Читать книгу How to Ask for What You Want and Get It! - Lucille Orr - Страница 9

When you deprive yourself of something, you’re also depriving your family. My goal now is to make a million dollars speaking on the world’s stage. It’s humorous to recall being told off for speaking too loudly and too often when I was a young key punch operator. Perhaps I was only exercising my natural talents as a professional speaker!

If I’d listened to my boss, stopped talking, stayed in the job I hated and not allowed myself to grow I’d certainly not have written this book. I wouldn’t have anything to write about. Thank goodness I listened to my heart and let my instincts guide me to where I am now. I love my life so much and look forward every day to new adventures and mountains to climb.

To empower your life, you have to take control of it. Step outside the comfort zone of your home, office or current circle of friends and start something new. Even if it’s going back to school to do a part time course or taking up a hobby that has always interested you. If people say “Don’t be silly, you’ll look stupid. The others in the class will all be younger than you,” don’t listen. Everyone means well, but they’re not you and don’t know what makes you happy.

Sonya 49 years and Marsia 40 years worked in a large city dress boutique, cared for their families and spent most Saturday nights with six married couples who loved Rock ‘n Roll. Although the two women weren’t experienced at the dance, after a few months practising they created their own style. One evening Tom, 36, lead guitarist in a band, took his wife to dinner at the hotel where Sonya and Marsia were performing for their friends. Tom was so impressed he asked them to do a floorshow with his band the following weekend.

Tom and his audience loved the two and dubbed them The Girls. Tom introduced the women to his colleagues in the music industry, so Sonya and Marsia could learn a few Rock ’n Roll and Country songs. Today these two women are in demand in all the clubs and hotels in their state and they’re preparing for their first national tour. They dress in magnificent costumes and have learnt a few jokes, can do a couple of magic tricks and have their audiences in the palm of their hands.

You are never too old to do whatever you want in your life, it’s just a matter of finding the people who can help and guide you in the right direction. There are many networks these days of like minded people who’ll welcome you with open arms into their groups. I started the Australian Executive Women’s Network in 1986 to assist women (and sometimes men) to increase profits through a sharing of business leads, good ideas, knowledge, experience and to gain confidence learning how to ask for the job they want to become financially independent.

I’m an active member of many networking organisations. It’s hard to describe the inspiration and energy created by 50 or so people in one room who enjoy the same lifestyle and ambitions as yourself. It’s as if electricity is passing between the group. The empathy, sense of well being and belonging is overwhelming. There’s a genuine rapport felt between all members who care about each other and support one another’s businesses.