Friday, December 31, 2010

The New Year Ahead...

Hello my friendly blog followers...

Soon the new year starts, so now's a great time to:

1. Wipe the slate clean.
2. Focus upon what you really want.
3. Chart your course.

Right?

Well... only if you want to risk having to repeat these steps for the same wishes next year! Maybe this is splitting hairs, but here's an adventurous alternative:

1. Give thanks that life is... just as it is (and that it's been... just as it's been). Because of it, you're now "READY."

2. Define what you want in terms of the end result. Don't worry about the hows, or even the course. KNOW that what you want is ALREADY yours in spirit, by divine LAW, just focus on the certainty of this ownership, understand it, claim it, and "it will be on earth, as it is in heaven (spirit)."

3. LET THE UNIVERSE show you the way via your impulses and instincts that appear as you take inspired action. Don't worry that your first steps seem silly or futile. And if you don't know what to do, do anything! Go! Get busy! Do not insist on intermediary successes, only upon the end result.

2011 is going to be your year (it already is)

~b2

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

2011 - Your Best Year Ever...

2011 - Your Best Year Ever...DH

Are you feeling a little bummed or even disappointed in where you are in life right now?

Did you think you would be doing a little bit better and be a little further along in life by now?

Are you a little down on yourself about how you have let your body go… or your relationships wane a bit… or maybe you’re frustrated about the fact you aren’t doing better in your job or business… or you haven’t been the parent you wanted to be?

Maybe it’s even worse and you have recently filed for bankruptcy… or maybe you are recently divorced or just suffered a heart attack or some other serious health condition?

If so, it’s time for a turning point.

You’ve probably heard the definition of insanity—doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. You’re not insane are you? If you want the next year to be different than the last year, then now is the time to do something different.

Here is a very inspiring realization: No matter what your past has been, you have a spotless future.

When you wake up tomorrow the canvas of your life is blank. You can paint a completely different picture tomorrow than you have ever painted before. Your past does not equal your future. You can hit the reset button to your life at any time. I want to suggest you hit it today.

Then again, you could follow the masses and "say" that 2011 is going to be different - "say" it's going to be your year, but still you'll wake up tomorrow, the same way you did today, yesterday, last week etc...Then people might actually think you are insane...

Have a great year my friends...

~b2

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

How To Achieve Your New Year's Resolution

Hello My fellow blog follower(s)...

So, it's that time of year (again) where virtually every human being decides to pick something that they want to change in their life and make it their new year's resolution.

I find the following a little funny...

If you’ll spend the next 365 days working on your resolution — at least in theory, shouldn’t you put some thought into it within the next 9 days? Here are the top five categories for New Year’s resolutions and some tips for achieving them.

1. Business: Start my own business, get a better job, get promoted.
TIP: To make your business goals stick, you have to have the right resources. Find a mentor, take business classes, read more books about your industry or find a partner to help. Business goals are often the most audacious, so while it's okay to think big to achieve them, it's more important to think realistically. For example, many people are fearing the lack of job security these days; Others are in need of a plan b or are in a position where they need some extra income to plan for their future or relieve themselves from some financial burden. Take a look out there. There are many opportunities right under your nose that will allow you to achieve the goals you set out for yourself. Still can't find the one that's right for you, reach out and we can chat...We are always looking for new partners with a drive/desire and commitment to improve themselves.

2. Wealth: Save money for an emergency fund, start saving for retirement, pay down credit card debt.
TIP: Make your wealth goals attainable by making it automatic. Just as you get paid on a regular schedule, put your savings on a schedule, too. Eliminate the temptation of spending your intended savings by having money deducted from your paycheck or running up your credit card debt by destroying your credit cards. And if there's not enough income to schedule your savings, see point 1 above...

3. Well-Being: Get more sleep, quit smoking, lose weight, start exercising, find time for yourself.
TIP: Be specific in your health goals. If you want to lose weight, decide your goal weight. If you want to quit smoking, set a precise date you aim to be smoke-free. Keeping yourself accountable with deadlines is the key to achieving your well-being resolutions. Let's face it...the world in which we live these days are filled with headcount reduction and more work for those who "made the cut". Make a plan with realistic deadlines to improve your well-being.

4. Giving Back: Contribute more to charities, volunteer more often.
TIP: It’s easy to push charitable contributions down to the bottom of your weekly to-do list. With your family, job and other obligations to serve, giving back can take a backseat. So, make it easy on yourself. What hobby or skill do you have that you could volunteer? How can you make your church contributions automatic? Schedule specific times throughout the year to purge clothing and other goods for donation drives. If you're into volunteering with other like-minded people, and have a soft spot for children with disabilities, click on over to www.volunteerbuilders.org and join us in June 2011 for an incredible weekend...

5. Relationships: Spend more time with my family, rekindle my lost friendships
TIP: In any relationship, there are two sides—the side you control and the side you don’t. If you and your significant other communicate poorly, take careful note of what you do and improve it. If you’ve drifted from your best friend lately, take the first step and find out how they are without shifting focus back to you. You can only improve your relationships as much as you improve.


All in all this is the time of year when we all reflect on the things that make us happy and those that don't.

Take advantage of the last few days this December and write down your goals with realistic deadlines for your best year ever - 2011.

I have and will...

Till next time, thanks for popping by.

Feel free to comment below...

~b2

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Best Gift...

As usual, I came across an interesting piece by the late Jim Rohn.

It answers a question virtually every single adult asks themselves at this time of year...


The Best Gift to Give Yourself and Others by Jim Rohn

I’m often asked the question, "How can I best help my children, partner/spouse, family member, staff member, friend, etc., improve/change?" In fact, that might be the most frequently asked question I receive, "How can I help change someone else?"

