I wish everyone a very happy 2011. Economically speaking, 2010 has been a recovery year for the most part. All indications point toward a continued recovery in 2011.
This is a great time to take advantage of new business and career opportunities as the recovery continues.
Happy New Year
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Great Financial Advice
Almost 30 years ago I heard a story called The Richest Man in Babylon and it left a lasting impression. It is a parable about gaining wealth. Although, I didn't really view it as gaining wealth as much as being about common sense money management.
The story can be summed up in one sentence and it is; a part of all you earn is yours to keep. The story goes on with rich detail about the lessons learned by a young laborer who wanted to be financially independent. He was neither greedy nor a cheat. He simply saved his way to prosperity over a period of time.
I recommend reading The Richest Man in Babylon because it makes great sense.
The story can be summed up in one sentence and it is; a part of all you earn is yours to keep. The story goes on with rich detail about the lessons learned by a young laborer who wanted to be financially independent. He was neither greedy nor a cheat. He simply saved his way to prosperity over a period of time.
I recommend reading The Richest Man in Babylon because it makes great sense.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Clarity in all that you do
Another key lesson that I have learned from several career coaches is that clarity is so important to success. We really need to understand what it is that we want to accomplish and what direction we are seeking.
This falls in line with goal setting because with good goal setting, we clarify the direction of our work. With clarity in objectives, we can establish a plan on how to get there. If we know what we want, we can put together a plan on how to get it.
If the goal is higher profit, then we need to clearly set a profit goal so that costs can be structured to reach that goal considering our revenue profit. If increased market share is our goal, then we can carefully measure our company or product's market share now and at the end of a campaign to raise that market share.
If our goal is to be well liked by everyone we encounter, we need to gear our every action and word to reach that end. Without knowing exactly what we want, it is difficult to impossible to get there.
Clarity in goals and expectation as well as clarity in plans to acomplish them are keys to success.
This falls in line with goal setting because with good goal setting, we clarify the direction of our work. With clarity in objectives, we can establish a plan on how to get there. If we know what we want, we can put together a plan on how to get it.
If the goal is higher profit, then we need to clearly set a profit goal so that costs can be structured to reach that goal considering our revenue profit. If increased market share is our goal, then we can carefully measure our company or product's market share now and at the end of a campaign to raise that market share.
If our goal is to be well liked by everyone we encounter, we need to gear our every action and word to reach that end. Without knowing exactly what we want, it is difficult to impossible to get there.
Clarity in goals and expectation as well as clarity in plans to acomplish them are keys to success.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Value of Service
I have gotten ideas, training, and tips from many experts. This coaching has been in the area of self improvement really although it may be sales training or management coaching. The experts keep coming back to service.
At a recent conference, I had the privelige of hearing Tom Reilly speak and his topic was Value Added Selling. The value that he spoke of kept getting back to exceptional service. You can learn more from Tom by going to his website at http://www.tomreillytraining.com/
Another excellent speaker and trainer, Bob Prosen, who spoke to a session that I attended on management, also refers to excellent customer service. You can find more from Bob at http://www.bobprosen.com/
I also refer you to the excellent book, Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service. I recommend checking out this book online at Amazon.http://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Knock-Your-Socks-Service/dp/081440765X
While hard work is certainly a main ingredient to success, providing service is s key guide to the right kind of hard work.
At a recent conference, I had the privelige of hearing Tom Reilly speak and his topic was Value Added Selling. The value that he spoke of kept getting back to exceptional service. You can learn more from Tom by going to his website at http://www.tomreillytraining.com/
Another excellent speaker and trainer, Bob Prosen, who spoke to a session that I attended on management, also refers to excellent customer service. You can find more from Bob at http://www.bobprosen.com/
I also refer you to the excellent book, Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service. I recommend checking out this book online at Amazon.http://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Knock-Your-Socks-Service/dp/081440765X
While hard work is certainly a main ingredient to success, providing service is s key guide to the right kind of hard work.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
A follow up on hard work paying off
There are a lot of things that I do not know. I don't know how I can make a million dollars. I don't know how manipulators of large amounts of money benefit greatly from money changing hands. I do now know how to "manipulate the system."
I do know this. Hard work will keep you going. No matter what your job is, do it to the best of your ability and do it day after day after day. When you give your very best effort at all times, good things will happen. People will eventually notice, and you will benefit.
That is a very simple formula, hard work on a regular basis equals stability. If you can't work hard at what you are doing because it is over our under your head, or if you just don't like it, find something that you can love. There is no substitute for passion. Knowledge and experience can help but they do not take the place of passion.
My favorite expert on the subject, Brian Tracy, advises you to not only work hard every day but work on yourself. Train yourself to benefit from your passion. Whatever it is that you love to do and can do it for a living, train and get better at it.
In his book, Good to Great, author Jim Collins has a bit of solid advice for successful companies that can also apply to an individual. In order to achieve greatness three things are required: can you be the best at it, can it drive your financial engine, and are you deeply passionate about it. He calls this his Hedgehog Theory. I recommend reading the book.
If you have those things going on, you will automatically have hard work on your side, and you will be be successful. Hard work does pay off.
I do know this. Hard work will keep you going. No matter what your job is, do it to the best of your ability and do it day after day after day. When you give your very best effort at all times, good things will happen. People will eventually notice, and you will benefit.
That is a very simple formula, hard work on a regular basis equals stability. If you can't work hard at what you are doing because it is over our under your head, or if you just don't like it, find something that you can love. There is no substitute for passion. Knowledge and experience can help but they do not take the place of passion.
My favorite expert on the subject, Brian Tracy, advises you to not only work hard every day but work on yourself. Train yourself to benefit from your passion. Whatever it is that you love to do and can do it for a living, train and get better at it.
In his book, Good to Great, author Jim Collins has a bit of solid advice for successful companies that can also apply to an individual. In order to achieve greatness three things are required: can you be the best at it, can it drive your financial engine, and are you deeply passionate about it. He calls this his Hedgehog Theory. I recommend reading the book.
If you have those things going on, you will automatically have hard work on your side, and you will be be successful. Hard work does pay off.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
More gains from a positive attitude
Sometimes, we enter into a situation with such a negative attitude or low expectation, the outcome is mostly predetermined. In business, there may be encounters with customers, or co-workers, or managers that you may think are going to be negative or non-productive. That attitude alone can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
There are times that we have attended tradeshows or conferences or visited with remote prospects that had very low expectations. I have learned that if I enter all such situations looking for the best outcome, the experience will be much better.
I have learned from other experienced people that my attitude can help to to turn situations around. Often, we can connect with people in an unexpected way. In other words, if I expect that the outome of a meeting to be that I make a sale and anything less is disappointing, I am limiting the outcome.
On the other hand, business networks can be formed from such meetings with otherwise limited expectations. In other words, just because I do not make a sale on a sales call, I might create a useful business partnership in a way that was not expected.
Always be prepared to make the best of every situation. Always be kind and respectful in all situations so that we can make the most of it. Always have a positive attitude.
There are times that we have attended tradeshows or conferences or visited with remote prospects that had very low expectations. I have learned that if I enter all such situations looking for the best outcome, the experience will be much better.
I have learned from other experienced people that my attitude can help to to turn situations around. Often, we can connect with people in an unexpected way. In other words, if I expect that the outome of a meeting to be that I make a sale and anything less is disappointing, I am limiting the outcome.
On the other hand, business networks can be formed from such meetings with otherwise limited expectations. In other words, just because I do not make a sale on a sales call, I might create a useful business partnership in a way that was not expected.
Always be prepared to make the best of every situation. Always be kind and respectful in all situations so that we can make the most of it. Always have a positive attitude.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
All Things Connected and Related
Each individual action and reaction is connected to your moods, attitudes, and behavior. Is your attitude affected positively when someone makes an effort to be either nice or helpful or both toward you? You may not feel it directly, but your mood and behavior is affected by others constantly.
Likewise, when someone is rude or mean to you, your attitude and behavior is affected negatively or even defensively. You either get into a bad mood or try to get even. Either be lived in the feel good frame of mind? Just think then how your words and actions toward other affect them. They do.
In his book How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less, author Nicholas Boothman discusses two very important concepts that fall in line with inter connectedness. One, in dealing with others, you can have a really useful attitude and be kind, polite, and helpful, or you can have a really useless attitude and be rude, abrupt, and self-centered. Which one will have the more favorable outcome for you in most cases? Again, actions, attitudes, and outcomes are connected and related.
The second important concept that I want to share from Boothman, is the KFC method. Simply stated, know what you want, find out what you are getting, and change what you do until you get what you want. Your actions directly affect what happens to you and how people perceive you. If you know that you want to have friends and be liked, then find out what your friendship status looks like, and change what you do until achieving the desired status.
Your words, discussion, and interactions with other people are not isolated incidents that have no further affect on you or others. Instead, your every action and inaction helps to determine what your future will look like. Your now is connected and related to your future and your now is connected to your past.
