Sometimes enthusiastic people and opportunity intersect. Here's an example:

Kevin Harrington and Global Leaders Organization

Sometimes enthusiastic people and compelling opportunity intersect. Here's an example:

Kevin Harrington and Global Leaders Organization

You may remember Kevin as:

• The original Shark on Shark Tank, or
• Founder of As Seen on TV, or
• Inventor of the infomercial. Remember the Ginsu Knife?

He has been involved in over 500 product launches that resulted in sales of over $4 billion with 20 products reaching $100 million in revenues. Crossing paths with him recently, it's clear he's not done yet!

First, a bit of background... When Kevin was 15, he started his first business. By the age of 23, he founded The Small Business Center, a one-stop shop for all sorts of businesses; accounting, advertising and financing. This company launched his career as a serial entrepreneur and small business owner.

His passion for connecting business and people lead to founding the ERA (Electronic Retailers Association - now in 45 countries) and a founding board member of Young Entrepreneur’s Association (now EO), which boasts combined member sales of over $500 billion dollars.

This his busy brain gave birth to an extraordinary idea...

It revolves around how small business owners and CEO’s can leverage technology to do more business together, raise their visibility with decision makers and efficiently go public with their products/services without wasting time and money.

"So we created an exclusive platform for leaders of businesses doing over $1 million in annual revenue," Here are some details about the Global Leaders Organization (GLO):

• Members Only ($299 annual membership, or as Kevin gushed in his ultra-enthusiastic way, "Vince, that's 82 cents per day!")
• Marketplace - Showcase your company’s products and services with the option to offer 'Specials' to members. 
  
• The Deal Network - Provide GLO members new avenues for advancing key business transactions such as: raising capital, investing or acquiring companies, licensing, selling one's business or finding the right strategic partner.
• Peer to Peer Discussion Hub
• Lessons in Leadership - A webcast and podcast event series featuring today’s most relevant newsmakers and thought leaders.
• Main Street Leader - (My favorite feature by the way.) A personalized digital library curated daily from 100’s of leading publications so members save time, stay on top of topics preselected topics, and stay ahead of the competition.
• Knowledge Capital™ for participating there are GLO Points, a rewards system to cash in benefits such as: dinner with a NY Times bestselling author, one-on-one coaching sessions by a thought leader, custom tailored suits, luxury getaways, backstage entertainment passes and access to high-profile events (i.e. TED Summit and Clinton Global Initiative).

"BOOM," he said throwing his hands in the air. "Where do business leaders get that kind of value on one platform for 82 cents per day?"

When someone like Kevin Harrington and GLO show up, pay attention.

Question, how do you react when enthusiasm and opportunity intersect?

Here are three notes Kevin asked us to forward to you: 

1. Permanently lock-in this introductory rate by being one of the first 100 people in your city to join at $29.99 per month, or $299 if paid annually. Advertise your business and showcase your brand to peers you want to do business with daily plus enjoy all the benefits of GLO for same low price forever. Lock-in here.
2. Receive a 10% rebate by referring a friend. Both of you will receive the rebate on your initial membership once they join. Just click here. This represents a $72 total annual savings you share.
3. Give the gift of knowledge to an employee, student, friend or emerging entrepreneur. Provide two subscriptions to The Main Street Leader for a full year absolutely free. Just let us know whose day you’ll make with this gift. This represents a $144 value based on the single subscriber annual subscription price. Click here to take advantage.

Being quick to judge puts one’s judgment into question.

Go on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, TV shows, Shock Jocks on the Radio and see/hear examples of people being quick to judge someone else. Is this helping our society or tearing it down one judgment at a time?

Eight years ago, and seconds after the media released a recording of Alec Baldwin saying his eleven-year-old daughter was a “rude, thoughtless little pig,” people were judging him a terrible father. Assumptions quickly followed that ex-wife Kim Basinger leaked the voicemail with malicious intent. 

