How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Being able to spend time with family and friends. Oh, and the fact that I like them. Not everyone is so lucky.
April 05, 2010
April 03, 2010
Confirmation
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Today is very simple, we had a past client come in today to pick something up, and they said it not once, but twice, that they were very happy with our service. It is nice to know that how you decide to “do business” is appreciated. Hoppy Easter!
Today is very simple, we had a past client come in today to pick something up, and they said it not once, but twice, that they were very happy with our service. It is nice to know that how you decide to “do business” is appreciated. Hoppy Easter!
March 30, 2010
Good News from Different Angles
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
My niece is doing better than expected, and is being released from the hospital tomorrow. She will be transferred to Marion Joy for physical therapy, and right now all things look good. All of your thoughts and well wishes are very much appreciated and I have shared them all with them.
What else can be “Positive” you ask? The financial markers continue to rise, there are concerns about inflation, the weather is breaking, the phones are ringing more, and people are buying. However, the buying is more educated, more conservative, smarter. This is now the time that I will have to shape our message to convey that working with our company is the “smart choice”.
Oh, one last good news to share. We just got a job that last Thursday we had lost to California Closets. We went back and spent another hour and half to educate the customer about why buying form us was a better solution to their problem. It was a good feeling!
My niece is doing better than expected, and is being released from the hospital tomorrow. She will be transferred to Marion Joy for physical therapy, and right now all things look good. All of your thoughts and well wishes are very much appreciated and I have shared them all with them.
What else can be “Positive” you ask? The financial markers continue to rise, there are concerns about inflation, the weather is breaking, the phones are ringing more, and people are buying. However, the buying is more educated, more conservative, smarter. This is now the time that I will have to shape our message to convey that working with our company is the “smart choice”.
Oh, one last good news to share. We just got a job that last Thursday we had lost to California Closets. We went back and spent another hour and half to educate the customer about why buying form us was a better solution to their problem. It was a good feeling!
March 24, 2010
Define Positive
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
When I started this email to my wife in December of 2008, I knew that I needed to be focused on the positive things in my life, and my world. Many things have occurred since that time. I could talk about the DOW being on an 18 month high, or that our phones are ringing more, but I am not.
Last week I wrote about my niece having to have emergency brain surgery. There was a real concern as to whether she would even make through the surgery, then the concern was will she make it through the next 24 hours. I know and realize that we all are living our lives each day, but the outpouring I have seen of support is truly mind blowing. Hundreds of people from not just our small community, but from all over the world have expressed concern, interest, prayers, visitation, meals, gifts, posters, cards, flowers, text messages, emails… I have, like you, I am sure, have read about or heard about this type of support, but to experience it, and watch it unfold is really what is positive about all of us. We, as people truly care. When times are tough, we as a people band together to help each other. There is no formal process to do this, it just happens.
The update on Kenzie Rae Curran is as follows:
Monday the nurse asked her to hold up two fingers, which she did. Then the nurse asked her to see if she could put a glove on all 5 fingers, which she did.
Tuesday the speech therapist tried to get her to swallow, and Kenzie took the spoon away from her, and did it herself. She then wanted to stand up, and the nurses did not if they should let her, so her father leaned in and said “give me a hug”, which she did! She is making great progress and is ahead of schedule. She should be moved later this week out of ICU. Keep her in your prayers, and in your heart, and thank you to all of you for reaching out and letting us know that you care.
When I started this email to my wife in December of 2008, I knew that I needed to be focused on the positive things in my life, and my world. Many things have occurred since that time. I could talk about the DOW being on an 18 month high, or that our phones are ringing more, but I am not.
Last week I wrote about my niece having to have emergency brain surgery. There was a real concern as to whether she would even make through the surgery, then the concern was will she make it through the next 24 hours. I know and realize that we all are living our lives each day, but the outpouring I have seen of support is truly mind blowing. Hundreds of people from not just our small community, but from all over the world have expressed concern, interest, prayers, visitation, meals, gifts, posters, cards, flowers, text messages, emails… I have, like you, I am sure, have read about or heard about this type of support, but to experience it, and watch it unfold is really what is positive about all of us. We, as people truly care. When times are tough, we as a people band together to help each other. There is no formal process to do this, it just happens.
