Innovative Concepts Virtual Assistance Volume 2, Issue 2 Susan@InnovativeConceptsVA.com November, 2005 www.InnovativeConceptsVA.com

In this issue:

From the Desk of...
Wild Dolphin Energy Adventure Retreat
Speaking Circles International

From the Desk of...

Dear S,

Happy fall! For me, fall is a time for new beginnings. I know most of you think of springtime when you envision “new beginnings” with flowers blooming and birds singing. Fall is a time to renew goals. A time to say goodbye to summertime fun, get the kids back in school, and focus on business goals. This year is no exception. As I place my summer photos in albums, I look toward what I want to accomplish this season in my business. I have realized it is time to take business to the next level as my practice is full (with wonderful clients!) Everywhere I turn I’m hearing more and more about the importance of incorporating my business and expanding my practice (and my mind) to be able to work with more terrific clients. I’ll keep you posted as those plans unfold before the end of 2005.

Before we completely tuck away the summer memories, I have a summertime story to share with you in this newsletter. It has always been my dream to swim with wild dolphins and I finally had that dream realized.

I’ve also been able to “stretch” a bit and step out of the comfort zone to learn how to make the most of public speaking. Read below about that experience.

Enjoy!

Susan M. Sullivan
Virtual Assistant & Marketing Partner
Innovative Concepts Virtual Assistance

Wild Dolphin Energy Retreat

Imagine…..sailing on a 50’ catamaran on the exquisite turquoise waters of the Bahamas, off the coast of Bimini Island. Sounds pretty good so far?

Our captain, who has sailed these waters for 40 years, is guiding us right to the “wild dolphin grounds.” The anticipation slowly builds and my traveling companions and I become wide-eyed and quiet except for an occasional giggle of excitement. I know it’s not a question of “if” we will see dolphins today but “when”.

I hear Captain Geoffrey call to us, “look left” and we spot the pod, first one, two, three fins breaking the surface of the water. They are unafraid as they circle our boat. I stretch across the netting that hangs just inches from the water and watch in quiet amazement as dolphins of all sizes play in the water right below me. I could reach out and touch them—but that would be a “no no”!

We coast in the water for a few minutes giving the dolphins time to get used to us. Geoffrey then gives us the sign to get into the water. We put on our snorkels, masks and fins and one by one join the dolphins in their environment.

I grab a knot on the tow rope and we are pulled through the water by the boat. Within minutes we find that we’re not alone—swimming next to me are two spotted dolphins. They dip and swim directly under me so I can fully appreciate their gracefulness and beauty. I see mama and baby swim along and a couple who travel under me for a time rubbing fins as they effortlessly glide through the water. I realize I’m smiling and they are smiling back.

The pods were 20 strong—curious pairs and groups taking turns checking us out—their curiosity getting the best of them and us.

Just when we think the dolphins had left to explore elsewhere we witness the most breathtaking sight. Our first mate and chef, Tita, free dives down toward the bottom of the ocean. Two young dolphins follow her down to the bottom. When she turns to come back up, the three of them spiral around each other in the most beautiful dolphin dance I have every seen. Tita moves as if she is one of the pod. Her blonde hair flows behind her and her long legs and fins slowly pumping her through the water. When we surface we all cheer with glee.

This was an unforgettable week with the wild dolphins in their natural environment. Thank you Captain Geoff, First Mate Tita and internationally-renowned author (and my dear friend) Laura Scott for making this amazing experience possible. If you would like to learn more about the 2006 Wild Dolphin Retreats, visit: http://www.ancientstardust.com/retreat.html.

Speaking Circles International

How do you feel when you speak in front of a group? How about a networking meeting where you want to make your very best impression? Like many of you, standing in front of a group, all eyes on me, can make me a bit nervous. So why would I volunteer to do such a thing? As business owners, from time to time, we all must present ourselves to others and we want to do it with ease and grace—connecting with our listeners. I was recently introduced to Speaking Circles International and have attended a couple of their events to polish my speaking skills.

Whether you suffer from stage fright or just want to feel more comfortable in front of a group, Speaking Circles© can make a difference. I was fortunate to work with SCI Founder Lee Glickstein and learned how to “be present” with my audience. Maintaining absolute eye engagement with each person is key. Lee says, “Effective public speaking is simply a series of one-on-one conversations. Master that and you will speak with ease and power, any time, anywhere."

This relationship-based approach provides a supportive listening environment where you learn to express yourself confidently and naturally without performance techniques. Speaking Circles© does not focus on the “content” of your talk, but getting you to a point where you are comfortable and relaxed and truly connecting with each person in the room. All the stress of having something “interesting” to say is left at the door. There is no need to entertain. I found the Speaking Circles© experience to be a very rewarding one. There are facilitators worldwide. For more information, visit: http://www.speakingcircles.com.

Don’t let the fear of speaking hold you back.

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Innovative Concepts Virtual Assistance provides administrative and personal support to authors, coaches, speakers and small business owners. If you're a busy professional and may not have the space or resources for full-time support, you may consider virtual assistance, and Innovative Concepts can help! Visit us at www.InnovativeConceptsVA.com.

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