Listen To Color

Traveling Bee

2012-02-01T00:09:00.001-07:00

A Bee is a wonderful creature to observe. They fly from flower to flower searching for nectar making the flower and the Bee stronger. Like a Bee, cross-pollination especially of ideas also makes Toastmasters clubs stronger.

Keeping my public speaking skills sharp is a challenge when I am away on business. I often will seek out a Toastmasters meeting on the Toastmasters International website for the city I am visiting and find a club meeting that fits my schedule.

Recently, my busy business travel season began. I had the good fortune to visit five clubs around the country, two in California, Coastmasters Toastmasters in Dana Point and Anaheim Breakfast Club. In Oregon, I visited Cascade Toastmasters in Eugene. In Texas, I visited Executive Toastmasters in Dallas. And finally, in Florida, I visited Highrisers Toastmasters in Tampa.

All these clubs had engaging websites that invited guests to visit. I was attracted by photographs of members posted on their websites and their meeting schedules were up to date. At all these meetings, I was warmly greeted and introduced to other club members. This gave me an instant connection which made me feel welcome. At each visit, I was invited to share my observations and impressions of the meetings.

The members were genuinely interested in finding out how their club was similar or different to mine. They wanted to be evaluated on what they did well and how they could improve. I also came away from each meeting with a host of ideas to share with my clubs to improve and enhance our gatherings. In some instances I even received a complimentary breakfast.

Visiting other clubs is enjoyable, enlightening and an added value of being a Toastmaster. Visiting other clubs out of state gives me a sense of having an extended group of friends where ever I go. My sales calls on the days I visited these meetings was superior. I have found this experience helps me to learn new ideas, keeps my skills up and makes me a better speaker. Bee adventurous. Bee courageous. Bee a Bee and cross-pollinate when you travel for business or pleasure. You'll Bee glad you did.

“On my way to being the best I had to fail to reach success.”

2011-09-28T06:54:00.003-06:00

In our culture failure is often thought of as a negative. We strive for constant success. Winning is everything we are told. Second place is no place. Yet, without failure where would each of us be? Everyone has had failures in their life at some point. It could be a failure on a test. A failure to win a team sport. A failure to connect with that one opportunity because we feared the failure. We perhaps thought, why even try if failure is emanate?

Let me suggest that without the many failures I have encountered, I would not have reached today’s success. This begs the question, how can one overcome failure? Try once more, only this time differently. I am no expert on overcoming failure or reaching success. I can only share my experience of how I have failed and more importantly, how I have bounced back to triumph another day. Throughout my life I have played on failed teams, failed classes, had failed relationships, a failed marriage, worked on a failed political campaign, and failed to take out the trash. My response, who cares? So I failed. Big deal! After brushing off a bruised ego or body, I get up and begin again.

Failure is the natural progression of having tied to do something and not being immediately successful. This is where most of us stop and we become defeatist. The key to your future success is persistence. The 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge once said, "Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, press on, has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race." So, press on. Be persistent. Be determined.

Upon your next failure, ask yourself, what did I learn? How can I incrementally improve to the next higher level? What am I going to do to ensure a better outcome the next time? How can I use the experience to move forward and fail again? Yes, failure is rewarded when you try one more time and break though the barrier of the past. You will not reach your success without taking a chance at something you previously thought impossible. Plan, practice, persist and prosperity will surely be your reward.

When you reach, you extend the possibility for success. Stretch your mind to believe that without failure there is no reward, no success. Fail more often. Move your failure forward in your learning cycle. Fail in the direction you wish to grow and achieve. Fail is a four letter word like work, that will get you to the pinnacle of your dreams and goals. Work on your failures, don’t let your failures work on you. “On your way to being the best, failure will help you to reach your success.

Write it down in a Word document, read it aloud and then post it.

2011-09-01T21:04:00.001-06:00

I recently had a friend ask that I buy her some Toastmasters manuals at a regional event she could not attend. I was happy to oblige. Via e-mail I asked where I could meet her to drop them off. She replied back on her so called “smart” phone. “Drop them at my house, I “love” at…… address.” When I pointed out that this was too much information, we both had a good laugh. My story illustrates a point about writing either by e-mail, smart phone or on a social media site.

Whether it’s for professional or personal use I always want to appear somewhat intelligent in how I speak and write. An idea I like to share with folks on postings for E-mail, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media is to write your message out on a separate Word document. Check it for misspellings. You may have “spell checked” a word that is spelled correctly yet it is the wrong word. I don’t know about you but my wife can’t spend all her time correcting my bad spelling. She has things to do.

Check to make sure any links you add work correctly and you are sending your reader to the right web site. I once posted a link and had omitted one letter. My readers were sent to an adult web site that most found a bit embarrassing about. I received a few unpleasant e-mails back, yet others thanked me. The point being this was not the web site I wanted them to find. Some asked what I really did in my free time.

Read your message out loud. Ask yourself, does this make sense as written or can I make it more powerful with fewer words? How is my sentence structure? Can it be easily followed? People often write in abbreviation these days. I have to reread their messages to find out what they are referring to. Unless you are texting, please do not abbreviate common words. I could have written TMI in the first paragraph, yet how would you know that it meant, Too Much Information?

When I am finished with what I have written, I read it out loud. I write just like I speak, yet sometimes it will not read well. I therefore have to recompose what I have written. When I am satisfied with the way the message is reading, I copy it and then paste it in the place I wish it to appear.

These suggestions have saved me from having to retrieve a message I was about to post. I followed this process with this article. Yes, it is one more step in a busy day, yet I like to prevent problems rather than fix them. Mistakes will happen, yet you can fix many of them by taking this extra step before you hit “send.” Happy postings.

Practice, Practice & then Practice some more.

2011-08-25T17:16:00.003-06:00

Basketball Hall of Famer, Ed Macauley once said, “When you are not practicing, remember, someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him he will win.” Whether you are playing a sport, a musical instrument or rehearsing a business presentation, practice makes you better at what you do. We often look at those who are successful and say, “gee it must be nice to be so talented or lucky." I doubt luck plays a part for most of those at the top of their fields. Top tier people make their own luck by practicing their craft. Most of those that are talented or lucky work darn hard practicing even more to achieve their success to make it look easy. I am sure there are the one or two percent that don’t have to do anything extra and they can get along with their “Midas touch” for a while. Yet, luck usually doesn’t last forever.

I know from my many years of being in business that it takes constant practice to keep and maintain a top tier performance. You might say, how does one practice in business? Several ways. For me, I am constantly reading books, blogs and interesting articles that keep me current on trends, ideas and personal stories that inspire me to constantly practice new ways of doing things. I try to do or implement at least one new thing a week into my routine, often times more. With 52 weeks in a year, that’s 52 new things I learn to do. With practice I can become an expert at many of them. By learning a new idea and implementing it in a way that works for me, often helps keep me engaged, active and eager to learn more.

While driving I listen to books on tape or a podcast that teaches me new ideas. I visit my local library and check out the latest offerings. This also helps me to practice and become a better listener. Listening has become a lost skill. I practice listening often and try to think before I speak. (I can hear my wife now, yea right.)

As a Toastmaster I try to rehearse speeches, quotes and bits of information I find interesting, so I am constantly at the top of my game when called upon to do a impromptu talk or a longer speech. Preparing and practicing for the opportunities that arise, makes it look like it is easy and natural. As any world athletic or musician will tell you. They are not getting paid for their performance today. They are getting paid for all that practicing they did to be at the level they are at today.

What do you do in your business that you practice day after, to be the best? I bet you can do one more thing today, then yesterday and then one more, the next day. Practice makes you the best you can be. Now practice some more so you can go out and win.

The weather is always changing

2011-07-05T09:09:00.004-06:00

My eight year old Granddaughter Shelby is obsessed with weather. She is visiting from her home state of Tennessee with her parents. Shelby started asking me questions about the clouds, rain, thunderstorms and tornados, all recent events back home. Was the thunder louder in Colorado than Tennessee? Do we have tornados? Would she see hail? All these rapid fire questions as I read the morning newspaper. I answered as best I could. “I want to be a Meteorologist,” Shelby said as she asked if she could read the weather statistics in the paper. Then, once finished reading the numbers, Shelby asked if I would turn on the Weather Channel to see what was happening back home. After breakfast, Shelby wanted to go the local library because she NEEDED to get some books on weather. Off we went.

We checked out several children’s books and DVD’s on the subject. Once home Shelby devoured the books by reading one after the other to me. Then we watched the DVD’s. My little sponge began absorbing all the knowledge she was acquiring for these sources. Shelby’s thirst for knowledge and her willingness to learn and be taught about things she did not understand was fascinating to observe. Shelby’s curiosity about how nature works and interacts with the environment got me thinking of how adults often lose this same trait and why they need to figure out how to get their enthusiasm for life-long learning re-started.

Often in business we believe we know it all. We have, been there and done that, so why learn anything new? Or, perhaps we are the pro or the go to person at work when others want to find out about something. Yet, in my many years in business I know of only one constant, that is change. The only way I can stay up with this change is to constantly be learning. I am curious how things work as well and how they interact and what my role or place is in their function. Shelby’s quest for weather knowledge reminded me of the following;

Always ask questions - How else can we learn? Asking questions does not mean you’re not smart. It means you want to learn and understand more. Ask lots of questions. The only question I have ever found to be not well received is the one not asked.

Look for the source - Seek information whether it is at the library, on-line or from an expert. Others have come before us and have more experience or know where the sources of information are. Be a life-long student and the teacher will appear.

Ask for help - Find a mentor or seek a person who is willing to show you the way. Don’t be fearful of asking others for assistance. Done with humility, they will jump at the opportunity to help.

Stay curious - Always be willing to learn something new. It engages your brain and keeps one mentally fit. Look for new ways of asking and learning. Put two dissimilar things together and see what happens. Look at each day as a new adventure.

I am looking forward to today as Shelby and I learn more about the weather at the museum. I can’t wait until her first, “Hey GrandBrad how come….

Is Using Humor the Deciding Factor in Winning a Contest?

2011-05-23T12:19:00.007-06:00

How do you improve a skill you wish to excel at?

I find folks who are better than me at that skill and study them. Seeking improvement in my oral communication skills, I attended the Toastmasters District 26 Conference which included a Table Topics Contest, educational sessions a business meeting and the highlight, the International Speech Contest which was held on May 20 & 21, 2011 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colorado. I went in particular to learn and understand what makes a winning speech. The International Speech Contest for the District is the pinnacle of success for those contestants who win their Division Contests. After watching and listening to the contestants, I observed all of the speeches encompassed the four “H’s” of public speaking according to the 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking, Ed Tate, Head, Heart, Humor and Heavy Duty, (Its significant).

Each contestant was poised as they gave their speech. They all approached the contest professionally and with well polished presentations. Each one had personal and powerful stories to share. I also observed that International Speech Contest Speeches are strong on the Head, Heart and Heavy Duty. This can bring about a dramatic tension that in a five to seven minute speech, can be significant and overbearing. The one element I noticed and counted during the contest was the amount of laughs each speaker received in their presentation.

Here is my observation;
• In Thomas Judson’s speech, “Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” he received four laughs.
• In Joan Janis’s speech, “Wings,” she received six laughs.
• In Chuck Maher’s speech, “The simple secret, we get to play,”
he received seven laughs.
• In Stephen Doherty’s speech, “Pull that ripcord,” he received ten laughs.
• In Paula Cowen’s speech, “Embrace uncertainty,” she received sixteen laughs.
• In Rich Hopkins’ speech, “Change the rules. Change the reason,” he received
eighteen laughs.

Without giving it away, who do you think won, first, second and third place in the District 26 Speech Contest? You guessed it. Rich Hopkins won first, Paula Cowen received second and Stephen Doherty came in third. I have no way of knowing if their using humor and getting more laughs had anything to do with the outcome of the winners. All I know is, from my observation, the speakers who used humor to break the tension of their speeches from Head, Heart and Heavy Duty, placed higher than the other contestants. Learning from these champions, I will work at inserting more humor, where appropriate, into my speeches.

What observations did you make while attending an International Speech Contest at a District Conference?

How is your PMA?

2011-05-09T16:55:00.005-06:00

What, you don’t know what a PMA is? Simply this, Positive Mental Attitude. I have the opportunity to volunteer as facilitator for the Colorado, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar otherwise known as HOBY. As I prepare for three days of teaching high school sophomores, “how to think, rather than what to think,” I am reminded how important it is to always be positive. PMA applies to more than the privilege of working with youth; it is an integral part of my professional and personal life. In the world of business, attitude is everything. Give me an optimistic, positive, personable individual over a negative naysayer any day. PMA will get you through the toughest, most stressful times in business and in life. PMA will help to focus your thoughts on what’s important to you. In my personal life I recite the Optimist Creed everyday and find its positive message a reminder of what’s important as I face each day.

In the 1950’s Earl Nightingale wrote and recorded, “The Strangest Secret” http://bit.ly/krQ1AP
The premise of his recording is, we become what we think about. As Mr. Nightingale says, “Actually, it isn’t a secret at all…But very few people have learned it or understand it.” Our success in life depends on using the greatest gift we have, our mind. We can choose to be a success or failure. We have free will to do whatever we set our sights on or reach goals we choose to accomplish. Having a PMA is a choice. The question is, are your choosing wisely?

As a child I can remember reading Watty Piper’s classic, "The Little Engine That Could” Remember, “I think I can, I think I can,” as the little train chugs up the mountainside. What happens as you grow up? You forget that PMA, like, “I think I can,” does get you to where you need to be.

PMA is also a way of life for me. It is something you have to incorporate into your daily routine. I recall my running in the Boulder Bolder 10K. I had never run a race before. I trained, yet I knew if I was going to finish I would have to work on my mind more than my physical being. At the time I had just read Brian Tracy’s book, “Focal Point.” In it is a line that I committed to memory. “Yard by yard it’s hard, inch by inch it’s a cinch.” I repeated that line all the way to the finish line.

Having a PMA will help you cross your own finish line by reconnecting you with your commitment to success. When you decide for yourself to have a PMA you will be like all my HOBY Ambassadors, the one word of choice to describe all good things, OUTSTANDING.

I concede… not so fast.

2011-04-26T16:03:00.003-06:00

"I concede." These were the only words I could say, when I could no longer continue my speech at a Toastmasters Division Contest. I had made this presentation dozens of times. I had won my club and area contests and now was competing at a high level. I was confident and felt good about knowing my presentation. I had drawn the sixth speaking position out of six speakers. My competition was awesome, yet I knew my speech was too.

The Toastmaster called my name. I felt a rush of excitement and shook the Toastmasters hand as I walked to the front of the room. I paused …and then began my speech. It was going well. I could see the smiles of friendly faces and felt the good vibe in the room. And then for no explainable reason, I lost my train of thought. I paused and for a second …, remembered where I was and then continued on. It was a good recovery. The pause was a bit longer than normal, yet it did not feel too unnatural. And then BAM!!!. My mind went absolutely Blank.... Frozen…. I paused again. I looked at the audience. I walked across the stage and the words I knew so well escaped me. I could not think of anything to say.

I know I was in control of all my other faculties. My breathing was good. I felt fine physically. My mind just stopped working. Wow. I was like a blank slate. A longer pause... The only thing I could do was to acknowledge and accept I could not go on any farther… today. I sat down. I was disappointed in my performance. And then, only in a Toastmasters contest , in a room full of peers, I was graciously given a round of applause.

The experience was like the scene in Forrest Gump. Forrest is running across the country with his followers, as a bumper sticker salesman runs alongside Forest and asks for some help with a saying for his bumper sticker business. Just then, the bumper sticker salesman points out that Forrest has just stepped in a pile of dog stuff. Forrest replies, "It happens", the man retorts, "What, the stuff you stepped in?” (expletive deleted), to which Forrest replies, "Sometimes". The man is inspired to create the "Common Substance Happens" bumper sticker. Sometimes it does happen, even to the most practiced and confident of speaker.

Like Forrest Gump, I felt like running, yet I could not. My run this time had ended. However, like the bumper sticker salesman, I was inspired. Inspired to come back to compete again. As tradition has it, at the end of the competition all the speakers are asked to step to the front of the room and be interviewed by the Toastmaster. This allows time for the vote counters to do their work. I was the second competitor to be interviewed. I was asked my club name and how long I have been a Toastmaster. I answered, yet before the Toastmaster could continue with her next question, I interrupted and asked the audience one question. “Do you think there is Viagra for public speaking? I sure would like to speak longer next time.” The audience laughed and I made a humorous recovery of my somewhat bruised ego.

On the drive home it was quite and I was reflective. I started to recite my speech. It came out perfectly. Darn, I wish I could have remembered it for the contest. It was a good speech. Part of my speech had a quote by Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States. He said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” As President Coolidge suggest I will press on and be more persistent and determined next time.

What’s the Timbre of your next presentation?

2011-04-20T10:46:00.001-06:00

I enjoy listening to live music. Whether it’s in an intimate club setting like Nissi’s in Lafayette, Colorado or a spectacular outdoor venue such as Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver. Music is created when elements such as form, harmony, key, melody, rhythm and texture all come together to produce sounds that can be dynamic and create colorful tones. Yes, I said colorful tones.

