Before coming to work at Stellar Enterprise I had owned a small business. I often worked alone and did not have a lot of experience working in groups. Of course working here I have learned the power and huge advantages of team work. Really and truly I tell you that a team can accomplish so much more than a Lone Ranger.
Even in nature you can see the power of team work. I have recently purchased the Planet Earth DVD Set and saw a pack of lions who normally hunt smaller prey in smaller prides take down an elephant with a huge group. That is not normal. It is so amazing but they knew that extraordinary feat was necessary for them all to survive in their current condition.
As markets change each company must decide what their target market is. What product or service will support their costs of doing business best and which groups of people working together are the right fit for each department.
The residential real estate market has been impacted dramatically and most loan officers and real estate agents should be asking themselves "Where is a similar market that can sustain my current income needs"? Is is leasing, property management, REO services or commercial real estate a new revenue stream we can consider?
The You Are a CEO program teaches CEO's, entrepreneurs and business professionals how to ask the right questions and that is exactly what a successful CEO needs to constantly consider. We have been taught by Mr. Parker that the CEO must set the direction of the company and with out the proper leadership the team can wander individually and lose the unity and power of the team.
Here recently we added two new team members to one of our subsidiaries. I saw the two new team members on their first day getting settled. As the day progressed I saw them fitting in and finding their places. I could have been worried how they would impact us but what I saw instead was the benefits their presence brought.
They had worked together at their former company and they were already united so I watched as they worked together accomplishing what they saw was needed around the office. I think their unity made the transition easier to unify with others.
At the end of the day I was impressed. They had significantly contributed to the group with their improvements. Many of the other team members, one by one, were praising them for their work and appreciating their work. We were all so glad they were here and had the heart to help. This was what I call value-added. They added to us and this benefited the customers internal and external.
This reaction does not happen in every company. The culture we are taught at Stellar teaches us to work together and it does not allow company jealousy or division among the team members.
So my admonishment to all the Lone Rangers working out there is why don't you consider becoming a a team player. For when you are willing to work with a team you can bring down extraordinary success impossible alone. Yes, you still work individually on your part but hook into others when needed!
As for me - oh, yes, my Lone Ranger days are gone. I've changed my spots for good. I have learned that when facing elephants I like the power, safety and security of a large, strong team that has diverse skills. I have learned our survival may depend on the strengths of others and what they may bring down could feed me.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
How's Your Focus?
Are you able to resist the temptation to switch tasks when you mind drifts? It's so very easy to lose focus when a crisis occurs and some times you must but you will never get your projects done if you don't keep your mind focused on what your goals are for the day.
The You Are a CEO program and my Stellar Enterprise Team members encourage a daily task planner. You simply make a list of what you need to do and focus until it is done.
If you make a rule that you complete your tasks daily and keep it small you will get in to the habit.
I normally give myself 3 new Blogs, a marketing project (like a letter or email blast or flier) and then structure unplanned work so that I can have time to do things that pop up.
I think people like that fact that my schedule is open to doing something for them right now and that is what my "Customers Value" and it makes me feel good to help.
How about You? Do you plan to have "unplanned work time"? Try it and let me know how you like it.
Have a Great Day and remember You Are a CEO, How's Your Business Running?
The You Are a CEO program and my Stellar Enterprise Team members encourage a daily task planner. You simply make a list of what you need to do and focus until it is done.
If you make a rule that you complete your tasks daily and keep it small you will get in to the habit.
I normally give myself 3 new Blogs, a marketing project (like a letter or email blast or flier) and then structure unplanned work so that I can have time to do things that pop up.
I think people like that fact that my schedule is open to doing something for them right now and that is what my "Customers Value" and it makes me feel good to help.
How about You? Do you plan to have "unplanned work time"? Try it and let me know how you like it.
Have a Great Day and remember You Are a CEO, How's Your Business Running?
Thursday, June 21, 2007
You Are a CEO Journey - I am thinking organized!
After re reading Part I: Organize Your Life Workbook
- Organize Your Mind & Space
I really was thinking more about being an organized thinker. I know it does not come naturally for me and I have to make an effort to work at it.
I am thrilled to report today... actual signs of life... I mean it's working. Really!
