Peter Fogel

Are YOU Ready to Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!

2009-01-01T17:16:00.003-05:00

I have learned a few things in my ½ century of living. And that is some thing come easy to me and some things take work. For a long time while I was in show business I always blamed anything that wasn’t go right in my life on outside sources.

And yes, some things are out of control. When I would go into an audition for a commercial… the odds of me booking it were slim to none. I mean, “the suits” were auditioning 85 to 95 people for ONE role.

A lot of times they didn’t know what the hell they were looking for.
Yes, I booked commercials… and made some nice money at it over the years. BUT, it was stressful. The reason I did well was because I got into “the game.” I didn’t allow outside sources dictate my success.

The same thing was with my reinvention. I took the necessary actions to become a copywriter and earn six figures. I did NOT let any negativity stand in my way. I was obsessed to learning my new skill… to gaining more knowledge. I had to; it was also a competitive profession.

BUT with one difference; good actors DON’T always work. But good copywriters do.
The secret to a successfull reinvention is enter a career YOU have control of.

Discovering skills that are in demand and are recession proof. Yes, that
goes working for a company (or going out on your own.)

So you have to step up to the plate and take action to reinventing yourself.

Remember: A body in motion; stays in motion… and body at rest; well… zzz.

I think you get the picture. Having coached people over the years in reinventing their careers I have discovered that people tend to be “happy” in their miserable zone and will do everything they can to NOT to take action for fear of the unknown (or failure.)

You need to shake up your own perception of your reality and say to yourself, “What is the worse that can happen?” and still put yourself in the position to reach your goals even you don’t like doing a particular activity that you KNOW you must do if you are to move forward.

Hey, it’s like losing weight. Going on a vacation and want to look good in a bathing suit? Well, guess what… those pounds AIN’T coming off unless there is some sweat and tears, my friend!

Same with reinventing your life and your career.

Tom Hanks said in a the movie, A League of their Own” to one of the other characters, “It’s baseball… it’s supposed to be hard… if it wasn’t then everyone would be doing it.”

YES! Reinvention is hard, especially in this economy. YES! It will take time and focus. Do you want to get into a whole line of work? Or do you want to make a lateral ‘reinvention’ with in your present work niche.

I wanted to get OUT of show business and enter a new field. I wanted to shed my own skin and become the person I wanted to always be.

You can do the same thing, I promise you. BUT only you can make that determination. Only YOU know what head and heart tell you to do. Know this: I am here to help you accomplish it with either my products or advice.

Let me know how I can help you!

Check out Peter "The Reinvention Guy" Fogel's book at reinventyourselfnow.com
"If Not Now... Then When? Stories and Strategies of People Over 40 Who Have
Successfully Reinvented Themselves"

Can You Handle FEEDBACK About Your Speaking?

2008-12-31T11:09:00.004-05:00

Short of getting a paycheck and future work, there is no greater high then giving a compelling presentation and “feeling” it from your audience immediately. This is why I love public speaking.

Nothing beats putting your heart and soul into your preparation, believing in your message... and then delivering that message to an eager audience.

And even though you got good vibes from them, it’s important that you still know “where to improve” in your craft.

You may be doing something on stage that annoys them... that you are not aware of. You might need to go into more detail on a particular subject, that you thought was more than enough.

Experience and going with your gut will always help you, once you get more stage time... but IMMEDIATE feedback is what you need to boost your performance.

Higher evaluations = more gigs at more money!

That being said, a few months ago I spoke at the National Speakers Association convention in New York City. While there I gave a break out session for speakers and their staffs on the craft of copywriting.

Once home, later that week, one attendee sent me an e-mail

"Hi Peter -
Thank you for sending the e-book. I wanted to
get in touch with you and let you know that I found your
presentation one of the most beneficial of all the
break out sessions I attended."
LP

Naturally, I was thrilled to get this e-mail. But then I thought - how does this help me improve my presentation for future engagements?

So here's the reality of YOUR situation:

If you give your speech to at least 50 people there will be at least three people that will come up to you afterwards and kiss your butt saying, "Great speech." You could have been lousy (and they still would've said the same things.)

