Author: Nitin Agarwal

When you need an auto mechanic or an air conditioning repairman, where do you turn for help? Sure, some people turn to the yellow pages. Most will turn to friends and family and ask if they know of anyone who can do the work.
The best place for your business to be positioned is to be the business on the tips of the tongues of the people asked to make the referral.
THE 300 RULE
Preachers, funeral directors and people in a few other professions have learned “the 300 rule” through their own personal experience.
” The 300 rule” states that the average person knows 300 people on a friendly level. Funeral directors tend to need to make room for 300 mourners.

DOODLING WITH CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE
Imagine your circle of friends, family and acquaintances, a.k.a. your circle of influence. Now, draw your circle of influence as a circle on a blank piece of paper.
Next, contemplate the people in your parents’ circle of influence. Now draw your parents’ circle of influence on your piece of paper.
Your circle and your parents’ circle will intersect in one area, although the larger majority of the two circles will not intersect. The two circles on your page at this point looks very similar to the MasterCard logo if you are like most people.
Now imagine drawing a page full of intersecting circles, each circle representing the circle of influence of the people who are within your own circle of influence. Imagine trying to encapsulate an accurate rendering of where your circle and the circle of your friends will actually intersect.
Some circles will share a large area of space, while others will barely cover one another.
Actually, you can only imagine at this point what your piece of paper will look like. The actual layout of the circles imagined in this analogy is simply too overwhelming for the mind to comprehend.
THE BIG PICTURE
300 multiplied by 300 equals 90,000. By using the analogy of doodles in the previous section, the average person can actually network with up to 90,000 people! Even factoring in the overlap, one can still probably network with 50,000 people through their own circle of influence!
Simply amazing, isn’t it?
HERE IS THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS
There are 300 people on this planet whom you have a reasonable amount of influence. Take advantage of this fact. Make darn sure that every person within your own circle of influence KNOWS that you are in business for yourself, and make sure they understand what your business offers.
When your friend is asked to make a referral, they will recommend you.
PASSIVE VERSUS ACTIVE REFERRAL NETWORKING
That is passive referral networking when people ask your friends for a referral and your friend mentions your business.
Active referral networking is when you can get your friends go directly to their friends and say “Hey, I have a friend who just started a business. If you are in need of what he offers or you know someone who will need his services, would you please give my friend a call or make the referral to his business?”
If you can get even a portion of the people in your own circle of influence to actively refer your business, then you have built the foundation to build an advertising campaign even more effective than the average local television advertising campaign.
Think about that for a moment.
Most people only dream of reaching 50,000 potential customers with their television advertising dollars. You now have the knowledge to reach 50,000 people without spending a single penny.

Next, contemplate the people in your parents’ circle of influence. You will share some influence with the people your folks know. Now draw your parents’ circle of influence on your piece of paper.
Even factoring in the overlap, one can still probably network with 50,000 people through their own circle of influence!
Make darn sure that every person within your own circle of influence KNOWS that you are in business for yourself, and make sure they understand what your business offers.

Don’t confuse influencing, with the art of “kissing up;” it’s not the same thing.
Livia, the wife of Octavian (Caesar Augustus), and mother of Tiberius, was one of the most influential people in Rome. She is not known for kissing up, but she is historically remembered as one of the most powerful Romans of her time.

I worked in a US based company, where 95% of the employees spoke Spanish as their native language. Just by taking the time to understand actions, culture, behavior, and a different viewpoint, you can cultivate influence. Developing influence shouldn’t be for self-centered reasons.

As a matter of slander, fact and gossip will destroy your honor, with all parties concerned. The bottom line is: You must be seen as a foundation of integrity, in order to be influential within a group.

My Spanish-speaking assistant wanted to learn English, and we helped each other during work, lunch, breaks, and after work. Within a year, we could both construct sentences in the other’s native language. We shared information about music, culture, and food.

