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The Secrets of Selling From Stage
Official Newsletter with Dr Joanna Martin

IN THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER

- What's Joanna's new toy?
- Video: The power of mission
- Article: How to be irresistible
- Joanna Recommends: Opportunity International

MESSAGE FROM JOANNA

Hi Gang!

Ah-  I tell you, so much has changed in my life since last week's newsletter that it's hard to know where to start.

Of Things Apple...

Probably at the forefront of my mind right now is the newest tool to grace the Shift Enterprises Office- and that is my shiny new MacBook Pro.

I am impressed so far.  It's seeming to be pretty easy to use.  I turned it on for the first time about an hour ago and I have already recorded and created a newsletter video all from the comfort of the Qantas lounge with absolutely no training in iMovie.  Check out the nifty little world map feature in my video this week.  How cool!  Have to say- I love intuitive programs!

I must warn you that this week's Behind the Scenes Tip is very much an adventure into Mac Usage.  Complete with sound effects, text effects and webcam live from the Lounge!  It's Joey at her tinkering best!

So I am now a Mac owner. Not sure when I qualify as a Mac Convert.  Surely I have to use it for more than an hour!  I must say the store in Sydney where I bought it was so big, and shiny, and sleek in design.  I'm tres inspired.  Looking at it's 4 stories of glass-fronted goodness it really reminded me of looking at their website.  They are very savvy designers these Apple Chaps.

And the staff in there are truly obsessed by all things Apple.  It is quite something!  So yes- I have joined the Church of Latter Day Apple Users  and I look forward to attending my services once a week with my One-to-One Guide at the London Regent St Branch..

I have a question for readers this week:  in the PC- Mac transition, what do I need to know?  What guidance do you have? Any things to avoid, or things to definitely do?  Any care tips for a MacBook Pro owner?

Now that we have the computer news out of the way...

Of Things Speaking...

Last weekend saw myself and two Shift Speaker Training superstars MC-ing the Booming in the Bust event, run by Global1 Training out here in Australia. 

Our very own Platinum Million Dollar Masterclass Member, David Penglase hosted the Melbourne event; and Terriane Palmer, Secrets of Selling From Stage Member (our Silver Mentoring Program) hosted the Brisbane event while I headed up the team from Sydney.

For those of you who attended any of the events I'd love to hear your thoughts!

It was a great event in many ways.  For participants, it's been a long time since I've seen a multi-speaker event with such incredible quality content.  For me personally, I was able to connect with some inspiring people, and support some awesome speakers with their presentations.  We had a number of speakers at the event who had never closed a sale from stage before- but had been speaking and educating for many years.  So it really was an honour to help them tap into a new way of presenting their information and provide their audiences with "the next steps".  I won't share their names until I have their permission- but suffice to say I have been most humbled by the experience- and I'll keep you posted.

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring of the line up was David Bassau.  The founder of Opportunity International, this gentleman is a philanthropic force to be reckoned with.  Million Dollar Masterclass member, Tricia Jenkins, and I had the great pleasure of lunch with him, and I was blessed to be able to pick the brains of someone who not only built up his business and retired by age 35, but now, 30 years on is playing a level of game to which I can only dream of aspiring.  One of the most exciting projects is perhaps his joint venture with the North Korean government to provide finance to a communist state with previously no finance provision.  And here I was chatting to him over lunch!

It was a true pleasure to interview him for the audience at the event- and the learnings about entrepreneurialism and contribution were extraordinary. 

Here is a man who tells me his greatest fear is an idea.  Because as soon as he has one- he knows it will be done.  Imagine having that strength of conviction? 

And that brings me to our article this week.  It's an exploration of what makes someone irresistible.  Because truly for me that is what David Bassau and his organisation are.

Speak again next week.

Cheers,
Jo

PS Send me your mac tips!

"The Power of Mission"

This week's tip for speakers is to let your light shine! Have a real purpose to your speaking and let everyone see that you have a mission. This will make you very powerful as a speaker.

“How to be Irresistable”

I have met and seen a good many speakers in my relatively short years.  Some of them have it, and some of them don't.  But beyond the mere machinations of being able to close a sale or deliver an entertaining talk, lies something that for many speakers will be forever beyond their reach: IRRESISTIBILITY.