This is so great. I am at our offices in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and I had a lot to carry to the office. I was in my room and contemplating how and what I was taking. I had decided to take my organized laptop bag that had all my regular equipment: laptop, camcorder, camera, power packs, cords and the normal files I need but I had also decided to take a 50lb sack of books, magazines and work books that I had planned to read for research.
As I was packing I said to myself, this is not reasonable. I mean hauling all this work, sooner than I need it is not lean. Its a waste for me to bring things I don't need. So I took out about 40lbs of material and just brought what I was going to use today.
Oh, I thought, This YOU ARE a CEO program is so great. It has changed the way I think and now my behavior is changing. I am becoming an organized thinker.
I am pleased to report that I did all but 3 of the items I brought to work and I accomplished 6 very big tasks during my day. I feel like the CEO of My life and very proud of my accomplishments.
- Organize Your Mind & Space
I really was thinking more about being an organized thinker. I know it does not come naturally for me and I have to make an effort to work at it.
I am thrilled to report today... actual signs of life... I mean it's working. Really!
This is so great. I am at our offices in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and I had a lot to carry to the office. I was in my room and contemplating how and what I was taking. I had decided to take my organized laptop bag that had all my regular equipment: laptop, camcorder, camera, power packs, cords and the normal files I need but I had also decided to take a 50lb sack of books, magazines and work books that I had planned to read for research.
As I was packing I said to myself, this is not reasonable. I mean hauling all this work, sooner than I need it is not lean. Its a waste for me to bring things I don't need. So I took out about 40lbs of material and just brought what I was going to use today.
Oh, I thought, This YOU ARE a CEO program is so great. It has changed the way I think and now my behavior is changing. I am becoming an organized thinker.
I am pleased to report that I did all but 3 of the items I brought to work and I accomplished 6 very big tasks during my day. I feel like the CEO of My life and very proud of my accomplishments.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Organize Your Mind Pages 10-16
My Journey Today with the Platinum Business Suite is Organizing My Mind.
I want to be reminded how to think like a CEO in an organized fashion because I know I can accomplish anything with organized behavior - which comes from organized thinking.
Page 11: You have to make time to plan your life or life will make plans for you.
This is very true in my life. If I don't take care of my bills, home and career projects they will demand my attention with an eventual crisis.
I have long been more of a reactive person that a proactive one in tasks I dislike. If I enjoy it - there is not an issue - I'm on it... but it takes work for me to change my thinking and behavior when I have to do something I don't really like or want to do.
For Example: I dislike telling anyone bad news or saying "no" to anything. I want people to like me and I struggle even when collecting late rent from a tenant who always has a million and two stories.
I belive I can trust Mr. Parker's teachings on this subject and can definately see how much stress I can reduced in my life if I become proactive instead of reactive.
Additionally Rome was not built in a day so he also teaches us to make small steps and win progressively and that's exactly where I am at.
Some of the things that get me are irregular bills I forget like car registration, property taxes, misc. repairs or other license renewals. How about you? What crisis pop up in your life that can be prevented if you plan for them with an organized mind? Are you mentally organized? Why or Why not?
I know I am not an organized thinker by nature. I raised myself while my divorced single mom worked so I don't always see the organized thinking pattern to follow but rather react to what "need" has popped up.
I don't feel bad about it because I am working on it. I use the You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite to retrain my thinking. I listen to the audio books, I watch the DVD's and I study the work book and then I purposly follow it.
I take at least 15 minutes and read a section. Then I think of tasks I can complete fairly easily that will help me implement the fundamentals I have learned. I press to take steps towards my goals each day.
When I have a hard time making a decision, and that happens often, I think about my priorities and evaluate what really matters to me. Looking at what I value as my own customer helps me see what I can do and what can wait or not be done at all. I remember Mr. Parker's admonition to us "YOU ARE THE CEO OF AT LEAST YOUR OWN LIFE". that helps me remember I am in charge of me and my life and I have to be the Chief Execution Officer or things won't get done!
My Big Ones Are:
Exercising and Becomming a Healthy Person Project
My Reading and Personal Development Projects
Setting Work and Personal Goals and Accomplishing Them on Time.
How About You? I would love to hear your thoughts and progress as we take this journey together through the You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite.