Baldwin regretted losing his temper. He referred to his words as a mistake like other parents make now and then. Later, Basinger denied leaking the voicemail. Yet assumptions without facts still swirl. Was it appropriate what Baldwin said? Of course not. But, was it right for people to be quick to judge him as an unfit father?

Mr. Baldwin continues to get caught up in the swirl of controversy and judgment. 

More than twenty years ago, I had my own bad experience of people quick to judge. It was at the tail end of an executive director job I held for a sport association.

One of the initiatives I coordinated was a combination of two half-time employee grants to hire a full time employee. After serving the association for four years I moved on to pursue my dream of competing in the Olympics in Speed Skiing.

A few short weeks after I left there was a new volunteer treasurer who announced to the board that I had embezzled money from the association. There were ten people sitting around that boardroom. Nine immediately said, “Wow, Vince is a crook.” Only one called me, without the board’s consent, and asked what was up. Eventually we figured out there were those two govenment hiring HALF-grants that were combined into one position. But, for some reason, the rookie treasurer assumed this represented two employee positions and questioned where their halves of the money ended up.

Nine people ignored all the hard work and commitment that I gave their association. They turned on me. Ouch! Twenty plus years later it still hurts to think about it. Turning your back on someone can cause pain and do damage. Being quick to judge is the fastest way to make things worse, not better.

A few years ago I heard a friend spit venomous comments about Bob who, "left his wife and kids." My friend was quick to judge without any understanding of both sides of the story. He went on to say how others also turned on Bob.

I sent Bob a letter about how painful it must be and the unfortunate reaction some people had. I iterated how my experience of Bob was always positive. I hoped he was able to take the high road in all things. Bob wrote back moved that "at least one person wasn't quick to judge."

To avoid the pitfalls of jumping to conclusions there are three things to consider:

1. If it’s your business then make it your business to find out both sides of the story.
2. It it’s not your business; mind your own business. You gain or contribute nothing by being quick to judge without the facts.
3. Reach out to those who may have been judged unfairly and write them a non-judgmental message. You will turn the tides of distrust and contribute to a solution. 

Do this and your judgment cannot be questioned. Society will be the better for it.

Let's test your knowledge regarding speakers bureaus of today.

1. Bureau agents push certain speakers to get a higher commissions. FALSE. Speakers bureau agents are passionate about a long-term relationship with their clients. Yes, commissions are an incentive, but repeat commissions are a higher motivator. Bureau agents are entirely motivated by a happy client first and getting their commission from the speaker's fee second. (Note: Booking a speaker direct or through a speakers bureau is the same speaker fee.) 

2. Bureau agents are influenced by speaker promotions. FALSE. During every holiday period, Speaker Bureaus are flooded with cookies and treats from speakers. When a speaker's calendar is slow, a speakers bureau gets a promotional present. None of these typical promotional tactics work. The worst advertising a bureau can make is the wrong fit for their clients. A bureau agent will always drive towards the best fit, with our without the delicious cookies.

3. Meeting planners who directly book a keynote speaker can get a lower fee than a bureau agent. FALSE. Speakers know they are likely to only speak for a client once but can work with a bureau agent multiples of times. A speaker will go where his or her incentive is the highest. Bureau agents are much better negotiators with speakers than a single meeting planner.

4. If I know of the keynote speaker I want to work with, it is faster to go direct to the speaker. TRUE. Sure, if you know exactly whom you want, then a quick Google search can land you that speaker's contact information. But, beware! Every speaker bureau agent on the planet has dozens of stories regarding clients who didn't listen to them. In these examples, the speaker selection turned out to be a disaster for one reason or another. If you are 100% comfortable making a speaker selection without a professional opinion, then go for it.

