Have you ever encountered a real $%@#^*& who stood in the way of you achieving your dreams?

Before I tell you about the standoff heard 'round the world, staged by my personal favorite actress Greta Garbo, I would like to ask you: How did handle the last @#%@$%& that came across your path? What worked? 



What went down: 
When Garbo became a sensation she was still grossly underpaid, especially compared to male actors in her category. 

So, Garbo and her agent Harry Edington took Louis B. Mayer, notorious MGM studio chief, to task. 

Mayer told her:"If you don't accept my terms I'll have you deported." 

Garbo responded: Try, but before you can I'll marry John Gilbert for citizenship.

Mayer ran a look-alike contest to replace Garbo. The press flipped out. No one can replace our Garbo.

Mayer then warned Garbo he would put her in minor roles. 

Garbo: Fine, I won't show up to work. 

Mayer then tried to find another actress for Garbo's next movie. 

Fine. But they both knew that Mayer would make more money with Garbo in the lead role. 

Garbo faked an appendix problem to create more delays. Bags of fan mail continued to arrive every day addressed to Miss Greta Garbo.

Mayer was losing more and more money as the start-date for her next movie was pushed back. 

AND HE CAVED. 

Garbo got a huge increase in her salary and a new contract. She went on to be the highest paid screen actress of her generation.

Passionate Class Lesson #13:
Know your boundaries and stick to them no matter what. 

Garbo was clear: she was not going to settle for unequal treatment. She ran the numbers: Mayer and MGM were grossly underpaying her and making incredible profits from her talent. They were quicker to give male actors raises. Why? Garbo didn't waste time thinking about that. With Swedish pragmatism she simply said NO. No way. She knew her value and simply stayed firm. 

And calm. Mayer was known as the best actor at the studio: he would cry, beg, joke, threaten -- whatever it took to break an actor down. Garbo sat with a stony face and let Mayer go through his rants. 

Then left the office with barely a word. In another contract negotiation she simply said: "I think I'll go home now." 

And grabbed the next boat to Sweden! She came back when she got her way. 

Not saying a word gave Garbo an upper hand in contract negotiations again and again and AGAIN. 

Try it sometime. 

How about you? 
How have you handled a $#^@%^ -- a real handful? What have been effective? 

The Passionate Class internet get-togethers in November and December -- about Old Hollywood, women, and empowerment -- were A LOT of fun. Being able to connect with people from around the world on a topic that we're passionate about was well....passionately entertaining! 

So let's do it again! 

I'm going to get into the nitty-gritty about how the Old Hollywood stories and lessons at Passion. Weekly. can help you WIN in 2014 -- at work and with pleasure. It's called WIN with Old Hollywood Starlet Swerve. Next Monday, January 20th at 8pm EST. 

It's all centered on simple strategies that the dames of Old Hollywood used to rise to the top of their industry. I spent the last four researching the edge that gave them huge success and I can't wait to share these ideas. You'll be able to use these to: 

• promote yourself with an effortless authenticity 
  
• be a magnet for your desires
  
• exude conscious confidence in any situation 
  

And we'll have lots of time for YOUR questions. If you can't make it live you can email me at [email protected] with questions and I'll make sure to cover them.

If you would like an email reminder, then register here: 

If don't need a reminder, then here are the sign-in details! 
Monday, January 20th at 8:00pm Eastern
Attend by Web: 
http://InstantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=50356875
Attend by phone: 
Guest pin code: 810141# 
Primary dial in number: (425) 440-5100 
Secondary dial in number: (347) 464-3150 

Gertrude Lawrence was mostly known on Broadway, but certainly made a stop over in Hollywood throughout her career. She also had a close working relationship with Noel Coward. 


Her story brings to mind a question for you:

How much risk are you willing to take to achieve your dreams?

What went down: 

As a young girl, it was apparent that Gertrude Lawrence was naturally talented, so she was awarded a scholarship to study with Italia Conti. Noel Coward was also a student. 

Gertrude's mother, however, was vehemently against the idea of her becoming a full-time performer. It was no surprise that eventually, after Gertrude's persistent passion, her mother revealed that Gertrude's estranged father was a performer who just happened to have a show in town. Gertrude saw her chance. She only had minimal experience in the theater except for training and a few local plays. But at thirteen-years-old she knew what her dream was: to be an actress. 

So, Getrude packed her few belongings, placed her mother and stepfather a farewell note on the kitchen table, grabbed her newly printed cards  -- "Little Gertie Lawrence: Child Actress and Danseuse" -- and marched over to the theater that housed her father's show. She told the stage doorman to relay the message that Gertie was there to see Mr. Lawrence. Her father had never met her and was confused by who she was. She simply handed him the card, and told him she was there to stay. 

And it worked! He decided on the spot to take her touring with him. This began her theatrical career that spanned decades and included award-winning performances. No surprise that her pluck continued to serve her throughout and became one of her most profitable assets. 


Passionate Class Lesson #12:
Big risks lead to big rewards.

Gertrude could have written her father a letter, asked her mother for permission -- she could have done many things that would have encompassed less risk. However, Gertrude took quick, effective action. She knew who the ultimate decision maker was (her father) and what she wanted (to go on tour). By directly going to that level and making it plain what she was after she was rewarded. She saw the most direct way to force decision: showing up in person ready to leave. 

How about you? 
Have you ever stuck your neck out for your dreams? If so, what were you results?