The update on Kenzie Rae Curran is as follows:
Monday the nurse asked her to hold up two fingers, which she did. Then the nurse asked her to see if she could put a glove on all 5 fingers, which she did.
Tuesday the speech therapist tried to get her to swallow, and Kenzie took the spoon away from her, and did it herself. She then wanted to stand up, and the nurses did not if they should let her, so her father leaned in and said “give me a hug”, which she did! She is making great progress and is ahead of schedule. She should be moved later this week out of ICU. Keep her in your prayers, and in your heart, and thank you to all of you for reaching out and letting us know that you care.
March 19, 2010
Minute by Minute
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
When this recession began, and we were in the middle of it, I kept saying we have to get through each day, then each week, then the month, and then the year. That has new meaning for me now. My niece had a seizure, and was rushed to the hospital for a 6 hour emergency brain surgery. The doctors told us that the first step was to just make it through the surgery. After the surgery, they said she needs to make it through the next 6 hours, after that it was the next 24 hours. Now they are talking about the next 3 days. She has to fight to stay alive every minute, then every hour, then each day. So, too must we fight each minute of each day for what we want and value. For her, it’s her life, what is it for each of us? What do we value? I say to fight for it like your life depends on it, because it just may.
When this recession began, and we were in the middle of it, I kept saying we have to get through each day, then each week, then the month, and then the year. That has new meaning for me now. My niece had a seizure, and was rushed to the hospital for a 6 hour emergency brain surgery. The doctors told us that the first step was to just make it through the surgery. After the surgery, they said she needs to make it through the next 6 hours, after that it was the next 24 hours. Now they are talking about the next 3 days. She has to fight to stay alive every minute, then every hour, then each day. So, too must we fight each minute of each day for what we want and value. For her, it’s her life, what is it for each of us? What do we value? I say to fight for it like your life depends on it, because it just may.
March 11, 2010
Diversification is Working
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
It seems that the phone is continuing to ring, so maybe this is the beginning of a slow recovery. We have had a fair number of calls from people who are remodeling their Master Bedroom Suite, including the bath and closet, along with Basement remodels. Also, we have sold 3 SunSetter Awnings already this year, and just received our first Hunter Douglas order. Helping people solve many problems around their home looks like it may have been the key for us to survive these last 2 years. Diversification….now what else is on the horizon?
It seems that the phone is continuing to ring, so maybe this is the beginning of a slow recovery. We have had a fair number of calls from people who are remodeling their Master Bedroom Suite, including the bath and closet, along with Basement remodels. Also, we have sold 3 SunSetter Awnings already this year, and just received our first Hunter Douglas order. Helping people solve many problems around their home looks like it may have been the key for us to survive these last 2 years. Diversification….now what else is on the horizon?
March 10, 2010
One Year Ago
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Wow, have I been busy. About 3 weeks ago the phones and walk-in’s really started to pick up. It seems that people are now coming out of hibernation and are engaging in purchases. Yesterday I had 5 appointments, now we all must work hard to turn the proposals around within 24 hours to capitalize on peoples desires. While spending so much time in the car yesterday a story came on about our financial markets. One year ago the DOW closed at 6,500, and yesterday it closed at 10,500. Quite a change one year makes. Now, I’m not saying that everything is now perfect, but these are all steps in the right direction. All of us must work our way, day by day through this. For together we will survive.
Wow, have I been busy. About 3 weeks ago the phones and walk-in’s really started to pick up. It seems that people are now coming out of hibernation and are engaging in purchases. Yesterday I had 5 appointments, now we all must work hard to turn the proposals around within 24 hours to capitalize on peoples desires. While spending so much time in the car yesterday a story came on about our financial markets. One year ago the DOW closed at 6,500, and yesterday it closed at 10,500. Quite a change one year makes. Now, I’m not saying that everything is now perfect, but these are all steps in the right direction. All of us must work our way, day by day through this. For together we will survive.
March 05, 2010
New Beginings
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
CUBS Win! The beginning of baseball, the beginning of spring, the beginning of nice weather, provides an opportunity for a new beginning in my life and in my company.
