The Five Star 5 -Ideas, Ideas, Ideas!
Coming up with fresh, entertaining and captivating blog content on a regular basis can be tough. I am kind of lucky, in that my brain is always “on” and ideas continually flow!
But I still need to look for more inspiration, and came up with the three fantastic articles that have inspired me to keep evolving my content!
From “Copy Blogger” http://bit.ly/1cpJWdq
From “Start Blogging Online” http://bit.ly/1hLJ4Xg
From “ProBlogger” http://bit.ly/1bl3kfN
Here are a few things that help me gather information and create content.
- Always have a pen and notebook within arm’s reach. Do this electronically if you like, and NEVER assume that you will remember something later without documenting it!
- Create an “Inspiration File”. Archive articles or other content that has peaked your curiosity to refer back to later.
- Be aware of things around you. Great ideas can come from the radio, TV, people you socialize with, or observing others.
- Review old content or notes. A slightly different twist can bring new life to information.
- No idea is silly or crazy! No matter how out of left field something may seem at the time, you never know what might come of it!
Keep creating, be open to all possibilities with your writing, and HAVE FUN 🙂
Timmy’s 10’s – 10 Friend’s Fantastic Blogs!
I am lucky to have met many people online who have now become friends.
These blogs/websites are AWESOME, and are all developed by regular people like you and I who just took action.
I will peak your curiosity about each of these by just including names.
Click away and have a great day 🙂
- Paul Castain http://yoursalesplaybook.com/
- Tina Del Buono http://ppm4u.wordpress.com/
- Broc Edwards http://foolwithaplan.wordpress.com/
- Susan Wright Boucher https://swrightboucher.wordpress.com/
- Jennifer David http://writingsofamrs.com/
- Bob McIntosh www.thingscareerrelated.com
- Richie Demarco http://themayorofhardware.com/
- Richard Hilliard http://practicebetterbusiness.wordpress.com/
- Bruce Zimmerman http://brucezim.wordpress.com/
- Laurie Barkman http://servicedge.ca/blog/
The Five Star 5 – My Favourite Words
These words were once spoken to me by an executive manager, who became a friend I respect greatly to this day:
- Trust
- Respect
- Loyalty
- Passion
- Inspiration
I will never forget where the conversation occurred, and how it affected me going forward. They were “stamped” in his memory, and the commentary came straight from the heart:
An organization and specifically a sales team “achieving” these five words can mean great things are currently happening or are coming soon. On the flip side, if any or all or these words are “breached” by team members, well let’s just say things may not go as planned!
I have tried to write something very insightful utilizing these five words for at least four years now, but always have trouble.
I will leave it open to your interpretation.
What do these five words mean to you?
I just know that I get to a very good place in short order when I see those five words all in a row!
Do You Play To Win, or Play Not To Lose?
I recently watched a lot of the Olympics, and was thinking about this post the other day. Wanted to share it once again!
When I first heard this statement with respect to a professional hockey team’s play, I stopped in my tracks. On the surface, it seems like the same concept spun two different ways. Or is it?
Playing to win exudes confidence. There is nothing that can get in the way of the team and victory. They execute the game plan to perfection, and do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. Mistakes may still happen, but they get back on track in a timely fashion. It is clear in their body language that nothing less than success will be accepted by everyone.
On the other hand, the team playing not to lose exudes tentativeness. Their primary goal is to not make mistakes and look foolish in front of teammates and coaches. In their minds, if they don’t make any mistakes, they should win. On paper that makes sense. Those who follow sports hear this often, but if the other team plays an all round better game, you will still lose. Body language supports the theory that they are just trying not to screw up, and it shows.
Take a moment and step back to think about your current sales or business role. Do you always feel like you are on top of your “game” and nothing can stop you? If you do, congratulations! If we are honest with ourselves, most of us go through phases when we lack confidence and just feel like everything we touch turns in to…. well not gold.
Do you notice when things are going well, mistakes and other challenges in your role do not take as big a tole on you? It seems no matter the size of the setback, you can move past it in record time. Now turn the tables. When things are not going well, and confidence is low, even the little things seem like huge issues. The world seems to be against you, and it is nearly impossible to get out of the funk.
- Are you playing to win, or playing not to lose?
- Are you afraid to make mistakes, and worry how it will look to teammates and management?
- Or do you understand that mistakes happen, learn from them, and move on as quickly as possible?
- Do you approach your role everyday with confidence, a bounce in your step, and the mindset of “I can do this?”
- Or do you plod along as you always have; do the same things that you have always done, and just try not to screw up?
“Playing not to lose” is a career limiting decision (CLD). You will feel safe, and your results may be consistent, but your true potential will not be achieved. If you just sit back and watch, you will witness others getting all the glory!
“Playing to win” is a mindset. The Edmonton Oilers, New York Yankees, New England Patriots & Manchester United have not won all of those champions with the attitude of playing just to survive. Playing to win is imperative in anything that you do. It is an attitude that should make you feel unstoppable throughout your career.
Saturday Music Memories – U2 At Their Best!
I was not a huge fan of U2 growing up in the 80’s, but I really started to appreciate them in the 90’s.
I saw them during their Pop Mart tour in 1995 and was blown away!
They played on Jimmy Fallon’s first Tonight Show earlier this week and… well it was AWESOME!
Check out this acoustic version of their smash hit “Ordinary Love”.
Have a FANTASTIC weekend!
Have A Laugh Fridays – Kid President Pep Talk!
How have I not seen this? Kid President rocks!
Almost 32 million other people have viewed it.
I watched this twice with my wife and son last night.
It is very cool!
Have an incredible weekend and keep smilin’
Kid President says pass this pep talk along, and get the whole world to dance!
Would You “Scroll Past” Your Profile?
Think of all the times you have scrolled through long lists of profiles on social media sites.
I like to use the analogy of what makes you stop and look at a résumé when flipping through a big stack of pages?
- What makes you stop and click to find out more?
- What makes you keep scrolling past?
How is your online presence looking lately?
Is it maybe time to check your :
- Pictures
- Profiles
- Links to other social media sites, videos, blog posts etc.
The social media space is becoming more crowded every day. What are you doing to entice others to stop and take notice of what you are doing?
If the answer is not much, you will blend in and just be another “résumé in the pile”.
Make today the day that you step up your game 🙂
Turning Stupidity In To Something Positive!
Have you heard of a NekNomination?
Read the article before watching this INCREDIBLE 1 minute video!
Please share and help get the message out there today!
The Five Star 5 – Why Public Speaking Sucks!
Many people are terrified to speak in public and/or give presentations. Here are five reasons why public speaking and presenting can suck:
- You were not prepared / did not understand your content
- You did not practice ahead of time
- You did not know your audience well enough
- You did not have a back up plan when things like visual aids had technical issues
- You have not at least visited your local Toastmasters Club as a guest, to see how they can help develop your speaking skills
Public speaking and presenting can be a rewarding experience if you address these five points, and several others.
- Are you due for a public speaking “makeover”?
- What is the greatest challenge that you face getting up in front of a group?
Have A Laugh Fridays – Gold Medal Cel-O-Bration!
After winning the gold medal in Skeleton at the 2010 Olympics, Jon Montgomery had an interesting celebration as a fan greeted him in the Olympic Village.
You know us Canadians, we work hard and play hard!
I mean, the guy went upwards of 90 miles per hour (145 kms per hour) head-first down an ice track, so he is entitled to a refreshment right?
Have a FANTASTIC weekend!
Sell, Lead, Succeed! 