7 Decisions by Andy Andrews
Andy Andrews shares his life-changing lessons for personal success. Personal and business success. He does an outstanding job of explaining each of the 7 steps. He is motivating, has great stories and surely, for those of us working dilegently to make our business a success – this information will be most useful.
1. The buck stops here! Make better choices. You will become the result of the choices you make. Be responsible and accountable to your word and choices.
2. Seek wisdom. Read. Listen to tapes. Learn from others. Have a Personal Board of Directors that will provide you the weath of wisdom to support your moving forward. Surround yourself with people who are more accomplished than yourself; you will naturally rise to their level.
3. Be a person of ACTION. You have to do something to get something. Every time you do something, something happens. Every time you do something, it matters.
4. Have a decided heart. Make a decision and do it! Successful people make decisions quickly and change plans slowly. Unsuccessful people make decisions slowly and make changes quickly.
5. Hold a grateful heart. You will only be as happy as you are grateful.
6. Have a forgiving spirit. Forgiveness is in the past. Trust is your future.
7. Persist without exception. Pick yourself up and keep going. Look at each no or declination as the one step bringing you closer to the yes.
Excellent steps to keep moving forward in your life. Recognize fears that you experience as a natural necessity to your development – then get over it. We all have fears. It is what we do with those fears that keep us moving forward. Tomorrow is a new day. Heck, this afternoon may be the new start that you need!
Coach Gibbs commentary. Hiring a business coach can help you implement these 7 decisions plus a whole lot more!
Skin In the Game
As an owner and entrepreneur, I am constantly trying to juggle the needs of my business against my available resources, such as my time, money and other things I value. As my business grows, I know that I will be required to “spend” more of my resources to achieve my desired end result. I base the “spending” of my resources on my perceived value of what I am trying to accomplish. When resources are limited, however, giving up those things I value becomes a real challenge between doing what I know will be most efficient and effective and get me to my goal faster, or taking a short cut in the hopes that what I save will offset any inconveniences that may arise.
Here is a short story to illustrate my point. Last weekend my dad and I were taking some valuables to a donation site. One of the items was a 7ft pre-lit Christmas tree that was used for only 1 year. The second-hand store would not take the tree since it was past the season and did not want to hold on to it for a year. Understandable.
We didn’t want to return the box to the garage before finishing our errands and I laughed as I said to my dad,” how about we carry it around with us during our errands and possibly someone might take it from the back of the trailer.” We both laughed. Returning from our first stop, the box was still in the trailer. Jokingly, we marked “$49 or best offer” on the box and continued on with the errands. Wouldn’t you know it, when we returned to the car from our second stop the box, tree and all was gone. Just like that!
This is the perfect example of when convenience (the tree was right there in plain sight, easily accessible) meets perceived value (it’s worth at least $49 but we can get it for FREE!) While this example is in the extreme, (and I certainly don’t condone the idea of stealing, but you get the point), in our world today there is so much offered to us for free. Free gifts. Free training. Thirty day free trials. Free shipping. Kids eat free. Free. Free. Free. All in the name of “try me first, I’m bigger, I’m better, I will meet your needs!”
There is much offered out there for free. Webinars, tools, etc. Good tools. Not so good tools. Information galore; good, bad and indifferent. And, while I too, look for free; I am also cognizant of the proverbial sayings…
…You get what you pay for
Nothing good in life is free…
…What you put in is what you get out
What happens if your FREE item isn’t quite what you envisioned or doesn’t work quite the way you wanted, how invested would you be in spending your time and your energy into make changes or improvements in your item to make it meet your expectations and your needs?
I would bet that the person that took our Christmas tree felt he was getting a good deal because he felt there was value in what he got and he didn’t have any “skin in the game,” he didn’t have to spend any of his valuable resources to acquire the item. However, when he plugs the tree in and finds the lights don’t work as expected, he will probably not be spending his time to improve what he has. He will go and seek another opportunity for another FREE tree.
The point here is this, while Free is not always bad, it’s not always good either, especially when it comes to business success. If you are looking to create new and lasting relationships or build something entirely new or create something fresh from something that already exists, you must invest something of personal value and worth, tangible or intangible in the creation. If you have little invested, you have little to lose, and it’s hard to stay motivated and on task if you can’t be bothered to commit-and risk losing- specifically something you value, in the name of the thing that you want. This is where “perceived value” and “skin in the game meet.”
