Small Business Advice

How To Make $5 Million A Year (Personal Income) And Work One Hour A Day

It is amazing what smart, lazy people can accomplish when they put their minds to it.

Inc. Magazine

What did you learn from this article?

Thank God for Sales Magnetism

So you don't have to go through this ever again.

Wall Street Journal Article

Not everything old fashioned is good.

What Are You Actually DOING?

I just finished reading a great reminder of why most of us will fail on our New Year's Resolutions, despite the plethora of tips, ideas, books, blog posts, quotes, affirmation and other tools we'll employ to dramatically change our outcomes and lives.

43 Folders Blog Post

The next time you read one of my extremely insightful, brilliant and oh-so-well-intentioned tips or ideas, ask yourself, "How am I going to DO this today?"

Or in the words of David Allen, "What is the next action?"

In the absence of that question, reading almost anything (including this blog) is a complete waste of time.

So, if you are going to lose weight/earn more/spend more time with your kids/get out of debt, etc this year, what actions are you taking NOW to change your habits?

If the answer is "nothing" or "nothing yet" then give up the dream of change and learn to be happy with your life the way it is.

Yes, the truth does hurt, but only for a moment. And it is nothing compared to the exhilaration of real progress.

Now, stop reading this and go DO something!

Can A Kitchen Be As Sexy As A BMW?

A few years ago I set a sales goal and told over 2000 people what my reward was for reaching that goal - a BMW 330ci convertible.

Throughout the year, I got calls, emails and questions about whether I was on target for getting my convertible. It was one of the most motivating years of my life. That constant support and reinforcement from my clients, friends and colleagues pushed me through the obstacles to achieving that goal.

That year I did buy my dream car.

And every time I get behind the wheel, put it in first gear and stomp on the gas, I remember the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction at having earned that prize.

As is my custom, I'm setting some more goals for 2009 and thinking about my reward for accomplishing them.

Some of you may know I bought a run-down old house in Richmond's Bellevue neighborhood this past year. It is circa 1931 and almost everything in the house is original.

Including the kitchen. Except that part that was "upgraded" in 1970.

Yes, it really is that ugly.

So, my reward for achieving my goals in 2009 is to get a new kitchen. I'm going to gut the room, tearing everything down to the studs and start from scratch. New cabinets, new granite countertops, new appliances, the whole nine yards.

It's not quite as sexy as a new BMW but after spending a Christmas cooking dinner using my 4 feet of counter space and 1970s stove and oven, I think it is a reward well worth working hard for!

Wish me luck and don't forget to ask about the progress towards a new kitchen if you happen to see me!

By the way, if you tell me what your reward is for your goals this year, I'm happy to return the favor and encourage you along the way.

Happy New Year!!!!!