Once excellent service has been provided, the single biggest reason for losing a customer is lack of follow up. 

I hear it all the time as a realtor… “he never called back”, “she said she was going to do such and such and did not”, “I asked for information but never got it”, “I mentioned liking this area but the realtor did not pick up on it”, “the realtor that sold us the house two years ago never kept in touch so that is why we called you–got your name from a flier we received”, etc. 

Think about the business or service you offer.  Where can you tighten your follow up with current clients and your total customer base?  What would be the most effective method — e-mail, phone call, mailing? 

I am listening …

How is your list for Working Soulfully in 2010 coming along?

Reminder:  it does not have to be long, it does not have to be sophisticated, and it does not have to please anyone.  

I am listening …

An artist friend of mine is a famous painter.  He is in search of the perfect painting, it’s an obsession.  While striving and reaching for perfection he has painted many beautiful paintings which have sold for lots of money.  He is still after perfection.  This is one way to live.

What would happen if we knew there was no such thing as perfection out there in the distant future.  If we knew that perfection was in each step we walk, each painting we paint, each photograph we take, each wave we surf, each class we teach, each time we sit to meditate.  Would we not pay more attention? Wouldn’t the energy of our lives brim over with meaning at each moment?

Can you relate?

I am listening …

There is nothing like having the right tool or process to increase one’s effectiveness in areas where things are not running so smoothly.

For example, inspiration for my blog entries comes to me in the strangest of places, when I am meditating, walking, washing dishes, etc. I usually stop what I am doing and run to the computer or get paper and pencil before I lose the thought.  It is cumbersome.  I progressed to carrying a small digital recorder.  However, I found that when I translated my thoughts into spoken words, something was lost. 

Got me thinking. How could I capture the inspiration in its purest form and in the most efficient way?  Aha!  I needed a small keyboard with a basic word function that could go with me anywhere.  This was my solution.

What areas of your life capture excess energy and time?  What could you do to be more efficient?

I am listening …

Lately I have found myself with more on my plate than I know what to do with, not unlike many of you, I am sure. Not a bad thing because I have lots of work.

In his book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective people, Stephen Covey’s 3rd rule is to put first things first.  So here is what I did with it.

Waking up I put first things first, for me it is to practice meditation. I put first things first when I start working. I put first things first when I am home, etc.  There is no right or wrong about what goes first.  The only rule is to put those things first that matter most. Only you can decide what that is in each area of your life. 

Think about it.  If we practice this day in day out, our lives will be overfilled with quality since much of our time will be spent with what matters most in each area of our lives.

Give it a test drive.

What did you notice?

I am listening …

I talked with my daughter this morning and asked her: “what is your affirmation for the day?”  She said: “stay focused”.  Then she asked me: “what is yours?”  I said: “get organized”.  We laughed.  It is a fun way to support each other.

Stating our intention for the day helps our thoughts, actions and will power align to fulfill the desired outcome. 

What if your affirmation for today? 

I am listening …

Some time ago I participated in a training program that introduced me to the concept of speaking when being moved-to-speak.  It means listening to my inner guidance when communicating and saying only what needs to be said.   

Yesterday I had an e-mails exchange with a friend about a topic of common interest. At one point I was aware that we were complete.  Then, I did the unthinkable – I kept going and sent an e-mail of afterthoughts.  I realized I had given more information than what was needed or wanted. I had overshot. The odds for a successful outcome in an exchange are much greater when I pay attention to the moved-to-speak guidance inside me. 

What about you?

I am listening …

Set your intention and actions in alignment with your goals. 

Here is a beginning list:

• Meditate daily
• Get clear on what you want
• Pay attention to what the universe brings
• Get into action
• Attend to details
• Be conscious of your finances, make informed choices
• Add one technological advancement to your tool kit
• Live in your BIG self
• Keep your word
• Expect miracles
• Trust
• Work with ease and grace
• Ask for help when needed

 Have you made your list yet?

I am listening …

I invite you to authentically compliment 3 people today.   Take care of 3 details in your life that have been neglected.   Step up to the plate.  

Small steps …  big results!

I am listening …