Pocket Change - Our Deepest Fear

I watched Coach Carter last night with my family.  There were several leadership moments in this movie, but to me, none more powerful than when Cruz finally explained his deepest fear. 


If you are unable to view this video in your reader, CLICK HERE for video

Enjoy.  Share.  Pass it on

Book Review - Who's Got Your Back by Keith Ferrazzi

I just finished reading who's got your back by Keith Ferrazzi.

I had also read Keith's book, Never Eat Alone, a few years back and was drawn to this book on the bookstore shelf with it's bright blue jacket, but even more when I saw the sub-title "The Secret to Finding the 3 People Who Will Change Your Life."

As I jumped in, I was not disappointed.  Ultimately, the book revolves around the four core mind-sets that form the behavioral foundation for creating lifeline relationships (p. 41):
1) Generosity
2) Vulnerability
3) Candor
4) Accountability

I found many different points within the book to be effective.  At the start, he mentions that the people you are relating with now are likely not the ones who you will be relating with as you grow and mature.   Amusingly, his therapist referred to getting into the habit of "plucking the weeds and tending the flowers."  Weeds are individuals who bring you down and flowers are the relationships you have that bring brightness, ideas, support and meaning to your life.  It is hard to weed out at times in my personal life.  Comes with my personality profile in that I want to believe and trust everyone and don't want to tell anyone 'No'.

I probably could have stopped reading this book about 60 pages before the end.  I thought that it got a little long and went from individual relationship building throughout the first 200+ pages to the team relationship building tips.  My personal opinion is that a non-fiction book that goes much past 220 pages or so gets too long.  Oddly enough, on the same day I finished this book, I read a post from Michael Hyatt about "How to Read a Non-Fiction Book". His first tip was "Don't feel that you need to finish." I thought this was a few days late for me!

In any event, there were MANY good points/takeaways as I mentioned above.  I had 7 'dogears'  and many highlights throughout the book that I reviewed.  Thus, I would suggest this book for your reading pleasure.  Because I lost interest in  the last 60 pages or so, I would give this book a 6 out of 10 on the dogear scale.

So, how are you cultivating those life-long relationships in your life.  In those relationships, are you being generour, vulnerable, candid in providing feedback and holding yourself and those relationships accountable for their actions?

4 lessons learned about ATTITUDE

This silly jump box (aka BLUE monster) taught me a few lessons this week about 'ATTITUDE'.  First, the timeline leading to the lesson:

Tuesday - Working out at LifeWise Fitness, I point to the box and ask the owner, Che Torry , what that box was for and he said for folks to jump on.  I told him there was no way I could jump on that box. 

Wednesday - Participate in Basic Conditioning class with Che as the 'coach' for the class and he had us doing box jumps in increments on an aerobic step.  After class, I looked at the blue step above (you know, the one that I said I could not jump on!) and brought it over to the equipment we were jumping on.  Low and behold...the blue step was about 4" LOWER than what we were working out with that night.  I just looked at Che and smiled, quite sheepishly.

Friday - Did my regular workout and then brough over the blue step.  I still found myself nervous, but did jump on it a few times.  I even wanted proof.  See video here:

If you cannot see this in your reader, CLICK HERE for the video.

So, what were the lessons learned:

1)  Attitude (Positive or Negative) is a CHOICE.  I chose on Monday to say that I could NOT jump on that blue box without even trying.  "If you think you can, or you think you can't...you are probably right" - John Maxwell

2)  Most of our fears are unfounded - I was nervous to jump on the box.  The challenge is to funnel the energy we place in our fears into the task at hand.  We tend to fear the worst.  Rather, try to think of the best!

3)  Having a 'coach' is important - A good coach will push you just a little bit farther than you will go on your own.  (You can replace the word 'coach' with 'friend', 'accountability partner', 'teacher', 'mentor' etc.) 

4)  Practice what you preach - After I jumped on the boxes on Wednesday evening and saw that it was higher than the BLUE monster, I was disappointed in my negative 'choice' on Monday.

So, what is your current 'BLUE monster' and what is it going to take for you to CHOOSE to say that you CAN?!  Time for me to reflect on that...