My answer often comes as a surprise and here it is. The key to helping others is to help yourself first. In other words, the best contribution I can make to someone else is my own personal development. If I become 10 times wiser, 10 times stronger, think of what that will do for my adventure as a father... as a grandfather... as a business colleague.

The best gift I can give to you, really, is my ongoing personal development. Getting better, getting stronger, becoming wiser. I think parents should pick this valuable philosophy up. If the parents are okay, the kids have an excellent chance of being okay. Work on your personal development as parents—that’s the best gift you can give to your children.

If you have ever ridden in an airplane, then you might have noticed the oxygen compartment located above every seat. There are explicit instructions that say, "In case of an emergency, first secure your own oxygen mask and then if you have children with you secure their masks." Take care of yourself first... then assist your children. If we use that same philosophy throughout our whole parental life, it would be so valuable.

If I learn to create happiness for myself, my children now have an excellent chance to be happy. If I create a unique lifestyle for myself and my partner, that will be a great example to serve my children.

Self-development enables you to serve, to be more valuable to those around you; for your child... your business... your colleague... your community... your church.

That’s why I teach development skills. If you keep refining all the parts of your character (yourself, your health, etc.) so that you become an attractive person to the marketplace, you’ll attract opportunity. Opportunity will then begin to seek you out. Your reputation will begin to precede you and people will want to do business with you. All of that possibility is created by working on the philosophy that success is something you attract by continually working on your own personal development.



Reading a piece like this makes so much sense. And for those who announce a new year's resolution each year, I think this is a pretty good one...

I might have to stick with this one the whole year...

Have a wonderful holiday season my friendly readers...

~b2

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Success

Hello Blog Followers...

As always, I spend any spare time I have searching various personal development sites, my mentor's blogs etc., to improve my personal and professional life, and pass it along to you for you to do with it what you will...

This post is a little different...

Recently, I received an email from a friend/partner who forwarded along a blog post from someone else that had a very interesting message. While I totally agreed with the message, it was filled with some profanity that some of you (not me) - some of you might be offended by.

So, what to do? Re-write it, modify it from a language stand-point, and maybe even add in a few bits of my own opinion/experience.

Damn, in University, they call that plagiarism, no?



Ok, so you want to be successful? You think you’re trying your hardest. Dammit you are pretty sure you’re gunning for it, really hard!

But here is the truth: You’re not.

In every industry, there is an edge. In your business or personal life, it doesn’t matter– somewhere, there is a cliff. Most people don’t want to get to close to it, because they’re afraid they’ll fall off.

Thing is, the edge is where all the cool stuff happens. I know you don’t want to make a decision that is irrevocable and wrong– a decision from which you might never recover– that’s natural. But guess what?

You are actually in the middle of an open field, inside your house, clutching your purse, crying like a baby while looking at an edge you see on television.

In other words? You are nowhere near the edge.

Maybe it’s just time you stopped implying you want to be successful.

You want a better blog, a more profitable business, a happier marriage, or a better life? You want to meet a girl, a guy, or travel to Asia, or lose weight, or something else? Great! So does everyone.

Just to be clear: for other people, it is entirely clear that you haven’t fully committed. If you had, you would be closer. Why?

You would do the exercises.

You’d put in the hours.

You’d take people’s advice (especially if it made you uncomfortable!).

You’d learn to talk to people.

You would find a system.

None of these things require money! All they require is work and understanding yourself. It’s not that hard!

Look, your lack of progress pretty much stems from things you’re avoiding because a) you are unsure of how they’re done, or b) you’re unconsciously (or consciously!) unwilling to do them. In other words, you are a faking it.

You are either paralyzed by the fact that you don’t know how to achieve your goal (hint: ask someone who has already achieved it), or you’re afraid of doing it (hint: you clearly don’t want it bad enough). It’s actually that easy.

Have you ever heard the saying I use...

"I am sick and tired of being sick and tired"

I truly believe that it is not until you're at that point, where you can truly hit the right stride and do whatever it takes to win.

I think it’s time you looked at your delaying tactics in the face. Or better yet, look yourself in the mirror and simply ask - Am I doing everything I need to do to achieve what I want to achieve?

I always ask myself, would "my mentor" do this? If the answer is no, then I won't. If the answer is yes, then I ask myself why I haven't already done it already...

What, exactly, are you afraid of?

Is it getting ridiculed or judged?

Will people around you stop loving you?

Are you afraid of looking stupid, or failing?

Are you afraid of asking for help?

The bottom line is this...

Look people, use your common sense. Millions of us all over the world are having the same problems as you. All of us have the same blocks– you, me, everyone. Those of us that get through our anxieties and just do the things we need to do, are the ones will make it. The others won’t. It's as simple as just getting out of our comfort zone.

You might be saying, “No Bill, I’m just procrastinating. It’s in my nature. I’m just bad at being organized.” I call that BS.

Examine your intentions. There is really something holding you back – I guarantee it. Unless what you really want to do is sit around watching TV all day, there is something else there.

Look, the weekend is coming up. I’m going to give you a chance to get back on track.

All you have to do is invite someone to see you and your business, this weekend – That's not difficult, right? And if you feel anxious about it, do the following:

Ask yourself out loud:

What am I afraid of?

I guarantee that when you do this, when you say it out loud and listen to the answer, your answer will sound stupid. Because most of our issues are pretty stupid.

Then, after you do that, you will get down to business. You will do what you have to do, because it will be clear what you’re avoiding. And after a weekend of that, you will come back here and you will tell me what happened, ok? I’m counting on you.

