Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Make Your Dream a Reality




Mr. Motivator, how can I make my dream a reality for me?  Anyone can make their dream a reality if that person is serious.

If you are truly serious about making your dream a reality, the first step is to realize that you must develop personal motivation.  In other words, you must have the ability to motivate yourself.

When you possess personal motivation, your dream will transpire into reality -- because it is very difficult to stop someone who's highly motivated and moving forward with such tremendous momentum.

It's like trying to stop a train that's headed down the tracks.  You may ask, what is personal motivation?

Personal motivation begins with developing personal courage, enthusiasm, know-how, confidence, and belief.  The bridge that supports personal motivation is having a positive attitude towards your abilities.

A positive attitude will help you become motivated enough to create, produce, and achieve.  Once your dreams become a reality, you will want to help others become motivated so that they can cause their dreams to become a reality.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Thinking Like a Winner




It's all about thinking positive and expecting to win.  No one ever wins without the sacrifice of taking the necessary steps that will lead to your destination.

If you can see yourself as a winner, you will begin setting goals for yourself and having an action plan.  Success is the progressive realization of a predetermined worthy goal that you set for yourself.  A winner thinks that he can do it even if he or she doesn't feel like it.  Having belief in oneself gives you an attitude that ignites confidence and enthusiasm.  Some may say that he is arrogant or cocky.

Sometimes people mistake cockiness for persistence.  When you know what you're doing and you're good at doing it, you will develop a winning mentality.  Thinking like a winner is being able to focus and to see yourself with a favorable outcome.

Friday, July 27, 2012

The Road is Never Long Between Friends



Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;
Someone who changes your life
just by being part of it.
Someone who makes you laugh
until you can't stop;
Someone who makes you believe
that there really is good in the world.
Someone who convinces you
that there really is an unlocked door
just waiting for you to open it.

This is Forever Friendship.

Author Unknown

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Are You A Reason, A Season, Or A Lifetime?


I had a conversation with a friend and was asked what I thought it meant to be a friend, my column last week, gave some insight into what I thought a friend was.  About the same time, I thought about individuals that have been in my life one time or another.  Many are now deceased, some moved away and we stopped communicating, and others, we just drifted apart.  Each played an important part in my life.  A "Reason" or a "Season" individual was hard to let go of, at times, but let go, I finally did.  Think about individuals that have come into your life and the part that they were there for you.  This is something to think about, this I believe! 

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON--It is usually to meet a need you have expressed.  They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  They seem like a godsend, and they are!  They are there for the reason you need them to be.  Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, the relationship comes to an end.

At times they walk away.  Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.  Sometimes they die.  What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.  Your need has been answered, now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.  They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.  They may teach you something you have never done.  They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.  Believe it!  It is real!  But, only for a season!

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.  Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.  It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank  God for each person being a part of your life.  --Author Unknown

Monday, July 23, 2012

The New Electronic Etiquette


The ease of e-mail can lure users into a dangerous carelessness.  Remember, clarity is more important than ever—the reader can’t see the expression on the sender’s face or hear the tone of voice.  Unless you’re brainstorming with your team, weigh your words and measure your meaning before you zap; e-mail sent in haste may be repented at leisure.  Keep in mind:  Once it’s zapped, it’s gone—no asking a secretary to throw out the letter before it’s opened, no second-thought hangups before the phone is answered (though AOL has an “unsend” function that can save you if you’re quick enough).


The electronic age doesn’t really need its own Emily Post.  These rules should cover the finer points of cyberspace communication:

Answer your e-mail by the end of the day, if only to acknowledge receipt.

Watch what you write.  E-mail is not totally private.  Not only might another person in the same office happen to be using the same computer and thus see the message, but it can also be saved, printed and forwarded by the recipient, just like a letter.

When you reply to e-mail, remind the recipient of the original message by quoting key sentences.

Don’t go wild with “emoticons,” such as using: -) as a happy face [viewed sideways] to indicate pleasure.  An occasional <g> (for grin) to indicate irony or a joke is fine and can add clarity.

NEVER USE ALL CAPS (except for acronyms).  It qualifies as electronic shouting.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

It takes Gut to be a Pro, by Paul J. Meyer




People are so weak-kneed and soft these days that it is frowned upon to mention Work,  Struggle, Effort, Concentration, Doing Your Best.

But I disagree.  I say that inside, people are great and that agitation is motivation – that being abrasive revitalizes – that “knowing the truth” builds the adrenaline – backbone provides intestinal fortitude – so anyone can become a success in this business of selling.

Many times we might be reluctant to dim the enthusiasm of someone starting out in the world of selling, but if we are honest, we must ask ourselves the question:  “Is it fair to simplify the job?  To paint a glowing picture of compensation, and neglect to say that salesmanship is the greatest ego-smashing profession in the world?

