Most people don’t particularly like the idea that they are merely products of their environment. But whether the suggestion in the title appeals to you or not, it describes the situation for most people pretty accurately. Most of our thoughts, emotions, actions, behaviors and habits are dictated directly or indirectly by our environment.

There may be a few exceptional individuals for whom this doesn’t seem to be the case. People with such a strong character that they appear to be impervious to influences of the circumstances around them. However even these people are under the influence of their environment Their past environment has shaped them in such a way that they have gotten stronger and are more able today to withstand certain influences.

But even though they may have developed an unshakable character they are still not untouchable. They can however be highly selective as to by what and whom they allow themselves to be influenced. They have learned to stand guard at the door of their minds, and that is a major reason for their success.

We would all like to think of ourselves as such a person and we all have the ability to be just that. But hanging around people who are just about the opposite, in other words: most people, won’t do much good. It’s not that much a question of whether or not you are a product of your environment. The question is : Do you like what your environment has made of you?” Or even better, and certainly more accurate: “Do you like what you have allowed your environment to make of you?”

If you do. Great! If not. You basically have two options; change how and when you allow your environment to influence you or change your environment. The former might seem easier, since it allows you to stay within your comfort zone, but it is in fact a lot harder than you might think. After all, if it were that easy you would already have done it.

Changing your environment can be easy enough, but it does take a conscious decision on your part. Your ‘environment’ or your ‘peer group’ usually consists of about five people. These are the people that you spend the majority of your time with and these are also the people that influence you the most. Like it or not. So if you’re not satisfied with your results and you would like to change where you are in life, a change in your environment may be the smartest first step to take.

The expectations put on you by your peers have a huge impact on you, whether you are aware of it or not. If you hang around people who hold themselves to high standards you will do your best to meet those standards. Even if this means you will have to put a higher demand on yourself. Conversely, if the people around you have a lower standard you will inevitably either lower your standards to remain comfortable around them or you will leave them. Unfortunately for many people the former, which is obviously the path of least resistance, is often the alternative of choice.

You could make achieving your goals and reaching success in life so much easier if you would just be a bit more choosy when it comes to the people in your environment. Take an active role in determining who is and who is not allowed into your peer group. Instead of just letting other people claim you for theirs. To some this may seem like a chore; consciously selecting who they spend their time with or posing as somebody else and pretending to be something they’re not in order to fit in. A lot of people also consider it to be unethical or opportunistic to apply this kind of selectiveness to determine who they spend their time with.

Many people also mistake being selective in who you spend your time with for being insincere. As if you were taking advantage of someone else by spending time with them. Of course if you actually try to take advantage of someone, he or she will notice this sooner or later and when that happens, that person will no longer be a part of your peer group. However, if you sincerely want to get ahead in life there is nothing wrong with looking for people that can increase you chances of success.

The good thing about being around like-minded individuals is that you enjoy each others company because you think alike on at least a number of subjects that you both consider to be important. These people won’t feel exploited by you at all. They’ll probably enjoy your company as much as you do theirs. And you will have a lot less trouble filtering all sorts of negative influences from these people. Simply because they won’t give you a lot of it.

They may give you a lot of constructive criticism or hold you to higher standards than you are used to, but they aren’t likely to crush your hopes and dreams and try to de-motivate you. If you have a carefully selected peer group it’s as if you have a whole team of security guards protecting the door to your mind instead of just one.

Of course this doesn’t mean that you can’t still spend time with the people you currently hang around. These people may still be very important to you. They may be close friends and family and by no means should you completely erase them from your life. Although in some cases that might not be a bad suggestions. It is important to realize that continuing to devote most of your time, attention and energy to them can seriously hurt you and your future.

As the expression goes: “Love your family, Choose your peers”. If you really want to get ahead in life you better take that phrase to heart. After all, time is a very precious commodity of which all of us are only given a certain amount. We might as well spend it in an environment that is supportive to our goals and dreams.

Is there anything more terrifying than facing an audience of strangers and knowing you have to deliver an entertaining and informative speech?

OK, some people thrive on this type of challenge! But the vast majority of us are at least a little nervous every time we have to speak publicly. In fact, fear of public speaking is probably one of the most universal fears throughout all walks of life.

Thankfully, public speaking is a fear that can easily be overcome with a little practice and the right approach. You can use the tips below to improve your public speaking skills.

