IntroductionAll of life is Communication or Exchange of Information and all Success depends on good Communication. It takes some deliberate time and effort to improve your Communication Skills. Do not stop just because difficulty comes up. You can take breaks but do continue on until you think you are smarter, feel lighter or made new realizations that will help you to be stronger and succeed in daily life and on the job. This Course is Experiential. That means understanding it or believing in it or reading it amounts to Zero – doing it, feeling it and using it is what allows for progress.Experiential Lesson 1: People I like and dislikeUsing a separate sheet of paper, list some people you dislike, along with the traits you dislike about them. After that, check if you have any similar traits sometimes. If so, write that trait down. If not, then don’t write anything. So if for example you dislike the trait “stubborn” about someone and you find you are sometimes pretty stubborn yourself, you would have the word stubborn in both columns (“Traits I dislike” and “My similarities”). Some of the traits you dislike are projections of what you don’t like about yourself. After that write down something you respect about each of these people. Even if it’s difficult, try to find something. Radiating some respect towards all will keep your friends close and your enemies at bay. A good Communicator knows that what you radiate out into the world is what you ultimately get back. Finally, write down what your Intentions are regarding your future Communication with them. Examples for Intentions:I’d like them to listen to me more carefullyI’d like more honesty between usI’d prefer to feel neutral towards themI’d prefer a friendly relationship with themI’d like them to participate in the projectSimply define what it is you’d prefer. If you keep defining what you don’t want and don’t like, you will keep getting stuff you don’t want and don’t like. If you don’t define anything at all, what you will get will remain random. So make it an official exercise to keep stating your actual intentions regarding a thing, situation or person – at least to yourself. You might not always get what you intend, but you do increase the likelihood of it happening when your attention is focused on the preferred rather than the unwanted. So on your separate sheet of paper your table would include this:People I dislikeTheir traits I dislikeSimilar traits I haveWhat I do respect about these peopleMy intentions regarding my Communication with themAfter you are finished with that, list people you like, the traits you like about them, your similarities and finally your Intentions regarding Communications with them. Do not assume that it is always easier to Communicate with people you like – sometimes its harder because the interaction lacks neutrality or because you might be looking up to them. Both too much “looking down at” and too much “looking up at” can inhibit the free flow of Communication. So include Intentions that would improve your experience with them. On your separate sheet of paper your items would be:People I likeTraits I like about themMy similaritiesMy intentions regarding Communication with themPlease only continue with this Course after you have completed all of these points.Welcome back.What do you conclude from this first exercise? Have you experienced a change of state or attitude? Do you feel lighter? Did you have a new realization? Please write down what you feel still needs some practicing in the days to come in order to integrate this lesson into daily life.Experiential Lesson 2: Communication DisturbancesThe disturbers of good Communication flow:Environmental (such as loud music or drilling)Physiological (such as deafness or blindness)Semantic (such as a different interpretation of what a word means)Syntactical (Mistakes in Grammar, Verbs, Tenses)Organizational (poor structure of thoughts, not being clear, confusion)Cultural (coming from ignorance of others customs, values and beliefs)Psychological (unresolved emotional issues and projections coming into play)Semantic, Organizational and Psychological issues often go unnoticed and cause more Communication Problems than Environmental or Physiological issues which are easily recognized and therefore easily changed.The exercise here is to write down or discuss examples where these disturbers came into play in your own life or with people you know. The more examples you become aware of the more likely it is you notice them in daily life and can avoid them by virtue of recognition.In our live Courses we sometimes spend an entire day training semantics, communication psychology and conflict resolution. So keep in mind that there is much more to say and do on the subject and consider creating exercises yourself or looking up more information on them in the Internet.Experiential Lesson 3: AcknowledgmentPeople naturally need approval and acknowledgment. Too much acknowledgment appears strange but the most frequently made mistake is giving too little acknowledgment. It is important to acknowledge what someone said or to acknowledge that you understand what someone said. Acknowledgment is the lubricant that keeps Communication flowing. It does not always mean that you agree but it does mean that you