5. My time is limited; page one of Google is as far as I have time to search for a speaker. This is good enough. FALSE. Page one is where the best marketing people land, not necessarily the best speakers. Over time you will learn this the hard way. Check out each of their videos and you will eventually learn that good SEO abilities do not equal a quality keynote speaker. This can be a huge time waster. Use your favorite speakers bureau to save time, money and stress.

6. Speakers bureaus push their favorite speakers. TRUE. They recommend whom they know will represent you and their bureau the best way possible. If there is a perfect-fit keynote speaker they have not heard of before, the agent will go to great lengths to vet that speaker. Zero speaker bureau agents want to have a bad speaker fit. 

7. Speakers bureaus compete with search engines like Google and Bing. TRUE. Pre-Internet, speaker bureaus used to be necessary booking agencies for speakers and meeting planners. Today, bureaus compete against the Internet for mind share of people who book speakers. Speakers bureaus have responded by adding more value with solution selling, niche or speakers rosters and personal, boutique style services. The Internet is to scissors, what speakers bureaus are to a free hair salon. Sure you can cut your own hair but wouldn't it be better for you to have a true professional do it at no charge?

8. It is easier to contact the speaker direct than going through a speakers bureau. FALSE. First, the bureau agent not only has a relationship with the speaker but also the gatekeeper. Second, there is cloud-based software, such as eSpeakers, which helps a bureau agent instantly know available dates or key information. Third, if you are loyal to your speakers bureau, you will get the loyalty back in spades. If a bureau agent does all sorts of work for you and you call the speaker direct, the agent will basically move on (hurt feelings and all) and spend time on clients who stay faithful.

9. The size of a speakers bureau is directly proportionate to the quality of the speaker selection. TRUE and FALSE. TRUE if you are working with a fairly new speaker bureau agent. When a meeting planner calls a newbie, the rookie agent will brainstorm with more experienced agents in the larger office. FALSE because size does not matter with an experienced agent. A seasoned bureau agent with years of experience has all the tools necessary to find you the perfect keynote speaker for your needs.

10. This article was written by a biased speakers bureau agent. FALSE. In fact, I'm a speaker. Like any other keynote speaker, it is nice to get paid more from direct bookings over paying the bureau fee. But the bureau agent has a broader perspective on the speaker talent pool and knows the best fit for you. In the end, I've never been the wrong fit for an event, and I wouldn't want yours to be the first. Excellent speakers partner with bureaus to serve clients.

If you have a speakers bureau agent you love working with, none of the above will be a huge surprise to you. If you are looking for speakers bureau who will meet your needs, a good place to start are referrals from fellow meeting professionals, production companies and speakers or check out the International Association of Speakers Bureaus and Agents for a vetted and trusted list.

About the Author: Vince Poscente is the CEO of the Big Goals Fast Institute, NY Times bestselling author and Olympian with 20 years experience as a keynote speaker representing dozens of speakers bureaus and over 1,200 organizations worldwide. 

History's most powerful leaders use emotion to be impactful and influential leaders. But, emotion can be vulnerable. Having delivered over 1,500 keynotes, witnessing a variety of leadership styles, one can't help but see the value of authentic leadership. Bottom line, "You can't show your true authentic self without being somewhat vulnerable." But how can a powerful leader avoid exhibiting weakness?

Oh, dear reader, it is tempting to give you examples of what not to do. Unfortunately, those very people who have hired yours truly, might be reading this 70 second eBrief. By going into too much detail, they may think they are the 'bad example.' Oh, and what's that saying about stone throwers in glass houses... We won't go there. Let's focus on the mindset necessary be a powerful, authentic leader.

1st, Weakness Does Not Equal Honesty. There is a barrier to vulnerability if honesty takes a back seat to practicality. Executives giving a keynote clearly have a nerve-racking job. He or she has one chance to deliver the goods. But, robotically delivering a speech through a teleprompter is worse then a temporary mess up here or there. Honest, extemporaneous thought underpinning a well-crafted speech demonstrates a trusted leader. Just look at politicians who deliver a speech on a teleprompter and compare your gut-feel when that same politician is interviewed one on one. There is a genuine honesty that can be revealed when the mechanics are taken away.

