Coaching The Poor In Your Community!

Have you ever walked downtown and noticed homeless people panhandling or sifting through garbage looking for something to eat? How sad it that! Are they mentally ill, addicts or have they made bad choices? How do you really know? Have you walked in their shoes? Did you say a silent prayer of thanks that you are not where they are now? Have you given any thought to the millions of people who work yet cannot make ends meet? Are you one of them?How can you make an impact and change someone's life living in poverty? Maybe, even your own? Are you concerned that you don't have any time or energy to spare?What if I told you that it only takes a few minutes of your time? If you watched a great movie or haddinner in an excellent restaurant you would share this information, right? Telling people about the benefits of coaching works on the same principle.Let's review some of the benefits of having a coach in the event you have never worked with one before.Coaches help you to:1.Get clarity on what you want in life2.Develop strategies to reach your goals3.Overcome obstacles, low self-esteem and low confidence4.Give you support, motivate and encourage you5.Hold you accountable to what you say you'll do6.Develop greater self-awareness7.Improve skills and behaviorThis sounds wonderful!Do you due diligence and look for organizations that are dedicated to helping the poor. Be part of the solution to help those living in poverty!It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny.-Jean Nidetchhttp://starsofcourage.org/Kathleen Boucher, CEO of Great Kids and Me, certified professional coach. It is one of my core beliefs that when you find something that helps people than you have a responsibility to share this knowledge. Let's each do our part in helping the poor. Best wishes on your success!Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kathleen_Boucher/1932365

Reasons Why Your Business May Fail

According to Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 businesses fail within the first 18 months of operation. That's a terrifying statistic if you're a business owner. That simply implies that 80% of those who started blogging or any other online business will fail in it too.Why do businesses fail? What can make your business fail? How can you avoid them?1. Lack of Planning:For many individuals, they desire to be engaged in a business just to make moneyor to be able to brag about it. They have noclear-cut idea where they want the business to go. They only plan to start a business but they do not do real planning on how to achieve it. Your plan is like your aim. Planning involves everything you need to do and put in place to get to your aim. If there is a plan without proper planning, it is only a matter of time before the plan comes crashing. The popular 6P formula states that: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.2. Lack of Discipline:Having an online business can gift you with plenty of spare time and the liberty to work when you want. This same benefit can be a curse if you do not know where todraw the line. You need discipline to be able to work even when you don't feel like working. You need to sustain your desire to work irrespective of whatever may be limiting you. A disciplined businessman with little capital will always outdo an undisciplined businessman with huge financial capability.3. Lack of differentiation:Many people often attempt to imitate others in their style of business. They thinkthey can create success by imitating the top shots in their niche. It does not work that way. There can only be one Nairaland. There can only be one ImportExpert. There can only be one Linda Ikeji. Rather than copy them, pick the lessons and build yourbrand. If you imitate others, you will only remind your customers of the real thing. Build your brand. Be different. It is what will give you visibility. You can learn from different experts and be yourself.4. Lack of capital:This point can be seen either as lack of capital or refusal to invest capital. If your business would grow, you may need to spend some money. Sometimes, people want everything to come free, especially those in online business. Don't be tight-fisted about your business. It does not justneed your time and attention but your money. This is what will make your investment in the business complete.5. Lack of focus:Focus is a result-multiplier. Online business requires focus. The online world on its own can be very distracting. The thrills of the social media and multiple foracan easily divide your attention. You must always be conscious that even though you enjoy doing what you do, it is beyond fun; itis a business. You must therefore treat it as such. Be grounded in the purpose of thebusiness and constantly choose to ignore every distraction. As jobs has always said: Focus is not just saying yes to what you have to do but focus is the ability to say noto those other thousand things that may come by while trying to do what you must do.6. Lack of valuable content:Content is everything. Content is what will keep people coming back to you. If they realize that there is something that you offer that they probably cannot get anywhere else, they will keep coming to you. Whatever the mode of your business may be, ensure the value is of a high standard. Create strategies to multiply the value that your audience can get from you and watch their loyalty become yours.7. Lack of accurate knowledge:Knowledge is everything in today's world. One piece of knowledge at the right time isenough to take your business to a new height. Your continued relevance in your niche will be dependent on what you know that your competitors don't. Always searchfor new information. Information will save you years of trial and error.No one desires his business to crash at any time. It is wisdom to know what a business needs at the moment for its survival and success. Always be on the lookout for what your business needs at the moment to keep flourishing.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sadiq_Ahmad_Bello/2380506