CUBS Win! The beginning of baseball, the beginning of spring, the beginning of nice weather, provides an opportunity for a new beginning in my life and in my company.
March 04, 2010
Life is Simple, Really
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Just met with a supplier this afternoon, and she simply stated “Two days of great weather changes people’s attitudes, TREMNDOUSLY.” It struck me how simple we really are. Life is not complicated, but we make it that way. Today, I will relax and keep things simple.
Just met with a supplier this afternoon, and she simply stated “Two days of great weather changes people’s attitudes, TREMNDOUSLY.” It struck me how simple we really are. Life is not complicated, but we make it that way. Today, I will relax and keep things simple.
March 03, 2010
Small Areas are Improving
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I like it, and it’s interesting. Since writing these emails, and increasing who wants to receive them, it seems everyday I get at least one response to what I’ve written. Yesterday, after the email about the builder, I heard that a home inspector has had four inspections scheduled in the last 10 days. He felt that it seemed to be picking up ever so slowly. Depending on whether you see the glass as half full or not, only two of the four homes were short sales. The other two were “normal” transactions. In small pockets of our small area we are seeing improvement. It all starts with baby steps.
I like it, and it’s interesting. Since writing these emails, and increasing who wants to receive them, it seems everyday I get at least one response to what I’ve written. Yesterday, after the email about the builder, I heard that a home inspector has had four inspections scheduled in the last 10 days. He felt that it seemed to be picking up ever so slowly. Depending on whether you see the glass as half full or not, only two of the four homes were short sales. The other two were “normal” transactions. In small pockets of our small area we are seeing improvement. It all starts with baby steps.
March 02, 2010
Success is Possible
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I met with a builder yesterday who had two houses he was building, and while talking with him he said that he had four more he was building. His comments gave me hope that things are picking up, slowly, but they are moving in the right direction. By now, most of us small businesses that are still in business have made the necessary changes to stay in business. Now, we all need to do what we can, when we can to take advantage of every situation, no matter how small. It is in these small opportunities that survival will continue. Once we feel safe with our survival, we can focus on the goal of profitability and success once again. This conversation, gave me the feeling that success is possible once again!
I met with a builder yesterday who had two houses he was building, and while talking with him he said that he had four more he was building. His comments gave me hope that things are picking up, slowly, but they are moving in the right direction. By now, most of us small businesses that are still in business have made the necessary changes to stay in business. Now, we all need to do what we can, when we can to take advantage of every situation, no matter how small. It is in these small opportunities that survival will continue. Once we feel safe with our survival, we can focus on the goal of profitability and success once again. This conversation, gave me the feeling that success is possible once again!
March 01, 2010
Comments Mean Something
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
It doesn’t take much to give me hope, to make me believe, to keep me focused. It could be as simple as a comment my wife or a friend makes, a customer telling me they are really happy with the work we did for them. A statement that one of our leaders says “while on the record”. It could be as simple as the phone rang, and someone wants what we sell! Today, I will make my comments with this simple thought in mind.
It doesn’t take much to give me hope, to make me believe, to keep me focused. It could be as simple as a comment my wife or a friend makes, a customer telling me they are really happy with the work we did for them. A statement that one of our leaders says “while on the record”. It could be as simple as the phone rang, and someone wants what we sell! Today, I will make my comments with this simple thought in mind.
February 25, 2010
Look for the Window
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
The other day I had the permanent retainer that has been glued in my mouth since I got my braces off 6 years ago, unglue, while I was in a meeting. I’ve always had a problem with this in my mouth, no matter how much they told me that I would get used to it. So, I get an emergency appointment to go in, and the Dr. looks at it, and says that he’ll remove it and give me a mouth guard as my retainer. Yeah!
As I thought about this small situation, I began to think that sometimes what at first appears to be bad, turns out to be good. That is how I am now feeling about this recession that we all have been in. At first, I did not like it, I even refused to participate in it, by not doing the things necessary to maintain a profitable business. Now that time has passed, I believe that my company is becoming better. Another old saying, “When God closes a door, He provides a window”. My job is to look for the window.
