Archive for the ‘INSPIRATIONAL’ Category
Setting Your Intentions
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011The following is a true story. It happened in a small village in southern New York where several residents lost everything in a flood the night of September 8.
“On October 12, Steve’s neighbor knocked on his door. He was tired from running constantly between his job, putting his home back together till all hours of the night, caring for his family, and sleeping on other people’s couches. He was sick (literally), anxious, and extremely stressed about where the money for even simple things like clothes or his kid’s birthday was going to come from, let alone finishing his home before it gets too cold. He had been searching and praying in his mind for some answer, some relief. And he wasn’t the only one, other friends nearby had lost their homes too and he was concerned about them. But when he saw the strange look on his neighbor’s face, he dropped his tools and opened the door.
In her hands were 10 envelopes. She handed one to him and said, “Open this, tell me what’s in there.” The envelope contained $1,000 – ten crisp hundred dollar bills in a paper wrapper.
Shortly before she had a knock at her door, and there stood a man dressed as a Catholic priest, but not anyone she had ever seen in the village before. He smiled gently and told her, “I need you to do me a favor. You live here, you know who has been hit hardest. Please take these envelopes and hand them out to the 10 people who need it most.” Then he turned and walked away around the corner and was not seen again. But whoever and wherever he is, we hope he knows the deep gratitude and hope he left in that neighborhood that day.”
Now I ask you, what was that? A coincidence? An angel? Everyone is going to have a different answer and opinion. But here’s what I think… When you set your intentions and put them out there, you get a response. “The Universe” by whatever means you recognize or wish to call it – God, fate, luck, karma – will give you what you need if you are open to receiving the gifts. Next time you are lost, hurt or confused, remember that when you let go of trying to control the means and process (How am I ever going to do this?) and start instead by focusing on the need and outcome (Please send help!) you project that to all around you.
One other thing… “The Universe” will respond with equal enthusiasm to your own! This is true in any and every aspect of your life, be it business with your clients, your relationships with friends and family, or even your own journey. The more positive and energetic you are when setting your intentions, the greater your return.
Living and Working Fearlessly
Saturday, September 24th, 2011
Had quite a conversation with my best friend this morning. We were discussing what it meant to have a full / “ideal” life. Her’s was having strong connections with loving family and friends, a stable career, a reasonable lifestyle and contentment with all of that. My definition of an “ideal” life was markedly different. One that, if you consider carefully, could have a major impact on your own business and life.
Ponder this for a moment: Everyone alive on this planet today will likely be dead in 100 years from now (major breakthroughs in life extension notwithstanding). We have just so much time and when it’s over it’s over, fini, caput. So given this context, is what you are currently doing and even more importantly, who you are currently “being” represent your full, ideal life?
It’s a safe bet how 99.99% of people living in the developed world will answer this question. Money, possessions, deep loving relationships, exciting lifestyle, etc. won’t cut it if you are in “prison”. A prison where the seemingly impenetrable bars are made of nothing more than of our fears about living fully, outrageously and from our hearts.
How many of us have “comfortable” relationships, comfortable jobs, comfortable lifestyle, comfortable distractions and so on. The more affluent of a society we live in, the easier it is to be sucked into “comfortable” rather than living fully —which by definition means allowing oneself to fully and intensely feel pain, pleasure, love and overall lust for life. Striving to be comfortable, safe and protected is like soundproofing your soul as the universe is playing Bach’s 5th symphony. You know something great is occurring and you are afraid of what might happen if you let go of all self-imposed protections to experience it.
Imagine what your life (and by extension, your business) would be like if you were “fearless”. Not that you can or even should eliminate all fear, but playing full out in spite of fear. Breaking free of the self-imposed prison bars of fear. Freeing yourself up to infinite possibilities you never could have imagined…
Fate loves the fearless.
~ James Russell Lowell
Our hearts are always whispering to each and every one of us. It is very hard to hear when we bury ourselves in work and distractions. We each have our own true path during this blink of an eye we call life. Your heart is your guide and your head is your servant to help you achieve what the heart knows is best for you. You don’t have much time left, so use it wisely.
Outrageous!
