Read Your Way to Riches!

I remember when I was just starting in my sales career, my boss had recommended that I read "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. At the ripe age of 21, I knew it all. I gave him all of the excuses that most people say when they are presented with the idea of reading a book. Whether it was having no time, not wanting to take a break from my sales momentum, or solid ego of not wanting to believe that I did not know everything; I was fighting it all the way.

He then said something that will stick with me forever. He said, "Dave, I have read 11 books so far this year." He then pulled out a notebook which listed the books and ideas that he was able to pull from those books and act on. Then he had another column that displayed money, health, relationship, or other goals. Being that I was 21, money was paramount to me and I quickly added up the numbers listed on the page and came up with nearly $145,000.

"Did these books earn you $145,000?" I eagerly asked.
"No. What I did with the knowledge that I learned from those books did. Knowledge is not power. Knowledge combined with action is power." He sat back his chair and eagerly looked at me smiling.

I don't know what I looked like at that moment, but I guarantee my mental wheels were spinning at lightning speed. I rushed to the book store and purchased a number of books that I thought I would never read. After a couple of days, nothing changed in my world. However, after about 10 days new ideas and ways of thinking crept into my everyday life. I began to realize the importance of constantly learning and applying what I learned.

My business grew geometrically and I began to accomplish more and more with less and less. Let's face it; great ideas do not care where they come from. My challenge to you is to pick up a book or two and dive into your personal development. The greatest way to predict your future is to create it. Let reading be the genesis of your journey for success!
For more information about booking The Shef for your next event, visit http://www.theshef.com
or call our offices at 1-800-863-2591.

Take Off the Earmuffs When Opportunity Knocks

I am amazed at what I learn from dogs. When our golden retriever, Chloe, hears her leash rattle; she starts going nuts. When she hears the food being poured, she comes running. If there is a car that pulls into the driveway, she eagerly wags her tail and looks out the window to see who may be coming to visit her. Despite the numerous visitors that pull into the drive, the door rarely reveals a visitor for her. Still, she still approaches each sound with the same passion and excitement.

How many times have you been presented with an opportunity or a suggestion and passed it off without even giving it a second glance? Maybe the opportunity of a new job, a business opportunity, or a relationship comes your way; instead of approaching the opportunity through the eyes of "can be" they tend to view through the eyes of "can't be."

Would you have invested in a small company run by a bunch of long haired kids in the early 80's? What if that company went on to become Microsoft? What if you are not living up to a fraction of your potential because of fear? What could your 2010 be like if you approached opportunities with a tail wagging excitement instead of the muting power of earmuffs?

Think of two people who walk onto a car lot. One person walks around, looking at cars, and is using his decision making skills to determine that he can not afford anything. The other person walks around the lot, using the same decision making skills to decide how they can buy the dealership.

Life is a series of firsts. The greatest growth in life comes when you say "Yes" to risks and opportunity. My challenge to you is to approach every opportunity with your tail wagging, waiting to see what lies beyond the door!
For more information about booking The Shef for your next event, visit http://www.theshef.com
or call our offices at 1-800-863-2591.

Make Every Day Black Friday

Thanksgiving rolls around in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. The day after Thanksgiving is one of the craziest shopping frenzy days of the year. Whether you do or do not participate in the shopping madness that officially kicks off the Christmas season, you may be able to take a lesson or two from the manic shoppers on Black Friday.

I have done the "Black Friday" experience before. It is somewhat of a hazing experience, yet if executed properly can be very valuable. The process usually starts post-meal on Thanksgiving day. Think of many people struggling to stay awake after a turkey and carbohydrate overload, fighting over the hundreds of pages of advertisements in their local newspaper. They are usually armed with markers, circling their favorite "deals" featured in the newspaper. They plan the attack plan. Where to? When? What time do we need to wake up? How should we dress?

Whether you found great deals or not on Black Friday, think of some crucial lessons that all of us can learn from the experience. Why not apply the same amount of planning and execution towards your business.
1. Figure out what you want. Maybe you circle something maybe you write it down. Vague goals produce vague results.
2. Plot out an attack plan. While you may not need to hurdle people to get the latest and greatest toy to achieve your goals, approach your plan with some passion. Successful people focus more on the "why" instead of the "how".
3. Execute! Remain flexible. You need to take massive action to achieve your goals. The universe rewards momentum, so get off to a quick start and take a bold step!

I am looking forward to creating a fantastic December and a record 2010. Are you?

Always Better Your Best!
For more information about booking The Shef for your next event, visit http://www.theshef.com
or call our offices at 1-800-863-2591.

For more information about booking The Shef for your next event, visit http://www.theshef.com
or call our offices at 1-800-863-2591.