Life Lesson

Growing up in the country I can truthfully tell you that COWS DO NOT GIVE MILK!  You must take every drop from them.  Sometimes it is easy and other times it can be one of the most diffcult and persuasive jobs that you will ever do.

Cows as a whole are very moody.  Sometimes they will gently lick grain from your hand and other times they will do their best to kick you.  I suppose it boils downto the approach you take.  If you get ready and attempt to milk without warming your hands especially in cold weather, boy oh boy are you in for a surprise!  However if you take time to warm those hands, talk to the cow and gently pat her side as you begin to sit down, chances are great you will be successful in your task.

The same process is true in our daily work.  Not only does our attitude determine our success but it also has a chilling affect on how we are viewed by others.  Do we approach each day with enthusiasm and excitement, glad to be alive or do we wake and curse the fact that it is morning?

We are all born excited.  Take a look at new babies.  Have you ever seen an unenthusiastic baby?  I bet not.  Somewhere along our life pathway we could have lost that excitement.  The great thing is that we can get it back.  Former baseball great Pete Rose was asked whcih goes first on a baseball player, his eyes, legs or his arm.  He responded, "None of these things.  It  is when his enthusiasm goes that is through as a player."

How we approach a situation is crucial.  We can make difficulties we ar facing boulders of distress or stepping stones of grandeur.  It all depends upon our approach.

There is seldom a day goes by that most do not doubt themselves in some way.  Each looks upon themselves as being uanble to gain even the smallest margin of success.  Past failures or promises of starting anew just as soon as situations change often abound in the norm.  The secret is to step-over those situations and approach life in a manner that says, "I don't care hwo many times it takes, I WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Yes, the approach is important.  You need "warm hands" to milk a cow, but you also need a postive approach to get results.  How do you see yourself?  Wht approach are you taking? Are you doubting your abilities? Are you challenging whether you are good enough or deserving at all?  What you eventually get, a wonderful bucket of milk or a challenging bucket of *#@!; well, it all depends on you!  Your approach, your attitude will clearly determine your path!  May your pathway lead you to much success!

I would love to hear what you are doing to keep yourself positive and in the game.  Let me hear from you.

News to Use

According to the 2011 FTC Consumer Fraud Survey, fraud happens 33% of the time by virtue of the Internet; 20% from print; and, 8% from telemarketing.  If it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.

The average 2013 federal tax inccrease by income ($75,000-$200,000) is $1,558.  For the $200,001 to $500,000 bracket, the amount soars to $2,796.  Source: Tax Policy Center.

The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker tells us that in 2013, more affluent wedding guests will spend the following for gifts on average: $327 for close relatives; $206 for close friends; and, $134 for co-workers. 

46% of employers use Twitter as a resource tool.  Source: Impaxis.

 According to LIMRA, 3 out of 5 new retirees can expect to outlive their financial assets if they try to maintain their pre-retirement living standard.

Career Insights

Allyson Green, author and expert on job searhc and managment issues writes that there are 10 key elements of professionalism that one should master for career success.  Those are: pay attention to the cultural norms in your organization and follow them; be pleasant and polite to people even if you do not like them; take work seriously; speak up when work isn't getting done on time or when there are problems with a project; realize that getting feedback on your work; write clearly and professionally; be flexible; show up reliably; be helpful and do more than what is reflected in your job description; and,  don't treat your managment as your adversary.  For a complete look at this article, go to:  http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voicers-careers/2013/07/22/what-does-it-mean-to-be-professional-at-work

Biz Trends

LinkedIn celebrated its tenth anniversary in May, 2013.  It is the premiere business connection.  To be successful there are some rules which should be employed to insure that optimal use is gained.  One of the key elements lies in the profile.  There are 5 essential elements that a business professional must utilize for the proper effect.  First, a complete profile.  This is due to the fact that the search algorithm first looks for 100% completed profiles.  Next, a headline with a call to action.  The headline is like the subject line of an email.  It is the first thing people see when  they get to your page.  It must catch their attention to hook them.  Third, a professional photo.  A professional headshot is 7 times more likely to be viewed than a profile without one.  Fourth, keywords in certain sections of your profile.  It is important to know LinkedIn's search algorithm values keywords in certain sections such as the headline, summary and past work experience.  Finally, terrific recommendations.  Credibility given by a third party is greater than a person or business saying that the individual or business is great.

Getting LinkedIn properly situated will greatly enhance your ability to gain the ultimate results from hyour site.  For a complete review of this information: http://smallbiztrends.com/2013/07/elements-of-useful-linkedin-profile.html

On Leadership

Simply put, leadership is inspiring confidence in others.  Leaders get followers to reach beyond themselves.  They set the tone.  They listen.  They influence.  They create a vision.  They enhance, transform, coach, care, trust and provide hope in all situations.  Leaders help others to use themselves creatively.  They forget about themselves and focus on their followers.  Much comes from work but results come from leadership.

For an interesting read on the basics of influencing people, look at the article by Mary Jo Asmus found at the following: http://smartblogs.com/leadership/2013/07/17/44235/

The Beginning

I hope you enjoy the first edition of our newsletter.  Our closing thought for this edition is:

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will."  --Vince Lombardi