All of us could work on our skills in influencing others – whether it is within a company, a family, or a group of friends. Within the corporate world, influence is a power that you can control with your supervisor, upper management, customers, and co-workers.

Just by taking the time to understand actions, culture, behavior, and a different viewpoint, you can cultivate influence. Developing influence shouldn’t be for self-centered reasons. When used for the common good of a group, it is best.

How do you start developing the art of influence? It may be tempting to jump on the “band wagon,” and express a negative opinion about a third party, but it will not develop your ability to influence the person who is not present.

The next most valuable ingredient is to be sincerely interested in helping others, and show your interest in them. How well you relate to the needs of others, will develop entire networks, and bonds that last.

How do you start developing the art of influence? It may be tempting to jump on the “band wagon,” and express a negative opinion about a third party, but it will not develop your ability to influence the person who is not present.

As a result, we became good friends, worked in harmony, and we had a very productive department. My Spanish is a little “rusty” now, I still have an opportunity to speak it, every week, in my own company.

I worked in a US based company, where 95% of the employees spoke Spanish as their native language. My job was to run a small department within that company, but I didn’t speak Spanish.

Some people hold more power by influencing, than those who seem to be in power. Many of us have seen an administrative assistant, who ran a department, or an entire company.

Patients with teeth that are discolored due to age, smoking or other extrinsic staining factors are excellent candidates for teeth whitening. As teeth whitening continues to grow in popularity, research continues into all types of whitening systems.
Teeth whitening is not permanent and works by removing the organic materials in the enamel by dissolving them with a peroxide derivative. Teeth whitening is only effective if there is a lot of enamel.
There are two principle forms of teeth whitening: professional whitening and teeth whitening kits.
Professional Teeth Whitening
The dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening and what type of whitening system would provide the best results.

Before the teeth whitening treatment, most dentists clean the teeth, fill any cavities, and make sure the patient’s gums are healthy.
Dentists will usually advise trying teeth whitening first, to avoid the need for more complex cosmetic work. Complications that can occur in professional teeth whitening are infrequent and are usually minor in nature. Overall, teeth whitening under professional supervision is an effective method for whitening the teeth.
Teeth Whitening Kits
An alternative method to professional teeth whitening is to use a teeth whitening system or kit. Most teeth whitening systems consists of a whitening gel that is placed in mouthpieces that fit over your teeth for various amounts of time.
The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some teeth whitening products, so be sure and look for the ADA mark of approval if you are going to purchase a whitening kit. When using an at home teeth whitening kit, it is important that the manufacturer’s directions are followed precisely. Do not use a teeth whitening product for more than 14 days without consulting a dental professional.
Disadvantages and Limitations of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is very effective, there can be short term disadvantages, such as sore gums or sore teeth from the bleach. Crowns, bridges, bonding, and fillings only return to their original coloring; they do not lighten any further with professional teeth whitening. Different stains require different solutions, therefore it is important to have a consultation with an oral health professional before trying a teeth whitening product.
While teeth whitening does create brighter smiles, some people’s expectations are very high and they are disappointed with the results.
Research continues into all types of whitening systems. Due to its effectiveness, teeth whitening is sure to continue to grow in popularity. Regular professional teeth cleaning by your dentist will help support the lasting success of teeth whitening.
Consider teeth whitening, if your teeth are darkened from age, smoking, tea or coffee.

As teeth whitening continues to grow in popularity, research continues into all types of whitening systems.
The dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening and what type of whitening system would provide the best results. Overall, teeth whitening under professional supervision is an effective method for whitening the teeth.
An alternative method to professional teeth whitening is to use a teeth whitening system or kit. Most teeth whitening systems consists of a whitening gel that is placed in mouthpieces that fit over your teeth for various amounts of time.

