Newsletter for February 2010: Triumph In Troubled Times
Contents:
Strictly Business: Networking for Profits
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This Months Thought
Challenges are how we learn and grow. Success is the result of solving problems and moving forward in the face of difficulty, so expect "interesting" situations. Taking them in stride builds your confidence. Never fear trouble; triumph over it!
Triumph In Troubled Times
One of the differences between winners and losers is their ability to cope with adversity, and there seems to be plenty of adversity to go around right now. From terrorism to economic recession and financial troubles, many of us would agree that, "These are the times that try men's souls."
But here is a truth that applies even in the best of times: Eventually trouble comes to each of us. Sometimes the trouble is financial. Sometimes it will be an illness, a fire or a business failure, but sooner or later, trouble comes to each of us. And interestingly, our response to life's "small" challenges is a much better predictor of our long-term success than our response to the "disasters" in life.
Disasters are big. We can't deny or avoid them; we must deal with them. It is no accident that Winston Churchill described the Battle of Britain as "their finest hour." When emergencies strike, we rise to the occasion.
The real test is with the "termites," the little things that are so easy to ignore. Things like paying our bills on time and living within our means. Things like staying fit or eating well. Things like time for loved ones, for rest and renewal.
These things are not dramatic and they are not urgent. We can neglect our health for years before problems occur, but winners are pro-active. They are "first responders." They see storm clouds in the distance and take action while others sleep.
Recently I saw a biography of Donald Rumsfield, and one of the points they made is that he "moves toward problems; he never turns his back or walks away." That is a sound strategy!
High achievers expect challenges. In the face of life's uncertainties, they maintain an attitude of optimism, humor, strength and determination. They know that as they become more and more successful, the size and complexity of their problems will grow. How could it be otherwise?
So, here are seven keys to solving problems:
1. Expect difficulty! This is no surprise; it is not "unfair" or unusual. Life is complicated. Get good at it.
2. Keep a buffer around the edges of your life. Maintain a "reserve" of extra time, savings in the bank, and a bit of energy to handle the unexpected.
3. Optimism and enthusiasm are essential. Fear and pessimism will never inspire greatness.
4. Words matter! View difficulties as "challenges" rather than as problems. How we talk about our difficulties makes a huge difference in how we handle them.
5. "We get by with a little help from our friends." Have a team of cheerleaders, experts and colleagues to help you analyze and over-come any problem.
6. Be proactive. Take care of problems while they are small. Preventive maintenance is good for your car, your relationships, and your life.
7. Choose new problems! Learn from every experience and (try) not to have the same problems twice. Learn from difficulties, make changes, and move on. Pay the tuition once, and then never repeat the same life-lesson!
The key is to understand that challenges are how we learn and grow. Successes are the result of solving problems and moving forward in the face of difficulty, so expect "interesting" situations. Taking them in stride builds your confidence. Never fear trouble; triumph over it!
Quotes of the Month
"Identify your problems, but give your power and energy to solutions." -- Anthony Robbins
"Don't wait for a light to appear at the end of the tunnel, stride down there and light the bloody thing yourself." -- Sara Henderson
"Living is a risky business. If we spent half as much time learning how to take risks as we spend avoiding them, we wouldn't have nearly so much to fear in life.” -- E. Paul Torrance
"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction." -- George Horace Lorimer
Strictly Business: Networking for Profits
One of the most common "rookie mistakes" business people make is confusing the act of exchanging business cards, or handshakes, with effective networking.
Networking is not about how many people have your card. It is about how many people know you, value what you do, and feel comfortable referring their friends and colleagues to you.
This is such a critical distinction that it's difficult to over-emphasize it. Over the years, I have heard dozens of professionals and business people complain that they joined a service club or professional organization "but it never did any good." When I ask how they actually spent their time, they usually say they attended meetings, exchanged business cards, and schmoozed with as many people as possible.
When I ask how many referrals they made TO the people they met, I often get a blank look. When I ask about how many luncheons or follow-up phone calls they made, there's silence. When I ask if they served on a committee or as an officer, the predictable answer is "No."
Networking is about bonding and building connections. It's about building trust. It's about building a mutual relationship that benefits both parties.
Think about how many people the average physician, attorney, stock broker or salesperson contacts in a year. If your attorney knows and understands the value of your business and feels comfortable referring to you, he or she might make dozens of referrals per year.
Think of networking as the art of building a solid, long-term alliance with a circle of fellow business people. A circle of a dozen can be worth a million dollars a year in referrals. It's not the number of business cards; it's the quality of the relationship that counts.
Build your network and hone your networking skills in terms of solid, reciprocal alliances that benefit everyone in your "quality circle."
Humor: Attitude is Everything
I thought this was particularly thought-provoking. I guess it's not "humor" exactly, but it brightened my day and I hope it'll do the same for you. Enjoy!
I am Thankful ....
FOR THE WIFE
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT WITH SOMEONE ELSE
FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE THAT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,
NOT ON THE STREETS.
FOR THE TAXES
THAT I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT
I AM EMPLOYED.
FOR THE MESS
TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I HAVE
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.
FOR THE CLOTHES
THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
FOR A LAWN
THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME
FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT
WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND THAT I HAVE BEEN
BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.
FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM WARM.
FOR THE PILE
OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.
FOR WEARINESS
AND ACHING MUSCLES
AT THE END OF THE DAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS
I AM CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
FOR THE ALARM
THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM ALIVE.
AND FINALLY,
FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.
Rodger Blaker works with executives, small business owners and professionals who want to grow in their business and create an extraordinary life!
For info on resources for your success, visit: http://www.rodgerblaker.com or call me at 214-485-2238.
Please forward this copy to your friends and colleagues! That's how I grow!