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It's my birthday month. Our family has the tradition of giving little gifts on special days - like Pooh ... or was it Alice... we call them unbirthday gifts. And my gift to you today is a free download. The idea was created by an email from a relative stranger, Anna Maria. She sent me a kind endorsement of my interview with Chris Davidson. It has prompted me to make the interview the topic of this month's newsletter.

"Please accept my most sincere congratulations for your great audio message, on your website.... weird feeling, but I felt attracted by your infectious smile and the happiness radiating from your solar face. I had to grab the courage to ask you directly who you were, when we were queuing up for a coffee...you allowed me to make my own mini journey of discovering a great voice and an amazing personality... Thanks again for your wonderful message and inspiring life story... ” - Anna Maria (read her full email here).

Join me on Monday 8th March for International Women's Day at Gorton Monastery. This will be a fantastic day. So if you are in the area, why not read my news pages for more information or mail me for booking details now. International Women’s Day was first celebrated 99 years ago on 19 March 1911. Since then it has gone from strength to strength with events being held to mark the day all over the world. IWD is a not-for-profit event and so it is truly an occasion not to be missed!

There is also a forum link to Laura Trevett's video. She is a candidate for UKYP - United Kingdom Youth Parliament. Laura is one of my younger clients and her confident presentation shows youth at its best. Why do you think people value public speaking skills? Perhaps it is because people who are articulate and communicate well, earn 81% more than the rest? Now doesn't that statistic make you sit up and take note!

During my recent trip to Australia I met many strangers and I welcome them to Talk Confidence International, yet again my mother's words ring true, "A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet..."

Wherever in the world you are, have a fabulous friendly February! And of course if I can help you or your organisation in any way, just ask.

Download your gift - And a Very Happy Unbirthday to You!

So here I am basking in Queensland's summer sunshine -  and I meet up with Beata Francis - a friend from last year's business trip. After dinner, she kindly offers to lend me some holiday reading. And the first item off her bookshelf - Tuesdays with Morrie - the very one I recommend in my team development programme in UK. I don’t suppose it should surprise me really, as Beata and I have a lot in common. However, I do know I find it very reassuring that on the both sides of the world the power of stories and the written word consolidates both business and personal relationships. (You’ll find Tuesdays in my Amazon Affiliate Shop).

When you share the experience of reading a good book you learn can so much. In my opinion, it is as effective as telling your personal stories. You can derive teachings from a book in more circuitous and indirect routes. When book characters talk about experiences, the pressure is off. There is no element of preaching or coercion. You feel that you are being presented a life experience, with the opportunity to explore how it may affect you emotionally and spirituality; and it encourages you to consider your own thoughts and motives, drivers and values.

The power of 'team reading' is the power of a shared experience. When you read a book (or watch a movie, take a trip or play sport for that matter) and you know that colleagues have shared it too, you are even more involved in that experience. In the case of books, your heart races during the intense parts, you like or dislike certain characters, you are emotionally and cognitively involved with the protagonist of every story and plot that unfolds. Such is the power of narrative. It doesn’t matter whether or not the characters are real, you respond to them as if you know them personally. This is what makes a shared reading experience so wonderful….and so powerful; and that is why I suggest that organisations 'team read'. I know of a number of head teachers and principals who give 'Tuesdays' as a gift to all new members of staff. What book would you like all of your team to read? And why that one?

Do share what you are reading at the moment. Do comment on The Confidence Blog.  Not a blogger? Just mail me and I will add it for you. (On The Confidence Forum there are 'reading' posts, which have had 481 page views already). As I have said before, readers are leaders! And if you would like input on your team development, DO get in touch.

Finally and for fun you might like to read Belly Dancing for Beginners - Holiday reading with a difference - author Liz Byrski. My thanks to Beata's friend Tania for lending me her copy.

Enjoy!

"Know exactly what you want .... as sometimes you have to settle for what you can get." An Eilidh-ism        Time to read:  602 words

'Your flight has been cancelled.' After a two hour delay this is not what you want to hear. You run the gamut of emotions from total disbelief to anger and extreme distress.