1. Be prepared and practice.

The more you know what you want to say, the better you’ll get at it. First, brainstorm the topic of your speech and research it, if you need to. Write down all the points you want to make and then organize them into an outline. Fill in the details. Once you have the essential content of your speech written (at least in your head), transfer your main ideas to index cards. Write the main idea in dark ink on the front of the card, and if you think you’ll need cues, write them on the back of the card in pencil. Then, practice your speech out loud at least 3 to 5 times. If you can, practice it in front of a friend or family member and ask them for feedback and if that’s not possible, at least practice in front of a mirror. Do it until you can talk naturally, with only a glance at your cards. Don’t ever read your speech word for word!

2. Know your audience.

The better you know your audience, the easier it will be to connect to them as you speak. When you are able to make that connection, you’ll hold their attention. And seeing that you’re doing so will increase your confidence and comfort level, making it even easier for you to speak well. So, find out everything you can about the people you’ll be speaking to. Know what their “hot topics” are, inside jokes and so on. The more you know about what makes them tick and what interests them, the better speech you’ll be able to give.

3. Dress the part.

When you’re standing up in front of an audience, all eyes are on you. Like it or not, your image is important in this situation. So, dress to impress this particular audience. If you know your audience well (see #2), then you’ll have an idea how to dress. For example, you might dress in a conservative navy suit if you’re speaking to a group of bankers, but in a more casual, fashionable outfit when the audience consists of artists and designers.

4. Pay attention to the old KISS principle, that is, Keep It Short and Simple.

The key is to get your points across as quickly as possible. Don’t beat around the bush or try to impress with complex metaphors. Stories, however, can be a powerful public speaking tool, especially when they contain at least a hint of humor. But again, keep them short and on point. Shorter messages leave the impression of a savvy, smart speaker. They’re also easier for your audience to remember.

5. Speak clearly and at just the right tempo.

The mark of an inexperienced, uncomfortable public speaker is someone who speaks all in a rush, slurring words in her desire to get it over with. Don’t be this kind of speaker if you want to hold your audience’s attention. On the other hand, don’t speak so slowly your audience’s minds start to wander.

6. Use visual aids to illustrate your points.

Many people will understand your message more clearly when it is more visual. What we see often leaves a more lasting impression than what we hear. You can use slides, photographs, PowerPoint presentations, or even a simple whiteboard to add visual cues to your speech. One caution though—don’t turn your back on your audience as you use your visual aid, and don’t turn the lights on low for long periods, or you might be surprised to look up and see they are all sleeping!

7. Interact with your audience.

Lectures will rarely have the same impact on an audience that an open discussion will. Look for opportunities to involve your audience in what you are speaking about. Ask for validation of points you are making (”Am I right?” “Has that ever happened to you?”) or allow time for questions. Also, make sure to establish eye contact with your audience—and keep it—throughout your speech.

8. Speak with sincerity and passion.

You want to leave a lasting impression with the audience about your speech topic. So be sure you are true to yourself and your topic as you speak and don’t be afraid to inject passion and enthusiasm into the speech as well.

9. Come out from behind the podium.

You’ll project confidence and a sense of comfort when you have the courage to let go of the podium and stand in front of your audience with nothing to “protect” you. As you speak, you can walk back and forth across the stage, making eye contact with different people. Some speakers even walk out into the audience to get “up close and personal.” Be respectful of people’s personal space, though, if you decide to do this. You don’t want to be perceived as threatening or overbearing.

10. Close your speech in a memorable way.

Give your audience something to think about as you finish up your speech. Certainly, it’s a good idea to summarize your main points one more time, but then finish up with an inspiring story or quote, or leave them with a thought-provoking question.

Public speaking is an essential life skill that every person should strive to master. The ability to speak confidently in public will serve you in every part of your life, whether you are sharing opinions in a small group or delivering a planned speech in front of a group of hundreds.

This article will help your MLM and network marketing business by outlining how building your opt-in email lists can increase your profits. Your opt in email list could possibly be the most lucrative way to increase your profits with your network marketing and MLM business online.

How An Opt In List Can Make Network Marketers Money –

There are so many benefits to having and using an opt in email list. These people may be past customers who will be more likely to return and purchase more from you just because you are sending them an email newsletter. You should send a newsletter at least once a week to your opt in email subscribers. There are many programs and online services that you can use for free to send weekly newsletter to your opt in email subscribers. When these subscribers receive your email newsletter they are reminded that your business is still there. They should be encouraged to visit your website or websites again in each newsletter.

