Some relationships are priceless with family and good friends at the top of the list (in that order).
Not far after those two come what I call the "essential" business and personal relationships for anyone serious about success or for at the very least committed to reducing the stress in your life.
Here's the list of essentials for your mastermind group:
-an accountability partner
-a trustworthy lawyer
-an honest mechanic
-a local banker who knows your story
-a bird dog who keeps eyes open and ears perked for new opportunities
-a mentor
-a wingman who is there with you every step of the way
-someone who makes more money than you
-someone who has more children than you
-someone of the opposite political party
-someone who has lost it all and rebuilt themselves
What else should be on this list? Who are the irreplaceable people in your life after friends and family?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
How to build a website in less than a day
I built my first website today. I've never built a website before nor did I know the first thing about writing code.
That said, we are blessed to live in the information age.
Need further proof. Go to Google and type "how to build a website" Here's what came up.
Results 1 - 10 of about 250,000,000 for how to build a website. (0.21 seconds)
While most of us never explore beyond the first page of the Google search results there are TWO HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION PAGES of information in less than a second of time. No wonder the Encyclopedia Britannicas are gathering dust on the bookshelves.
So equipped with all this information on hand and a warm mug of tea in my new "Think big dream big" mug I got as a gift from my mom and little brother I was ready for website warfare.
There was a lot I didn't know which lead to many more Google searches but in less than a day I had built and published a website.
The website can be found here: www.jdsconsultinggroup.com
this is it
While I understand the important of SEO, driving traffic, and the value of a #1 organic Google ranking I can promise you my website it's not going to be on the first page of Google anytime soon. That said, I definitely learned a lot about website building today and have added a few new skills to my quiver of knowledge.
Have you ever built a website? What's holding you back from trying?
the site I built today
That said, we are blessed to live in the information age.
Need further proof. Go to Google and type "how to build a website" Here's what came up.
Results 1 - 10 of about 250,000,000 for how to build a website. (0.21 seconds)
While most of us never explore beyond the first page of the Google search results there are TWO HUNDRED FIFTY MILLION PAGES of information in less than a second of time. No wonder the Encyclopedia Britannicas are gathering dust on the bookshelves.
So equipped with all this information on hand and a warm mug of tea in my new "Think big dream big" mug I got as a gift from my mom and little brother I was ready for website warfare.
There was a lot I didn't know which lead to many more Google searches but in less than a day I had built and published a website.
The website can be found here: www.jdsconsultinggroup.com
this is it
While I understand the important of SEO, driving traffic, and the value of a #1 organic Google ranking I can promise you my website it's not going to be on the first page of Google anytime soon. That said, I definitely learned a lot about website building today and have added a few new skills to my quiver of knowledge.
Have you ever built a website? What's holding you back from trying?
the site I built today
Contrarians
A contrarian is a person with a preference for taking a position opposed to that of the majority view prevalent in the group of which they are a part.
Five of my favorite contrarian quotes:
1. "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful." Warren Buffett
2. “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for something you are not.” Andre Gide
3. “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman
4. “A man who does not think for himself does not think at all.” Oscar Wilde
5. Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity" Will Smith
Five of my favorite contrarian quotes:
1. "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful." Warren Buffett
2. “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for something you are not.” Andre Gide
3. “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman
4. “A man who does not think for himself does not think at all.” Oscar Wilde
5. Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity" Will Smith
Friday, March 26, 2010
The top 10 business lessons
Here are the top 10 business lessons I've learned:
1. Manage expectations -- promise small, deliver big.
2. The blueprint for success is already there. Follow what the top achievers in your firm and the top achievers in history have done.
3. Learn everything you can about your industry, product and service.
4. Take action, double your rate of failure and learn a lesson from every mistake.
5. Be the hardest working person you know.
6. Treat everyone you meet and work with like they are the CEO.
7. Small businesses and corporate America both struggle to retain top talent and overachievers.
8. Asks great open ended questions. Study how to asks great questions and communicate effectively.
9. “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” Jim Rohn
10. Attitude is everything!
1. Manage expectations -- promise small, deliver big.
2. The blueprint for success is already there. Follow what the top achievers in your firm and the top achievers in history have done.
