Book: “You’re Hired” by Bill Rancic
A few years ago my husband and I watched the “reality” TV show “The Apprentice” with Donald Trump. After winning on “The Apprentice” he wrote this book “You’re Hired” by Bill Rancic. I received the book from a library sale and figured it may be something fun to read. My first thought was that it would be primarily about his time on the show and how he won. He did mention his time on “The Apprentice” and various factors related to that, however, the majority of the book gave you interesting insights into his life and entrepreneurial ventures (from buying junk cars to washing boats and more) . The book was a good reminder to always continue learning, being a “sponge”, and that your attitude makes an impact both personally and professionally.
(Part II) Making Your Commitments – Well Done
Every day we makes choices on how to spend our time and energy. It is important to the people in our lives that we follow through with the commitments we make both personally and professionally. Great satisfaction comes from a job that is done well and wonderful feedback is given when a relationship is built on quality characteristics. We all have vital roles in life and you will make a huge impact on the people your life touches. The question is will your impact be positive one for the people in your life? What are some of the common the characteristics of people who keep their commitments to others:- Integrity – adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character (Dictionary.com) Someone who does the right thing no matter what especially when they make a mistake or miss a deadline. Take responsibility for your actions.
- Honesty – whether it is someone in your personal or professional life you will quickly learn who do and those who do not tell the truth. The truth can sting and be hurtful, however, it is the best way to handle any situation. You can try to cover something up but eventually the truth will be revealed. Make sure to always speak the truth in love. Be honest today in your relationships.
- Dependable – do what you say you will do and be where you say you will be. Be punctual as much as possible. A dependable person demonstrates to others that they are valuable and their time is appreciated. When you tell a friend you are coming, it’s pretty simple…..come. Unforeseeable things can happen and if that is the case contact them as soon as possible. Be considerate of the person who is expecting to see you or receive something from you.
- Trustworthy – when someone shares with you they are opening up their hearts and minds to you. Whether it is a client you are helping complete a project or a friend going through a tough time. Listen and help. If someone shares with you in confidence it simply must remain in confidence. When you make a promise follow through. It takes work to build healthy relationships with the people in your life.
We all desire to be appreciated and know who we can trust to be honest, trustworthy, and dependable. It is important to have people in your life you can count on to come through for you both personally and professionally. Life is short and we need the positive impacts in our lives. Take time to evaluate the characteristics that shine through in your life to your family, friends, business partners, etc… Make sure you have commitments that are – well done. What are some positive characteristics you have that help you build positive relationships and keep your commitments? Do you have areas you need to improve in as well?
Spread the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Are you a contagious entrepreneur? Have you considered starting a business? Do you own a small business? I love spotting the entrepreneurial spirit in people. They are excited about their business and their passion shines through in their lives.Growing up in a family business instilled the passion for entrepreneurship in me at an early age. I felt compelled to start my first business in junior high school with my siblings doing custom hay and harvesting work for local farmers. Again in college I started a residential cleaning company to help pay for college. I am excited to have the opportunity to interact with some of the most amazing entrepreneurs through my current business InSource Executives and Enterprise Launch. I want to encourage those who are entrepreneurs, small business owners, or new startups because you can accomplish anything you want.
Signs you are a contagious entrepreneur:
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Share your Excitement – as an entrepreneur you are passionate about the products and services you have to offer. When someone sees your excitement they will want to know more. Many entrepreneurs are passionate about what they do and it shows!
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Help Others – when you have the opportunity to pitch in and help someone do it. Whether it is in your personal or professional life you need to be a part of their journeys as well. Be giving of your time and energy when you can. Everyone needs to be treated with respect and we all have times when help from a friend is the perfect pick-me-up. Bring a meal to a new Mom, help a friend move, spend time to help a client complete a project, babysit so your friends can have a night out, share contact information that will be beneficial to someone else, etc…
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Spread the Positive – what comes around goes around. I truly believe that sharing the positive will stimulate a positive chain of reactions. Always remember to spread good cheer to those around you. Life is full of hurdles so try to look at the bright side of every situation. Positive attitudes are contagious and much more encouraging to be around.
The entrepreneurs that I have the opportunity to meet are incredible! Seeing their entrepreneurial spirit shine through is encouraging. I am thrilled to be a part of the business community and look forward to meeting the more great people this week. Are you a contagious entrepreneur? What are ways you spread the entrepreneurial spirit?
