Today I have an Announcement to make about a National Seminar Tour I am running involving one of Australia’s Most Respected Wealth Experts.

I’m really excited about this Tour, because it will be a key turning point in YOUR financial life. Please click on the link below to discover the details of what I’m doing:

http://www.Secrets-Exposed-Club.com/newsletter/2009/1/29

Next, in this week’s Newsletter I have some great Success Tips for you from my good friend Lisa Messenger.

Here Lisa reveals 12 powerful points to improve your productivity and lead a stress-free life. This knowledge will uplift your spirit, so please click on the link below now and start reading:

http://www.Secrets-Exposed-Club.com/newsletter/2009/1/29

Finally, a couple of days ago I found a “Hilarious” YouTube Video that involves America’s Latest Ex-President. I don’t care if you like George Bush or not, but you have got to admit that whoever made this video is very clever.

Please click below, scroll down and there you will find the “Hilarious” YouTube Video:

http://www.Secrets-Exposed-Club.com/newsletter/2009/1/29

… And if you like the the Video, you have my full permission to send it onto all your family and friends.

This is a great article about leaders. One of our own Secrets Exposed Club resource contributors, John Maxwell goes through five truths that leaders understand about problems.

1. They’re unavoidable.

For the aspiring leader, problems may be the most faithful companions of all. The road to success is seldom paved smoothly, and is oftentimes under construction. Potholes and barricades abound.

At every bend in the journey, a leader’s vision must peer around obstacles and through formidable walls to foresee a positive future. Leaders who sidestep problems stunt their growth - they end up shallow and debilitated.

The successful leader stares down problems and resourcefully addresses them.

2. Perspective on the problem, rather than the problem itself, determines success or failure.

We see problems, not as they are, but as we are. That’s why attitude plays such a crucial role in separating those who lead from those who follow. Alfred Armand Montapert said, “The majority see the obstacles; the few see the objectives; history records the successes of the latter, while oblivion is the reward of the former.”

Leaders look at problems from a healthy, self-confident vantage point.

A Wrong Perspective

Problems are unsolvable
Problems are permanent
Problems are not normal
Problems make us bitter
Problems control us
Problems stop us

A Right Perspective

Problems are solvable
Problems will pass
Problems are natural
Problems make us better
Problems challenge us
Problems stretch us

3. There’s a big difference between problem spotting and problem solving.

Anyone, even the fairly imperceptive, can identify problems, but few people have the initiative to tackle them. As novelist John Galsworthy observed, “Idealism increases in direct proportion to one’s distance from the problem.”

As rule, don’t voice complaint about a problem until you’re 1) able to put forth a recommendation for solving it, and 2) willing to take an action to solve it.

4. The size of the person is more important than the size of the problem.

You can tell the caliber of a person by the amount of opposition it takes to discourage him or her. Joke writer Robert Orben says that he once saw an ad from an entertainer that read, “Lion tamer - wants tamer lion.”

Clearly, this performer wasn’t looking for greatness but merely for something manageable. To lead at the highest level requires wrestling with problems seemingly beyond our ability to apprehend.

5. Problems, responded to correctly, can propel us forward.

Leaders are not discovered in the limelight; rather they are forged in the darkness under heat and pressure. Leaders gain respect on difficult terrain, after taking a few blows and being shaped by the problems they encounter.

As a matter of fact, courage and valor go undetected until seen through the lens of adversity.

Did you enjoy this article?

If so click here to read more about John Maxwell

Until next time, this is Dale Beaumont from the Secrets Exposed Club.

This Blog Post continues from yesterday. If you have been away for a few days, please read below before becoming back up…

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* Green - is the colour of balance and stability. It indicates the need for security, respect and recognition. A liking for deeper greens indicates a desire for power and a quest for better.

People who dislike green are often overly analytical and can be highly self-critical so spontaneity is in short supply in their life. What they have in abundance is the desire to control everything in their life (and everyone else’s life also). They are tidy, efficient and organised. Green lulls the heartbeat and is usually relaxing.