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Message From the Universe: Making Your Illusions a Reality

"It's human nature to unthinkingly project present circumstances, people, and feelings into your future, as if those that surround you today will follow wherever you go.Until you remember, time's just an illusion that allows you to project into space only those thingsyou think about.No more unthinking,The Universe"All these messages from the Universe reverts back to ONE principle: "Thoughts becomes things". At the same time that these thoughts reverts to things, you should also add some action to this equation. Think about the good in your life, think about the people you want to be around with, be and stay positive, work on becoming a better person and the rest will follow.You don't need to be a billionaire to be kind, and nothing depends on outside factors for you to become a generous and thoughtful person. Random act of kindness can be performed by anyone with any status. Keep that in mind.When being surrounded with the right people, youget inspired by their presence and their energy. Each of us have different energy signature which provides us with the capability of determining if we want to be with that person or not. Call it instinct if you wish. We have that inner voice or gut feeling that helps us with that choice to moveforward or not. It may be different when it comes to relationship though. I have seen many cases where relationship may be right at that specific time in life of both parties involved but a few years down the road, energy signatures can change and no longer in sync. Hence, the end result is one individual decides to change and better themselves while the other stays the same.Path have changes for both people involved and no longer share common interests as they did in the past. Result? Separation with imminent divorce (if married couple).No one wishes this to anyone. Divorce is difficult but when you decide to share a life with someone, you should encourage each other to become better people, and do your best to alwayskeep track of how both of you can keep the similar energy signature and change at the same pace, towards the same direction. It might be difficult at first, but constant communication is key to make this happen. Nothing is guaranteed in life when it comes to securing a life long relationship, however, if both put in the effort and energy on it, chances of success are enhanced dramatically and life together can be a fun and exciting journey.Dr Dan Amzallag, PhD, MBA, CLCAuthor/Inspirational Speaker/Life CoachFree Consultation: 301-325-1550Website:http://www.lifecoachdanamzallag.comArticle Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Daniel_A_Amzallag/257690

Think About Your Thinking

Our amazing brains are connected to a vast network called our nervous system. This system carries millions of impulses or neurons that are firing off all at once, and are capable of making an infinite amount of connections. The quality of circuitry in our brain can dwarf even a team of the biggest super computers. Our brain can recognize a face in an instant. No super computer can do that yet. Computers have to go through a certain computational formula to get to the point where itcan complete its facial recognition process; and that takes time beyond an instant.So, if our brains have this unsurpassable level of capabilities that are superior to even super computers, then why can't we get ourselves to dothe little things in life correctly? Why do we have trouble remembering how to do our homework, orsometimes, to even do it? Why can't we always remember to take the garbage out on garbage day? Why can't we stop doing things that we know are not good for us? Well, some of the answer might lay in the fact that we allow our brains to run on autopilot and don't consistently think about our thinking.Socrates believed we should all spend time thinking about what we do and why we do it. So, are we now wondering what creates our own human behavior? Drum roll please... Well, our thinking does, of course! And sometimes our thinking is right on, and sometimes it's misleading. But, how would we ever know if our thinking was right or wrong if we never stopped to examine our thinking and thus did what Socrates believed was the most important thing of all; examine our lives.Now teens, go learn, lead, and lay the way to a better world for all of us. Remember to think about your thinking so that you can live your best life possible, and not blindly fall into some kind ofnonproductive rut that's getting you nowhere fast.And once again, thanks in advance for all that youdo, and all that you will do...Award-winning author, speaker and educator Dan Blanchard wants you to take a little more time to think about your thinking. For more great tips from Dan be sure to visit his website at:http://www.DanBlanchard.net. Thanks.Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Daniel_Blanchard/1785050

Do Students Benefit From Hand-Holding or Strict Discipline?