received the message or understand what was said. People who forget to give acknowledgment are often perceived as ego-centric, needy, tense or lost in thought.Examples for Acknowledgment:A nodA paraphrase”Yes”"OK”"Alright”"I see”Exercise: In order to commit this to memory, take a day or two in which you exaggerate the giving of nods, acknowledgment, “yes” and “OKs” to everyone along your way. Acknowledgment given will improve the way others perceive you.Experiential Lesson 4: How to improve your Communication flow with someoneOne way to improve your Communication flow with someone is to find things you and the other agree upon. This will quickly increase the “vibe” you have with each other. Salespeople misuse this by pretending to be in Agreement on several issues with someone they want to sell something to. But people are smart and I recommend you find things you actually agree on with the other (if you want to improve your Communications with that person).Another way to improve your Communication flow with someone is by Appreciation. For example, you could find out things you like about the person. This will shift your attitude and behavior and ultimately increase your positive “vibe” with the other.Of course simply talking to them more often can increase your rapport with them, but it is always much easier if Appreciation and Agreement are added.If you disagree with too many people or dislike too many people you will generally feel more “low” and weak in life.The solution is to either reduce your aversion towards people you dislike or find more people you do like to hang out with. Love them or Leave them.Experiential Lesson 6: Flow of EnergyYou have the most strength, power and energy when you have attention and give attention. You are the weakest and most energy-less when you need attention and want attention. From bottom to top:NeedWantLikeHaveGiveNeeding attention, approval and interest you have the least energy and the other the most. Liking attention has a softer, more neutral energy flow to it but its still not entirely empowering. When having attention there is an energy-flow from someone else to you instead of the other way around. And when giving attention there is an energy-flow from you to the others which automatically provides you with the most energy.In order to lessen your “need” and “want” of attention I recommend giving yourself a lot of attention, approval and acceptance throughout life. You will then have more energy and have more to give.Check for yourself whether this is true or not. It can take a few months of study to “get it” and be able to apply the secrets contained within this lesson, but once you do you will never be the same person again – in a positive sense.Guided MeditationThis is a guided Meditation you best let someone else speak while you mentally and emotionally go through the process. Alternatively you can also read it to yourself.Who did you want approval from?Could you relax needing/lacking approval from that person a bit?Imagine having approval from that person.Relax.Who wanted approval from you?Could you relax resisting giving approval a bit?Imagine giving approval.Relax.Repeat dozens of times with the same person or other people, until the neediness of approval is relaxed and the resistance toward giving approval is eased.Advanced version: Apply the same Exercise with the words Control, Freedom, Unity and Security in place of Approval. Note that this exercise alone can take several months or even years before fully understood and integrated.Experiential Lesson 7: Communication is also… … Physical Expression & MovementHave you ever moved an elbow only to have them move theirs too? If when you move they move too, that is an indicator that their attention is with you. If in a group someone has their foot directed at you it is often an indicator that their attention is on you. Gestures and Facial Expressions have the power to underline and emphasize your words or to properly express agreement and disagreement.Exercise: Watch people negotiating on Video without Sound. Who is in Command? You don’t need to hear the words, its enough to see the physical behavior.Exercise: Communicate something to someone else without speaking until the other understands what you are Communicating.Exercise: Practice being in Command without talking – by mere posture and presence…. Tone of VoiceVoice Training and bringing flexibility into your tone is a vital part of being able to steer and direct meetings, conversations, presentations. In our Live Courses we do several exercises in “Voice-Coaching” in order to give the voice more power. The tone in which you say something is often also more important than the words used. “Hello”, for instance, can be said in a friendly or unfriendly tone. Tone is the carrier-wave of an intention. For more training I recommend our mp3 Download “Voice Coaching”…. PostureThere are postures which put you in Command and postures which put others in Command, depending on your Intention. You lying down on a sofa is a relaxed posture while standing erect and your legs apart and firmly rooted in the floor is a more commanding posture. Changing your posture will always change the mood and the roles of a Communication…. Vocabulary usedThere is a difference whether you say “You are