STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT MATTERS MOST

Dear Friends,

As I'm writing my book I'm always thinking about what will be most useful to you. One chapter I'm considering is about how to hire and work with the publicist or PR firm of your choice. I'd love to hear if this is of interest to you. Also, if you've had a great/hideous experience with a PR firm or freelance publicist already please email me a *short* note about your adventure. I may want to interview you for my book.

Last month I asked you to send your experiences of saying no to the things that didn't ignite you so you could say yes to pursue the important things for your business, book, product, presence, or cause. Here are some of the inspiring ideas to keep you focused on what matters most to you.

Warmly,

Susan

Enrich your life.
BRAVO!!!! Another exciting and inspiring newsletter. Since time is at a premium, my criteria for agreeing to any activity, entertainment, book, dinner, etc. is: "How will this enrich my life?" If I can't think of a concrete answer in about 10 seconds I politely say no to the offer.
Keep up the great work!
Jim Lilie

Jim is enriching his life and the lives of others by developing a KEYS TO AWARENESS workbook of 500 questions that that have the potential to "help you identify the paths you follow in life that you toward (or away from) happiness and fulfillment." He's begun giving seminars on "awareness as a life enriching skill." To take a seminar, or buy a workbook contact him.

"It's not the answer that enlightens, but the question." Ionesco

Jim Lilile
Email Jim Lilie
(415) 441-4384

Take care of yourself.
Andrea Siegel says, "I believe St. Augustine said, 'Abstinence is easier than moderation.'" I sure agree with that. Here's Andrea's story:

"I haven't eaten chocolate, drunk coffee, had a cigarette or a drink in over ten years. As a result I don't have hangovers, I don't have to feel guilty and ashamed about my body, and I NEVER have to go on a diet. So much energy! So easy! P.S. I'm working on saying "Yes" to vegetables. It doesn't seem exciting, but it does create genuine well being.

Andrea was recently interviewed by Terry Gross of National Public Radio (NPRs) popular show, "Fresh Air" for her book, "Open and Clothed." The result? "The book shot up to #79 on Amazon's bestseller list, and Amazon's subsequent order paid for the ENTIRE second printing of the book. I've been getting almost daily book orders for months. (She needed all that extra energy to keep up with orders).

"Terry didn't result in more interviews, she resulted in my reaching people in Alaska, Utah, Georgia etc, places and people I never could have reached otherwise. That was a huge gift. I love getting calls from obscure bookstores in Ohio and Colorado.

The point is not that publicity causes more publicity, it's that I fulfill my responsibility to reach as many people as I can to let them know that if they love their wardrobes, they don't have to suffer with them as well...."

Thanks for the reminder about publicity Andrea. You can learn to keep what you love and give away what you don't and more by ordering Andrea's book directly at: http://www.agabooks.com

P.S. I loved Andrea's provocative (and sometimes hilarious) questions and questionnaires which delve into the real meaning of how we feel about ourselves—in and out of our clothes.

Say no to false opportunity.
My personal coach Nancy Gerber loves information. Not only loves it, but loves to give it out and collect it—big time. Ask her about anything and she has an insight or resource ready. Her challenge was saying no to what looked like a big opportunity.

"I was invited to participate in beginning of online coaching community. I would be on call in a chat room as a coach and would hang out waiting for people to join in. In theory I could convert these people from chat, to free telephone session, to paying client. It was very tempting but when looked at it in terms of my purpose—career coaching for entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and small to medium sized businesses, it was no longer appealing.

I was assuming all the risk since this was a real start-up organization with no solid track record." Nancy now uses her "extra" time to write those articles she's promised herself she'd post on the search engines to keep her marketing plan moving, right Nancy?

To get Nancy's newsletter Next Steps with lots of tips for staying on track email Nancy. Or email her for a free 1/2 hour coaching session. (Please serious inquiries only!) That's how I got started with Nancy who has helped me stay on schedule for my book, career and personal life for the last 8 months. She's terrific. The perfect combination between tough task master and warm supporter. if you are having trouble working your PR plan into your life, call or email Nancy now.

Nancy Gerber - Professional Certified Coach
The 21st Century Communicator
770.931.4514
http://www.sstones.com/
Email Nancy Gerber

Say yes to your priorities.
"Last Saturday, I was booked to do my one-woman show, Tales from the Table; 25 Years, 6000 Naked Bodies with my girl group, Chicks on Fire. The week before, I got a nasty sinus infection and laryngitis. I made doing the show my total priority: I cancelled all my hypnotherapy and bodywork clients, all classes, all engagements.

I did not speak AT ALL for four days, and for anyone who knows me it was like running four marathons. Barefoot. On one foot. On hot coals. I did go to Cirque du Soleil, without talking, and I got a massage. I devoted all my time to getting well (discovered a great Chinese herb that all the opera singers use) and to preparing to give a stellar performance (even though I couldn't practice out loud).

Saying "No" paid off; when it came down to the performance, I was not only able to speak and perform, but to experience great love and and appreciation for my audience, creating an intimate bond between us.
Cathy Dana

Cathy has a big heart. Get to her show for me! I'm going to have to say no to a number of things so I can make time in my schedule to attend the next one. I'm dying to find out about those 6000 naked bodies!

Cathy Dana, MS, CHT, CMT
(certified hypnotherapist, certified massage therapist)
Speaker, Performing Artist
One-woman show: Tales from the Table; 25 Years, 6000 Naked Bodies
Email Cathy Dana

Thanks to everyone else who contributed who I couldn't mention here. I appreciate your efforts!