Look, some of you are probably offended by this post. That’s fine. For those of you in that camp, you’re probably (secretly) looking in the mirror right now saying Bill is right.

For the rest of you, get back to doing the right things to become successful.

If you want to find out more about how to actually do what you have to do and own it, then comment below. Good stuff will happen.


~b2

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

What Is A Leader?

Yesterday I was very proud to announce the promotion of one of my partners, Christine K of Durham.

Christine has displayed many leadership qualities in her short time working with our organization. She constantly asks questions, listens and implements well.

Many of my partners and myself have regularly commented on how Christine is a leader, and it got me thinking, What is a Leader?

So, as I do here regularly, I searched out to some of my mentors and read and read and read on what it is that they "deem" a leader...

I pulled together a few leadership points and felt the urge to feature them here for anyone looking to become a leader, or for those who feel they already a leader and want to just "double-check"...

Enjoy....



Everyone influences others to some degree. Yes?

Now, that doesn't necessarily mean you a very good leader does it... but that is altogether a different story!

Even if you are in need of some help in the leadership department, and we all are, here are some skills that we can all work on (immediately) to help us all become the leader we truly want to be. Then you will be able to influence those around you like never before!


1. Good Communicator. Extraordinary Leaders are those who can take the vision they have and communicate it in ways that their followers can easily understand, internal, and own. Then, and only then, can they carry it out! So focus on speaking and writing more clearly, and with the passion that you have for the vision you have. Use different ways of communicating, including different ways verbally and non-verbally. Above all, communicate often!

2. "Sees" the End Result Long Before Others. I think the greatest compliment on my leadership skills I ever received came from a gentleman who told me that "you see things about 6 months before the rest of us." Without tooting my own horn (okay, a little bit maybe...), that is a skill of a leader. They are always looking out ahead of themselves and their situations. Followers are worried about what happens today, while leaders are thinking about and strategizing about what they see for tomorrow. Be constantly looking ahead. Practice making projections. Get good at "seeing" the future. When you can do this better than others, they will look to you for leadership!

3. Ability to Define Goals for Self and Others. Do you know what your goals are? Can you define them? Can you articulate them clearly (see number one)? Can you do this for those who follow? Can you define and set their goals? A Extraordinary Leader works at clarity and definition of goals so that they can be internalized and acted upon by others. Work hard at this skill and others will follow!

4. Ability to Set Strategy and Course of Action. What will you do to reach the goal? Many people can say where we should go, but it is the Extraordinary Leader who can lay out a plan for everyone to get there! Work at laying out a plan for you and your followers. Remember that there are people with different skill and passion levels, and take this into account! Get good at this and when people want to get to their goals in a hurry, they will call on you to lead!

5. Ability to Teach Others. One of the greatest leadership development companies in the world has been General Electric. This is because their CEO, Jack Welch, has always emphasized the need for current leaders to teach others. He himself spends what others would consider an extraordinary amount of time in the classroom teaching. But remember, he is an Extraordinary Leader and he is developing Extraordinary Leaders to follow behind him. Work hard at your teaching techniques, and be sure to use as many situations as possible for the opportunity to teach those who would follow.

6. Ability to Inspire Others. You may have a great goal, but if you want to be an Extraordinary Leader, then you will have to put a little oomph under your followers! This is the ability to inspire! Work at helping them to see the big picture, the great end results, and how good it is going to be for them and others. Above all, make it exciting. If it is a good goal, it should be exciting. If it isn't exciting, then dump it and get a goal that others can get excited about!

7. Delegates. An Extraordinary Leader is rarely a person who is doing everything him or herself. Extraordinary Leaders get there job done by teaching others. They figure out the way, communicate the way, and inspire the followers to go that way, and then they get OUT OF THE WAY! Delegate to your people. Empower them! Set them free to soar!


According to some of my mentors, this is what an Extraordinary Leader does. Leaders who do it any other way are just extraordinarily tired at the end of the day with very little to show for it!

So, my advice...Print off the Top 7. Put them on your fridge, bedroom door, vision board etc. Read them and (more importantly) implement them daily.

Now, who's up for becoming Extraordinary!



~b2

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Influence...

Some people regularly ask me "how is it you do what you do on a consistant basis?

I have always answered - even back in the Music Industry days that...

The key to success in life and business is having influence !!!

You can have all the right ideas or products or services, but if you aren't able to get people to listen to you and act on what you say, you are dead in the water.

It's all about making a connection. A connection that allows you and the potential customer and/or prospect to connect on a level of trust, value etc., as soon as possible.

That connection can be completed if you are knowledgable in what you are discussing/presenting; Are deemed trust-worthy; And most importantly, you are able to convey an confident attitude - Not a cockey or arrogant attitude - A confident attitude that creates an urgent "I want to associate myself with this person feeling within the customer an/or prospect.

Remember, people follow leaders.

Look in the mirror - Whatever it is you are trying to convey, are you being perceived as a confident leader?

~b2

Strengthen Your Brain...

Strengthen Your Brain Muscles

Just like your body, you can improve your mental fitness with these simple exercises.

Take a deep breath. Breathing is the only bodily function that we do both voluntarily and involuntarily. Inhale and exhale deeply to improve your physiological and psychological well-being.

Tell a good story. Sharing experiences in a compelling and fun way sharpens your mental recall.

Mix up your routine. Take a different route to work, or sit with your legs crossed opposite the way you normally would. Changing your typical way of doing things tells your brain to wake up and pay attention.

Write. Writing notes, a blog, stories or in a journal helps your memory, clarifies your thinking and engages your creativity.

Laugh. Endorphins released when you laugh lower your stress and can help your long-term health.