Sunday, September 18th, 2011
Have you ever felt “stuck” in your business or life? If so (and frankly, most currently do on both counts) perhaps it is time to be, well… outrageous.
Outrageous is not about being goofy or tastelessly offensive for the sake of eliciting the biggest reaction from others. On the contrary, being outrageous is all about letting who we really are come out and shine for all the world to see —without concern or attachment to how others (even close others) see you.
It is no accident that some of the most successful people in the world are considered outrageous. My personal hero is Richard Branson of the Virgin group of companies. I can’t imagine anyone having more fun, while making more money, while changing the world for the better than him. Another favorite of mine is Rush Limbaugh. Regardless of your political leanings, you’ve got to admit that this guy (who I believe never finished college) does and says exactly what he wants and as a result attracts the largest radio audience in the U.S. and “Has more fun than a human being should be allowed to have!”
You see that’s the beauty of being your outrageous self. Doing so will attract far more people to you than any other way. Human beings are almost preternaturally attracted to those who have discovered the secret of just allowing the entirety of who they already are shine through —like moths to a bright flame.
For most people, being outrageous is the purest form of who they are, who they “be”. The jaw-dropping reaction we normally equate with “outrageous” is because almost everyone is so constrained in the way they live and interact that when someone does allow their true “outrageousness” to show, it is a shock to those who witness it.
I have Dalinian thought: the one thing the world will never have enough of is the outrageous.
~ Salvador Dali
Being truly outrageous in the manner described here takes tremendous courage and a willingness and faith to let go of all pretenses. Few are currently willing to do this which is the primary reason being outrageous will cause you to stand out incredibly. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. When you are ready to truly be outrageous, the world will unfold like a beautiful flower and you will surely wonder why you waited so long to be who you already are.
These Bullets Are Real
Saturday, September 10th, 2011
My 19 year old son Max and I went to a shooting range yesterday. Being raised in the rural regions of Upstate NY I’ve grown up with guns. Max on the other hand had never shot a weapon in his life. And even though I had experience, it has been nearly 30 years since I last fired a gun. In addition to having some great father-son time together, we both came to a sobering realization. It’s one thing to pull the trigger, but it is quite another to be on the receiving end…
We got to shoot some pretty awesome weapons including 9mm, .40 and .45 semi-automatic pistols, a .50 caliber revolver (that was more of a hand cannon!) and a very cool semi-automatic assault rifle. In case you were wondering, my favorite was the .45 caliber Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol. Apparently I wore a big grin every time I got to fire it. That was quite an introduction to firearms for someone who had never even previously held one in his hand.
As we were shooting away, Max and I both started to think about how horrible it must be dodging bullets fired from these powerful weapons. Something our brave men and women in the armed forces have to do every day.
It’s one thing to see shooting on TV, in movies or a video game. It’s quite another experiencing its deadly power first hand. Yesterday Max and I had a crash course on how to shoot safely, properly and somewhat straight. But most of all, we gained an appreciation for how much courage our fighting men and women have and all they give just so we have the freedoms we do.
Think on this as you consider dodging the “bullets” that business may send your way this coming week. You get hit by one of those it may ruin your day, but it won’t take your life.
Celebrate Turning Your Job Into a Business
Saturday, September 3rd, 2011
Ah Labor Day, the last hurrah at the end of Summer typically featuring beach, buns and BBQ —all in the name of having… a “job”! Given that over 14 million in the U.S. alone don’t have one, that should be something to celebrate. Personally I would be in a much more excited about celebrating a “Business Day” or “Entrepreneur Day” holiday. Unfortunately most people who think they own a business really just have a job. Here’s how you tell the difference.
The amount of money you make doesn’t determine whether you have a business or job, it’s how you make your money that does. For example, you really only have a job if you:
- don’t get paid unless you do the work yourself;
- are the only one that knows how everything gets done;
- built your book of business around your own name (i.e. created the brand of “you”);
- constantly run around putting out fires;
- have trouble handling the work you already have, much less grow it;
- are a “jack of all trades” doing most, if not all, that needs to get done by yourself.
Now really, does the above seem like something you want to celebrate?