However, a lime green is about alertness as it contains a high degree of yellow and often shares the same representations. It indicates a healthy and vibrant outlook and is emotionally rejuvenating, sending out the energy of spring and reminding us of the life force.

It is youthful and innovative, indicative of fresh starts and new growth. It can also be perceived as flirty, borders on frivolous, and can be seen as brash and flashy, showing the energy of youth but lacking depth, solidarity, stability and maturity.

* Yellow - is an energy-driven colour that adds zest, cheer and sunshine. It is a stimulating colour that won’t fade into the crevasses of your briefcase or handbag. Yellow is a ‘Hey! What about me?’ colour. It demands attention, not surprising as it is the most highly visible colour.

Choosing yellow indicates that you have a memorable, confident, imaginative personality with high expectations. Such people often look for mental stimulation, and like to explore challenges and change. People who like yellow enjoy self-development and maintain a fun and optimistic nature.

* Beige - carries high social connotations. Classy, classic and dignified, people who like beige don’t go berserk when their football team wins. Beige people are reliable, quietly versatile and co-operative but can be obstinate when you push their boundaries.

Not the experimental type, they enjoy a lifestyle which possesses a conscious structure but can teeter on the brink of boring. They possess a quiet sense of purpose and you can depend on them to keep the axis of their world on the correct angle and their timepiece accurate. They are never late.

* Grey - is a safe colour that represents neutrality. People who like grey sit on the fence and prefer a calm passive front. They are co-operative and efficient without being obtrusive. Grey is viewed as refined, dignified and seriously connected to age and wisdom. On the other hand, it can also be a sign of depression and a lack of imagination.

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If you are a member of the Secrets Exposed Club, you can read more from Chris Rewell by clicking on the link below now:

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE NOW

Until then, this is Dale Beaumont from the Secrets Exposed Club.

Yesterday I brought you a Success Tip on the subject of “Image”.

Understand that “Image” effects just about every facet if your lives - our health, our happiness, our relationships and most certainly our business or career success.

Now today we are going to take a closure look at “Colours“.

And yes, colours do affect how people see you and in turn the feeling and outcome around every interaction you have. So in my opinion today’s Success Tip is essential reading. Enjoy!

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When it comes to clothes and fashion, is colour really that important and do certain colours have certain meanings?

Yes, colour is important, and yes, colours have meanings. One might say, ‘Different clues from different hues’.

Before the ‘Iron Curtain’ came down, my husband and I spent four weeks travelling in the communist countries. It was an eye-opening experience in many ways. One particular aspect was glaringly obvious, the lack of colour. Everything was a unique shade of black, brown or grey. When we left Eastern Europe and crossed the border back into Western Europe we were struck by the importance of colour.

We realised we lived with colour on a daily basis and had obviously taken it for granted. Suddenly the streetscape was painted with a constant flow of every imaginable hue of colour. Before us was a rainbow of colour and with it a spirit of celebration, individuality, joy and hope. Life without colour is depressing, and knowing what colours mean can change the way you feel.

Let’s go through some important colours and their meanings:

* Red - symbolises action and energy, fire and fury, passion and lust, physical strength and speed. This is a powerful and courageous colour. It is an extroverted colour that screams, ‘Watch out world!’ People who like red love living on the edge and are certainly not quiet achievers.

They like (demand!) autonomy, and are ambitious and goal oriented, and are always well down the track before they have actually started. They can be distracted by the desire to do too much at once and often their mind conceives more directions than are physically possible. Red is an action-oriented colour. Think red sports cars and the Virgin brand.

* Pink - is red with white pigment added. It is a soft, delicate and feminine colour, and is usually the colour of love. Little girls go through pink as part of their socialisation. Care and nurture are both found in the colour pink.

* Purple - is the result of rare and expensive dyes. It has long been the colour of royalty, nobility and the upper echelons of society and the church, all of whom could afford such expensive luxuries. It is also the colour of spirit and mystics.

