motivational-speaker-susan-young

You__e Not AloneWhen I was speaking to thousands of teenagers a year, I interviewed my niece Sarah Jane, who was a high school student at the time. I asked, __hat do you think would be helpful for kids to know that would make a difference in their lives._ She said, __ was terrified, but I put on a happy face so that no one else would know. What I didn__ realize is that everyone else was as scared as I was." Knowing others may feel the same way as you can make social situations feel less awkward. When approaching new people, find ways to put those at ease who might be reluctant to approach us otherwise. Where Can You Begin to Mix, Mingle & Glow?

Extend Invitations"How many times have you sat at home alone feeling jealous or sad that you were not invited to a party or out to dinner? You may have seen people having fun on Facebook and wondered what it would take to be included next time. And when you don__ feel included, it can leave you feeling rejected, dismissed, lonely and excluded. It does not have to be this way. Why do we wait for others to do the inviting? You can change your social life instantly by taking the initiative to reach out and connect with someone.

Be the Inviter__hen I began my speaking career, I designed and delivered motivational programs for children teaching them success skills for life. Before going into a middle school one year, I interviewed the principal, Alexis Tibbetts, to ask what words of wisdom her students desperately needed to hear from me. She shared, __ids can be so cruel. Some of the children never feel included or a part of something special. Please tell them that rather than being lonely and getting their feelings hurt, they can start doing the inviting._ Her words were spot-on. Alexis went on to become a well-loved superintendent of schools in Okaloosa County, Florida. Her words of wisdom were game-changing for her students. They can be game-changing for you as well.

To Polish the Gold & Help Others Shine . . . Focus on the Positives:Focusing on the positives will get you further in business and further in life. Whatever you focus on will expand. If you focus on what you do not like about another person, they will become so intolerable to you that you cannot bear to be around them. However, if you focus on their positives and can find something redeeming, regardless of how small, the positivity needed to experience a more constructive interaction and relationship will manifest before your eyes.

Mix, Mingle, Glow. Stretch beyond your own comfort zone to speak with, sit with, and start conversations with people whom you do not know. Take the initiative to help other people capture the spotlight and shine.

Ignoring his advice, I got up, walked over, gently rested my hands on two of their shoulders and said, __adies, I have to tell you how much you have impressed me. I just moved to Madison from Florida and left behind all my girlfriends. I have been sitting over there admiring your friendships. You remind me so much of my girlfriends back home and I had to come over and speak with you._ And without missing a beat, I next asked, __an I be your friend?_ They were so impressed by my sincere request, they kindly opened their circle and invited me in.

I love acronyms, don__ you? They are quick and easy tools for remembering important lessons that are too good to forget. The PEACE acronym goes straight to the heart of the matter for delivering "Service Beyond Self." When you do this one thing, you will increase your opportunities, earn loyalty and respect, and rock your first and last impressions.Persistently Exceed All Customer Expectations

Contextual awareness represents a continuum of behaviors, which illustrates how and why groups of people unite or divide among cultures.

Our cultural lens is so much a part of us that we are not even aware of how obvious it is to others. Like the nose on your face, you may forget that it is there, but everyone else sees it. I can__ look at you and not see your nose.

ASK YOURSELF: Do you remember a gracious hostess, an engaging guest, or someone who worked the room like a honey bee in a flower garden? They would glide from one person to the next, spreading good will and cheer, being the glue that brought everyone together with ease.

To Polish the Gold & Help Others Shine . . . Flip your positivity switch:What is your first instinct? If you are quick to find fault, look for the negative, or complain about another person, knock it off! It makes you less fun to be around. When you feel those negative thoughts and judgments coming in, catch yourself and STOP!

What is the motive behind your services? If it is self-centered, self-serving, and lacking consideration for others, then earning people__ trust, rapport, and business will inevitably be more of a struggle. A self-serving agenda throws up red flags which stop relationships dead in their tracks. It can destroy trust, make people wary of your intentions, and push customers to your competition.

Since we are all unique and individual, being cognizant of different personality styles will help you better recognize where others are coming from to minimize barriers, build trust, and catapult your newfound communication skills into meaningful connections. The savvy socializer knows this all.

Mix_ Be situationally aware and pay attention to the people in the room. _ Introduce guests or help strike up a conversation. _ Be the one who takes the initiative and makes and effort to __ork the room.__ Make eye contact and acknowledge others with a smile and friendly gestures._ Greet people as they arrive, even if it is not your expected role._ Spot the people who may be first timers or guests and help them feel more welcomed and embraced.

Hostess with the Mostest__hink of a time when you have had a party in your home or had friends over for dinner. Didn__ you want to make sure they were nurtured, cared for, and well-taken care of? Didn__ you want your guests to interact with each other and enjoy the experience so they would remember it fondly?

Do you ever sit back and wonder how and why other people are so successful, productive, or accomplished? What is the driver that inspires them to go for the gold, seize opportunities, and make things happen?

Why Polish the Gold?_ It builds your confidence when you realize that your words have power and can positively influence. _ As you seek to find the good in others, you will enjoy the ripple effect reminder for finding the good in yourself._ It makes a great ice-breaker to begin a conversation._ It helps you meet new people and make new friends._ It strengthens your relationships and builds mutual admiration._ It brings more happiness and joy into your life._ A little praise goes a long way to make others happy.

All compliments are not created equal. Some may change the trajectory of a person__ life, while others fall on deaf ears. Is it well deserved or earned? People will remember you fondly when you have affirmed them in a positive way. Paying compliments creates good will, happy moments, and makes you more likable in return.