A survey taken to determine the things salesmen enjoy about selling shows that what many of them like least about their work is calling on prospects.  This fear is motivated by false pride.  We are afraid our prospects will strike back where it hurts us the most – that’s our desire to be appreciated.  That is the primary reason for call reluctance.

Salesmen are just like those men in the army.  They travel on their stomachs, and that means GUTS!

I hope someday that somebody convinces the Trainers and the Educators, the Statisticians, and the Ivory Tower Characters that the only thing that builds real salesmen is “SELLING EXPERIENCE.”

Let’s not tell the salesman that prospective customers are sitting around waiting for him.  The customer can get along beautifully without him.  He’s been doing it pretty successfully for years.

Let’s tell the salesman that the man he is going to call on is already busy – that he already has his day scheduled with forty other attractions vying for the few h ours he has available.

Let’s tell him that he has to know more than a Presentation.  He has to know how to be a good listener.  He has to know how to make questions sound like statements that will get the other man talking.  Men can learn something about the prospect’s business and h is attitude – his way of thinking, so he will know how to build up the benefits to fit.

Let’s tell him that to become a real salesman he has to grow – be different – new – unusual – creative – stimulating and exciting and believable.

Let’s tell him that he has to do all this with on-the-spot inspiration, with intensity and showmanship, without being an entertainer.

Let’s tell him that he has to be able to knock on doors and be turned away time after time, and somehow maintain the courage and enthusiasm to keep going.

Let’s tell him that he has to take “NO” once, ten times, and a thousand times, and never let it show, and never let it upset him.

Let’s tell him that he has to accept rebuffs, turndowns, some polite and some impolite – not for the first month, or the first year, but all of his life if he is going to be a Master Salesman.

Let’s tell him that after he sets up a sale or what looks like a series of sales, anywhere from one to ten other people can come along and choke it off, kill it, upset it, or wreck it before he actually gets a signed order and his commission check.

Tell him that he has to handle all of this mentally without losing his courage and physically without getting ulcers.

Your results and your income are going to rise above the level of mediocrity, and you are going to be around next year and the year after only if you have “gutty stick-to-itiveness.”  If you have determined that you are going to be a Master Salesman – a Professional Motivator and a Builder of Men – a Waker of Sleeping Giants, ask yourself this question:  “Do I have the GUTS for it?”




Thursday, July 19, 2012

Making the Connection




Small talk, whether with coworkers or people from other companies, can pay big dividends to you and your organization—if you follow a few simple rules.

1. When it’s your turn to talk, you don’t want to stand there as if you’ve just taken a vow of silence.  On the other hand, if you fill in too many details, you’ll probably see people’s eyes glaze over—just before they rapidly excuse themselves, mumbling something about having to make a phone call.  Think “outline,” not “thesis.”

2. Talk to express, not to impress.  Don’t brag, and don’t play one-upmanship.

3. By all means ask questions to show you’re interested in the people you’re talking with.  But don’t make them feel as if you’re giving them the third degree.  And never ask for professional advice you would otherwise have to pay for.

4. Don’t give unsolicited advice.  In fact, you’re better off not giving advice at all.

5. Don’t grind your ax or attempt to get everybody interested in your latest passion—give people space to be themselves.

6. It should go without saying, but don’t be a bigot.  Other people might not share your preconceived notions about gender, ethnic origins, religion, etc.

7. Be a good listener.  Don’t interrupt another person to interject your own thoughts.  Wait your turn.
                                                                                                  The Economics Press

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Interview Hints




1. Dress appropriately.
2. Go to the interview alone.
3. Arrive at least ten (10) minutes early.
4. Dispose of chewing gum, candy, lighted cigarettes, etc. before entering the interviewer’s office.
5. Don’t get annoyed or restless while waiting.
6. Smile and give your name distinctly when greeting the interviewer.
7. Do not expect the interviewer to stand when you enter the room.
8. Don’t sit down until asked to do so.
9. Be attentive; try to sit comfortably but don’t slouch.
10. Let the interviewer take the initiative.
11. Be enthusiastic and look directly at the interviewer when talking.
12. Avoid using slang expressions.
13. Never criticize others, including your former employer, even if justified.
14. Don’t discuss personal problems.
15. Don’t use generalities when answering questions.
16. Do not exaggerate previous positions or salaries because most employers will check this information with your former employers.
17. Be ready to relate your qualifications and experiences.  If you have never worked steadily before, relate any volunteer or part-time work experience you may have had.
18. Stress your strong points, or strengths.
19. Answer questions in full rather than nodding or saying “yes” or “no”.
20. Do not distract from the conversation by fidgeting with your purse, keys or other objects.  Also refrain from nervous mannerisms, such as wringing your hands, flexing your fingers, etc.
21. Do not look at or touch anything on the interviewer’s desk.
22. Don’t smoke unless given permission to do so.
23. Indicate preference as to job desired.  Never say, “I’ll take anything.”
24. Volunteer any important information which you feel is being overlooked or minimized to your disadvantage.
25. Leave promptly when the interviewer indicates the interview is over.
26. Express appreciation for the interview even if you don’t get the job.
27. When leaving, thank the person in the front office who introduced you.
28. Send a thank you card to the interviewer.
29. Take a moment to relax and search for something positive on twitter.
30. Select an affirmation (Positive self-talk).  Write it on an index card and read it daily.  It will help build your confidence.
31. Belief in yourself and know that you have a purpose to fulfill.
32. Dare to Dream!  Keep thinking Big!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Ten Ways To Enjoy Earning A Living