It's about the 'Experience'..RIGHT? ...WRONG!! It's about the Relationships

So, as a result of Roanoke's freezing rain Thursday night, school was cancelled for the kids on Friday.  By about 10:00 a.m. we were nestling into our standard rituals.  Checking email for me, cleaning the house for Chris, and xBox on a day off for the boys.  Now, I don't claim to be 'spontaneous' by any means, quite the opposite...I prefer to have things planned out, but Friday was different.  I had everyone get dressed and we took a ride to Staunton, VA, to visit the Woodrow Wilson Presidential library.  The family moaned and groaned all the way to the car!!!

Certainly, not a destination spot for the kids, or Chris, but I had been wanting to go there for a couple years now and never planned it.  The trip started off eventful, though:
1) As we got closer to Staunton, the temperature continued to drop to freezing and it started to snow
2) In my anxiousness to leave before anyone could talk me out of it, I had forgotten my coat!
3) When we got to the library, we learned that the library was closed for renovation...until...the next day, Saturday!!!  This would have been something important for the organization to post on their web site, I thought, but I am glad they didn't...WHY:

We had a great EXPERIENCE because of the people we met:

• First, we had a great lunch at Emilio's restaurant and our server did a real nice job telling us about the history of the restaurant and some of the events that may draw us back to Staunton one day.
• Then, we got to meet a fine man, Mr. Martin from Ohio, who walked the tour of the home with us and shared a similar interest that I have:  To visit all of the Presidential Libraries!
• Also, our tour guide, Bob, was fantastic, and he ended up taking us into the Library while it was under repair and got us a close-up view of Woodrow Wilson's Pierce Aero limousine, which was really cool!  We could not have done that on a regular tour!

• But, most importantly, I was simply amazed with my boys' knowledge of history.  As Bob would ask questions about the events of Woodrow Wilson's time as President, Brendan and Joseph BOTH reeled off answers that had Bob's jaw dropping, Mr. Martin's eyes raised, and a tear in my eye!

It could have been just another day off of school when it started, but I am so glad that we went on that little trip Friday.  It wasn't about Woodrow Wilson, or the restaurant, or the food, or the weather...it was about the people we met and the time we shared as a family.  Life really is about relationships...the rest is just details!

Can you share with me an 'experience' that you had that started off uneventful and turned into a great experience?

Passion - How to get your 'mojo' back in 2010!

Webster defines Passion as "mean intense emotion compelling action."  There are many ways to define it.

"Dr. Evil" defined it here:



For me, having Passion about something or someone is a deep feeling in my heart or pit of my stomach that drives me to do something about it resulting in a positive change.  I can say that I have passion for something, but if I do nothing about it, then I am only dreaming or complaining. 

In tough economic times like the ones most of us went through in 2009, it is possible to lose our Passion (capital 'P' for emphasis).  I was reviewing my Maxwell Leadership Bible recently and John Maxwell had an excerpt about Passion.  It had some great tips on increasing Passion:

Passion makes for an effective ministry (your ministry can and should be your job, your hobbies, your relationships).  So, how can you increase your Passion?

1. Take your temperature.  Get an honest assessment from those closest to you.  Are you passionate about what you do?  You can't start a fire in your organization, home, church, etc., unless it first burns in you.
2. Return to your first 'love'.  Many leaders allow life to push them off track.  Think back to when you were most passionate.  What drove you?  What made you enthusiastic?
3. Associate with people of passion.  Birds of a feather flock together.  Hot coals stay hot when they remain in the fire.  Find passionate people and let them rub off on you.

So, how are you going to get your Passion back in 2010?  How are you going to re-light that fire?  Get back your 'mojo' in 2010!  We will all be better off for it.

Is it more important to be 'fair' or 'consistent' ?

I posted this question recently on my Facebook page:  "Is it more important to be 'fair' or 'consistent'?  I received several responses like the ones below:

•  "being consistent is fair"
•  "I think I would hope fair"
•  "how about being consistently fair?"

Some thought it was a trick question.  It was not, but I was curious. 

As a parent (you can substitute the word LEADER anywhere I put parent), one of the statements I sometimes hear is "That's not fair!"  Are there any parents out there who have NOT heard this?  If so, please let me know your secret.

