Welcome to the latest edition of "Making A Difference"! We've got another great issue for you. So, grab yourself a cool drink, get comfy, and take a look at this month's edition of all the great stuff you've become accustomed to.

HOT - HOT - HOT!!!

As I say repeatedly,  one of the greatest benefits of the Internet and World Wide Web technology is the opportunity it gives us to "connect" with people that we may never have had the chance to get to know, or to interact with, in the "normal" course of our lives.

Last month, I was able to introduce you to one of the Web's superstars and give you a chance to benefit from a special offer he was running. For those of you who were quick enough to jump on that opportunity, congratulations. You'll certainly find that it will save you a lot of time and effort in creating your first super product or in adding quality products to your existing product line. It was a pleasure for me to have the chance to bring that to you.

Well, this month I've got what could be an even more beneficial relationship for you to consider. Over the years, I have spent a great deal of money in order to learn from people who have been extremely successful in creating the life of their dreams and who are willing to share their knowledge with others who are serious about building a successful, home-based business that will allow them to have the same kind of personal freedom to live life on their terms. 

One of the people that I have learned from is Jay Abraham. If you don't know Jay, let me tell you that he has literally thousands of businesses and individuals who have paid him outrageous fees to "take them to the next level". The result? About 8 Billion dollars worth of increased profits. Yes, that "Billion", with a capital "B". 

As you can see, we're talking about a major "Difference Maker" here. One of the problems in dealing with Jay, however, was that you had to have some big bucks to be able to afford his services. I personally could only afford to buy his slightly dated products and - even then - only when he ran a big sale (which was not very often). But, even though the products I purchased were not the most current, I still found a lot of value in them and felt lucky to have them.

Well, guess what? The almost unbelievable has finally happened! Jay Abraham has reached the point in his career where he's looking for new challenges, new relationships, and more people to be able to help. And, thanks to the power of the Internet and World Wide Web, we all have the opportunity to work with Jay. And, in this case, his services are extremely "affordable". In fact, even if you have no money to spend right now, you may be able to get involved with Jay. All you'll have to do is let him know why you think you would be a good business partner for him to invest his time and money in. 

I won't go into the details about this opportunity in this newsletter. It would take up too much space. But, if you are looking for a genuine marketing genius to help you create the life of your dreams, click on the box below right away and find out more about it. You may never get such an opportunity again.

Now, on to other things ...

Once again, I'd like to thank all the people who have sent me so many great comments on my new e-book, Electronic Dreams. I truly appreciate it. As I've said before, there's no feeling in the world like the "warm fuzzies" you get from seeing another person happy because of something that you did or had a part in doing.

I'm sorry if you missed the special introductory sale. But, I still think it's an incredible value at the current price. So, you might want to take another look if you haven't yet gotten your copy. Here are the links for you: 

My brand-new "Full Version" Electronic Dreams Package can be gotten by clicking on the link or picture of the box above. This package includes my new e-book version of "Electronic Dreams", the Power Affiliate's Super Pack, and many other special reports and e-books to help you create the successful Internet business you've been dreaming of. This full version package includes a total of 19 products in all.  

If you really see the value that Electronic Dreams can bring you, but are really strapped for cash, you can consider the "Lite Version" of the package by clicking here. 

Finally, if you really see the value of Electronic Dreams, but simply find yourself in a MAJOR financial bind right now, send me a personal letter explaining your situation and you may be awarded one of the "scholarship" copies of the book.

Creating a successful business during this period of unprecedented opportunity involves ...

Relationship Building

Many people think that the greatest benefit of the Internet and World Wide Web is the ability to quickly have access to vast amounts of information. While I agree that this is a great benefit, it is my opinion that the greatest benefit of the Internet and Web lies in their ability to provide an amazing vehicle for creating and building relationships.

Think about it. Never before have you had the opportunity to so quickly find other people who share your views and your passions. Newsgroups, message boards, e-mail, chat rooms, blogs and other emerging technologies allow us to form relationships that we never would have had the opportunity to do otherwise.

How could you know that there was someone halfway around the world who had the same interests you did? Or, who had the answer to a question that had been bothering you for a long time? Or, who shared your vision? Or, … oh, well, you get the idea. To me, this is the real power of the Internet and World Wide Web.

I live in the eastern United States and I can’t tell you how exciting it is for me to receive emails from people in Australia, Canada, Switzerland, India and even the western part of the United States! But I do get these kinds of emails and it is always a thrill. Geographical boundaries are non-existent with the Internet and World Wide Web available to us. Practically anyone in the world is only an email or a web page away.

There are so many opportunities that this incredible technology provides us with, that it’s easy for me to get up on my “soap-box” and begin expounding upon the wonders of all of them. However, this book is supposed to focus on how you can create the life you always dreamed of by building a business that will give you the time and financial freedom to do so.  Therefore, I guess I’ll have to apply a little self-discipline and stick to the topic at hand.