Morale of the story: If you rely on FREE and don’t bother to invest something of yourself in what you expect as an outcome, you will likely experience a delay or possibly not achieve your desired end result.
That being said, ask yourself, “How invested am I in my personal or business success?” In order to achieve your desired end result, are you willing to invest of yourself and your resources to ensure a profitable outcome or are you willing to take chances on what others have to offer for FREE. There are no guarantees in life, but there is a much greater potential for that success when you have “skin in the game.”
Footnote: This Blog Post is the result of a collaborative effort of Coach Gibbs and Coach Sherry. It proves the quote from Brian Tracy, “Teamwork is so important that it is virtually impossible for you to reach the heights of your capabilities or make the money that you want without being very good at it.”
2012 Recipe for Business Success
- 1 cup Multiple Business Tools
- 3 cups Energy and Motivation
- 1/4 cup Desire to Learn
- 1/4 cup Willingness to Take a Risk
- 2 tbsp Focus on Excellence
- 1 cup Mindset of Success
7 Exciting Topics to Explore for Business 2012
Law # 1 The Law of difference. That is having the wisdom to be able to discern difference. What makes you different from everyone else. What problem can you solve?
Law#2 The Law of the Mind. Knowing how to focus the mind, to rule the mind, to make the mind work for you, not let the mind control you. To learn, to be focused, to concentrate, to have a picture in your mind of what you want and go for it, like visualization. See it. Have pictures up on the wall.
Law# 3 The Law of Recognition. The thing you need is there; it’s just a matter of recognizing it. If there’s something missing in your life, there’s more than likely something you’re not seeing. Most of the time it’s right in front of your face but you are so conditioned and so distracted that you don’t see it. I like this one a lot.
Law #4 The Law of 2. One person can change your life in 24 hours. All you need is one person to recognize what is special about you, to take you on as a mentor to you, to enter into a covenant with you. Who is that person?
Law #5 The Law of Place. Where you are is as important as what you are. When you are where you belong, your genius emerges. So it behooves us to consider whether we are where we need to be, and if not, where is that place.
Law #6 The Law of Honor. Your future is determined by who you have chosen to honor. You must have a code of honor. Honor is a seed that will outlast a lifetime.
Law #7 The Law of the Seed. There are many types of seeds in our life. Honor is the seed for access, kindness is a seed, time is a seed, love is a seed, teaching is a seed, giving is a seed.
Skin in the game
What Does Skin In The Game Mean?
A term coined by renowned investor Warren Buffett referring to a situation in which high-ranking insiders use their own money to buy stock in the company they are running.
Investopedia explains Skin In The Game
The idea behind creating this situation is to ensure that corporations are managed by like-minded individuals who share a stake in the company. Executives can talk all they want, but the best vote of confidence is putting one’s own money on the line just like outside investors!
Creating new and lasting relationships. Building something entirely new. Creating something fresh from something that existed. Evolving business to a new place. Changing a culture. True innovation. Standout success. Attaining influence or authority. Building a devoted following. Change of any kind.
There’s one thing that all of these have in common…
You must invest something of personal value and worth.
It might be your ideas, your energy, or your reputation. Maybe it’s something tangible, like money or resources. Perhaps it’s a bit of all of those combined.
But leading – truly leading from within, not just sitting in a position of anointed leadership – requires an element of vulnerability that few are willing to risk. It means betting on your own hand, and being part of the things that you’re asking others to do with or for you.
If you have little invested, you have little to lose. And it’s hard to trust your intentions if you can’t be bothered to commit – and risk losing – something you value in the name of the thing that you want.
Let your team, your volunteers, your customers, peers and colleagues know what you’re willing to put on the line to achieve something. Don’t just work on a project. Don’t just build a plan and execute on it or delegate it. Invest in it. Personally and professionally. Put some skin in the game.
And let them see you do it.
Then watch how the game – and your own perspective – changes dramatically.
Are you truly ready to lead your charge?
Dr. Suess and Masterminds and Mentors
Last week on the Masterminds and Mentors Blog Talk Radio Show we talked about books and had loads of fun. One of Sherry’s favorites is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess. We also announced our fantastic new 2010 Leadership Boot Camps that will be starting in January of next year. There will be more news to come on our boot camps, but in true Dr.Suess fashion, Sherry thought that our next show announcement needed a little more flair so this is the way she ended last nights show:
Today we talked about books and had lots of fun,
But now the show’s over and we have to run.