Perfect your posture. Try solving a problem while slouching down at your desk versus sitting upright and see how it impacts your outcome. Proper posture improves blood flow to your brain bringing mental clarity and improved memory.

What have you done to Strengthen Your Brain today?

I woke up early and blogged about it...(comments below)

~b2

Friday, November 26, 2010

Relationships...

Relationships, we all have them.

Some good, some not so good.

We were designed to be in relationships, in fact, they are what makes the world go round.

As we come up on the many holidays and celebrations that begin in November and run through December and into January, the question I ask is this;

What will you do to create the type of relationships you desire?

...feel free to leave your answer(s) and/or comments in the comments section below...

~b2

Thursday, November 25, 2010

To Be Great, Be Grateful

Again, I was taking a solid look at many of my mentors' blogs, e-newsletters etc, and found this (US) Thanksgiving piece that I connected with - maybe you will too...

To Be Great, Be Grateful

Did you know your brain is NOT designed to make you happy? I know this might be alarming to you, but your brain has only one primary responsibility—to keep you alive. Thus your brain is constantly on the lookout for danger and attack warnings. Your brain is programmed specifically to seek out the negative.

This is a problem if you desire love, prosperity and happiness—those things beyond simply safety.

Left unguided (as most do), your brain will stew in the negative all day, every day of your life. The conundrum is—what you think about comes about. Where your attention goes, energy flows, thus the direction your life takes.

This is where the power of gratitude comes in. If you want to direct your life in a positive direction, you have to redirect your mind towards abundance and what’s positive by forcing it to focus it on what you are grateful for.

If you want to become great, you have to focus on being grateful. You can change any situation in your life by simply redirecting your mind to focus on what’s right about it versus what is wrong.

I have a (US) Thanksgiving Challenge for you.

My challenge to you is to think of an area of your life you are having difficulty in and want to improve.

For the next 21 days, take three minutes at the end of the day and write down, in detail, (what) about a problematic situation that occured that day that you appreciate, what’s good and what you’re grateful for surrounding that negative or problematic situation. This could be about a confrontational co-worker at the office, your job as a whole or your troubled marriage… anything or anyone that frustrates or negatively affects you.

I promise you, when you change how you look at a situation (from a negative to a positive), the situation changes.

Who is up for this simple challenge?

Come on, reading this blog won’t help you.

As Johann Von Goethe said, “Knowing is not enough; we must apply.”

Ideas without implementation are useless. Ideas executed have the power to change the world—particularly your world.

Take the challenge. Not for me, for you. Will you? 3 minutes a day for 21 days.

Whose in?

Declare that you will and what you are committed to being grateful for during the next 21 days in the comments below.

Don’t be a silent “lurker”, encourage others by sharing your declaration in the comments section.

~b2

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Evaluating Your Associations...

Recently I took a look at the power of influence in our lives and how it is possible to be nudged off course a little at a time until, finally, we find ourselves asking, “How did I get here?”

We then asked three key questions:

“Who am I around?” You've got to evaluate everybody who is able to influence you in any way.

“What are these associations doing to me?” That's a major question to ask. What have they got me doing, listening to, reading, thinking and feeling? You've got to make a serious study of how others are influencing you, both negatively and positively.

“Is that okay?” Maybe everyone you associate with has been a positive, energizing influence. Then again, maybe there are some bad apples in the bunch. All I'm suggesting here is that you take a close and objective look. Everything is worth a second look, especially the power of influence. Both will take you somewhere, but only one will take you in the direction you need to go.

This week, let's discuss three ways to handle associations or relationships that are holding you back.

1) Disassociate. This is not an easy decision, nor something you should take lightly, but in some cases it may be essential. You may just have to make the hard choice not to let certain negative influences affect you anymore. It could be a choice that preserves the quality of your life.

2) Limited association. Spend major time with major influences and minor time with minor influences. It is easy to do just the opposite, but don't fall into that trap. Take a look at your priorities and your values. We have so little time at our disposal. Wouldn't it make sense to invest it wisely?

3) Expanding your associations. This is the one I suggest you focus on the most. Find other successful people who you can spend more time with. Invite them to lunch (pick up the tab) and ask them how they have achieved so much or what makes them successful. Now, this is not just about financial success; it can be someone who you want to learn from about having a better marriage, being a better parent, having better health or a stronger spiritual life.

It is called association on purpose—getting around the right people by expanding your circle of influence. And when you do that, you will naturally limit the relationships that are holding you back. Give it a try and see for yourself.

~b2

Sunday, October 31, 2010

A Halloween "Business" Tip

Happy Halloween! What did you go as?

Earlier this morning I read this little article that J Gitomer forwarded along...

It was emailed to him yesterday and he compared it to Sales People.

In my mind, this could easily be added to what we do for a living...

Here’s why Halloween should be a national network marketing holiday:

On Halloween Trick or Treaters are really "sorters" in disguise!

1. Trick or treaters dress for success.
2. The most effective trick or treaters plan their routes/day wisely to maximize their time in the field.
3. The most successful trick or treaters start early and work late.
4. The most successful trick or treaters ask for the order! (Trick or Treat?)
5. The most successful trick or treaters network to find out where the best treats are to be found.
6. It’s a night filled with cold calling/sorting.
7. Savvy treaters have been known to try to ask for their fair share, wait a while, and return for an up sell.
8. If you want to make more treats, you have to make more calls.
9. Smart treaters always say thank you.
10. At the end of the day, if you didn’t get all the treats you wanted, you only have yourself to blame.


Good Point...Well Presented...

~b2

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Getting Knocked Down...

As you may have noticed lately, I have moved away from the "video" type blogs to more written. Not sure why exactly, other than the fact I've been reading more, and I think the written word, is a little more appealling than the video.