stupid” or “Let me show you something more intelligent”. With the former you probably won’t reach your goal with the other person, with the latter you probably will. Lessons on the Power of Language and Reframing are taught in the next Part of the Communication Excellence Course…. Touch and ContactA handshake, a clap on the shoulders, a “coincidental” brush of the hands – all these are forms of Communication, as is lack of touch. The way you touch other objects than the person also says more about you than you may be aware of. If for example you are in a flirt-situation or on a date with someone, the way you handle her coat or his car-door may be taken as a hint on how you will handle him or her…. LookingIt makes a significant difference whether you are looking straight at your partner, into his eyes, his face, between his eyebrows, to his sides or away and elsewhere. Depending on what you intend you can change the entire flow or meaning of the Communication with your eyes only. Some people base their entire Peoples-Skills on the way they use their eyes…. ListeningPeople can actually sense whether you are listening or not. Active listening means that your attention is fully on the other without the need of speaking yourself or needing anything yourself. Active listening also means that you are thinking about what is being said. Passive listening is hearing the sounds but not really processing all that is said. With people we have an aversion towards we listen passively, with people we like we or that have something interesting to say, we listen actively. For a good Communication Flow I recommend you seek to understand before you wish to be understood…. Distance and OrientationThe distance you are standing from someone, from where you are communicating with someone, from which angle or location also have some influence on whether Communication succeeds or not. These parameters can also be changed depending upon what you wish to achieve. For example if you want more authority over a group, never sit with them in a circle but instead with you in the front and perhaps even up higher or behind a podium. If on the other hand you wish to be friends with a group, sit in a circle with them. Or if you wish to close an important deal it is preferable to do so in person than wanting to do it by email…. What you don’t sayCommunication is not only what you say but also what you don’t say, withhold or fail to say. If for example you wish to retain energy and power, speak less, chatter less, justify less, react less. If you do not want a situation to get out of hand, save your disagreement for a later time when you are in a better state. Such small feats of self-control can go a long way in succeeding in various venues. On the other hand failing to communicate when it is necessary is not only an advantage it can also be a problem. Your motto should be “When uncertain, in doubt or in trouble, Communicate!”Half of all corporate problems are due to a lack of Communication and Clarity…. Social SensitivityThis means to be respectful of other peoples limits and reality-frames. Peace and Harmony is just as much an asset as Truth and Frankness. Sometimes it is wiser to withhold comment for the sake of peace than to create turbulence where none is necessary. Many people are not mature enough to accept truth at all times and in all situations. Social Sensitivity is also about the Timing in which certain truths are shared. It is not necessary to “talk turkey about the struggling Business” while at a Funeral. In this case Peace and Harmony should be preferred to truth. Likewise it is not necessary to “be nice and calm” while Millions are being lost to mismanagement. In this case Truth and Frankness should be preferred to Peace and Harmony. Social Sensitivity is to behave respectful enough as to choose the right Timing and Situation for various Communications. When your employee calls off sick, don’t have an assignment be your first Communication toward him and don’t call at midnight. If you need to criticize your spouse, wait for the right moment. Don’t do it while he is hurt or helping you out.Experiential Lesson 8: RealitiesWrite down something you think is true and others also think is trueWrite down something you think is true and others think is not trueWrite down something you think is not true and others think is trueWrite down something you think is not true and others also think is not trueWhat conclusions do you draw from this?Something that is true for everyone is called facts or Absolute Truth.Something that is only true for some is called opinions or Relative Truth.Mistaking the two is the cause of many problems. In regards to facts I recommend zero tolerance toward deviations and with regards to opinions full tolerance toward deviations from your opinion. But first learn to discern the two.This completes Communication Excellence 1. If you gained benefit from this Course I would enjoy seeing you at Communication Excellence 2 which goes into depth on the principles already presented while introducing new, even more advanced concepts for the upcoming Communication Pro.Copyright 2010

