Every once in a while I like to spend some valuable time reflecting on my life, and in doing so it prompted me to share something with you. Now it's one of those things that might, in the beginning, seem to be "backwards thinking", but indulge me for a minute...

I have been thinking lately about how I have been able to get where I have at this stage in my life, and it has made me realize that many times I have succeeded by being the least. Now let me explain.

As you know, I make my living through writing and speaking. It's not bad work if you can get it! A number of great opportunities for me have come when I have been considered the "least." One such time early in my career, I shared the stage with a former candidate for the Presidency of the United States, a NY Times best-selling author, and a nationally known news anchor. I was by far and away the cheapest speaker they hired. Yet, amazingly, after speaking, I booked another $50,000 in business from that company in the next 18 months. I was the only speaker from that day who got hired again by that association.

Another time I was called by a internationally known organization and asked if I would speak at their annual convention in Reno that would have 2000 people in attendance. I said that I would love to. Then the organizer got very serious and said in hushed tones, "Well, I should tell you who will be speaking right before you in case it may intimidate you." I bit and asked who the speaker was. She named one of the legends in the personal development industry - one of the titans - who also happens to be a better cure for insomnia that Nyquil. As I pumped my fist and thought to myself, "YES!!" I quietly assured her over the phone that I would be happy to follow him. I knew that if I simply kept them awake after that speech I would be carried off on their shoulders, a conquering hero!

In 2004 I was asked to emcee a three day event that featured Jim Rohn, Brian Tracy, and Denis Waitley, three of the biggest names in personal development and ALL fantastic speakers. I considered it a privilege to share the stage with them and to be behind the scenes. Emceeing that event and speaking there myself has been a tremendous door opener.

Also, for a couple of years I did some ghost-writing for three NY Times Best-selling authors who between them have nearly 15 million books in print. My words went in and their name went on. Some people would not be able to do that because they wouldn't get credit. Not me. I saw the value in having a relationship with these three men. Sure enough, it has been a big career boost.

All of these situations demonstrate to me the value in working with others, even when you won't be the best or the brightest, or the most famous, or in the limelight. In each of these situations, my life and my career took a major step forward. Being the least actually placed me in the presence of the best, and that put me in pretty good company.

What about you? Are you willing to be the least in a good situation? If not, you may want to reconsider...  It has been pretty good for me!

You Are Made for Success!
Chris Widener

P.S. Today's issue is going out to 81,943 subscribers. If you've gained value from what you read in my Ezine, then I would like to thank you in advance for forwarding this issue to friends, family and associates!



In This Issue.......

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article
2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary
3. The Last Word...
4. An Opportunity for You!
5. More Information

1. Charting Your Course to Success Article

The Power in Praising People by Chris Widener

One of the keys to success is to have successful relationships. We are not islands and we don't get to the top by ourselves. And one of the key ways to grow successful in our relationships is to be "life-giving" people to others. Every person we meet, we either give life to or take life from. You know what I mean. There are people who encourage you and when you are done being with them you feel built up. Then there are others who you feel torn down by. Successful people are people who have mastered the art of building others up.

One of the ways we build people up is to praise them. There is power in praising people! Something begins to happen in them, in you, and in your relationship when you praise someone. Remember a time when someone told you something about yourself in a praising manner? It was great, wasn't it? You probably liked that person more after they praised you, didn't you?

Now I am not talking about praising people for the sake of praising people. I am talking about honestly looking for and praising positive character traits and action of others around you. Don't lie to people. If they have done something wrong, correct it, but when they do something right, Praise it!

With that said, here are benefits of and ways to start praising people.

Benefits
Your relationship grows. Life is about relationships. Family relationships, friends, and co-workers. When we begin to praise people for their positive aspects, our relationships grow. It puts them, and us, on the fast track. Your leadership and influence grows. Who is going to have greater leadership and influence capacity in the lives of their followers, the one who tears down or the one who builds up?

Stronger relationships and loyalty. When the person is appreciated and praised, they become fiercely loyal, because they know that you care for them, love them, and appreciate them. This will take you to success.

Happier, more fulfilled people. I truly believe it is our job to build others up and that they need it. It is a good thing, in and of itself to invest in the lives of others by praising and encouraging them. Even if we never get anything in return, it is the right thing to do to build up other people. Someone else will always come along to tear them down; the successful person will instill in them the power of praise!

Some ways to praise
Character traits. Is there someone you know who is joyful? Hard-working? Honest? Then let them know how much you appreciate that in them. You can do it with a word or a card, or a phone call. Say something like this, "You know Tom, I think it is great that you are such a hard-worker. It seems like you are always the first one here and the last one to leave. You really set a good example and I want you to know how much I appreciate that." Simple!

