We have opened a new site. The address is howcani.biz. I’m excited about the plans we have for the new site. For example, we will soon be releasing mp3s containing real content answering real howcani questions regarding skills, knowledge and abilities we all need to live effectively.

I don’t promise you all the answers, or new, quick fixes to solve all your problems. What I do promise are practical and effective strategies to be more effective in those areas of your life that are holding you back from realising your potential. You will be able to listen on site or download.

Here’s the good news, they are FREE!

Two questions that might strike you.

What’s the catch?

No catch, I simply want to  share some of the lessons I have learnt that have helped me to reach a level of experiencing that makes each day something to look forward to.

What do you know that others don’t and why should I take notice of you?

Each individual has a unique perspective on life and living. Few know what their true purpose is. I do. Simply to help others reach their potential.

Have a look at howcani.biz and let me know what you think. If there is any subject you want to know more about, some barrier you want to overcome, let me know and I will record an mp3 for you.

You have nothing to lose. Remember, a problem shared is less weight to carry.

Live well,

Ollie Lind

PS We will still have howcani.com.au for local Australian content.

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“You are today where your thoughts have brought you. You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.”

                                                                                                                James Allen

What of this famous quote from James Allen is correct? What if you have the power of simply thinking in a particular direction and, lo, you reach your goal?  Sounds a little fanciful doesn’t it?

Everybody knows that you need to plan, work and sweat, succeed and fail to eventually reach your goals. Life wasn’t meant to be easy, again a other famous quote to teach us that the only street we ever live on is struggle street.

But what if? What if you could think of something and have it manifest for you? How cool would that be? Right, it’d be awesome. Well, let’s think it through for a bit and see if we can make some sense of it. Every day we think thousands of random thoughts about all manner of things. What is it that causes us to move in a particular direction?

Well, we all have a set of priorities in life. Family, job, social life and all the rest of it. Somehow we manage to get through what we have to do and then move to what we want to do. How do we sift and sort? It’s simply a matter of us DECIDING WHAT IS IMPORTANT. We then look at those things and think about them so as to plan and achieve whatever it is.

So it is the DECISION which leads to FOCUS which leads to OUTCOME.

In effect, you go where you are looking and where you look depends on what you think about.

Now, here is the IRONY.  This works for the negative aspects of life as well as what we are trying to achieve. So we RESIST NEGATIVES and, in so doing, FOCUS which leads to negative OUTCOME.

It’s really a two edged sword when you think about it. What’s the solution? I suggest you FOCUS ONLY ON POSITIVE OUTCOMES whilst acknowledging that negatives exist you will only adress them if they eventuate.

So, THINK about the POSITIVE things you wish to BE DO and HAVE, recognise that you will face challenges, but anythng is possible if you direct your thoughts in that direction. Remember, you go where you look, so look up.

Live well,

Ollie Lind

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I completed a sales training boot camp last week. Again I was reminded of what I call Training Sag. This is where people are placed on some training course or other and given a heap of information, training drills and the like. They then return to the workplace and, after a few days or weeks it’s as if they had never been trained.

Obviously there are large numbers of individuals who gain benefit from training  and can apply, to a greater or lesser degree the materials presented. But what about the silent majority. Those who don’t quite get it for one reason or another and remain silent, for fear of appearing stupid for not knowing as quickly as the others?

The biggest problem we humans have is that we are not supplied with an instruction book at the beginning of our lives and we are not taught the most vital fundamental skill of all; the skill of learning. At Howcani we have developed, from the greatest philosopher of all, Socrates, what we call the Philosophy of Learning.

It doesn’t matter what method of learning you use the fact remains we all go through a philosophical path or process. If you are unaware of what that path is, learning becomes patchy at best and an abject failure at worst. You owe it to yourself to know the “Logic Path” you must take to be an effective learner.

Plato said, “all knowledge comes from within.” What you receive from the universe is information. It is only through your learning that knowledge is born and it becomes yours.

Be certain to make  sure you get the best from whatever you take on. Go to the products page and get the DVD. It will open your eyes and remove forever any doubts or fears you may have about learning any new skill, knowledge or ability.

Live well,

Ollie LInd

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I read a quote the other day that got me to thinking.

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”

                                                     William James

How many of us do little things each day with the thought “It doesn’t matter. No one will notice.”

I was trying to park at Bondi Junction this morning. Finding a parking spot there, even on a Sunday, is akin to finding the crown jewells. (even paid parking, which this was)

I found a spot and started reversing into the spot. It was impossibly tight because the car in front had taken up more that one spot. It was a black, dishevelled vehicle, the driver’s rear side mirror was held on by duck tape. The driver was still in the car, apparently waiting for something. He had dark glasses, a black beard and a nondescript air about him.

I was stuck halfway into the space, waiting for the passing traffic to clear so I could try again to fit in. He saw me and immediately started his car and moved forward. I smiled and waved to him. When I had parked I got out to feed the parking meter. He came up to me, a strange look on his face. He was unsmiling and I felt as if he wanted to abuse me.

