Ice Chip #123
Would you like to be a contributor to my next book?
I am looking for stories depicting how the concept of empowering word choice -- eradicating the "(K)notty Words" -- has impacted your life. I have had the privilege of hearing wonderful stories from around the world of how you have taken the message to heart; and worked on getting rid of those darn words.
You have raised your awareness, and become more cognizant of yourself and others using one of those dastardly words: "not, don't, can't, won't, wouldn't, couldn't, shouldn't, try, but, should, and any other word ending in n't". You find your self going, "Oops, I said ___ again." Then you re-frame it and get a better message.
I have heard great stories and received inspiring emails of a variety of successes, ranging from repaired relationships, and improved performance on the job; to excellence in the classroom and growing self-confidence.
I even know of one formerly shy individual who has really bloomed and blossomed, and has become quite the leader!
To qualify, I need you to share your story in a Word Document. Please keep it between 500 and 1000 words. Please email the story along with your permission to use it in this eBook. A simple statement such as: I give Bob Nicoll, author of Remember the Ice, permission to use my story in his upcoming eBook about how the concept has impacted those who have embraced the concept.
You will have the knowledge that you touched others lives by sharing your story. A copy of the book will be made available to you within a week of getting the 100 stories.
Thank you for participating. I am excited to read what you have to say. If you would like to send a head shot photo for inclusion, please send it along in the email.
This is going to be a fun project!
Empowering Regards,
Bob
P.S. Watch for the ground breaking program that exceeds "The Secret"
Re-Frame the Message -- The Community Project
Ice Chip #122
See if you can figure out this one.
I went to put some soft drinks in the refrigerator of my hotel room this past week after a busy day at the BNI National Conference in Providence, RI.
I could already imagine how good that Sierra Mist would taste later in the evening. I opened the door to the cabinet that "hid" the small 'fridge, and was met with the following text on a small sign velcroed to the front door of the unit.
A personal note to you.....
Please be aware the refreshment center cooler is not intended as a refrigeration device.
This unit's cooling system does not maintain a temperature suitable for food and beverage products or medication intended for refrigeration.
For special requests, please touch service express on your phone and housekeeping will deliver a refrigerator to your room.
Be well.
Here is the picture of the card:
I wonder if it would have been easier to just outfit each room with a refrigerator.
I just get a kick out of the confusing messages that permeate almost every corner of our world.
Empowering Regards,
Bob
Ice Chip #121
Wow; you really got back with me right away!
On Friday morning I received an email from my good friend and professional photographer, Carl Johnson.
The email came in at 10:44 AM. (here it is)
Bob,
If you are in town, I am heading out on Tuesday the 17th to join the Tony Robbins group for one of their Platinum Partner events in Africa. If there is something you want me to pass on to Tony, this will be the chance.
Carl
At 10:46 AM I was on the phone with him. (I was very motivated to contact Carl right away, and deliver my books to him so he could deliver them to Tony in South Africa.)
"Wow, you really got back with me right away!" was his response to my call. It was great to reconnect with him and I was excited to hear about his upcoming trip,
It was a simple email from a friend, with an offer. I knew I would respond right away. The importance of the simplest gesture is often overlooked.
Follow up. Follow up. Follow up. (Repetition is the Mother of Skill).
I believe one of the greatest downfalls in our current business climate is the simple act of neglecting a timely response to a call, email or following up on an initial contact.
Exceptional Care for Your Valued Client focuses on the importance of following up in Chapters 10, 11, & 12 in the discussion of demonstrating Respectful Elegance in treating clients and customers the way they would like to be treated. Chapter 8 talks about the customer's demeanor and their actions as a client focusing on the myth: The customer is always right!
When you receive that gift of an opportunity to connect with someone, the most appropriate thing you can do: is to follow through on the connection, and do it in a timely fashion.
Remember to use empowering words to confirm your intention.
"I will give you a call by the end of the business day."
"You can count on me to deliver by 2:30PM today."
"We have your order ready to go, and you will receive it earlier than expected."
These are actual responses I have heard directed to me in various situations. For each of them, the person I was working with stepped up and hit the mark--just as they said they would. It was a great experience working with them.
The unfortunate thing is, I have been on the receiving end of these, and other responses, when the follow up was more than a couple of days late, and in a couple of cases---no response was received!! (Guess that in fact is a response-- NO INTEREST)
Let's re-focus on how we can do an extraordinary job on following through.
Know we can, say we can, and Just DO IT!! (Thank you Nike)
Make a commitment to follow up in a timely manner. Have a great time doing so!
Empowering Regards,
Bob
Ice Chip #120
Are you Busy or Active?
Being a connoisseur of Empowering Word Choice is a passion of mine. My co-author LuAnn Buechler, a Certified Passion Test Facilitator, reminds me to pursue my passions on a regular basis.
I took her advice and continue to seek out words and phrases that can be enhanced by shifting the paradigm.
Take the words: “Busy” and “Active”.
Lately I have been paying attention to the physiology displayed when people say they are “busy”. Generally they show a look of displeasure or angst or even frustration. Shoulders are often slumped and a general air of “tiredness” exists.
Check it out for yourself. Think about the last six or seven days, and share your thoughts of how busy you have been with a listening companion. Ask them for feedback on how you looked as you described how busy you were.
One other note: think about how specific you were in your description. Often there is a lack of specificity regarding what was accomplished. The description seems a bit vague. See for yourself.
Now describe the same six or seven days and use the words “active” or “actively” and see what the difference is. Listen to the change in physiology of your word choice as you describe your activities with a bit of emotion attached. Perhaps you accomplished a goal you had been working on; or finished a project at work; or celebrated a special day with a loved one. There was appreciation for how you followed through.
My point is that there is a measureable difference in the use of these two words. I chose to be active and enjoy my congruent physiology – head up; shoulders back; perhaps some animation of excitement as I talk with my hands a bit. And most importantly, a sense of specificity and accomplishment.
Hope this one got you to thinking more about your word choice.
Remember the Ice helps you attract the life you want through empowering word choice.
Have an empowering week,
Bob
Ice Chip #119
Special Announcement!!
Your Ice Chip this week is 24 hours early!
My co-authors and I are very excited to announce that our new book is available on Amazon!!
Just click this and be among the first to get your copy. Shipped directly from .
" raises the bar when it comes to current thinking and ideals regarding customer service. With just one read-through it will shift your paradigms in a way that will proactively position you and your business for success."
Ivan Misner, NY Times Bestselling author and Founder of BNI and Referral Institute
There you have it. Short and sweet message. It is available right now.