Did you know color was a part of music? Musicians know color or timbre (pronounced "TAM-ber") represents all of the features of a musical sound that do not have anything to do with a sound's length, loudness or pitch. Here’s an idea. When you write your next speech or give your next business presentation think about using more colorful timbre?

Far too often you write your speeches for the page and not ear of the audience. How can you capture your audience’s attention and keep them interested? Vocal Variety will provide the drama, however the words you use in your presentation will give you an opportunity to attract the audience, engage them and then connect. I suggest using more colorful words as an element that will add value to the listener’s ear. Writing with timbre in mind will give you the opportunity to use your dictionary, thesaurus and wiki’s to build your presentation with more powerful word play.

Below are some words used to describe timbre from a Musicians point of view. Many are interchangeable and some may have different meanings yet each help describe the idea of timbre. Say each of the words below out loud. Use vocal inflection to emphasize how each word sounds. Note: you may wish to check the room before you do this. Someone may be listening and think you are going off the deep end.

Brassy, Breathy, Bright, Clear, Dark, Flat, Focused, Harsh, Heavy, Light, Mellow, Piercing, Reedy, Resonant, Rounded, Strident, Unfocused, Vibrato, Warm.

Can you hear how these words add impact? Add these and other descriptive words as often as you can. Find the best, most elemental word to get your point across and then add the colorful seasoning that will have the biggest impact. The greater the timbre, the more you write with the ear in mind. Paint your next presentation with more colorful words.

Inspired by the work of Catherine Schmidt-Jones at Connexions http://cnx.org/content/m11059/latest/

Connexions is one of the most popular open education sites in the world.

It's Free

2011-04-04T13:40:00.002-06:00

“Flags Up” at the 63rd Conference on World Affairs at the CU campus in Boulder. At the first panel, I attended, I overheard someone say, “It’s nice this is all free.” The event’s publicity even states, “All Events Free and Open to the Public”. Don’t kid yourself. Nothing is free. Most of us are being coerced by government to pay taxes for the use and maintenance of the buildings at CU, the gas to heat the buildings, the lights to see the speakers and the sound system to hear them. Someone, most likely you, produced something, someplace, and was paid for your production and that wealth was transferred to others, to make this event ultimately happen.

On the other hand, there are corporate and individual sponsors who donated funds, un-coerced by government to allow this “free” event to take place. I thank them. They underwrote the transportation for the speakers. They provided the speakers food and a place to stay. They gladly gave their wealth in return for something of value, the speaker’s ideas and time. The better model for a free society is the later. People freely giving their wealth to make a wonderful event like this happen. There is a proper role for government, that of protecting individual rights, not holding “Free Events, Open to the Public." Perhaps this is why so many feel entitled to your money, it's free.

Hi my name is Brad and I am a learning junkie.

2011-03-30T15:47:00.002-06:00

Did you ever feel like you belong in some sort of twelve step program because you are curious?

I had a friend ask, “How do you find time to do all the stuff you do?”

Answer number one. I have a wonderful wife who understands my need to explore the world around me. Without her support I don’t believe I could participate in so many things.

(Memo to self, remember to reciprocate)

Number two. Planning. I plan my work and social calendar to take advantage of as many concerts, events, films, lectures, readings, seminars and speeches as I can. These opportunities fill me up with the never ending desire to learn and experience life. Joseph Campbell the world renowned scholar and Mythologist once said, “People are not looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.” I agree. The place I consistently learn the most from are my three Toastmasters club.

Yes, you read that correctly, three clubs. I know, I am a junkie. Most of the Toastmasters I know are. Once a week on Tuesday mornings from 7:00am until 8:00am, I attend the Erie Express ors. This small hometown club gathers at a local church where our meeting topics vary from learning about a program helping to feed the earthquake victims in Haiti to understanding the finer points of crochet. Learning and laughing along the way.

My Thursday Club also meets weekly and is called the Chamber Ad Liborators. This 7:30am until 8:30am club is more business focused and is associated with a chamber of commerce. Speeches here are often practice sessions for a meeting presentation or helping managers and sales people improve their business skills. This club excels in humor and the members enjoy networking at breakfast afterwards.

My third club meets twice a month on Saturday’s from 10:00am until 11:45am and is called Liberty Toastmasters. From this clubs inception, the members have had a passion for public policy and politics. This club is an issues focused group based around the United States Constitution. The members are activist and political junkies. This is a fast based and dynamic group, often giving the feel and appearance of an advanced club.

Each club has its own personality and culture. Each club gives me the opportunity to work on various skill sets and techniques. Each club has taught me something new about attitude and application, connection and conversation, trust and timing. Every week I have the pleasure of listening to half of dozen or more presentations that my fellow Toastmasters share. I learn more about issues, ideas and individual members than most people know about their own family. The really awesome part of belonging to three Toastmasters clubs is after five years of participation, I am often sought out to mentor new members. I am not an expert speaker, yet, having learned from my peers, I am in the unique position and privileged to share my experience helping others achieve their communication and leadership goals.

Want to learn more, faster? Join more than one Toastmasters club.

Lectern vs. Podium...who cares anyway?

2011-02-13T14:48:00.001-07:00

One night I was watching a program on C-SPAN hosted by Frank Sesno, a former CNN reporter and current George Washington School of Media and Public Affairs Director. The program was a discussion on the “Role of the White House Press Secretary.” Four former Press Secretaries, shared their wisdom pertaining to the cultural, historical, political and their personal experiences of their time in this respected role. The panelist included DeDe Meyers who worked in the Clinton White House from 1993 through 1994, Mike McCurry who also worked in the Clinton White House from 1994 through 1998, Ari Fleischer who worked in the George W. Bush White House from 2001 through 2003 and Dana Perino who also worked in the George W. Bush White House from 2007 through 2009. All these well respected and articulate former Press Secretaries, some of whom were former journalist, used the term, “podium” when referring to what the President spoke behind when giving speeches.

Each time one of these educated individuals said the wrong word, I would scream out “LECTERN”. My wife who was watching with me even found herself yelling back at the TV. I had to ask myself why are they all using the wrong term? I wanted to understand the cause of their misuse for this piece of furniture they were referring to. My first task was to ask, what is the true definition of each?

According to Wikipedia the word lectern derives its origin from the Latin lectus, or the past participle of legere, which translates "to read". A lectern is a reading desk with a slanted top, usually placed on a stand or affixed to some other form of support, on which documents or books are placed as support for reading aloud, as in a scripture reading, lecture, or sermon. A lectern also facilitates eye-contact and improves posture when facing an audience. Lecterns may have adjustable height and slant. Persons generally use lecterns while standing.*

A podium, (plural podia) is historically a “pew.’" Both words go back ultimately to Greek pódion meaning ‘small foot, or base’, which is a platform that is used to raise something to a short distance above its surroundings. Podia can also be used to raise people, for instance the conductor of an orchestra stands on a podium. In sports, a type of podium is used to honor the top three competitors in events such as the Olympics.*

As a Toastmaster since 2005 I learned from my fellow Toastmasters, the important difference between the two words. Now, whenever I hear a person say podium when they should have said lectern, I cringe. In fact it has become one of my pet peeves and as professional as possible I try to correct the perpetrators misuse of the word. Why does it matter some may say? It matters because using the wrong word which seems interchangeable erodes our language and our ability to communicate clearly and concisely. It allows for a laziness which deteriorates our language into slang.

In doing some research I could not find how over the years a podium has incorrectly come to mean the object a speaker stands behind and sets papers or books upon even when it is at floor level, though the correct term for that item is lectern. The terms are not identical; one typically stands on a podium, but one typically stands behind a lectern. People go through their lives using the words interchangeably and few people will ever notice. There is however a difference, as these are tools of the trade for speakers, clergy and other professionals.* And yes, you can place a lectern on a podium, however you most likely would break a lectern if you placed a podium on it.

How can one go about re-enforcing the correct use of words? When I had the opportunity to conduct a Toastmasters-Youth Leadership Program* in my community, I taught the participants the difference between a lectern and a podium. At times I would slip in the misuse of the word to see if they would catch it. Every time I did, the young participants would in unison shout out, “LECTERN”

1. Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lectern
2. eHOW http://www.ehow.com/about_6170419_podium-vs_-lecturn.html
3. eHOW http://www.ehow.com/about_6170419_podium-vs_-lecturn.html

4.Toastmasters International http://www.toastmasters.org/Members/MemberExperience/SatellitePrograms/YouthLeadership.aspx

Looking Forward

2010-12-29T21:27:00.001-07:00

This is the time of year when news programs and newspapers do their year in review. It can be interesting to look back and see all that has transpired over the past 12 months. As a reader and student of history I like to study how decisions were made and try to understand the consequences that choices have on events and lives. I appreciate taking time to reflect and remember which often helps gives clarity as well as offer up more questions.

Yet, I look forward to spending more of my time living in the moment and planning for the future. I can’t change what was. I can only affect the outcome of my future. I don’t have a crystal ball, nor can I predict the future. However, being an optimist I can forecast how I will shape my next 12 months.

I will think, how can I do better?

I will look for the good and seek the positive.

I will be more thankful every day I have to experience this life.

I will constantly prepare and practice the skills I need, so when an opportunity presents itself I am ready.

I will work towards my constant improvement, physically and mentally, so I can provide for myself, my family, my career and my county.

I will embrace the freedoms, liberties and prosperity of our great land.

I believe today is great and tomorrow will be even greater.

Here is to an awesome 2011.
Happy New Year!

On the Shoulders of Giants We Stand

2010-11-25T11:53:00.008-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving

Reflecting on the many things I am thankful for, family, friends, good health and a good education, I am reminded that the later was instilled in me by my parents who encouraged me to be inquisitive and have a quest for knowledge that is everlasting.

I recently had lunch with someone and we discussed many things including politics and economics. As we spoke, I asked, "Have you ever read...?" As my friend wrote down my suggestions it occured to me that others would also benefit from discovering for themselves as I did, these books, articles and web sites I would like to recommend. For me these writtings have expanded my view of the world and lead me to ask more questions. Here are just some of the more interesting things I have read in the past few years. I hope you enjoy the journey as I have. Ideas and written words are some of the greatest gifts I am thankful for. On the shoulders of giants we stand!

Recommended Reading

The Declaration of Independence - http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html

The United States Constitution - http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html

The Wealth of Nations - Adams Smith http://www.bibliomania.com/2/1/65/112/frameset.html

Fredric Bastiat - The Law http://www.constitution.org/law/bastiat.htm

- A Petition http://www.econlib.org/library/Bastiat/basSoph3.html

The Road to Serfdom - F.A. Hayek http://www.roadtoserfdom.info/

Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand http://atlasshrugged.com/

Free to Choose - Milton Friedman http://miltonfriedman.blogspot.com/

Economics in One Lesson - Henry Hazlitt http://fee.org/library/books/economics-in-one-lesson/

Capitalism Unbound - Andrew Bernstein http://www.andrewbernstein.net/

The Forgotten Man - Amity Shlaes http://www.amityshlaes.com/

Common Sense Economics (Revised) - James Gwartney http://www.commonsenseeconomics.com/

The Housing Boom or Bust -Thomas Sowell - http://www.tsowell.com/

Moral Health Care vs. "Universal Health Care"- Lin Zinser and Paul Hsieh http://www.theobjectivestandard.com/issues/2007-winter/moral-vs-universal-health-care.asp

What Has Government Done to Our Money - Murray Rothbard - http://mises.org/books/whathasgovernmentdone.pdf

Antitrust The Case for Repeal – Dominick Armentano http://mises.org/books/antitrust.pdf

Vindicating Capitalism The Real History of the Standard Oil Company - Alex Epstein http://www.theobjectivestandard.com/issues/2008-summer/standard-oil-company.asp

I Pencil – Leonard L. Read http://www.fee.org/pdf/books/I,%20Pencil%202006.pdf

A Message to Garcia – Elbert Hubbard http://www.thefreemanonline.org/featured/a-message-to-garcia/

Recommended Web Sites

The Cato Institute http://www.cato.org/

The Foundation for Economic Education http://www.fee.org/

The Independence Institute http://www.i2i.org/

The Ludwig Von Mises Institute http://mises.org/

The Heritage Foundation http://www.heritage.org/?ask

Liberty on the Rocks http://www.libertyontherocks.com/

Liberty in the Books http://freecolorado.com/libertybooks/libertybooks.html

Reason http://reason.com/

The Objective Standard http://www.theobjectivestandard.com/

The Leadership Program of the Rockies http://leadershipprogram.org/

Toastmasters Made Me A Better Campaign Volunteer

2010-11-22T17:52:00.003-07:00

We won! We won! The election results were close and were not official for a few days, however we had elected my friend to the Colorado Legislature. With the help of some very committed folks we were able to beat the odds and celebrate the goal of getting our first time candidate elected to office against a two time incumbent. How did we do it? Lot’s of organizational meetings, knocking on doors, attending community functions and events, waving signs and listening and talking to voters. I am convinced we had the right combination of a great candidate, with the right message, at the right time.

I also had many years of Toastmasters experience which helped me to have the confidence to knock on thousands of doors and be engaging enough to not get too many slammed in my face. I contribute my personal success on the campaign trail to my Toastmasters experience. I had given dozens of prepared speeches. I had participated in table topics at weekly meetings. I was prepared to speak off the cuff. I was ready. Here are some funny things that happened along the way.

One day I walked up a driveway to a house where the garage door was open. As I approached a women came out of her house and asked, “Can I help you?” Thinking on my feet I responded, “You sure can!” I explained who I was and why I was there and asked her some engaging questions. We had a nice conversation for about five minutes, an eternity when you’re door knocking. This women was very responsive towards our campaign. I asked for her vote and she was even agreeable to take a yard sign, the jackpot of our conversation. As I was turning to leave the women stopped me and said, “Young man, I have just one more question?” “Yes,” I said. “Can you tell me why I came out into the garage in the first place. “ That was the laugh of the day.

Another time as I was knocking on doors in a different neighborhood I came across a man who asked me a question before I could ask him one. Was he a Toastmaster? I thought. “Where does your candidate get his funding from? Who supports him financially?” Without missing a beat I responded with, “From small donors like you and me” and I handed him a contribution envelope. We both had a good laugh. My table topics training to think on my feet had helped me come up with a quick come back and be able to get the gentleman to even give a contribution.

Several times our campaign had overlapping invitations for our candidate to speak. Often I was asked to do so on his behalf. This is tuff to do, yet knowing my candidates policy positions and hearing him talk numerous times, I was prepared to speak and relay our message to the audience. One time my candidate was stuck in traffic and could not make it in time to an event. I was asked to say a few words on the campaigns behalf. The butterflies only lasted from the walk to the front room until I approached the lectern. I told myself, “it’s just like table topics,” and once my mouth was in motion, the mind went into gear and I was able to share with the audience our campaigns message. I even received a nice applause. Thankfully I had been in similar situations at my Toastmasters Club meetings many times therefore it was not a stretch to get up an share a few words about our campaign. And I did it all under three minutes. Another benefit of Toastmasters is you know how to “get to the point” something many politicians never learn, tell a little story with a beginning, middle and end using smooth transitions and be off the stage before the time keeper cuts you off.

If you know anyone who wishes to work on a campaign or run for public office, the Toastmasters program can help make them or you a better communicator and leader.

HOME-MADE HAUNTED HOUSE

2010-10-18T13:45:00.008-06:00

(This article was written by Lacy Boggs for the Yellow Scene-October 2010 issue. It features my suggestions for creating your own neighborhood haunted house-Happy Haunts)

On an unassuming street in the subdivision of Erie Village sits the Halloween House. Most of the year, it’s just a normal house, but the kids around this neighborhood all know that as soon as the air turns cooler and the leaves begin to change, the Halloween House also begins to transform into a scary, hand-made haunted house. Brad Beck has been converting his garage into a full-blown haunted house since he moved to Erie Village in 2002, and his attraction’s popularity speaks for itself. Every year, he scares the giggles out of more than 500 kids, and he agreed to share some of his tips for those wishing to create their own house of horrors.

Plan Ahead

Beck starts planning the theme of his haunted house nearly 12 months in advance, so he can be on the lookout for inexpensive props year-round. Closer to October, he meticulously plans out what the maze inside his garage will look like, so he has a clear vision when it comes time to build.

Have a Theme

A theme helps give the experience cohesion. He often goes with whatever’s hot that year, be it pirates, zombies or classic Halloween monsters. He also suggests carrying the theme out into the front yard, the house decorations and even the costumes you wear to welcome visitors.

Create Vignettes

Beck’s haunted house doesn’t employ actors to scream and jump out at the kiddies, but rather relies on little vignettes of props to create scary scenes in unexpected places. Anything can become a prop with a new coat of paint or a little imagination.
Incorporate MovementSince his scares are technically inanimate, Beck uses anything he can find to incorporate movement or changes in light to make his vignettes appear to move. An old oscillating fan with the fan part removed makes a scary doll look your way, while a strobe light or puff of air can make ghosties flutter and come alive.

Use Misdirection

The key to Beck’s “maze” through his home is misdirection. As he designs it, he tries to imagine where people will expect the next scare to be—and then places the actual scare in the opposite direction. Keeping things dark and unexpected creates anticipation and makes everything more scary. The less people actually see, the better.