In the case of flight B198, the airline felt that by offering the option of a full refund, hotel accommodation yet no guarantee of new flight; or the choice to identify an alternative carrier, they had met their obligations. The passengers disagreed. They had but one objective in mind, that all important flight, which in most cases involved visiting distant loved ones for Christmas.

We were second in the business class queue, processed pretty smartly and so had the opportunity to find an alternative flight. We negotiated first class seats to Brisbane. And despite an additional ten hour wait, it was a marvellous compensation for a year that for us had had many 'life challenges.' Others were not confident negotiators or early birds like us. In many cases, as first time travellers they did not know what to do or where to go.  So once we had secured our flights, we headed back to the queues to assist them after all we had plenty of time to spare. And it clear to us that we could help other people get what they wanted - even if they did not know what that was themselves. With our assistance, many more passengers were booked on to flights. They were grateful. We felt like Santa's helpers.

What does my story illustrate? Well when you know exactly what you want you are much more likely to get it. Do you know what you want to achieve in 2010? Have you got it written down, dated and signed off? Who can help you get what you want? And conversely, who can you assist? (Browse previous newsletters stored on the Confidence Blog for tips and strategies on goal setting). The is also a whole chapter on goal setting in my book, "Love your life...".

It proved to be a trip of extremes. There were happy people who were upgraded and others, who faced uncertainty with delays of up to four days. There was chaos in the departure hall and quiet calm in the Emirates lounge. As we took off, snow now was falling in London. We landed in clear blue skies and 30 degrees.

Putting the delays and frustrations to one side - travelling first class is fab-u-lous.  From the welcome glass of Moet and canapes to the outstanding facilities; it is truly fantastic. The Emirates cabin crew are superb, the a la carte menu is delicious, prepared to order, delivered on silver trays, served on linen cloths, with polished cutlery on fine bone china. The sleeping arrangements are five star quality right down to the massage option in the seat, which reclines into a flat bed with privacy screens. You are supplied your own toiletries and towels, slippers and pyjamas as you settle down for a peaceful sleep. In the transit lounge in Dubai you can experience free therapies and beauty treatments, as well as hospitality and surroundings that have to be experienced to be believed. Read how our daughter was also upgraded to first class with Quantas two years ago. It is a very different story (scroll down the IMU Blog to Friday 7th September, 2007).

There is a theme emerging here. Some may say we are lucky, especially when you think of the cancellations and delays experienced by travellers in UK prior to the holiday season this year. I think a lot has to do with knowing what you want and then going relentlessly towards it, whilst accepting that sometimes you may just have to settle for what you can get.

It is time to plan your goals for the year ahead. I know what I want in 2010. What about you? Do you seek clarity and confidence? Do you need a helping hand or a cheer leader? If so, then just send me a mail.

If you think I can help you, your colleagues or friends then do get in touch. Thank you.

Happy New Year and here's to 2010 being one to remember for setting and achieving your goals and dreams...

I was really looking forward to speaking at the Salford Recognition Event on Tuesday 8th December at Swinton Park Golf Club... and I was not disappointed! What a lovely group of people they turned out to be. What fun! They made me so welcome.

We celebrated the value that care workers bring to the local community and acknowledged the part that they play in delivering essential services in the City of Salford. Some of the services providers may have felt up to this point, that their work had been over looked or gone unrecognised, but not now.

It was super to hear the Mayor of Salford, Cllr Roger Lightup express his gratitude for all the work the carers do. He acknowledged their loyalty and commitment, as did the MC for the event, Brian Wroe.

“Success is built on your daily routines...” is expanded on a Cool Beans audio interview here.

Several of the audience asked about my jazzy jewellery. It is very affordable recycled plastic actually and available from designer Elizabeth Hinton.

Look out for the 2009 final edition of ‘Talk Confidence’ due out next week.