Action
Same idea as above. "Sue, I don't know if anybody else has told you this, but your work on the Johnson account was excellent. You have a wonderful ability to communicate the vision of the project and that helps all of the rest of us out in our roles and tasks. Thanks for that. It is greatly appreciated."

Other ways you can show praise and appreciation is with a card, a gift, or time off from work. Make it your goal to praise at least five people a day. If you can, praise ten people a day. Or perhaps you can try to praise everyone you come in contact with. It will take work but it is possible. It just takes discipline and a little work.

Any way you cut it though, there is power in praising people. First for them, then for you!

Chris Widener  

2. Made for Success Quote and Commentary

"You can have everything you want if you help others get what they want." -- Zig Ziglar

Chris' Commentary:
Most people think that the way to get from others is to take from others, but the opposite is true: Others give to you when you give to them. Make it your aim to give to others and to help them achieve what it is that they want to achieve.

Action Point: Today, when you have opportunity to interact with others, ask these questions: Can I help you in any way? What can I do to make your job/life easier? As you help others, it will all come back to you.



3. The Last Word...

This week I'd like to share a little something I call, "The Inspiration Factor". The first thing that an aspiring leader must realize is that they must be inspiring! That is, they must be capable of, and willing to inspire people on to greater things than if the leader were not in their lives. So, is this too grandiose an ideal for the average local business owner? Absolutely not. The people who work at your business, school or organization need to be inspired by you on a regular basis. It is what keeps them from giving up.

Remind them of the big picture:

They aren't just serving food, they are helping families spend time together, so make it enjoyable.

They aren't just changing oil, they are helping make sure a woman and her children don't break down on the side of the road at night.

They aren't just teaching reading, they are helping open a mind to the mysteries of the world.

They aren't just selling gifts, they are helping people show their appreciation to others in a tangible way.

This week: INSPIRE! -- CW




4. An Opportunity for You!
 
Some amazing things have happened the last year that I wanted to share with you. Some time ago, a friend of mine, who had already been relatively successful, felt like she had hit a plateau in her sales career, so I gave her a copy of my book, The Angel Inside. (Now, I know some of you might have heard this story before, so stick with me, I'm going somewhere with this...)

What has happened since then has been nothing short of phenomenal! The book so energized her that she busted through her plateau and earned a white Mercedes automobile from her company for her results! How would you like that to be your bonus at work - a new car! I even hosted her presentation ceremony at our home and we had 106 people over! The fact is that she read The Angel Inside nearly ten times in the last few months and credits it with being a major factor in her success! She has referred so many people to the book - and many of them after reading the book have come back and ordered, 25, 35, 50 copies or more to hand out. One woman purchased 100 copies and gave them all out the very next weekend. Then my friend was at another conference with 700 people in Green Bay, Wisconsin and was asked to talk about her success. She very graciously - and enthusiastically - endorsed my book again. The promoters were overwhelmed by people asking where they could get the book, so they asked my friend to come back up and tell everyone how they could get The Angel Inside.

Zig Ziglar recently read The Angel Inside and this is what he had to say about it:

"The Angel Inside is truly one of the most inspiring, encouraging motivational books I have ever read. It speaks to everyone who has ever had a dream about anything that has significance. I found it impossible to stop reading, once I got started. This coming from a man who has never completely read a book of fiction, because I had a closed mind on the subject. I have always said, 'When I get all of the truth, then I'll start reading fiction.' It was a wonderful thrill to read a book of fiction that contained an enormous amount of truth and encouragement."

Now, I have to say I feel a little uncomfortable tooting my own horn, but it is obvious this little book has a special way of reaching people, challenging them and encouraging them all at the same time. "So, Chris, why are you telling me this?", I can hear you asking...

Well, because my little book, The Angel Inside, has been picked up by a major publisher and they are in the processing getting it ready for release it in April (yep, next month and I'll be keeping you updated as to what's going on so stay tuned).

As a result of this campaign, I'll be traveling doing a book tour, signing copies of The Angel Inside and meeting people all over the nation. And me being the maximizer I am got to thinking this would be the perfect opportunity for me to capitalize on the time I'll be spending on the road and speak for groups out there who've been considering having me in to speak -- or even if this is a "new" idea to you ;-)

That being said, if you have a group of 300 or more for an event that is already planned or in the works during the month of April and beyond, let me know and I'll schedule my book tour around my speaking engagements! Since I'll be away from my family, I want to pack my schedule and make that time count! So email me at speaker@chriswidener.com and let me know what dates you're interested in and we'll set something up.

And just in case you're wondering what qualifies me to speak? Here are a few facts about me you might not be aware of...

Take this opportunity today and let's make something great happen for your team or event. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you!

For additional information, send an email to speaker@chriswidener.com and let me know what dates you're interested in and we'll make something happen!
 

-- CW
 

5.  More Information

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