The other day I had the permanent retainer that has been glued in my mouth since I got my braces off 6 years ago, unglue, while I was in a meeting. I’ve always had a problem with this in my mouth, no matter how much they told me that I would get used to it. So, I get an emergency appointment to go in, and the Dr. looks at it, and says that he’ll remove it and give me a mouth guard as my retainer. Yeah!
As I thought about this small situation, I began to think that sometimes what at first appears to be bad, turns out to be good. That is how I am now feeling about this recession that we all have been in. At first, I did not like it, I even refused to participate in it, by not doing the things necessary to maintain a profitable business. Now that time has passed, I believe that my company is becoming better. Another old saying, “When God closes a door, He provides a window”. My job is to look for the window.
February 22, 2010
What is it about the Olympics?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
What is it about the Olympics? Whether you prefer the Summer or the Winter Olympics, there is something that happens when they are going on. It’s always a front page story, we talk about it at work, with our friends, and our family. Heck, some of the athletes even appear on The Oprah Show. What is it that captivates us? Is it that we can see sports that are popular not here in the US, but throughout the world? Is it national pride, rooting for our country? I’m not sure, but for me it is to watch someone, any one of the athletes, dedicate themselves for a period of four years. To train, to practice, and to workout for the singular goal of competing during these 2 weeks. As I think about not just what they are doing to compete, I am also drawn to think about what they are not doing. In many cases, they are not doing what many others their age are doing. Whether it is “going out”, partying, boyfriends or girlfriends, having family close to them, sitting around watching TV shows, eating fast food and ice cream, staying up late… They have an unrelenting determination and dedication. I can learn from them these traits.
What is it about the Olympics? Whether you prefer the Summer or the Winter Olympics, there is something that happens when they are going on. It’s always a front page story, we talk about it at work, with our friends, and our family. Heck, some of the athletes even appear on The Oprah Show. What is it that captivates us? Is it that we can see sports that are popular not here in the US, but throughout the world? Is it national pride, rooting for our country? I’m not sure, but for me it is to watch someone, any one of the athletes, dedicate themselves for a period of four years. To train, to practice, and to workout for the singular goal of competing during these 2 weeks. As I think about not just what they are doing to compete, I am also drawn to think about what they are not doing. In many cases, they are not doing what many others their age are doing. Whether it is “going out”, partying, boyfriends or girlfriends, having family close to them, sitting around watching TV shows, eating fast food and ice cream, staying up late… They have an unrelenting determination and dedication. I can learn from them these traits.
February 18, 2010
Erma Bombeck?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
The purpose of me writing something positive each day is more for me, than it is for you. With that in mind, sometimes something happens that makes me smile, it could be a friend or family member doing or saying something special. However, in this case it is a customer. When I talked to her after we worked on her house, she said that she was extremely happy with what we did for her. As is often case when we leave a home. My typical response is, “One way you could help us, is to spread the word to your friends and family. You can also write us a letter of recommendation. Now, I knew that she did some writing, and had created a few cards that she sells on the internet, but I did not expect what follows below, what appears to be a newspaper article. It shows me that in these challenging times we live in at the moment, one person can change not just my perspective, but her email changed all of our employees perspective and made us all laugh. A job well done to www.meanmaryjean.com
Please be sure to read her testimonial, you too will smile and laugh out loud. She reminds me of Erma Bombeck!
The purpose of me writing something positive each day is more for me, than it is for you. With that in mind, sometimes something happens that makes me smile, it could be a friend or family member doing or saying something special. However, in this case it is a customer. When I talked to her after we worked on her house, she said that she was extremely happy with what we did for her. As is often case when we leave a home. My typical response is, “One way you could help us, is to spread the word to your friends and family. You can also write us a letter of recommendation. Now, I knew that she did some writing, and had created a few cards that she sells on the internet, but I did not expect what follows below, what appears to be a newspaper article. It shows me that in these challenging times we live in at the moment, one person can change not just my perspective, but her email changed all of our employees perspective and made us all laugh. A job well done to www.meanmaryjean.com
Please be sure to read her testimonial, you too will smile and laugh out loud. She reminds me of Erma Bombeck!
Old Sayings Still Hold True
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Wow! It’s already Thursday. The old saying that “Time flies when you are having fun” is also true when you are busy. In these last two weeks, we have gotten very busy. The phones are ringing, we are out on appointments, we are preparing proposals, making sales, buying material, and then doing the installation. If this keeps up for a few more weeks, months, the rest of the year, that would be nice.