Getting a partner or having a support group like this blog really helps! We can encourage each other and help us all change our lives for the better.
Remember You Are a CEO, How's Your Business Running?
I want to be reminded how to think like a CEO in an organized fashion because I know I can accomplish anything with organized behavior - which comes from organized thinking.
Page 11: You have to make time to plan your life or life will make plans for you.
This is very true in my life. If I don't take care of my bills, home and career projects they will demand my attention with an eventual crisis.
I have long been more of a reactive person that a proactive one in tasks I dislike. If I enjoy it - there is not an issue - I'm on it... but it takes work for me to change my thinking and behavior when I have to do something I don't really like or want to do.
For Example: I dislike telling anyone bad news or saying "no" to anything. I want people to like me and I struggle even when collecting late rent from a tenant who always has a million and two stories.
I belive I can trust Mr. Parker's teachings on this subject and can definately see how much stress I can reduced in my life if I become proactive instead of reactive.
Additionally Rome was not built in a day so he also teaches us to make small steps and win progressively and that's exactly where I am at.
Some of the things that get me are irregular bills I forget like car registration, property taxes, misc. repairs or other license renewals. How about you? What crisis pop up in your life that can be prevented if you plan for them with an organized mind? Are you mentally organized? Why or Why not?
I know I am not an organized thinker by nature. I raised myself while my divorced single mom worked so I don't always see the organized thinking pattern to follow but rather react to what "need" has popped up.
I don't feel bad about it because I am working on it. I use the You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite to retrain my thinking. I listen to the audio books, I watch the DVD's and I study the work book and then I purposly follow it.
I take at least 15 minutes and read a section. Then I think of tasks I can complete fairly easily that will help me implement the fundamentals I have learned. I press to take steps towards my goals each day.
When I have a hard time making a decision, and that happens often, I think about my priorities and evaluate what really matters to me. Looking at what I value as my own customer helps me see what I can do and what can wait or not be done at all. I remember Mr. Parker's admonition to us "YOU ARE THE CEO OF AT LEAST YOUR OWN LIFE". that helps me remember I am in charge of me and my life and I have to be the Chief Execution Officer or things won't get done!
My Big Ones Are:
Exercising and Becomming a Healthy Person Project
My Reading and Personal Development Projects
Setting Work and Personal Goals and Accomplishing Them on Time.
How About You? I would love to hear your thoughts and progress as we take this journey together through the You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite.
Getting a partner or having a support group like this blog really helps! We can encourage each other and help us all change our lives for the better.
Remember You Are a CEO, How's Your Business Running?
What Makes People Buy?
Most every worker in a retail or service industry is wondering what makes people buy? If they are not they must be pretty good at sales or perhaps in the wrong line of business. In most economies sales and service industries operated by small business owners are a driving force yet so very vulnerable.
Not knowing the reasons the customer will buy or what products and services they want can quickly run a small business into trouble. Small busiesses generally have less resources and every sale has a much greater impact to the lifespan of the company.
Thus it is wise that these businesses ask questions such as these on a regular basis to themselves as a management group, to their employees and also to their most valuable asset - their customers.
What really makes people buy a product or service? Who is the real competition? What does the customer truly desire from a product or service? What things can be eliminated because the customer does not value them? Can their level of satisfaction with these products or services be increased and will this effort retain their business or not? How much emphasis is placed on price, product or service?
A company can not build lasting success with successful sales for products or services a customer is unhappy with. It is easier to simply produce what the customer wants, at a price they are willing to pay for it when they want it.
Here is what I have found to be true:
I buy because:
1. I buy because I need a product or service that will perform or provide something useful for me that I can not do with out it: Example: I buy car insurance because it is required to register my car and it will provide financial security from a lawsuit if I get in an accident. I may buy a flat iron or blow dryer for my hair because I want it curly or straight and I cant do it with out the product and it makes me look and feel good but the price has to be right and I must feel the product is the very best (high quality, won't have to be replaced for a long time) to do the work and won't harm me or damage my hair. A name brand or revolutionary product that gives me prestige is also a factor. I like to have trendy stuff others don't because its fun to show or talk about the latest and greatest product or service.