Good works, kind words, and acts of service are investments in your better future. Arguments, getting even, and self centeredness are investments in a more troubled future. All of what you do and say is connected and related and it is wise to carefully choose your words and actions.
As Boothman claims, if you know what you want, then do the things that you need to do to get there. Make the daily and continuous investments to get to where you want to be. It may sound like an over-used cliché but the longest journey does start with the first step.
Likewise, when someone is rude or mean to you, your attitude and behavior is affected negatively or even defensively. You either get into a bad mood or try to get even. Either be lived in the feel good frame of mind? Just think then how your words and actions toward other affect them. They do.
In his book How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less, author Nicholas Boothman discusses two very important concepts that fall in line with inter connectedness. One, in dealing with others, you can have a really useful attitude and be kind, polite, and helpful, or you can have a really useless attitude and be rude, abrupt, and self-centered. Which one will have the more favorable outcome for you in most cases? Again, actions, attitudes, and outcomes are connected and related.
The second important concept that I want to share from Boothman, is the KFC method. Simply stated, know what you want, find out what you are getting, and change what you do until you get what you want. Your actions directly affect what happens to you and how people perceive you. If you know that you want to have friends and be liked, then find out what your friendship status looks like, and change what you do until achieving the desired status.
Your words, discussion, and interactions with other people are not isolated incidents that have no further affect on you or others. Instead, your every action and inaction helps to determine what your future will look like. Your now is connected and related to your future and your now is connected to your past.
Good works, kind words, and acts of service are investments in your better future. Arguments, getting even, and self centeredness are investments in a more troubled future. All of what you do and say is connected and related and it is wise to carefully choose your words and actions.
As Boothman claims, if you know what you want, then do the things that you need to do to get there. Make the daily and continuous investments to get to where you want to be. It may sound like an over-used cliché but the longest journey does start with the first step.
Monday, October 11, 2010
A Value-Added Lifestyle?
In business, value-added generally involve sales and adding something to the package or product that one company is selling to another in order to please the customer and pave the way for further business. However, this same principle applies to everyday life. Think about the things that you want to have happen in life and how you go about making them happen. This often means adding value to what you are doing or giving in order to create a better relationship or friendship with another person or persons. The concept is the same.
In business, we often think of companies like Nordstrom or Enterprise Car Rental who are known for adding the personal touch of value to every sale. They train and expect their employees to treat their customer as king. They place a very strong emphasis on pleasing their customers and even surprising them with excellent service. Could we do that with our relationships and friendships in life?
In business, we often think of companies like Nordstrom or Enterprise Car Rental who are known for adding the personal touch of value to every sale. They train and expect their employees to treat their customer as king. They place a very strong emphasis on pleasing their customers and even surprising them with excellent service. Could we do that with our relationships and friendships in life?
Sunday, October 10, 2010
"I Can" and baggage
If you have problem people in your life, you can either 1) solve your problem with those people or 2) avoid them. Once you have invested your time in trying to mend a relationship and come to the realization that mending is just not going to happen, then move on. You don’t need to burn bridges or hate people but you don’t need to keep going down a dead end trail. Just move on. Remove the baggage of that relationship.
Whatever is worrying you that does not need worry about, consider how to fix, cure, or solve it and make that attempt. If it is not working, move on. Don’t burden yourself with unfixable situations. Often, holding on to problems leads to anger and almost inevitably, gossip. You will want to vent and people are interested in listening because human nature is to love gossip. Don’t do it, try to fix it and move on. Don’t burden yourself with people or relationships that are bringing you down. This is not for you. If you have conflicts that are not going to work out, move on. There are many other people out there interested in the real you. Connect with these people and get going on a positive track.
Get rid of baggage of burden and conflict and get on with your career and life. I am not telling you to turn your back on anyone who disagrees with you though. You know which situations and which relationships are unworkable. You will know when you should move on.
Whatever is worrying you that does not need worry about, consider how to fix, cure, or solve it and make that attempt. If it is not working, move on. Don’t burden yourself with unfixable situations. Often, holding on to problems leads to anger and almost inevitably, gossip. You will want to vent and people are interested in listening because human nature is to love gossip. Don’t do it, try to fix it and move on. Don’t burden yourself with people or relationships that are bringing you down. This is not for you. If you have conflicts that are not going to work out, move on. There are many other people out there interested in the real you. Connect with these people and get going on a positive track.
Get rid of baggage of burden and conflict and get on with your career and life. I am not telling you to turn your back on anyone who disagrees with you though. You know which situations and which relationships are unworkable. You will know when you should move on.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Some Great Advice
I attended a presentation recently by Tom Reilly who is an author, coach, speaker, and sales trainer. He wrote the book Value Added Selling and his presentation, given at the Fluid Power Distributor Association/International Sealing Distributors Annual Summit, was all about adding value to every sale.
This advice reflected on how to add value rather than discounting price in the process of growing your company. Tom gave several examples of companies that are champions at adding value such as Texas Roadhouse restaurant, Nordstrom, and Johns Manville.
His lessons of adding value in sales and service can actually be extended to everyday life. In fact, they blend in nicely with the advice often given by author Marcus Buckingham in is KFC plan. Know what you want, find out what you are getting, and change what you are doing until you get what you want.
In this case, the know what your want would be increased revenue and profits for all businesses. In the case of your personal life, the know what you want could be happiness, security, love, stability, and much more.
The find out what you are getting is self explanatory. The change in the business scene is increased service and value-added business partnerships. In your personal life, the change could be kindness, understanding, cooperation and on and on.
Business and life are not that much different. There are ways to affect the outcomes you are seeking and the advice given by Tom at his presentation apply to business and to life. I suggest that you visit his website for more information http://www.tomreillytraining.com/
This advice reflected on how to add value rather than discounting price in the process of growing your company. Tom gave several examples of companies that are champions at adding value such as Texas Roadhouse restaurant, Nordstrom, and Johns Manville.
His lessons of adding value in sales and service can actually be extended to everyday life. In fact, they blend in nicely with the advice often given by author Marcus Buckingham in is KFC plan. Know what you want, find out what you are getting, and change what you are doing until you get what you want.
In this case, the know what your want would be increased revenue and profits for all businesses. In the case of your personal life, the know what you want could be happiness, security, love, stability, and much more.
The find out what you are getting is self explanatory. The change in the business scene is increased service and value-added business partnerships. In your personal life, the change could be kindness, understanding, cooperation and on and on.
Business and life are not that much different. There are ways to affect the outcomes you are seeking and the advice given by Tom at his presentation apply to business and to life. I suggest that you visit his website for more information http://www.tomreillytraining.com/
Friday, October 8, 2010
"I Can" still continued
Perhaps you think that being the company president or owner, is for other people. It is only for people who are gifted. Not true. If your passion is to become the president of your company or to own your own business, then you can. It will take effort and a commitment but you can get there if you decide that you want to and will.
The main point is that achievement in your career and in your personal life begins with believing that “I can.” That belief can become very clouded with what I call baggage. This includes worrying about things that don’t need to be worried about, getting bogged down in bad personal or business relationships, and simply just being hampered by carrying the baggage of life that you can get rid of.
The main point is that achievement in your career and in your personal life begins with believing that “I can.” That belief can become very clouded with what I call baggage. This includes worrying about things that don’t need to be worried about, getting bogged down in bad personal or business relationships, and simply just being hampered by carrying the baggage of life that you can get rid of.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
"I Can" Continued
Let’s start with some small examples. Let’s say that you think that skiing or scuba diving or playing the drums looks like fun. However, for some strange reason you have come to believe that those activities are not for you because you are not capable of them. They are too expensive, you don’t live in the right area, you don’t have the talent, or you are not athletic enough. Some of that may be true but it should not preclude you from taking part in those activities.
If cost is the problem, start small, rent the equipment and go to inexpensive places. Take lessons from friends and work your way up. Over time and with proper budgeting, given the fact that you are capable of the activity, you will be on your way. If you are passionate about the activity, it will happen.
If cost is the problem, start small, rent the equipment and go to inexpensive places. Take lessons from friends and work your way up. Over time and with proper budgeting, given the fact that you are capable of the activity, you will be on your way. If you are passionate about the activity, it will happen.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Culture of "I Can"
One of the main points of this blog is to convey to you the reader that “you can.” Hopefully, you have grown up in an environment that encourages you to be the best that you can, but also to do whatever you want.
How do you get there? Well, a lot of preparation is needed to get you to your goals but one ingredient that is absolutely necessary for success is to believe you can. Believe that you can accomplish whatever it is that you desire to accomplish in life. Believe that you have what it takes to be however successful that you want to be.
One of the big mistakes that we can make in life is to not attempt to accomplish a goal or a desired achievement because we believe that we can’t. I call that the culture of “I can’t.” Avoid that.
How do you get there? Well, a lot of preparation is needed to get you to your goals but one ingredient that is absolutely necessary for success is to believe you can. Believe that you can accomplish whatever it is that you desire to accomplish in life. Believe that you have what it takes to be however successful that you want to be.