Don’t forget to join us next month for a fantastic show,
We’ll tell you how to be Masterminds and how rich you will grow!
Just follow our lead,
And a pile you will make,
Of visions, and goals and lessons to take.
We’ll see you the next time on our BTR show,
Because we wil tape it, so everwhere it can go.
Just listen to Sherry and take a short note,
December the 12th at the 5:30 stroke……….
I hope you can join us for a fantastic show next month as we talk about our 2012 Leadership boot Camp Series. Whahoo!
New for 2012!
Seven – 2 hour and 40 minute work camps created to offer business momentum from the start of the 2012 business year through the start of the next.
Each camp will require you to apply what you learn, so bring a pencil (up to you if you need an eraser!). Be prepared to follow through with what you say you will do, because you will be held accountable.
Earn a stripe for each camp. Participate in all 7 camps and earn your Leadership Business badge.
Be committed to business growth and leadership development.
Be accountable to achieve the results you desire.
Register today for one or all of the Leadership Camps.
Mastercard, Visa and Discover accepted!
1st Camp 1/10/12 – 8:20am
St. PaulArea Association of Realtors
(formerly North Metro RealtorsAssociation)
11450 Robinson Drive, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
See Momentum for additional details!
The time to do it is NOW.
Go ahead, Just do it!
——————————————————————————–
•Blog Talk Radio – Look for the “LIVE” video show 1/5/12 featuring the Boot Camp 5:30PM CST
• Individual Coaching and Business Consulting Available
•Also new in 2012 is Virtual Masterminds and Mentors groups!
12 Ideas on How To Say No
One of the leading issues that is brought up and worked on in a Masterminds and Mentors group, is the inability to effectively say “NO” in business. Here are 12 steps to consider as you move forward knowing that NO, is actually a good answer!
1. Recognize that a desire to please often prevents us from saying no.
2. We say “yes” to others because we want to please them. But when eventually we can’t continue, we let them down and we feel guilty. Both parties suffer and so may the relationship.
3. Stick to you plan! To support this, have your goals and marketing strategies written down and posted in full view.
4. Remember, there are only 2 clear responses. Yes. No. Any other answer is an excuse to avoid commitment.
5. Repeat your position to those who persist. Change up your words some; and repeat your position.
6. Be clear. Be sure you know exactly what is being asked before you respond. Listen for the full scope of the request to determine the longevity of the project or for the possibility of it being a “quick hit”.
7. Become an expert in your niche rather than being everything to everyone.
8. You have a right to say no! Sometimes no is necessary to maintain respect.
9. Remind others of other projects that you are working on that are top priorities.
10. Share the fact that you may be able to assist; however with all going on you will not be able to produce the usual high standards.
11. Keep your answer short. There is no need to justify your answer. Lengthy responses may result in your putting the same answer off for a future date and can even compromise your credibility.
12. Negotiate the timeframe for the request.
12 Re’s to Re-Boot Mid-Year Business
1. Refocus your energy
2. Review your options
3. Repeat your success
4. Remodel your plans
5. React to feedback
6. Redesign your office
7. Reallocate your funds
8. Renew your energy
9. Rejuvenate your team
10. Reaffirm your Vision
11. Revamp your process
12. Reshape your thinking
Masterminds and Mentors Group Coaching and Advantage Groups facilitate your Re-Success!
Exciting Masterminds and Mentors News!
In keeping with the lifted spirits of our economy, are the exciting g spirits of Masterminds and Mentors.
Three extremely professional coaches have joined the ranks of Masterminds and Mentors. Three new levels of career experience, three new sets of coaching and goal facilitating skills. Three additional opportunities for people to take themselves to the next level; both personally and professionally.
More than ever Mastermind groups are the talk of the town. But there is NO OTHER group that will give you what Masterminds and Mentors will give you. We don’t just talk, we act. We implement. We provide. We support.
The team of professionals here to support your efforts work with a creative spirit as opposed to a competitive spirit. Our goal is to give more in value that what we get back. And every person who joins a group under the Masterminds Umbrella is made to feel as if they are given the individual attention that they truly deserve.
As the leader of the Masterminds and Mentors team of leaders, I couldn’t be more excited to be there for YOU!
Coach Gibbs