“Doesn’t take much.” His words were clipped and uttered from the side of his mouth.

“Pardon?” I said.

“To help.”

I grinned. “You’ve made my day my friend.”

He nodded and turned away, intent on his own business.

I don’t think he realized the significance of what he said. Every action we take, either in our own universe or interacting with others reverberates, The ripple effect is, I believe the invisible fabric of our civilization.

That sounds a little lofty, but I sincerely believe it. We have, as human beings, an immense power, the power of our intention, which is behind every action.

Use your power well and life suddenly becomes a better, brighter place. Someone I know well is currently helping his sister, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. This next statement is to him.

John, it may be desperate and despair laden at the moment and the future uncertain but, your selfless actions have given her an immense certainty and comfort. She is secure in your love and, after all, what more can anyone ask for?

Please remember, everyone, that your actions DO make a difference. Make that difference worthwhile.

Live well,

Ollie Lind

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As we all plunge through our busy lives it seems there is never enough time to do everything we want to. Those of us who live in an advanced country have a seemingly endless choice of activities. But what about those whose sole aim is to find enough to eat, or somewhere to lay their body down to rest? Those with no education and no likelihood of ever gaining one and so having a change to make something of their lives.

It seems we are so intent on our pursuit of material things and so engrossed on our personal struggle to be happy there is no time for what I consider to be one of the most important actions a person can undertake to improve the quality of life. That action is reflection.

We should look at what we have and be grateful. That doesn’t mean be satisfied and not want to strive for better. It means having an appreciation for what we currently have in our lives. It means taking the time to see the beauty all around us. Really appreciate the friends we all seem to take for granted. Take the time to look around and let others know you love and appreciate them.

I am a strong believer in the cumulative effect of putting positives out into the environment. I have devoted my life to sharing what I have learnt and discovered. I am humbled when people thank me for making a difference in their lives. The other day someone asked me why I spend so much time on other people. (Much of what I do, teaching, coaching, affirming, I do pro bono.)

I must confess I hadn’t really thought about it, other than to recognise I decided a long time ago that if I was ever going to do anything, it may as well be for others. Like you, I’ve had my traumas, my tragedies and dark times, but, I know that if I can make things better for someone else, I feel better.

I feel better about myself as a person and, if I keep on as I am I believe, on my deathbed, I won’t say the two saddest words in the world, “IF ONLY.”  I won’t sing the Peggy Lee song about life, “Is that all there is?”

I’m sorry if this sounds a little maudlin, but I’m in that kind of mood. I love helping people with their careers and their lives and couldn’t imagine doing anything else, except maybe writing fiction successfully. I confess, that’s my other passion.

Oh, I have another web site ollielind.com I share my poetry on that. I am compiling an e-book of poems called “Reflections on Life.” Hopefully it will be ready for release before the end of the year. It’ll probably only cost a few dollars and will contain reflections on all manner of subjects. For example, a number of years ago I was reflecting on the troubles in Ireland and wrote a poem called “Will it ever end?” The first time I read it in public was at a poets meeting. I had never read it aloud and, I must confess, I was in tears when I finished. (It was either extremely bad, or I struck a chord deep inside.)

If you want another look at aspects of life, have a look.

Live well,

Ollie Lind

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I must tell you of something that happened to me the other day. The previous night I had attended a competition squash night. I dropped my watch into my bag before my match and, when I returned, the metal band was in pieces. How it happened was a complete mystery to me.

Next morning I dropped into a jewellers to either have it repaired or replaced. I had purchased something else from the store a couple of years ago and had not been back since. It was early in the morning and the counter staff were not there yet.

The jeweller himself served me. I gave his the pieces of the band and asked if it could be saved. I jokingly said to him that if he had to put it out of its misery could he be merciful. He grinned and went out the back, presumably to his workshop.

Within three minutes he returned, brandishing the watch like a trophy. “It is fixed.” I pulled out my wallet and took out a note.

He smiled, raised his hands and shook his head. “No trouble.”

I looked at him in astonishment, then thanked him and shook his hand. Our parting was warm.

The rest of my day went very smoothly. So smoothly that, late that night when I reviewed my day. (I always spend a few moments reviewing my day to see what lessons I have learnt.) It struck me that perhaps my positive approach struck a chord in the jeweler and caused him to make his generous gesture. After all, he makes part of his living doing repairs.

The positive note carried through my entire day. It is very apparent to me that a little kindness, an unselfish act or simply showing regard for another can set in motion a whole chain of positive events.

I am going to try even harder to make some positive gesture to someone else wherever I can. In fact, this morning A young fellow I train (weights) who trains me in  squash in return, gave me a near new squash racquet. He simply said, “You help me, I help you.”

It’s amazing how a sense of fair exchange pervades life to the extent that it does.

Try a little kindness. It will repay you many times over.

Live well,

Ollie Lind

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One of the biggest challenges all salespeople face is what I call “Pretence of Knowledge.” So many salespeople ‘know’ what the customer wants and so they present, present, present, at the first opportunity and then wonder why they walk away empty handed.