The reason for being busy? Meeting with the people, I think it is simple. People have been waiting for the economy to get better, just a little, or at least stabilize, which it has. Now, there is pent up desire, and they want to do things that they have been waiting on. Another old saying, “Hard work puts you in a position for luck”. I’m recharged, and will continue to work hard, and maybe some luck will happen along the way
Wow! It’s already Thursday. The old saying that “Time flies when you are having fun” is also true when you are busy. In these last two weeks, we have gotten very busy. The phones are ringing, we are out on appointments, we are preparing proposals, making sales, buying material, and then doing the installation. If this keeps up for a few more weeks, months, the rest of the year, that would be nice.
The reason for being busy? Meeting with the people, I think it is simple. People have been waiting for the economy to get better, just a little, or at least stabilize, which it has. Now, there is pent up desire, and they want to do things that they have been waiting on. Another old saying, “Hard work puts you in a position for luck”. I’m recharged, and will continue to work hard, and maybe some luck will happen along the way
February 15, 2010
Celebration...
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
To get the best out of each of us, we need to celebrate. We celebrate Valentine’s Day, we celebrate birthday’s and anniversaries, we celebrate sales or profits at work. When a child does something we like we praise them, when we want a dog to sit or roll over, we offer a treat and rub their belly. We are wired to celebrate, we need affirmation. Today, I must begin to tell the people I work with how good they are, how important they are to me and to my company.
Now, how can I develop a culture of celebration?
To get the best out of each of us, we need to celebrate. We celebrate Valentine’s Day, we celebrate birthday’s and anniversaries, we celebrate sales or profits at work. When a child does something we like we praise them, when we want a dog to sit or roll over, we offer a treat and rub their belly. We are wired to celebrate, we need affirmation. Today, I must begin to tell the people I work with how good they are, how important they are to me and to my company.
Now, how can I develop a culture of celebration?
February 12, 2010
Does This Stuff Make Money?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Having to find something positive to write about everyday changes how I view each moment of the day. Often it forces me to look for the good, in a sea of not so good news. So, when something happens that is positive without much effort on my part, it makes it so much the better.
Last night I attended a home builder meeting about Social Media/Networking. Although I have heard about it, I have even done some of it, we have a website, and this email becomes a blog. I’ve always wondered whether the amount of time and money invested will bring in sales and profits. Last night there were several examples that it does generate sales and profits. Although thinking about the “extra” work is intimidating, I am excited by the possibilities to immerse myself and our company into World Wide Web.
Having to find something positive to write about everyday changes how I view each moment of the day. Often it forces me to look for the good, in a sea of not so good news. So, when something happens that is positive without much effort on my part, it makes it so much the better.
Last night I attended a home builder meeting about Social Media/Networking. Although I have heard about it, I have even done some of it, we have a website, and this email becomes a blog. I’ve always wondered whether the amount of time and money invested will bring in sales and profits. Last night there were several examples that it does generate sales and profits. Although thinking about the “extra” work is intimidating, I am excited by the possibilities to immerse myself and our company into World Wide Web.
February 11, 2010
Listening is an Effort
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Destiny, Coincidence, Karma, whatever you call it, I hear you God. In the last two days I have had 4 events all unrelated in themselves, merge together into being hit on the head by God. Sometimes I find that I don’t always see things as good unless it is also very obvious. I will make an effort to look for and notice the little things in life!
Destiny, Coincidence, Karma, whatever you call it, I hear you God. In the last two days I have had 4 events all unrelated in themselves, merge together into being hit on the head by God. Sometimes I find that I don’t always see things as good unless it is also very obvious. I will make an effort to look for and notice the little things in life!
February 10, 2010
Earthquake Sale?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I had a great dream last night that my wife rocked my world. I woke up at 4:00 am to find that it was true!
For business, I am now thinking of offering an Earthquake Sale. Any ideas out there?
I had a great dream last night that my wife rocked my world. I woke up at 4:00 am to find that it was true!
For business, I am now thinking of offering an Earthquake Sale. Any ideas out there?
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