* Blue - represents calm, steadfastness and reliability. It is often used as a corporate colour, with dark and navy blue projecting power and authority. Blue is the colour of trust and respect. It is also the ‘keep your cool’ colour as it possesses a relaxed presence and indicates inner peace.

People who like blue are often charming and sensitive in personality and create an easy and open channel of interaction with others. They possess a quick wit and have an intellectual mind. Blue people are usually all-rounders. They are strong and silent and have a sense of goodness and truth. They don’t stress out. Too much blue, however, can slow you down to a point of sluggishness. Red is an ideal pick-me-up.

To Be Continued Tomorrow…

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Look out for the meanings of the colours; Green, Yellow, Beige and Grey.

Until then, this is Dale Beaumont from the Secrets Exposed Club.

A few weeks ago I decided to share some very useful tips to help people make the most of their IMAGE.

After all, first impressions count and often times we will be treated in proportion to what we wear, plus how we present and carry ourselves.

While I try my best, I am certainly no expert in this area. That’s why I call upon a professional image consultant and expert Chris Rewell.

Chris has over 24 years experience in this field and, because much of public speaking has to do with non-verbal communication, I invited her be a contributor in my book “Secrets of Great Public Speakers Exposed”.

Even though the text below was shared recently in my Newsletter, I know there are a number of members that have joined since that time, and lets face it only until we read something a second or third time that it ready sinks in.

So read the special Success Tip below which covers some essential advice for BOTH sexes to maximise their IMAGE.

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Chris Rewell is Australia’s leading image professional with 24 years experience in the business of image. She has over 20,000 corporate, community and individual clients and has featured in the media numerous times.

What are your top eight image tips for Women?

1. Wear your ‘best colours’. You’ll look healthier and younger and feel fabulous rather than looking tired and old. The compliments you will receive will pep you up, especially if you are having one of those ‘tired and old’ days.

2. Wear clothing lines congruent with your bodyline. Your clothing will look like a natural extension of you rather than something a friend passed on.

3. Buy the best quality clothing you can afford in neutral tones that suit you. Then acquire appropriate fashion colours to update your wardrobe seasonally.

4. Buy ‘quality’ costume jewellery (if you are not able to purchase the real thing) and quality accessories seasonally to update your outfits.

5. Keep seasonal stories consistent. Cords and tweeds don’t generally mix with dressy fabrics such as satin and silk. However, if you choose to follow mixed stories, think the outfit through, from your hairstyle to your shoes, so that you pull it together to achieve the real thing and not a terrible faux pas.

6. Grooming is essential. Hair, hands, skin and make-up all need to be appropriately considered.

7. Your body is the basis of your physical presence. Take care of it, respect it and dress it as if you love it, especially when you are ‘between weights’ and biding time for your ‘real weight’ to arrive.

8. Get to know your body and love it. You have to live in it for a long time.

What are your top eight image tips for Men?

1. Wear your ‘best colours’. You’ll look healthy and strong rather than burnt out and over-worked.

2. Wear clothing lines congruent with your bodyline. Your clothing should look like a natural extension of you. Clothing appropriate to your bodyline will compliment your presence rather than being a distraction or sabotaging your appearance.

3. Buy the best ‘quality’ clothing you can afford in neutral tones that suit you. Seasonally acquire shirts, ties and accessories to update your wardrobe.
4. Know your body. Are you long in the torso and short in the legs, or vice versa, or is your body balanced? Are you high waisted? Are your arms short and your neck long? Are your shoulders tapered or square? In order to buy the right shirts, jackets or suits you need to know your body.

5. Buy ‘quality’ clothing. Quality is an investment in the future and the result of intelligent effort. Find a quality menswear store and create a relationship with the staff. Quality stores generally have experienced and well-trained people to assist you.

6. The objective is to project an image of substance and presence without others realising the impact that your clothes are contributing. The man should be seen, not the clothing.

