FRESHviews
BY NOW, WE ALL KNOW we are in tough economic
times. It is a phrase that has become a permanent
part of our language. I believe it is also a phrase
that prevents us from climbing out of a negative
situation. We are focused on tough economic
times, not on answers and solutions. What you give
attention to grows. I have learned through my personal challenges that the only way we can move
through adversity is to maintain a strong, positive
mental attitude, regardless. It is not a sign of weakness. A positive attitude is as strong as steel. It will
consistently lead you to the answers and solutions
you need to move through challenging situations.
We have been conditioned to believe that
adversity is negative. Overcoming adverse situations is how we gain strength and character. It
forces us to get on top of the circumstances and
The SBA
goes
WALLY AMOS:BE POSITIVE
THE U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is always looking for new ways to help small businesses across the country with information, mentorship, grants and more. Now they’ve tapped into You Tube as part of a larger trend within the federal gov- ernment to use the Web to
Wally Amos is the
founder of Uncle
Wally’s Muffin
Company. You can
reach him at
www.wallyamos.com.
Be positive,
regardless
reach a larger audience. “With millions of visitors, the majority under 35, You- Tube offers a prime opportu- nity to use current technology and the appeal of a popular online platform to further promote the agency’s programs and services,” says SBA admin- istrator Karen G. Mills. “By expanding its outreach, SBA will be providing more current and potential entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to start, grow and succeed in their businesses.” The SBA You Tube channel (
www.youtube.com/sba) debuted with a 60-second introduction to the SBA and its programs and services, and a 10-part “Delivering Success” series co-produced with the U.S. Postal Service. Future content will include more in-depth information about SBA programs, such as how small businesses can take advantage of the Recovery Act loan programs, government contracting opportunities, ex- porting, how to start and grow a small business, and small- business success stories. C
not lie down under them. Adversity reminds us
that we are stronger than we could ever imagine.
It’s a mind-set that actually helps us to flip a situation upside down.
This quote from 365 Tao, by Deng Ming-Dao,
sums it up: “Without the difficulty of being
hemmed in, the tree in the forest would not be
forced to marshal its power to grow toward the
light. It must truly bring forth all its inner strength
to spread its branches. If it becomes grand, it is in
part because of its suffering. Thus the times of
adversity can be crucial to the development of
one’s inner personality.”
I remember when my wife, Christine, was in
the final stages of labor as our daughter, Sarah,
was entering the world. I told her that contractions
are her friend, and they are. The contractions
mean the baby is turning to make his or her entry
through the birth canal.
And so it is with life. Adversity and challenges
are simply showing you a better way to achieve
your goals and dreams. Quit resisting. As Robert
Schuller says, “Tough times never last, but tough
people do.” Your attitude creates the conditions in
your life. Relax and be positive, regardless! C
More in archives
On Costco.com, enter
“connection.”At Online Edition,
search “Wally Amos.”
THE NUMBER-ONE fear of most Ameri- cans, according to many studies, is public speaking. Yet it is an integral element of success in business. Professional speaker, coach,
author and Costco member Arnold Sanow
;ways
to eliminate
; Join Toastmasters. This international
club focuses on helping people to curb their
fears and boost their speaking ability. For more
information, go to
www.toastmasters.org.
speaker’s
anxiety
; Plan. Ninety percent of a good presentation
revolves around planning. To decrease your
anxiety, know your audience, research your
topic, prepare a good outline and then follow it.
; Meditate. Use relaxation exercises, such
as tensing up parts of the body and then
relaxing them.
PHOTODISC
; Focus on a friendly face. There is always
at least one person who is smiling, looking at
you or nodding in agreement. Keep your eyes
on that person until you feel relaxed.
; Visualize a successful presentation.
(
www.arnoldsanow.com) works with companies
and individuals to improve their presentation
and communication skills. He says, “To enhance your chances for success in business you
must conquer this fear. People who speak well
are perceived as smarter, more competent,
trustworthy and knowledgeable. By improving
your speaking ability you will win more oral
proposals, close more sales, persuade and influence customers and investors, and motivate
employees.” He suggests these six guidelines:
Picture the opening, the body of the speech and
the close. Picture everyone smiling, laughing at
your humor, applauding at appropriate times
and then coming up afterwards to tell you
about the great job you did.
; Use your own style. Be yourself. Many
fears can be attributed to a speaker trying to
adapt to a style that is not his or her own.
Sanow cites Walter Cronkite, who said, “It’s
natural to have butterflies; the secret is to get
them to fly in formation.” By following the formation above, your fears will be replaced with
confidence. C