One of the big mistakes that we can make in life is to not attempt to accomplish a goal or a desired achievement because we believe that we can’t. I call that the culture of “I can’t.” Avoid that.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Continuous Education
consider formal education and what it might do for you regardless of your present age. If you work in marketing and need strengthening in accounting, consider going to your local community college for a course or courses in Accounting. If you are trying to improve your own personal marketability, take a careful look at your skills and determine where you can use some help. And then get that help.
In addition to institutions of higher education like universities and community colleges, you might find local adult learning centers that can help you in your quest to gain knowledge in skill in your area of interest. Whether it is accounting, photography, dance, management, finance, or biology, your area of interest and perhaps passion can be fed through formal education if you are willing to invest the time and money in this area of self improvement.
Another tremendous resource available to all is the internet. There are actually many good learning opportunities online. Whether you search Wikipedia for information or You Tube, there is lots of information available to you.
With help in your career, you can search the many job boards. As for educational opportunities, they are very searchable as well. If you are looking for financial resources, consider Yahoo Finance, CNBC, or any of the financial websites available for free.
Overall, the most important aspect of continuing education is being open to the idea that you are a continuous learner, that you do not know it all. This frame of mind will open the door to learning from every situation that you encounter. It should nourish your desire and interest in learning from daily life and putting those lessons to work for you and for others.
In addition to institutions of higher education like universities and community colleges, you might find local adult learning centers that can help you in your quest to gain knowledge in skill in your area of interest. Whether it is accounting, photography, dance, management, finance, or biology, your area of interest and perhaps passion can be fed through formal education if you are willing to invest the time and money in this area of self improvement.
Another tremendous resource available to all is the internet. There are actually many good learning opportunities online. Whether you search Wikipedia for information or You Tube, there is lots of information available to you.
With help in your career, you can search the many job boards. As for educational opportunities, they are very searchable as well. If you are looking for financial resources, consider Yahoo Finance, CNBC, or any of the financial websites available for free.
Overall, the most important aspect of continuing education is being open to the idea that you are a continuous learner, that you do not know it all. This frame of mind will open the door to learning from every situation that you encounter. It should nourish your desire and interest in learning from daily life and putting those lessons to work for you and for others.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Connecting and Networking
How can you connect with new people? I have found two excellent coaches on that subject. Shawna Schuh gives seminars, writes books, and offers audio and video programs that can help you to connect with people in a very positive way. Get one of her books or attend one of her seminars and study what she suggests. Her advice will help anyone to connect better with others. This is an ongoing educational process and Shawna can help you.
The author of How to Connect With Anyone in 90 Seconds, Nicholas Boothman, offers great advise and insight into making the best impression with others to help you improve your life. Study what he offers because it will work for you. This too is an ongoing educational process that requires you to work at it.
When studying various authors on social interaction, we must be open- minded. It may be difficult at first to understand or accept a given coach’s advice. We may feel that we already know better. My best advice on that is to work at being open to the coaching.
Why do you want to connect with people anyway? Well, for many reasons not the least of which it makes life so much more interesting. If you are the type of person who wishes that you could interact better with people, who sees others interacting in social settings that are attractive to you, then this is for you. Connecting and interacting is a gift for some. Having an outgoing nature and gift of gab comes easy for many people and they can use this gift to their advantage.
If you don’t have it, you can acquire some degree of skill interacting and networking if you choose to work at it. Another great audio program that I have listened to repeatedly is by author and trainer Leil Lownes. 62 Tips on Connecting With Anyone is full of great suggestions on how you can improve your interpersonal skills and begin connecting with people in a very positive way right away. However, this type of training is again part of your lifelong educational process. Half of the battle is admitting that you need help in this area. The other half is getting that help.
In this program, Lownes offers many suggestions that apply to a wide variety of settings and situations for connecting with people. Again, as a student of this program, one must be very open even to suggestions that appear a bit uncomfortable.
In addition to the two audio programs that I recommend, I also recommend that you look into Dale Carnegie courses or Toastmasters International for help in all areas of interpersonal interaction. This includes confidence building in social situations as well as in public speaking. Whether you are speaking to a large crowd or a small group, it is still public speaking and you can get help in this area if you choose to do so. This is all included in your commitment to lifelong learning.
The author of How to Connect With Anyone in 90 Seconds, Nicholas Boothman, offers great advise and insight into making the best impression with others to help you improve your life. Study what he offers because it will work for you. This too is an ongoing educational process that requires you to work at it.
When studying various authors on social interaction, we must be open- minded. It may be difficult at first to understand or accept a given coach’s advice. We may feel that we already know better. My best advice on that is to work at being open to the coaching.
Why do you want to connect with people anyway? Well, for many reasons not the least of which it makes life so much more interesting. If you are the type of person who wishes that you could interact better with people, who sees others interacting in social settings that are attractive to you, then this is for you. Connecting and interacting is a gift for some. Having an outgoing nature and gift of gab comes easy for many people and they can use this gift to their advantage.
If you don’t have it, you can acquire some degree of skill interacting and networking if you choose to work at it. Another great audio program that I have listened to repeatedly is by author and trainer Leil Lownes. 62 Tips on Connecting With Anyone is full of great suggestions on how you can improve your interpersonal skills and begin connecting with people in a very positive way right away. However, this type of training is again part of your lifelong educational process. Half of the battle is admitting that you need help in this area. The other half is getting that help.
In this program, Lownes offers many suggestions that apply to a wide variety of settings and situations for connecting with people. Again, as a student of this program, one must be very open even to suggestions that appear a bit uncomfortable.
In addition to the two audio programs that I recommend, I also recommend that you look into Dale Carnegie courses or Toastmasters International for help in all areas of interpersonal interaction. This includes confidence building in social situations as well as in public speaking. Whether you are speaking to a large crowd or a small group, it is still public speaking and you can get help in this area if you choose to do so. This is all included in your commitment to lifelong learning.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Continuous Learning
Actually, everything you are exposed to every day has educational value. Every conversation that you have with peers, coworkers, friends, colleagues, customers, and even strangers offers you an opportunity for you to learn and to compare what you learn to what you know. As for strangers, every encounter you have with a stranger has potential unless the stranger is just not approachable or just undesirable.
One mistake that we must avoid is that we have learned enough up to this point to get us through the next year, next month, next week, or even next hour. We always need to grow and learn. With each passing year, it becomes clear that I really don’t know as much as I thought I did. I am amazed how much I can learn from younger people.
School-aged people are still in a maximum learning mode and they grasp things quickly. We adults often make the mistake that kids are not grasping what we want them to. Sometimes, they are grasping the right things even before we comprehend what the right thing is. Be careful of that. There is a fine line between looking out for and instructing younger people versus imposing the wrong information on them simply because we are out of date.
Here is a real example. Many years ago (over 25 actually) a young relative of mine asked me for advice on basketball shoes. He was in the eighth grade and trying out for the basketball team. Of course, I advised him that the only shoe to wear for basketball was the Converse All-Star. After all, 15 years earlier, we all wore those.
So, we went out and got him some to wear to the first day of tryouts. Guess what, he was the only one wearing such a shoe. Everyone else must have gotten advice from a more up-to-date adviser because they were all wearing the more modern, leather Nike and Rebok shoes. Time had passed me by quickly in the basketball shoe department. I should have asked advice from someone more current in this field.
One mistake that we must avoid is that we have learned enough up to this point to get us through the next year, next month, next week, or even next hour. We always need to grow and learn. With each passing year, it becomes clear that I really don’t know as much as I thought I did. I am amazed how much I can learn from younger people.
School-aged people are still in a maximum learning mode and they grasp things quickly. We adults often make the mistake that kids are not grasping what we want them to. Sometimes, they are grasping the right things even before we comprehend what the right thing is. Be careful of that. There is a fine line between looking out for and instructing younger people versus imposing the wrong information on them simply because we are out of date.
Here is a real example. Many years ago (over 25 actually) a young relative of mine asked me for advice on basketball shoes. He was in the eighth grade and trying out for the basketball team. Of course, I advised him that the only shoe to wear for basketball was the Converse All-Star. After all, 15 years earlier, we all wore those.
So, we went out and got him some to wear to the first day of tryouts. Guess what, he was the only one wearing such a shoe. Everyone else must have gotten advice from a more up-to-date adviser because they were all wearing the more modern, leather Nike and Rebok shoes. Time had passed me by quickly in the basketball shoe department. I should have asked advice from someone more current in this field.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Your Education
This is both a formal and informal process. Our founding fathers had the foresight to make some formal education mandatory. That contributes to a civilized society. You need much more than that.
You need as much formal education as you can stand plus a regular personal program of learning and growing. Read in your fields of interest every day. Read at least one-half hour per day in your job field. You will be far ahead of your peers after a short time with all that you will gain from your reading. You will be absorbing ideas and concepts that will lead to further personal success.
Be very selective in your reading choices because your investment of reading time must be used wisely. Find some regular authors whose advice makes the most sense. Ask other successful people what they read. Again, some of my favorite authors are Brian Tracy, Marcus Buckingham, Don Blanchard, and Jim Collins. They all have a unique perspective on personal business success. They are all very inspirational. Give them a try.