But hey, who knows, I might just make a cameo video appreance one day soon...

Today, while going through the various mentoring posts/blogs I read, I came across this one, which made me think about how it equates to what I do for a living - well, not exactly, but if you think about it, it's really about all of us....


Getting Knocked Down
We all get knocked down from time to time—it’s part of what makes life interesting… always keeping us alert and on our toes.

I recently shared a perspective in a keynote presentation I did that helped reshape my view of obstacles and life’s difficulties; this might help you too…

A friend of a friend's husband, I am embarrassed to say, I envied. He had the life I wanted. We are close in age. He came from the Bay Area of San Francisco.

After several failed businesses, he started an electronics store called “Jacks.” The stores were relatively successful and were bought out for a good sum. He then invested that money into commercial real estate in the San Diego Valley, before the boom. He ended up owning several buildings that made him tens of millions, maybe hundreds of millions.

We would go to his parties at the home he custom built in Rancho Santa Fe (one of the richest ZIP codes in the county). The home, estate really, was more than 10,000 square feet on an amazing piece of sprawling land and it was designed in just the style I love.

His cars were amazing and he also had a yacht in the harbor and a private plane. He was also a good-looking guy and had a beautiful family he adored and who adored him. He was warm, friendly and always the life of the party. I wanted his life. In my head (privately, of course) I would wish I was Gary Boyd.

A year and a half ago he had a cough that became increasingly worse. When he went to the doctor he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He never smoked, lived relatively healthy—it was completely unexpected. He had finally arrived, was living the life he never could have imagined, and then this.

His family had to watch him slowly and painfully wither away until he finally died seven months ago.

Now, every day I say, thank God I am not Gary Boyd.

Here is the point: No matter what obstacle I encounter now, no matter what setback I experience, I have a whole new perspective on just how “catastrophic” the situation really is. If I take a risk and am embarrassed, if I call someone and they reject me, if I lose a bunch of money in an investment, if I wreck my car, lose my house, no matter what obstacle comes my way, I say, “At least I am not Gary Boyd.”

Point is, as long as you are on the right side of the dirt, no obstacle really matters.

We all experience failure, setbacks, disappointments and obstacles. And yes it hurts, and that is okay. We are human. Rejection, failure and letdowns hurt humans. It’s part of the deal.

Now the difference is how long you let it keep you down.


Here is the evolution I have gone through and recommend for you. What used to bum me out for 2 weeks I eventually whittled down to 2 days. Then I got it down to 2 hours and then 20 minutes. Now when I am knocked down, I give myself about 2 minutes to sulk and then I brush myself off and get back on the horse. I also look to replace the experience with something positive. I never allow myself to end the session or day with a defeat. I will keep working until I can gain some kind of victory.

So it’s okay to get knocked down; its even good for you—it’s the beginning of growth. And it’s okay that it smarts a bit. And it’s okay to give yourself some recovery time. Now just try and reduce the time it knocks you out. And get over the idea that life sucks for you. Remember, you are not Gary Boyd.


~b2

Friday, October 22, 2010

What Will You Say "No" To?

I was scouring through some of my mentor's personal development pieces and came across this one...A True classic when you think about "why" most people don't succeed in the things they "prioritize" or "set out to do".

I found it pretty compelling, since the entrepreneur detailed in the article was/is and will (probably) always be, my biggest/favourite mentor/boss/friend...

Feel free to check it out..


Success is Not About What You DO
by Darren Hardy


When it comes to comparing superachievers and everyone else, it has less to do with what they do and more to do with what they don’t do.

Saying “yes” is easy; saying “no” is much harder, but it is the master skill of success.

In a world where we are constantly being tugged on from a thousand different directions, your ability to be productive and ultimately achieve your big hairy audacious goals has more to do with all the things you DON’T do versus the things you do.

Put it this way: For everything you say “yes” to you are saying “no” to something else… and you only have so much time. For most people, the ability to do MORE is impossible; you are already overwhelmed and working yourself to exhaustion 24/7.

Doing MORE is not the answer. Doing less is. Saying “no” to more things so you can say “yes” to the right things is the key to taking you more efficiently and expeditiously toward your goals.

And that is the other part of the equation for superachiever high-performance. What they decide to do, say “yes” to, they do with unrelenting laser-like focus, tolerating no distractions of anything that would get in the way of their persisting on their goals.

A while back, after our SUCCESS cover feature with the knighted Sir Richard Branson, we had a client contact us to inquire about hiring Richard Branson to speak at their conference. So, we had someone inquire and Sir Richard declined. The client then offered $250,000 for an hour talk; Sir Richard declined. They then raised it to $500,000. Sir Richard declined. Then we asked how much it WOULD take to get Sir Richard to attend. The response from his people was, “no amount of money would matter.” They said, “Right now Richard has three main priorities he is focused on and he will only allocate his time to those three priorities, and speaking for a fee is not one of them.”

I thought, “Wow, THAT is the type of unshakable and unapologetic focus that has allowed him to accomplish more than what 100 high-producing guys could—combined.” Amazing, really.

Now, when I told a friend of mine this story he said, “Well, it’s easy for Branson to say no to an easy half million dollars, but I certainly couldn’t.” I promptly replied with, “That’s why you are not achieving like Richard Branson.” Hey, he started out with nothing like the rest of us. He’s gotten to where he is BECAUSE of this dedication to focus.

It doesn’t have to be the temptation of a half million dollars; it could be saying “no” to a new TV program that will suck several dozen hours out of your life and creative potential; saying “no” to a meaningless and unproductive meeting, saying “no” to invitations, projects, emails, phone calls and visitors that aren’t ON PURPOSE to the accomplishment of your high priority goals.