Why is it, that while some speakers are structurally sound, their arguments compelling, they lack the one thing that actually means they will succeed wildly?

I believe it is because most speakers fall into one of two categories:

1. They have a soul-driven purpose, conviction and passion but are afraid to reveal it.

These speakers are great people, often accomplishing amazing things.  But when it comes to sharing their story they can become analytical or dry.  You get a sense of what they are talking about but you are not moved nor touched by their conviction. 

These speakers are often unconsciously afraid to share the strength of their convictions because in doing so they make themselves vulnerable.

2. They may reveal themselves,  but their motivations are less purpose driven and emotionally engaging for the audience.

These speakers are open, possibly even vulnerable and revealing- but their motives are not universally appealing.  Perhaps being more selfish, or simply narrow in their focus.

There is a third category of speaker though; and it is to this category that I believe we should all aspire.

3. A speaker with a purpose, conviction and a strong belief in themselves and humanity.

These speakers are far and away the most powerful of all.  Their ability to influence is extraordinary.  They are involving, they are inspiring, and when they invite an audience to action they do so with such grace that it is irresistible.

So how do we become one of these people?

First I remind you of Dale Carnegie' perspective  on speaking. 

"Strive not to become a great speaker, but a great man skilled in speaking".

To be an irresistible speaker, you need to become an irresistible person.   So how do we become irresistible?  Have a look at these components:

1.  Purpose:  Without purpose or direction you will not engage people.  Make your life about something.  And if you don't know what you want your life to be about: journal, pray and search until you find something that makes you care. 

2. Conviction: when you discover your purpose, let it fuel you.  Be willing to argue the point.  Become unshakeable in your determination.

3.  Humility: Every person I have ever met who has been truly irresistible in their demeanor has been humble.  They are open to learning, confident that they have not got it all figured out, and aware of their faults. 

4. Confidence: The great paradox of charisma: being humble yet confident.  False modesty is useless.  You must be sure of yourself- be the unique you that you are.  As my new friend David Bassau says: "Just be yourself- everyone else is taken".

5. Love: I am yet to meet a truly great person who does not ooze love from every pore!  you need to find the good in people and love it; the good in humanity and society.  I'm not talking about ignoring injustice- but I do believe a sense of optimism and connection to the both the good and bad in people is vital.

I'm sure this is not an exhaustive list.  But it's a beginning.  Perhaps if we all strive to foster a little more of these qualities in ourselves we will become irresistible and who knows- perhaps from this place we can change the face of our communities, our nations and the planet.

Here's to your irresistibility.

I would be grateful to hear your thoughts and comments on this article.

Cheers,
Joanna.

Would you like to use this article on your website or in your ezine? You can, as long as the information below stays intact.

About the author:

Dr Joanna Martin

Dr Joanna Martin is an internationally acclaimed speaker and sought-after educator who has taught over 40,000 people on three continents.
Today, she trains entrepreneurs and professionals alike in key communication, leadership, and presentation skills. With her partner Greg, through their business, Shift Lifestyle they provide strategy and support for business owners who want a lifestyle, not just a living.

For more information go to: www.SecretsOfSellingFromStage.com

Opportunity International

As you would have gathered through this edition of the newsletter, I was very inspired by David Bassau at last weekend's Booming in the Bust symposium. David Bassau is the founder of Opportunity International, a non-profit Organisation that uses a business approach to solve the problem of poverty.

Opportunity International Australia provides people living in poverty with access to basic financial services - including small loans, savings accounts, insurance and business training. These services are know as microfinance, and they assist people who wouldn't usually qualify for regular banking services because they have no form of collateral or formal identification.

Here's how it works...

By helping a mother to buy a sewing machine to start a tailoring business or a father to buy seeds to plant a vegatable garden, small loans enable people in poverty to earn an income and provide for their families. 97% of loans are paid back, so the cycle can continue for years! Each successful business feeds a family, employs more people and eventually helps to empower a whole community.

Did you know that for only a $200 donation you can help one family start a business and employ one other person? This one loan once paid back can be used again and again. Many of us spend more than that on a night out with friends and once that money is gone, it's gone!

Find out more about Opportunity International and how you can make a difference by visiting their website:

www.Opportunity.org.au

See you next week!