Building a successful business in the age of the Internet and World Wide Web is really all about building relationships. People like the idea of buying something from someone they can trust. The days of consumers simply going into a large, impersonal retail outlet, where they don’t know personally any of the constantly changing sales staff, are coming to an end. The days of going to unknown professionals, such as doctors, dentists or lawyers just because they practice near your home or because somebody who knew somebody who went to them once gave you their name are also coming to an end. In the age of the Internet and World Wide Web, more and more of the people that you do business with will be people you know something about … because you will have established a relationship with them through the Web.

No ad in the yellow pages, a magazine or a newspaper can tell you enough about a person or company to allow you to make an informed decision on who is the best provider. However, a web site can. There are no space limitations to contend with. Therefore, individuals and companies that have something to offer can take advantage of the opportunity to tell you everything that they feel you need to know to make an informed decision. It’s amazing how much you can tell about an entity (company or individual) by reviewing their web site. It’s relatively easy to identify the ones that you would want to do business with. Their honesty, integrity and sincerity come through in the words of their web site.

So, even if you have never personally met them, or done business with them in the past, you can develop a certain level of trust that can make you feel confident about your buying decision. In a very real way, you have already established a relationship with them.  

A Personal Example …

A good example of how this works comes from my very own circumstances. Recently, I was in a lot of pain and realized that I would have to face the trauma of finding a new dentist to have it taken care of. Out of habit, even though I normally spend a lot of time on the Internet, I started looking through the yellow pages. As I was reviewing the ads, it finally dawned on me that I would not be able to make a wise choice without more information. And I knew, from past experience, that the web was the place to try to find that information.

I started my search by going, appropriately, to one of the major “search engines” on the Net. I keyed in “dentist” and the name of my hometown and, within seconds, I had a huge number of potential dentists. I began reviewing the web sites of those dentists who had their own site instead of simply a listing in a directory. I figured that, if they were progressive enough to realize the value of having their own web site, they must be the type who would also make sure they stayed up to date on the latest studies and procedures in dentistry. And, that was the kind of dentist that I wanted.

I honed in on those whose specialty was in the area I needed and began reviewing web sites.  There were a few that had very nice sites, but one of them really stood out. Not only did the site include information about the dentist, his staff and his philosophy about treatment, but it also contained an incredible amount of information about the latest research and treatments available in his specialty. He even went into detail about what to expect on your first visit to him and, depending upon his findings, what to expect on subsequent visits. It was obvious that he had gone to great lengths to create a site that would answer just about any question a prospective customer would have, as well as to help eliminate any fears a prospective patient might be feeling.

By the time I was finished reviewing his web site, I felt as though I had already established a relationship with him. I liked him … and I hadn’t even met the man! This is the power of the Internet and World Wide Web. And, sure enough, after my first visit with him, it was obvious that the impression I had formed about him, based upon his web site, was correct. I was a satisfied customer and you can bet that I will sing his praises to any of my friends that might need similar care in the future.

Make no mistake. If you have a product or service that is of value to others, then you can get into the game. The Internet and World Wide Web have leveled the playing field, at least temporarily. Please take advantage of it. Don’t worry about it if you don’t currently think that you have a quality product or service to offer just yet. There are many different ways that you can obtain or create a quality product in a very short time and I'll be sharing those with you shortly. Just remember that the quality of the relationships that you build will determine, to a great extent, the success that you have in your business - and in your life.

© Copyright 2005, Louis Conjar, All Rights Reserved.

Personal growth has been a life-long passion for Louis Conjar. Serving as an Information Technology and Business Consultant for over 25 years, he has helped countless people and businesses achieve their personal and corporate goals. He is the author of 3 books, including the newly-released "Electronic Dreams: The Ultimate Guide to Building An Internet Business You Can Be Proud Of!". He has also developed and conducted numerous courses, seminars and workshops that promote personal and professional growth.

Just what is writer's block?

Well, I just can't think of a single darn thing to say. Oh well, I guess I'm outta here!

Sound familiar? No! Oh, get real! We've all experienced this phenomenon when we absolutely have to write something, particularly on deadline. I'm talking
about. . . . .uh, I can't think of what the phrase is . . . oh, yes, it's on the tip of my tongue . . . it's:

WRITER'S BLOCK!!!!

Whew! I feel better just getting that out of my head and onto the page!

Writer's block is the patron demon of the blank page. You may think you know EXACTLY what you're going to write, but as soon as that evil white screen appears before you, your mind suddenly goes completely blank.
I'm not talking about Zen meditation stare-at-the-wall-until-enlightenment-hits kind of blank.

I'm talking about sweat trickling down the back of your neck, anguish and panic and suffering kind of blank. The tighter the deadline, the worse the anguish
of writer's block gets.

Having said that, let me say it again. "The tighter the deadline, the worse the anguish of writer's block gets." Now, can you figure out what might possibly be
causing this horrible plunge into speechlessness?

The answer is obvious: FEAR! You are terrified of that blank page. You are terrified that you have absolutely nothing of value to say. You are afraid of the fear of writer's block itself!