PechaKucha (PK) Nights were started in 2003 in Tokyo. And the first event in Manchester launched PK in the Contact Theatre last night.
PK has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities all around the globe, inspiring creative people worldwide. "Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of "chit chat", it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It's a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace." according to the PK website.
This Manchester launch event was an instant hit with an attendance in the hundreds. The organisers Andrew and Phil were justly rewarded for their efforts by the delighted response of the audience.
I had the pleasure for opening the event as anchor girl with a talk entitled: ”Success is built on your daily routines” followed my fellow PK presenters:

• Karl Southern (”Tale of the 5 monkeys”)
• David Taylor (”My favourite authors “)
• Sarah Harkness (”A day in the life”)
• Ivor Tymchak (”SatNav for the soul”)
• Bob Moss (”You have got to hand it to them”)
• Nikolay Piryankov (”Marketing on a shoestring”)
• Andy Clark (”My mo”)
• David Slack (”24:7 - Theatre heaven”)
• Rebecca Garland (Manchester based artist)
• Celebration (”Vocal chords”) and see also this link

As soon as video footage is available we will post it in on the site ...

Talk Confidence: An Odd-meter      Time to read: 497 words    

Eilidh-ism "Your success is built on your daily routines..."  

Congratulations to the organisers and supporters of HSBC's 'Rat Pack Ball' at Chester Racecourse, earlier this month. £42K was raised for Claire House. What a fantastic fund-raising event it proved to be! Despite the economic climate, the bank team was determined to raise a substantial figure and they achieved their goal.

Now talking of goals, shortly after we bought our bikes in January, I decided on a simple goal - to cycle 1000 miles in 10 months. To achieve this objective, we needed to be able to measure and monitor mileage. Jay fitted an odometer and day by day, week on week we tracked our journeys; simply put is was 100 miles per month. By the end of November, we will have cycled the targeted 1000 miles; not by riding from Land's End to John O'Groats (a distance of approximately 603 miles by the way) but by short journeys of 3 to 5 miles each day. In the words of Bill Hogan's book, "How do you eat an elephant? .... One bite at a time!" (You'll find this and other recommended reading on P7 of my affiliate shop) I'm sure you know SMART goal mnemonic = specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-lined = and these steps =  success.

For many people the trouble with goals is threefold.  They give up through lack of:

1. Commitment
2. Confidence
3. Clarity

Well be different. Be odd!  Think 'odd'! Find your own 'odd-meter'! Track your success.  Dare to set a goal that excites; maybe cycling 1000 miles does nothing for you, so find what does. Feel the sense of achievement when you arrive at your goal destination. Imagine how pleased HSBC felt when they handed over the £42K cheque to the charity!

Each time I cycle I achieve improved fitness, fuel savings,  a reduced carbon footprint and have time to talk to myself - strategic planning. The more reasons you can associate with your goal, the more likely you are to win... my goal is also fun, it gives me quality time with Jay and we keep exploring.  But beware, once you have achieved your goal it may become addictive. You could become a goal getter and setter again... and again.  Of course building on your success, you can go on to challenge yourself to more demanding things. The secret is getting started, doing a little each day and having a support team or partner to encourage you along the way.

My next book "Confidence the Key to Your Happiness" publishes in mid-February 2010. It is full of stories and strategies to help ride the roller-coaster of life. And I'm looking for original stories. Do you have a story, an experience or point of view that you would like to share? If so, please mail me. (Contributions will need approval from the editor and be no more than 500 words) Deadline: 31/12/2009

I'll be presenting at the first Pecha Kucha Event in Manchester on Tuesday 1st December at 7pm. Why not join us? Cost is just £5.00 as PK (Pecha Kucha) events are non-profit making. 160 tickets have already been reserved.

And do get in touch if you think I can help you, your colleagues or friends in any way; suggest they sign up for Talk Confidence?

Why not let me help you to have an "Odd" month or a really "Odd" 2010?
Remember that Eilidh-ism,  "Your success will be built on your daily routines..."

Talk Confidence: Triple C! Time to read: 491 words

You cannot have missed the headline news that Jenson Button has won the World Championship. And even if you are not an F1 fan you cannot deny that Button's win is a fantastic result! As many of you know, I enjoy Formula 1 Racing. I watched the interviews straight after the race and Eddie Jordan made this statement, "It's down to confidence and consistency..." Do you agree with Jordan's statement? As The Confidence Coach, you would expect me to agree now wouldn't you? And I would imagine that Jenson's qualities are relevant to you and your everyday life challenges.