In any event, I believe the answer to whether it is more important to be fair or consistent lies in BOUNDARIES.  What boundaries have you set up front?  Allow me to use one example that I use with my sons, Brendan and Joseph.  We have set boundaries for being ready for school, giving the kids freedom to wake up when they want.  They each have their own alarm clock, BUT we have set up boundaries.  They MUST be downstairs and prepared to go to school by 7:15.  Prepared means bed made, dirty clothes taken to laundry, teeth brushed and deodorant on, dressed, and school supplies packed.  If they are not down by 7:15, they lose TV privileges for the evening.  If they come down ready at 7:16, is it 'fair' that they are not allowed to watch TV that evening?  It might not seem fair, right?  "But, dad, I am only one minute late".  You can insert your own response here!  Then, as a parent (leader) you must follow through with the consequence, or the consistency goes away and it no longer IS fair.  This is an overly simple example that describes my response to the question.

If I set the boundaries up front, am consistent with disciplining to those boundaries - giving you the freedom to make it happen - then, I am doing my part as a parent/leader.  I think it is more important to be 'consistent' to ensure 'fair'ness.  AND, it really does remind me of another statement my mom would make to me - "Life's not fair."  So true. 

Have a great week.

So, do you have a story about fair or consistent you would like to share?  Please comment below.

Book Review - Tribes

I just finished reading Tribes by Seth Godin.  To say that this was a difficult book for me to read would be an understatement.  As I got to the final pages, I found myself thinking about how I would review the book and the author knew exactly what he was doing(as I had presumed).  In the final 2 pages, there was a section titled "What, Exactly, Should You Do Now?" It followed with: "You made it to the end.  And it's possible you missed the checklists, the detailed how-to lists, and the For Dummies style instruction manual that shows you exactly what to do to find a tribe and lead it.  I think that was the point."

Well, I kept saying to myself the last several pages that this book was not organized into logical chapters AND, I think that is exactly what the author intended.  He confirmed if for me.  At least it was confirmed that I was NOT losing my mind!!!

The Tribe in the title is that group needing to be led.  It may be a Tribe that is already created, but they need a leader. 

There were takeaways for me that I highlighted and/or dogeared:

• He talked about heretics as those wanting to make a difference and challenging the status quo.  I might refer to them as 'pot-stirrers', but stirring the pot with the intent to improve and solve a problem, not just stir the pot.  The example he used was "If faith is the foundation of a belief system, then religion is the facade and the landscaping."  Just because you challenge 'religions', doesn't mean you lose 'faith'
• He talked about technologies like Twitter, Facebook, and blogging as ENABLERS, and not as a cure.
• He did throw in one "How to" about 2/3 of the way through the book by identifying the key elements in starting your movement:
• Publish a 'manifesto' (motto, mantra, story)
• Make it easy for your followers (Tribe) to connect with you
• Make it easy for the Tribe to connect with one another
• Realize that money is not the point of a movement
• Track your progress

My favorite quote of the book was early on how he differentiates between managers and leaders

Managers have employees...Leaders have followers

Managers make widgets...Leaders make change

Final analysis: In reviewing back through, I had 5 dogears in the book, thus a 5 out of 10 rating.  I think this is a good book to help challenge conventional thinking and has some examples of how some have chosen to make a difference.

Anyone else read this book?  Do you have a different viewpoint?

2010 reading 'stack'

I was reviewing some of my blogs from 2009 and came across my reading list for 2009 post.  Well, 1 of 5 isn't bad.  I did complete a total of 5 books in 2009, am enjoying finishing up Tribes right now and have developed a list for 2010, also.  Because I didn't finish the others on the original list does not mean that they were not important, just that situations may have changed during the year(First 90 days), or someone may have have suggested a book to me(Love & Respect), a new book came out that was not available when I made my original list, I read about it in a blog post of someone else I follow(Duct Tape Marketing), or it was a gift given to me during the year. 

So, what are the criteria for books that I read?  The book should fall in to one or more of the following categories for me to consider:

1) Relationship building
2) Improvement (of myself, others, or processes I am working on)
3) Learning (kind of like New York, NY).  Reading a book is learning
4) Discipline - How to improve priority management in my life.

This year, I have the follwing books in my 'stack to read':

I have already started a few of them.

Questions:

• What was your favorite book of 2009?
• What is on your 2010 reading 'stack'?
• How do you choose a book to read?