2nd, Speak From the Heart and Your Noggin. Talking about your kids, or your parents, or a time when you struggled shows your employees you are human. Couple that with rational insights and people connect.

3rd, Speak Authentically and You Show Courage. The moment you open your mouth, audience members start evaluating your authenticity. To be honest, open, clear and vulnerable is the ultimate example of courage on stage. Your people will follow a courageous leader.

Hopefully, you have taken the leap to interpret this information as a life skill as well. If you are honest, people won't think of you as weak. If you demonstrate your viewpoint from your head and heart, those important to you will see your genuine intent. Finally, be courageous by being authentically you. Hiding behind a persona or an act to avoid conflict is more transparent than we may care to admit. 

Finally, know this "advice" is a constant pursuit of mine as well. It is entirely human to know this stuff and slip up now and then. You may read this and think, "Easy for you to say." In fact, it's my life long pursuit to stay the authentic course. Whether it is leadership for the self or on the leadership keynote slot on the corporate agenda. You and I can only do the best we can.

Kick the teleprompter over. Be the authentic leader you were born to be. 

The quickest way to snap out of a rut is to remind yourself of a story you know will make you smile. 

Here’s one.

Every Thanksgiving, the in-law’s side of the family get together at a little ranch south of San Antonio. It is a tradition.

Most families have a dominant line. Ours are the Lewis.’ From day one the Lewis family have been like a real life John Irving novel. Colorful characters. Loving souls who have generations of Texas stories relived at every gathering.

Maurice, Dale and two Debbie’s all married into the Lewis family. Next generations like Little and myself married into the Lewis family too. Campfires always seem to spark the legendary tales.

Accounts about Lewis sisters having the idea to cater the JFK movie set with a motor coach and a small stove. The kicker is the part where one son got a call from a pay phone and immediately heard sirens in the background. “What is that Mom?” asked a concern son. “Oh, that’s your aunt. We were getting gas and she just pulled away from the station but forgot to put the pump hose back.”

Stories about Dad insisting on cooking his own fish in the trailer out back and burning his eyebrows off. Or the hidden Little Red Wagon that held all the bottles in the unknowing Baptist Preacher’s garage. The Lewis yarns go on for hours.

We call ourselves, The Married-Ins. Debbie, the balloon pilot’s wife, Casey, the architect’s wife started talking about how we should be telling our own family stories.

Out of the blue Debbie yelled, “Kagle story! Kagle story!”

The Married-Ins burst out laughing.

“This oughta be good,” said Casey.

“What?” said Debbie.

“Your Kegel story,” said Michelle.

“What?” said Debbie still not getting what was so funny.

“Do you know what Kegels are?”

“That’s my maiden name. Kagle,” she said followed by a pause. With love in our hearts, we all fell over in laughter.

Now that was funny!

It is worth mentioning, everyone around the campfire who was over 60 had no idea what Kegels were. If you are reading this story and don’t know what they are, I am NOT about to explain. It was challenging enough explaining it to my mother-in-law.

So take the fast lane out of a rut. Remind yourself of a funny story. If you can’t think of one, there’s always the Kagle story.

When someone believes in something, they fall somewhere on the What Happens Continuum. On one end, there are those who believe “Everything happens for a reason.” At the other end, they vehemently hold the belief, “There is no destiny, only chance.” In between? “Is it a coincidence or a clue?” The ultimate truth has more to do with an intersection of passion than reason.

On January 30^th, 2009, Max was in sixth grade. His passion? Music. Eleven year-old Alex had a flair for theater. Isabella was dipping her nine year-old toes into ballet. On the same day Dallas schools closed for teacher service-training. On impulse, we turned the family car into the Booker T. Washington High School parking lot. We knew very little about the arts magnet school and thought we would, “Just look around.”

