I’m amazed that it’s already November. I’m equally amazed that I am middle-aged. Seems like just yesterday I was a child with dreams and visions of what life would be like when I “grew up.”

What this tells me is how quickly time passes. On an intellectual level most people get this, yet do we get this on a heart level?

With each passing day, I realize the importance of being in resolve with life. This simply means it is essential to feel complete in all we do. Often this is easier said than done.

Yet, with conscious awareness and commitment, it becomes easier and easier. One way to have a conscious awareness is to notice what we surround ourselves with. Who do we communicate with, what do we listen to, what do we watch on television and what do we read?

People who know me personally know I am an avid reader. I can often have three, four or more books going at once. I love to read. Realizing the power of the written word and how it can and does shape our reality, I choose only to read that which will have a positive impact on my reality. This month I have a few recommendations of “must read” books. The first is Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza.

Left to Tell is one of the most incredible books I have ever experienced. Follow Ms. Ilibagiza's journey from an ordinary Rwandan life to one that took her to the depths of her spirit. 

The lessons she teaches are awe-inspiring, inspirational and spiritual in the deepest sense. For anyone who wants to read a book that will change your life forever this book is an absolute must read. Guaranteed.

Another recommendation is the book, The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton, PhD. This book addresses beliefs and how they absolutely impact our reality. This book will change how you think about your own thinking.

I had the opportunity to read and enjoy Darlene Braden’s book, What Stops You? Overcome Self-Sabotage Personal and Professional. Ms. Braden’s book became an Amazon.com bestseller on October 18^th. I am pleased to have been a huge part of the book promotion success.

Here’s a bit about the book… Do you dream or have you stopped dreaming? Is it because something inside you stops you from reaching your goals? This book, What Stops You? will help you easily identify EXACTLY what is stopping you and why in your personal and professional life. It is a powerful and friendly way to map out where you are, personally or in business, what you want and most importantly HOW to change it.

I have just started, The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer. This is yet another book that will inspire you to be your authentic-self as you explore what it means to surround yourself with the power that is available to each of us. I have enjoyed Dr. Dyer’s writings for nearly 30 years and am sure this will be among one of my favorites.

In October I had the opportunity to travel to Colorado Springs to speak to the Colorado Springs Chapter of Executive Women International. From the moment my plane landed my experience was stellar. The hospitality of the folks in the area is unsurpassed.

The experience was enhanced due to presenting to a capacity audience of professional women and men. Under the leadership of Springs 2006 – 2007 President, Kathy Wallace and her incredible team including Dianne Loper, Program Chair and Beth Alexander, Publicity Chair, this is an evening I will hold very fond memories of.

As the leaves have begun to change with whispers of autumn becoming more audible with each passing day, I am amazed at the incredible power of nature. As this is my first fall season in my new home, I am thoroughly enjoying the changing seasons, the rain of Oregon, and exploring the community.  Over the last couple months I had the incredible opportunity of mentoring professionals from around the globe in my Street Smarts Marketing Mentoring program. Here is what two participants said,

(Photo By Nettie Apland)

“Kathleen, the amount of information that you give us is amazing; all of it to the point and very practical.  You tell us exactly what we need to do in order to be successful in web-assisted marketing!” David Lee - Santa Monica, CA

Kathleen Gage gave me insights and tools to use in my business that I never thought would be possible.  She transforms impossible marketing ideas into simple workable solutions. I have used her marketing techniques and they have been tremendously successful. Actually, it is a no brainer. Simply do what she says and it works!
Luella May - co-founder of The Corner 4 Women .

I will be introducing the second series of trainings in a few weeks. To experience an introduction into this course be sure to join me for a rare opportunity. Spiritual Selling founder, Joe Nunziata will be interviewing me on a special FREE teleconference on November 9, 2006 entitled, Discover Insider Secrets to Making Money with the Internet.

Limited seating - Click Here

Until next month, live with intention, passion, joy and love.

