Back in the Toastmasters groove

Tuesday evening I attended our second Toastmasters meeting of the season. To those unfamiliar, Toastmasters is an organization that helps people improve their public speaking and leadership skills. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and socialize. Each week, everyone has a different role. For example, we have the role of meeting chair, toastmaster, general evaluator, joke master, table topics master, and several others.

Everyone is working out of Toastmasters leadership and communication manuals. There are 10 speeches you have to complete in order to become what is called a competent communicator. I completed just two speeches last year, but this year my goal is to complete the remaining eight. My first speech is scheduled for Sept. 30. I better get started on that!

Toastmasters is a very big part of my life because it is greatly enhancing my interpersonal and speaking skills. I am attempting to develop more confidence in dealing with people as I build my business. It takes a lot of courage to approach people you don’t know too well about a business opportunity. Toastmasters certainly helps me feel more comfortable under pressure. In fact, when I speak in front of the group I am much more relaxed than I once was. Ah, the wonders of Toastmasters.

We need to talk

As some of you know, I have my very own home business. I don’t promote as much as I should, mostly because I am a very low-key, private kind of guy. Well that’s about to change.

You see, I believe EVERYONE should have their own home business. That’s right - everyone. Keep in mind that I’m a true skeptic at heart. I wouldn’t be promoting the benefits of a home business if I didn’t believe 100% that it can make a huge difference in everyone’s life.

Even if you never make a dime off your home business (which is almost impossible), the tax advantages alone are absolutely staggering. Just by running a home business, you can access $15,000-$20,000 in tax deductions every year. Suddenly, many of your household expenses become tax deducations. Depending on the tax bracket you’re in, it could mean an additional $5,000-$10,000 a year added to your tax return. I like to ask people: what would an extra $10,000 a year mean to you?

I take my reputation very seriously. Everything I do must be completely above board. I certainly don’t pressure people, or exaggerate the benefits of my business, or make promises I can’t deliver on. One thing is for sure: running a home business has changed my family’s life for the better. I’d be more than happy to show you how a home business can change your life.

We really do need to talk : -)