Next week I will share with you the most disruptive, derailing and productivity-killing force in our lives. Uproot this destructive force and you, too, could learn to have the laser-like focus of Sir Richard Branson… but more on that next week.



back to me...

You know, it's written pieces like these that open my eyes up even wider...We as human being do try to say yes when we should probably say no.

Imagine, if for one week we all independently decided to say "no" to distractive things and just put forth "laser-like" focus on our "real" priorities - imagine what we'd accomplish.

Next week I am going for it.

Laser like focus on "my" priorities !!!

What are those priorities you ask? Helping people...

Who needs help?

~b2

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Facing Your Enemies...

I have been noticing over the last couple of weeks that a few enemies have decided to reappear for a few friends of mine, and to be honest, myself too...It reminded me that it's time to fight back...


We are not born with courage, but neither are we born with fear. Maybe some fears are brought on by your own experiences, by what someone has told you, by what you've read in the papers. Some fears are valid, like walking alone in a bad part of town at two o'clock in the morning. But once you learn to avoid that situation, you won't need to live in fear of it.

Fears, even the most basic ones, can totally destroy our ambitions. Fear can destroy fortunes. Fear can destroy relationships. Fear, if left unchecked, can destroy our lives. Fear is one of the many enemies lurking inside us.

Let me tell you about five of the other enemies we face from within. The first enemy that you've got to destroy before it destroys you is indifference. What a tragic disease this is. "Ho-hum, let it slide. I'll just drift along." Here's one problem with drifting: you can't drift your way to the top of the mountain.

The second enemy we face is indecision. Indecision is the thief of opportunity and enterprise. It will steal your chances for a better future. Take a sword to this enemy.

The third enemy inside is doubt. Sure, there's room for healthy skepticism. You can't believe everything. But you also can't let doubt take over. Many people doubt the past, doubt the future, doubt each other, doubt the government, doubt the possibilities and doubt the opportunities. Worst of all, they doubt themselves. I'm telling you, doubt will destroy your life and your chances of success. It will empty both your bank account and your heart. Doubt is an enemy. Go after it. Get rid of it.

The fourth enemy within is worry. We've all got to worry some. Just don't let it conquer you. Instead, let it alarm you. Worry can be useful. If you step off the curb in New York City and a taxi is coming, you've got to worry. But you can't let worry loose like a mad dog that drives you into a small corner. Here's what you've got to do with your worries: drive them into a small corner. Whatever is out to get you, you've got to get it. Whatever is pushing on you, you've got to push back.

The fifth interior enemy is over-caution. It is the timid approach to life. Timidity is not a virtue; it's an illness. If you let it go, it'll conquer you. Timid people don't get promoted. They don't advance and grow and become powerful in the marketplace. You've got to avoid over-caution.

Do battle with the enemy. Do battle with your fears. Build your courage to fight what's holding you back, what's keeping you from your goals and dreams. Be courageous in your life and in your pursuit of the things you want and the person you want to become.

F alse
E vidence
A ppearing
R eal

~b2

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Procrastination vs Proactivation ?!?

Ok, so I know, or at least believe that there's no such word as "Proactivation" - at least I think it's not a word.

But it lead me to a point that details how we "all" lead our life. At times we procrastinate, and at other times we try to be proactive...

It remind's me of an incredible piece written by the late, great, Mr. Jim Rohn, called Today Is Yesterday's Tomorrow.

I hope you internalize it the way I did...


Today is Yesterday's Tomorrow

The problem with waiting until tomorrow is that when it finally arrives, it is called today. Today is yesterday's tomorrow. The question is what did we do with its opportunity? All too often we will waste tomorrow as we wasted yesterday, and as we are wasting today. All that could have been accomplished can easily elude us, despite our intentions, until we inevitably discover that the things that might have been have slipped from our embrace a single, unused day at a time.

Each of us must pause frequently to remind ourselves that the clock is ticking. The same clock that began to tick from the moment we drew our first breath will also someday cease.

Time is the great equalizer of all mankind. It has taken away the best and the worst of us without regard for either. Time offers opportunity but demands a sense of urgency.

When the game of life is finally over, there is no second chance to correct our errors. The clock that is ticking away the moments of our lives does not care about winners and losers. It does not care about who succeeds or who fails. It does not care about excuses, fairness or equality. The only essential issue is how we played the game.

Regardless of a person's current age, there is a sense of urgency that should drive them into action now—this very moment. We should be constantly aware of the value of each and every moment of our lives—moments that seem so insignificant that their loss often goes unnoticed.

We still have all the time we need. We still have lots of chances, lots of opportunities, lots of years to show what we can do. For most of us, there will be a tomorrow, a next week, a next month, and a next year. But unless we develop a sense of urgency, those brief windows of time will be sadly wasted, as were the weeks and months and years before them. There isn't an endless supply!

So, as you think of your dreams and goals of your future tomorrow, begin today to take those very important first steps to making them all come to life.



Till next time...Hmmmm, or should that be "till tomorrow"?

~b2

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Acquiring Customers - The Pizza Philosophy

Hello Folks,

I must first apologize for not blogging as of late.
The was a move, some business travel and as of late, working with the team to continue the momentum we built in July & August.

The reason I began blogging in the first place was to simply record my experiences in this business, so that others could see what I've had to deal with - to recognize that they're not alone, and pass along some of the things that have helped me think and act better in this business - and in life.

Today's blog is written, as I have yet to get the video room finished at the house - stay tuned for that.

Today, you will find an excerpt from a fantastic gentleman I've been following for a while now. He's a "sales" teacher and motivator if you will, with an incredible track record.