Home whitening treatment for your teeth is inexpensive and you could buy teeth whitening treatment in the nearest drugstore. They are teeth whitening strips, teeth whitening gels, teeth whitening trays, light, basic kits and teeth whitening toothpaste. Home whitening treatment is ineffective to people with worn-out tooth enamel and sensitive teeth. The common teeth whitening at home are called hydrogen peroxide. For those people with sensitive teeth, they may feel little discomfort when applying this product on their teeth.

Do you want to whiten your teeth at the comfort of your home? Home whitening treatment for your teeth is inexpensive and you could buy teeth whitening treatment in the nearest drugstore.

They are teeth whitening strips, teeth whitening gels, teeth whitening trays, light, basic kits and teeth whitening toothpaste. These products are also effective in whitening your teeth if you use it for a longer period of time. Home whitening treatment is ineffective to people with worn-out tooth enamel and sensitive teeth.
The common teeth whitening at home are called hydrogen peroxide. Actually, the taste of hydrogen peroxide is not pleasing but this is an affordable way to whiten your teeth. With regular use of this kind of treatment, you will notice later that your teeth become white.
Hydrogen peroxide takes off the stain in your teeth and cleans your mouth. It removes stains and discoloration of your teeth for seven days and very inexpensive. If you use this in whitening your teeth, it could save you a lot of dollars.
It helps remove stains in the surface of your teeth by using chemical agents and abrasives. It also whitens your teeth over time.
Teeth whitening products work when you use it over time, and they are safe to use. For those people with sensitive teeth, they may feel little discomfort when applying this product on their teeth. Stop using the product and seek proper treatment from your dentist if you feel a little discomfort.
Using an inflexible mouthpiece could cause uneven whitening of your teeth and could irritate your gums. If you have successfully whitens your teeth at home, avoid drinking coffee, tea and red wine.
For a friendly reminder tip, don’t engage in teeth whitening when you are pregnant or, when you are a nursing mother. Teeth whitening agent has an effect on your fetus, although this is still unknown.
If you have slightly yellow teeth, this is easily to whiten. The most difficult to remove is the black stain on your teeth and may require proper dental whitening procedure.

White teeth are an important part of any mouth. Having white teeth is a sign that your teeth are clean and that your mouth is healthy.

To make your teeth look their best after a bleaching session, be sure to focus on your gums. Red or irritated gums will distract from your teeth and may make them look less healthy than they actually are.

One important teeth whitening tip is to try to avoid beverages that will stain your teeth. If you do choose to bring any of these drinks, be sure to clean your teeth soon afterward.

Try natural remedies to whiten your teeth. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda have long been known to whiten teeth.

Before you commit to a certain over-the-counter teeth whitener, you may want to check online reviews or ask your friends for their experience with it. Many times, people pay ridiculous amounts for a product that promises to whiten their teeth, when in reality, it does absolutely nothing to help or makes teeth color worse.

White teeth are an important part of any mouth. Having white teeth is a sign that your teeth are clean and that your mouth is healthy. One important teeth whitening tip is to try to avoid beverages that will stain your teeth. In conclusion, an important part of any mouth is white teeth. Having white teeth can be a sign that your mouth is healthy and your teeth are clean.

Apply a sunless tanner to make your teeth appear whiter. When you are paler, the color you will get from applying a tanner provides a contrast to your teeth that will make them gleam whiter than. As an added benefit, it will also make your eyes stand out even more.

In conclusion, an important part of any mouth is white teeth. Having white teeth can be a sign that your mouth is healthy and your teeth are clean.

For inexpensive teeth whitening at home, brush your teeth thoroughly and then swish a mouthful of hydrogen peroxide inside your mouth for as long as possible before spitting it out into the sink. Hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient in most commercial teeth whitening products and provides an oxygenating action that helps lift stains from teeth.

Talk with your dentist before beginning any teeth whitening program. Your dentist may recommend a specific method of teeth whitening if you currently have any sort of dental disease or issue. Most natural remedies do not have side effects, but if you are prone to gum problems or teeth sensitivity, some remedies may not be appropriate.