7. Immaculate grooming is essential and should be complemented with a strong, straight posture.

8. Have a plan - build a wardrobe, not a collection of individual outfits.

If you are a member of the Secrets Exposed Club, you can read more from Chris Rewell by clicking on the link below now:

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE NOW
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Over the next few days I have some more “Images” Tips coming your way. So make sure you drop by again soon.

Until then, this is Dale Beaumont from the Secrets Exposed Club.

Denis Gianoutsos is today making his own mark as an international leadership coach.

So naturally Denis has his own ideas on what makes a successful leader.

Here they are…
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What do you think are the essential qualities or attributes of a successful leader?

Leadership is about influence and the following attributes help make that a reality:

Attitude – they have the right attitude and positiveness with a future focused mind-set.

Be present – they listen to people and are present with them. They listen for the person’s potential, that is, they take interest in people.

Serve – they will always follow the leader. At times a leader will be the follower as well as the leader. They will serve people first before their own agenda.

Personal development – they always look for ways to improve and better themselves. The more equipped they are as leaders the better equipped their leaders will be. They are always on the cutting edge and hungry to grow.

Consistent – they will strive to complete tasks on a consistent basis. If they say they are going to do something, they do it.

Loyal – they always serve their leader and others before their personal agenda.

Thick-skinned – they have the ability to handle hard times and get up from any knocks.

Commitment – they get the job done no matter what is happening.

Integrity – they are clear on their values and who they are.

Helicopter view – they have the ability to see the whole picture and not get stuck in the detail. They have a vision that they share with others.

Attraction – they will attract other leaders.

Heart – they lead with their heart and not their head. They are passionate.

Authentic – they have good values, right intentions and speak with authenticity. If they don’t, then people can see right through them and won’t follow them.

Goal-setter – they know how to effectively set goals for themselves and their organisations and work with their leaders to do the same.

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For my next Blog post I have a content-rich video to share with you on the subject of leadership and specifically on making decisions.

Until then, this is Dale Beaumont from the Secrets Exposed Club sharing 14 leadership principles from Denis Gianoutsos.

John C Maxwell’s books were discussed in Denis Gianoutsos’ chapter in my book “Secrets of Inspiring Leaders Exposed”.

Read what Denis had to say about them…
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Two books have had a major impact on your life. What were they?

John C Maxwell has written many books, however two of them in particular have had a major impact on my life.

• Developing the Leader Within You
• Developing the Leaders Around You – How To Help Others Reach Their Full Potential

A few years ago I attended a seminar and the speaker was talking with a room of leaders. He talked about one of the few things that people all over the world agreed with – if the mask drops down in front of you while on an aeroplane, place your own mask on first before assisting anyone else. That is exactly what these books have done for me.

The first book was about me developing as the leader – putting my mask on first. Once I had understood that and put it into practise I then read the second book about growing leaders around me – assisting others with their masks. I refer to this analogy all the time when I am working with people.

When I sit on an aeroplane I sit back and watch the safety procedure being delivered to the passengers. I smile to myself and check that I have my mask on in my leadership role – it’s an awesome reminder. If you are serious about becoming a great leader I suggest that you look at purchasing these two books and studying them.
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“Place your own mask on first before assisting others.” An interesting thought for the day. I wonder where in your life this idea should be applied?!

It you would like to share, please head to the Forum now.

Until next time, this is Dale Beaumont from the Secrets Exposed Club with some powerful ideas direct from John C Maxwell’s books.

What is Leadership?

This is a question which was heavily debated in my book “Secrets of Inspiring Leaders Exposed“.

The reason for this quite simply because “Leadership” means different things to different people.

However, today I am going to share with you one perspective which comes from Denis Gianoutsos’ chapter with a little input from John C Maxwell.

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What is Leadership?