People use the Internet mostly to learn new things, to find good resources, and to buy online. Purchasing products and services online is easier, more convenient, and often times less expensive than going out to a physical store to find what they are looking for. Customers buying online also have access to businesses worldwide, which means they can find items that they normally would not be able to find in just their local area.

The amount of money being spent online is increasing dramatically each year, and that is why you are reading this. You have probably already seen how successful you can be by owning and running a business online. You can earn substantially more profits simply by using opt in subscribers to your email list.

Building an Opt in list –

This is probably the largest concern for business owners online. First, you should begin with the customers you already have, or have had in the past. If you have a good record system you can probably get all of your past customer’s email addresses. Use those email addresses and enter them into a program or online service for online newsletters (also known as ezines), and send them all a message asking them to join your opt in email subscriber list.

At the bottom of the message, let them know that if they choose not to subscribe they will not receive another message from you again, unless they visit one of your websites and purchases something. You might want to hire a sales or copywriter to write an irresistible email message for them so you can get the maximum number of opt in subscribers for your opt in email list. With just this alone, you will begin to see your subscriber base begin to grow.

Next you will need to implement some sort of system that allows people the option to subscribe to your email list when they register on your website or websites, when they make a purchase, etc.

Auto Responders And Other Tools You Can Use –

Auto responders can be a great asset to you, your business and to building your opt in email list. When someone purchases something from one of your websites offer them a chance to subscribe to your email newsletter/ezine right there on your website. Then, have an auto responder sent out to every customer who purchases something from you. This auto responder should let them know that their order has been processed, when they should expect their order, how they can track their order, and include some information for your business.

You can also give them a second opportunity to subscribe to your email newsletter to help build up your opt in email list. Many will gladly subscribe when they know exactly what they are signing up for. Often, when they are ordering something online they just want to get through the ordering process and know it has been completed. Giving them a second chance to subscribe can mean the difference between more or less subscribers, and therefore more or less profits for you and your online business.

Other Considerations Such As Privacy Policy Etc –

People who are considering subscribing to your email list will want to know that you nor anyone in your business are going to use their information for any other purpose other than sending them the newsletter. Create a privacy policy assuring them that you will not sell, rent, give away, or otherwise give out any of their personal information.

Many people will look for this privacy policy to make sure that their information is not going to be used for any other reason, and some will not sign up for your newsletter if you do not have this type of privacy policy available for them to read.

Personal development has become increasingly popular in today’s busy world for everything from career improvement and weight loss to public speaking. While the methods and tools used to achieve the desired personal development outcome may vary from high priced seminars to moderately priced books, there are a number of simple steps that can be used to get you started on the right path to reach your own personal development goal, such as:

1) Identify the Cause

A good starting point with personal development is to look at how you got to where you are right now. For example, if your area of personal development relates to weight loss then look at what lifestyle factors contributed to your weight problem to start with. Write down everything you can think of that contributed to the problem and then analyze how you can modify each factor to get the result you desire.

2) Goal Setting

It is essential to have a clear goal in mind to achieve your own particular personal development requirements. Ask yourself exactly what it is that you wish to achieve and the more refined and clear your goal the more chance you will have of successfully attaining it.

3) Make a Plan

Once you have decided on your goal then formulate a plan that details the steps you will take to reach your goal. Use the details you uncovered when identifying the cause of the problem and expand on these to incorporate as much detail as possible on how you can achieve your personal development goal.

4) Focus and Commitment

Once you know your goal and have designed your plan you then need to focus on your goal and commit to the plan you have designed. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to work on your plan and do not allow general daily chores to distract you from what you need to do. Once you have become accustomed to working on your plan each day it will become a habit and therefore easier over time to stick too.

5) Look for Inspiration

It will be of great benefit to look for inspiration from others that have overcome the same personal development challenge as your own. This can be in the form of books, seminars, courses or even a person from your local community that you may be able to contact to get some tips or advice.

Personal development is about identifying areas of your life that you wish to change for the better and having an attitude of continual self-improvement. No matter which area of your life you intend to improve by following the steps outlined above and committing to the plan you can be assured of achieving your goals and in doing so gain more confidence to not only achieve other personal development goals but do it quicker and easier each time.