Be Safe and Have Fun

Beck tests all of his walls, vignettes and pathways thoroughly before the first trick-or-treater ever gets a glimpse. It’s important to keep pathways clear and keep walls or drapes stable so that scared kiddos don’t trip or knock things over. He also builds barricades around his vignettes so that curious fingers can’t reach the props

90 days and counting

2010-08-02T15:30:00.002-06:00

To paraphrase Paul Revere, “the mid-term elections are coming, the mid-term elections are coming.” Before we know it, November 2 will be here. Yet, by then most of us will have mailed in our ballots and cast our votes for the next group folks that promise to deliver the moon, the stars and the heavens and then only deliver voids of empty space or worse, fill the voids with programs and entitlements.

You can do something to make sure that does not happen. Get involved in a campaign. I have been since last November for my friend Don Beezley. I wish there were more candidates like Don who is running for Colorado’s House District 33. Most politicians and those running for office will tell you what they will promise. Don’s different. Don will tell you what he will protect.

Don will protect the Constitution of the United States and the State of Colorado.
Don will protect our three basic rights: the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Don will protect the taxpayer by not spending money the government has no right to take.

Protect these rights and jobs will be created.

Protect these rights and schools will be funded.

Protect these rights and prosperity will return.

I have the privilege of working on Don’s campaign. I say privilege because I believe I am fortunate to live in a nation that gives each individual the opportunity to live with the blessings of liberty. I have walked countless hours in precincts talking and listening to voters. I have made phone calls and attended rally’s and fundraisers. Why? Because I believe, it is my civic duty to make sure our county has an active citizenry. I want to be a part of the solution and not part of the problem. I want to make sure our Constitutional Republic is preserved and protected. We don’t need leaders that promise. We need protectors who are patriots, willing fight to preserve our nation.

Get involved and help protect this great county. Volunteer for a candidate who is willing to protect liberty. Walk, call, write and become active. America is a better place for it. http://www.donbeezley.com/

Promising Myself

2010-07-09T18:05:00.003-06:00

As a member of the Optimist Club of Erie, I just attended the 92nd Optimist International Convention held July 8-10, 2010 in Denver, Colorado http://www.optimist.org/. Optimist International is an association of more than 2,900 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids." Adult volunteers join Optimist Clubs to conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth.

My Optimist Club shares their positive message at each meeting which begins with our Creed

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

In one of the many educational sessions I attended, I had the privilege of listening to James Rankin, the author of the “Power of the Creed”. In one of the exercises Mr. Rankin requested the audience to say the Creed with one difference. He asked that the audience say the Creed aloud and change the wording to first person. Read the below aloud to hear what it sounded like.

I Promise Myself

I will be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

I will talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person I meet.

I will make all my friends feel that there is something in them.

I will look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

I will think only of the best, I will work only for the best, and I will expect only the best.

I will be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

I will forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

I will wear a cheerful countenance at all times and I will give every living creature I meet a smile.

I will give so much time to the improvement of myself that I will have no time to criticize others.

I will be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

WOW! It is amazing how a few changed words can enhance this positive message and make it an even more powerful statement. The first person of “I” gives the reader a greater commitment to really strive to live these ideals and work on implementing them in their daily life.
If you did read it out-loud, did you feel the difference?

I recite the Optimist Creed at least twice a day. Once when I rise and once before I fall asleep. It keeps me positive, focused and reminds me to be grateful for all that I have and what I can strive to be. Reciting the Optimist Creed helps me improve my outlook each day.
What are you promising yourself to improve?

My Annual Dose of Hope

2010-06-14T17:33:00.004-06:00

For the past three of four years I have attended, learned and provided my time as a Facilitator for the Colorado Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program. I am also a Member at Large on their Board of Directors. Known as HOBY, this two and a half day conference revolves around teaching 15 and 16 year old sophomores who are going into their junior year of high school, “how to think, not what to think”. These Ambassadors, as they are referred to, are selected by their high school councilors to represent their school, yet more importantly there are selected for their current leadership activities or potential for leadership.

There were over 140 young people from all over Colorado that attended this years event. I was again fortunate to have brilliant Ambassadors, Alyssa, Ashton, Brenna, Jordy. Maggie, Raina, Ryan and Will, along with a vibrant, energetic and enthusiastic Assistant Facilitator, Louisa. Together these eight young women and men recharged my belief that the future will be in good hands as these Ambassadors take their learned skills, information and use their new network of HOBY friends back to their home schools to volunteer and make a difference in their communities.

Attending panel discussions on Business, Media, Volunteering, Education, the Environment and addressing personal prejudice, these HOBY Ambassadors interact, discuss and think about how leadership is critical to successfully addressing the problems and issues that face leaders. Learning development activities also create opportunities for team building and introspective thought.

In addition to creating new friendships, having fun and learning HOBY cheers, there is a challenge of following up this event with 100 hours of community service in any activities the Ambassadors feel they can contribute to. The whole program is maintained and financially supported with all volunteer help who contribute their time, energy and money to ensure continued opportunities for future leaders. Donations by local businesses and service clubs like the Kiwanis and the Optimist help with their financial investment in tomorrow.

This years closing keynote speaker was former Denver Bronco, media commentator and author, Reggie Rivers. Mr. Rivers connected with the HOBY Ambassadors by sharing his heartfelt message of attaining success and creating better behaviors to achieve one’s goals. Mr. Rivers humor, stories and wit were a fitting close to this years theme of Faces of Leadership.

You can contribute to HOBY and to the building of future leaders by donating at; http://www.hobycolorado.com/

A THANK YOU worth sharing

2010-04-18T16:39:00.001-06:00

It was a cool, crisp, clear Monday morning along the front range of Colorado. I was flying from Denver to Sacramento, California on four-day business trip. My carrier of choice, has larger than life photographs of wild animals on their tail and has a reputation as the “hometown” airline with great commercials. In the era of low fares and no service, flying has become like riding on a crowed bus in some banana republic. Crowded and no fun.

As a frequent flyer, I appreciate the little things that occasional flyers do not. Boarding the plane first, so I can stow my carry-on luggage. Extended seating, giving me a few more inches of leg-room. Free TV to check the news when I am not reading a report or a book. Little, “creature comforts” that I look forward to as a premium, “summit” member. Because my carrier of choice does not fly everywhere I have to travel, I sometimes fly on others, like the –“un-friendly skies”. I hate those trips.

My flight was two hours of uneventful bliss. We were actually arriving a few minutes early on a clear, central California dawn. As we made our descent, one of the flight attendants handed me a business card. On the front, in contrasting dark and light gray hues was printed the words, Frontier Airlines. Handwritten in freshly penned, dark blue ink, was the following. “Thank you for flying on Frontier Airlines. We appreciate your business and we look forward to you flying with us again.”

There in my hand I held the first, heartfelt, handwritten “thank you” I had ever received form any airline in twenty-six years of flying. I could not make out the name clearly, yet it was signed by the person who wrote it. The plane made a picture, perfect landing and we taxied to the gate. I gathered my belongings and was about to disembark from the plane when I thanked the flight attendant for the note. She gave me a pleasant smile and said, “Oh I wish I had written it, the captain wrote it”. I was shocked. The cockpit door was open and the captain and co-pilot waved as I left.

WOW! The power of this small gesture has me writing here to you today. While others talk about service and what they do for their customers, Frontier Airlines actually walks the walk. What one thing do you or can you do for your customers to say, “Thank You"?

Facebook | Bradley Craig Beck

2010-01-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Facebook Bradley Craig Beck

What have you done for your customers lately?

2010-01-06T13:27:00.002-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to invest in the education of a customer’s sales team. An industry audio conference was offered by one of the trade organizations my company belongs to. The topic was on new trends in the industry. I paid the $60 dollar fee to receive a call-in number to listen to the conference.

Then, it dawned on me. Why not share this presentation with one of my local distributors? I called the buyer and general manager and asked if they would be interested in learning about new industry trends in a audio conference presented by one of the leading authorities in the business. Best of all, it would be my dime. They accepted my offer and the next day we listened to the audio-conference together in their conference room. The customer chose one of their managers and four of their sales team to listen in. The audio conference lasted about 45 minutes with 15 minutes for Q and A.

The discussion after the audio conference was awesome. There was exciting conversation on how to grow the business and implement the information. The benefit for the sales team was they shared the information with their customers. This opportunity strengthened my relationship with these folks and I helped invest in their future success. A minor cost with a major benefit. I cannot wait until the next event to do this for another customer.

Unintended conquences

2009-12-15T14:49:00.002-07:00

I keep receiving e-mails that close with the following statement at the bottom, please consider the environment before printing this e-mail or some variation thereof. They often have a nice silhouette of a single evergreen tree standing like a sentential over a rushing river, in a bold, hunter green hue. Nice reminder to be environmentally conscious, but I do not need to consider whether I should or should not print something. If we all stop printing out articles or e-mails, that could affect paper companies and more importantly, people who work for them? What would recyclers do? How many loggers would lose their jobs because demand dropped? What about the trucker and the sawmill workers? If those jobs dwindle, what happens to the towns these folks live in? The stores, the restaurants, the schools might close and local governments that depend on these workers tax revenue would dry up.

Simple, harmless ideas that we all see as helping, really do the exact opposite.
Another example is when someone dies, often there is a request by the family that reads, “in lieu of flowers”, send your donations to this organization or that. While good intentioned, in lieu of hurts the florist that will not get to help the bereaved family in their grief by creating a beautiful tribute to the deceased? The florist supplier will not get an order and the grower will not have his crop harvested because someone suggested, in lieu of?

In May of 2003 country singer June Carter Cash, the wife of country legend Johnny Cash, died. Her obituary read, “In lieu of donations, please send flowers”. How refreshing. How bold. I have been to funerals where there were no flowers. The service was stark, cold and uncharacteristic of the person lying in the box. Flowers help celebrate a person’s existence. Flowers remind the survivors of the temporary nature of our lives. Flowers add color, aroma and warmth to a sad life cycle event. Flowers also bring solace and comfort to those who remember the departed.

Therefore, I will embrace Ms. Cash’s idea and ask when I die, send me flowers. Lot’s of them. Heck, send them to me now, while I am vertical. Moreover, please do not remind me to consider the environment. It will be fine without my consideration. My new, personal e-mail closing states;

please help capitalism thrive. print this email.

Toastmaster Youth Leadership Program – a star of an opportunity

2009-11-11T21:50:00.005-07:00

16 mm film was originally an amateur movie format. A moving picture is created by taking a series of still images and advancing them frame by frame at a consistent rate of speed to create the illusion of movement. Our eyes assist by creating a “persistence of vision” to help this optical trick work.

16 hours is the amount of time we have to work with a group of amateur speakers and help them develop their ability to express themselves in a learning opportunity known as the Youth Leadership Program. This eight week Toastmaster program is no illusion, yet like a film it is a process. The program has a mission to help young people communicate effectively using a tried and true Toastmasters structure.

As in the 16mm film, the Youth Leadership Program is built frame by frame on a series of sessions that introduce various skills to the fifteen young people from ages eight to fourteen that are participating in the program. Brad Beck, ACS, ALB, Karen Dittman, CC and Sandie Sorrells are the directors behind this program being presented in the Town of Erie, Colorado for the first time. “I was looking for a project to complete my Advanced Communicator Gold requirements,” says Brad Beck, “when fellow Toastmaster Tom Hobbs suggested I conduct a Youth Leadership Program. Tom visited our club, the Erie Expressors and made a pitch to our members. Tom promised to provided the materials if we promised to conduct the program.” When vision meets action, something is going to happen. It did. “Karen and Sandie agreed to co-coordinate the program with me and we started planning it as soon as Tom delivered the materials,” said Beck.

Over coffee and croissants at the Smiling Moose in Erie, we planned our production. The materials we received gave us guidance on how to conduct the program with a Coordinators Guide and a Participants Handbook. The skills taught and practiced in these manuals include learning about chairmanship, evaluation, organizing a speech, listening, gestures, vocal variety, impromptu and prepared speech presentation. (For Toastmasters this should sound familiar). “We wanted to punch things up a notch,” said Beck, “so we created a power point program for each two hour session to enhance the program and keep the participants attention. About every fifth slide we have a funny or silly picture which keeps the kids engaged and makes them anticipate the material.”

The three split the responsibilities. Karen recruited home schooled children in our community and secured a location for us to conduct the program. Sandie volunteered to be the snack master keeping drinks and goodies for our participants to stay energized. And, Brad posted flyers at the local community center, library and submitted press releases in the local newspaper. They all take turns presenting the material.

Our participants are halfway through the program and they have learned to overcome their nervousness when speaking before an audience. Other skills practiced are organization, presentation, sharing ideas in a logical and convincing way, listening carefully to others, offering advice with evaluations, participating in and leading group discussions. With four meetings completed we have witnessed an increase in the participants self confidence as they learn and have fun.

“I am fortunate to have the assistance of some dedicated individuals from our club,” says Beck. “Karen and Sandie enthusiastically accepted the challenge of bringing this program to life and making it a success.”

Like a film there is a lot of pre-production time spent prior to conducting each session, enhancing the materials. The end product however is well worth it. “If we can help these young people become tomorrow’s leaders by giving them the tools they can use to become better citizens and confident communicators we have spent our time well,” says Beck. Word has already spread around town about the program and we have a list started for another eight week session which we hope to do sometime in the spring. 16 hours is not a lot of time to invest in your community to create your own program. Our suggestion like the directors call is, “Action”

Greeting internal and external customers

2009-09-18T14:57:00.003-06:00

The sign read, “Welcome Brad Beck from Design Master.” WOW! What a way to be greeted. I was visiting a good customer in New Jersey and as I walked in their front door, that message was there to greet me. My name was prominent above the customer’s colorful logo. Did I feel special? You bet. I was smiling from ear to ear and truly felt like an honored guest in someone’s home. I was put as ease and knew this call would be great. This customer understood that when someone sees or hears their name, it’s makes them feel good and sets a positive mood for discussion.

In the beginning of the spring here in Colorado I did something similar at our office. I purchased a large potted geranium plant and placed it by the back door entrance. This is typically where most of our team members enter our office. I wanted each person to feel good about coming to work so I added a short sign that reads, “Through this door walks the BEST!”, and put our company logo on it. This colorful red flowering plant and that little sign greets our folk’s everyday. Hopefully it puts a smile on their face and reinforces how important they are to the success of our business.

What could you do to welcome your internal and external customers? Is there a special sign or posting you could make, to greet your customers? Little touches like these show someone cares and makes a world of difference in how one feels when we walk into a business. What are you doing to make folks feel welcomed?

The will to survive. Do you have it?

2009-09-01T00:52:00.004-06:00

After one of the most expensive search and rescues in Grand Canyon history, John was found alive. John Fountain is a survivor. I mean this figuratively. At 18 years old, John and some high school friends set off for a hiking trip into the Grand Canyon. It was to be their last adventure of the summer before entering college. All seemed to go well for the first few hours on their decent to Horseshoe Mesa. The canyon was deceivingly beautiful. The vista’s were surreal and so was the 100 plus degree temperature. After a day of hiking the friends became dehydrated and then sick. John knew he had to do something for his friends . He needed to hike back up the canyon and go for help. Together they found a big rock to provide shade from the heat and then John left his friends with his gear, save some water and a few essentials.

John headed back up the canyon but soon found himself going the wrong way. After hiking back up a steep escarpment, he became lost and the climbing heat soon attacked John like his friends. He felt himself getting ill. He made his way back to where his companions were the next day but they were gone. They were feeling better after some rest and went to find water. John set off to find his friends. Somehow missing each other in their quest, they remained separated and did not connect. By this time there was evidence that John had come back to the place where he left his friends. His backpack was open and items removed and used. Thinking John had come back and then hiked out once again his buddies left to emerge from the canyon, only to discover that John was nowhere in sight. John’s car was still where he had left it. They knew John was down in the canyon, lost. They went for help.

Search and rescue crews fanned out into the canyon to search for John. Day after day they could not find him. John was sleeping during the hot days and traveling in the evening. The brilliant moon shining it’s beams of light showing him the way. John wandered the many canyons and gullies. With no food John found whatever he could to eat. Frogs somehow kept him nourished. John found water where water was not supposed to be. Spending his 19th birthday alone, John sang, Happy Birthday to himself over and over again to keep awake and alert through his ordeal though the cooler canyon evenings.

After six days John was presumed dead. Yet, he was very much alive. Some thirty miles from where he started, John spotted a lone hiker on a ridge above him. It happened to be British man walking alone along a trail. John followed the man and finally tackled him to get his attention. When John told the man who he was, he was astonished. In no shape to go up, they went down the well travelled trail to Phantom Ranch where they called for help. John was rescued.

John’s complete story was finally told after 25 plus years to an audience of industry peers. John held back the emotional scars that made this journey come rushing back to him in crystal clarity as he spoke to this industry conference on survival in tough times. This story gave me pause to reflect on how John’s incredible story of survival is a parable for those of us in business today. Preparing for a journey will only help you on your trek. It does not guarantee success. The choices one makes have consequences. Choose the course you take wisely. Pursue your path. Keep going in the face of adversity. Roadblocks like steep escarpments or dangerous cliffs may make you change course. Adapt to the environment you are in. Use what you have at hand to get you through. Be creative in your approach to any situation. Participate in pensive moments and reflect on you, your goals and your situation. Perpetually move forward.