In my opinion, leadership is ‘influence’. It doesn’t matter what position or role you have, if you don’t have influence as a leader then you will not be effective. Over the years I have studied a lot of leaders and discovered that it all comes back to this definition – leadership is influence, and it needs to be earned and not demanded. A leader becomes a person of influence.

For the last 16 years I have followed and studied a great leader, role model, author and teacher – John C Maxwell. John is a pastor who has taken churches from 1,500 to more than 6,000 people by building leaders around him. From his years of experience, John has spoken to many businesses and organisations about developing leaders. He talks about five levels of leadership and explains that people are at different levels.

These five levels are:

1. Position – you have a title and limited influence, and people follow you.

2. Permission – you have relationships and people follow you because they want to.

3. Production – you have done things for the organisation and people like you so they will follow you.

4. People development – people follow you because of what you have done for them.

5. Personhood – people follow you for what you have done and for who you are. Very few people make this level because it typically requires years of growing people and organisations.

I ask leaders who I work with where they think they sit in relation to the five levels of leadership. We then identify what they need to do to progress to the next level in their journey to becoming a great leader.
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So now maybe it is time to think a little about where YOU sit in relation to the five levels of Leadership?!

Then stay tuned to this Blog for some more leadership ideas which are going to be coming your way over the next few days.

Until then, this is Dale Beaumont from the Secrets Exposed Club, exploring the answer to the question: What is Leadership?

Early this month I shared on the Secrets Exposed Club Blog an article about the importance of having role models and mentors in your life.

Well today I have another article to share with you, however this one is squarly focused on finding a Real Estate Mentor. It comes from my friend Michael Yardney - multi-millionaire property investor and developer.

If you want to be financial secure and become a successful investor… read this article now.
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How to Choose a Real Estate Mentor
By Michael Yardney

Mentors can make all the difference!

All successful property investors, in fact all high achievers in all fields have one thing in common…

They have a mentor.

This has been one of their secrets to their success.

All the successful property investors I have dealt with over the years have hung out with like minded investors and followed in the footsteps of the others who have already done what they have wanted to achieve.

This helps them see the land mines before stepping on them and helps them achieve success more quickly.

So what should you look for when choosing a mentor and what should you watch out for?

The problem is there are lots of people out there calling themselves real estate experts and many do a great job. The problem is the recent property boom even made some below average investors look like a genius. My suggestion is go back to the fundamentals when you choose who’s ideas you will listen to.

Look for people who have at least got the following credentials:

1. They must be currently actively investing in real estate using the strategies they are teaching. There is no room for theorists here.

2. An absolute bare minimum of 40 property transactions to their name so they had experience dealing with different buying and selling situations. Currently there are books and educational courses written by people who have bought 5 or 6 properties. I would be wary of these.

3. Somebody who has been hands on investing for no less than 12 years, so they have had experience in different market conditions.

They must have successfully used their strategies through a full property cycle. If somebody has managed to survive through the early 90’s (the depression we had to have), the middle 90’s (during low inflation), the late 90’s when we had a real estate boom and the early 2000’s when we had a real estate bust and are still able to prove that their system works…..then I want you to listen to these people.

4. Somebody who doesn’t have a property to sell you. Now this isn’t necessary in all cases but just something to be aware of. Ensure there isn’t a potential conflict of interest.

5. Somebody who is not selling to your emotions, such as act now or you will miss out and somebody who doesn’t put others down to make them look good. Look for somebody with integrity and a commitment to disclosure.

6. Don’t be scared to pay the right people to mentor you. Of course our mentor is going to make money, if they are good they deserve to. If everything is disclosed up front there should be no conflict of interest.

7. Avoid somebody who is offering you something exciting, speculative, new or the latest thing. Don’t look for excitement in your investments. Your property investments are your way of securing your financial future. Don’t be distracted from your long term plans or strategies by promises of quick riches. Find the system that focuses on long term wealth creation.

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Thanks Michael Yardney for sharing this article with us…

Until next time, this is Dale Beaumont from the Secrets Exposed Club.