I expect you to listen during my class lectures.Here, let me help you. I can provide you with the answer.As an educator, are you someone who is tough on students because you believe strict discipline is essential to their growth and development? Or do you believe in an approach that is kinder, much more easy-going and laidback when it comes to helping students - even to the point of being willing to give students the answers they need?A disciplinarian is the traditional educator who upholds policies, processes, and procedures without exceptions. Those instructors are usuallynot counted among the favorites by students; except for those students who are excelling and find that strict discipline is necessary for them to continue to do well.The educator who is more willing to bend the rules on occasion for students, when there is a reason or justification for the long-term benefit ofthe students, is the one viewed as easier to get along with and as a result - this educator is usually included on the list of favorite instructors.This instructor will also provide answers and"make it easier" for students to complete the required tasks, believing this helps students in the long term.This is not to state that teaching students, especially adult students, must be a popularity contest by any means. What this does involve is amatter of perception. Consider how willing a student might be to receive and implement coaching and feedback from a strict instructor in comparison to an instructor who is willing to work with them. In other words, it is not about bending the rules but working with students. It is not about passing students along or giving away grades. It is about providing support and assistance.This goes against the beliefs of many educators as there is a perception in higher education that maintaining anything other than a strict approach to teaching means you believe in handholding and coddling students. I believe there needs to bean instructional balance between the two methods and in my own practice, I have found an approach that provides this type of balance.How Do You Focus Your Attention?I've worked with hundreds of online faculty members over the past ten years in the role of faculty development specialist. I have also been an online educator during this time and understand the lived experience of the faculty members I have observed. What this means is that I can relate to the time it takes to manage a class, especially as an adjunct instructor. I have also worked full time during the day and taught online at night, and I make this point not as an excuse but as a reminder of the reality that many adjunct instructors face. When an instructor is running short on time, not all of the required duties and responsibilities may be met. This can even extend to working with students as they may find it challenging at times to receive assistance when needed.Whether or not an instructor is working full time and teaching as an adjunct, teaching a class takes time - and the more students there are, the more tasks and responsibilities are vying for the instructor's attention. When there are high achieving students in a class, it almost lessens the amount of instructional work required as those students are usually the ones who do not require a lot of time and attention. The students who are under-performing are the ones who require more effort. These are the students who either benefit from receiving additional assistance, or handholding as some educators view it, or a constant reminder that they must comply with strict requirements as stated by the school and other in documents such as the course syllabus.Is One Approach More Effective Than Another?I know that every educator has a distinct view of how students must be addressed or managed, and it is usually based upon personal preferencesand past experiences. When instructors are provided with training, it is usually procedural in nature to begin with and then expands into instructional practices. What I have not seen provided in faculty training are direct instructions that state how an instructor must manage students in the classroom. In other words, instructors are not told they must be lenient or strict. They are provided with policies and processes, and methods of instruction. Sometimes they are taught methods of interacting with students, similar to customer service training methods. The general expectation is that instructors must uphold academic policies and create an environment that is conducive to learning.A question that often comes up is this: Why are there such diverse types of instructors? From my perspective working with faculty, a better question might be: Is one approach more effective than another?Consider first the instructor who is a strict disciplinarian. This is someone who upholds the policies as defined by the school, such as academic writing standards and policies in place for the degree program level. This instructor makes no exceptions to the rules.Consider next the instructor who seems very strict but in a different sense. This is the instructor who has established high personal expectations of students and their performance in class. This instructor expects all students will strive for an "A" grade and they will submit high quality papers.The last instructor to consider is the seemingly easy going instructor who is very popular and hasa flexible approach to school policies. This instructor is more willing to listen and adapt when needed, especially if a student needs a"break" or a second chance. This type of instructoris one who is willing to provide extra time and attention for students. I have worked with a few instructors who go so far as to give their studentsthe answers or information they need, rather than help students find it. This is where the idea of handholding has become associated with an easy going instructor.Finding a Balance Between Discipline and HandholdingAre one of the three methods described above better than the other? I do not put myself in a position to judge others; however, I can speak from my own experience to answer the question. When I began my work as an educator, I was very strict. The most effective method of learning school policies and processes was to follow them as strictly as I could. Over time, I learned what flexibility I had as an instructor and I also gained experience as an educator. From this experience, I learned how to find a balance between these strategies to become effective with upholding disciplinary processes while providing additional care, concern, and assistance.