Visit your dentist regularly. Sometimes, the regular cleaning a dentist can provide will remove stains from your teeth and you may not need to have them bleached at all. This deep-down cleaning will help get the stains out of micro-cracks in the enamel in your teeth.

Try to include lots of fruit and vegetables into your diet each day and perhaps experiment with different ways of cooking them. Small changes in your diet can go a long way to helping you reach a healthy weight.

It is very beneficial to eat foods that are high in soluble fiber as they have few calories, but they make you feel full. Foods like mangoes, peas, brussel sprouts, spring greens, sprouts and dried apricots are a great source of fiber and can help you feel fuller so you will eat less.

Trying to lose weight can be difficult and following specific diets can be boring. Diet Shake recipes can help you lose weight and they are delicious, which makes it easier to stay on track with your weight loss journey.

There are lots of different diet shake recipes that you can use when trying to lose weight. I simply mix together some mango, mandarin, oranges and some ice, then add some low fat yogurt and blend together.

Then try adding some unsweetened cocoa powder to your shake, if you are a chocolate lover. When using diet shakes for losing weight you need to remember that a shake does not give you all your nutritional needs so you can’t live on shakes alone. To be really successful at losing weight, shakes can help, but you still need to have an overall healthy, nutritional diet and exercise regularly.

See what changes you can make that will help you lose weight, such as reducing the amount of white bread, pasta and rice in your diet. Small changes in your diet can go a long way to helping you reach a healthy weight.

When there are lots of fresh fruits available, smoothies and shakes are a particularly good way to lose weight during the summer months. You can still drink shakes during winter by substituting fresh fruit for frozen fruit and the results taste just as good. Some low fat yogurt added to a shake makes it even more delicious.

There are lots of different diet shake recipes that you can use when trying to lose weight. When using diet shakes for losing weight you need to remember that a shake does not give you all your nutritional needs so you can’t live on shakes alone. To be really successful at losing weight, shakes can help, but you still need to have an overall healthy, nutritional diet and exercise regularly.

A great shake for breakfast is a cranberry juice shake as this is an amazing tonic for your kidneys. Simply blend some cranberry juice with some apple juice, blueberries, strawberries and a banana and you have a nice, healthy breakfast shake. If you wish, you can also add some low fat yogurt.

Have a really good look at your current diet and see what you are doing wrong. See what changes you can make that will help you lose weight, such as reducing the amount of white bread, pasta and rice in your diet. These foods contain hidden sources of sugar and so aren’t very good when trying to lose weight.

Diet shake recipes are very effective to help you lose weight but you must remember to combine them with a nutritional diet and regular exercise to get the best weight loss results.

Because fresh produce is so plentiful, smoothies and shakes are an ideal diet treat in the summer months. With all of the frozen fruit available, you can enjoy tasty smoothies and shakes throughout the entire year. Frozen fruit tastes just about as good as fresh; add in some low fat yogurt, and the shake will have an even better taste and be more enjoyable.

Adding fruit juices is another way to give fresh flavor to your smoothies and shakes. Add some cranberry juice, apple juice, blueberries, strawberries and banana together, then blend it until smooth.

One of the diet shake recipes that I like uses mandarin oranges, mango and ice. I add a scoop of protein powder and low fat yogurt. This makes a refreshing beverage that not only tastes good, but it will also fill your belly and help you lose weight at the same time.

While diet shake recipes and smoothies can be good for you. They are not the full solution to losing weight. If you are serious about shedding those excess pounds, then you need to do so from several different angles.

Before you give up, though, you may want to try some diet shake recipes. These will add variety to your diet, taste delicious, and will help you as you try to lose weight.

Before you give up, though, you may want to try some diet shake recipes. Smoothies and shakes are an ideal diet treat in the summer months because fresh produce is so plentiful. One of the diet shake recipes that I like uses mandarin oranges, mango and ice. You can add cocoa powder to your diet shake recipes. While diet shake recipes and smoothies can be good for you.

