Watch Ingredient X in action....

It was about to be a straightforward meeting, in a straightforward coffee shop.
Nothing spectacular so far.
Then it started whilst I was standing in the queue to be served.

'Do you want something to go with that coffee...go on, treat yourself'. That's nice- he's probably trying to hit a target and sell some extras, but I liked how he did it.

Then he made the customer laugh, which made me laugh. Nice touch.
My turn next..I want coffee and a warmed up croissant (which, in this chain I know they can't do- so a little test to see how he handles it!).
'Oh I'm sure I can do that for you, there's always a way!'. Ok, now I'm impressed because he's the first to offer to do this- and he now has a queue so it's costing him time.

I still have his full attention, but the warmth (not from the grill - from his enthusiasm) he is radiating is drawing in the next customer too.
I'm about to pay up, when he proactively tries to save me money. Hmmm... nothing to do with hitting targets now..
 So I sit down, pleasantly surprised. I can't help listening to the conversation his has with his customers:

'How are you?' 'How's your day?' 'How's your kids?' Persuading people to have some of his 'delicious' food to go with their drinks.
When he finishes serving customers- I'm thinking, that's a shame, it'll be quiet in here now.

How wrong could I be... He comes around to clear the tables....singing as he does it. ...And chatting to customers as he does it. .. ....And joining in conversations as he does it. .. ....And all the time, always asking- are you enjoying your coffee? ... ....And then at one point he pulled up a chair to sit with some customers.

Now I'm mesmerised. This isn't some company 'process' he's following- this is his desire he's following. He's having fun.
And so are we. And THAT (funnily enough)sells!

Here was a classic example of someone using their own 'Ingredient X' - a unique combination of attributes, style ,personality and desire that made him stand out.
Nothing to do on this occasion , with age, experience or looks.

What a shame that most people don't know what their 'X' is , so don't use it.

I don't know how many people he influenced just whilst I was there, but I'll tell you something- it's gonna be a lot.

Ingredient X- it's not about the coffee, it's all about you.

Amana
straightforward, straight talking Coach.
http://www.walkahead.co.uk/

Talent is not enough

The most talented people are not necessarily the most successful people out there.

Why is that?

Here's one reason: Talent is not enough.

In fact, talent is not even necessary anymore!

To be successful, to be a winner, to gain support-you have to stand out.

Take 'The X Factor'.

On Sunday evening we saw the lovely, very talented Rachel-booted off with not enough votes to keep her there.

On the other hand-John and Edward are still there-and they can't sing half as well.

However they are entertaining. They do make us laugh, they make us talk about them, they attract attention.
Rachel has just not grabbed us (enough) emotionally. There isn't a strong enough reason to vote. Even though she has plenty of talent.

That's the world we live in. And always have. Only now-reality shows expose us to who stands out and who doesn't.

Same in sport. Same in business. Same in everyday life.

People buy people...when there's something about them that we like.


What's your 'something'?

Better find it if you want to be successful eh?

Amana
Straighttalking Coach.

http://www.walkahead.co.uk/

Follow me on twitter/coachx

The Book...I'm on my way

I've decided to write a book. I know many people say this and don't get very far, but because I'm letting you know about it-that in itself will force me to do it.



After all, I'm not going to embarrass myself in front of you (and me) am I?

So I'm ready, and determined to write an interesting, exciting and sometimes funny book.

And I'm also going to blog for you on how it's going-warts and all-and if you have any inspiration along the way for me, I'd love to hear it. I'm not a born writer so would welcome comments.
(see my vid below too!).


What's it about? Oh yes, nearly forgot.



I'm writing about a subject that I'm very passionate about-and, because of the amount of coaching I've done over the years, I'm also knowledgeable about.



'Ingredient X'





The book is about why and how some people stand out above the crowd. Not just celebrities, famous people, sports people and so on.....but everyday people.

It will be a guide to how you can find your ingredient 'X'-the magic. The factor-or factors-that make people instantly connect with you.



Your world then, changes dramatically. And you start to achieve whatever it is you want.

Amana
Straightforward Coach

www.walkahead.co.uk

Rind a TV Expert (hopefully-me!)

I'm now on 'Findatvexpert.com'.....

And have just been released to people in the(TV) industry on the latest newsletter:

Check it out at -

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs009/1102372063389/archive/1102510511902.html

Amana
Straightforward,straighttalking coach.
http://www.walkahead.co.uk/
twitter/coachx