A family unit, walking into unfamiliar territory has a certain look about it. All eyes are a little wider and heads are on a swivel. At that exact moment a man approaching his retirement years was passing through the lobby. Clearly he was headed for something else but the gaggle of Poscentes compelled him to extend assistance. “May I help you find who you’re looking for?”

“Actually, we were just driving by and wanted to show our musician son the High School he said he wants to go to.”

“What grade are you in son?”

“Sixth grade,” said Max.

“Wow, you like to plan ahead. Why don’t I take you on a little tour before I head off to my meeting.” 

Thus began an intersection of passion(s). Bob Marshall, our overqualified ‘tour guide,’ eventually, and humbly revealed he was the past Chairman of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Advisory Board. His corporate successes backed up his passion for the arts and ‘Booker T.’

A couple of years later, out of 86 guitar player auditions, Max was one of the five selected. The next year, his sister, Alex auditioned and was chosen for the Theater Cluster. Last week, their youngest sister, Isabella found out she was one of 50 bound for Booker T. out of 200-plus talented dancers across the Dallas metroplex.

We reached out to Bob to let him know Isabella’s good news plus the question if Booker T had ever had three siblings attending the school at the same time. In his reply he mentioned, “(intersecting with your family was) probably one of my greatest and most cherished ‘opportunities.’” He also wrote, “… the question of how "things" happen in this world - fate, luck or an opportunity simply borne out of participating in life.  Whatever - it is wonderful when it happens.”

If you are wanting to foster a hand of fate or luck – lead with your passion. Wide-eyed and curious, pass through the next door you find. Its in those moments you will intersect with others following their passion.

Isn’t it wonderful when passion happens!

Expensive meetings, a truckload of logistical necessities and communication breakdowns coming from any direction can make a professional meeting planner weak in the knees. Plan your corporate event right and you are the hero. But, make any of these three pesky planning mistakes and you may wish you had stayed home.

1^st Pesky Mistake: The Mismatch Maker

Be sure the people you connect with tasks are a match made in heaven. Like an old-school matchmaker who decrees relationship compatibility, coupling someone’s skills with the needs at hand are critical. You may have a gut feel for someone or sense you can take a chance on a trusted employee, but beware. You don't want to be a "Mismatch Maker."

Un-mistake Able Tip: Planning a meeting is like taming a dragon with ten heads. Match proven skills with the vision you have for your event. To do this, start with the end in mind. Work backwards with this one simple question, “In order for this outcome to happen, this (insert action) has to occur.” Repeat this until you have worked your way back to today. With one ultimate outcome, immediately split the next level into various entities: Attendees, Executives, Vendors, Contractors and Planners. You can come up with other categories as well. You will notice certain people have the skill set to fulfill certain actions. This is a flow-chart, similar to a sideways family tree or a sports bracket.

2^nd Pesky Mistake: You Didn’t Track Your Twerks with Tweaks

When young Miley twerked her way into our consciousness, it became an oft repeated phrase, “That’s dancing?” The same can be said for any proverbial “left turn” in our plans. When the unexpected ‘twerk’ happens in your planning, you simply, in real-time, need to tweak your plans. Or you’ll have a foam finger pointed at you and an uproar on your hands.

Un-mistake Able Tip: Consistently tweak as the weeks and days approach your big event. Tweaking involves three things: document, communicate and manage revisions. Changes in travel, weather, seating, food, speakers and the gazillion other logistics will happen. Leading up to your meeting, constantly be on the ready to track your ‘twerks’ with tweaks.

3^rd Pesky Mistake: Only a Handful of Contingencies

Every planner has contingencies in mind but it is huge mistake to only have a few in place. For example, with an outdoor event, what if the weather changes where will we go? Ending your contingency planning here would be a mistake. This is your chance to go over the top with contingencies. 