3 Simple Questions to ask in preparing for 2010

As 2009 comes down to the wire, I hope that you have had a chance to reflect on the past year.  I have enjoyed reading some other blogs about preparing for 2010 so I felt compelled to share my own preparation techniques.  This technique doesn't just work for New Year's goals or resolutions, but solving many problems you may face.  This is a tool introduced to me by my coach, Raymond Gleason of Building Champions.

To achieve the new goals you set, I ask myself the following 3 questions, in this order:
1)  What do I need to KEEP doing? - What are those things that you have done that have worked?  Be as specific as you can.
2)  What do I need to START doing? - Maybe there is something missing from your process that you need to add.  Again, be specific.  If you have a goal to lse weight, it doesn't help to say that "I need to start eating better."  It might be better to say: "I need to start packing my lunch three days a week to reduce fast food intake."
3)  What do I need to STOP doing? - Maybe the most important question to answer.  Because we only have 24 hours in a day, if we want to START doing things and don't STOP doing things, then we will become overwhelmed and likely not succeed.  Our KEEPs will suffer and our STARTs will be ineffective.  So, what are those things you need to STOP doing (even though they may be good things) so that you can achieve your goals.  The Law of Sacrifice says it best:  "You have to give up (STOP) to go up (Achieve goals)"

KEEP, START, STOP - It really is simple...and effective.

So, what are you going to KEEP, START, and STOP doing to go higher in 2010?


I wish you all the best in 2010.  I hope that this blog continues to add value to your life.

How are a Gas Balloon and Leadership alike?

I have been wanting to write about this for a while.  I recall sitting in my office early this year and drawing on a napkin a picture of a helium balloon with the sandbags on the side.  The science of a gas balloon is such that to fly higher," the pilot throws out ballast—like sand (sandbags)or water".  The picture for me included the sandbags on the side of the balloon.

To me, this science is very similar to a leader's desire to 'fly higher'.  While gas balloons need to let go of some of the weight (sandbags) to fly higher, so must leaders.  I know that there are many times I allow 'sandbags' to keep me from flying higher.  These manifest themselves in some of the weaknesses recently pointed out to me by my friends when I asked them directly for feedback:

1.  Creates self imposed limitations due to historical situations.
2.  Expecting too little of others
3.  Can get seduced by the "good guy" and lose sight of the impact on the overall vision
4.  Allowing others to take advantage of my time and my desire to help them succeed.
5.  Unjustified lack of self confidence

These self-imposed sandbags are ones that I vow to 'let go of' so that I may 'fly higher' in 2010 as a leader and so that I can have an even more powerful impact on those around me.  I would expect that my choices (and my blogging) in 2010 will support this desire.  I encourage you to ask me and challenge me on how I am doing with this goal. 

So, what are YOUR 'sandbags' that you carry around that keep you from flying higher? 

Is Notre Dame a prestigious program and/or head coaching job anymore?

Another disappointing loss for ND tonight. The tough part is listening to some of the prognosticators say that ND is not prestigious anymore...Does any other TEAM basically have their own national television contract? Can any other TEAM say that every one of their games is televised...every year? Can any other TEAM say that the biggest game their opponent plays EVERY year is the Notre Dame game? Notre Dame IS prestigious and Robert Smith (ESPN studio analyst) doesn't understand what he is saying when he says that Notre Dame can't afford a prestigious coach since Weis' buyout is so large.

Now, I do believe that Weis should forego a majority of the buyout since I believe he should be fired for 'cause'. Even HE said when he was hired that 6-5 just wasn't good enough! He's right. 6-6 isn't good enough, either.

Notre Dame IS a prestigious program. Notre Dame IS a prestigious coaching opportunity. Notre Dame WILL return to prestige in terms of the elite winning programs. 11 National Championships, 7 Heisman trophy winners. It's not just football...It's Notre Dame football!!!

Don't hold on TOO long

So, as I look at what the kids may want as a gift this year for Christmas, I am often amazed by technology and how it has changed how we learn.  I had been considering purchasing a guitar for my son.  Then, I saw this blog post by Tim Stevens with a new "iPhone app" to play the guitar.  Spend a couple minutes viewing this:



So, I can either buy him a new guitar and go through the pain of trying to force him to learn to play or finding a spot in the closet for another over-sized gift, OR I can purchase the app for his iTouch for $3.99.  Now, I know all of the comments:  It is more important for him to learn how to play the guitar rather than just hit buttons on a phone...right?