John’s journey is our journey. We all enter a wilderness at times. The best emerge from the abyss, stronger and better prepared for the next adventure.

How do you differentiate yourself?

2009-07-26T19:01:00.000-06:00

My friend Sharon McGukin is a professional florist, teacher and now author. I recently had the privilege of working with Sharon again at a “Christmas in July Design Show” put on by one of my wholesale distributors in Phoenix, Arizona. The wholesalers merchandising and wares were all beautifully displayed. The staff was friendly and well informed about their products and gave great customer service. It was a real treat to be working here to promote my products for them. It was well over 100 degrees outside yet Sharon, being the consummate professional never let this bother her. She went right to work on designing arrangements for the many vignettes she would create for the audience the next evening.

It’s hard enough to work in a desert environment and think about Christmas. Yet, Sharon created the illusion of the holiday season with her many dozen arrangements. Sharon not only shared her design ability, she illuminated the audience with inspiration and her marketing ideas, sales tips and business philosophy for over two hours.

After the program was completed Sharon greeted guest at a table set up with her new book entitled, “Flowers of the Heart, a bride’s guide to choosing flowers for her wedding.” It is a beautifully written and photographed volume that can be used by both florist and brides. The book illustrates the important element flowers bring to this special day in people’s lives.

Customers came up to Sharon to purchase her book. She warmly greeted them and did something that I had never experienced before at a book signing. Sharon not only inscribed each book with a personalized message, she would caringly slip the book into a perfectly fitted velum bag and then, tied a quality pink satin ribbon into a bow. Embossed on the ribbon in silver ink was the title of the book, “Flowers of the Heart” in the same style script as the book cover. Then with a smile Sharon handed each person their book and thanked them for their purchase.

Wow!!! This was most likely the best example of customer service I have ever seen in some time. Sharon could have just signed the book and handed it to the purchaser. However, she wanted to make the purchase of her book special. She wanted to differentiate herself from other authors. Sharon created a special bond between herself and the purchaser of her book similar to the bond shared between a bride and groom. The purchaser not only received a book they received an experience and a gift. This example made me wonder what ways each of us could do the same to make the experience of buying our wares or services different from our competitors?

To purchase Sharon’s book e-mail her at info@sharonmcgukin.com or follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sharonmcgukin

My whole life has been a series of "Awe's and "Um's"

2009-05-27T13:35:00.000-06:00

Now in a speaking sense, Toastmasters are constantly working to eliminate the unnecessary jargon that is used as filler. The “Ah’s” and “Um’s” are pseudo words used as crutches that speakers work hard to eliminate from their vocabulary. They are often used inadvertently to hold a thought or give more time when asked a question. In Toastmasters we are painfully aware of these annoying words and they are repeated back to a speaker during an evaluation by the Ah Counter at the end of a meeting. Members work diligently to use a pregnant pause rather than a filler word.

The “Awes” and “Um’s” I am referring to are those special moments in life. The events I can look back on or forward to, with reverence of that time. My marriage to my wife Kathy in San Francisco under the dome of the city hall building, the enchanting birth of my daughter Melissa, and those break-through moments when time feels as if it has stopped and everything is in slow motion. Whether it is learning something new and fantastic, viewing the majestic snow-covered peaks of the Rocky Mountains, or staring out at the vast Pacific Ocean between gently-swaying palm trees at sunset. I have had many transient instances when I am “living in the moment.”

These are the times I am aware and fully participating in life. I breathe it in deeply and hold on to it as long as I can. These are times when I experience being alive. Often in our day to day existence we just go along in our routines. What if we were to start each day and actively “Think” about having an “Awe” or “Um” moment during the day? Wouldn’t you anticipate going to work or school looking for or making happen the “Awe” for the day, or the pause when you said, “Um” and appreciate the place or situation you are in.

When I am home and working at my office in Boulder I will often take time to walk the block to a city park where the cool, snow melted water of Boulder Creek runs year-round. The park tables are often empty and the swift running water is calming. I enjoy my lunch and relax for a short while. This bit of “Awe” allows me to recharge my batteries and tackle the often thorny issues that arise during the day. A mini vacation that allows me to pause time and clear my head. “Um”

I am always looking to create a daily moment or allow it to happen and be aware of it at the time. I constantly working and planning to create exciting, new and refreshing moments of “Awe”. In business the mind is the most powerful sales tool a person has. One of the best ways I know to be successful in both business and in life is to look and create the “Awe’s” and “Um’s”. As a Toastmaster I work to eliminate the unnecessary fillers in my speech. In life, I look add more “Awe’s” and “Um’s”.

Presentations and PowerPoint

2009-04-09T13:27:00.000-06:00

At an industry convention I recently attended I witnessed first hand how relying solely on PowerPoint can kill a presentation. The presenter was well versed on his topic. The pre-meeting promotion I read interested me. Here is where it went down hill fast. The presenter used the exact same wording in his PowerPoint as his handouts. This bored the audience to tears. The subject of the presentation was focused around an industry study with statistical material. People in the back of the room started to leave after the first few minutes. Eyes glazed over with that after lunch bloating that sets in. I felt bad for this industry expert who had the knowledge to share yet did not use the presentation or the technology to engage the audience with the passion I knew he had for the subject. I sat in the first row so I was stuck. Therefore, I used the opportunity to write notes to myself and ask how could the presenter have made this a more enjoyable experience for the audience? How could the PowerPoint technology be used to help not hurt the presentation?

First of all I would have created a structure in the PowerPoint and had some style to the presentation. One technique is to use the “Tell ‘Em” method of presenting. This begins with “Tell the audience what you are going to talk about, then Tell the audience, backing each point with facts, figures and information. Then, Tell the audience what you told them.” This would have set the stage. The presenter just jumped into the material. Images would have given a frame of reference to the audience since most folks think visually these days.

The presenter peppered stories from his experience with his own company throughout the presentation to back up the industry data. This was good, yet he could have made the stories more powerful with appropriate images that reinforced each point he was trying to make. The presenter also appeared to be anchored at the podium. To add interest the speaker could have walked around the room to connect with his audience. A remote clicker could have kept him mobile and not stuck advancing the slides. Moving around during the presentation could have kept the audience involved and awake.

Another issue was that the presenter spoke in a monotone manner throughout the entire talk. Using some vocal variety with the speech with some well place gestures would have added interest and given the listeners an opportunity to engage with the presenter. Sound bites or sound effects could have been added humor or helped make his points more vivid.

Bottom line; Technology is great, yet an interesting person with interesting information does not make for an interesting PowerPoint presentation.

Yes! We have it in that color.

2009-03-31T23:45:00.000-06:00

A customer asked me recently if I had some way to promote my products in his store. Being in the hardgoods side of my business we do not do a lot of point of sales materials, I asked what are you looking for? The customer paused and then said, “I know you have literature and do lots of advertising in trade publications. But, I’m looking for something that my people can wear to be a reminder that we sell your product.” I sell spray color in a aerosol can.

This customer has lots of walk in traffic and is located in a terminal market with many other businesses. The customer went on to say, “so often we get people looking for a container or a prop and we don’t have it in the color they are looking for and I am constantly training my staff to get the sell no matter what. If I can help them see that we have what they need and all they have to do it spray it with your colors everyone is happy. I sell what I have in stock and the customer gets the look they need.”

This customer’s employees all were a smock to protect their clothes and have a uniformed look allowing their customers to tell that they work at the store. “Why don’t you create a button that all my folks can wear on their smocks. It could say something like, Yes we have it in that color.”

The idea was simple and the buttons were produced. An inexpensive way to help a customer get our message out and provide them with a tool that can help sell more product. Often time just letting a customer think out loud gives you an opportunity to be a hero and give them what they want. Listen and you shall hear.

Business is GREAT!!!

2009-03-23T15:56:00.000-06:00

The idea of attraction says if you hang around successful people you have the opportunity to be successful. If you hang around smart people you have the opportunity to be smart. I believe in this idea and choose to be happy, strive for success and work at being smarter every day. Depending on how you view the preverbal glass, half full or half empty is what your customers pick up on. I choose to say business is great. Is it? You make the call.

Some businesses are booming. Guns sales are up. Adult Beverage Sales are up. Retailers like Dollar Stores and Wal-Mart are up. With every boom and bust cycle there are winners and losers, (as long as government allows the free market to work). The question I ask myself is how can my products and services be apart of the market even when the economy is down? What do I need to do to make sure my well has water in it even in a drought? Planning for these times surely helps. Being lean and efficient is a necessity. I would say that the biggest opportunity a person has is to work on is themselves. Be happy. Be positive. Be someone others wish to be around. Yea, so the news says things “suck.” Choose not to participate in the muck.

The motivational speaker, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones would say “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” You have to get out in the market place and meet people. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and network. Join a non-profit and give your time to a worthy cause. Become a member of an Optimist Club, Lions, Rotary or any other service organization. In time you will get known and in front of people. Give all you can of your time and energy. Volunteer for activities and be known as a happy, positive person that can get things done.

Read anything and everything you can on biographies of successful people, business, history, wealth management, psychology, political science, sports and personal development. Be interesting and knowledgeable about many topics. Listen to books on tape to and from work. Give yourself 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at the end of the day to read and enhance your thinking. Go to lectures and attend seminars that are informative and challenging.

Business is great and only getting better everyday with a positive attitude, an investment in your future and by reading more and meeting someone new every day.

"We're too busy sir!"

2009-01-16T22:27:00.000-07:00

We were all set up for a recent trade show in Dallas. The booth looked great. We had our new product all ready to roll out. Run through the check list one more time before the show opened. Price list - check. Literature - check. Give aways – Give aways. Oh we no we forgot the giveaways. What to do? I know. I’ll go over to the world famous coffee house with the green mermaid as it’s logo and buy some gift cards to hand out to good customers as our way of saying thanks for visiting our booth.

There is a short line and I wait a few minutes for my turn. As I move forward the line grows by a few people. It’s my turn to order. “One cup of coffee, black and twenty $10.00 gift cards please.” I am sorry sir we are too busy to do gift cards now. There is a line behind you. "Yes, I know there is a line behind me, however I want to spend $200.00 on gift cards and there are 10 people behind me that want to spend $4.00 dollars each on coffee. That’s $40.00 bucks. I need $200.00 in gift cards now.” I am sorry sir you will have to come back.” I can’t believe what I am hearing. I repeat, "I need $200.00 in gift cards now, please." Wait a moment sir. The cashier yells in a foreign language to someone in the back. A voice booms out, “Tell him we are too busy and he will have to come back.”

"You have got to be kidding. The economy is supposedly bad I want to spend $200 now and you are turning me down because the people behind me will have to wait?" What has happened to service in America? What has happened to common sense? What would you have done?

I tell you what I did. I took my business to the juice vendor down the hall. He was happy to take my money. I had several people behind me even when I asked for his gift cards. The problem for the world famous coffee house with the green mermaid as its logo is that I told everyone who came into my booth about my experience on how not to treat customers. I am telling you as you read this page. The world famous coffee house with the green mermaid had recently made a big deal about closing down for a day to retrain their staff about coffee and customer service. At least that’s what the PR department stated.

How can a local independent compete against a big corporate giant like the world famous coffee house with the green mermaid as its logo? Simple. Give the customer what they want, when they want it. Be pleasant. Be likable. And most of all, train your staff to be ready for extra business even when they are busy. Find a way to take care of good customers. Moral. Stop picking up dimes when you can pick you dollars. I now drink coffee from the golden arches and I save $2.50 a cup.

The Difference between “I” and “We”.

2008-11-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

According to the dictionary the word “I” is the first person singular as a subject and is used by a speaker in referring to himself or herself. The word “I” provides clarity and gives the listener the knowledge of the speaker’s stance. Using the word “I” is assertive and gives a first person point of view.

The word “we” is a nominative plural of “I”. “We” refers to, you and another. ”We” can also mean on behalf of the group or persons who agree with each other. “We” can also be used as a leadership word for a nation or institution. Such as in the Preamble of our Constitution, “We the People of the United States…”

Before there can be a “we” there has to be an “I”. As I reflect on the recent election, I can see the real difference between each of the two main parties by the words they use and their ideologies. One party clearly believes in the strength of the individual and states “I believe” and “I am”. The other party clearly seeks to create and support a community by stating, “We want” and “Yes we can”.

As inclusive as it is, “we” leaves out the personal responsibility of being in command and control of ones own self. “We” relies on the collectiveness of the group and does not require or qualify the assembled. “We” creates it strength from its numbers. The beauty of the “I” is to know the strength of the individual, to know ones capabilities and ones convictions and beliefs and thereby being able to rely on ones self.

My concern is that the people who believe in the “we” are now in the position to take away all the guarantees of our constitution of individual and property rights, of free markets that can prosper under limited government and low taxes and provide for a strong national defense, so “we” can engage in the aforementioned enterprises of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Government cannot and should not give us our happiness. It should help, yet not hinder. Government should provide only that which the “I” can not do and serve the “we” where necessary, and not just when needed or wanted.

It seams people these days want to skip being “I” and want to jump right into being “we”. I wonder why? Is it too much work? Has life become so complicated? I hope not. For “we” to work, our country needs to get back to being “I’” first.

How will you vote?

2008-10-14T15:08:00.000-06:00

After being inundated with hundreds of commercials, postcards, flyers, newspaper articles, e-mail blasts, blog reports and even personal visits from candidates the race for public office has become an interruption in my daily life. Like most people I would like to get back to the comfort of my routine before the election. I would like to go back before I ever had to met Freddie and Fannie
and the economic meltdown of Wall Street. Here’s the problem. There is no going back, only the future. We can’t change what has happened. We can learn from the past and only go forward.

I have been told how we got into the current situation. The finger pointing has been directed at both major political parties and their leaders How do we fix the problem so we can go forward and pull away from all the of negativity and mistrust of government? How do we vote for real change? Here’s a novel idea. Pull out that dusty copy of the United States Constitution you gave your kids to read for school. Can’t find it? Go to the library and ask for a copy, they may still have one, someplace. Better yet, go on-line and look it up. Read what it has to say. Yes, I know the wording is perhaps a bit old fashion. I know it’s something you haven’t looked at since high school civics class. Do yourself and your country a favor and read it.

You may be shocked how different you will “fill in the boxes” in the voting booth. The ideals set forth by America’s Founders in the United States Constitution should be everyone’s guiding principles in making their decisions on Election Day. Do the candidates you are voting for or the issues you are in favor of protect individual and property rights? Do the individuals running for office stand for personal responsibility? Are your candidates in favor of free markets, limited government and low taxes? And most importantly is your candidate voting for a strong national defense?

If you can answer yes to all these questions then the person you are voting for and the issues you are in favor of are upholding the guiding principles of our Constitution. If they are not, then you get the government you vote for. My suggestion for my countrymen is to really move on. Read one of the most enduring documents written by all mankind. Read your Constitution and then vote.

Waiting for the sun to rise.

2008-08-19T15:49:00.000-06:00

Leadership is earned, not a given.
Sometimes one finds themselves placed in this position. Others seek it out.
If you are a leader of a group or a company try this exercise. Before the early morning dawn stand facing the west and wait for the sun to rise.You may will it all you want. You can think positively. You may dream it to happen. Yet, simply being positive or optimistic about the outcome will not make it happen. Facing away from the challenge and wishing, hoping or commanding the sun to rise in the west will not make it so.

What does a leader do? Realize that you are not so powerful that you can wish, will or command an object like the sun to move away from its natural cycle. Your employees, volunteers in a group or even your kids are much the same way. People follow leaders that lead. It sounds redundant, however I have found it is a correct statement. A leader has a vision or their goals based on his or her values, plans and activities. A leader then follows the vision with their mission. A simplified statement of purpose and a base for all else that is to be accomplished. Finally, a leader must communicate their vision and mission in a compelling manner that engages the listener in a way that they wish to be lead.

Simple to say, yet it is very challenging to do. I have studied leadership by reading, listening and attending seminars and talks. I have been to management institutes, industry conventions and trade shows too numerous to count. I am still learning about the art and the science of leadership. I have been in leadership positions and have been successful. I have been in leadership positions and failed and I have had to learn that leadership is a moving target that evolves as the group or situation changes. The key is not to lose sight of the one’s vision and mission. Leaders can adapt with new or different information, yet it then has to be redefined and communicated again.

When I think back to the people I have followed in my life, my parents, my teachers, my professional mentors, I see one common thread. It is that they cared about me. They touched my heart and asked that I be a part of their lives. Leaders know how to do this with their actions, their stories and their real world experiences which allow others to follow. Leaders lead from the heart, not from their position. The sun will prove it every time.

I'm Going to Fun

2008-07-25T12:05:00.000-06:00

My work is fun. I have the opportunity to enhance people’s lives with color everyday.
To me this is not work, its fun. Of course there is the day to day busy paperwork and the crisis that pops up from time to time, yet I choose to think of my work as fun. Other wise why would I want to spend most of my days, weeks and months and now years doing it, if it wasn’t fun

To many people dread getting up in the morning because they have to go to work. Why?
Life is too short and so am I. Get up and go to have fun. Enjoy what you do. I wake up happy and looking forward to having fun that day. Most of my days start at 5:00am. I try to get to the gym by 5:30, work out for about an hour, and then head off to fun. Meeting peope. Talking to probable prospects. Having fun.