You need as much formal education as you can stand plus a regular personal program of learning and growing. Read in your fields of interest every day. Read at least one-half hour per day in your job field. You will be far ahead of your peers after a short time with all that you will gain from your reading. You will be absorbing ideas and concepts that will lead to further personal success.
Be very selective in your reading choices because your investment of reading time must be used wisely. Find some regular authors whose advice makes the most sense. Ask other successful people what they read. Again, some of my favorite authors are Brian Tracy, Marcus Buckingham, Don Blanchard, and Jim Collins. They all have a unique perspective on personal business success. They are all very inspirational. Give them a try.
Getting better at what you do ...
The goal of everything in this blog is to improve yourself, improve the self that others see and interact with because that will improve your opportunities. Don’t default to thinking that the language, dress, culture, and moral codes portrayed constantly on TV are OK. You are capable of better. You are capable of setting your own standards without the help of TV.
Go ahead and be entertained by TV. Go ahead and learn what is happening by watching the news. But please go ahead and make your own decisions. Seek out your role models carefully. Some good role models could actually appear in today’s TV programming but be careful not to default to TV as the only place where you will look for role models.
Always strive to be your best self by controlling the things that you can control. Language, dress, attitude, and behavior are all things that you can work on and improve. Turn to the experts for help. Their advice is always worth the effort to listen to or read.
Go ahead and be entertained by TV. Go ahead and learn what is happening by watching the news. But please go ahead and make your own decisions. Seek out your role models carefully. Some good role models could actually appear in today’s TV programming but be careful not to default to TV as the only place where you will look for role models.
Always strive to be your best self by controlling the things that you can control. Language, dress, attitude, and behavior are all things that you can work on and improve. Turn to the experts for help. Their advice is always worth the effort to listen to or read.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Make the most of opportunities
The act of speaking to a client, prospect, or any other business contact on the phone is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to portray your best self. You have the chance to connect to your caller or call receiver by being polite, clear, and professional. It is always a good idea to make a good impression. This is true not only for individuals who can buy from you but also for every person you contact.
Through making the best impression possible, you will gain respect for yourself and for your message. Speak clearly and allow the other person a chance to speak and react to your message. This will enable clarity in your telephone communication and that is essential.
Your phone skills should be an extension of your own speaking skills. Come on guys, don’t use those sloppy double negatives. It is easy to do and it becomes a habit. It is also very unbecoming. Something simple like saying “pardon me” versus “huh” is another attempt to improve yourself. You only want to make a good impression after all.
Through making the best impression possible, you will gain respect for yourself and for your message. Speak clearly and allow the other person a chance to speak and react to your message. This will enable clarity in your telephone communication and that is essential.
Your phone skills should be an extension of your own speaking skills. Come on guys, don’t use those sloppy double negatives. It is easy to do and it becomes a habit. It is also very unbecoming. Something simple like saying “pardon me” versus “huh” is another attempt to improve yourself. You only want to make a good impression after all.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Phone and Voice Mail Skills
What about your phone and voice mail skills? These are very important components of your communication functionality and you need to be good at them. Again, turn to the advice of Shawna to get some training on how to make the very best use of the telephone and voice mail system. She has written a book titled “How to Nail Voice Mail,” and I suggest that everyone using a phone and voice mail reads it. Leaving an upbeat and interesting message is refreshing and inviting according to Shawna. The messages that you leave on your end are just as important as the messages that you leave when you get someone else’s voice mail system.
Use these tools to portray the best self image that you can by being polite, enthusiastic, and professional. The message that you record on your voice mail is a direct reflection of you. If greeting customers and prospects warmly on the phone is your standard, make it so on voice mail too.
If receiving phone calls in your business is something very positive, then treat these voice mail messages as opportunities. If someone has taken the time to call you to inquire about doing business, make them feel comfortable with your message.
Shawna Schuh suggests that you make the caller feel welcome and interested in talking to you when you get the chance to call them back. You might also consider streamlining your message to exclude some of the common commands like leave your name and number. It is important to convey to your caller that you are grateful for their call and you want to insure them that you will be calling back.
Use these tools to portray the best self image that you can by being polite, enthusiastic, and professional. The message that you record on your voice mail is a direct reflection of you. If greeting customers and prospects warmly on the phone is your standard, make it so on voice mail too.
If receiving phone calls in your business is something very positive, then treat these voice mail messages as opportunities. If someone has taken the time to call you to inquire about doing business, make them feel comfortable with your message.
Shawna Schuh suggests that you make the caller feel welcome and interested in talking to you when you get the chance to call them back. You might also consider streamlining your message to exclude some of the common commands like leave your name and number. It is important to convey to your caller that you are grateful for their call and you want to insure them that you will be calling back.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Communication is Essential
How good and how developed are your communication skills? Do you feel comfortable talking to anyone at any time? Your ability to connect with others will be critical to your success. Miscommunication is a great obstacle to achievement. Non-communication is just about a complete roadblock.
Are you annoyed by service counter workers who make little attempt to communicate with you other than to take your order and money? Are you annoyed by service agents who take no interest in you? No eye contact and no interest is always disappointing. Is that how you communicate with others.
So much is missed in life because of a lack of an effort to communicate. Both language and body language are critical to your happiness. A bit of effort with everyone you make contact with will only help you.
There is a golden rule of communications that reads something like communicate with others in a clear and polite manner as you would like to be communicated with. If you feel good when people communicate with you with interest and respect, won’t they feel the same way when you do too?
There are many hurt feelings and misunderstandings in life that happen just because of miscommunications. Perhaps you said something the wrong way or were misunderstood. Always be aware of how well you are understood.
Speak slowly and clearly. Many social circumstances might put you on edge and nervous. This may be reflected in your speech, but don’t allow that. If you find yourself intimidated by others and thus always trying to word your message in the clearest way possible, you might tend to start and stop sentences in order to improve your message. This only makes your message more unclear. Think through what you want to say and finish your sentences. If, at the end of your sentence, you feel that your message has not been communicated, re-phrase it. Give it a chance though by finishing the sentence.
Are you annoyed by service counter workers who make little attempt to communicate with you other than to take your order and money? Are you annoyed by service agents who take no interest in you? No eye contact and no interest is always disappointing. Is that how you communicate with others.
So much is missed in life because of a lack of an effort to communicate. Both language and body language are critical to your happiness. A bit of effort with everyone you make contact with will only help you.
There is a golden rule of communications that reads something like communicate with others in a clear and polite manner as you would like to be communicated with. If you feel good when people communicate with you with interest and respect, won’t they feel the same way when you do too?
There are many hurt feelings and misunderstandings in life that happen just because of miscommunications. Perhaps you said something the wrong way or were misunderstood. Always be aware of how well you are understood.
Speak slowly and clearly. Many social circumstances might put you on edge and nervous. This may be reflected in your speech, but don’t allow that. If you find yourself intimidated by others and thus always trying to word your message in the clearest way possible, you might tend to start and stop sentences in order to improve your message. This only makes your message more unclear. Think through what you want to say and finish your sentences. If, at the end of your sentence, you feel that your message has not been communicated, re-phrase it. Give it a chance though by finishing the sentence.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Dress for Success
Do you dress for success? Is your wardrobe complete with the clothing and accessory items that you need to look professional? Is it at least proper for your current position and adequate for the position that you are trying to attain? There are many coaching resources available for wardrobe, fashion, and overall appearance. I would suggest that you be very attentive to successful people and make note of how they look. Try to look appropriately professional all the time.
Don’t take the easy way out and default to what is comfortable or cool. Dress appropriately to the success level that you hope to achieve. Dress to command the kind of respect that you want. If you are striving for increased professionalism, your wardrobe will help.
You can certainly develop your own style as long as it is designed for your own growth and advancement. The best advice that I have learned is from self-help expert, Shauna Schuh. She tells us that the way we look is a gift to others, not ourselves. She advises us to use color and dress appropriately in every case. People recognize how you look and you want them to remember you for your outstanding appearance. Again, don’t just default to what others are wearing or what feels comfortable for you. Remember that your clothing is a huge part of your appearance. People will judge you on your appearance whether that is appropriate and correct or not. This is something that you can control. So do so.
Dressing up can be difficult at times because the default can often be to wear what is convenient. How often do we see people in public with sweats or non-matching clothes, or hair or makeup that is out of order? What can one gain from that? Nothing. On the other hand, a little effort to improve your appearance at all times at least has the potential at all times to help you. Fix yourself up the best that you can in order to make a good impression on others and to extend that gift of your best self to others.
Don’t take the easy way out and default to what is comfortable or cool. Dress appropriately to the success level that you hope to achieve. Dress to command the kind of respect that you want. If you are striving for increased professionalism, your wardrobe will help.