You don't want ABSTRACT feedback. Abstract does NOT help you improve. ABSTRACT and general feed back is useless. All is does is feed your ego for the next presentation.

Instead, respond by saying,

"Wow, that's very kind of you... tell me please what part of my presentation resonated with you?"

If they can't tell you the parts they liked... then "Houston you have a problem" and you have unfortunately didn't deliver the decisive blow of a targeted presentation. (Cheer up, failure is the BEST teacher there is and here's how you can improve your speech!)

BUT if they, then quickly write it down and emphasize those points in your NEXT speech. (Another great way to get feedback is to give an audience evaluation form.)

Remember: Most people will tell you that you were GREAT after your presentation - because they don't want to bruise your ego. So please take all of them for what their worth.

It's also important to note when people do compliment you, well,

1) they just might have an agenda and want a job from your...
2) they may want to get you as a client...
3) they may even give you a "big THANKS for a great speech spiel" because it makes them feel important that they connected with the speaker.

So as they say, “ya just never know” where they feedback is coming from.

Here’s a thought that could help you: If you have "none speaking” friends or speaking colleagues in attendance... great! These folks know you well.

Ask them where you can improve. They won’t have an agenda and will give you the necessary feedback to help boost your speaking prowess.

Oh, and by the way… I did ask that audience member for feedback? And do you know what resonated for her?First, she took copious notes on the content I gave her which she sent to me.

This proved to me she was listening. Secondly, she said I was the only speaker who didn’t PITCH the audience to buy anything (as other NSA speakers did at the convention) what impressed her was that I gave my audience value and content.

So there you have it. Get the feedback you need that can help improve your performance. Either speak to them, one on one, if the case calls for it. Maybe at the refreshment table!

But know if this happens the person will probably tell you what you WANT to hear, instead of what you NEED to hear!

Either way, your best bet is to use evaluation forms. They create anonymity for the person writing it and it allows them to “let it all hang out.”

To great speaker and even greater PROFITS in the coming year!

Peter Fogel

Peter “The Reinvention Guy” Fogel is a speaker, author, and seminar leader. His e-book, “Making the Bucks for Getting he Yuks” can be purchased at www.publicspeaklikeapro.com/silver.html

His full program can be found at www.publicspeaklikeapro.com

Are You Using POOR Articulation?

2008-12-29T11:50:00.002-05:00

Let's face it: To be an effective speaker you really need strong articulation. And you would think this is a “no-brainer” for most speakers, but it's not. It's still a problem for beginning speakers and pros, a like.

From the moment you bound onto the stage, you really need to enunciate every time you open your mouth. “Slurring of words” is as bad as including “fillers” in your speech…like, “uh,” or “okay”

How does this happen? Well, it occurs a lot if your pacing gets to be too quick or you’re using words that are too difficult to present. I think you will agree that words that are too difficult to pronounce is not the way to relay a message to an audience.

You do not want your audience members to turn to each other and go, "What he say?"

You want to speak the speech so it tripplingly falls off the tongue, to paraphrase a dead English playwright (Shakespeare)

Know this: Even if you’re talking to rocket scientists… you should always use language that a sixth grader can understand. Shorter sentences can help.

And yes, use jargon to make more of an impact with your targeted audience, but try to use words that are NOT going to trip you up once you say them.

I can’t tell you how many times that is happened to me on the platform, when I knew I shouldn’t even be using that word.

f course, I would make a joke about it. I would try pronouncing the word (at least two times) give up and then just go to the easier synonym.

For some reason I have a terrible time trying to say the word “specificity” in a sentence. Again, I try it … once (screw up) twice (screw up again)

Finally, I’ll look perplexed and exhausted at my audience and replace the word with, ”Exact.”
BTW - this is a self-effacing humor technique I might use with my audience if I want to get
a LAUGH!

Remember: bad articulation of any word (or rushing a thought out to your audience, suggests to them that you’re lazy, lacking education and you don’t care.) Pros know this very well.

Especially the ones that know their livelihood rests on their making sure that-every-single-thought are understood. Notice how I spelled out that sentence?

I did that for a reason. So you get my point and to show you what happens when you “over articulate.”