I plan one activity that will expand my knowledge everyday. Sometimes it’s checking out a new web site at lunch. Often I read industry magazines during a break. Other times it’s leaving the office for a bit and doing something that breaks up the day and gives me added energy. Visiting new stores, a museum or driving down a different street and seeing what's new. I come back refreshed and ready to have more fun.

Calling your job work often makes it just that. Calling your job fun changes your psyche and changes your outlook for the day. Try it for a week and see if you are having more fun than work to do.

Service: Rangers Lead the Way

2008-06-23T17:09:00.000-06:00

I recently saw a sign that read, “Home of the Free, because of the Brave.” The slogan swiftly made me think of my nephew who serves our country as an Army Ranger. The timing was perfect as he was about to visit us in Colorado for a much needed vacation.
When we meet for lunch, we hugged I mistakenly blurted out the Marines Motto “Semper Fidelis,”-“Always Faithful,” instead of the Rangers motto of "Sua Sponte,”-“Of Their Own Accord.” My nephew laughed and in a gentlemanly way said, “that’s the other guys, were the one’s that “lead the way.” He reminded me of what a great motto the Rangers have.
We spoke in general terms about the Rangers and what he could use when he is deployed. He said, “I really don’t need anything, however, when I’m far from home it’s nice to know I’m not forgotten. Your e-mails are much appreciated.” It made me think how important it is to be in touch.
After our visit I thought about how the Rangers could teach any business the things that are important. Thought: How well am I at being in touch with my customers, suppliers and internal staff to run a well functioning organization?
The Rangers are a regiment of rapidly-deployable light infantry which uses its specialized skills that enable them to perform operations of all types at a moments notice. They can be deployed and respond anywhere in the world within 18 hours notice. Thought: How fast can my business respond to a crisis or opportunity in my sphere of influence? Do I have a plan to respond to situations that my business may face? Do I train enough to execute, as best I can? Am I using my specialized skills to their potential? These are all “moments of truth” to be examined.
The last part of the Rangers creed reads, “Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.” Thought: These are words that I should also take to heart given the environment that business is in today. Though I am not in the same life and death situation as our brave soldiers who serve our country, my business is fighting for it’s life everyday. If it does not stay in touch and examine itself constantly it will no longer survive. My business, like the Rangers must “Lead the Way.”

Are the Valleys as important as the Mountaintops?

2008-05-19T16:32:00.000-06:00

I was privileged to attend my local Toastmasters District Conference recently. Friday night’s opening event was a Table Topics Contest. Table Topics is impromptu speaking that allows participants to “Think on Their Feet”. Table Topics is also fast, that is unless you’re the speaker.

In Table Topics the idea is to tell a mini-story with a beginning, a body and a conclusion all within 2 minutes. The contestants must speak for at least 60 seconds to qualify. A Timer switches on a green light and the contestant knows they are at least in the running. At 90 seconds the speaker sees a yellow light. Now, the speaker should be thinking about tying their story together and it’s ending. At 120 seconds the speaker gets a red light and must wrap up their thoughts in 15 seconds. It’s a real talent to do this well. However, each contestant will tell you all it takes is practice.

The contestants were secluded and one by one they where invited to the stage and asked the same question by the Table Topics Master.
Are the Valleys as important as the Mountaintops?
I did my own personal judging on each contestant as they spoke. There were seven participants in all. As the judges were scoring the contestants, the question seeped back into my head, like a song that you can’t get out of your mind. The answers were thoughtful, insightful, funny and witty. The individual I chose to win didn’t even place in the top three. What were the judges looking for that I did not see? I knew they had to be as objective as possible. They all had guide sheets to keep the judging as fair as possible. I was missing something.

The person that did win had done an excellent job. Then, I got the “ah ha” moment of why the winner had won. They had “connected” with the audience. They took the question of the “Valleys” as being as important as the “Mountaintops” in a way that “connected” with the judges. The winner’s answer went from the judges ears and transcended to their hearts. All during the conference this word “connect” keep cropping back up. “Being Connected.” “Getting Connected.” “Connecting” your goals to your Speaking". Like the Valleys and the Mountains, the question “connected” me to the idea that one does not exist without the other.

Our lives are very much like this. We strive for the top, for the Mountains vistas which are often uncluttered and empty. The Valleys are where we mostly dwell and often don’t challenge ourselves to get out of. The challenge in Toastmasters and in life is to “connect” the two so there is balance. To appreciate the mountaintops and their rewards we start off in the Valley. We also know well that we are often brought back to the Valley. The process is ongoing. My life is now is transitioning from the green light to the yellow. One day it will go from the yellow to the red. Until then the goal for me is to appreciate the pinnacle when there and work towards it’s summit when I am back in the valley.

Spring is a great time of year.

2008-05-12T12:57:00.000-06:00

Living in Colorado you notice when spring arrives. The colors become so much more vibrant. The beige drabness of winter’s brown sepia tones slowly recede to the welcoming of verdant green. You first notice it with the grass. The vibrant fresh green shoots emerge from their winter’s sleep. Bulb plants with their strong stems erupt from the ground still cold with the frost of the last snow. This is followed by the emergence of color from the persistent blooms. Brilliant red’s, yellow’s and pink’s of flowering tulips. Azure hues of blue and purples from crocus and hyacinth. The forsythia’s vibrant yellow attracts the eye and the bees.

The foliage of trees unfurls daily. The bones of branches that stood their ground for all of winter, are now rewarded with a new canopy of shade to block the oncoming longer days and luminous sun.

Outdoor activities are resumed. Baseball returns and the “crack of the bat” on ball field’s, that awaken with players enthused to return. Bikes are ridden on pathways long abandoned by snow and are now happy to accept wheels rolling along. Laughter returns to play areas and children dangle from seats being pushed to and fro.

There is renewed hope in the air. The gleam of the sun light is brighter and more radiant. The blue of the sky is sharply contrasted by the milky-white snow which still rings the uppermost peaks of the majestic Rocky Mountains. The dimness of the season past, awakens to the crystalline approach of the new day. Dull become sharp. Dusty becomes clean.

There is a sense of rebirth and newness and that anything can be accomplished. Now is the time to reawaken those intentions. Now is the time to start anew those plans put on hold after the commitment of the New Year. Reexamine, recommit and replace old habits with recast spirit. Do the thing that you have been waiting to do, now. Seize it now while it is fresh and commands your attention. Immediacy gets things done. Engage it. Accomplish it.
Spring, the very word is a call to action.

Finding My Way Around

2008-04-22T10:39:00.000-06:00

I just came back from a business trip to New York City and Northern New Jersey. Now, I am not intimidated by much, however driving in these two places can be challenging to say the least. Having grown up in Los Angeles and driving in a major urban area I am well tested to be able to compete on the roads of the East Coast. The major difference in my opinion is that the roads are narrower and they drive crazier. Lanes seem to mean nothing.

Thank goodness for the GPS system I rented with the car. I arrived bleary eyed from my overnight flight and arrived at LaGuardia Airport ready for the day. I found the bus to the rental car lot an there was the car I rented ready to go. The GPS system neatly attached to the front window.

I entered the address of my first sales call and proceeded on my way. Within thirty minutes I arrived at my destination on Long Island. What a great tool to have. I made my appointment on time and had a great call. My next few stops were all on Long Island and the GPS system made finding them all quite easy.
My day was a success and I survived day one. So often I am trying to read a map and drive at the same time. I also have used the internet mapping program as a backup, yet here too you have to read while driving.

The neat thing about the GPS is that it gives you directions verbally while you drive. If there is traffic up ahead it gives you notice to make other plans. If you miss your turn or can’t get over in traffic the GPS recalculates and works to get you back on track to find your destination.

Success in business is much the same. You have to use your internal GPS system to know how to get from point A to Point B. You have to have a strategy or better yet an intention to succeed. You have to plan, execute and recalculate if things don’t come together as planned. Tools like GPS are wonderful new technologies to use. They make the effort all effortless. Yet, without careful planning and a direction in mind, GPS can take you anyplace but where you need to go. My experience has been you have to have a destination in mind before you make your trip. I visualize my trips, my business and my success everyday. I use the tools available to help me with my success. You can as well. Now, if they can only give a bit more notice on the GPS when I am in the fast lane to slow down because the off ramp is coming up on the right in .02 miles

The Third Spot

2008-03-31T13:21:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I attended a design and marketing show put on by one of my customers in Denver, Colorado. They had world renowned flower expert J Schwanke present a wedding program for over three hundred customers. J is the driving force behind JTV, which is a web site that features a different weekly webisode about floral design for the floral professional and floral enthusiast. This concept recently morphed into a bigger more expansive creative forum called ubloom, www.ubloom.com.

The idea behind ubloom is to expand and cross pollinate creativity in floral, craft and special events. J has gathered friends and experts in these other areas to create a community that is hungry to share information and knowledge. I always look for a “nugget” to take way from these types of presentations and J gave several on this occasion.

The idea of The Third Spot struck me as something I not heard of before. J spoke about, “Work is where you have to be. Home is where you want to be.
And, The Third Spot is a place that you want to hang out”
J used the Starbucks model as an example. His local Starbucks has a Barista who greets him every morning with his favorite drink, made to his specifications. The Barista puts J’s name on the cup so he feels like it’s his place. The chairs invite him to hang out. The music makes him remember a happy time in his life. The community bulletin board lets him know what is happening in his community. The Third Spot is replicated in places like Borders and Barnes and Noble. They each have coffee vendors inviting you to relax, enjoy your favorite beverage, brose and hang out. These places create a lifestyle setting that many fast food restaurants are trying to replicate.

Could The Third Spot idea be an idea to fulfill a need for your customers to hang out in your place of business? Could you upscale the coffee and drinks inviting your customer to enjoy their shopping experience? Could you create a lending library of the latest books and magazines on business, design, marketing? Is there an opportunity to have DVD’s or books on tape that your customer could barrow to educate their staff? Do you offer a community exchange board for notices, meetings and information? The Third Spot is an interesting concept that could create added value and a place for your customers to meet, share ideas and want to spend more time in your place rather than the competition.

Toastmaters prepared me to caucus

2008-02-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

In this season of politics, primaries and choosing a president, I had my first opportunity to participate in my states caucus. It was an interesting process to be a part of. Most of the people in my precinct had never participated in a caucus and because of this it was new and exciting. There was a constant flow of folks registering to participate. The turn out was far greater than expected. Was this because the slate of candidates this time around? Was it the opportunity to have a greater say in the election process? Was it all of the above and more?

My reason for attending was to cast my vote and to speak on behalf of a friend of mine who is running for one of our states house-district seats. He had asked if I would introduce him in my precinct since I am active in our town’s civic and service groups. I was honored to be asked to do this and looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm for my friend and his candidacy.

The caucus chairperson asked if anyone would like to speak on behalf of any of the candidates running for our parties ticket. My friend was going to start the evening at his precinct and he would be over at our caucus as soon as he could make it. All the speakers for the national candidates had their say. My friend was no where in sight. My nerves were on edge since I had only prepared an introduction, not a speech.

My cell phone buzzed just then and I answered. My friend apologized for not being at my caucus yet and said his precinct had so many people showing up that they were still registering folks and they were running way behind. My friend asked if I won’t mind just presenting for him with some kind words. “Sure, not a problem,” I said and hung up.

The Caucus Chairperson asked if anyone else would like to speak on behalf of a candidate? I took a deep breath, smiled at my wife and jumped up from where I was seated. The Chairperson stated I had two to three minutes. The light bulb went on and I thought, Table Topics. Cool. I can handle this. Even though I had only prepared an introduction, my Toastmaster skills kicked in. I opened my remarks with what I had planned as the introduction and then I enhanced my speech with a personal story about my friend and an experience he had while campaigning.

I looked into the eyes of the audience members. I felt my message about my friend was connecting. The audience seemed engaged and several people smiled back as I spoke. I had no notes and spoke from the heart. It was about “yellow card” time so I wrapped up my thoughts and said, thank you. I was given a round of applause. Wow! I had done it. Because of my Table Topics skills, I was confident and concise in my presentation. Toastmasters had saved the day for me and I hope garnered some votes for my friend.

After the caucus several people came up to me and asked about the Toastmaster’s club my friend and I attend since I had said, we both enjoyed practicing our speaking skills. This experience actually turned out to be an opportunity to invite several people to join our clubs meeting that week. Who knows, perhaps we’ll gain a new member or two.

For more information on the Chamber Ad-Liborators Club #770817 Broomfield, Colorado http://chamberadlib.freetoasthost.info/

Giving is better than receiving.

2008-02-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

March 17th - St. Patrick’s Day is the date of my coming into this world. It’s a fun day to celebrate. I can walk into any pub and announce, “It’s my Birthday” and the out come the cheers and the complimentary adult beverages. What a great day to be born. Several years ago I wanted to do something memorable on my Birthday. I was listening to a local radio personality in Denver by the name of Pete Boyles. He was talking about an event to be held at a Fado’s Irish Pub called St. Baldrick’s Day.

The name was so intriguing that I went on line and looked up St. Baldrick’s. I learned that the idea for the name came about when three reinsurance executives turned their industry's St. Patrick's Day party into a benefit for kids with cancer. In 1999, Tim Kenny challenged friends, John Bender and Enda McDonnell to find a way to give back to society. John suggested shaving Enda's head since kids typically lose their hair during cancer treatment. "People will gladly pay to see you bald, Enda!" Never one to miss an opportunity, Enda replied, "I will if you will," and St. Baldrick's was born.

I thought, if these guys could raise money for finding a cure to eradicate childhood cancer so could I. It was just the event I was looking for to make my Birthday memorable. Besides, hair grows back. I signed up for the event and started asking for donations for this wonderful cause. That first year I did not know what to expect. I arrived first thing in the morning at 6:00am. The volunteers were setting up and Pete Boyles was doing a live broadcast from the pub. There was a lot of excitement in the air. I still wasn’t sure if I wanted to go through with it. I figured if I went first and got it over with it would be OK. They asked for the first volunteer and up I jumped.

The volunteer barber gave me a smile, covered me with an apron and started to buzz off all my hair. As the small crowd hollered with approval I had started laughing like crazy. It was all over in a few minutes. I now knew how a sheep felt when it got sheared and boy was my head cold. The applause was great. Several other Shavees gave me high fives as I walked past them. I had raised my first $500.00 for St. Baldrick’s. I was hooked. The most marvelous part of the event was when I meet several kid’s who had joined the festivities that had their cancer in remission. They came to thank everyone for being at the event. I felt rewarded for having done something I knew could make a difference.

That first year I did the event for fun. The following year I shaved my head in honor of the daughter of a friend of mine who was diagnosed with leukemia. St. Baldrick’s became more personal now. That year I shaved my head with a buddy and again it was a rewarding experience. I shared my experience with another friend in New Jersey and he was so intrigued he has started an event in his home town. It’s amazing how a small dare has grown into a major fundraising event to help a disease that should never have been.

Since the first event in 2000, St. Baldrick's volunteers have raised over $34 million for life-saving research and 2008 promises even more exciting progress. Every child, teen, and family deserves our very best effort to cure childhood cancer, and that's just what they'll get from the St. Baldrick's community!

I look forward to doing my part this year. Raising money and awareness to find a cure, help a kid and ease a families burden. So as your raising a toast to the honorable St. Patrick this year, why not make a donation to St. Baldrick’s Foundation. For the price of a six pack you can make a contribution.
Here is the website to donate. http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/shavee_info.html?ParticipantKey=200821087
Thank you.

Service in America

2007-12-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Recently I went to purchase a new audio receiver. My old unit had quit working after 15 years. Having the need for good music in my house I set off on a quest to find the perfect audio receiver which would accommodate my needs. My first stop was a national chain. There was the brand I wanted. There were several models to choose from. I wanted one that would hook up to all my components including a turntable. Yes, a turntable. I have the MP3 player, but my records still sound warmer to me. I read the information on the signs posted on the shelf, yet nothing stated that a turntable could be hooked up. I looked around for a sales person and they were all busy with other customers. I waited and waited. After about 30 minutes I was at my threshold and I left. I never was approached by any salesperson at all. In fact no employee ever acknowledged my presence.

I went next door to a regional chain that I had purchased from before. I found the audio area yet not the brand I was looking for. A young man came up and asked if he could be of any assistance. I told him what I was looking for. He did something not too many salespeople know to do. He asked me questions. What a breath of fresh air. How will you use your system? Will you need to hook it up as a home theater unit? What components do you have? All probing questions that allowed me to tell the salesperson what I wanted to buy, not what he might have wanted to sell.