Whereas when you truly have a business it works for you, not the other way around. Things get done and money is made whether you are there or not. And, you have something to sell because it’s not about you and the operations side has been fully documented which essentially means you’ve made your business “turnkey” for any buyer.
So as you chomp down on that burger, swill your beer and fry you skin in Summer’s dwindling sun think carefully about what you really have. And perhaps more importantly, what you could have if you only chose to.
How to Surrender to Success
Sunday, August 28th, 2011
Have you ever felt that the more you push forward, the more life and business pushes back? If so, (and most have) then perhaps it’s time to surrender. Now I didn’t say “give up” which is completely different. Here’s why “surrendering” can be your E-ticket to moving forward and achieving what you really want.
If you have enjoyed any measure of success chances are you feel it is due to your grit, drive and determination that got you there, in spite of all set backs. And to a large part that is probably true. Here’s the thing, just because pushing hard worked before, doesn’t mean it’s the appropriate strategy all the time. In fact, there will be times when pushing hard is exactly the wrong thing to do.
Live and business is a lot like surfing. The power of the ocean waves dwarf’s any attempt on our part to control them. Yet if we learn when to take off, how to stand and steer we are in for one hell-of-a thrilling ride. And the best part is, the wave itself does most of the work. Sure, you will fall and occasionally be pummeled, but that’s just part of learning. Surfers don’t master the wave, they master how to ride it’s immense power.
The key here is don’t let your ego trick you into thinking that you can drive forward at any speed any time you want. All this leads to is exhaustion and frustration (and probably a lot of pissed off friends and family).
Life and business is a journey, one where we travel on our own unique path (or wave, if you prefer). Surrender to the subtleties of the one you are on and you will know when to push hard and when to back off. Trust me, you will enjoy it much more and go a lot further using much less energy. For what it’s worth, the ability to “surrender” is the very essence of coachability…
Generate Business NOW —Even As the World Crumbles
Monday, August 22nd, 2011
The news from Wall Street and Main Street (i.e. the housing market) could hardly be less encouraging. And to put a cherry on that sundae, the “experts” are now saying we will likely be entering another recession (like when did we stop having the first one?). This all begs the question: How are you going to generate new business when everything seems to be falling apart?
The first thing to remember is that no matter how bad the economy gets, people will still be buying and selling real estate. I remember being in the business (actively buying investment properties) when interest rates on 30 year loans were around 17% – 18%. The key is to help those who need to sell –right now! This means aggressively courting the FSBO’s and Expireds of the world. The majority of these folks need to sell, no other option available, which means they need YOU.
I made a lot of money during another recession (in the mid 1970′s) specializing in FSBOs. Here are some proven tips to help you turn these market opportunities (FSBO’s and Expired’s) into cash:
- Sell the appointment, not your service - you have to get “belly to belly” with these folks if you want to list their home. Many agents make the mistake of selling their services over the phone. The only thing you want to use the phone for is to get that in-person appointment. So get good, real good at selling the appointment.
- Be their advocate - FSBO’s and Expired’s tend to be stressed out and just a little bit cynical about Realtors. Make it clear that you are there to help them achieve all of their goals, whether or not you get the listing.
- Have an irresistible marketing plan - you better have something that will make them go “Wow!” when it comes to selling their property. Something that most other agents in your area are not likely to offer. For an incredible example of this review the 2/8/11 GUEST EXPERT “How to Win Every Listing and Have Sellers Pay You Upfront!“ Live Group Coaching archive.
There will always be business. And in times like these when it seems everything has been made that much more difficult, you may just be open to doing things that are proven to work, in any market. And that my friend is the gift of troubled times.
Go Where Eagles Gather
Monday, July 25th, 2011
As I write this I’m in San Diego speaking to the Corcoran Coaching Mastermind and STAR POWER conferences. Both of these event tend to attract the “best of the best”. And as a featured speaker, it gives me a unique opportunity to see the shared qualities that make these folks so successful.