2. I buy when something is on sale and a good deal when I may reasonably use the product or service and it provides and incredible opportunity like: A designer silk pant suit for $39.99. I don't need it but its a good value and and incredible opportunity so I buy. Or a time share that would save me $2000 per year on vacations or business travel expenses. It has an advance cost of lets say 4k but over the 10 years I will have it I will save over 6k. That will make me buy if I can afford the payments and the company is reputable.
Do you know why your customers buy?
Here are some clues from "Little Red Book of Selling" that may help you see if you do or don't know why your customers buy:
1. You get price objections
2. You have to send bids or proposals
3. They claim to be happy with others
4. No one returns your calls
5. You are complaining that the economy is slow
So why do you buy?
Do you have all the customers you want?
If not why?
Business is being conducted - are they using you? If not why?
If you want more info on the Little Red Book of Selling contact www.gitomer.com - I bought mine at the airport and love it.
Enjoy
Not knowing the reasons the customer will buy or what products and services they want can quickly run a small business into trouble. Small busiesses generally have less resources and every sale has a much greater impact to the lifespan of the company.
Thus it is wise that these businesses ask questions such as these on a regular basis to themselves as a management group, to their employees and also to their most valuable asset - their customers.
What really makes people buy a product or service? Who is the real competition? What does the customer truly desire from a product or service? What things can be eliminated because the customer does not value them? Can their level of satisfaction with these products or services be increased and will this effort retain their business or not? How much emphasis is placed on price, product or service?
A company can not build lasting success with successful sales for products or services a customer is unhappy with. It is easier to simply produce what the customer wants, at a price they are willing to pay for it when they want it.
Here is what I have found to be true:
I buy because:
1. I buy because I need a product or service that will perform or provide something useful for me that I can not do with out it: Example: I buy car insurance because it is required to register my car and it will provide financial security from a lawsuit if I get in an accident. I may buy a flat iron or blow dryer for my hair because I want it curly or straight and I cant do it with out the product and it makes me look and feel good but the price has to be right and I must feel the product is the very best (high quality, won't have to be replaced for a long time) to do the work and won't harm me or damage my hair. A name brand or revolutionary product that gives me prestige is also a factor. I like to have trendy stuff others don't because its fun to show or talk about the latest and greatest product or service.
2. I buy when something is on sale and a good deal when I may reasonably use the product or service and it provides and incredible opportunity like: A designer silk pant suit for $39.99. I don't need it but its a good value and and incredible opportunity so I buy. Or a time share that would save me $2000 per year on vacations or business travel expenses. It has an advance cost of lets say 4k but over the 10 years I will have it I will save over 6k. That will make me buy if I can afford the payments and the company is reputable.
Do you know why your customers buy?
Here are some clues from "Little Red Book of Selling" that may help you see if you do or don't know why your customers buy:
1. You get price objections
2. You have to send bids or proposals
3. They claim to be happy with others
4. No one returns your calls
5. You are complaining that the economy is slow
So why do you buy?
Do you have all the customers you want?
If not why?
Business is being conducted - are they using you? If not why?
If you want more info on the Little Red Book of Selling contact www.gitomer.com - I bought mine at the airport and love it.
Enjoy
Monday, June 18, 2007
CEO's Where Are You?
Are You On Your Journey with the Platinum Business Suite?
I have recently decided to take a fresh look at this wonderful program and take a journey with my new friends who have just started with the You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite. It is an amazing adventure and you are all welcome to join the journey. This program has changed character flaws in my life that I have had for years.
Mr. Parker has said that we must implement the program and apply it's principles to our lives for it to work and I knew I had made progress but still had work to do. So since I was taking a vacation anyway I knew it was time for me to spend quality time with the program and my personal / professional development. I am my product. I am the CEO of my life. My life represents ME.
Start Here:
You Are a CEO DVD Appendix Platinum Business Suite Part 1: Organize Your Life Workbook
pages 1-9
The goal of this program is to have an organized mindset. I knew I had done some of the physical labor: organizing my office, bathrooms, kitchen and closets but I still knew an organized mindset did not come naturally and maintaining the work was not sticking very well.
As part of the team I knew I had to stay true to the culture and vision we have established so I am prepared for working on my "personal development" as a life long process. Personal Development will improve my career and professional development! So here I go on the next journey to becoming the Queen of my Castle and the CEO of my life.