The salesman then suggested a receiver based on my needs and price range. After about 20 minutes of discussion I was ready to buy. He convinced me that this was the one receiver that would fit my needs. It would fit in the furniture I have. It would fit in my budget. It would accommodate my turntable. The salesman had me wanting the receiver so bad I could taste it. Give it to me now, so I can go and listen to it, I thought. The salesman checked… and checked and told me, “I sorry sir we are out of stock on that Model. I can have it for you in a day or two from one of our other stores.” I was deflated like the kid who just received an ice cream cone and licked off the scoop. “No, I want it now. Why should I wait”?, I thought. "There are other stores. I can’t wait I’m an American consumer." So I took the poor salesman’s business card and said I would be back if I could not find the model he had convinced me I needed to have. I felt bad for the poor fellow, yet I thought, why didn’t he check his stock before we had the discussion and I was so fully engaged?

Finally, I went to the specialist in the area. Usually the specialist is perceived as the most expensive. The guy you go to if you have more money than time and the guy who knows it all. I walked in expecting to pay more and get less because of the high end repetition of this specialist. I knew I would get quality but at a price. I was promptly greeted by a salesperson who again asked questions. Before we got too involved I asked, “Do you have in stock everything you may show me?” Curious he said, “Why yes we do, why else would I sell you something I don’t have”. Right answer, at least for me this time. I said to proceed and he sold me the same model the previous fellow sold me. Five minutes later I was out the door and shortly after that I was enjoying clear, crisp sound from my new receiver.

Moral of the story:
Not even acknowledging me in your store, I am not coming back.
Selling me something you don’t have in stock is wasting both of our time.
Asking questions and being able to back them up, will make the prospect a happy camper and a customer for life. The American consumer, of which I am one is inpatient, demanding and has little time to waste. Those that can play the instant gratification game will come out the winner.

"That's not bad"

2007-11-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

On a recent visit to Kentucky my three and a half year old granddaughter Maggie came up to up to me and said, “That’s not bad”. I said, “What’s not bad honey.” She brought over a page from one of her Mother’s catalogs with Halloween costumes on it. Maggie showed me the page and said it again, “That’s not bad”, shaking her head. I said to my wife Kathy what is she talking about. My wife figured out that Maggie was “parroting” her Mother who must have looked at the catalog when Maggie was around, read the price of the costumes and said, “That’s not a bad price.” Maggie heard, “That’s not bad”.

Maggie’s phrase got me thinking. What we hear and how we perceive it is often our belief. When I view the news of the day and see and hear only it’s troubles then that’s how I may “parrot” back these events to others. If I seek the good and actively listen for it, that’s what I will hear and “parrot” back. I realize all is not rosy in the world and bad things do occur. I am however suggesting if we hear or see that something is negative, we examine it with, how can we make it better. Or, can I help turn the situation around?

As I reflect on my own life, my family is healthy and happy and, “That’s not bad”. My work and career are going well, and “That’s not bad”. I volunteer in many organizations and clubs and, “That’s not bad”. With all the division in the world and this country, we can stew in the negative and listen to the naysayers or we can look around for the good and for opportunities to be the best. In my mind I rather “parrot,” “That’s not bad” all day long. A positive person attracts other positive people and vise versa. It’s a choice. Maggie may have latched onto something that I hope she never loses and “That’s not bad”.

Learning - A Lifelong Passion

2007-11-02T14:35:00.000-06:00

“Bradley, I am sending you to the WF&FSA Management Institute” were the words my father said to me, twenty four years ago. I had just started working for our family business, the Larry Beck Company, as a field rep on the west coast selling Floral Supplies. Fresh out of college and a baby on the way, I resisted having to spend another few days on the road away from my family. I made every excuse why I didn’t need to go. In the end, my father prevailed and I attended my first Management Institute at Indiana University. I am glad my father insisted that I go. The Management Institute and their sub-goup Young Executives (now Emerging Leaders) are two of the best reasons why I become involved in Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association, a floral industry trade association . Management Institute is one of the best experiences I have ever had while learning and networking with my peers. Attending that first Management Institute gave me a unique perspective to better understanding my customers’ business and problems. I gained new insights, new friends and a few golden nuggets that helped me to become better at my job. A few years ago, I received the opportunity to join Design Master, an international color marketing company with a focus on aerosol sprays, as an in-house manager. I jumped at the challenge. One of the nicest advantages of being associated with Young Executives was I already knew who the customers were and the people who ran those companies. I knew the owners and the managers, as well as the fresh and supply people in the leading wholesale houses around the country. I had the honor of serving as a Young Executives Council Member, Vice President and President of the Young Executives. From this experiance I got to know who the players were and, more importantly, I became known to the customers who helped me in my new position. I recently attended my twentieth Management Institute. It is amazing to witness how this event and the Emerging Leaders have evolved into a dynamic component of the WF&FSA organization. The new name applied to the group, Emerging Leaders is a“re-branding” that adds sizzle and buzz to attract some people to join the group. Personally, the group can be called whatever the association would like. At 48 years old I still am a member of the organization and will continue as long as they will have me. Why? I like being a part of something that makes me feel and think young. I like to associate with people who have new ways of thinking and new ideas that help me see opportunities with fresh eyes. I like the friendship and camaraderie I have built with people in the fresh, supply and transportation segments of our industry. Continuing education is not just for those in college or a professional trade. Lifelong learning, networking and looking for new ways to think and act are all a part of continuing education. I hope I am fortunate enough to attend 20 more years of Management Institutes and hopefully the Emerging Leaders will let me keep my membership active until I decide to retire.

"I'm going to the World Series...almost"

2007-10-23T15:00:00.000-06:00

I logged on to the Colorado Rockies web site on Tuesday, October 23, hoping I would get another chance at vying for tickets on-line. Yesterday’s attack of major league baseball’s web site provider gave me hope, along with 8.5 million other Rocky fans that I might have a second chance to purchase World Series tickets.
This time I logged on early, 11:45am. Nothing there yet. I check back at 12:00pm on the nose. The web site clicks over and wa’ la…movement. A screen opens up with the following; “Please wait for the server to become available. The site is experiencing heavy loads at this time.” I’m thinking the only load, is the one I’m being handed. The countdown proceeds starting at 120 seconds, 119, 118. I wait. My heart racing with excitement. 3, 2, 1…reset. 120, 119, 118.
This goes on for twenty minutes. Finally at 12:20pm the countdown gets to the number one and... it sticks. Oh my gosh, I’m in. I receive one bar, then two, then three, then four, then five and then…nothing…The screen is in a holding pattern for five minutes. The Microsoft circle spins, so I know the machine is working. The suspense is like the song, “bases are loaded and Casey’s at bat.” …and then the site kicks me out and restarts. 12:25pm. 3,2,1 I’m in again. One bar, two bars, three bars, four bars, five bars… nothing. 12:29. I strike out of the site again and the process starts anew. I know the first page states, "Do not refresh this page or you will be dropped to the end of the line. Thank you for your patience." Patience!!! I have been waiting for twelve years to attend a local World Series game and you want me to have patience.!!!
120, 119, 118…3,2,1 at 12:41, I’m in again for a third time. Please baseball gods, let me get a World Series ticket. A minute goes by. The Microsoft circle spins. My heart still races. I have now invested more than forty five minutes of my time trying to get a World Series ticket. I don’t care. I want to get a ticket to see my Rockies play in the World Series. Now, I am sounding a little weird even to myself. Please, oh please let me connect. Let me at least hit a bunt. I rub my computer screen for good luck. Hey, my Mom used to rub the slot machines in Las Vegas and she used to win so why not try. Anything for a chance at good luck. I have a friend who believes that if you say it, it will happen. I even try this. Think good thoughts. Still nothing.
Dam, the site kicks me off. 120, 119, 118…
Now it’s starting to feel like a first date, all you want is to go to first base and you can’t even hit the ball. Oh my, I’m even writing this in purple ink. It’s a sign. Rocky’s purple. It’s meant to be. 3, 2, 1…on hold… nothing. The site kicks me out once again. 120, 119, 118 the countdown proceeds. I’m no quitter. I keep going. Maybe I shouldn’t have shaved today. You know ball players are so superstitious. Darn, I shouldn’t have shaved. Where is that rabbit’s foot I used to have in my desk? 3,2,1…one bar, two bars, three bars, four bars, five bars…hold again. Now I feel like the Phillies and D-Backs. So close and yet so far away. 12:59pm. I’ll give it one minute more and then forget it. 3,2,1…nothing. I log off. Dejected, I feel lousy. Oh well. Like thousands of loyal fans I guess I can pay a scalper an unreasonable amount of money for a ticket. No I think not. I’ll just go to the Chophouse right next to Coors Field to feel some of the excitement, order a steak and a beer and watch the game on TV. So close and yet so far away. GO ROCKIES!!!

The Optimist Way - Part 6

2007-10-05T16:30:00.000-06:00

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

Having a smile on your face says volumes about yourself. A Chinese saying, states, “A man that does not smile should not open a shop”. When I wake up in the morning I open my eyes and smile. One, I am thankful for being alive and second, what a way to start my day. A smile reflects back the world. It affirms my place in it. When I see someone and smile they are likely to smile back. What a gift.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

I am constantly trying to improve my education and understanding of the world. I listen to books on tape when I drive. I download pod cast to listen to when I workout. I attend business seminars and management institutes. I read constantly. I love reading books, and sharing ideas and concepts. This takes a great amount of time and leaves little room for negative sparring. I also volunteer in many worthwhile causes. The Optimist Club, The Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program (HOBY), C.A.P.P.-Community and Police Partnership, Neighborhood Watch,and my Home Owners Association. I try to be so busy with positive events that I stay away from the trap of pointing my finger. I like the saying, “When you point your finger you have three coming back”.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

This is perhaps the hardest challenge of all. These emotions are all part of the human psyche. I fight these emotions all the time. Yet, by reciting this phase and for that matter the Optimist Creed daily I remind myself that life is not about what happens to us, rather how we react to what happens. Worry, Anger, Fear and Trouble can not control you if you do not allow them to inch their way into your mind. The process for me is top seek the positive on a daily basis. I look at the glass “half full.” I see the clouds as making the sky “partly sunny”. You have to put you mind and your efforts in accord to the positive then words and emotions above have less of a chance of gaining ground.

The Optimist Club has been a passion of mine since 2000. I hope you find your
passion by either joining this wonderful organization or one that “Brings Out The Best In You” www.optimistinternational.org

The Optimist Way - Part 5

2007-08-22T14:46:00.000-06:00

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

I worked for my Father as a manufacture’s representative for fifteen years in the floral and craft business. My father was always looking to position ourselves differently from the competition. One day he saw an ad in a magazine which he cut out and shared with me. For many years that ad hung over my Father’s desk. It was a picture of the then GM Chairman and CEO Lee Iacocca. The ad was simple, yet brilliant. It stated, “We have only one desire, to be the best. What else is there?” It say's it all.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

I have many successful friends and relatives. Weather they have successful businesses or are successful in life. I like being around successful people. It inspires me to work harder and smarter. I like to celebrate successes when I get the opportunity. When I hear of a friend getting a promotion I’ll send them a note of congratulations. When a friend has a baby or gets married, I’ll send flowers. Being enthusiastic when other’s have success says to the world that you are a cheerleader for them and you want to be a part of the success. There is a saying that goes, "A high tide raises all ships” .

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

I have always had a bit of a challenge with this wording, “To forget the mistakes of the past”. I believe if we fully forget we are doomed to repeat. However, I believe what this sentence really means is not to dwell on the past and get stuck by its weight. One has to know about the past in order to “press on to the greater achievements of the future.” I look towards the future as an opportunity to make right, the wrongs of the past. The future is where we all will live so we have to make it the best we can by doing now, the things that will make it a place we wish to live. I have made many mistakes in my life, however I have looked upon them as lessons on what not to do or how to do things a better way, the next time. I can not get mired by my miss steps, rather I have to figure how to go beyond them and make them work for me.

The Optimist Way - Part 4

2007-08-10T15:16:00.000-06:00

Talk health, happiness and prosperity to everyone you meet.

“Hey Brad how are you doing?” A friend says. My new answer is; "Unbelievable." I say this all the time now. I was given this nugget after listening to sales guru, Tom Hopkins at a speaker’s forum called, “Get Motivated.” Mr. Hopkins said whenever someone asks you how your doing make it sound as if it’s either Unbelievable, meaning great or Unbelievable, meaning terrible. Let them decide. When someone asks, how was your stay with your in-laws, you can do the same thing, “Unbelievable”. It’s a great word to use and it gets a conversation going. When I board a plane and a stewardess asks, “How are you today?", I say, “Unbelievable” and watch their reaction. In a world of “Fine” , you guessed it…"I'm Unbelievable".

I also work my body as well as my mind. I work out almost daily at a local gym. Even when I am on the road I do cardio and weight training to keep the mind fresh and focused. This helps keep my body free of stress and I beleive helps keep disease at bay. I try to eat good, nourishing foods.

When one talks about good health, happiness and prosperity they can feel their luck and their mind change. Dwelling on the positive, enables one to be more positive. I believe there are two types of people in the world optimistic or pessimistic. Pessimist can’t stand to be around me. One of my co-workers worked for a pay check. She could not wait for Friday and the coming weekend. One Friday morning I said to her, “I can’t wait.” She said, “I know its Friday.” I replied, “You misunderstand, yes it’s Friday, but there are only two more days until Monday.” She quit shortly after that. Being positive attracts other positive people. Negative folks don’t hang around me much.

Make your friends feel that there is something inside them.

Fun, helpful, supportive, a cheerleader, a challenger, a buddy, are words that describe what a friend is to me. The right friends are agents of my success. I surround myself with positive, like minded people. John Wooden the great former UCLA Basketball Coach said, “…effort to do the best of which you are capable. The quality of your effort to realize your potential counts first and foremost.” For John Wooden that is success. I want all my friends to be successful. I strive for this type of success as well, each and every day. When I was young my Father would say to me, “Bradley, I don’t care what profession you choose, I just want you to be the best at it that you can be.” This stuck with me ever since my Father said it. Positive reinforcement by a friend can have a similar impact on one's success. Friend’s help realize their friends potential and support them in ways that they can. Encourage your friends to be the best, and work off each others energy.

Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

Life is about choices and I choose to be positive as much and as often as I can. Sometimes it’s work, other times it’s second nature. How you react to events that happen to you is often telling on how you view the world. Recently I visited my wonderful granddaughters in Kentucky and Tennessee. They are so amazing to be with. My little Maggie is a toddler. We were jumping on the trampoline and she bounced up and came down hard. She looked at me to see my reaction to her fall. With her lips trembling, I smiled and then laughed at her. Although shaken she laughed back and went on playing. I am sure if I rushed over to her and picked her up and held her, the tears would have flowed and it would be some time before we could make it all O.K. From my perspective the glass is half full, so drink up life. Make every minute count. I get frustrated when kids tell me they are bored. The only thing we all have in common is that we have time. Make the most of it. Look around at the beauty and grandeur of the world. Think positive, act positive be optimistic.

The Optimist Way - Part 3

2007-07-11T10:06:00.000-06:00

Promise yourself,

A promise as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is an assurance given that a specified action will or will not be taken. A reasonable ground for hope or expectation of future excellence, satisfaction. A pledge.

Each journey begins with a pledge to yourself. If you believe you can, you will. Earl Nightingale, said “A man is what he thinks about”. By making a pledge to promise yourself you are working at giving your every effort to make your promise come true. Think positively. Think of something else if negative thoughts begin to enter your head. Replace them with the commitment to be strong.

Promising yourself is a process. You will have bad days. The real test is how you react to a bad or difficult situation. Always move towards your pledge. I like reciting the Optimist Creed over and over in my mind. I have committed it to memory. A Buddhist Monk might repeat a mantra. A devout Catholic might use their rosary beads. A religious Jew may recite a daily prayer. For me it is the, commitment in the Optimist Creed to Promise Yourself, as a way of staying focused and being in a right frame of mind.

To be so strong that nothing disturbs your piece of mind.

An athlete works hard to get in strong physical and mental shape. It is essential for an athlete to attain peak performance. A few years ago I attended a sales meeting with a group of co-workers and my father whom I worked for at the time. Our facilitator asked us, “What was the most important aspect of our job, our profession, our lives.” Several of my co-workers yelled out things like family, money, making a difference. All noble answers. My father stated in his blunt way. “What matters most is my health. If I can’t take care of myself, I can’t take care of anything or anybody else.” He was right. Making sure you are in peak shape makes everything else flow.

My father knew that if he was not physically fit, nothing else mattered. At age 65 my father was determined to run the Los Angeles Marathon. He was in great shape. He always had worked out with weights and trained and trained to run this race. He ran the marathon in a rare, pounding, L.A. rain and completed it in a time of four hours and forty five minutes. An accomplishment at any age. I asked my father what kept him going. He said, “I kept telling myself I could finish the race. The more I ran, the stronger I felt.” Wow, more pearls of wisdom from my Dad. Talk to yourself. Promise yourself, you can do it.

I was inspired to run after that. Now, it wasn’t a marathon but I did enter the Boulder, Boulder, one of the largest races in the country. Never having run a race before, I trained and trained like my Dad. I had just finished reading a book by Brian Tracy called Focal Point. One quote in his book that helped me to finish this 6.2 mile run was, “Yard by Yard it’s Hard. Inch by inch it’s a Synch.” I repeated this line over and over. I finished the race and felt a huge sense of euphoria as I crossed the finish line in at Folsom Field at Colorado University at Boulder. Like my Father, I believe having a strong body is the beginning of keeping your mind fit.