Here’s the short list:
- They think like business people – most of them strive to make their business run successfully without them doing all the work;
- Their hunger for new ideas is insatiable – they are constantly looking for the “edge” in sales, marketing and operations;
- They are wary of “bright shiny objects” – too many of them have already been burned by the “Just buy this and all your problems will be solved!” pitches. They know that building a successful business is marathon, not a quick sprint using some fancy new tool or service;
- They freely share ideas – no small-minded “I’m going to keep this idea to myself.” behavior found in these groups. In fact, they are down right excited to help each other;
- They consistently implement - this group knows that great ideas not put into practice are worthless;
- They are very coachable – they really get that the potential size of their business success is inversely proportional to the size of their ego when it comes to being open to new ways of doing things.
And one more thing. Eagles gather with other eagles on a regular basis just like at these kinds of events. So if you are tired of hanging around the turkeys and want to really soar, start showing up where the eagles hang out and grow a few –eagle feathers that is.
Why Your “Winning Formula” is Holding You Back…
Saturday, July 9th, 2011
What would happen if you gave yourself permission to behave differently? Your friends and associates would almost certainly start wondering “What happened?” and you would probably feel very much out of your comfort zone. So why would you ever consider such a thing? Well, it may be the path to truly setting you free.
If you have enjoyed any level of success in your business (and life for that matter) chances are you are behaving in a way that has worked for you since childhood. This is sometimes referred to as one’s “winning formula”. Adrenaline-driven energy, adroit social skills, seduction etc. are just a few examples (out of potentially hundreds) of behaviors people use to succeed.
The problem with winning formulas however is that they will, in some way, hold you back from your true potential as a human being and business person. That’s because we become comfortable with wearing that “suit” since it has worked and protected us in the past. After a while though, that suit becomes your straight jacket, severely constraining the real you from showing itself.
We are so much more than our behavior, than our actions and reactions. Yet to explore beyond these old familiar ways can be scary. Feelings of disorientation and thoughts of “If I’m not __________ then who am I?” will pop up for sure (fill in the blank as you see fit). And you might even have to deal with the childhood fears that brought on the development of your particular winning formula in the first place.
Unfortunately, most people will not risk this level of freedom until they have grown very weary of their winning behavior (assuming they are even conscious of it in the first place). It usually starts with a nagging feeling that there is something far greater that is possible for you. And, you may have reached the limits of what your “winning formula” can do. If you feel this way you are on the precipice of transformation —a sudden, rapid shift to another larger possibility and experience of the world. I don’t know about you, but standing on the precipice of anything scares the crap out of me.
Now here is where the magic happens. Unlike animals who react by instinct and would back away from anything that scary, we have a choice. We can choose to stay within the comfortable “known” and limit ourselves, or move through our fear of letting go and risk learning to fly as we were all meant to.
As you grow older, you’ll find the only things you regret are the things you didn’t do.
~ Zachary Scott
Freedom to Succeed
Monday, July 4th, 2011
Happy 4th of July! As a kid, this was my all time favorite holiday with its requisite BBQ’s, ball games and fireworks (not necessarily in that order). As an adult it’s still my favorite, more so now because of what it represents, individual freedom —something far too many of us take for granted.
Very real blood, sweat and tears were shed in untold quantities for us to enjoy freedoms that those in many other countries can only dream about. Yet slowly, insidiously we are letting our freedoms be exchanged for “security”.
Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.
~ Benjamin Franklin
One doesn’t have to look to hard to see signs of this in nearly every aspect of our daily lives. The mere fact that our esteemed lawmakers seem fit to pass thousands of new laws each year under the guise of “protecting” us, the citizens is evidence enough. And I see so many in our industry that willingly give up their freedom to innovate and stand out in exchange for the comfort and protection of group, company or franchise with whom they have chosen to align.
In the end it really boils down to just one simple thing: individual responsibility. Unfortunately far too many people are will to exchange their freedoms (of any kind) in exchange for relinquishing their responsibility. Power hungry political leaders understand this as do organizations…
Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Freedom is the most precious thing we have and it requires personal responsibility to sustain its life and vibrance. It also means not blaming others or situations for our lack of achieving the results we hoped for. Each and every one of us has the freedom to attempt success and risk failure —as long as we take responsibility for our own actions.
A truly free man or women much prefers to try and fail repeatedly, than to not really try at all because they have given up their responsibility (i.e. ability-to-respond) to someone or something else. We are hard-wired for freedom and to accept anything less will only result in frustration and misery.