Feel free to experiment with diet shake recipes of your own. The resulting smoothies and shakes should taste great and help you lose weight if you stick with low calorie foods.

You can add cocoa powder to your diet shake recipes. Of course you shouldn’t drink a smoothie like this every day, but it makes for a nice change of pace that will help you stick to whatever diet plan you may be on.

There are times on your weight loss journey when progress can come to a halt. After working with thousands of clients, I’ve noticed certain patterns that can cause this weight loss stoppage.

1) Eating more than you think you are.

Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Zone Delivery Service, and other diet systems have one undeniable benefit to them – they define for the average person how large an actual “serving” is. Most of us underestimate the volume of food we eat (and consequently, underestimate the number of calories we consume in a day).

By fixing in your head what a serving size or “portion” of food looks like, we can better estimate (and consequently, calibrate and evaluate) the amount of food we eat at each meal. Keep in mind, when it comes to weight loss, you need to take in less calories than you burn each day.

Two good rules of thumb:

Please remember to fill up on non-starchy vegetables – they are full of nutrients, have very little impact on blood sugar, and contain little in the way of calories.

A portion of meat (3 oz.) is the size of a deck of cards.
A portion of carbohydrates (1 cup) is the size of a tennis ball.

2) Not eating frequently enough.

It is a social custom to eat “three square meals” a day. While this may do for social purposes, for weight loss, you will want to aim for more frequent feedings.

Additionally, frequent feedings maximize your metabolism, as your body is constantly busy, burning calories by digesting your meals. By not letting too much time pass between meals, you stabilize blood sugar levels since they never really get the chance to drop. By keeping your blood sugar stable, your hunger levels are minimized, decreasing the chances that you will be tempted to overeat at your next meal.

3) Choosing to drink your calories instead of eating them.

The amount of calories that can be concentrated into a shake or smoothie is far greater than the equivalent volume of actual food. A 16 oz fruit smoothie may contain as many as 600 calories and will not fill you up all that much! On the other hand, eating 600 calories of fruit will prove to be much more than the typical person can manage in a single sitting (at least, I personally don’t know anyone that can eat more than 2 pounds of bananas at a single sitting!).

Many of the liquid diet shakes on all fruit and the market smoothies have an abundance of sugar in them. This causes an immediate surge in energy followed by a huge crash due to the release of insulin to control the blood sugar rise. This dramatic shift in blood hormone levels (particularly insulin levels) is something you want to avoid, both for health reasons and for weight loss.

Most weight loss shakes are devoid of fiber.

There are times on your weight loss journey when progress can come to a halt. After working with thousands of clients, I’ve noticed certain patterns that can cause this weight loss stoppage. While this may do for social purposes, for weight loss, you will want to aim for more frequent feedings. This dramatic shift in blood hormone levels (particularly insulin levels) is something you want to avoid, both for health reasons and for weight loss.

Think about it- when making major dietary changes, you want to get the most out of your calories. Wouldn’t you rather fill up, rather than drink something and be hungry again soon after?

Most weight loss shakes are devoid of fiber. While fruit smoothies do contain some of the fiber from the pulp of the fruit, a better strategy would be to eat the actual fruits contained in the smoothie.

This is a very common problem among those attempting weight loss, due to the abundance of “healthy” diet smoothies, protein concoctions, and weight loss shakes. When relying on these liquid meal replacements, there are 2 factors to keep in mind.

“One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation” – Arthur Ashe
Self-confidence is necessary for success
As Arthur Ashe says preparation is an important key to self-confidence. And preparation can be achieved by using the goal setting tool of questions. Asking questions, that is, doing research, can enable you to become proficient in whatever subject or area you want you to.
Self-confidence is necessary not only to achieve success with our goals, but also to live a happier and contented life. We can overcome many of life’s obstacles easier when we have self-confidence. How then do we find the key to self-confidence?

