January 5th, 2009 by Jim Donovan
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If you happened to watch the New Year’s Eve festivities from New York’s Times Square, you may have seen Mayor Michael Bloomberg being interviewed and heard him say, as far as he is concerned, the operative word for 2009 is “Optimism,” which according to Wikipedia, is an outlook on life such that one maintains a view of the world as a positive place.
I’m with him. It’s about time we had optimistic talk being spread over the airwaves. We’ve certainly had our fill of the other kind.
As with anything else, if we believe this and begin affirming it, we will make it so. It would be really great if the majority of people followed the sentiment of “Mayor Mike,” however, what’s even more important is that each of us affirm it for ourselves.
In truth we can only create our own experience, not the experience of others so, regardless of what the masses choose to do we can start seeing this coming year through a lens of optimism and act accordingly.
No one but you can create your life experience. Not the government, not your employer, not even your spouse. What occurs in your life is totally within your control and is a result of your thoughts, feelings and actions.
If you choose to join with me and Mayor Bloomberg and see this year optimistically, as a year of opportunity and positive expectations, you will, in fact, create your best year ever.
While optimism is a great outlook on life and a key ingredient for success, it’s not all there is. You’ll need a vision of what you want your life to become, specific and measurable goals, an action plan to follow and, hopefully, a mentor or coach to keep you on track.
If you have a coach, great. If not, now would be a good time to get one. Or, if you cannot afford a coach right now, “buddy up”with someone and hold each other accountable. Find someone you feel comfortable sharing your dreams and goals with and arrange to meet with them regularly. This is an important component for success. No one does it alone.
With all the change in the air and the general feelings of hope and possibility being expressed by people from all walks of life, it’s looking like 2009 is going to be a banner year.
As with everything else in nature, there’s an ebb and flow to our life. After last year, I think you’ll agree we’re all ready for the flow to begin. Bring it on!
If you really want to make 2009 your best year ever and are ready to play full out, check out my new tele-seminar program “Live Your Destiny 2009.”
Over the course of the next few days, I’ll be posting a series of articles specifically written to help you start your year off right. If you miss any, or if you’re new to personal development, you can always find the entire series in the “Starting Out” category.
By the way, if you are planning on working one-on-one with a coach, I have an opening. You can learn more here
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December 18th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
Several years ago, I began a practice of writing my accomplishments at the end of the year I borrowed the idea from the corporate world. In most companies, managers are required to submit a list of their accomplishments and objectives annually. This information is used as the basis for performance reviews, raises, and promotions.
I thought, Hey, if it works for them, maybe it will help me. The sense of personal satisfaction and encouragement I received after doing this once was so great that it has become a regular practice.
We take so much of what we do for granted, or just shrug it off, saying, It’s no big deal. We point to the successes, contributions, and accomplishments of others while overlooking all that we ourselves have done. Only after taking the time to list our own accomplishments and activities do we see that we, too, are making a difference. We realize how much we have actually done in our lives, and this serves to encourage and motivate us to even greater heights.
In your journal, make a list of what you have done in the past year
- Where have you vacationed?
- What plays, movies, or concerts have you seen?
- What books have you read?
- What have you done for and with your family?
- What have you accomplished in your business?
- What about personal goals?
- What have you done for yourself?
- What about your health?
- Have you lost weight,began exercising, or played a sport?
- Did you start a business, write a book, or give a speech?
Write down everything you can think of. The more, the better.
Seeing all you have done will raise your self-esteem and increase the likelihood that you will accomplish even more in the coming year. You have probably done much more than you realize, and writing it down will enable you to see just how much you have accomplished.
Excerpt, Handbook to a Happier Life by Jim Donovan (New World Library)
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December 16th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
Business guru Brian Tracy, once commented that whenever he interviewed a prospective employee, one of the first questions he would ask was, What’s the last self-help book you read? I’m guessing that the answer had a lot to do with how long the rest of the interview would last and the candidates chances of being hired.
With job losses mounting, this is a question worth considering. Why would anyone, especially a prospective employer, care what you read?
From where I sit, it’s quite simple. If you’re not interested in your own personal growth and professional development, are you really someone I want representing my company?
It’s a fact that virtually every successful person makes a habit out of reading and listening to personal development information. Years ago, audio program producer, Nightingale-Conant, conduced a survey of their customers and asked what value, in dollars, they would place on having listened to one of the company’s programs. The average was $180,000.
Years ago, as I wrote in my book Stop Living paycheck to Paycheck, my friend, John, increased his income 15% during one of the worst automotive slumps in history. The only thing he changed was he started reading self-help books for fifteen to twenty minutes each day before going to work.