Un-mistake Able Tip: This is where multiple heads are better than one. In your planning phase, map out the various contingencies for every possible situation you can get your hands on.The more contingencies you can imagine, with a contingency sequence, the more prepared you are. Basically, dive deep in with this senctence, "If this, then that." This can be a fun process rather than an arduous task.

Split your planning team into groups and have each map out their ideas on contingencies. Being aware of any weak spots in what you planned can pay off big time when it is ‘show time.’

About the author. Vince Poscente has spoken to over a 1,500 meetings in every setting imaginable:

• Sunrise at the Acropolis
• Outdoor Bahamas event in gale force winds
• Flatbed stage while the Olympic torch comes from the other end of the street
• 6am motivational keynote in a cardboard manufacturing plant
• 18,000 network marketers
• 12 double PhD’s at a Fortune 500 company think-tank
• 5,000 home-based-business females who admitted, “We don’t get out much.”
• Countless, convention ballrooms full of salespeople / leaders / user groups / IT pros / (you name it)

He has partnered with numerous professional planners as a keynote speaker who cares about the meeting outcomes.

If you would like to spend 15 minutes discussing your next meeting with Vince Poscente, click here. 

You can have quality and speed at the same time. Even if it appears cumbersome on the surface. Here is a flashback motivational eBrief that rings as true today as it occured eight years ago. 

During the 41^st Super Bowl telecast, Sheryl Crow starred in a Revlon Colorist television commercial with a Buddy Holly classic only available on iTunes where all proceeds went towards Breast Cancer Research.

Say that ten times.

Crow, a cancer survivor, teamed up with Revlon to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. Revlon pony upped for the commercial time and production costs. All parties got a plug and created goodwill in the same moment. The NFL looked good for running the ad. Apple tossed in the digital infrastructure. Sheryl Crow lent her talents. Revlon Colorist sent a message to over 90 million people that their product works on hair and for charity.

All in less than 60 seconds.

In the time it takes to read this eBrief; Sheryl Crow, the NFL,Revlon, iTunes sent a compelling message to millions that will ultimately help benefit women who have a one out of eight chance of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Think of the value and benefits you, your products or services represent. How do you get your message across when you have the opportunity to sell or promote?

Pitching a concept to a committee has more traction if you tell a story about the idea before listing the benefits. You ingratiate yourself to employees by revealing insights about being a parent before extolling the virtues of leadership traits. A supplier will be more loyal to you if they know about you rather than just what they can get from you.

Tell a story, make it an experience. People remember an experience. Stories help them remember your message. Revlon could have had Crow do the conventional; sit in a chair and pitch all the reasons why you should donate money for Breast Cancer Research. Instead, Revlon told a story 

In the ad, Crow was approached by Revlon to use its Colorist product on tour. They drove a hard bargain and Crow ended up on stage week after week with no faded hair. A classy, subtle sidebar appeared part way through the commercial saying, “Not Fade Away, Only Available on iTunes.” The catchy ditty ends and sixty seconds are up.

It has been said repeatedly that speed and quality can’t be delivered at the same time. That was then. Today we can and are compelled to live by a different motto. Speed and quality can be delivered together.

Kudos to Revlon, iTunes, the NFL, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and especially Sheryl Crow for creating a charitable conduit that is a toe tapping song in earbuds across the land.

We live in the age of speed where we are asked to do more-faster-now. Some motivational examples help us see that it’s possible, even if it appears on a hair care commercial.

We speakers love our hotel partners; with one exception. We can't say the same about the guy who sets up the chairs. Time and again, the conference room is set up the same. Huuuuuuuuge middle aisle. Laser beam straight rows. An acre of property between the front row and the stage. Before your speaker even hits the stage, the energy in the room is compromised. 

The opposite end of the room set-up spectrum is a case in point for amplifying energy at your event. If you have ever been to a stand-up comedy club you know what they do. They cram seats together in a seemly chaotic mish-mash of table and seat angles. The front row guests literally bump their knees up to the stage. The stage is surrounded on three sides with seats. Back seats are not opened up until the remaining attendees filter in. Before the stand-up commedian hits the stage, there is a buzz in the room. 