A great deal of misinformation is out and about regarding sales. Personal interaction, be it in life in general or sales specifically is an evolving and dynamic process. What was acceptable some years ago is simply just not appropriate anymore. That is not to say that the basic fundamentals of selling have changed, just the context in which we sell.

It used to be that buyers knew very little about what they wanted to buy and the salesperson was the expert. This lead to many manipulative practices and much bitter experience for buyers. Have you ever been ripped off? How did you feel? I rest my case.

These days people are very well informed and, in most cases, know at least as much as the salesperson. So we come to the age of relationship selling. Develop rapport and get the prospect to trust you and Bob’s your uncle. Not so fast.

Certainly develop rapport, it’s critical because people will buy from a salesperson with credibility. But credibility must be earned. Funnily it’s not earned by you talking, or convincing, or presenting.

It’s by BEING INTERESTED IN THE CLIENT. JUST HIM.

You cannot satisfy a prospect’s needs and wants unless you know them. Often they don’t really know their needs and wants. They have some vague idea that they need to do something, but they’re not sure what. Most people make buying decisions on the basis of feelings rather than rational, analytical decisions.

So, what’s the tip?:

ASK QUESTIONS.  ASK QUESTIONS.   ASK QUESTIONS.

You cannot learn unless you ask questions. Questions direct focus and when you direct the prospect’s focus they will unearth their needs, rather than wants and then you can match what you are offering to what they need.

The other, vital aspect of the equation is to LISTEN. LISTEN AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS UPON IT.

Beacuse, if you job supports your living, then listening is the single most important action you can do.

So, to sell successfully it must be all about them, ask questions, listen attentively and you will find, if your interest is genuine, selling becomes helping a friend get what they want AND need.

Live Well,

Olle Lind

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I was conducting a sales workshop in Brisbane last week. The topics were were looking at were handling rejection (a fascinating subject) and coping with change in life. In the middle of the discussion on rejection one of the particiapnts said “…but that’s what I expect.”

It was one of those ‘aha’ moments for me. “Of course” this voice in my mind said. “Your power is the power to decide. Your expectations are simply the extension into the future of your decisions.”

When you stop and really think about. I mean REALLY think about it, life becomes so much simpler to grasp. Anything that occurs in your life manifests from your expectations. For example, walk into a room and say “You can’t win, can you.” and see how many people agree with you. If you press them they will recount time after time when they have been dealt a harsh blow by life, further reinforcing their original decision. That decision is reinforced by their expectations.

It has been said you get what you focus on. Well, try this. Focus on something positive occuring in your life. It doesn’t have to be any specific, although being specific is always better. Look forward in a positive manner to the coming day. I guarantee you will, almost every time, have a good day.

I am reminded of the hilarious Monty Python movie that closes with the guy being crucified and the song playing is “Always look on the bright side of life.” A bit extreme, but try having positive expectations and see what happens.

Live well,

Ollie Lind

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Recently I was asked by a director of a large transport company to do some coaching with one of his senior managers. This manager was of the autocratic mould and had difficulty in relating to the female members of his staff. Oh, the department was very efficient, but internal communication was not ideal and there was an implicit rift between the radio room staff and the telephonists. As a result, there was some tension and service levels suffered accordingly.

I had a preliminary meeting and I questioned him on his history of management and gave him feedback that some of his staff felt a bit neglected. HIs response initially was to the effect that it had to be some of the women and all they really had to do was what they were told and everything would work out.

He also commented that he had worked many years ago at another, much larger company and they had simply instructed staff to do as they were told. I asked him why he no longer worked there and his reply even made him smile when he realized what he said. I quote, “The culture was rotten, no one listens. I couldn’t stand it.”

I questioned him on the basis of the similarities and differences between the old place and now. I then asked him to consider what values from the old place he might be carrying onto his current position. He said he would consider what we had discussed.

I was contacted by his senior manager the next and was asked to be careful of what I said to the other manager as he was apparently very upset at what he thought I was inferring. The senior manager said. “I don’t want to lose him.” My reply was, “If he doesn’t go to the next level of managing his people you will probably lose him anyway. Have faith, I know he will embrace the change.”

Within a week I had a further meeting with the manager in question, let’s call him Brian. Well, Brian had gone to each of his female staff and apologised for not communicating more directly with them. He also set up a weekly meeting with senior telephonists and a senior radio operator, appointed a telephonist’s supervisor and written an open letter asking for suggestions on how they could do it better.

He was a new man. No longer tense and unapproachable, he was warm, open and truly concerned with his people. He said to me. “I had a good think and realized that if I wanted the department to change for the better, I had to change. It’s so much easier now that I don’t feel I have to do it all and that I can rely on my people.”

Brian now comes in every morning and goes around, personally greeting each staff member and sharing something of himself. He truly has started on the road to be a servant leader. I’m proud of him and simply wanted to share his success with you.

Live well,

Ollie Lind

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