One colleague of mine talks very fast on stage. He can’t help but slur his words in just a normal conversation. His mind goes quick and his thoughts can’t always catch up.

And because he performs comedy for elderly people in large arenas… he’ll actually go over the top and – slow-down-his-delivery-and-over-enunciate-every word. He does this for his own survival on stage.

Yes, it sounds a tad unnatural to other speakers, (especially to the ones who know him well), but it seems to work for his audiences. My good friend knows his limitations and does his best to compensate for him. Know yours and work on improving your articulation. To this day, I still do!

Peter "The Reinvention Guy" Fogel is an author -speaker - marketing consultant of creator of the e-book “Making the Bucks for Getting the Yuks” Sure-Fire Comedy Secrets For Speakers That Can Help You Earn $500- $5000 a Month Making People LAUGH—Without Having to Be a Comedian

http://www.publicspeaklikeapro.com/silver.html

Do You Have "Master Plan" To Reinvent Yourself?

2008-12-28T19:00:00.003-05:00

The new year is upon us. Here’s your OPPORTUNITY to get a fresh start…
Perhaps THIS is what you need to begin your reinvention.

But you have to know where you are going on your journey, am I correct?

You don’t just don’t “reinvent yourself” do you?

I mean, if you are going on a spectacular vacation don’t you make plans? You take succinct action! You go on-line and check the sights you might want to visit. You look for the best airfare, the best hotel that suit your needs!

You-make-plans! You get a tour guide and you take care of business, as they say.
Well, it’s the same thing with your reinvention.

If you are ready to take the plunge I recommend you have a MASTER PLAN to reinventing yourself.

You Have To Do Your Homework!

When I decided to become a promotional direct mail copywriter, I studied up on what it would entail. What the sacrifices I would have to go through to learn how to become a successful copywriter. I talked to other copywriters to find out what the pros and cons were, and how much a typical copywriter could earn.

What I had was a MASTER PLAN! And so should you!

Here’s the nitty gritty: Unless your health is at stake... don’t just quit your job. Instead, if you’re serious about moving onto a new career (just like going on a safari) you must have a map with directions (or a good guide) to get you to your new destination.

Do your due diligence and investigate what this new career will give you.

1) Is this new career going to give financial stability?
2) Is it a saturated market?
3) What obstacles will I encounter?
4) If I am going to start my own business and what are the costs?

Remember: If you do go cold turkey and quit your present position, it’s important you have enough funds (around 6 months of salary in the bank to sustain your standard of living.)

One more success idea:

To “reinvent yourself” you must have a take-no-prisoner’s attitude to changing your career and life. FAILURE is not an option.

Today, I am a six figure copywriter writing for major multi-million dollar companies in a recession proof industry. I have written a best selling book, and have an internet and public speaking career as well.

I am telling you this NOT to brag… but to inspire you on to greatness! Honestly, if I can do it... so can you! BUT how much do you realllllllllllly want it? Screw the economy and the recession— excuses are for losers.

You CAN reinvent yourself if you take the necessary steps. If I can assist you in anyway… just write me at reinventnow@yahoo.com

And keep coming back to my blogs!

Peter “The Reinvention Guy” Fogel
Author – Speaker – Seminar Leader
Author of the book, “If Not Now…Then When? Stories and Strategies of People Over 40 Who Have Successfully Reinvented Themselves"
Get the book at www.reinventyourselfnow.com

Check Peter out on the Miami's Jim and Jade Show

http://cbs4.com/video/?id=58377@wfor.dayport.com

REINVENTION: "To Thy Own Self Be True"

2008-12-27T10:36:00.002-05:00

This is one of the most important concepts to know to successfully reinvent yourself. “To thy own self, be true.”

When it comes to changing careers, (or reinventing yourself in your present ones) you really need to “know thyself.”

My ex-girlfriend (and or girlfriend, depending upon the day and hour it is) was recently laid off like thousands of other Americans.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, (depending upon how you look at it) she ONLY wants to find new work that is within a distance from her house.

She emphatically knows that even if a great job opened up that was EXACTLY what she wanted… with great benefits… there is NO way she is going to travel to MIAMI every morning … in RUSH HOUR… from where she lives in Boynton Beach, Florida (which is 60 miles a way)

Know Your Limitations or Broaden Them!