*.Establishing Discipline:What I have learned is that the manner in which discipline is administered matters for my relationship with students. I can uphold every school policy and procedure just as effectively, and perhaps even more so, as someone who demonstrates empathy when compared to someone who demands complete compliance to everything I state. Students already know that there are school policies in place and their instructors areexpected to uphold those policies. As an instructor, my reinforcement of the rules happens whenever there is an occurrence or a request made by a student. That is a time to listen and effectively administer the rules, or implement disciplinary action as required. I should also be familiar with my level of authority or flexibility available, with regards to making any exceptions.*.Establishing Expectations:There is nothing wrong with having expectations of my students,unless I have established something unrealisticof every student. For example, it would be unrealistic for me to expect that every student will submit a well-researched and written paper that demonstrates critical thinking - even at the graduate level. A more realistic expectation might be for students to the best of their capabilities and ask for assistance when needed. The most important expectations I can establish are those concerning student performance. Students experience a great deal of anxiety about grading, especially written assignments. That is when the use of a rubric isvery helpful for establishing uniform expectations with students. It becomes even more effective if I provide a rubric before the assignment due date so that students can utilize it as a guideline when editing and revising their papers. The most important aspect of establishing expectations is that they are realistic and communicated to students.*.Offer Handholding:When students need assistance or extra attention and you provide it, do you consider that to be handholding? I dislike that word itself as I believe it does a disservice to the work of an educator. I understand the general idea of the concept and over time I have tried to help students without giving them information or answers. For example, when students cannot find a particularanswer or resource I will provide instructions onhow to find it without actually giving it to them. In other words, I teach them how to be independent and find it on their own so the next time they remember how to do it. I would never be one to tell them to "go and see the course syllabus" as a pat answer. I will find a way to help, even if it involves providing a different set of instructions that offers clarity and better directions. My roles as an educator is to instructand to teach.I have seen a number of discussions in the field of higher education over the past few months about working with students and more specifically, addressing the idea of coddling college students. From my experience as an online educator and online student I find there is nothing detrimental about having a lot of contact time between an instructor and the students. However, it seems there is a trend now in higher education that finds courses being delivered without instructor to student interaction. I know that MOOCs have been very popular and those students receive very little direct instructor contact. There is also a competency-based onlineuniversity that is gaining traction, one without instructors that allows students to study at their own pace - and one of the primary concerns being raised is that these are correspondence-style courses.My preference is to provide instructor to student interactions. I want to be available and accessiblefor my students. The following is my approach to teaching adult students that seeks a balance between strict discipline and handholding.I will be happy to assist you and I will help you find the answers you need.For courses that have been established in a traditional manner, with instructor to student contact, the nature of that contact is relational. An instructor can uphold academic policies and all appropriate disciplinary procedures, while still maintaining an attitude of care and concern, when an appropriate balance has been found. Students understand that instructors must uphold the rules established by the school. What this means is that a productive working relationship may be more effective than demanding compliance from students at all times. And while it is important to establish a strong working bond with students, that does not mean you need to try to become the most popularinstructor either by being willing to bend the rulesor give away answers. The most important job you have is to teach and the most effective approach you can embrace is one of knowing your level of authority, understanding your responsibilities, and being willing and available toassist your students.Dr. J has been working in the field of higher education and distance learning since 2005, with roles that have included Chief Academic Officer, online instructor, college instructor, and online faculty development specialist. Dr. J has also acquired significant experience with instructionaldesign and curriculum development, having developed hundreds of online courses for bachelors, masters, and doctorate programs.Dr. Bruce A. Johnson is a professional writer, resume writer, learning and development consultant, social media strategist, and career coach. Dr. J founded Afforded Quality Writing in 2003 and has written hundreds of resumes every year in most industries, utilizing a skill set based approach to highlight the best of each person's career.Dr. J writes blog posts and articles to help inform,inspire, and empower readers. To learn more about the resources that are available for career and professional development from Dr. J please visit:http://www.drbruceajohnson.com/Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dr._Bruce_A._Johnson/834483