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Dream It, Believe It, Do It
Yes, it is true we are nearly halfway through the first month of 2010. Have you taken the time to evaluate the things that drive you personally and professionally? What are you passionate about? It is amazing to think we are already off to another great start and yet some have not taken the time to think about what you want to accomplish this week, month, year, and in your lifetime. Although it is difficult to sit down and write out your goals it is important take time to do it. Great quote……“It’s a dream until you write it down…then it’s a goal.” – Anonymous
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Brainstorm and Get Your Ideas Out – every day for the next several days take time to write out your thoughts, goals, hopes, and wishes both personally and professionally. Write about what you want for yourself, your family, friends, business, and career. It doesn’t have to be written neatly or in complete sentences the purpose is to get it out of your head and onto paper.
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Write them down – take the information from your brainstorming sessions and write down specific goals that you want to accomplish in 2010 and beyond. Do this for the areas in your life that are important to you – personally, physically, spiritually, family, friends, professionally, and any other areas that you want to improve.
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Make them Measurable – you need to be able to gauge your advancement towards the goals. Found time regularly to review how you are doing. Believe in yourself and that you can accomplish your dreams. If you are starting to get behind on a goal step it up a few notches and make sure to find ways to stay positive. Keep moving forward, you can do it.
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Challenging and Accomplishable – if you can reach all your goals by the end of the first quarter they are not challenging enough. Or if it is impossible to reach them within the time period you set than you need to review the goals. You want constantly to stretch yourself to reach new levels of success.
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Recharge – share your goals with your accountability partners and meet with them regularly. It is wise to have people in your life that will be honest with you. They will help encourage you to continue reaching for those areas where you are wanting to grow.
Wishing you a truly wonderful 2010 year full of happiness, success, great memories, and joy. Continue to evaluate your goals and push forward. Be positive and celebrate your successes! What are some of your goals for 2010 and beyond?
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A Gift of Thanks!
When is the last time you were given a thoughtful gift from the heart? A gift that made a positive impact on your life? I love Thanksgiving because it is a truly wonderful time of the year when people are thankful for all the blessings in their lives. We need to make a real effort to continue the spirit of thankfulness every day of our lives. Take time every day to make a meaningful contribution into a person’s life. Everyone desires to be appreciated and thoughtfulness for others goes a long way in both our personal and professional lives. Giving “A Gift of Thanks” does not mean it has to be time consuming, expensive, or stressful. Here are a few quick ways to express your “Gift of Thanks” and thoughtfulness to those you interact with in your day to day life:
- Share a Smile – you may be the only smile someone encounters that day. Make it a point to specifically smile at people you interact with throughout the day. Smile when you are greeting people prior to a business event, shopping at the grocery store, waiting in line, welcoming them into your home, or making an introduction.
- Give a Hug – greet a personal or professional contact with a hug. Some people love hugs and others really need a hug. This is true in both personal and business situations. A hug is more personal than a handshake and demonstrates an appreciation for the recipient. Use discernment and common sense because not everyone will be comfortable with a hug. Reserve big bear hugs for close friends and family.
- Note of Appreciation – a handwritten note of thanks, appreciation or thoughtfulness still means a lot. Whether it is a client you haven’t heard from in a couple weeks, a friend who has recently lost a loved one, a family member on your mind and heart, a birthday, or reconnecting with a business contact. Take the time to write a note and touch the lives of those connected to you.
- Call of Encouragement – use the phone as friendly reminder that you care. If they do not answer please be courteous and leave a message. New business owners are excited about their products or services, call to see how things are going for them, listen, and encourage them. A Mom with a newborn may appreciate a call from a friend to share new milestones or to encourage her. Some people love a long chit chat and others do not. Practice ways to give a “word” of encouragement while respecting their time.
- Cup of Coffee or Tea – share a cup of coffee or tea with a business contact, friend, or family member. It is important to reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in awhile. Make it a time to catch up and learn about what’s going on in their life and/or business. It is not a time to sale or pry into deep problems but a few moments to help and encourage.
Take time every day to give “A Gift of Thanks” to someone connected to you both personally and professionally. Reaching out to others will be a rewarding experience for everyone. Let’s help each other remember the importance of showing appreciation and kindness to others as a daily routine. Please share a story of how you were impacted or how you impacted another person by giving “A Gift of Thanks” with us.
Wishing you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