Ain’t going to happen. If she was to accept this “non existent” job, (that I just made up for this blog) she told me she would have to sell her home (which she can’t in this market), and move to Miami (which she won’t.) You see, she knows and accepts her limitations.

Even though for someone else traveling 60 miles to a “dream job” with great benefits is a no-brainer!

It’s the same with my situation. I was an in-house promotional copywriter at a company 12 miles away. (No big deal, right?) Well, when that job ended (for reasons I will not go into right now) I went back to freelancing (working out of my home with my own business again.)

Since then, I have been offered another in-house position at another firm that I freelance with.

BUT I will NOT accept it. It doesn’t fit in with my lifestyle. I make more money and have more freedom doing my “own thing.”

I can’t help it. I am older, I have an entrepreneurial DNA and even though I get a long with the other children, I like “playing alone” in my own sandbox!

But what about you? What is your situation? And by that I mean, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Here’s a way to find out.

Take a piece of paper and draw a line down the midlde. On one side make a list of your strengths .. and on the other write your weakness.

Really do it. (And be honest with yourself)

Then go to a close friend or co-worker and request they be brutally honest and have them list your strengths (and especially your weaknesses.)

Compare notes and if the same weaknesses come up on both your lists. Then guess what?

You have some work to do on yourself.

When I was in show-business I had some major personality quirks that annoyed people. I never knew they existed --- until people told me. It hurt me in the long run. So when I changed and reinvented myself... I made sure "to work on myself." Since then, I am more successful then I can imagine in reaching my goals.

Yes, the truth hurts... but it can also set you freeeeeeeeee!
(Okay, no more biblical sayings)

Advice? As you reinvent yourself figure out what really works best for you in the long run and see how you can improve your deficiencies so your reinvention can be seamless.

Peter “The Reinvention Guy” Fogel is an entrepreneur, speaker, and author of the book, “If Not Now…Then When? Stories and Strategies of People Over 40 Who Have Successfully Reinvented Themselves”

For more articles and more info on my book go to www.reinventyourselfnow.com

REINVENTION begins with PASSION!

2008-12-26T10:35:00.003-05:00

When entering a new field it all begins with the burning desire you have in your heart that propels you forward to make a change. Here’s an example: Let’s say you want to reinvent yourself into an Internet marketer and sell ant farms on-line. Problem is you don’t give a rat’s “you-know-what” about ant farms.

You’re just doing it for fast buck because they’re a hot item now. There’s a strong chance you will fail because you have no emotional connection to ants and the joy (clears throat) they give to people. As apposed to the ant farmer who really feels its his life’s work. (Sure, he might have some “issues” about bonding with ants— but at least he will move the farms quicker.)

With no passion there will be NO profits. I guarantee you this! Find your passion, nurture it... and find people that can support your passion (goals!)

To be honest; I never got support from my family in anything I went after during my life. (This is the family I grew up with... sisters and brothers, madre and padre...)

We were the Dysfunctional Family Robinson. It was every man for himself, sort of speak.
I knew this at an early age... so I trained my mind for success at a very early age... and focused like a ninja on a mission when I went into show business (and now as an author and copywriter)

NO ONE... not even my family who didn't care.... was going to stop me from doing what I HAD to accomplish. I was going to have to take action!

To quote Dennis Waitley the self-help guru.

"If it is to be... it will be up to me!"

I don't know your situation... I don't know if you have lost your job... or you about to make a career changes due to necessity... but do your best to get a support team in place. When you do, you will move forward and reach your goals quicker.

More about that in the next blog!

Peter "The Reinvention Guy" Fogel is a speaker and author of the book, "If Not Now... Then When? Stories and Strategies of People Over 40 Who Have Successfully Reinvented Themselves" To purchase his book and to get more articles and tips go to www.reinventyourselfnow.com

Why People Want to Hear YOU Speak!

2008-12-24T11:33:00.003-05:00

Let’s get down to brass tacks. You want to speak for a variety of reasons.
A) You want to reach new clients; B) You want to gain expert status in your field,
C) You want to keep in touch with your present customers or clients (and sell
them your products and services.)