Now, while we do not really "sell" in our business - instead we refer same products and service but for a wholesale price, what he has to say resonated with me and I thought I'd pass it on...

He calls it The Pizza Philosophy...

When I say “pizza” what words come to mind? What images come to mind? What tastes come to mind? What restaurants come to mind? What delivery service comes to mind? What toppings come to mind?

Pretty interesting questions. And you have immediate answers.

In fact, this might be making you hungry and you may be actually reaching for the phone right now.

Pizza is universally loved UNLESS you get a pizza and you don’t like the toppings or, worse, it has an anchovy on it!

Pizza offers choices that match your craving or desire. AKA: Pizza offers exactly what you hunger for. You get to CHOOSE how you want your pizza to be prepared. Everyone does. Can you imagine it any other way? If you call a pizza place and they say, “We ONLY have sausage,” you will hang up and call someone else.

Not only do pizza places give you exactly what you want, they’ll even deliver it to your door in less than an hour.

COOL NOTE: When you order a pizza from Domino’s Pizza online, you can actually track it being made and being put into the oven. And you’ll know when the delivery person is on his or her way to your door. It’s worth the price of the pizza just to see the technology.

How is the pizza philosophy working in your business?

Are your products and people ready to serve exactly what your customer wants?
Do you give the customer the toppings they want?
What kind of pizza do you sell?
How e-commerce friendly are you?
How easy is it to do business with you?
Are customers raving about the quality of your pizza?
And most importantly, do you offer your toppings a la carte, or are like Bell & Rogers, where u can only get a feature in a bundle at……x dollars per month?

THINK ABOUT THIS: Would you rather place a special order at Harvey’s or McDonald’s?
Harvey’s made a living off of McDonald’s customers with the slogan, “Have it your way!” Thirty years later, McDonalds still doesn’t get it – but all of their competitors do.

IN TODAY’S SOCIETY CUSTOMERS SCREAM: Give me what I want, When I want - I want it MY WAY!

Back to our business. Do you give your customers what THEY want? Do you even know what THEY want?

If ALL businesses gave customers what they really want, there would be more market demand for their product or services, and they wouldn’t be switching customers every couple of months.

For example: Why aren’t all banks open Saturday’s AND Sunday? Why don’t customer service centers move back to North America? Why doesn’t every customer service center answer their phone with a live human being saying “hello, how can I help you?" Instead of hearing Emily the computer at Bell, & her sister Melanie at Rogers, and then being forwarded on to some other country to speak to their call centre.

While some people know the answers to all of these questions, it’s more important to note that right now you’re listening & nodding your head in approval.

What is it that your customers really want? Need? Are hoping for? And how are you delivering those needs, wants, and hopes?

I wonder if you’ve EVER had a meeting that included the customer, where YOU asked THEM “what’s missing?” or “what ingredients” THEY want. It’s important to “understand” what it is they don’t like or want with their current provider.

In our business, we are very, very lucky. We offer every service in every home & business – everything except water and air - but at wholesale prices.

It ultimately comes down to sitting with the customer, showing them who our Blue Chip, multi-million, billion dollar partners are – the same companies they have heard of and/or been using for years !!! Show them the wholesale savings. Explain how we get to sell it at wholesale etc.

Then…we must ask with the customer what it is that we could do to make their services better…

Is it price – for most it is.
Is it convenience?
Is it better value for the price?
What is it?

This is NOT about “just” asking someone to switch their provider “for you” - while we do rely on our relationships.

This is about explaining how we offer exactly what they are already using, but at better pricing and/or value options for them.

Who wouldn’t want to support you when you explain it THAT way?

Are you asking your customer’s what they want?


Here's a promise to get the home office and video station set up as soon as possible so as to get back on track with video instead of written...cool?

~b2

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Didn't See It Coming...

Sometimes it just sneaks up on you, doesn't it? You don't even see it coming. Suddenly and without warning, you're surrounded by the best friends you've ever known. You're waking up in the mornings just "dying" to get into the day. There's a lightness in your step and a gleam in your eye. Your thinking is new, your laughter frequent, and you're drawn to tears whenever you hear happy tales. You're on a roll, so it's not like you're thinking about it, but if you were to think about it, you wouldn't know what's gotten into you, nor would you recall just when. You'd only shake your head whenever you thought of how quickly everything can change...

Just something to remember the next time you don't see something coming

What? This is not your life? Then you need to change...

~b2

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Inspiration

Just wanted to write a little inspiration...

Not 72 hours ago I arrived home safe and sound from another International Training event.

Before I get into how it went, I want you, the reader, to fully understand what this means...

I am not (just) talking about how this event was from a training standpoint...

I want you to understand how these events truly change your life, both personally and professionally !!!

You see, of course when you go to "any" training event, you expect, well, to be trained - And we were...

What you don't realize, and what still blows my mind, is the ever-lasting impression I feel after attending one of these events.

The feeling is entirely because of the inspirational, positive-minded people, trainers and speakers you're around for a full 72 hours...

Imagine...Absolutely zero negativity. Zero whining and complaining. Zero b!tching. Zero comparisons. Zero egos. Zero pointing fingers etc.

Instead, you surround yourself with 100% support, motivation and success !!!

Now, is that not what you and the people you know want outta life?

Or, are you simply happy go lucky living in your (wake up, drive in rush hour to work, start work, get told when you can have a coffee break, work, get told when and how long you can have lunch for, work again, enjoy another 15 minute coffee break, back to work, drive home in rush hour traffic, have a half-assed dinner, help the kids with homework, maybe do something small for yourself, go to sleep and repeat 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year, for the next 40- 50 years) life ???