Millionaire network marketers teach their people to read each day as a way to remain motivated. The people who are successful in that industry are the one’s who follow that advice.
Sadly, most people have not read a book since they left school and a third of the population has not been in a bookstore in years. In Korea in 2006, more money was spent on cigarettes than on books.
Joe Girard, the number one car salesman in the world, wrote a book, How to Sell Anything to Anybody about how he did it. It amazes me how few car salespeople I’ve meet who have read the book.
Personally, I watched as my life changed in direct proportion to what I was reading and listening to each day. To this day, if I start to feel, “less than great” it’s usually because I have not been keeping up my practice of ongoing personal development.
There are lots of great books published and more being released each week. Of course, I’d prefer you start with one of my books but it’s more important you read something that will nurture your spirit and help you maintain a positive outlook on life.
If you’d like to know more about the books I’ve written, you can start here
But, don’t stop there. Make this a part of your daily routine and you will learn, as I did, that it is one of the “secrets” to a happier, more successful life.
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December 9th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
Unless you’ve been living in a cave or just dropped in from Pluto, you already know that we’re experiencing challenging economic times. The US in particular, along with many other countries, is in a recession and there is no end in sight.
There are a lot of people who are going to give you lots of good reasons why this is the absolute worst time you can start your
own business.
They’ll explain how, with the economy slow and
money tight, businesses and individuals are cutting back on spending.
They’ll tell you about the tight
money and credit situation and how banks are not lending money, which by the way, is not true.
They’ll pile on reason after reason until, feeling utterly defeated, you give up on your dreams.
I know. I received the exact same advice when I started my first business in 1974!
I heard it again in 1987 when I started my life over on my road to recovery, and I heard it in 1983, when I began a magazine for small businesses and, again, in 1996 when I
published my first book. As a matter of fact, every time I started anything new in my business, I heard essentially the same reasons why it was a bad idea, usually from the same sources.
The truth is, it’s all in your head, really.
If you expect to struggle and fail, you will. If you expect to have fun and thrive, you will.
It’s been said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right!”
Whatever you believe is the deciding factor in your endeavor. Not what’s going on around you.
Like the little mints that are both “a candy and a breath mint,” it’s always a good time to begin your own business and it’s always the worst time.
Both the positive and negative polarities are there in any situation. The good news is that you get to choose which one you will believe.
What is important, especially in challenging economic times, it that you have more than one income stream. Additionally, having your own business part or full time is one of the best wealth building strategies that you can employ.
With the ability to outsource, create virtual teams and join venture, you can keep your overhead down and still grow your business. It’s important to understand that the business you start today will most likely look very different from what it will become in the future.
Stay flexible and ready to respond to changes in the marketplace rather than react.
A good example of the difference between the two is the comparison between the Japanese and the American car manufactures.
The Japanese companies, particularly Toyota, responded to market conditions by producing hybrids and smaller cars that use less gas. They shifted away from the big truck initiative as people’s needs and wants changed.
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford on the other hand, held to their position as though it were somehow sacred until they were forced look to the government to bail them out.
By waiting, they were forced to react rather than respond to market conditions. Perhaps the Ford, Chrysler and General Motors executives were busy flying around in their company jets.
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November 28th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
Well, it’s that time of year again, at least here in the US, when everyone starts talking about being thankful and grateful. Personally, I think that’s great, especially since “like attracts like,” so feeling thankful is a great way to attract more situations and experiences to feel thankful for.
What if you don’t feel particularly thankful right now? What if, like so many people, you’re having a difficult time and are feeling a bit of self pity? Now, along comes Thanksgiving with all if its added pressures and family obligations and you’re faced with all those “grateful” people telling you to count your blessings.
“Bah, humbug!” you say, if you felt like I do, you wouldn’t be so darned smiley.
So just how can you change how you feel even when you’re feeling down and would rather just sit and have a pity party?
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there at one time or another and will probably be there again. We’ve all experienced times when we just did not feel very thankful. I know I have. We have all experienced times when life just seemed to be singling us out for difficulties. What do we do then?
The fastest and most effective way I know to change how you’re feeling about yourself is to get out of yourself. Get out of your own problems and concerns. Go out and do something for someone else. I guarantee you will feel better after doing this.
You could do anything from volunteering to help feed the homeless at a soup kitchen, like President Elect, Barak Obama and his family did, to delivering a bag of groceries to someone in need, or donating some of your unwanted, good condition, clothing, visiting someone in a hospital or nursing home, or any number of things that will enable you to step out of yourself long enough for your perspective to change. You’ll be amazed how much your “problems” have changed when you’re finished.