It doesn't necessarily matter if you've done a decade of research and all you have to do is string sentences you can repeat in your sleep together into coherent
paragraphs. Writer's block can strike anyone at any time. Based in fear, it raises our doubts about our own self-worth, but it's sneaky. It's writer's block, after all, so it doesn't just come and let you know that. No, it makes you feel like an idiot who just had your frontal lobes removed through your sinuses. If you dared to put forth words into the greater world, they would surely come out as gibberish!

Let's try and be rational with this irrational demon. Let's make a list of what might possibly be beneath this terrible and terrifying condition. 

Here are a number of possibilities:

1. Perfectionism. You must absolutely produce a
masterpiece of literature straight off in the first
draft. Otherwise, you qualify as a complete failure.

2. Editing instead of composing. There's your
monkey-mind sitting on your shoulder, yelling as soon
as you type "I was born ..." no, not that, that's wrong!
That's stupid! Correct correct correct correct!

3. Self-consciousness. How can you think, let alone
write, when all you can manage to do is pry the
fingers of writer's block away from your throat enough
so you can gasp in a few shallow breaths? You're not
focusing on what you're trying to write, your focusing
on those gnarly fingers around your windpipe.

4. Can't get started. It's always the first sentence
that's the hardest. As writers, we all know how
EXTREMELY important the first sentence is. It must be
brilliant! It must be unique! It must hook your
readers from the start! There's no way we can get
into writing the piece until we get past this
impossible first sentence.

5. Shattered concentration. You're cat is sick. You
suspect your mate is cheating on you. Your electricity
might be turned off any second. You have a crush on
the local UPS deliveryman. You have a dinner party
planned for your in-laws. You . . . Need I say more?
How can you possibly concentrate with all this mental
clutter?

6. Procrastination. It's your favorite hobby. It's
your soul mate. It's the reason you've knitted 60
argyle sweaters or made 300 bookcases in your garage
workshop. It's the reason you never run out of Brie.

FACE IT! IT'S ONE OF THE REASONS YOU HAVE WRITER'S
BLOCK!

How to Overcome Writer's Block

Okay. I can hear that herd of you running away from this article as fast as you can. Absurd! you huff. Never in a million years, you fume. Writer's block is absolutely, undeniably, scientifically proven to be impossible to overcome.

Oh, just get over it! Well, I guess it's not that easy. So try to sit down for just a few minutes and listen. All you have to do is listen - you don't have to actually write a single word.

Ah, there you all are again. I am beginning to make you out now that the cloud of dust is settling.

I am here to tell you that WRITER'S BLOCK CAN BE OVERCOME.

Please, remain seated.

There are ways to trick this nasty demon. Pick one, pick several, and give them a try. Soon, before you even have a chance for your heartbeat to accelerate,
guess what? You're writing.

Here are some tried and true methods of overcoming writer's block:

1. Be prepared. The only thing to fear is fear itself.
(I know, that's a cliche, but as soon as you start
writing, feel free to improve on it.) If you spend
some time mulling over your project before you
actually sit down to write, you may be able to
circumvent the worst of the crippling panic.

2. Forget perfectionism. No one ever writes a
masterpiece in the first draft. Don't put any
expectations on your writing at all! In fact, tell
yourself you're going to write absolute garbage, and
then give yourself permission to happily stink up your
writing room.

3. Compose instead of editing. Never, never write your
first draft with your monkey-mind sitting on your
shoulder making snide editorial comments. Composing is
a magical process. It surpasses the conscious mind by
galaxies. It's even incomprehensible to the conscious,
editorial, monkey-mind. So prepare an ambush. Sit down
at your computer or your desk. Take a deep breath and
blow out all your thoughts. Let your finger hover over
your keyboard or pick up your pen. And then pull a
fake: appear to be about to begin to write, but
instead, using your thumb and index finger of your
dominant hand, flick that little annoying ugly monkey
back into the barrel of laughs it came from. Then jump
in - quickly! Write, scribble, scream, howl, let
everything loose, as long as you do it with a pen or
your computer keyboard.

4. Forget the first sentence. You can sweat over that
all-important one-liner when you've finished your
piece. Skip it! Go for the middle or even the end.
Start wherever you can. Chances are, when you read it
over, the first line will be blinking its little neon
lights right at you from the depths of your
composition.

5. Concentration. This is a hard one. Life throws us
so many curve balls. How about thinking about your
writing time as a little vacation from all those
annoying worries? Banish them! Create a space, perhaps
even a physical one, where nothing exists except the
single present moment. If one of those irritating
worries gets by you, stomp on it like you would an
ugly bug!

6. Stop procrastinating. Write an outline. Keep your
research notes within sight. Use someone else's
writing to get going. Babble incoherently on paper or
on the computer if you have to.

Just do it! (I know, I stole that line from somewhere?). Tack up anything that could possibly help you to get going: notes, outlines, pictures of your grandmother. Put the cookie you will be allowed to eat when you finish your first draft within sight - but out of reach. Then pick up the same type of writing that you need to write, and read it. Then read it again. Soon, trust me, the fear will slowly fade away. As soon as it does, grab your keyboard - and get writing!