How sweet it is to get to a place of comfort and just coast. Really? Is it really sweet? Human beings are goal-oriented creatures. By nature, we need to stretch our minds and our bodies!
This does not mean we are intended to set the world on fire or never rest our minds. We are happier, however, when we are not standing in one place for too long.
Things to ponder… Continue reading ‘Are You in a Comfort Zone or a Rut?’ »
This past week I was with speakers and business consultants from all over the world at the Global Speakers Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. One thing that stood out over the five days I was there is that nothing – and I mean nothing – happens by remaining the same. Standing still while others keep moving will not help your cause or life for that matter.
“If you do not change, you stay the same!”
This statement says it all. If you do not change, you will stay the same. Even if you want more out of life, it requires a leap of faith to modify the Status Que. There are some things that you can do to make the change more beneficial.
And, it starts by knowing what you want out of life. Focus and passion only come to those that know what you want out of life.
You need to sit down and write out a list of things you want. This sheet will become your master list for life change. Review it each week and think about what is the most important thing for me to do this week. This focus on achieving that step during the week. As you continue to take steps you will improve and the change in your life will be positive.
We will explore additional ways for you to make a difference. It all starts with you making a decision to get what you want and to make a difference.
I’m writing this using an analogy of the Hawk and the Dove AND NO – this is not about the war stuff. First, let me set the stage – this past weekend I witnessed a nature activity that could be a sad thing or just one of the facts of life.
You see, we have this Dove family that has lived at our house for the past four or five years. Each year building a new nest and having more family. This little family has entertained us for years. They hang out together and have shown no interest in separating.
This past summer a young Hawk landed close to our bird feeder and we had a grand time watching it as it tried to figure out how to eat at the community bird feeder. Well, he was totally unsuccessful with the birdseed feeder – but he must have gained some intel while there.
This weekend I was at the window with my cup of Java, and I noticed the Hawk in the yard – eating something. It turned out to be one of the Dove family! I was appalled that this had happened to the nice little bird family that always seemed calm and cool even when we approached the birds.
As it turned out, that is the reason the Dove is no more! It was slow, calm and steady. A great target for a bird of prey like the Hawk! Later, I found out from the bird store owner that Hawks take out Doves on a regular basis due to their slowness to react to situations.
As I thought about the situation, I began to think about the current economic crisis, the number of mergers – hostile or not – that have taken place over the past couple of years, and how people are approaching the need for sales growth in a down economy. I realized that I had seen an analogy to the impact or effects of the Slow and Steady (change resistance) and the Fast & Quick – who make things happen when the opportunity arises.
Companies and Individuals who are slow to act or resistant to change are just like the Dove. Cute and lovable, yet soon to become the victim or totally gone when faced with the aggressive and hostile company or individual. You must adapt to the current environment and balance your actions between the fast and the slow or the Quick and the Steady. Moderation is important. Understanding the consequences of inaction can align you with actionable choices.
Think about your highest priorities – company or individual – and immediately launch a plan of action to accomplish this objective. Too often, smart people wait until it is too late to move – like the Dove – and lose their independence or their competitive edge. Take charge and become one of the Fast and Quick during these economic times – be a winner.
If you need help understanding how to set the highest priorities, monitor their results or progress, and other options you need to be successful, then call us immediately – that’s now – at 901-757-4434.
One of the oldest sayings or cliches is Leaders are Readers. And, you know, it is true. Let me explain the reasoning behind this statement.
First, the act of reading is one of the most positive methods of activating the brain. Brain stimulation is a key factor in creativity and decision making. Without stimulation the brain can become sluggish and slow to comprehend ideas, thoughts and facts. The act of reading allows your brain to open up to new ideas and visualize the future.
Second, reading is a form of research on specific topics. Is there a subject that you need to understand better – six sigma, rapport building, team building, strategy, lead generation? There are collections of books written by experts on these and other subjects that will provide you with answers and insights into another topic that you need to know. Today, there are more books available on every topic or subject than ever before.
Third, your natural advantage is applied research. When you read, you will need to read about five books on any subject. This allows you to learn the process behind the information. By the learning the process, you learn exactly how things work or are capable of working. Too often I find an individual who has read ONE BOOK on a topic, is blown away by the information and becomes a follower of the author’s version of the topic. This action creates a follower rather than a leader. A true leader will read multiple sources on the topics and combine the information for total understanding of the topic or subject.
Fourth, your decision making abilities improve significantly when you read. The reason is two-fold. First, you have a better understanding of the subject and stay focused on the important parts for the decision. Second, due to your expanded knowledge – you have more alternatives in your decision making process. The more alternatives you have, the more control you have regarding your choices. You have the flexibility to select a choice that matches the real situation – thus, better choices.
Some people have told me that they don’t read because they are slow readers and it takes too long to read a book. This was a problem for me at one time. However, I learned that the act of reading made reading easier. Also, I discovered Evelyn Wood’s Dynamic Reading course – which I highly recommend to you. It tripled my reading speed and increased my retention significantly. You can find these on Ebay or Amazon in both new and used versions. Get and it learn to read faster – it works.
If you are looking for a source of what business books to read, then use the Business Book Review site that is listed in our IACG sites links on the right. I provide an brief explanation of what is important about the business book listed on the site. Enjoy and tell others to check it out.
While attending a meeting one gentleman stood and shared a statement with the group – Networking is all about relationships. This was a major statement and most people miss the boat on understanding just how true this statement is for success.
Relationships is the core to everything we do. Our family life is impacted by the relationships we have established with our loved ones. Our business success is a direct reflection of the quality of relationships. Is is based upon Trust? Is it long term in nature? Can we depend upon someone to be helpful and sincere? All these factors count in the world of relationships.
People need relationships to grow and learn. The more people we meet and get to know – the better our quality of life. People have a tendency to share their life experiences. When exposed to different points of view and opinions it gives us a chance to truly think about things. As we think about the nuggets of gold placed in our pathways, we have an opportunity to explore new ways of thinking and acting. We get another slice of knowledge to play with, grow with and experiment with as we move toward success. Our knowledge and wisdom gets a chance to expand.
Another point for all business people is the fact that relationships expand our business opportunities. When others get to know you, they check out your sincerity and authenticity. They can then decide if they trust you and are you credible? This is the beginning of a relationship and possible business situation. One thing that I have noticed over the past twenty years is the changing levels of trust that people get today versus 20 years ago.
When I first started my existing business in 1988 it was easy to meet people, get to know them, visit them and well – get business opportunities to fall in line. Today, if people do not already know you, they will not return phone calls, come to meetings or briefings, or let you in their office building! The need for security and an overall lack of trust has become the standard.
Therefore, it is a now a key factor in successful business to make as many contacts through networking, social gatherings, and group meeting activities. This allows for people to get to know you. Gain credibility with others and you gain an opportunity for business – if you can truly help the other person.
Learn how to network, start a long term relationship, educate yourself on the techniques and methods to stay in constant contact with others – these are the keys to winning in life. Do it for them as well as yourself. Others need to learn about who you are and do you have credibility and the expertise to assist them with different solutions. Get to know them and they will in turn get to know you. Start and maintain your relationships with people – you never know when they will need your help.
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