Sure, and it's more important for kids to learn cursive than type in Word....
and it's more important to learn how to divide using long division rather than using a calculator...
and it's more important to read a book from a hardcover rather than purchase an e-Reader and read on my smartphone...RIGHT????  Maybe. 

So, what does this have to do with Leadership and Relationships.  I will tell you.  It is our TIME!  You see, as I have said in previous posts, our time is something that we don't manage.  We only have so much time.  AND, how much of it do we waste on 'stuff' and 'relationships' and 'worrying' ...on holding on to things that we want to get better if we just give it a little more time?

Well, at some point we have to say that our time is much more valuable for things like family and taking care of ourselves rather than worrying if our hand writing is perfect and if our 'friends' will be angry if we don't come to the Tupperware party.  My challenge to you is this:

1) Make a list of the things most important to you
2) Compare that list with what is on your calendar(handwriting, guitar playing, Tupperware parties, figuratively speaking)
3) Where there is a match, leave it there
4) Where there is a dis-connect, make a choice - Either it needs to be on the list of #1, OR you need to Let it go...Not so easy. 

So, I think I may take up the electric guitar with all the time I am going to free up...

Have a great weekend, friends!

Who is going to write YOUR name on THEIR list?

The following is info that I did not create.  It was something that I learned and have subsequently 'SWIPE'd(Steal With Integrity Practically Everything) becuase of the meaning it has for me.  I saw this first in a book by John Mawell Titled "There's No Such Thing As Business Ethics".  I received it again over the past week from Jim Karger, a friend, mentor, and colleague who pens the blog "CrediblyConnect"  (http://www.crediblyconnect.com/) .

In essence, the exercise goes like this, you don't have to write down the answers, just ponder them for about 30 seconds for each question.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress...
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?  Not really that easy, is it?

Now, answer this question(I want you to WRITE the answer to this question!):
Name three people who have had a positive influence on your entire LIFE?  Depending on who is reading this, that is likely at LEAST an average of 40 years.  The questions above only ask you to answer questions for the past 10 years at the most.

Much easier, right?

And the point is...we tend to not remember POPULAR people, but we DO remember those who made a difference in our lives because they cared.

Now, first action item.  Take a look at your list of people who have made a difference in your life.  I want you to choose one and tell them Thank You.  Write them a note(not an email, a HAND WRITTEN note...oh, the pain!) and let them know that you appreciate that they made a difference in your life.  It may be someone you haven't seen in 20 years.  That's OK.  If you are reading this, you have access to the internet.  Ever hear of a site called 'Google'?  Go find them.  If they made a diference in your life, then take the effort to find their address.  You will feel great that you did that and they will appreciate hearing from you.  You never know.  It may re-kindle an old friendship.

Finally, I want you to ponder one more question about this exercise:  Who is going to write YOUR name on THEIR list?  If you can't think of anyone immediately, then maybe you need to start making a difference in someone's life in a postive way....TODAY.

Interesting...

A word that should be BANNED from every day conversation.

Have you ever been in the middle of what you feel is a VERY important conversation with someone and you ask "What do you think?" Their response "Interesting" - WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Or, here is a recent one.  I have an important meeting coming up in a couple weeks where I will be presenting an important change.  I receive the agenda and a pre-emptive "This ought to be interesting! ;o)"

I know I am guilty of using this word too much as well.  I use it to describe something that I am just not sure how to respond to.  I use it too often if I haven't been paying close enough attention, or I use it when you ask me what I think about your new shirt.  uh-oh.  Now you will know....

Anyway, I am sure there are times that the word 'interesting' is used in a very polite and genuine way; however, I believe it is used MORE to simply end a conversation and shows the other person I may not be thoughtful enough to tell them what I really think.

Don't you find this interesting?  (KIDDING!!!)

So, when was the last time YOU used the word 'interesting' in a conversation and when you used it, did you really mean it? 

I bet you think about it the next time you say it.  I can hear it now...That $^%^ Gallagher.  I'll give him interesting next time I see him!!!  Leave me your answer by clicking ont he comment below.