What Impression Do You Leave?
By Kathleen Gage

Will your customer’s first experience be their last or the beginning of something great?

Since moving to Oregon we have had numerous out-of-town visitors. Invariably, we take them out to eat. One of my favorite places to eat is a tiny café in Pleasant Hill. The Sunrise Café is a “blink and you miss it” kind of place. Tucked away between the local feed store and next to the one of two gas stations in town, the Sunrise Café is a local favorite.

From the first time I stepped foot in this nostalgic eatery, I had such an incredible experience that I return often. Each time I have out-of-town guests, I make sure to take them to the Sunrise Café for an experience they are sure to remember for years to come.

What makes the Sunrise Café so special? The food is better than mom’s home cooking; full of great taste, very filling and served up hot. The décor is funky and entertaining. Everyone who works at the Sunrise is genuinely happy when people stop in.

My first time at the Sunrise was when we were house hunting in the area. We stopped in with our realtor and were immediately welcomed by Marianne. Because she knows her customers, she knew this was our first visit and inquired about what brought us to the area. After sharing our house hunting stories, she wished us well, said she hoped we would find the perfect home and invited us back again.

Well over a month passed before we got settled in and decided to return to the Sunrise for a hearty Sunday breakfast. Marianne immediately recognized us as the house hunters, gave us a huge welcome and a hug when we told her we were the newest residents of the area.

Like most people, I enjoy feeling welcome where I do business. Each and every time we bring guests to enjoy our favorite spot, Marianne greets us as if we are the most important people in the place, welcomes our guests and makes their experience one to be remembered. Every patron gets as warm a welcome. Our guests always comment what an incredible experience they had and what a delight Marianne is.

The Sunrise clientele is such that if there is a crowd, patrons will share their tables with each other, get up to help serve coffee and pitch in to do whatever needs to be done. The entire staff is genuinely happy everyone is there. No wonder locals return often. They like being there.

On the flip side is my experience at a place in Dexter, Oregon. There is a Mexican restaurant in that area with a huge sign that reads, “Best Mexican Food in Oregon!” As one who enjoys Mexican food, I thought it would be worth trying.

Unlike the Sunrise Café, at the Mexican restaurant it took a few minutes before we were rushed to our table without as much as a “Welcome.” After being seated we were made to wait several more minutes before getting a menu.

Finally, a rather large man (who turns out to be the owner) shows up. He appeared to be very frazzled and in a hurry. Without a welcome, he quickly takes the order, grabs the menu, and moves on to the next table to repeat the process. When the food arrives it is cool rather than hot, the plate is hastily placed in front of us and the owner rushes to the next table with their food.

Near the end of our meal a party of six shows up. Without missing a beat, the owner says, “Table one is done. We can seat the people there.”

We were at table one. I was shocked. After having one of the most unpleasant experiences up to this point, now I was made to feel extremely rushed. What I found interesting is the party of six didn’t even stay. With this restaurant my first experience was definitely my last.

Regardless of your industry, do you know if your customers’ first experience is their last or the beginning of something great? By the way, when in Pleasant Hill stop in and say hello to Marianne and the rest of the gang at the Sunrise Café! You’ll be glad you did.

Join Kathleen Gage, The Street Smarts Marketing Speaker, Trainer and Consultant and Joe Nunziata, The Spiritual Selling Founder on November 9^th for a rare opportunity as Joe interviews Kathleen. In this powerful partnership you willl Discover Insider Secrets to Making Money with The Internet. Very limited seating. Register today! http://www.impactmarketingseminar.com

Kathleen Gage works with organizations who want to increase their market position, sales and level of achievement by thinking and taking action beyond the obvious.

• Keynote Speaking – Conferences and conventions

• Business Advising – Sales and Marketing and Authorship Programs

• Corporate Training – Sales, Marketing & Promotions and Achievement  

• Internet visibility coaching and mentoring programs

To book Kathleen call 541.654.0426