Every now and then persons trying to make up their minds where to put their money ask me if real estate ventures are more or less profitable, compared to other businesses opportunities around.My response is always that apart from its potential for yielding significant profits, investing in real estate often confers long terms benefits.I discuss five such advantages below:1. You Can Refurbish (to Enhance the Value of) Real Estate
After you buy a stock, you hold it for a period of time and hopefully sell it for a profit. The success of the stock depends on company management and their corporate success, which is out of your control.Unlike other conventional investment instruments, like stocks, for instance, whose rate of returns, depend on third parties (e.g. company management), real estate investments are directly under your control.Even though you will not be able to control changes that may occur in demographic and economic aspects, or impact of nature induced changes, there are many other aspects that you can control, to boost the returns on your investment in it.Examples include aspects relating to adding repairs, or improvements/enhancements to the physical property and tenants you allow to live in it.If you do it right, the value of your investment will grow, resulting in increased wealth for you.2. Real Estate Investing, When Done Right, is Proven to be Profitable Even During a Recession (like the one we’re in right now)
It has on several occasions, been used to effect a bail out, from financial setbacks, such as those that many have experienced during the economic downturn happening in Nigeria today.A considerable number of clients have confided in me that due to the present economic situation, they are not sure of profitable channels to invest their money. Some of them are done with bonds and treasury bills, but are in dire need of a new investment.We had extensive discussions, and based on my expertise as a real estate consultant, I recommended landed property investment, as the most suitable and secure alternative channel of investment.This is because, even if all businesses crumble, land will always appreciate greatly. Then to drive my point home, I ended by sharing the following apt quote, by a former American president:”Real estate can’t be lost, nor carried away, managed with reasonable care, it’s about the safest investment in the world” – Franklin Roosevelt.Not surprisingly, the client chose to take my advice – and signed up: it was the obvious, common sense thing to do!3. Real Estate Investments Are Immune to Inflation
In other words, investing your money in ownership of viable real estate can protect you from the harsh effects that inflation usually has on other conventional investments.This is because the value of real estate generally tends to rise in positive correlation with inflationary pressures. This is why property values and rental rates go up with rising inflation.The nature of real estate, therefore affords owners the unique advantage of being able to adjust the rates they offer, to match inflation.Monthly rents for example can be raised to compensate for inflation – thus providing a cushion effect against inflation induced losses that other monetary investments suffer.4. Real Estate is Uniquely for Being Universally Acceptable as Collateral, Towards Securing Funding from Banks
Today, real estate in form of either building or lands, with proper titles (i.e. Certificate of Occupancy – aka “C of O”) is the most recognized and accepted form of collateral in Nigeria – and some other parts of the world.It has the unique feature of being able to protect the interests of both the borrower and the bank (that’s doing the lending), so that funds can be released i.e. after due verification, and terms and conditions are agreed.This is one of the key advantages a private C of O has over the global C of O, because the former (i.e. private C of O) is what will be needed by the intending borrower, in the event of any future financial dealings with bank in Nigeria.5. Real Estate Investing Allows Use of Other People’s Money
In other words, you can do it even if you do not have enough money. You just need to know how.This is possible because real estate is physical property or what is called a hard asset. That is an attribute that makes it attractive to financiers i.e. people with money to invest.This is why many times real estate products are bought with debt – unlike conventional investment products like stocks which are NOT tangible, and therefore perceived as being more risky to invest in.So real estate investment can be done using cash or mortgage financing. In the latter case, payments can be so arranged to allow payment of low initial sums, provided by you or a willing third party.Those payments will be happening on landed property which will continue increasing in value throughout the duration of such payments – and indeed beyond. That further inspires confidence in the minds of those financing the acquisition, that their investment is safe.Little wonder that real estate investing has continued to prosper for so long![A WORD OF CAUTION] The listed benefits notwithstanding, I still tell prospective investors that due diligence is a crucial requirement for succeeding.Whether you do everything yourself or use industry professionals like me, it is imperative that you exercise caution and arm yourself with relevant information and education.This is something I advice my clients to do all the time, so they can make good decisions in investing.The importance of the above cannot be overstated, especially in Lagos where quite a number of individuals, have had their fingers badly burnt, because they failed to take the needed precautions.My purpose is to help clients avoid having such horrible experiences, by bringing my years of experience in this field to bear in serving them.References/Related Article:[You can read about more advantages of real estate investing, in this excellent article I found at: http://realestate4investing.com/articles/real-estate-investments/10-advantages-disadvantages-real-estate-investments ]