Coincidentally, my mentor Mark Greenhalgh, Sales & Marketing Director for Intercare was talking about consistency only last week. Mark reminded me the that people need to engage with you 6-8 times. Only at this point, does your message (via call, email, letter) become the their message. Mark has a great way of getting his message across.... yip he just consistently covers the same ground. He is confident that if he keeps telling me, one day I'll get the message. Thank YOU, Mark! The same rule applies to getting ideas across in classrooms and in boardrooms. You need to reinforce a concept 6-8 times before it is embedded in their thought processes. Only then will your client, student, colleague embrace your message as his or her own. 

Last week I met with a dedicated and inspirational head teacher, Nigel Phillips. I helped him to access DDP funding. As I left his school he said, "Thank you for being persistent, Eilidh!" Consistent and persistent - Eureka!

Client Debbie Catt, employs confidence and consistency in her business. The University of Nicosia has asked her to deliver two lectures when she is in Cyprus next month - another great a result! Robert Craven would approve or Debbie's active approach to her marketing. You can read more about my experience earlier this month at his superb Barclays seminar.  And if you have the opportunity to attend one of Barclays "Let's Talk Profit!" I recommend you accept.

As a coach, I believe that confidence is vital. In fact, I have almost finished writing my next book entitled, 'Confidence - The Key to Your Happiness...." more about the book publication next month.

If you add commitment to the winning qualities of confidence and consistency, you have a true success formula. Cheshire gymnast, Beth Tweddle's commitment to achieve her Olympic Goal is exemplary; when interviewed this week she said that for her 90-second floor routine she had practiced for 12 months! An entire year to perfect her work; what an inspiration and shining example of commitment!

The Triple Cs - Confidence + Consistency + Commitment = Happiness.... And the greatest of these is Confidence...

Open Events - Free to attend

Many of my speaking engagements are client specific and not open to the public. However I do have two 'open' gigs in Cheshire, UK in November. I would like to invite you to attend if you are in the area:

I'll be speaking about the power of Triple Cs at The Big Kiss Event! 

KISS = knowledge, information, sharing, support.      Download KISS flyer

Date: Thursday, 5th November 12.00 to 18.00 Location: Congleton Town Hall

Waterstone's Macclesfield Tuesday 10th November at 6.30 pm

Attendance is free but places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment on 01625 424212 or email me.

I'll be signing books and giving a motivational talk.

Please tell your friends and colleagues....

Thank you!

And wherever in the world you are reading this, have a happy Triple 'C' month and if I can help you in any way, just ask.

Today, thanks to Barclays Bank, I had the pleasure of attending a Let’s Talk More Profit Seminar at Crewe Hall.  It was delivered by Robert Craven of The Directors’ Centre

Time flew.  The busy morning was packed full of tips and strategies to make businesses more profitable. Robert is an upbeat, inspirational and lively presenter. He captured the audience from the very start. He facilitated with clear direction and kept the momentum at a high level so that all the delegates remained engaged throughout. Robert knows his subject and eagerly shares his expertise. He does all he can to ensure the attendees leave with SMART actions plans as well as creating the opportunity for quality focused networking.

Here's a selection of notes I jotted down in his comprehensive course brochure:

1. Hope is not an option (when linked to future profits)
2. Many businesses neglect marketing
3. Practical common sense profitability tactics
4. The Law of the vital few
5. The Law of the trivial many
6. Win the battle of the mind of the customer
7. 78% of people trust recommendations

If you get the opportunity to attend one of Robert’s events grasp the chance, as it will be worth every single minute of your time.

You may be interested in reading a book that Robert Craven co-authored with Sir Richard Branson - Kick Start Your Business. 100 Days to a Leaner Fitter Organisation

Remember, leaders and readers!

Read more on Bright Marketing - Robert's Blog.