Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Consider This: Discipline

Thomas Huxley said, "There are a thousand principles of success, but none will work without self-discipline". How true this is for me as I sit and recall how many times I did not make the effort necessary to achieve my goals.

Yes. I have valid excuses and that is all they are, excuses. So now I have excuses and no achievements. Most likely, everyone is guilty of this at one time or another. Getting motivated everyday and having a plan, a focus, on what you want to accomplish is a difficult task.

What can we do to become disciplined and yet flexible and spontaneous? Partly, discipline is better achieved when considered over a period of time that is longer than just the day or week or even month.

I believe that staying focused and being disciplined requires you to be aware of the times that you need some breathing space. Take the break for yourself. You will be healthier and in the long term more productive. If you get angry with yourself you may get discouraged and give up all together.

Have long term goals and stay focused on them. And, also make one of your goals to join with us in the Business Preferred Network and it will help you succeed at whatever you decide!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Affinity or Cause Marketing

Several years ago, it became popular to align your product and service with a group that supported a meaningful purpose. Organizations such as the Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Nature Conservancy, or any better known purpose could give you creditability that consumers favored.

When you support a cause it becomes a part of the culture of your company. You and your employees support it through contributions and action. There is significant benefit to doing this. The public will be impressed that your company has interests in your community in addition to selling their products.

It is my opinion that a company support a single entity or purpose. In this way your message gains creditability and does not have dilution of effort.

A single cause could be as simple as "Spirit Lifting" for people facing life-limiting challenges. The Spirit Lifters Network finds people who could use encouragement and sends them a Spirit Bear, which is a warm and fuzzy stuffed animal. The Spirit Bear comes with an inspiring story card. Although the Spirit Lifters Network is not well known, it has Spirit Bears worldwide.

Join a cause and make your business world a better place for all. Join the Jim Click Business Preferred Network and let's help everyone become a Spirit Lifter!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

I Don't Have Time

If there is only one most important aspect of any person's life, it has to be time. Time is all we have. The spending of time, our most valuable resource, is mostly done without an appreciation for its worth.

I asked one of our managers to attend an event with me where we would meet new people and build new relationships. His response was, "I don't have time". What he meant was, "I don't think it's worth my time". When business begins to slow down, then he might think it's worth his time.

My suggestion is that we set our time priorities with more careful thought. Anyone reading this, know how much time they have left? Each of us has the right to decide what to do with our time. However, you may want to spend some of that precious time re-evaluating how you use it.

Take time to join with us here at the Jim Click Business Preferred Network. It's past time that you did something good for yourself and your business!