And hopefully you want to monetize the experience EVERY TIME you get in
front of your audience. (Or at least you should. And if you are not, then you should
really ask yourself why you are speaking)

That being said you should know why folks will pay to listen to you.

They will when…

1) You’re entertaining.
2) You’ll open their minds to something they didn’t know before.
3) That the information you’re delivering to them is up-to-date timely
and relevant to their wants and needs…
4) That if they miss your important message—they’re losing out on great content.
(The old you snooze you lose adage!)
5) That you’ll transform their personal or professional lives somehow with the
information you’re giving them.

There’s no getting around it: Whether you’re Paris Hilton, Michael Jackson
or the car mechanic who over charges you on fixing your car -- we really are
all the same. (Okay, maybe not Michael… ) But underneath it all—we "should"
have some what of the same plumbing. (Again, Michael could be the exception!)

Since the beginning of time people want happiness and they want to alleviate
their pain. PLUS big motivators in our life will always be “fear” and “greed.”

Yes, a tad negative… BUT none the less— motivating. According to
Tony Jeary, author of Inspire Any Audience, people also want to

· Be respected
· To belong
· To be liked
· To be safe
· To succeed
· To find romance
· To be inspired.

Remember that you’re asked or hired to speak in front of an audience:
They want you to succeed.

This should help you get over any fear you have. Audiences are excited and
are looking forward to the information you’re about to present to them.

I’ve performed in all types of venues where there have been
“good and bad vibes” present. With the bad vibes I just dealt with it
and adapted my program accordingly.

I’ve also worked venues where audiences were there to LAUGH, get my
knowledge, and paid good money to get it. And because they did,
they had an investment in me! (As they will with you, you
will see!)

NOW, on the other hand, I’ve also spoken at venues where the audience sat on
their hands as if to say, “Okay, big time speaker…. what do you got?”

The secret to always succeeding when giving a presentation is this:

Keep in mind that for you to give a powerful presentation you must
know your topic… the targeted audience you’re trying to reach –and what the
outcome is that you’re trying to accomplish.

Peter “The Reinvention Guy” Fogel
www.publicspeaklikeapro.com

PS There are new changes and products coming to www.publicspeaklikeapro.com
You will be hearing about them shortly – so please check your e-mail boxes!

"Partnering" Your Way To a Successful Reinvention

2008-11-09T15:57:00.006-05:00

Here's an idea that can help
you with your reinvention
that perhaps you never thought
of doing.

Teaming up with someone.

Why? Well, reinvention can be a lonely
endeveour, for sure.

BUT having your spouse support
you or even going into business
with you can help.

Make no mistake: If you want to reinvent yourself
into a whole new career such as starting your own business...
you will NOT become successful by yourself.

It just won't happen. You need assistance, even
a partner!

I remember when I was writing
sitcoms in "Hollyweird."

I had a partner. Sure, we split
the money, but I also had 1/2
the work and was twice more productive.

Michael Masterson of ETR, and one of my mentors
says this about partners!

"Studies show that the majority of successful people rely on at least
one other person. My own experiences validate those findings,
as do the experiences of my most successful friends and
colleagues.

(I can't think of a single lone wolf who made it to the
top on his or her own efforts. They always had help!)

I know several people who think they did - but, in
reality, they were helped by others along the way,
and then denied those people the credit they were
due.)

Surveys show that business partnerships achieve
greater success than individual proprietorships.

Statistically speaking, they are more likely to survive
the difficult start-up stage, they grow faster,
net greater profits (for both partners), and last
longer.

Now, it's important to have a partner that "brings things
to the table" that you don't.

My writing partner had certain skills I didn't have, and vice a versa.

This is why Joint Ventures on-line do so well. In essence,
your joint venture is a partner with a goal.

And that's for you to both make money sharing a product
or service to your list!

So as you reinvent yourself...and you are toiling
with the idea of starting a new business venture,
(or going out on your own) ...KNOW that you are going to
have to delegate responsibilities to people who help you... and to
possibly merge YOUR resources to create a better product!