I keep my mind fit in many ways. I am a news and weather junkie. I like to know what’s happening in the world. Often the news is negative and it can disturb your piece of mind. I will tell you now that I often fall back into a rant after listening to negative news. Or hear some critic or pundent spew their poison. Of course one solution is turn the stupid TV off. I often do. The other opportunity is to use it as a tool to strengthen your convictions and let it help you stay focused on your positive thoughts. Don’t let the bad news get under your skin. It can only get to you if you let it. Don’t.

Some things I do to keep my mind shape;

Read - My goal is a book a month.
Write – I attempt to write at least a page a day.
Listen - Buy or borrow books on Tape or CD’s. Listen in the car.
Speak – Join Toastmasters and learn to sharpen your speaking skills. www.toastmasters.org
Join – Volunteer your service to a group or club. Optimist Club www.optimist.org
Create – I started a masterMIND group with some friends from Toastmasters and we meet and discuss our business issues twice a month. Be a student of your business. Know it inside and out and be the best at it.

The Optimist Way - Part 2

2007-07-06T17:15:00.000-06:00

Before we start on how the Optimist Creed can make you a better sales person, I should give you some background on why the Optimist Club is important to me. In 1973 I was attending Oliver Wendell Homes Junior High School. I was Student Body President. (over-achiever, I know). As Student Body President I was invited to many school events. One day I was invited to attend a meeting by the administrators of my school. I was greeted by Ms. Joan Elam, our Student Government Advisor. She was a wonderful teacher and a well liked administrator. Mr. Thompson, the Principal entered with some guest. The next thing I knew I was being introduced to our local Councilman, Robert Wilkinson.

Other teachers entered into the room as well as some people I was unfamilar with . I forget now their names, however I did know they were members of the local service club, the Optimist Club. I didn’t know what the Optimist Club was at that time. I was introduced to them and they asked me many questions and seemed to have a genuine interest in my classesand hobbies.

Once seated, Mr. Thompson started the meeting. The President of the Optimist.
Club spoke to the group and gave a brief explanation of what their “Friend of
Youth” organization did in the community. As I looked around the room and saw
the Optimist Club member’s professional appearance, big smiles and confident
stature. I felt like I was in some big-time business meeting. Now, came the reason they were all gathered and why I was invited. It turned out this was an opportunity for the Optimist Club to recognize students in a leadership role in our school. They asked me to come to the front of the room to receive, A Youth Citation Award. I was a bit surprised.

I was not expecting an award and to be recognized by people I did not even know was a magical sort of experience. Our student government members had worked on many community events such as food drives and playing wheel chair basketball with kids my age that had lost their legs in accidents. These were all things that were not unique. They were just part of what I was taught to do. To give back to the community. To help others in need. To be aware that there are different people, some less fortunate then myself. And to take a leadership roll in doing community things. As my Mom always said, "If your not involved, then you have no right to complain.”

Receiving this award always stuck with me and I knew that one day when I put down roots, I would become involved in the organization that made such an impression on me. In1999, when I moved to Colorado I decided to make the commitment to join the local Optimist Club. In 2005 I was elected President of the Optimist Club of Erie, Colorado. Now, on my next installment I'll begin my trek into the Optimist Creed.

The Optimist Way - Part 1

2007-07-05T15:33:00.000-06:00

I recently attended a membership-drive dinner for my Optimist Club of Erie, Colorado. Now, if you are not familiar with the Optimist International organization, you should be. We are a service club and we “help bring out the best in kids.” Our motto is “Friend of Youth.” As President of our Club I was introducing our invited guests and prospective members as to the meaning of the Optimist Creed.

In our club, the Optimist Creed is recited at the start of each meeting. As I explained to our guests, the Optimist Creed helps me align my thoughts and my energies with my fellow Optimist. I likened the Optimist Creed to an old wagon wheel. At the center or hub is the Optimist Creed. The spokes radiating out from the hub are our Members. On the outside connecting us together is the rim of the wheel or the community we serve. If one of the spokes is out of alignment, then as the wheel rotates it makes a thumping sound and eventually it will fall off.

We start our meetings at 6:30p.m. on Thursdays. After a long day at work sometimes we are still thinking about something that went badly during the day. Some of our members are business people, we may have had a tough time with customer issues or complaints. Some of us are teachers, we may have had children acting up or misbehaving in class. Some of us are home makers, we may have had an appliance break or our car fail. All reasons to be in a bad frame of mind.

The reciting of the Optimist Creed, out loud, with your fellow Optimist is an opportunity for each member to get their minds in alignment with each other. To focus on the reason we are all members of this wonderful club and to rotate as one, smooth rolling wheel.

In the next few blogs I want to explore how Optimism and the Optimist Creed have helped me in so many ways to be a better sales person, a better father and husband and a better human being. You see, even if all I did was remain a member of this club and serve the youth of my community I would be in debt because the Optimist Club has given me so much more than I have given it. The Optimist Creed is a point of reference that brings me back to center. First, here is the Optimist Creed;

Promise Yourself-
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Gingrich, Gitomer and Giuliani

2007-07-03T15:37:00.000-06:00

I play in the minor leagues. The minor league of speaking that is. I have been a member of a local Toastmaster’s group for two years now and I have empirically improved my public speaking and writing skills. You might even say public speaking has become one of my passions. The only way I have found to get better at speaking or any skill is to Practice! Practice! Practice! Like the minor leagues the only way to get to the majors is to also Practice, Study, Execute and Review. One way I have found to enhance my skills is to watch and learn from the Pro’s.

A friend from Toastmaster’s, Gary and I have taken this idea to heart. We have journeyed early in the morning and at all times of the day to listen and learn from some of the best public speakers in the world. I guess you could call us “speech junkies.” Watching the Pros speak is for me where ideas and inspiration ignite. To date I have listen to Financial Wizard Suze Orman, Former Secretary of State, General Colin Powel, Investor Phil Town, Denver Broncos Football Coach Mike Shanahan, Sales Legend Tom Hopkins, President and CEO of Forbes Magazine Steve Forbes.

I have listened to numerous lesser know, yet equally inspiring speakers such as 1-800 Flowers Founder and CEO Jim McCann, E-Myth Author Michael Gerber, Restaurateur Bob Farrell, Phone Doctor Anita Sullivan and Business Authors Gregg Grey, Hal Becker, Carl Larson, Michael Angelo Caruso, Jeff Tobe, and Dan Coleman.

In the Floral Industry where I have worked for over 23 years there are some of the best Professional Floral Commentators around, including Bobby Ecker, Phil Rulloda, Frankie Shelton, Bill Taylor, Ralph Null, Holly Money-Collins, Rocky Pollitz, John Hanes, Rene Van Rems, Kim Morrill, Richard Milteer, Sharon McGukin, Susan Overton, Robbin Yelverton, Ardith Beveridge, Bob Bigham, Frank Brice, Carol Caggiano, Deborah, De La Flor, James Del Prince, Ken Fetgatter, Marlin Hargrove, Catherine Hillen-Rulloda, Marie Ackerman, Talmage McLaurin, Tom Bowling, Johnny Childres, Phil Easter, Toomie Farris, Hitomi Gilliam, Lynn Lary McLean, Herb Mitchell, Kirk Pamper, Alan Parkhurst, Jerome Raska, J Schwanke, Richard Seekins, Joe Smith, Margo Sutter, Matt Wood, Kevin Ylvisker.

Speakers can also remind you of habits to watch out for. I once heard Do-It-Yourself Diva, Martha Stewart as the keynote speaker at a craft industry trade show. Her information was great, however her delivery was lackluster and she had over 300 um’s and ah’s in a 50 minute speech. A Toastmaster Club could really help Martha with that.

Three speakers in particular stand out for me. Former U.S. Speaker, Newt Gingrich, Author and Business Guru Jeffrey Gitomer and Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Each of these gentleman are first and foremost great storytellers. They use their voice to add variety to their message. They are entertaining and informative. Their message is clear, concise and easy to follow. They paint pictures with words. They speak with authority and conviction. Most importantly they speak from knowledge. They know their stuff. They are masters of the subjects they speak about. And they have some fun while they are speaking. I could tell they all enjoyed what they were doing. Messrs Gingrich, Gitomer and Giuliani all are in the big league of public speaking. If I practice some more, maybe one day I’ll be called up to the majors.

Random Acts of Kindness

2007-06-12T13:39:00.000-06:00

The other day I was driving into Denver to see some customers. Once on the freeway I was being passed left and right by cars speeding towards their destination. People were ignoring the speed limit and passing other cars jutting in and out of lanes. It’s amazing that people are in such a hurry. If they would just allow more time to get where they are going, perhaps they would not be in a rush. Yet, I understand the need to be someplace for a appointment and at times, I too have gone over the speed limit and drove less then safe.

Recently, I found a way for me to be a more kind and courteous driver. As President of my Optimist Club I wanted to help promote our Club and also give a sense of identity to our members. I purchased license plate holders that are printed with, “Optimist International” on the top and our motto, “Friend of Youth” on the bottom for all our members. What I didn’t realize was because I have this license plate holder on my car I am a more courteous driver. How could I not be? I wouldn’t want to set a bad example for a young driver by driving reckless. I wouldn’t want to be recognized in my community for ignoring the speed limit while having this identifying holder on my vehicle. It is amazing how much more aware of my driving I have become since I added the license plate holder on my car. If you are a member of a service club or other organization see if they have a license plate holder available. It will not only promote your organization, it may just make you a more careful driver.

I have found if I can do one random act of kindness a day such as driving courteously I feel better and so do those I come in contact with. We all can practice being a bit more kind. For other great ideas on random act of kindness check out www.actsofkindness.org

How Seven Young People Influenced My Life.

2007-06-06T13:32:00.000-06:00

Alli, Alex, Anna, Erin, Erica, Riley, and Will.
Seven high school sophomores between the ages of 15 and 16 years old that taught me, their 48 eight year old Facilitator, about Leadership. I got involved in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, (HOBY), by being an Optimist Club member. I wanted to see if I was up to the challenge of mentoring young people. I have been in business for 23 years as a Manufacture’s Representative, National Accounts Manager and National Sales Manager. I have been to dozens of Management Institutes and Leadership Conferences. I have read dozens of books, watched DVD’s and listened to motivational and leadership tapes. Nothing really impacted me like the four days I spent with these young leaders.

These Ambassadors were selected by their high schools to participate in HOBY. This leadership program is designed to motivate tomorrow’s leaders today. The premise of the program is to teach these young people how to think, not what to think. The HOBY program provides lifelong leadership development opportunities that challenge these Ambassadors to achieve their highest potential thorough self-identification and self development.

The four day event was held at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado in the spring of 2007. Over two hundred and thirty young people participated from all over the state. The Ambassadors interface with leaders in business, industry, government, and education through seminars and workshops using a question and answer format on topics like the Genocide in Darfur, Business Ethics, Immigration, Volunteerism, Worldwide Hunger, Media and Education. My seven Ambassadors would then gather and discuss in depth these topics and look at all sides of the issue. The crown jewel of this program is the enthusiasm these young leaders will bring back to their communities and the changes they can make, in their country and throughout the world.

I received way more from these young people than I gave. I received hope for the future. I regained my optimism. I can see how these Ambassadors will be the important leaders of the future. One of the most rewarding portions of the whole experience was that I had a small hand in helping to select one of my Ambassadors to attend the World Leadership Congress in Washington DC. This is the highest honor an Ambassador can win. Over 500 participants will gather including Ambassadors from 30 countries and the heads of state and business to do this same type of event on an international scale.

I found the true meaning of leadership by working with these Ambassadors. Listening, learning, planning, taking action, going with the flow, the reevaluation of assumptions and beliefs and having fun. The biggest take away I received is everything starts and ends with us as individuals. It is our personal responsibility to be informed. I lived up to my own challenge to make a difference in a young person’s life, so can you. For more information on Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, contact them at http://www.hoby.org/

The Collection

2007-05-30T12:08:00.000-06:00

My parents took my daughter to Disneyland in California many years ago. My daughter Melissa was about nine at the time. After a full day of fun and rides my parents and daughter walked down Main Street into a gift store. My daughter said to my Father, “Grandpa, look here I really need these for my collection.” Sitting on a shelf was a set of a dozen ceramic Disney characters, all shinny and smiling.

My Father said, “OK, pick one out and I’ll buy it for you.” How could a grandpa refuse? My daughter responds, “But Grandpa, I need them all to finish my collection.” My Father said, “Well, I’ll buy you a few now, and then, buy you some more later if you’re a good girl the next time we come here.” “But Grandpa I really need all these now.”

So what does my Father do? Of course he gathers all the characters up and buys them for his granddaughter. An hour later they are back at our house. They walk in the door and my daughter says, “Daddy, look what Grandpa bought me,” as she unfolds the paper around the figurines. One by one she unravels the paper and shows us her new friends. My Father says to my Daughter, “OK Melissa, where’s your other figurines so we can add them to your collection?”

I said to my Father, “What collection”? He said Melissa wanted these figurines because they would finish her collection of Disney characters? I started to laugh out loud. “Dad, I hate to tell you this, but you just bought her, the collection. She doesn’t have a collection of these figurines. We all laughed because my Daughter had just done the best selling job on her grandfather, who in my opinion is the best salesman in the world.

My daughter had persisted in her desire to get what she wanted. You could look at this story in a few ways, yet I choose to look at it from the perspective of a good salesperson. My Daughter told her Grandfather what she wanted. She had a burning desire to pursue her Grandfather to buy theses items for her. She persisted when he said, “OK, pick one out and I’ll buy it for you.” My daughter came back with, “But Grandpa I really need these now.”

Too often as salespeople we don’t know what we want or how to ask for it. We don’t do the four “P’s” - Prepare, Practice, Pursue, or Persist. This is a clear example of persistence on my Daughter’s part. It’s amazing how you can learn salesmanship for children. I can hear my own Granddaughter’s say, “Hey Grand Brad, I need…

A Signature Story

2007-05-11T15:10:00.000-06:00

Since moving to Colorado several years ago I have become a Colorado Rockies Fan. During the baseball season I attend as many Rockies games as I can. I often purchase some sort of memorabilia when I go to a game. Once I purchased an Official Major League Baseball with the Rockies Logo on it. What do you think I paid for this ball? $5.00 - $10.00 - $15.00? Actually I paid $2.50 at the Rockies souvenir store.

In my basement or “the mancave”, as my wife likes to call it, I have lots of baseball memorabilia. Baseball cards from my youth. Bobble Heads from stadiums I have visited. Pennants from different ballparks. And of course I have baseballs signed by some of the greats of the game. One of my favorite baseballs is from a pitcher. I looked up to him as a hero, when I was a kid.
This Hall of Famer had four no-hitters in four consecutive years.
A perfect game in 1965.
He won the Cy Young award for pitching three times.
He won the earned-run title five years in a row.
He won twenty-five or more games three times.
He had eleven shut outs in1963.
I am talking about Sandy Koufax.

Here’s a question? What's the difference between the Official Major League Baseball with the Rockies Logo on it and the ball signed by Sandy Koufax?
I would suggest that the difference is VALUE. The VALUE one assigns to something that is unique or different. Something that is outstanding or rare. That's what I would say you need to do in your business. You need to put your signature on what ever you do. You may buy in bulk and break assortments down to smaller resalable units. You may act as a banker by giving terms to your customers. You may be a consultant to your customers by providing them with the latest products and industry information. You need to add VALUE to whatever part of the channel of distribution you are in. VALUE is what the signature of Sandy Koufax adds to the baseball I have. Every time I hold that ball there is that little kid in me saying, Wow!!!. Now, do you provide that sort of VALUE to your customers? Do you provide them with, WOW!!!. If you are not, your competition is.

Batter up!!!

A Starfish Story

2007-04-18T17:55:00.000-06:00

At the recent Optimist International Regional Conference in Denver, President Ronnie Dunn told a story about a little boy walking on the sea shore with his Father. As they walked along they noticed that there were thousands and thousands of starfish washed upon the beach. The little boy stopped and picked up a starfish and threw it back into the ocean. Then, he picked up another starfish and threw it back into the sea. His Father stopped the little boy and said you can't possibly make a difference to all the starfish on the beach." The little boy looked up to his Father and said, "I made a differnce to the one's I threw back." Honesty from the mouths of babes. Have you found that one starfish in your life you can make a difference with today-everyday? Look around. It may be just a random act of kindness or it could be something you already do, yet, you don't preceive it as special. Find a Starfish everyday.

Going with the Flow

2007-04-06T14:12:00.000-06:00

Have you ever forgotten an important date or event?
I did. April 5 was my anniversary. My wife and I have been married for eight wonderful years. I had scheduled a meeting for that evening not even thinking about the importance of the date. I spoke to my wife several days prior and let her know that I had scheduled a meeting. She said, “O.K.”, and just assumed we would celebrate our anniversary over the weekend at a more leisurely time.

Then, a reminder opened up on my Outlook and it said, “It’s your anniversary.” Panic flushed through my being. “Oh crud! I’m in the dog house now.” Then, I received an e-card from my oldest daughter wishing my wife and I, “Happy Anniversary”. Again the feeling of, “I’m in trouble now”, came over me.