Have a great weekend y'all

Book Review - Love & Respect

I just finished reading Love & Respect, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.

I picked this book up while walking around Family Christian Bookstore one day and I have to admit that at first, I bought it more for my wife than me! Then, as I started it, I was reminded of a verse from Matthew 7:3 - "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's(wife's!) eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"(NIV) - OUCH! I also had seen a review done by Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing, on his blog about the book.

The theme of the book revolves around the often mis-interpreted book in the Bible - Ephesians, and specifically verse 5:33 "However, each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." (NIV). Ultimately, the author describes the problem as the Crazy Cycle:

So, after I got the big "plank" out of my own eye, I was ready to learn in the book.

It comes down to our basic needs:

1) The Love She Most Desires

2) The Respect He Desperately Needs

The author shares great stories from his seminars of husbands and wives looking for the answers. I found myself laughing out loud and reading parts to Chris, saying "Here we are...wait til you hear this." The most humbling ones were "Here I am. I know I do THIS one."

The author used acronyms as ways for husbands and wives to come off the crazy cycle. Men, here is yours: C-O-U-P-L-E = How to Spell Love to Your Wife.

C=Closeness O=Openness U=Understanding P= Peacemaking L=Loyalty E=Esteem

In each chapter, the author gave me all kinds of nuggets. And, ladies, he tried to help you as well with the acronym C-H-A-I-R-S

C=Conquest H=Hierarchy A=Authority I=Insight R=Relationship S=Sexuality

Now, this section was suggested just for the women, but I had to read it anyway. And, I nearly fell off the bed while reading one like when the author quips to the women, "Think about when you get out of the shower versus when he gets out of the shower. When you step out of the shower, he is all eyes, oblivious to everything else. But what happens when he steps out of the shower? You probably say something like, "Please stand on the bath mat." or "Be careful! I just waxed the floor."

I believe this is a great book for couples to read together to improve their marriage and really should be required reading BEFORE marriage. My takeaways included:

1) I need to be sure that I am showing unconditional love she desires all the time to my wife and not hold that love back if I don't feel like I am getting the respect I need

2) My kids are watching and when they are dis-respectful to their mother, it is likely because I am not showing her the love she deserves in front of them

3) The Bible is so clear on this topic of marriage. I sometimes have too big of a plank in my own eye to see it.

There are so many nuggets in this book, it easily gets my highest rating: a "10 out of 10" dogear rating. Now, I know I could give MANY of these books out, but I don't want anyone to feel I am telling them/hi,/her what they need to do. If you want to work to get off of the Crazy Cycle (by the way, it is always there. Nobody is perfect) and on to the Rewarded Cycle, then you should make the choice to buy this book and read it. If you make the choice, I know you will enjoy it! If you allow it, it could change your marriage and, thus, your life!

Are you ready to get off of the Crazy Cycle and on to the Rewarded Cycle?

Relationships and Green Bean Casserole

Where I come from, one of the favorite 'pot-luck' side dishes is 'green bean casserole'. We could debate all day long about who makes the best green bean casserole. Of course, I would say it was my wife, Chris, but she has never made it, so my next best vote would be Mom!! (Although, I am not sure she has ever made it, either!)

So, what in the world does Green Bean Casserole have to do with Relationships? It is very simple: When I 'hear'(or smell!) green bean casserole, I think of some of the times I have gotten together with friends in the past. I think of:

• picnics at home with family
• get togethers with college friends (Susan ALWAYS brought green bean casserole ;0>)
• small group gatherings with friends from church
• the day that Chris and I were baptized with friends in Fort Wayne, IN, when we formally and publicly professed our faith together

So, while it doesn't matter if I really LIKE green bean casserole, (I really don't. I prefer the pasta salad or the pepperoni rolls!) it is simply the memories made that are important and the fellowship/relationships I have built with friends over the years.

I'm hungry...

What is the comfort food that YOU always remember at your favorite gatherings? Does it bring a smile to your face to think about your favorite 'casserole' and the friends or family you spent time with while eating that food?

Pocket Change - Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

If you can connect with others at every level—one on one, in groups, and with an audience—your relationships are stronger, your sense of community improves, your ability to create teamwork increases, your influence increases, and your productivity skyrockets. - John C. Maxwell Excerpt taken from the first chapter of his upcoming book titled: Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

For a sneak peak of each chapter, check out John Maxwell's blog.