You can certainly develop your own style as long as it is designed for your own growth and advancement. The best advice that I have learned is from self-help expert, Shauna Schuh. She tells us that the way we look is a gift to others, not ourselves. She advises us to use color and dress appropriately in every case. People recognize how you look and you want them to remember you for your outstanding appearance. Again, don’t just default to what others are wearing or what feels comfortable for you. Remember that your clothing is a huge part of your appearance. People will judge you on your appearance whether that is appropriate and correct or not. This is something that you can control. So do so.
Dressing up can be difficult at times because the default can often be to wear what is convenient. How often do we see people in public with sweats or non-matching clothes, or hair or makeup that is out of order? What can one gain from that? Nothing. On the other hand, a little effort to improve your appearance at all times at least has the potential at all times to help you. Fix yourself up the best that you can in order to make a good impression on others and to extend that gift of your best self to others.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Giving It Your Best
When you do find a career track that you can love, even if not with the particular company at the time, put all of your effort into building that career. Build it from the day that you start until the day that it ends. Never coast or wind down, ever. Always work to be the best that you can be at what you are doing in preparation for the next step. Always be ready for a new opportunity by working on yourself all the time. Most of all, NEVER GIVE UP.
Look for seminars and courses at local community colleges that might enhance your career track. Get training in not only what you do but in the peripheral jobs to yours. In other words, if you are involved in a production job and your department is closely involved with billing and other accounting practices, take an Accounting course. If marketing is part of your job but you were not formally schooled in it in college, take a marketing course. The appreciation of the other functions of your company will only enhance your value to the company and improve your career. Many times, companies will pay for advanced education courses as they relate to the job. You will certainly gain the recognition of your managers if they become aware that you are working on skills that will help you on the job.
Going deeper, work on skills that make you a better you. How do you speak? How broad is your vocabulary? Do you have adequate computer skills that enable you to fully participate in the cyber explosion that is taking place today? There is no good excuse for most people not to have the basic skills they need to use communication tools like e-mail very effectively. Furthermore, a command of the internet and all that it offers is essential for most professions today. It is easy to get the training you need to pave the way for career improvements as it relates to that thing known as your computer.
If you think that computer skills are important today, they are, and they will be even more important tomorrow. Even if the standard personal computer is not the exact device that you will be using in the future, something like it will be. The skills you learn today and tomorrow will lead to the skills that you need the day after. If you are not proficient on the skills and understanding that is needed to effectively use your computer today, you will only be left further behind as digital communication and digital work continue to develop.
Look for seminars and courses at local community colleges that might enhance your career track. Get training in not only what you do but in the peripheral jobs to yours. In other words, if you are involved in a production job and your department is closely involved with billing and other accounting practices, take an Accounting course. If marketing is part of your job but you were not formally schooled in it in college, take a marketing course. The appreciation of the other functions of your company will only enhance your value to the company and improve your career. Many times, companies will pay for advanced education courses as they relate to the job. You will certainly gain the recognition of your managers if they become aware that you are working on skills that will help you on the job.
Going deeper, work on skills that make you a better you. How do you speak? How broad is your vocabulary? Do you have adequate computer skills that enable you to fully participate in the cyber explosion that is taking place today? There is no good excuse for most people not to have the basic skills they need to use communication tools like e-mail very effectively. Furthermore, a command of the internet and all that it offers is essential for most professions today. It is easy to get the training you need to pave the way for career improvements as it relates to that thing known as your computer.
If you think that computer skills are important today, they are, and they will be even more important tomorrow. Even if the standard personal computer is not the exact device that you will be using in the future, something like it will be. The skills you learn today and tomorrow will lead to the skills that you need the day after. If you are not proficient on the skills and understanding that is needed to effectively use your computer today, you will only be left further behind as digital communication and digital work continue to develop.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Put It Into Practice
Put into practice what you learn. Don’t be afraid to put the ideas that you learn in your reading and studying into practice on the job. Make sure that you have the clearance of your manager or company before taking unilateral action but don’t shy away from trying an idea that can help your company. Even if you feel that your overall company might be somewhat backwards, perhaps your department or division or team might benefit from your new found ideas. Again, act in accordance with your manager. Even though you are not the CEO or president or even executive vice president, you can create a pocket of greatness in your own group.
Author Jim Collins in his book Good to Great, tells us that greatness can exist within a company that may not be great. If your responsibility is for a division or smaller group, make it your goal that greatness will be the norm for your group. You can be a Level 1 Leader even if you only manage a small group or division. Strive to make it great using teamwork and leadership.
Wherever you work and whatever you do, be the best at it. Come in a little early every day and stay a little late. Be attentive to all that affects your job and how it might help you to advance in your career. Always strive to be the best you your field. Get advice from others whom you perceive to be the best in your field and copy what they do that brings them success. Don’t be satisfied to just have a job and draw a paycheck. Anyone can do that but this is not for you. If you are unhappy with your job or career, get started on fixing that. You should find a career that you can love.
Author Jim Collins in his book Good to Great, tells us that greatness can exist within a company that may not be great. If your responsibility is for a division or smaller group, make it your goal that greatness will be the norm for your group. You can be a Level 1 Leader even if you only manage a small group or division. Strive to make it great using teamwork and leadership.
Wherever you work and whatever you do, be the best at it. Come in a little early every day and stay a little late. Be attentive to all that affects your job and how it might help you to advance in your career. Always strive to be the best you your field. Get advice from others whom you perceive to be the best in your field and copy what they do that brings them success. Don’t be satisfied to just have a job and draw a paycheck. Anyone can do that but this is not for you. If you are unhappy with your job or career, get started on fixing that. You should find a career that you can love.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Help Your Career - 7 - Working on Yourself
Next, after you have defined your goals and listed the ways that you are going to achieve them, go to work. Start by reading at least a half hour every single day in your field. If you do this, as Brian Tracy recommends, you will read more books than anyone else in your field and have an advantage over everyone else in the gaining of knowledge as it relates to your field.
It is not easy to commit yourself to obtaining and reading helpful materials every single day. It is very easy to put off your reading for many reasons. Consider reading like exercise for the mind, daily calisthenics. Set aside at least one half hour every day to read and get new ideas to improve your mind and improve your life.
Have a good mix in your reading selections. Get financial advice from books, get tips and advice on your particular career from reading, and read about how you can improve your personal skills. There are many good books and CDs at the top bookstores as well as the public libraries. Be selective but also be open-minded about your selections. When you find a good author, look for more of his or her works especially if you feel a particular connection with that author.
Use your driving time to educate yourself. Obtain useful, informational CDs or podcasts that you can use in your car while driving to and from work as well as any other journeys. Make your car a University on Wheels as referred to by Zig Ziglar. Use that otherwise mental downtime to learn and grow. It has been estimated that one year of audio learning could be the equivalent of a college degree. Wouldn’t that be great?
It is not easy to commit yourself to obtaining and reading helpful materials every single day. It is very easy to put off your reading for many reasons. Consider reading like exercise for the mind, daily calisthenics. Set aside at least one half hour every day to read and get new ideas to improve your mind and improve your life.
Have a good mix in your reading selections. Get financial advice from books, get tips and advice on your particular career from reading, and read about how you can improve your personal skills. There are many good books and CDs at the top bookstores as well as the public libraries. Be selective but also be open-minded about your selections. When you find a good author, look for more of his or her works especially if you feel a particular connection with that author.
Use your driving time to educate yourself. Obtain useful, informational CDs or podcasts that you can use in your car while driving to and from work as well as any other journeys. Make your car a University on Wheels as referred to by Zig Ziglar. Use that otherwise mental downtime to learn and grow. It has been estimated that one year of audio learning could be the equivalent of a college degree. Wouldn’t that be great?
Monday, August 23, 2010
Help Your Career - 6 - Working on Yourself
How do you work on yourself? My favorite self-help author and expert is Brian Tracy. I have read several of his books, listened to many of his audio programs, and attended two of his seminars. This is how I work on myself but I would like to share some of Brian’s ideas with you. I encourage you to read and listen to as much of his work as you can.
Brian has taught me that it is imperative to set goals for you. People who write out their goals and revisit and rewrite them often, will have a very clear understanding of where they are headed so that they can plan on how to get there. Writing out 10 goals for your career today and then reviewing and redoing these on a monthly or weekly basis, will keep you focused on what you are trying to do with your career. You goals will function like a roadmap for your life.
Be specific and clear and write in the positive present tense. For example, if your goal is to earn $100,000 per year, write I earn or I will earn $100,000 this year in my current occupation. If the goal is outrageous, don’t go there, but be realistic. If that is your first goal, then write out how you plan to earn that $100,000 this year. Do the same for your position, location, level of authority, and all aspects of your career.
For each goal, list at least three ways that you will accomplish that goal. Have a plan on how to get where you want to go. List three ways that will lead you to success, and then started putting those plans into action. Make each action step realistic and achievable and work on them regularly.
Brian has taught me that it is imperative to set goals for you. People who write out their goals and revisit and rewrite them often, will have a very clear understanding of where they are headed so that they can plan on how to get there. Writing out 10 goals for your career today and then reviewing and redoing these on a monthly or weekly basis, will keep you focused on what you are trying to do with your career. You goals will function like a roadmap for your life.