Commercial lawsuit funding is the non-recourse cash advance offered to plaintiff businesses involved in business lawsuits. The pre-settlement financing is provided to lower the monetary problems of the contending plaintiff companies. Commercial litigations are on a continual surge as well as the financial responsibilities that it could introduce upon the contending company might be enormous.How Commercial Litigation Funding Helps the Plaintiff Companies:Commercial lawsuit funding facilitates a large amount of non-recourse cash advance to those who are in dire need of cash while waiting for their business litigation to settle. Using this facility and by leveraging the unique financial strength of commercial litigation funding, plaintiff company increases its prospects for a favorable outcome. An advance on pending settlement also allows attorney the time needed to get the full value for the case and the time period to negotiate a better settlement deal.Commercial Litigation Financing has Following Features:1. Non-Recourse: It is non-recourse. It is paid back only if the plaintiff wins the case at trial or reaches an out-of-court settlement with the defendant. If plaintiff is unsuccessful in getting the claim, the borrowed amount is never paid back.2. No Monthly Payments: Once plaintiffs are approved and funded, they pay back directly from the proceeds of their successful settlement.3. No Personal Guarantee: Unlike conventional loans that almost always require the personal guarantee of the business owners, commercial lawsuit funding is a non-recourse investment, secured by the prospective proceeds of pending claim and not the cash-flow of their business or their personal assets.4. Off-Balance Sheet: Financing provided by is off-balance sheet and non-recourse. It allows businesses to prevent and protect from litigation risks. In addition, financing may be used to supplement working capital and to remove liabilities from balance sheet of the business.5. Unrestricted and Unlimited Use: Cash obtained from commercial litigation financing can be used to pay down debt and invest to maintain or help in business expansion. Company can use the cash advance for fixed and variable costs such as payroll and operating expenses. Funds can also be used to invest in the expansion of their business, which maintains the confidence of creditors, investors, and employees.Business lawsuits are, in general, one of the long and expensive legal processes that take out several years together for a settlement to occur. Many people find arranging for funds quite difficult when a particular lawsuit is going on in the court of law.A commercial lawsuit funding offers a financial support to plaintiffs when they need it most. Their attorney provides the legal help and the financial support provided by commercial lawsuit funding can create a win – win situation for the client. In this win-win scenario, financial help provided by lawsuit funding will allow the plaintiff business to take care of pressing financial needs and wait for a just and equitable settlement. In the final analysis, they net more from a settlement than would have been possible without the commercial lawsuit funding.Introduction of the commercial litigation financing service has come in for greater appreciation from all corners of business world. Commercial lawsuit funding helps to fulfill the monetary obligation that a business gets to meet when facing a commercial lawsuit and it is a solution in the form of legal financing facility. Best part is that being non-recourse it is risk-free and one can pay back upon settlement completion or after winning over the trial.What Types of Cases Qualify for Commercial Litigation Financing?There are variety of cases that can qualify for commercial lawsuit loan, these include, but are not limited to: Contract Disputes, Trademark and Copyright Infringement, Fraud, Industrial Products Liability, Construction Disputes, Intellectual Property, Shareholder Suits, Securities and Investment Fraud, Banking and Insurance Disputes, ERISA, Professional Negligence and more.Golden Nugget:It is a well-known fact that commercial legal processes will drag for several years and it serves best to settle the case at the earliest. An organized pre-settlement funding from a well-funded legal financing company aids one in getting immediate cash and the time period to negotiate a better settlement deal. Commercial lawsuit funding allows these firms to leverage the expected settlement from their case to obtain the capital they need now. A commercial lawsuit loan helps the plaintiff company regain their financial freedom.