Following are a couple of other things you can do to make this a happier, more enjoyable holiday season:
Write a list of everything that is good in your life.
What’s working? What are you grateful for? Be sure to list every little thing you can think of, the more the better. It’s a fact that a person cannot feel gratitude and be in self pity at the same time.
Refuse to take part in gossip
Gossip serves no one. Remember what you give out comes back,. Besides who do you think the gossips are talking about when you’re not there? If you want to be happier and more at peace, choose not to partake. A great practice for family gatherings.
Relax and enjoy your holiday
Contrary to what retailers would like you to believe, there’s still lots of time to shop before Christmas. You don’t have to rush to the stores at 5:00 am the day after Thanksgiving just because some companies choose to open at that time.
How I went from being on welfare to becoming a world class author
I have created an in-depth home study program, based on the steps I took to change my life. They worked for me and thousands of others and they’ll work for you too
Are you worried about your financial future?
In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever for each of us to take charge of our financial well being. Learn several ways you can increase your income and how to keep more of what you earn:
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November 13th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
(Editors note: This is the unedited version. I figured with so many small business people under pressure, rather than wait until I finish writing the entire article and proof and edit, I’d just start posting. Hey, it’s a blog, right:-)
Your greatest opportunity for business growth, regardless of the economy, are the assets you already have in your business. From personnel, customers - past and present - relationships with colleagues and suppliers, and other “people” assets, to your investment in equipment and technology, the assets you’ve already built represent your greatest opportunity.
Jim Donovan's business seminar in Perkasie, Pa
And the really good news is they will require the least in either time or money.
Of these “hidden” assets, your customers are the easiest and most obvious place to begin. Do you know who they are and why they do business with you?
This may seem like an obvious question, however, many businesses do not know who is buying from them or why. Once you’ve ascertained this, you’re in a position to explore how else you might serve them.
One of my favorite questions has always been, “is there anything else I can help you with?” This simple question can increase your business tenfold.
A friend of mine is a graphic designer and print broker. One day she asked her client this question to which the client replied, “Yes there is. Can you help us get some of those imprinted jackets with our logo on them?” She happily replied that she could and took the order. (hint: if you own a small business, the answer, within reason, is always, “Yes.” You can figure out later how to deliver.)
Don’t fall into the trap if thinking just because you’ve been around a while that people know everything you do. Often we “ass-u-me” that our customers know what we do.
Back when I had a marketing and advertising business, I did a lot of business with a local printer. They had been printing a newsletter for one of the high schools for 25 years. One month, they asked the school to pick up their order since the delivery person was out sick.
I happened to be standing there, watching the woman from the school reading the sign behind the counter as she waited for her order. The one listing all the various items the printer had available.
“Oh,” she exclaimed, “I didn’t know you printed letterhead and envelopes too. We’ve been going somewhere else for them but if you can do that it would be easier for us!”
For more than 25 years the printer did business with the school and never bothered to make sure the customer knew everything they could do for them. This can be a very costly mistake.
Are all of your employees, regardless of their job title, trained in the basics of sales and taught to look for opportunities to present your products and services to your customer? Are they compensated for making the extra effort?
Ms. Jones walks into the bank one day and, as she approaches Fred the teller, he notices she’s not her usual joyous self. Fred inquires if everything is okay, only to have Ms. Jones tell him about how her car keeps having problems. Being a trained representative of the bank, Fred sees the opportunity and, casually, mentions to Ms. Jones that the bank has a special on new car loans and offers to walk her over to a bank officer to learn more.
Not only did Fred help his company by recognizing the new business opportunity but, equally important, he solved a problem for the customer.
Are your people like Fred or would they have said, “Gee, Ms. Jones, that’s too bad about your car,” and gone on performing their job.
Go here for a free e-course Six Steps to Grow your business in Difficult Times.
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October 19th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
FREE Help with Optimizing Your Marketing & Mindset in ANY Economy
Are you interested in optimizing your business to increase profits? Are you looking for ways to get more clients? Are you trying to stay positive despite the economy? If you answered YES then I have to tell you about an upcoming FREE teleseminar event aimed specifically at entrepreneurs and business owners that will help you do just that!
This is your chance to hear me and 16 other phenomenal expert and bestselling authors such as: Dave Lakhani, Melanie Benson Strick, Ben Mack, Fabienne Frederickson and many more interviewed by Business Optimization Coach, Stacey Hylen, for the second annual Business Optimization Week 2.0: Marketing & Mindset to Make You More Money teleseminar event.