Be specific and clear and write in the positive present tense. For example, if your goal is to earn $100,000 per year, write I earn or I will earn $100,000 this year in my current occupation. If the goal is outrageous, don’t go there, but be realistic. If that is your first goal, then write out how you plan to earn that $100,000 this year. Do the same for your position, location, level of authority, and all aspects of your career.
For each goal, list at least three ways that you will accomplish that goal. Have a plan on how to get where you want to go. List three ways that will lead you to success, and then started putting those plans into action. Make each action step realistic and achievable and work on them regularly.
Just Imagine
Just imagine how wonderful life would be if everyone you encountered respected and cared about you. In return, you would care and respect everyone you crossed paths with every day.
There would be no crime, no wars, no rage, but just peace.
There would be no crime, no wars, no rage, but just peace.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Continuous Learning
I know that I have posted about this before. With each passing year, it becomes more obvious to me that I don't know as much as I think that I know.
We cannot depend on only what we have learned up to this point in our lives to get us through the next year, next month, or next hour. Continuous learning must be pursued in many forms. First and foremost, we must learn from our daily experiences. Every time we do something different or do the same things differently, we learn.
It is important to be open minded and take the lessons learned each day, record them in some way, and even share them. When I did this, that happened. When I reversed things this happened. That is the simplest form or learning.
A more proactive approach is also necessary. Reading newspapers, listening to audio programs in your car, and selectively viewing educational-valued TV programs are also important forms of learning and growing.
We cannot depend on only what we have learned up to this point in our lives to get us through the next year, next month, or next hour. Continuous learning must be pursued in many forms. First and foremost, we must learn from our daily experiences. Every time we do something different or do the same things differently, we learn.
It is important to be open minded and take the lessons learned each day, record them in some way, and even share them. When I did this, that happened. When I reversed things this happened. That is the simplest form or learning.
A more proactive approach is also necessary. Reading newspapers, listening to audio programs in your car, and selectively viewing educational-valued TV programs are also important forms of learning and growing.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Help Your Career - 5
It has been said by self-improvement experts “If you want to have a good job and good career, work on your skills. If you want to make a fortune, work on yourself.” Be careful how you define fortune. If you have adequate funds to live on; savings and investments; adequate provisions for life like food, home, clothing, and automobile; and an abundance of the things listed in the previous paragraph, you will achieve your fortune.
Working on yourself really begins when you know enough to spend your time working toward your own goals. It happens when you realize that you need what your teachers at elementary, middle school, and high school are offering you every day at school. When you take responsibility to learn the things being taught because you know they will help you later in life, then you are on your way. This will lead to an interest in further education whether it is college or vocational school. At this point, the burden of responsibility to learn and grow increases as does the payback from a solid effort at learning and a job well done.
Working on yourself really begins when you know enough to spend your time working toward your own goals. It happens when you realize that you need what your teachers at elementary, middle school, and high school are offering you every day at school. When you take responsibility to learn the things being taught because you know they will help you later in life, then you are on your way. This will lead to an interest in further education whether it is college or vocational school. At this point, the burden of responsibility to learn and grow increases as does the payback from a solid effort at learning and a job well done.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Help Your Career - 4
Don’t underestimate the value of contributing to others. In his book The Way of Adventure, author Dr.Jeff Salz, an adventurer and teacher, reveals the importance of serving others. He learned this lesson from an unlikely teacher on his travels but the truth of the matter holds no matter when or how you learn it or from whom.
Serve others as a way of improving your own life. That sounds like a bit of a difficult factor but it is true. Only by serving others in addition to yourself will you be truly successful.
Serve others as a way of improving your own life. That sounds like a bit of a difficult factor but it is true. Only by serving others in addition to yourself will you be truly successful.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Leadership and Entrepreneuership
In his excellent book E-Myth Mastery, author Michael Gerber makes some excellent points about leadership. He makes it very clear that an entrepreneuer must lead his or her company. Leading is much different from managing and I also learned that from Marcus Buckingham in his book First Break All the Rules.
Part of being a leader is simply understanding that you are one. You may not need to say so but you need to lead. Leadership is critical to the success of any organization and good leadership must develop over time.
It is difficult to break away to your own company and become a leader. The natural tendency for a new entrepreneuer is to start a business and take care of all of the details and keep on being a technician. To be successful, a good entrepreneuer must lead.
Part of being a leader is simply understanding that you are one. You may not need to say so but you need to lead. Leadership is critical to the success of any organization and good leadership must develop over time.
It is difficult to break away to your own company and become a leader. The natural tendency for a new entrepreneuer is to start a business and take care of all of the details and keep on being a technician. To be successful, a good entrepreneuer must lead.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Help Your Career - 3
After your formal educational preparation, you are set to enter the workforce. At this point, you need to realize that your learning process must continue. What you have learned in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college or vocational school is a foundation but the learning must continue. You must come to the realization that you need to continue to work on your skills. You must choose to work on your professional self.
This is a daily commitment because the easy path is to concede that I am good enough. You can say, I know enough and I don’t feel like working to learn more and do better. It is that will to overcome that feeling that will make you the best that you can be. It is the will to work on all areas of your life that will make you successful. Be careful about the hard work. It must be balanced hard work and you must make a sincere effort to be a great employee, great boss, loving spouse, devoted parent, committed friend and on and on.
This is a daily commitment because the easy path is to concede that I am good enough. You can say, I know enough and I don’t feel like working to learn more and do better. It is that will to overcome that feeling that will make you the best that you can be. It is the will to work on all areas of your life that will make you successful. Be careful about the hard work. It must be balanced hard work and you must make a sincere effort to be a great employee, great boss, loving spouse, devoted parent, committed friend and on and on.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Help Your Career - 2
It has been said by self-improvement experts “If you want to have a good job and good career, work on your skills. If you want to make a fortune, work on yourself.” Be careful how you define fortune. If you have adequate funds to live on; savings and investments; adequate provisions for life like food, home, clothing, and automobile; and an abundance of the things listed in the previous paragraph, you will achieve your fortune.
Working on yourself really begins when you know enough to spend your time working toward your own goals. It happens when you realize that you need what your teachers at elementary, middle school, and high school are offering you every day at school. When you take responsibility to learn the things being taught because you know they will help you later in life, then you are on your way. This will lead to an interest in further education whether it is college or vocational school. At this point, the burden of responsibility to learn and grow increases as does the payback from a solid effort at learning and a job well done.
Working on yourself really begins when you know enough to spend your time working toward your own goals. It happens when you realize that you need what your teachers at elementary, middle school, and high school are offering you every day at school. When you take responsibility to learn the things being taught because you know they will help you later in life, then you are on your way. This will lead to an interest in further education whether it is college or vocational school. At this point, the burden of responsibility to learn and grow increases as does the payback from a solid effort at learning and a job well done.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Help Your Career -1
Your career really starts from the day that you are born. Fortunately or unfortunately, you have little or no control over your formative first few years in this life.
At some point early in your career, it is safe to say that the only one standing between you and success is you. When you understand and fully accept that, you are on your way to the path of success if you do the right things.
Now it is up to you to use all of the tools available to improve yourself, your skills, and your career all while striving for a balanced life.
At some point early in your career, it is safe to say that the only one standing between you and success is you. When you understand and fully accept that, you are on your way to the path of success if you do the right things.
Now it is up to you to use all of the tools available to improve yourself, your skills, and your career all while striving for a balanced life.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Dealing With This Recession and Recovery
I am reading a great book written by authors David Rhodes and Daniel Stelter of the Boston Consulting Group titled Accelerating Out of the Great Recession. One of the key take-aways so far is that this current economic period, both the recession and the subsequent recovery, is a real game changer.
The authors are careful to point out what a huge role that debt and the accumulation of it by individuals and companies alike played in the run up to the Great Recession. The growth in the years leading up to the big fall was built on credit and debt. The beginning of the downfall started with the crack in the sub-prime loans.
All of this undermined the stability of our banking system and led to near disaster. The authors suggest that the govenment bailouts of the banks actually did help us to dodge a catatrophy and that makes sense to me. Whether we like it or not the bail outs and rescues did help us to avoid another Great Depression.
With all of this said, each and every individual of this country should take a very serious look at their financial strategy in light of this game-changing event called the Great Recession. Will you find success in the stock market? Will investment in real estate on the individual level ever return to the safe bet that it once was? Will our employment opportunities and benefits offered by employers ever be the same as they were in the period before the Great Recession?
It is incumbent on every individual to take a close look at the way they save and spend coming out of this recession. I suggest that anyone interested in learning more about this book click on the title of this post for more information on where to find it.
The authors are careful to point out what a huge role that debt and the accumulation of it by individuals and companies alike played in the run up to the Great Recession. The growth in the years leading up to the big fall was built on credit and debt. The beginning of the downfall started with the crack in the sub-prime loans.
All of this undermined the stability of our banking system and led to near disaster. The authors suggest that the govenment bailouts of the banks actually did help us to dodge a catatrophy and that makes sense to me. Whether we like it or not the bail outs and rescues did help us to avoid another Great Depression.
