Determination

Throughout the world there are discussions virtually daily about nations and strength. Regardless of those discussions and what others may think or feel, the strongest nation in the universe without question is DETERMINATION! Yes, DETERMINATION that unique trait that enables the weak to become strong; the good to become great; the defeated to become winners; and, the dream to become reality. It is the guiding force that will allow the desires of the heart to direct the mind and the body to action so that those desires are achieved. The height of your dreams are only limited by the strength of your determination. How strong is your determination? How willing are you to remain steadfast even in the clutches of defeat?

What would you have done with a life record as exhibited below:

1816: This individual's family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.
1818: This individual's mother died.
1831: He failed in business.
1832: He ran for state legislature and lost. He also lost his job and tried and then wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in.
1833: This individual borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
1834: He ran for state legislature again and won.
1835: This individual was engaged to be married, but his sweetheart died and his heart was broken.
1836: He had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
1838: This individual sought to be speaker of the state legislature but was defeated.
1840: He sought to become an elector but was defeated.
1843: He ran for congress but was defeated.
1846: This individual ran for congress again and won. He went to Washington and did a good job.
1848: He ran for re-election to congress but lost.
1849: This individual sought the job of land officer in his home state and was rejected.
1854: This individual ran for Senate of the United States and lost.
1856: He sought the Vice Presidential nomination at his party's national convention and got less than 100 votes.
1858: He ran for the US Senate and lost once again.
1860: This individual ran for and was elected President of the United States.

This individual was Abraham Lincoln. He gave us one of the most dynamic examples of how determination can make a valuable difference in the life of anyone who has the courage to undertake its challenging pathway. Lincoln said, "The sense of obligation to continue is present in all of us. A duty to strive is the duty of us all. I felt a call to that duty." He never gave up. He never lost sight of the inner greatness he possessed within even though he could have quit so many times. His unwavering determination eventually proved to be the guiding factor in why our nation remains the beacon of freedom it is throughout the world today.

It was once said that determined people possess the stamina and courage to pursue their ambitions despite criticism, ridicule, or unfavorable circumstances. Most determined people find themselves motivated more when they are highly criticized, ridiculed or the situation seems hopeless. They realize that opportunity awaits those who have the power of determination to guide their efforts.

In business and life, each of us are challenged by limiting beliefs, false assumptions, unsubstantiated interpretations or an inner adversary claiming that we are not "good enough." Too often we allow these catabolic impulses to drive our plans, dreams and desires to the sideline or become abandoned. Quitting becomes easy and too often the road more traveled. Our charge becomes to "dig our heels in" and stay the course. As former NFL Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi so correctly proclaimed: "It's not whether you get knocked down, It's whether you get up again."

Author David McNally said, "We can learn to soar only in direct proportion to our determination to rise above the doubt and transcend the limitations." As you look at your life and business, where do you find yourself? What have you allowed to sidetrack your desires, dreams and goals? In what areas are you allowing false assumptions, unsubstantiated interpretations or limiting beliefs to lessen your ability to move forward? Where do you need to re-engage your navigation system and seek a new direction? What do you say to the face in the mirror each day? Who in the crowd are you listening to as you strive to hit your goals and live your dreams? What is your next move? The answers truly lie within you and only you can determine their value.

So, be determined! When times seem bleak, do whatever it takes to hold on. Believe in yourself and your ability. Follow the great example of Abraham Lincoln and keep focused on learning from each setback and apply those learning principles to help you soar to greatness in the end. Become a respected and faithful citizen of the strongest nation in the universe, DETERMINATION; and, utilize its power to build your life, career and a prosperous future.

News To Use

In the book, 10 Steps To Successful Sales , Brian Lambert notes there is a difference between being a "sales person" and a "sales professional." The key is to focus on insuring that you and your team are "sales professionals" in this new age economy. Striving to become such a trusted advisor is vital if one is to build reliable relationships and change thoughts in the minds of clients and customers alike.

The ten steps include:

Embrace a sales mindset.
Know your job and your role.
Develop winning habits.
Understand the buying process.
Leverage the sales process.
Create a personal sales system.
Accelerate revenue.
Communicate effectively.
Manage your sales organization.
Develop world-class competencies.

Today's business is becoming ever challenging and the demands for exceptional results soar. The 10 Steps To Successful Sales provides a guide to transferring your sales aptitude.

Career Insight

Anita Campbell tells us that branding isn't just for large corporations. All businesses, large and small, needs to insure that when its name is mentioned, the proper picture pops in the customer's and prospects minds.

It's value is multi-directed. In essence though, branding is what keeps customers loyal and buying repeatedly. It isn't a replacement for sales or a focused marketing campaign; but, it will serve to reinforce these actions if properly developed.

As a business owner, influencer or leader, branding is vital to overall success. Build your brand and sales can follow. For more information on this subject and insight into the author, please go to:

smallbiztends.com/2013/08/what-is-branding.html

Tech Trends

JD Powers reports that younger executives are greatly increasing the use of video for work-related purposes. 3 out of 5 executives plan to use video more heavily during the next 10 years. 87% of the executives feel that video offers significant and positive impacts on an organization. 84% plan to use video for a substantial amount of all non-physical interactions.

How could this business process impact the method and manner of how business in general be conducted in the future? How ill this insight potentially impact how you might do business now and over the next 10 years?

Video is drastically changing the future of customer and prospect interaction. Being in the know could make the vital difference for you as a business person. For more details on this trend and additional insights, go to:

www.zdnet.com/cisco-survey-gen-y-business-leaders-gravitating-toward-more-vid

Biz Shorts

A Medecape survey found that 6% of physicians in the "cash-only" business in 2013. This is a 2% increase from 2012.
United Airlines now provides an option for a passenger to pay an annual fee of $349 and avoid the baggage charges. With the $25 first bag free offer, if an individual makes 7 round trips, they would break even with this offer.
Freddie Mac expects the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to reach 4.7% by the end of 2014.
According to a 2013 Federal Reserve report, 25% of smartphone owners have made a mobile payment the past 12 months and 75% of those say they would recommend the process.
46% of small business owners say they plan to increase the number of employees during the coming 12 months if they can find the qualified people desired.

Biz Application

Do you need a simple easily administered customer/client survey for your use? Take a look at this offering as you approach and inquire from customer/client base:

What do you enjoy about doing business with us?
What one activity, action, process would you change about how we currently do business?
What must we do in the future to retain and or grow your business with us?

This simple survey can unlock doors to opportunity for you and provide insights on how you might build lasting relationships.

Biz Leadership

Noted leadership expert John Maxwell provides these insights on how to effectively plan ahead:

Predetermine your course of action.
Lay out your goals.
Adjust your priorities.
Notify key personnel.
Allow time for acceptance.
Head into action.
Expect problems.
Always point to your success.
Daily review your progress.

We hope you enjoy our 2nd newsletter and please let us know what your thoughts or articles, information you would like to see. You may direct your comments to:

herman@thinkbigcoachingandtraining.com