This must listen event takes place Monday, October 20th through Thursday, October 23rd. Participation in these calls is absolutely free of charge and you will come away with amazing tools and strategies to implement into your business to achieve your goals, attract more clients, generate more profits, and develop a million dollar mindset.
Join me! Sign up for your spot today!
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September 4th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
I know you have dreams. There are things you want. Things you dream about. But . . . then the little voice in your head comes in and . . well . . . you know the rest.
Take a few moments and listen to this short - 32 minute - recording of one of my live seminars and see if you can start getting rid of the “demons of doubt” that are in your way.
Yes You Can Seminar Recording
You see, I know you can be, do and have whatever it is you want in life.
If you need help, check out my audio home study course, based on my bestselling book, This is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal.
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August 25th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
In today’s business environment with increases in staff reductions and rapidly changing roles and responsibilities, it is crucial that all of your team members be fully engaged in the tasks at hand. According to a Gallup survey, 350 billion dollars are lost each year in American companies due to disengaged employees. How then do you minimize the impact of this costly problem within your organization? Below are 4 key strategies to help you grow your people toward peak performance and enable you to produce quantum results with your team.
Own your outcome
All to often employees are quick to blame circumstances the economy or a host of other causes for their less than stellar outcomes in a given situation. Only by taking personal responsibility for our outcomes and performance can we take back our power and create the results we desire. It’s quit simple, if the problem is being caused by the economy; I am powerless to effect it. If, on the other hand, I am willing to take personal responsibility for it, I have reclaimed my power and am in a position to impact change.
Make integrity a must
This is not an option. The only way companies will survive and thrive into the future is by making integrity an absolute must throughout the organization. No longer can people skate by with questionable behavior and slippery deals. The time has come for each person to be honest and truthful in all situations regardless of the outcome. The cliché “honesty is the best policy” became a cliché for a good reason, it works! However, in order to create this environment of absolute honesty and integrity, you as an owner or manager must be willing to allow people to make mistakes and it must be okay to mess-up once in a while without fear of repercussion.
Challenge people’s limiting beliefs
It is important for your people to understand the role their conscious and unconscious beliefs play in their ability to produce desirable outcomes. They must understand how every thought, action, and result is directly linked to their beliefs. By first identifying people’s limiting beliefs, a person can begin to replace them with more resourceful empowering beliefs, which will then enable them to create the results they desire.
For example, a belief that “I am not comfortable calling on ‘C’ level executives” can be shifted to one that feels better and is more empowering, like “While I am not totally at ease, I have a strong support team backing me up.” While this is not a fully empowering belief, it is a small step in the right direction. These “bridge beliefs” shift the person’s beliefs more toward the desired, empowered belief.
Link Values to Behaviors
Identifying a person’s high driving values and helping them understand the role these values play in their productivity and satisfaction can go a long way toward achieving peak performance. A simple question like, “What’s most important to you in your work?,” will generally elicit the person’s number one driving value. Continuing with questions like, “What else is important?” etc., will enable you to uncover the person’s high driving four or five values. Knowing this will help you better match specific assignments to individuals, understand how to better motivate people, and result in more harmony among your team members.
For example, a team member who lists “freedom” as a high driving value will be the ideal person to assign a task that can be done from a home office, while the person with “contribution” as a high driver will be well suited for a team project. Understanding your teams values will help you determine assignments and enable you to get the most productivity from team members while maintaining harmony throughout the organization.
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August 20th, 2008 by Jim Donovan
There are several versions as to how long ago this time-saving technique got it’s start. One tells of a young man approaching Andrew Carnegie, the head of U.S. Steel, while another simply has a man talking to the C.E.O. of a big company some time in the distant past.
In one version the man was paid $100,000 for the idea on how to be more productive. Regardless of the accuracy of the stories, the technique remains valid and is one of the most effective, simplest productivity tools ever used.
Whether you use a sophisticated computer calendar program, a complex time management system, a leather-bound written day-planner or, as Mark McCormick, C.E.O. of the world’s largest sports management company, IMC, simply use a legal pad. The idea is the same.
List the five most important things you have to do and do nothing else until you complete them.
I realize that this sounds overly simple in our exceedingly complicated world, but before you dismiss it, try it out for two weeks.
This simple technique, which has been used by high-level executives, entrepreneurs and others, for more than fifty years works.
One of the keys is that by listing five items instead of ten or twenty, you are really focusing your energy on what is truly important. If you eliminate distractions and do only the five items on your list, you will be directing your energy in the most productive direction.
Rather than waste your valuable time doing busy work, you will be doing what really matters to your success.
Of course, if you complete your list early, write another one, or do other less important tasks.
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