With all of this said, each and every individual of this country should take a very serious look at their financial strategy in light of this game-changing event called the Great Recession. Will you find success in the stock market? Will investment in real estate on the individual level ever return to the safe bet that it once was? Will our employment opportunities and benefits offered by employers ever be the same as they were in the period before the Great Recession?
It is incumbent on every individual to take a close look at the way they save and spend coming out of this recession. I suggest that anyone interested in learning more about this book click on the title of this post for more information on where to find it.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Fred Factor Revisited
No matter how many times I listen to The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn, I discover something new. It seems like just about every sentence in the book is a useful quotable.
It offers great advice for useful attitudes, much like Nicholas Boothman does in How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less. The advice offered in these books is not easy to live by but, if followed, will bring you success and happiness.
It offers great advice for useful attitudes, much like Nicholas Boothman does in How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less. The advice offered in these books is not easy to live by but, if followed, will bring you success and happiness.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Your Faith Life
Most motivational speakers will advise you that having a balanced life is very important for success. It is important for success in your professional life as well as in your personal life.
Regardless of what your beliefs and religious heritage are, it is important to understand them and follow them. This gives balance to all of the other areas of life. In fact, the argument can be made that a strong faith life greatly enhances all other areas.
As with every other aspect of life, this takes time and it is time well spent. Replacing work with faith practice does not put you behind in your work, it improves your focus and attention during your working hours. The same is true for your personal life in that practice of faith makes your personal life so much more meaningful and it makes you much better at it.
Regardless of what your beliefs and religious heritage are, it is important to understand them and follow them. This gives balance to all of the other areas of life. In fact, the argument can be made that a strong faith life greatly enhances all other areas.
As with every other aspect of life, this takes time and it is time well spent. Replacing work with faith practice does not put you behind in your work, it improves your focus and attention during your working hours. The same is true for your personal life in that practice of faith makes your personal life so much more meaningful and it makes you much better at it.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Making Investments
Every time that you are nice to someone else, you are making an investment. It is worth much more than your monetary investment because it pays dividends for sure. When you extend your pleasant attitude toward others, you benefit.
You improve your postion with the person you are being nice to. You are gaining in the perspective of people who witness it.
Start making those investments.
You improve your postion with the person you are being nice to. You are gaining in the perspective of people who witness it.
Start making those investments.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Work With What They (You) Have
Some very sound advice by Marcus Buckingham in his book First Break All the Rules states that good managers should first understand the strengths, knowledge, and talents of their employees. Then, rather than concentrating on adding to an employee that which has been left out, focus on getting out what was left in.
In other words, work with what they (you) have. This is also good advice for yourself. Evaluate your strengths and continue to work with them. An analogy would be the parent who spends more time on their child's strength than on their weakness.
Imagine if you could more fully understand your stengths and spend time working on them. You cannot get better only by improving what you are bad at. Instead you need to develop what you are good at.
In other words, work with what they (you) have. This is also good advice for yourself. Evaluate your strengths and continue to work with them. An analogy would be the parent who spends more time on their child's strength than on their weakness.
Imagine if you could more fully understand your stengths and spend time working on them. You cannot get better only by improving what you are bad at. Instead you need to develop what you are good at.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Conversations
Just like attitudes, conversations that we have every single day affect not only others but they have a profound effect on ourselves. It is so easy to be negative especially when we need to vent.
However, positive conversations can also vent when a complaint is worded in a constructive manner. I think that anyone would feel better if they made the effort to work on making their conversations with other people positive.
Imagine the ripple effect that positive attitudes and positive conversations can cause. If you can help another person to get out of a negative mood, they can in turn help someone else. The downside is that negative conversations add to the down mood that another person may be experiencing.
What do you think?
However, positive conversations can also vent when a complaint is worded in a constructive manner. I think that anyone would feel better if they made the effort to work on making their conversations with other people positive.
Imagine the ripple effect that positive attitudes and positive conversations can cause. If you can help another person to get out of a negative mood, they can in turn help someone else. The downside is that negative conversations add to the down mood that another person may be experiencing.
What do you think?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Attitudes
Author Nicholas Boothman discusses two categories of attitudes in his book, How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less. One is a Really Useless Attitude. We all know what this can be. We complain, we can be rude, we can be mean.
What good are these attitudes if you are seeking to get what you want? Remember the KFC method of knowing what you want, find out what you are getting, and change what you do until you get what you want. Really Useless Attitudes only serve to vent your frustrations. Ocasionally they will get you want you want, but overall they work against you.
Of course, the other category is Really Useful Attitudes. It is amazing what a good attitude will get for you. Respect, Cooperation, Forgiveness...
Having a Really Useful Attitude can work against your normal grain but it always works for you. Give it a try.
What good are these attitudes if you are seeking to get what you want? Remember the KFC method of knowing what you want, find out what you are getting, and change what you do until you get what you want. Really Useless Attitudes only serve to vent your frustrations. Ocasionally they will get you want you want, but overall they work against you.
Of course, the other category is Really Useful Attitudes. It is amazing what a good attitude will get for you. Respect, Cooperation, Forgiveness...
Having a Really Useful Attitude can work against your normal grain but it always works for you. Give it a try.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Strength Multiplier
Here is an interesting concept from Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. If you consider your talent and your investment in that talent, give them a numerical value, and then multiply them, you will arrive at a strength factor.
Let's begin by considering your talent in a give area, let's say playing the piano, and grade yourself from 0 to 5 with 5 being an expert. Talent here is defined as a natural way of thinking, feeling, or behaving. Then evaluate your investment in that talent, defined as the time spent practicing, practicing, developing your skills, and building your knowledge base. Again, rate your effort from 0 to 5. Multiply these two figures together to arrive at a strength rating, defined as the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance at playing the piano.
So if you are a very gifted pianist, say a 5, but only practice sporatically, say a 3, then your strength factor is only a 15. On the other hand, even if you love playing and practice diligently, say a 5, but only have the gift of a 2-rated player, you max out at a strength of 10.
If you really love playing the piano and understand that the best you can be is a 10, that is just fine as a past time. However, when it comes to your career, if you really have a passion for a vocation, but your gift value is only a 1 or a 2, you really might consider finding a field where you are a 4 or 5 talent so that your passion can be turned into strength.
For more information, click on the title of this post. Better yet, consider buying the book, Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath.
Let's begin by considering your talent in a give area, let's say playing the piano, and grade yourself from 0 to 5 with 5 being an expert. Talent here is defined as a natural way of thinking, feeling, or behaving. Then evaluate your investment in that talent, defined as the time spent practicing, practicing, developing your skills, and building your knowledge base. Again, rate your effort from 0 to 5. Multiply these two figures together to arrive at a strength rating, defined as the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance at playing the piano.
So if you are a very gifted pianist, say a 5, but only practice sporatically, say a 3, then your strength factor is only a 15. On the other hand, even if you love playing and practice diligently, say a 5, but only have the gift of a 2-rated player, you max out at a strength of 10.
If you really love playing the piano and understand that the best you can be is a 10, that is just fine as a past time. However, when it comes to your career, if you really have a passion for a vocation, but your gift value is only a 1 or a 2, you really might consider finding a field where you are a 4 or 5 talent so that your passion can be turned into strength.
For more information, click on the title of this post. Better yet, consider buying the book, Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Platinum Rule
A few years ago, I attended a series of seminars in Cleveland given by a group called Peak Performers Network. At one of the sessions, a CD of the previous presentation was given out and I, of course, filed it without remembering I had it.
We recently stumbled across it and I almost threw it away because I did not remember what it was. By some stroke of luck, I kept is and decided to give it a listen. I am very glad that I did because the program by Tony Allesandra was great.
His presentation is actually a great follow up to "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less." In it Tony explains four types of communication styles, Director, Relator, Thinker, and Socializer. He goes into great detail to explain the four different styles and claims that we may all have one or more of these styles. I totally agree.
For more more information on The Platinum Rule, click on the title of this post.
We recently stumbled across it and I almost threw it away because I did not remember what it was. By some stroke of luck, I kept is and decided to give it a listen. I am very glad that I did because the program by Tony Allesandra was great.
His presentation is actually a great follow up to "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less." In it Tony explains four types of communication styles, Director, Relator, Thinker, and Socializer. He goes into great detail to explain the four different styles and claims that we may all have one or more of these styles. I totally agree.
For more more information on The Platinum Rule, click on the title of this post.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Summary on connecting with other people
After finishing "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less," I searched for an idea or two that summarizes why this book makes sense. Let me quote from author, Nicholas Boothman:
The secret of success is not hard to figure out. The better you are at connecting with other people, the better the quality of your life.
That is a very strong statement but makes good sense. If you choose to work at connecting with other people, creating a very useful attitude, and try to understand others, the quality of your relationships will certainly improve.
Give this book a try. You can locate information by clicking on the title of this post.
The secret of success is not hard to figure out. The better you are at connecting with other people, the better the quality of your life.
