Greetings!
Welcome to our latest monthly newsletter for your reading enjoyment. As we enter the holiday season, our thoughts turn to our family and friends, perhaps more than at other times of the year. In this issue we address relationships from a couple of different perspectives. As a leader in your business, do you have the heart and head of a champion? And how do you build relationships that benefit all concerned? In this issue we offer some helpful insights about these topics. We hope that we are adding value to you and your business.
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Happy reading!
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Bill Spreitzer 919-388-3600
We welcome your comments and feedback on our newsletter and would love to hear from you on how we can be of service. |
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Giving Thanks for What Matters |
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 Recently I was a moderator for a Chamber of Commerce "Mega-Networking" event - much like speed dating for businesses. The moderator's role was to make sure that everyone at the table played by the rules - primarily those relating to how much time they took to talk about themselves and their business. Everyone had 1 minute to talk and then a few minutes for discussion before everyone but the moderator rotated to another table.
As people rotated through my table, I saw different types of people. Those in "sales" mode wanted to pack as much in about their business in 1+ minute as they could and ended with an appeal to meet or buy. Those in "fright" mode spewed out their pitch as quickly as they could and breathed a sigh of relief when finished (I could relate to these folks from my early networking days). Those in "relationship building" mode talked about themselves and their business in a calm matter of fact way, ended in their minute and then would ask questions of others during the discussion period. Sometimes the "relationship" group would offer assistance to others at the table in the form or a connection that might help them build their business or even offer a lead. These "givers" tended to know more people in the room and would be introducing people to each other during breaks in the action.
One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving, and it's not just because I love to eat! I really enjoy getting together with family members whom I haven't seen in awhile and renewing those relationships. It makes me pause to consider what really matters in this life and in business and to ask myself, how do I foster and nurture my relationships that will make a difference for others and how can I build new ones? Certainly, in the networking event there were people who knew how to do this and those that didn't.
So, as we end this year, think about how you give thanks to those who have made a difference for you this year - both personally and professionally. Make a list of these people and think of ways that you can recognize them for what they mean to you. Start with your immediate family and your top ten customers. Think about who helps you live out your purpose in life. If you haven't figured out your purpose in life, start by looking at areas of your life where you feel most fulfilled and energized and then try to fill in the blanks in the following sentence: I exist to serve by _____ing _______. You see, it's in serving others that we are most fulfilled both personally and professionally. And at this Thanksgiving give thanks for what really matters - those relationships that make a difference for all concerned.
Copyright protected, all rights reserved worldwide. ©2009 Dave Vogelpohl - Excellerate Solutions, Inc.
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Being a Champion in Business Life
 It is common to use the word "leader" when we talk about a person who has a compelling vision for the future and that inspires others to accomplish great things in our companies, organizations, communities and families. But what about the word "champion"? When I hear "champion", I immediately think of sports teams and Olympic athletes that are crowned the best amongst their peers. Webster's dictionary defines "champion" as: a fighter, warrior; an advocate or defender; one that does battle for another's rights; a winner....
I just finished reading the book, The Way of the Champion, by Jerry Lynch, Ph.D. In his book, Dr. Lynch explores in depth, what it takes to be a champion - not only in sports but in life. He writes that it is "the heart and the head that make the champion." A champion "demonstrates courage, tenacity, fearlessness, and the willingness to suffer pain." The way of the champion "demands high self-esteem, self-awareness, integrity, and the ability to take the risks to improve while using failure as a teacher on the road to self-discovery." Dr. Lynch goes on to say that "champions fully grasp the difference between what they can and can't control and choose to focus on the former."
A champion knows their strengths and weaknesses as well as those of the competition. They understand that their greatest adversary is themselves - those inner "demons" of fear, fatigue, frustration, failure and self doubt. A champion focuses on what is possible and on becoming the best person he/she can be. They knows that "perfection" is an illusion but have an undying commitment toward the pursuit of "excellence" in all that they think, say and do. A champion surrenders their self interests in order that the team wins.
During this holiday season, take a moment and reflect on the "champions" in your life - past and present. What are (or were) the principals they live(d) life by? What qualities do (or did) they exhibit while being a champion in your life and the lives of others?
Over the past two years it has been painfully evident that our world, our country, our businesses and organizations, and our families are in dire need of true warrior champions to battle for the less fortunate and to fearlessly defend that which is right. I encourage all of us to embrace the way of the champion as we head into the new year.
Copyright protected, all rights reserved worldwide. ©2009
Bill Spreitzer - Excellerate Solutions, Inc.
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Upcoming Events
"3 for 3 in 2010"
Business Advisory Partners Seminar
December 10, 2009 11:45am to 1:00pm
Coastal Federal Credit Union - Raleigh, NC
Click Here
To Learn More and Register |
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Motivational Quotes
"We are what we consistently commit to do."
By: Aristotle
"Surround yourself with the right people in healthy environments."
By: Sun Tzu
"Life is a constant vigil."
"Success comes to those who can weather the storm."
By: I Ching
"Over the years I have become convinced that attention to little details makes the difference between champions and near champions."
By: John Wooden | |
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