3. Learn everything you can about your industry, product and service.
4. Take action, double your rate of failure and learn a lesson from every mistake.
5. Be the hardest working person you know.
6. Treat everyone you meet and work with like they are the CEO.
7. Small businesses and corporate America both struggle to retain top talent and overachievers.
8. Asks great open ended questions. Study how to asks great questions and communicate effectively.
9. “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” Jim Rohn
10. Attitude is everything!
Monday, March 22, 2010
10 minutes strategizing often saves 90 minutes of work
I spent the day today organizing my office. I went and picked up a desk out of storage and set the foundation
"People who work from a clean desk are two to three times more productive as those who work from a cluttered desk" Brian Tracy
It's the last 10% of effort that separates the champions from the rest of the pack
1. Be kind to everyone you meet but be selective who you let close to you
2. Go the extra mile
3. Most people do not understand true dedication -- surround yourself with those who do
2. Go the extra mile
3. Most people do not understand true dedication -- surround yourself with those who do
Sunday, March 21, 2010
every day must start with this habit.......
Technology is making it easier than every to live the life of our dreams.
Research shows it takes 21 days to develop a new habit. Start your morning off with one of the following videos for the next 21 days and you will see unbelievable positive changes in your life.
Video #1 Will's Wisdom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLN2k0b3g70
Video #2 Les Brown - Hungry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23PgYSpISNE
If you have any other great inspirational videos please add them as comments to this post
Research shows it takes 21 days to develop a new habit. Start your morning off with one of the following videos for the next 21 days and you will see unbelievable positive changes in your life.
Video #1 Will's Wisdom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLN2k0b3g70
Video #2 Les Brown - Hungry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23PgYSpISNE
If you have any other great inspirational videos please add them as comments to this post
great tool for time management self monitoring
For those of you who use Mozilla Firefox browser it's an absolute MUST to download the Page Addict add-on. Coolest add-on yet.
It monitors what web pages you spend your time on.
http://www.pageaddict.com/
It monitors what web pages you spend your time on.
http://www.pageaddict.com/
lessons from March madness
It was 60 degrees Thursday and Friday this week in Madison, WI. Saturday morning I woke up to snow on the ground.
Kansas lost to #9 seed Northern Iowa in the NCAA tournament. A remarkable 42% of all ESPN.com brackets had Kansas winning it all.
Expect the unexpected.
Following the crowd is a recipe for mediocrity. Be bold.
"A simple rule: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful." Warren Buffett
Kansas lost to #9 seed Northern Iowa in the NCAA tournament. A remarkable 42% of all ESPN.com brackets had Kansas winning it all.
Expect the unexpected.
Following the crowd is a recipe for mediocrity. Be bold.
"A simple rule: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful." Warren Buffett
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Getting better everday
Four More Great Lessons I've Learned.
1. Be a man of your word. Make sure people you vouch for earn the credit you give because your word is on the line. Never loan money you need to see again. I once vouched for a guy and he cost me $25,000 and almost cost me my job. My word was on the line and my job was also on the line and I decided being a man of my word was worth 25 grand. How much is your word worth? This was a valuable lesson to learn early in life.
2. Doing things for others to build their self esteem is the quickest way to boost your own self-esteem.
3. Start a success journal. Every night write down 3-5 things that were great about your day. Fixed a car. Won a game of cards. Held the door for someone. Told someone you loved them. Scored a goal in the game. Did something nice for a stranger. Landed a business deal. Overcame a fear. The point is to focus on the small successes, nothing is too big or too small to go in your journal.
4. The goal is to get a little better everyday. No one starts anything as an expert. Find something you enjoy doing and spend your time doing more of it. Gradually through hard work and perseverance you will become better.
"Getting better everday" (the inscription on my Tiffany's keychain) Read it again! Yes that's actually what it says and how it's spelled. Thank you Silvia at Diamonds on Wabash for helping me live my mantra. Next time you're in Chicago stop in and see Silvia. http://www.diamondsonwabash.com/
1. Be a man of your word. Make sure people you vouch for earn the credit you give because your word is on the line. Never loan money you need to see again. I once vouched for a guy and he cost me $25,000 and almost cost me my job. My word was on the line and my job was also on the line and I decided being a man of my word was worth 25 grand. How much is your word worth? This was a valuable lesson to learn early in life.
2. Doing things for others to build their self esteem is the quickest way to boost your own self-esteem.
3. Start a success journal. Every night write down 3-5 things that were great about your day. Fixed a car. Won a game of cards. Held the door for someone. Told someone you loved them. Scored a goal in the game. Did something nice for a stranger. Landed a business deal. Overcame a fear. The point is to focus on the small successes, nothing is too big or too small to go in your journal.
4. The goal is to get a little better everyday. No one starts anything as an expert. Find something you enjoy doing and spend your time doing more of it. Gradually through hard work and perseverance you will become better.