That is a very strong statement but makes good sense. If you choose to work at connecting with other people, creating a very useful attitude, and try to understand others, the quality of your relationships will certainly improve.
Give this book a try. You can locate information by clicking on the title of this post.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
What kind of learner are you?
In How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less, Nicholas Boothman describes three types of learning preferences involving our senses. People can be grouped into those who are predominantly visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.
First, it is helpful to understand which category best describes you. Then, in order to facilitate communication and connection with others, it helps to understand the characteristics of others. Even though this may seem like a lot of work, using some elements of this practice will surely help you to connect better with others.
for more information on the subject, click on the headline of this post and it will take you to the book. I have found all of the advice given by Boothman in this book to be very helpful.
First, it is helpful to understand which category best describes you. Then, in order to facilitate communication and connection with others, it helps to understand the characteristics of others. Even though this may seem like a lot of work, using some elements of this practice will surely help you to connect better with others.
for more information on the subject, click on the headline of this post and it will take you to the book. I have found all of the advice given by Boothman in this book to be very helpful.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Congruity in Communication
Author, Nicholas Boothman, reminds us in his book "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less," that congruity in communication is essential to making connections. By this he means that your words, voice tone, and body language must all be saying the same thing to be believed.
Consider the facial expressions and voice tones that you use in communicating to others and make sure that your tones and body language back up the content of what you are saying. If you just act naturally, congruity should follow. Be careful to limit sarcasm which, by definition, mixes opposite messages sent through words and tone.
To create a sense of openness, work on establishing a posture and tonality of honesty and empathy. Concentrate on making the communication about the idea and not about yourself. Make people like you by following the advice found in Boothman's book.
Consider the facial expressions and voice tones that you use in communicating to others and make sure that your tones and body language back up the content of what you are saying. If you just act naturally, congruity should follow. Be careful to limit sarcasm which, by definition, mixes opposite messages sent through words and tone.
To create a sense of openness, work on establishing a posture and tonality of honesty and empathy. Concentrate on making the communication about the idea and not about yourself. Make people like you by following the advice found in Boothman's book.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Content
In all forms of communication, content is the most important element. It is what you say, what you write, or what you broadcast that matters the most. It is even more important that how you say it.
This is not to discount the importance of non-verbal communication in face-to-face communication because that is a very influential element of communication also. But the content of the message is still the essence of communication.
We surround ourselves with very large-screen plasma or LED televisions with surround sound. We go to theaters with state-of-the art audio video presentation. We read books and magazines on electronic devices.
Still, the most important aspect of communication is the content. I would rather watch a very interesting tv show on a 19-inch color tv, than a mediocre or bad show in a home theater.
Just like in the publishing business, content is the key element in all communication.
This is not to discount the importance of non-verbal communication in face-to-face communication because that is a very influential element of communication also. But the content of the message is still the essence of communication.
We surround ourselves with very large-screen plasma or LED televisions with surround sound. We go to theaters with state-of-the art audio video presentation. We read books and magazines on electronic devices.
Still, the most important aspect of communication is the content. I would rather watch a very interesting tv show on a 19-inch color tv, than a mediocre or bad show in a home theater.
Just like in the publishing business, content is the key element in all communication.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Connecting
How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less is the title of the book that I just started reading by author Nicholas Boothman. Having listened to the audio book about connecting in business by Boothman, I was already familiar with some of his concepts about interacting with other people.
After the first four chapters, it is clear that his ideas for connecting in business are very similar to connecting in all areas of life. So far, the advice about making people like you really sounds more like making yourself likable and making an effort to connect with others.
The advice given so far is great stuff and this is going to be a book that I strongly recommend to everyone. He has already explained the same KFC method as in his business book. Know what you want, find out what you are getting, and change what you do until you get what you want.
It sounds like common sense but Boothman explains this pattern of behavior in a way that makes me want to read on. Please check back for further comments.
After the first four chapters, it is clear that his ideas for connecting in business are very similar to connecting in all areas of life. So far, the advice about making people like you really sounds more like making yourself likable and making an effort to connect with others.
The advice given so far is great stuff and this is going to be a book that I strongly recommend to everyone. He has already explained the same KFC method as in his business book. Know what you want, find out what you are getting, and change what you do until you get what you want.
It sounds like common sense but Boothman explains this pattern of behavior in a way that makes me want to read on. Please check back for further comments.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Finding Your Strengths
It is important for a person to know his or her strengths. Of course, everyone is different and all people have different skill sets. All individuals differ from everyone else in their talents. We all have a unique set of knowledge.
Understanding your skills, knowing your talents, and building your knowledge are all keys to success and satisfaction. Just because you are very interested in one thing, your interest alone will not make you great at that activity. I always liked sports but I was never really good at any of them. It was not until I understood that playing sports was not my strength that I enjoyed playing them.
Consider the amount of practice time that goes into making a high school or college sports team. Is all of that time really worth it for the individual? Maybe. On the other hand, if that same individual really understood what his or her strength was and spent the same amount of time developing it as practicing that sport, what would be the outcome.
One of the most important kind of coaching a person can get is the assistance in understanding their strengths and how to use them. Most people have several strengths and should be able to find more than one that they really like.
Understanding your skills, knowing your talents, and building your knowledge are all keys to success and satisfaction. Just because you are very interested in one thing, your interest alone will not make you great at that activity. I always liked sports but I was never really good at any of them. It was not until I understood that playing sports was not my strength that I enjoyed playing them.
Consider the amount of practice time that goes into making a high school or college sports team. Is all of that time really worth it for the individual? Maybe. On the other hand, if that same individual really understood what his or her strength was and spent the same amount of time developing it as practicing that sport, what would be the outcome.
One of the most important kind of coaching a person can get is the assistance in understanding their strengths and how to use them. Most people have several strengths and should be able to find more than one that they really like.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
I just finished this very intersting book by William Kamkwamba. He is a young man from Malawi in Africa and he came from a very poor farming family. Because his family was too poor to send him to school, he studied on his own.
He studied and studied until he was able to build and create things out of junk and other existing materials. He build a windmill that made him known around the world.
This book clearly illustrates the suffering brought on by famine. Told from William's perspective, I gained a new insight into what famine is all about and how devistating it can be on a society.
I also learned a lot about determination as shown by William throughout the story. I highly recommend this book as it will teach things that you don't expect from the title.
He studied and studied until he was able to build and create things out of junk and other existing materials. He build a windmill that made him known around the world.
This book clearly illustrates the suffering brought on by famine. Told from William's perspective, I gained a new insight into what famine is all about and how devistating it can be on a society.
I also learned a lot about determination as shown by William throughout the story. I highly recommend this book as it will teach things that you don't expect from the title.
Have Balance
It is very important to have balance in your life. You have a work life, home life, spiritual life, recreational life, social life, and more. It is important and necessary to balance all of these areas.
If you overdo it on your work life, the others will suffer and you will be out of balance. Not only do the other areas of your life suffer, your work life will suffer too because it is actually nurtered by balance.
Work toward balance.
If you overdo it on your work life, the others will suffer and you will be out of balance. Not only do the other areas of your life suffer, your work life will suffer too because it is actually nurtered by balance.
Work toward balance.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
What goes in makes a big difference
Think of all of the things that you witness, see, hear, and watch every day. Now think of how much of that is negative. How much is criticism, complaining, negative, vulgar, or immoral. All of this has an effect on what comes out.
Even if you did nothing to seek negative input, it will find you. Even if you only passively seek positive input, negative input will breech that. Just flip through the channels of your TV from one end to the other and count the violence, criticism, and one sidedness that you see. This all has a negative affect on you.
Seek positive influence. Take special care of what goes into your mind so that what comes out has a better chance of being positive.
Even if you did nothing to seek negative input, it will find you. Even if you only passively seek positive input, negative input will breech that. Just flip through the channels of your TV from one end to the other and count the violence, criticism, and one sidedness that you see. This all has a negative affect on you.
Seek positive influence. Take special care of what goes into your mind so that what comes out has a better chance of being positive.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
If looks could kill
Did you ever hear that saying? Do you go around with this kind of look on your face? Do you drive with this kind of look?
Take careful examination of your facial expressions. Before you ever open your mouth, your face speaks. What is it saying?
Take careful examination of your facial expressions. Before you ever open your mouth, your face speaks. What is it saying?
Exceptional Customer Service
This is a goal to live by. If you are a sales rep, providing exceptional customer will set you apart in the minds of your customers and prospects. If you are a parent or spouse, it will gain you the lasting respect of others.
Going beyond the norm of service requires effort and planning. However, providing exceptional service begins with putting others first. That part is easy to concieve but difficult to do.
The audio program, "Knock Your Socks Off" outlines many examples and practices of service. I recommend picking up a copy giving it a try. You will certainly learn something.
Going beyond the norm of service requires effort and planning. However, providing exceptional service begins with putting others first. That part is easy to concieve but difficult to do.
The audio program, "Knock Your Socks Off" outlines many examples and practices of service. I recommend picking up a copy giving it a try. You will certainly learn something.
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