I immediately called the person I was to have the meeting with and asked if we could reschedule. Once I explained my situation we both had a laugh and they were gracious enough to reschedule. I then called my wife at work.
“Hi, Honey”, I said.
She started to laugh and said, “Did we forget our anniversary?”
“You forgot too?” I said.
“Yes, I just read Kristi’s e-card and laughed.”
She said, “We have both been so busy that we just forgot about it.”
“Can we make a date and go out to dinner?” I said.
“Sure”, was her reply. “How about going to the Renaissance Hotel for some Sushi and Jazz? Hazel Miller is playing tonight.”
“Awesome”, I said and we meet at after work.

I arrived at 6:00 o’clock and my bride was waiting. As soon as I walked in the door we both laughed and hugged and said, “Happy Anniversary.” We had a nice dinner and listened to some great music by Hazel Miller. If you ever get the chance to see Hazel you will be in for a treat. (http://www.hazelmiller.com/ ). She sings everything from the old standards, jazz, funk and rock and has a voice like velvet. She makes each song her own. She sang several songs to my wife and I and wished us, “Happy Anniversary.”

We ate, listened to some great music and had the best anniversary we have had to date. Not planned. Relaxing and fun. There are several morals to this story.
One, I have a saint for a wife and I am the luckiest guy around. Two, that not everything has to be planed and it can turn out to be wonderful. In fact, as I look back on some other events in my life, those that were the most serendipitous seem to have been the most memorable. Often going with the flow and making the best out of a situation will serve one better. Did I mention my wife is a saint?

Thusrday Mornings

2007-03-28T16:33:00.000-06:00

It’s O’ dark thirty. My alarm clock explodes with noise. I set it loud so I do not hit the snooze button and role back to sleep. Then as the haze of the evenings slumber wears off I remember its Thursday morning. A smile roles onto my face and I get moving. My mind races and I can’t wait. Today, like every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. I meet my fellow Toastmaster’s at the Sil-Tehar Car Dealership in Broomfield, Colorado. Our group is known as the Ad-Liborators. I helped to Charter this group along with several other professional business people. This club is sponsored by the Broomfield Chamber of Commerce however it includes folks like me who are not members but, wanted to get better at what we do for a living. Listening and Talking.

It’s been said that people fear public speaking more than they fear death. I was never afraid of speaking in front of people, however I wanted to get better at it. I wanted to refine my skills and work on the nuances of speaking better and understand how to deliver my message clearly. The other reason for joining was to get enhance my listening skills. Not just hearing but, active listening. Too often we sales people spew information to a prospect when all they wanted to know is what time it was. Asking good, thought provoking questions, comes about by good listening.

Our morning meetings are pure magic. Our President, Nick is always dynamic, starting our meeting on time. He will make a few announcements pertaining to the Chamber of Commerce or let us know about an upcoming speech contest and we start. He introduces our Toastmaster for the day.

The Toastmaster runs the meeting and is responsible for picking a theme, introducing all the roles and speakers for the meeting. The Toastmaster introduces the Timer.

The Timer keeps track of the speech times usually 5 to 7 minutes long and holds up color cards to let the speaker know how close they are coming to the end of their allotted speech time.

Next, the Grammarian makes notes and reports back on who miss-uses the English language with such speech fillers as Um’s and Ah’s. The Grammarian also chooses a word of the day. This word is usually associated with the theme of the day and helps to expand every ones vocabulary.

Finally, the Joke Master starts off the meeting with a bit of humor. The Joke Master’s role relieves any tension in the room and leaves everyone with a smile on their face.

The Toastmaster then calls for the first speaker. We have a wide array of topics and speeches to listen to. We have new members just starting their first few speech’s to more experienced speakers who are amazing to hear. You never know what you will experience; however all the speeches are thought provoking, and interesting to listen to. As a beginning speaker your first speech is about yourself. A topic anyone can do. From here the basic speech book informs and gives pointers on speech structure and ideas, which are followed until you reach your tenth speech. At this point you have achieved your first milestone in Toastmaster’s. The Competent Toastmaster. Between each speech the Toastmaster will ask for comments to be written down and passed along to the speakers. These comments are another way to understand what worked and what did not.

Each of the three to four speakers are assigned an Evaluator who listens to the speech more critically. The Evaluator writes notes and comments for the Speaker relaying the good and poor aspects of the speaker’s presentation. Then after all the speakers are finished the General Evaluator will introduce the Evaluators who then give thoughtful comment to each speaker. Generally, the Evaluator will use a “sandwich technique” when giving comments. Simply this is some praise for some aspects of the speech. Some suggestions to improve areas that were not as fluid or that needs work and then finishing up with more positive comments. The Evaluators comments are timed and critiqued by the General Evaluator who gives their overall comments about the meeting.

The next portion of the meeting is the Table Topics. Table Topics is an opportunity for those that have no roles that day or that are not speaking a chance to extemporaneously speak for one to two minutes on any topic the Table Topic Master chooses. This exercise is a chance to think on your feet and work on your speaking skills. Depending on how the time is going there will be three or four Table Topic speakers.

At last we come to the calling of the vote for the Best Speaker, Best Evaluator and Best Table Topic participant. The names of the winners are called and ribbons are awarded.

This high energy one hour is often the catalyst for a productive day at work. It’s like a shot of Red Bull, Coffee and Adrenaline all in one. I urge anyone who wishes to enhance their speaking and listening skills to join their local Toastmasters Club. The cost is minimal and your presentation skills are guaranteed to be enhanced. Check for a club nearest you at http://www.toastmasters.org/

Raising the Bar on Color

2007-03-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Recently my company exhibited at the Retail Packaging Association Tradeshow and Conference. One of the presenters was Leatrice Eiseman. Lee is known as America’s Color Expert. Her perspective is always candid and entertaining. Lee looks at color from many perspectives and she has helped companies from home textiles to high fashion with product development, logos, brand imaging, web sites, packaging point of purchase and any other application where color choice is critical to the success of the product or environment.

Lee is head of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training and executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. She has authored six books on color and is widely quoted in consumer publications and media outlets. I have listened to Lee’s presentation for the past three years and she always has some great information on color forecasting in the near and far term.

A thread that run’s through Lee’s work is her use of words which creates wonderful images in the mind. Her words evoke a sense of how the color will be perceived and how it interacts with the object in is on or the objects around it. Lee challenges the viewer to “raise the bar on color”. Lee states, “Look at color from the way others would and not necessarily what your likes or tastes are.”

Our perception of color is personal and subjective. Whether it’s selling a flower or a can of spray, we use words to evoke how we feel about a color. Below are some of the words that Lee used to communicate a hue. See if you can picture the color in your mind and if the words associated with it strengthen the image or the company it’s associated with.
Color - Words - Company
• Red - Expensive, Rich - Target
• Blue - Consistent, Integrity - IBM
• Green - Natural, Organic - Starbucks
• Yellow - Happy, Sunshine - McDonalds
• Orange - Vibrant, Stimulating - Home Depot
• Purple - Regal, Mysterious - Hallmark
• Brown - Earth, Comfort - UPS
• Black - Classic, Solid - Missook
• White - Clean, Brilliant - Apple

Thinking beyond the standard is what I like about Lee’s work. She challenges me to juxtapose colors and words to create new combinations and opportunities. This fresh translation inspires and helps to innovate. How can colors influence your products acceptance? What are you doing to get your products noticed or purchased, using color? Weather it’s breast cancer awareness, (pink) or AIDS awareness, (red), color evokes imagery that can make associations and statements about what our products are, how they can be priced and where they can be marketed. Have you “raised your color bar” lately?

What color is Melon?

2007-02-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

Color is a fascinating aspect of our life. It is a part of everything you do, touch, eat, wear and see. I have been selling color for 28 years now. I don’t claim to be an expert, however I have learned a few things about color over the years. First, everyone’s perception of color is different. Depending on where you are from, your background and your culture.

I remember at an annual trade show that I attended a women came up to the president of our company and had a dialog about a new color we had introduced called Melon. She said the color Melon was not the right name for the hue we had introduced and was insistent that we should rename this product. Our company president said, Miss, “What color is Honeydew on the inside?” She said, “Light green.” The president said, “What color is Cantaloupe?” She said, “Orange.” He said, “What color is Watermelon?” She said, “Red.” He said, “They are all melon’s, however we have decided to name this product based on our research, our association with color marketing groups and how we believe the name we choose will make people feel.”

With color you can not win. Everyone’s eyes attribute the visual sensation differently. According to the book, The Color Compendium written by Hope and Walch, color has three dimensions, Hue, Saturation and Value. Hue is the dominant wavelength, (red, blue, etc.); Saturation is the relative colorfulness (colors can be pale or bright); and Value describes the amount of gray in a color.

One can define a business as we define a color. As with a Hue there is always a dominant reason we are in business. What is your Hue? Why do you exist as a business? Saturation. Are you a major player in a minor pond? Are you a minor player in a major pond? Are you even in the water? What is your market and have you hit your saturation point yet?
And finally, Value. What Value do you bring to your customers? How do you and your business add value? What do you do so much better than the competition that people seek you out?

All colorful questions. As we develop new colors we are constantly looking around us and saying, does this new hue fit into what we do? Is this part of a trend or a fad? Can we tell a story and help sell other products by developing this color? Are there other colors that are close enough in the existing line that it makes a difference? Who are we targeting? As we develop our business we have to be constantly asking ourselves questions. Asking our customers questions? Asking our end users questions?

Perception is belief. Color is how you see it. Melon. Well I’ll leave that for you to decide.

Speaking from the Heart

2007-01-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

FEAR is how most people would describe the emotion they most feel if asked to give a speech in front of a group or to give a presentation of any kind. My career as a Sales Professional requires me to present ideas and information in a clear and concise way. Whether it’s explaining a new product or educating customers. Speaking to groups large and small is always a bit nerve racking. I wanted to find a way to control the “butterflies” I always felt in my stomach when I spoke in public. I had the privilege of hearing Professional Speaker, Greg Grey, http://www.greggray.com/ give a talk entitled, Butterflies in Formation: Delivering Presentations with Less Anxiety and Greater Impact. Gregg’s style and professional and humorous presentation inspired me to seek the help I was looking for.

In 2005, I joined a new Toastmaster’s Club that was forming called the Chamber Ad-Liborators. http://chamberadlib.freetoasthost.info/ This Toastmasters Club is associated with the Chamber serving Broomfield, Colorado. I jumped at the chance to improve my speaking and listening skills. In the first year of being a member I earned my Certified Toastmaster’s Award,(CTM). This required me to complete 10 speeches in a basic Communication Program Manual. These ten assignments are designed to instill a basic foundation in public speaking. My communication skills were improved and my ability to express myself was greatly enhanced. Best of all I discovered several techniques to contain my butterflies. I was on my way to fulfilling one of my professional and personal goals.

Then an event that all of us have to go through at some point in our lives took the wind out of my sail. My Mother unexpectedly passed away on December 16, 2005. My family was devastated. Mom was the glue that held our family together. I had to fly from Denver to Los Angeles and console family and friends. When making funeral arrangements we came to the point where we were asked, “who would like to speak in memory of your Mother?” There was silence. Deafening, long, silence.

I mustered the courage to say I would speak on behalf of our family and try to memorialize my Mother in the loving a respectful way she raised her children.
It was the hardest speech I have ever given. Thankfully, I had learned the basic skills of public speaking which the Toastmaster’s experience had provided. It was not perfect, but it was heartfelt. I did cry at times as I spoke, yet I was able to “buck up” and deliver my words in a calm and loving manner. Now, almost any speech I give, I look forward to. I have command of those “butterflies” and I have control of the fear of public speaking.

For a Toastmasters near you visit; http://www.toastmasters.org/
The Broomfield Ad-Liborators meet Thursdays at 7:30am at Sill-Terhar Ford
150 Alter Street Broomfield, CO 2nd floor meeting room

2007-01-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

Bees – Sharing Where the Honey Is.

I was watching the PBS program NOVA on TV one night. The featured was a program called, "Tales from the Hive". This program chronicles a year in the life of a bee colony with stunning images that take viewers inside the innermost secrets of the hive.

According to Peter Tyson the Online Producer of NOVA, a honeybee hive is far more than just a buzz of activity. In fact, the social organization inside a nest rivals that in the best-run corporations, with each bee and each cell possessing a rigidly specific function. If you're unfamiliar with bees, some of those functions, such as the "waggle dance," might leave you scratching your head in amazement at their sheer sophistication.

This “waggle dance” is a form of communication that gives one bee the opportunity to tell other bees where the best pollen is located. The dance informs other bees in the hive how far away the flowers are and what direction will get these bees to the nectar the quickest. The source bee will even let the other bees sample the nectar of the flowers they pollinated so the other bees will get a taste of it and excite other bees to seek these flowers out. I was fascinated by the level of communication these bees had developed over time.

Like bees the communication between a sales person and a buyer happen with it’s own sort of dance. Like the bees sales people want to spew features and benefits to a potential buyer. They dance around letting the buyer know so much about the “honey” they are selling. The only problem is the buyer is looking for something totally different than what they are selling. It is the sales person’s job to find out what the needs are of the potential buyer. But how?

By asking thoughtful questions. Not any old questions. But questions which will give a deeper understanding of what the potential buyer’s needs, wants and desires really are. I have never been able to figure out how to find out information by talking. Yet, so many sales people do just that. They ramble on about useless information as the buyer walks off. I have only received information by listening and asking additional questions to get information, and to get to the heart of what the buyer is looking for.

Once this dialog happens, like the bees, the exchange of important information can be shared. Like the bees you can share your nectar of information with others. Once the dialog begins you can use your expertise to guide and direct the buyer to your options. This gives value before getting it. Just remember not to sting a buyer with your information before you gather the nectar first.

Bandages - Prepare for the Unexpected

2006-12-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

My wife loves to shop at Costco. You probably have a warehouse club where you shop. When my wife sees the abundance of product creatively packaged in bulk she perceives she is getting a great deal. Never mind we have a year supply. Her philosophy is we will eventually need the item so why not stock up. A case in point is when she buys Bandages.

Now I am not sure why we needed 1000 bandages in all different shapes and sizes, yet we are now the proud owners or a big box. That big box of bandages got me thinking. We may not need them now but when does a person need a bandage? When one is bleeding. I don’t plan on bleeding all at once however if I do need one I will be aptly prepared.

How prepared are your customers for the needs that will surely arise at some point in their business day. Are you providing value to them by suggesting they be prepared for the eventual emergency situation? Here’s a case in point.
In the floral business where I spent many years as a road salesman, a consumer will order a type or color of a flower for a special occasion, say a wedding. The consumer request is for blue hydrangea for their event.
The retailer will order it from their wholesale distributor. The distributor places their order with their sources of supply whether they are domestic of international growers. The product is shipped out, yet it is damaged in transit. Or it is the wrong color. Or worse yet the weather is bad before the crop is harvested and the product just isn’t what it should be. Now, what does the retailer do to give the Consumer what they ordered?

They could call the consumer back and ask for a substitution or they could work with their existing white flower inventory and spray it with a fast drying, spray dye that I sell. The dilemma now is do they have this color spray in stock. As the sales person of this retailer I would want to make sure that my customer was prepared for this eventual emergency. Here’s what I would have done prior to the event.

I would have made a check list of basic supplies or a check list of supplies by occasion. These check lists could be reviewed several times throughout the year via phone or a sales call. Each time an order was placed by the retailer I would mention the checklist and suggest the retailer review it so when an emergency does arise they are prepared with a “Plan B.” Hence, the bandage analogy makes perfect sense. I know I will eventually need a bandage. Hopefully you can help your customer be prepared as well.

Ouch, I just cut myself. Where are those darn bandages?

First blog

2006-12-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

Listen To Color

Hello out there in web-land. This is my first official post on my blog.
What is listen to color? It’s a play on words. Of course you don’t hear color, you see it. Although I have known musicians who swear they can hear colors. My purpose is not to create a dialog about sounds even though I love music, as much as I want to create a dialog about color, business, management, information, flowers, crafts, being creative, selling, listening and sharing ideas in cyberspace.

I have been in the color business for twenty three years. I started out working as a “road dog” selling floral and craft supplies for my Father’s company, the Larry Beck Company. I did this for fifteen years. We were independent manufacture’s representatives for several top floral and craft supply manufactures. We sold our goods primarily on the west coast from San Diego to Vancouver, BC, from El Paso, Texas to Edmonton, Canada.

About eight years ago one of these companies, Design Master color tool, inc. a international spray color company, asked me to come “in house” with them. Prior to this I was affectionately known as being “outhouse”. A crappy position to be in at times. I was on the road seven months a year. I was living in hotel rooms. I was always eating in restaurants. It was tough on marriages as well.

At first I was National Accounts Manager for the company, then became National Sales Manager. For eight years I have been fortunate enough to be based in Boulder, Colorado where our home office is located. I travel a bit less. I have learned a tremendous amount about business, selling, dealing with people, customers and the change which is constant.

My goal is to post an idea a week and see where it takes me. Hopefully, there will be some good opportunities to share, listen and learn.
Thanks,
LTC - Brad