Identify the obstacle
Before you can work on gaining more self-confidence, you need to clearly identify the area that is an obstacle for you not having self-confidence. And yes, you should undertake your development of self-confidence as a goal.
Can I share the following true story with you …
Having had over eight years experience in technical writing, but lacking the industry software skills, I turned down positions as a result of a lack of self-confidence. It did not take any rocket science for me to realize that I needed to become skilled in the software that was being used in the industry.
The industry standards at the time were Microsoft Word and CorelDRAW. If you are familiar with these software packages, you know there are a myriad of features, and in technical writing, many of these are used.
There was only one way I could master this software …
Use a step-by-step approach
Adopting a step-by-step approach is a practical tool for reaching your goal, and a key to gaining self-confidence.
Before starting, you should determine as accurately as possible as to what the steps are. This forms part of your preparation, or research, in many cases. Become familiar with the subject matter.
For me, the starting point was finding out what the most used features were in producing technical documentation. Armed with this knowledge, I could begin my step-by-step approach.
Using this approach, I began with one or two features only, and I would practice these until I could do it almost blindfolded. And from there I would move onto the next feature or two.
This is similar if you want more self-confidence for public speaking, starting your own business, or whatever other area in your life.
Self-confidence will come
Using the one-goal setting tool of a step-by-step approach, you will become more knowledgeable, and as a result your level of self-confidence will rise.
In using this tool, my self-confidence rose to the level where I eventually lectured freelance at a leading computer training school.
For the effective attainment of your goals, no single goal setting tool should be used in isolation.
Make it your goal to …
Identify the obstacle or obstacles that are preventing you from having self-confidence. Do your research, and begin as soon as possible to use the goal setting tool of a step-by-step approach. Follow Arthur’s advice of the key to self-confidence.

As Arthur Ashe says preparation is an important key to self-confidence. How then do we find the key to self-confidence?
Before you can work on gaining more self-confidence, you need to clearly identify the area that is an obstacle for you not having self-confidence. Make it your goal to …
Identify the obstacle or obstacles that are preventing you from having self-confidence. Follow Arthur’s advice of the key to self-confidence.

People with self-confidence are noticed more. In contrast, people who lack self-confidence often end up being losers. You too need to build your self-confidence if you want to do well in life. Self-confidence is found in people who have healthy self-esteem. Such people erode your self-confidence.

People with self-confidence are noticed more. In contrast, people who lack self-confidence often end up being losers. You too need to build your self-confidence if you want to do well in life.
Self-confidence is found in people who have healthy self-esteem. You will be surprised to know how many positive acts you perform every day in life, but which you don’t notice. Once you start looking at this list, your self-confidence will boom.

Pat yourself every time you achieve a minor goal. It will boost you’re a self-confidence and help you achieve bigger goals.
Find a mentor who can help you reach your goal. Most people, who have done well in life, have a mentor who has traveled the same road on which they are traveling today.
Socialize with people who are supportive and positive, who like and respect you. Avoid people who are critical and negative of you. Such people erode your self-confidence.
Take pleasure in wearing good clothes and being well groomed. People too look at you differently. Remember that every human being wants to be found in the company of smart, intelligent, successful people.
They will force you into a shell and destroy your self-confidence. People who try to over-reach often fall down. You should not allow that to happen in the name of self-confidence.
A fit and healthy person is much more active and achieves more in his career. Physical fitness, like self-confidence, glows on your face.
Have a wide range of interests, and take an active interest in what’s going on in the world. Meet and talk to a lot of people. This will keep your mind happily occupied and boost your self-confidence.
Take part in activities that you are good at. Return to those activities again and see your self-confidence grow.
Pick up a new hobby or craft that interests you. It will also increase your self-confidence as you become more skilled in it.
Try to practice these tips as faithfully as you can, and see the difference in your life.