This is why you see so much consolidation in the airline industry.
Even they realize that you need new partners to not only survive--but
to THRIVE during challenging economic times!

So what have we learned? Seek out people who you can
help and in return they can help you!

To your reinvention,

Peter Fogel
www.reinventyourselfnow.com

5 Quick Public Speaking Tips!

2008-09-20T12:48:00.002-04:00

5 quick Public Speaking Tips...

1) If you can't stand your voice...please get over it.
If you can't, then go to a voice specialist who can assist you
in fixing it. Either way, it's probably not as bad as you think it is.
(Unless you really sound like "The Nanny!")

2) If you have strong accent (either regional, and, or
from another country) this could work to your advantage.
Again, consult a voice coach. I was trained professionally as an
actor. I worked very hard to lose my NY Long Island accent,
so I could effectively do Shakespeare. If I can do it, so
can you. But it takes work.

3) Learn to love your voice; once you do your audience will
do the same.

4) BE PREPARED: Get a strong database of stories so
you when you are called to speak at a moment's notice
you will be prepared! (Success is when preperation
meets opportunity!)

5) YOU can't please every one. 100% of your audience is NOT
going to love you. Don't lose sleep or obsess over it.
Focus on the many people who do appreciate your message and
your presentation.

Some good news you should know about!

I am creating a very cool website that will include
NEW e-books and public speaking programs at different
price ranges that can fit your budget.

Look for it in the next few weeks.

To your speaking career,

Peter Fogel is "The Reinvention Guy"
www.publicspeaklikeapro.com
Speaker - Author - Seminar Leader

PS Please share my blog or my website
with others. They will thank you, and so will
I!

Have you "jumped the shark" with your career?

2008-09-14T13:19:00.002-04:00

"Jumping The Shark"

Have you ever heard of that term?

It means, in essence... running on fumes
and "over staying your welcome..."

It came about on television, primarily
from the show the "Happy Days."

On one episode Fonzi was watering skiing
and he is so cool... (in his leather jacket)
he actually “jumped over a shark", to the thrilling
applause of on-lookers on the beach.

The critic said, "You know you are running
out of story ideas and are on life support
when all you can come up with- is Fonzi
some how "jumping over a shark.'"

The term stuck for years... and became
a main stay cliché of critics.

And you know what? He was right! The show
ended there after... there really wasn't any
reason to continue.

Now, to give an example from my "old life."

I was an actor in Hollywood... successfully
grinding out a career.

I was auditioning for a commercial. Next
to me reading the sides (the script) is
a dwarf actor. A little person and a nice guy.

I ask him what role he is reading for. He says, "
The husband." I say, "I am reading for the husband."

He says, "Well, I guess we're up for the same
role... good luck."

I sat there amazed and dazed...and thinking
"Why am I wasting my time here...?

What is going on when these casting
people DON'T KNOW what they want...?"

I go up and admonish my agent in her
office on why she sent me out on this audition.

She says, "Honey, it's one of those auditions where
they are keeping their options open...

But they did want to see you, didn't they?"

I reply, "Options? They aren't sure
if they want a 5'9" comedian or 3'6" little person?
They are on the fence THAT much?"

That was it! That was "my" jumping the shark!"

I was gone... I left the business... I knew that
continuing on this path would NOT deliver me the
ROI I needed in my life! It would not give
me joy.

What about you? Are you in a particular field
or career that you feel stuck in... that's NOT
moving forward...

So ask yourself: Have you JUMPED the shark
with your career?

Hit a dead end street and hoping things will change
around?

If so, what are you going to do about it?
But importantly, are you ready to make a change
and when?

You know what? I think you know the answer!

Next up, I will discuss how your career is like a marriage!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am involved with some very cool and successful
people that want to help you reach your goals
financially and career wise!

I can go on and on about it... but I want
you to check out their tele-conference series.

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=836912

YOURS truly will be hosting one.

That’s it for today… thanks for stopping by.

Please share this blog with any folks who you think
can benefit from it. They will thank you...
and so will I?

Please post it to my blog...

To your reinvention,

Peter Fogel is "The Reinvention Guy"
www.reinventyourselfnow.com