Enjoy and please follow along!
Getting Started:
GOAL: I want an organized mindset and to be able to successfully use the tools of time management, space organization and financial management to achieve personal and professional fulfillment. I want to be an example of excellence in the Platinum Business Suite.
Where are YOU?
Are you missing or late for meetings and deadlines?
I have created a habit of being on time for meetings and deadlines. I am not losing materials or supplies but I know I still feel some amount of stress especially when taking on a new challenge like learning some I.T. function.
I still have chores that I don't like and I tend to drag out projects I don't particularly want to do. I can see improvement but my productivity and several skill sets still have room for improvement.
Please take some time and consider your life and compare it to the Red Flags on page 7.
Make notes of what you would like changed and goals you want to accomplish.
1.______________________________________
2.______________________________________
3.______________________________________
GETTING STARTED: Just Do it! You bought it - So now use it! You will love your new life.
I love the feeling of knowing I will be being able to change my bad habits and get new ones. I love knowing that I am learning this information from a successful CEO.
You can too!
The root problems for most of our woes are unorganized thinking and behaviors. These can both change! :)
Blogging Topics:
What Does Organized Mean to YOU? It should be the behavior of approaching activities in a systematic fashion with structure and orderliness.
If you have started your Platinum Business Suite what are your thoughts?
If you have not started the Platinum Business Suite what is holding you back?
(Make Time: in 24 hours just take 15 minutes and read a section!)
Have a great day and remember ... "You Are a CEO, How's Your Business Running"?
I have recently decided to take a fresh look at this wonderful program and take a journey with my new friends who have just started with the You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite. It is an amazing adventure and you are all welcome to join the journey. This program has changed character flaws in my life that I have had for years.
Mr. Parker has said that we must implement the program and apply it's principles to our lives for it to work and I knew I had made progress but still had work to do. So since I was taking a vacation anyway I knew it was time for me to spend quality time with the program and my personal / professional development. I am my product. I am the CEO of my life. My life represents ME.
Start Here:
You Are a CEO DVD Appendix Platinum Business Suite Part 1: Organize Your Life Workbook
pages 1-9
The goal of this program is to have an organized mindset. I knew I had done some of the physical labor: organizing my office, bathrooms, kitchen and closets but I still knew an organized mindset did not come naturally and maintaining the work was not sticking very well.
As part of the team I knew I had to stay true to the culture and vision we have established so I am prepared for working on my "personal development" as a life long process. Personal Development will improve my career and professional development! So here I go on the next journey to becoming the Queen of my Castle and the CEO of my life.
Enjoy and please follow along!
Getting Started:
GOAL: I want an organized mindset and to be able to successfully use the tools of time management, space organization and financial management to achieve personal and professional fulfillment. I want to be an example of excellence in the Platinum Business Suite.
Where are YOU?
Are you missing or late for meetings and deadlines?
I have created a habit of being on time for meetings and deadlines. I am not losing materials or supplies but I know I still feel some amount of stress especially when taking on a new challenge like learning some I.T. function.
I still have chores that I don't like and I tend to drag out projects I don't particularly want to do. I can see improvement but my productivity and several skill sets still have room for improvement.
Please take some time and consider your life and compare it to the Red Flags on page 7.
Make notes of what you would like changed and goals you want to accomplish.
- Learn a new skill: advertising
- Increase income: by 100,000 per year
- Organize Your Life: Space at Work and Home, Control over my time and money.
- Be Happier: By removing the insecure feelings - that I am not good enough by mastering these new skills that will make me feel better about myself and more confident with my new abilities.
1.______________________________________
2.______________________________________
3.______________________________________
GETTING STARTED: Just Do it! You bought it - So now use it! You will love your new life.
I love the feeling of knowing I will be being able to change my bad habits and get new ones. I love knowing that I am learning this information from a successful CEO.
You can too!
The root problems for most of our woes are unorganized thinking and behaviors. These can both change! :)
Blogging Topics:
What Does Organized Mean to YOU? It should be the behavior of approaching activities in a systematic fashion with structure and orderliness.
If you have started your Platinum Business Suite what are your thoughts?