Have a great week!!

Is Social Media a 'Fad'?

I saw this video posted on another blog recently and wanted to share. If you have just 4 minutes, it is a GREAT snapshot of the impact of social media on our lives. I was really shocked by the data on how LONG it took for TV & Radio to gain an audience of 50 million users, compared to Facebook. Astounding.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Are you currently involved in 'Social Media'? If not, why not? Top reasons I have heard folks tell me why they are not:
1) Don't have time for it (250 million users of Facebook have the same number of hours in a day that you do!)
2) I don't want to put my personal info out there - Especially in Customer Service, the question is if you are not putting it out there, who is?)
3) It's too confusing to use - YouTube has over 100,000,000 videos(found this out in THIS video). Go there and search for How To ___________. You are sure to find it. Then, you don't have to 'embarrass' yourself and ask someone how!

If you area involved in Social Media, are you connected with me? If not, why not? Just click on the links at the side of this Blog post. I would love to stay connected with you.

That 'First day of school feeling'

Today was the first day back at another school year for our sons,Brendan (7th grader) and Joseph (5th grader). I know they were anxious, even thought they did not want to tell Mom & Dad that! We were anxious, no doubt.

Of course, we told them the story about how "When we were kids ________________." They rolled their eyes. Each year I make breakfast for them on the first day, too. This year, there was one eggo waffle request and a frozen sausage, egg & cheese muffin. Made it easy on me!!

The first day of school is a new beginning. Chances for them to get new clothes, new books, make new friends, and hopefully, learn a few new things. It should be a good calibration point for me. Generally, in life, there are not many 'First days of _______(school, job, etc.)." But, when there are, it tends to be exciting. It tends to be a learning experience. We get to meet new people.

So, if we are stuck in a rut, how do we make that "First day of school" feeling all over again? I need to ask myself that question. You see, today is the "First day" of the rest of your life( I didn't make that up. I am sure someone else said it!). What can you do to create that anxiousness, that excitement, that knotted up stomach feeling when you walk through the front doors? I need to create that feeling again.

Maybe I will go get myself a pair of new school shoes today! Have a great week, friends.

God, I pray that you watch over our boys this year at school. Introduce them to great opportunities, great friends/relationships, and keep them safe. I pray that you grant their parents wisdom, patience, and understanding. Help us all grow closer as a family this year. - Amen

Book review - Duct Tape Marketing

Recently, I completed the book Duct Tape Marketing by John Jantsch. It was a gift from a friend that I received about 4 years ago and really have just gotten around to reading it. I wish I would have read it three years ago when I made the choice to enter in to the real estate business.


This book is chalked full of pragmatic tips for putting together a marketing 'system' for your small business. I filled the front and back inside bindings with notes and ideas as they popped into my head while reading the pages.

I appreciated the author's definition of Marketing:

Getting people who have a specific need or problem to know, like, and trust you

I believe that definition is spot on for small business marketing. The book is broken out into 3 parts:

1) The Duct Tape Foundation

2) The Duct Tape Lead Generation Machine

3) Getting on a Roll - Finding out what 'sticks' and do more of it.

I implemented ideas he suggested and saw immediate results:

1)Webinars - We did a Webinar and generated three new leads and closed one in less than a week! Our average sales cycle is 4 months. Needless to say, we have another Webinar scheduled!!

2) Wake up the senses with an Image to Match Your Message - I updated the look of the header on our website and added this 'image' to our advertising, and marketing materials, and have already had comments about the improvements from potential clients. See some of the changes at http://www.whitegallagher.com/

And, I used the book to help set new measurements for Sales & Marketing including: Lead generation numbers and Lead conversion rations.

I have shared this book with team members and look forward to using it as a guide to put together our marketing plan for the future. I highly suggest this book to small business owners looking to leverage their marketing. The book was published in 2006, so it just started to delver into how to use social media as well, but as you read it, you can visualize how to make improvements via blogging, Facebook, Twitter, and other creative ways to get your message out to as many prospects as possible.

This book gets a '10' on my dogear rating system. My highest ranking. If you can't find the ideas to help you improve your marketing system in this book, I don't know where you will find it!!