The Guilt-Free Coach

ISSN 1936-3222
September 3, 2009

Happy Labor Day!

It's almost the holiday weekend, and if you're like me, you're trying to squeak out the last bit of work you have for the week so you can enjoy your time off. My sister, Tina, will be in from California and we are hosting a family get together on Saturday. I can't wait! However you spend you weekend, I hope it's enjoyable and refreshing!

For those who are local, a quick reminder that I'll be speaking in Vernon Hills on Tuesday, September 8th and later in the month in Arlington Heights. You'll find details below. Please come join me if you're in the area!

This month's Guilt-Free article

The last couple of months, I've run across several friends, former corporate colleagues, or family members in search new employment. It can be a challenging time to be out in the job market. If that's where you (or someone you know) are at you won't want to miss the article below from my friend, Connie Dorigan. Connie is a super successful recruiter who shares her do's and don'ts for making a positive impact in 10 seconds or less!

Happy Weekend !

Victoria Cook, ACC
Your Guilt-Free Coach

Connect with me:

PS: A great big "Welcome!" to all the new readers who have recently joined my guilt-free community! You're going to love the resources you'll find here to help you create more time and focus to accomplish HUGE goals...Guilt-Free! Enjoy!

Our Best Year Ever Coaching Call on TUESDAY, September 8th, 12 p.m. CST

“Energy Infusion (Part 1)”

With the speed of life these days, people are running around more and more frantically and finding less and less time to recharge. This makes us feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and under motivated.

In this discussion, we will share 5 very easy ways to boost energy, many of which can be performed there on the spot to reinforce learning. You will also get a handy quick reference sheet that will help you remember these techniques to be able to use them over and over again!

These calls are ONLY for Best Year Ever Group Coaching members. Not a member?
Join now to access this call with Victoria's special FREE 1-month Membership trial
(plus a small $5 shipping/handling fee)

Tuesday, September 8th, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

GOT BALANCE?

GLMV Women's Networking Group
Opa, 950 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills
Cost: $10 cash or check only at the door
Call 847-680-0750

We live in an over-stressed and busy culture where work/life balance seems to be an allusive goal. If you are feeling trapped and a victim of your life and work circumstances then this talk is what you need to get back into the driver’s seat of your life.

Balance is really a series of little shifts and not an end-point destination. The balance we currently have, or don’t have, is the result of the choices we have made. Come, revitalize, get back into the driver’s seat of your life, AND enjoy the ride!

Thursday, September 17th, 6:00 - 8:15 p.m.

5 Keys to Creating a Strong & Empowering Inner Strength

Food Executive Women's Group
Francesca's Tavola
208 S. Arlington Heights Rd. in Arlington Heights
Cost: $40 for non-members

Having inner strength is MORE than just attitude. It’s about your WHOLE mindset both conscious and unconscious! Victoria Cook, The Guilt-Free Coach, will share her 5 Keys for Creating a Strong and Empowering Inner Strength. At this powerful seminar, you will learn:

Victoria’s 5 Keys
how the ongoing inner battle affects inner strength
what core beliefs and fears might be holding you back
the beginning steps to combat the negative playlist in your mind

Want to make an impact? You've got 10 seconds! (or less)

We've all heard about the 10-second test that applies to resumes. The same test applies to you when you want to make a positive first impression.

Your first impression: Will it pass the 10 second test?

When you meet people for the first time, whether you are at an interview, networking or socializing, it usually takes them less than 10 seconds to decide whether or not they like you. Sounds judgmental, but the truth is that we're hard-wired to size people up on the spot, and once an impression is formed, it is tough to change.

Dos and don'ts for making a positive impact in 10 seconds or less.

Do dress to impress. Use colors to project the image you want to give. For example, studies show that wearing blue shows that you are loyal and trustworthy. Purple means you are creative. Black says that you are sophisticated. Wearing red or orange signals you're energetic, however, you may want to hold off wearing red or orange to an interview.

Don't button your jacket. You'll come across as distant and aloof. If you leave it open you come across as a warmer and friendlier person.

Do make eye contact. It shows you're confident, honest and direct...especially if you smile while you do it

Don't give a limp grip. The way you press the flesh can make a strong statement about your character. A firm handshake communicates that you're confident and open to new experiences. A weak wrist lets on that you are shy and insecure.

Do mention that you work out. People usually think more highly of those who exercise. No one really cares about how many sit-ups you do. Just casually work it into the conversation.

Don't ask too many questions. The key is to act interested without sounding like you're conducting an interrogation.

Do name drop. Most people love hearing their own names. Use someone's name often to help create a feeling of closeness, thus endearing you to that person. [Victoria's addition - Make sure you use the name they most prefer. There's nothing worse than saying hi Jim if the guy prefers James. Don't try to shorten it in an effort to assume familiarity.]

Don't over do it. If you do any of the above compulsively or unnaturally, your efforts will backfire. People always detect a phony.

About the Author:

Connie Dorigan, CPC has been an executive recruiter for over 20 years. During her 10 year tenure at Management Recruiters of Portland she was consistently ranked in the top 10% of all recruiters nationally. Currently she is Owner and President of Dorigan & Associates, a boutique recruiting agency serving the emerging software technology industry in CA, OR and WA.

The #2 challenge for the majority of working parents is time management. Here's a complimentary audio with 5 Tips to Tame Your Time. You'll get five simple steps to help you better prioritize, and get the important things DONE!

Remember what Benjamin Franklin said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” If you truly want a different result when it comes to taming your time and managing your schedule, you´ve got to try something new! Take a listen and be prepared to take some notes.

Victoria Cook, The Guilt-Free Coach, is a successful entrepreneur, speaker, Certified Professional Coach, and creator of The Guilt-Free Results System™. Through coaching, classes, and workshops, Victoria helps professional women accomplish huge goals guilt-free.

As a coach, Victoria sees her role as a catalyst to help her clients identify and implement greater self-care and her 7 step system for creating the guilt-free results they desire.

To begin experiencing Victoria's coaching, you can enjoy one month of her Best Year Ever group coaching program at no charge, beginning right now (plus a small $5 shipping/handling fee).

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