It doesn’t matter if you own your own company, work for someone or feel you just have to have a job, we have to earn a living.  Since earning a living is a necessity to survival, here are ten ways to enjoy EARNING A LIVING!

  1. EXERCISE REGULARLY – A brisk walk, bicycle ride or aerobics, rests the mind and the body.
  2. CULTIVATE POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS – Relationships that are positive will provide you with stimulating and positive feedback.  The relationship should challenge you to be positive, never should it make you become negative.
  3. LOVE YOUR JOB AND ENJOY WORKING WITH TALENTED AND DEDICATED PEOPLE – Strive and promote the positive aspects of your job, then you will draw positive people who share these ideas.
  4. BE ORGANIZED – Not being organized is too much work.  Prepare the night before.  Prepare clothing, make lunches, clean up so each morning you will deal with only new challenges.  Being organized will always put you ahead.
  5. PACE YOURSELF – Spread difficult projects out over weeks/months/year so you can work on it a little at a time (this is part of being organized).
  6. WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN – If you have a poor memory, write it down.  If you have a good memory write it down.  If you have a good memory write it down, don’t clutter your mind when paper will do the job for you.
  7. TAKE YOUR WORK SERIOUSLY, BUT DON’T TAKE YOURSELF SERIOUSLY – A light hearted or comic perspective can help you cope with life’s ups and downs.
  8. CARRY INFORMATION TO READ – While waiting in bank, grocery and store lines have information, books, articles to read.  This will help to pass the time, and allow you to continually be productive.
  9. TAKE O NE DAY AT A TIME - Do your best today.  Enjoy each day, each experience.  Tomorrow will come soon enough.
  10. DO SOMETHING FOR THE KID IN YOU – Treat yourself to a candy bar o r some ice cream.  The ultimate, buy  yourself something that will make you really happy!
By Valder Beebe

Friday, July 13, 2012

The Garden



Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE.
THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

The Spoken Word


“Of the modes of persuasion furnished by the spoken word there are three kinds.  The first kind depends on the personal character of the speaker; the second on putting the audience into a certain frame of mind; the third on the proof, provided by the words of the speech itself.”


Aristotle

Mr. Motivator’s Favorite Book Recommendation II


1.        The Welch Way:  24 Lessons from the World’s Greatest CEO by Jeffrey A. Krames
2.        The Lombardi Rules:  26 Lessons from Vince Lombardi—the World’s Greatest Coach by Vince Lombardi, Jr.
3.        How to Motivate Every Employee:  24 Proven Tactics to Spark Productivity in the Workplace by Anne Bruce
4.        The New Manager’s Handbook:  24 Lessons for Mastering Your New Role by Morey Stettner
5.        The Power Principles:  24 Lessons from Celin Powell, a Legendary Leader by Oren Harori
6.        The Sales Success Handbook:  20 Lesson to Open and Close Sales Now by Linda Richardson
7.        Dealing with Difficult People:  24 Lessons for Bringing Out the Best in Everyone by Rick Brinkman and Rich Kirschner
8.        How to be a Great Coach:  24 Lessons for Turning on the Productivity of Every Employee by Marshall J. Cook
9.        Making Teams Work:  24 Lessons for Working Together Successfully by Robert Bacal
10.    The Handbook for Leaders:  24 Lessons for Extraordinary Leadership by John H. Zenger and Joseph Folkman
11.    Managing in Times of Change:  24 Tools for Managers, Individuals, and Teams by Michael Maginn

Mr. Motivator’s Favorite Fruit



 Watermelon is my favorite all time fruit.  I grew up on a farm in East Texas where my grandfather raised the biggest and sweetest watermelons in the country.  We enjoyed eating them then and today I still enjoy eating them.  Not only do they taste great, watermelons are also nutritious.

They are fat-free, low sodium and are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and they contain the antioxidant lycopene.  Watermelons also provide the amino acid citrulline, which helps support cardiovascular health.  You add watermelons and a variety of fruits to your diet for optimum health benefits.