At a corporate conference, there is a nice balance between the picture above and the randomness of a comedy club. The bottom line is this: Make sure you are dedicted to building energy in the room before hand. This starts with the seating arrangement. 

There is no exact seating design that works for every room, but generally follow these three rules.

1. Eliminate the Center Aisle -  Give your presenters a fighting chance by filling THE most important real estate in the room with humans, not dead air. You can easily add two rows on either side of the center. Boom! Problem solved. 

2. Apply the Tiny Ten - Ten feet is all a speaker needs to have a relatively good rapport with the front row. It helps if you fill those seats. Have you ever noticed, when the seats are free, such as church and conferences, the back rows fill up first. When the seats cost money, the front row is coveted. Help your speaker fill the front first. A tiny, ten feet will be a boost to the energy exchange between audience and speaker.

3. Use the 114 Degree Rule - Amp the energy in a room by ensuring everyone has a peripheral view of their seat mates. As you are looking at this screen, broaden your gaze to your peripheral vision. You have a visual awareness of approximatelly a third of 360 degrees. If someone was sitting directly beside you you could not see their face. If they were within a 114 degree scope of your vision, their expressions zoom into your awareness. Bring each of the chairs within peripheral view of each other and you added another layer of energetic buzz to your room.  

Ask Us How your meeting can have a better ROI from one keynote speech. 

According to Tiger Wood’s former swing coach, Hank Haney, more than 1/4 of golfers suffer from the yips. It seems that the yips could be a corporate condition as well.

Some of you are going, “Wow, that’s high.” Others are saying, “Yips? What are yips?”

To get us all on the same page, yips are a slight tremor occurring just before the forward swing of a club. In effect, a golfer can have all the skill and experience in the world, but if he or she has a slight “yip” before striking the ball it will end up in an unintended location.

Speaking at a PGA Merchandise Show, Haney talked abou the yips and a Golf Digest interview he did. The average response to any article is about 30 emails. Golf Digest registered over 3000 emails from the yipping community. “The articles hit a nerve,” explained Haney.

Golf is considered to be a slow, meandering sport but it really is a speed game. In less than three seconds a myriad of physical and mental skills need to align for the perfect shot. Flawless execution in such a brief period is the holy-grail for all golfers.

The yips are a natural human condition. Unlocking the mysteries of the human condition is the quest for golf coaches and business guru’s alike.

In business, the yips would be analogous to real time, forced decision making. In other words, when there is no time for conscious deliberation. It could be that crucial point in a sale where you immediately need to know exactly what to say. Or a negotiation that requires the perfect words. Or a speech in front of industry specialists scrutinizing your every word.

One yip and you’re toast.

Here’s how to get past the yips in business (and golf):

1. Interrupt your patterns. If you have a habit of one sort, break up the habit by doing something different. For example, in a speech if you typically walk on stage and say, “Good morning,” then change it up. Pause first, look at the audience, take a breath and then say something else like, “We are going to have some fun this morning.” Haney recommends that instead of looking at the ball, look at the bill of your cap at the top of your swing. In either case you are interrupting the unconscious patterns that circumnavigate the patterns associated with yips.
2. Keep your eye on the prize. Any behavior that is self destructive in nature reveals a deeper, unconscious pathway to an undesirable outcome. Even subtle behaviors like gossiping or forgetting to call someone back can be clues to an unconscious agenda that needs to be corrected. Ensure that you are clear on the prize that you desire. Know what closing a deal or sinking a birdie would feel like and then take a swing.
3. Let go of yips gone by. Fixating on a problem only exacerbates the problem. You will give power to problems by obsessing on them. Acknowledge the yip and move on.

May you speed past the yips as you golf, work or manage to do both at once.