If you have not started the Platinum Business Suite what is holding you back?
(Make Time: in 24 hours just take 15 minutes and read a section!)
Have a great day and remember ... "You Are a CEO, How's Your Business Running"?
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Delayed Gratification Study
Hello Everyone,
I have been on vacation in North Carolina. A young man I have known since he was little married a girl I introduced to him so I had to be there. We rented a beach house for a week which was cheaper than a hotel since it was the very last week of the mid season at Topsail Beach when prices are still affordable. www.treasurerealty.com
My plan for the extra days was to go over my You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite and read my roadmap.
On the plane I used my new Ipod Shuffle to hear the Introduction CD and Personal Awareness Audio Book.
I wanted to share something that really hit me strongly - "The delayed gratification study".
In the audio book Mr. Parker is speaking with Terry Fulton and discussing a study conducted by Stanford University where hungry 4 year olds were tested on their ability to delay gratification. The conclusion was that the 4 year olds carried the skill with them through adult hood and that they were more discipined adults who led more successful lives because they could delay their need for gratification to achieve a higher goal.
If you have not heard this audio book - its not long at all. Pop it in your car and get ready to change the way you think.
The discussion was great and impacted my life. I was tested last night. After I heard about the kids and the marshmellow's I was hungry and just got into town and needed some groceries. I gave up fast food and eating out (as my major source of food) so that I would be healthier and as I finished the produce section I passed by the hot gooey pit of baked goods...
Oh, man, I just heard about the "personal awareness" and I had Mr. Parkers talk on discipline but there was that warm lemon butter pound cake... it was my favorite. I said oh, good this is the last one and I am on vacation...
To my surprise after I put that cake in my cart, I kept hearing the "delayed gratification study" and the kids who could be strong and I marched right back to the bakery section and put that cake back.
My goals are to be healthy and I want to achieve my goal so I have to delay my gratification.
Mr. Parker and Mr. Fulton, thank you so much for this wonderful audio book set. It changed my life and gave me the power to change my life for my good.
I cant wait to achieve my goal. You gave me the tools... no one has ever done for me what you have.
Your the BEST!
I strongly urge anyone with a weight challenge to check out this kit. It is for anyone who wants a better more successful life!
I am the CEO of My Life!
I have been on vacation in North Carolina. A young man I have known since he was little married a girl I introduced to him so I had to be there. We rented a beach house for a week which was cheaper than a hotel since it was the very last week of the mid season at Topsail Beach when prices are still affordable. www.treasurerealty.com
My plan for the extra days was to go over my You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite and read my roadmap.
On the plane I used my new Ipod Shuffle to hear the Introduction CD and Personal Awareness Audio Book.
I wanted to share something that really hit me strongly - "The delayed gratification study".
In the audio book Mr. Parker is speaking with Terry Fulton and discussing a study conducted by Stanford University where hungry 4 year olds were tested on their ability to delay gratification. The conclusion was that the 4 year olds carried the skill with them through adult hood and that they were more discipined adults who led more successful lives because they could delay their need for gratification to achieve a higher goal.
If you have not heard this audio book - its not long at all. Pop it in your car and get ready to change the way you think.
The discussion was great and impacted my life. I was tested last night. After I heard about the kids and the marshmellow's I was hungry and just got into town and needed some groceries. I gave up fast food and eating out (as my major source of food) so that I would be healthier and as I finished the produce section I passed by the hot gooey pit of baked goods...
Oh, man, I just heard about the "personal awareness" and I had Mr. Parkers talk on discipline but there was that warm lemon butter pound cake... it was my favorite. I said oh, good this is the last one and I am on vacation...
To my surprise after I put that cake in my cart, I kept hearing the "delayed gratification study" and the kids who could be strong and I marched right back to the bakery section and put that cake back.
My goals are to be healthy and I want to achieve my goal so I have to delay my gratification.
Mr. Parker and Mr. Fulton, thank you so much for this wonderful audio book set. It changed my life and gave me the power to change my life for my good.
I cant wait to achieve my goal. You gave me the tools... no one has ever done for me what you have.
Your the BEST!
I strongly urge anyone with a weight challenge to check out this kit. It is for anyone who wants a better more successful life!
I am the CEO of My Life!
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