Wow...That made me freaking exhausted just typing it?

Who on earth likes that schedule? Who on earth looks forward to that schedule? Who on earth wants to spend 80,000 to 100,000 hours of their life following that sh!tty routine?

For what? A 3-4% raise at the end of each year while inflation goes up more than that and your boss works less than you do and completely controls your destiny?

What does that tell our children? Sure, we were taught to go to school, to get " a great education" to that we could "get a great job" and do what...

..."wake up, drive in rush hour to work, start work, get told when you can have a coffee break, work, get told when and for how long you can have lunch for, work, enjoy another 15 minute coffee break, back to work, drive home in rush hour traffic, have a rushed dinner, help the kids with homework, maybe do something small for yourself, go to sleep and repeat 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year, for the next 40- 50 years..."

WOW...What are we teaching our children these days?

For heavens sake, Change the system...Work for yourself...Sign on for a Tried-Tested-And-True Business/Industry that will give you the life you deserve...And more importantly personally show your kids that you are a leader and are interested in truly teaching them right from wrong !!!

I am sure I've offended some in this little written blog...Either way...Reach out...I'd love to hear from you...

~b2

Friday, September 3, 2010

Don't Let Rejection Stop You (part two)

Here's part two of Don't Let Rejection Stop You...

This Top 10 is focused on the varying excuses or rejections we receive from potential prospects...

Feel free to comment at the bottom on the ones you like, dislike or if there are any that I may have missed...

Enjoy...

~b2

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Create A Sense Of Urgency

It is no secret that successful leaders have a sense of urgency about achieving their vision.

Urgency generates increased pace.

Increased pace allows for a more productive sorting process.

A more productive sorting process brings forth quicker results.

Quick results creates momentum.

Momentum creates leverage.

Leverage is the key to Life Without Boundaries.

~ b2

Momentum Toronto Leadership Retreat

Special thanks to the Toronto and Montreal Leadership for a great weekend retreat. Congratulations to all who qualified...

Don't Let Rejection Stop You (part one)

Here's the Top 10 Customer Acquisition Excuses as heard by you...

Tomorrow, I'll upload the Top 10 Excuses why your prospects don't want to partner up with you and start your own business...

Feel free to comment below...

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Time Flies...When You're Busy As Hell...

Hello All,

A quick written blog to say I apologize for not sitting my arse down in front of the camera to talk shop with you all.

My goal in this blog from day one was to help new partners understand the business, and hopefully help them grow their business.

With that said, I've been caught but an untimely, but greatly appreciated wave of momentum.

Some people understand what I mean by that...Others wish upon that...

For the latter, I suggest you call me because I have finally figured it out...

For those of you who know what the hell I am talking about...Get ready, as I'll be calling on you to help out, ha!

Ultimately, I believe that this momentum has built itself due to oneself sacrifycing more than I am used to...

This is a great position to be in.

This is a position I remember being in when I was 27 and running the best record company in the world, Virgin Records with the legendary, RB...A Genius !!!

A new genius in my life is none other than social media god mr. gary vaynerchuck - www.garyvaynerchuk.com and CRUSH IT (see reading now)...

Gary is a genius in the world of passion and social media. Two topics that most people confuse with "not being able to work together", but if you think about it, it's the only way to prosper...

My friends in business, or more importantly, my friends that own their business truly understand...

With that said, time flies and it's now time to get back online and pour a little gasoline on that thing we love called, MOMENTUM...

I love you all and trust that you will take the necessary time to do what is necessary to build whatever it is you freakin' love, into a brand you can live and prosper with...

Good night my friends...

b2 is back online...

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Monday, August 2, 2010

The New Interagency Report

Happy August Everyone, I trust July was good to/for you all. Below is my latest video blog detailing a very interesting report that my friend/mentor, Dino sent me via email. I felt it important enough to share with you. Here's hoping it opens your eyes as much as it did mine. What I did neglect to mention, however, is that at the end of the video, "your own business does not need to be worked full-time...There's 10's of 1,000's of North American's who have started their own business and only work it on a "part-time" basis, until it develops into a "full-time" financially. You too can start your own business with the right support". So, consider that after reviewing today's video. And please, feel free to comment on today's topic - Good, Bad or Ugly - I read and respond to them all !!! Enjoy...

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Integrity

Thanks for the comments my following friends...Please keep them up !

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

I Think This Is Common Sense, Yes ???

One somewhat dangerous post must always lead to a less dangerous one, yes?

Here's to consistency

Here's the thing...Forget about everything you've learned...Does this, or doesn't this make sense?

Common sense I say...



If you disagree with this post, or want specific clarification...call 647-248-6303 or email b2b_concepts@hotmail.com me

If you agree, post your comment below and share it with - e v e r y o n e !!!

~b2

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Recognizing & Unleashing Your Potential

Hello My Friends... Here's prolly the most fun I've had making a video blog...Fun and (somewhat) dangerous...No worries...nothing was hurt in the filming of this video !!! For those who have commented in the past - and those who haven't - I'd appreciate your thoughts on this blog - be them good or bad !!! Till the next time...



Also...feel free to "follow me"

Sunday, July 18, 2010

40 Points = FREEDOM

President's Club Member & Top Producing Team Coordinator, Vincent Prochilo explaining the most important goal...

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Rejection Rocket Part 3 & 4

I was asked to upload Part Three and Four sooner rather than later. I guess that means One and Two made an impact... But first, a short intro...



Part Three



and Part Four...

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Rejection Rocket Part 1 & 2

This is a topic that unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) required a little bit of a b2 rant...Part One...



Part Two...



To Be Continued...