program?
 What have you tried in the past?
 What is the best we could do? What’s your optimal environment/reality?
 How is this impacting your bottom-line?
 What’s the payoff or ROI? (Long-Term)
 How do others view this situation?
 What are the outside forces creating the stress?
 Who has the authority, time or money?
 Who else will be affected?
 What events or scenarios led you to think you may need Stress Management or Team Building?
 What are the factors in your environment?
 What outcome are you hoping to achieve?
 Have you had any other training similar to this?
 What have you done recently?
 Are you the decision maker?
 Who else should I talk to?
 What would you like to see changed and what do you hope to stay the same?
 What’s happening that you don’t want to happen? What would you like to have happen?
 What should we start/stop and continue?
 Who’s my audience (the employees)?
 What is your employee’s/families perception of the training?
 What’s the cultural attitude about training?
 Are there any danger areas that I should know about?
 What’s your budget?
 What’s your timeline?
 How did you hear about me?
 What will happen if you don’t address this?
 What’s the cost of NOT doing this – financially and emotionally?

A good coach asks questions; the student or client can answer them. What can you add to this list. Contact Dr Joyce at 1-855-DR JOYCE for more information.

Comments (45)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., March 3, 2011 5:25 pm

HOW TO GET THE VISON YOU NEED TO SUCCEED.

Vision Circle: Career, Money, Physical, Personal Growth, Health, Friends/Family, Romance, Fun and Recreational.

What is missing? 3 things we often do:

1) Deny things we want
2) Tolerate things that don’t work
3) Not giving time for things in life that need attn.

We have learned that success is measured by money. We succeed by growing. Money comes after!

We must stop living in fear. Decide what we want out of our life.

We must get rid of our “inner critic” (could have a whole committee) Also known as Monkey Mind. This is the way they think!

• Only one or two choices or no choice at all.
• Black and white or either/or thinking
• Decision making based on fear
• I should or I have to versus I want to
• Acceptance that this is the way the world is
• Breathing is constricted, chest tight.

Give your inner critic a name – the sabotager.

• Identify and eliminate energy drainers.
• Give up always giving – if this is a should or an obligation.
• Understand wants vs. should (Stop shoulding yourself and others).
• Know at least 5 out of balance signals.

Exercise: What are YOUR energy drainers. These differ among us.

Comments (43)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., December 29, 2010 12:26 pm

Positive people smile….
Positive people give compliments….
Negative people give complaints…
Positive people are team-oriented
Negative people are self-centered…
Positive people are leaders
Negative people are tyrants…
Positive people are planners..
Negative people are schemers….
Positive people voice optimism…..
Negative people voice skepticism…
Positive people are gregarious..
Negative people are secretive….
Positive people speak
Negative people shout…
Positive people find solutions
Negative people find fault…
Positive people take action
Negative people take their time…
Positive people are cooperative…
Negative people are disruptive…
Positive people enjoy others..
Negative people ridicule others…
Positive people like challenges…..
Negative people don’t like anything…
Positive people are intellectually curious…
Negative people are intellectually stagnant.
Positive people assist others
Negative people resist others..
Positive people benefit from their experiences…
Negative people whine about them…
Positive people are flexible…
Negative people are stubborn…
Positive people have a sense of humor
Negative people have a sense of gloom…
Positive people think with a cool head and warm heart whereby Negative people think with a hot head and cold heart…
Positive people think with the big picture..
Negative people think they are the picture…
Positive people seek accommodation….
Negative people seek revenge…
Positive people are supportive…
Negative people are subversive…
Positive people appreciate their colleagues…
Negative people depreciate their colleagues..
Positive people are inwardly at peace…
Negative people are inwardly at war…
Positive people are friendly….
Negative people are friendless…
Positive people are open to new ideas…
Negitave people are closed to new ideas…
Positive people are conscientious…
Negative people just don’t care..
Positive people are trusting….
Negative people are suspicious…
Positive people are productive…
Negative people are petty…
Positive people are problem-solvers….
Negative people are problem-makers….
Positive people are dependable….
Negative people are dependent…
Positive people have dreams….
Negative people have nightmares…
Positive people are forthright….
Negative people gossip…
Positive people share….
Negative people hoard…
Positive people are propellers…..
Negative people are anchors.
Positive people live……
Negative people just exist!
ARE YOU POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE? THIS IS YOUR CHOICE!!!!!!!!

Comments (53)

By Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D., November 12, 2010 7:53 pm

A good friend of mine, DeBorah Carr, told me about this system and it just fascinated me! I hope it will fascinate you.

Effective teamwork is essential however you cannot expect a new team to perform exceptionally in the beginning. Team formation takes time, and follows some easily recognizable stages from being a group of strangers to becoming a united team with a common goal.

Understanding the Theory

Psychologist Bruce Tuckman came up with the memorable phrase “forming, storming, norming and performing” in 1965. He used it to describe the path to high-performance that most teams follow.

Later, he added a fifth stage that he called “adjourning” (and others call “mourning” Teams initially go through a “forming” stage where some members are anxious. some talkative and some quiet as they haven’t yet worked out exactly what work the team will involve. Others are simply excited about the task ahead. As the leader, you play a dominant role at this stage: other members’ roles and responsibilities are less clear.

This stage is usually fairly short, and may only last for one meeting at which time people are introduced to one-another. At this stage there may be discussions about how the team will work, given various personality styles where some members who just want to get on with the team task, while others want to socialize!

Soon, your team moves into a “storming” phase. Your authority may be challenged as others are concerned with position as their roles are clarified. The ways of working start to be defined and, as leader, you must be aware that some members may feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do, or uncomfortable with the approach being used. Some may resist taking on tasks or question what you want to accomplish. This is the stage when many teams fail, and even those that stick with the task may feel that they are on an emotional roller coaster, as they try to focus on the job in hand without the support of established processes or relationships with their colleagues.

Eventually, the team moves into a “norming” stage, as a hierarchy is established. Team members come to respect your authority as a leader and others show leadership in specific areas.

Now that the team members know each other better, they may be socializing together, and they are able to ask each other for help and provide constructive criticism. The team develops a stronger commitment to the team goal and you start to see good progress towards it.

There can be an overlap between storming and norming behavior: As new tasks come up, the team may lapse back into typical storming stage behavior, but this eventually dies out.

When the team reaches the “performing” stage, hard work leads directly to progress towards the shared vision of their goal,Individual team members may join or leave the team without affecting the performing culture.

The break-up of the team can be difficult for members who like routines or who have developed close working relationships with other team members, particularly if their future roles or even jobs look uncertain.

As team leader, your goal is to help your team reach and sustain high performance as soon as possible.

Some suggestions are to schedule regular reviews of where your teams are and adjust your behavior and leadership approach to suit the stage your team has reached.