"Getting better everday" (the inscription on my Tiffany's keychain) Read it again! Yes that's actually what it says and how it's spelled. Thank you Silvia at Diamonds on Wabash for helping me live my mantra. Next time you're in Chicago stop in and see Silvia. http://www.diamondsonwabash.com/
10 keys to livings a successful life they won't teach you in school
These 10 keys are worth more than my 20 years I spent in school
1. Practice optimism every single day. Read something motivational or listen to your favorite song in the morning. It will seem silly at first though eventually it will "click" and change your life for the better. Nearly every successful person I've ever met is an optimist -- take the hint.
2. Mistakes are learning lessons, the more you make the more you learn.
3. Set and write down your goals and read them every day if you want them to come true. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely
4. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Avoid "toxic" naysayers and anyone who lies, cheats, steals or doesn't keep their word.
5. The key to relationships is to ask people open ended questions about themselves they will enjoy answering. Add value to every relationship you are a part of.
6. Saying you know something and moving on it the most common trait of losers, winners always look for ways to improve
7. Tell people what you want and why and they will surprise you with the results.
8. Success leaves a trail. Read and learn everything you can about people who are successful at things that interest you. Learn what it takes to make it and go for it. Successful people do what others are not willing to.
9. Let people in your life know how much they mean to you by showing your appreciation whenever possible. Be different, go the extra mile.
10. Have a definiteness of purpose. Know what your priorities are and be willing to stand up, fight for and never give up on what you believe in most.
“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” Jim Rohn
1. Practice optimism every single day. Read something motivational or listen to your favorite song in the morning. It will seem silly at first though eventually it will "click" and change your life for the better. Nearly every successful person I've ever met is an optimist -- take the hint.
2. Mistakes are learning lessons, the more you make the more you learn.
3. Set and write down your goals and read them every day if you want them to come true. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely
4. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Avoid "toxic" naysayers and anyone who lies, cheats, steals or doesn't keep their word.
5. The key to relationships is to ask people open ended questions about themselves they will enjoy answering. Add value to every relationship you are a part of.
6. Saying you know something and moving on it the most common trait of losers, winners always look for ways to improve
7. Tell people what you want and why and they will surprise you with the results.
8. Success leaves a trail. Read and learn everything you can about people who are successful at things that interest you. Learn what it takes to make it and go for it. Successful people do what others are not willing to.
9. Let people in your life know how much they mean to you by showing your appreciation whenever possible. Be different, go the extra mile.
10. Have a definiteness of purpose. Know what your priorities are and be willing to stand up, fight for and never give up on what you believe in most.
“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.” Jim Rohn
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
fear of decisions syndrome
I've come to realize I get asked for a lot of advice.
It's quite an honor that people look to me for suggestions on how to handle things.
If they had any idea how many times I've made mistakes would they still want my advice?
I've come to the conclusion that most people suffer from "fear of decision" syndrome and in a panic they decide any advice is better than trusting my own judgment. But why are people so afraid to be wrong?
The average person gets so stressed out about making the wrong decision it paralyzes them from making any decision at all. Why do we fear making mistakes? Is it peer pressure or family pressure?
If mistakes are looked at as a necessary ingredient for success we should welcome mistakes with open arms.
It takes less courage to push through fear (whether right or wrong) than to live with the ongoing fear of making the wrong decision.
The sooner you decide, the sooner you can learn the lesson if you're wrong or move on to the next step if you're right.
Take calculated risks and trust your own judgment, because it's your judgment you have to live with, so the sooner you start trusting yourself the sooner you'll be on your way to making good decisions.
Looking back on it -- "experience" came from trusting myself and using my best judgment which does not always equal making the right decisions.
"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do." Benjamin
Spock
It's quite an honor that people look to me for suggestions on how to handle things.
If they had any idea how many times I've made mistakes would they still want my advice?
I've come to the conclusion that most people suffer from "fear of decision" syndrome and in a panic they decide any advice is better than trusting my own judgment. But why are people so afraid to be wrong?
The average person gets so stressed out about making the wrong decision it paralyzes them from making any decision at all. Why do we fear making mistakes? Is it peer pressure or family pressure?
If mistakes are looked at as a necessary ingredient for success we should welcome mistakes with open arms.
It takes less courage to push through fear (whether right or wrong) than to live with the ongoing fear of making the wrong decision.
The sooner you decide, the sooner you can learn the lesson if you're wrong or move on to the next step if you're right.
Take calculated risks and trust your own judgment, because it's your judgment you have to live with, so the sooner you start trusting yourself the sooner you'll be on your way to making good decisions.
Looking back on it -- "experience" came from trusting myself and using my best judgment which does not always equal making the right decisions.
"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do." Benjamin
Spock
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