The Go-Giver

I recently read The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. I would highly recommend the book especially at this time in the world’s history. Without giving away the whole book the key "take away" for me was the important message of forgetting our self interests and putting others interest first. For me it is so easy to get caught up in my own little world and become consumed with what is happening to me and ignore those around me. The message is "Put others first and you will receive even more in return." It seems backwards but I believe it to be a correct principle.

I was told this story from a neighbor when I was growing up that illustrates this point very well. It was a cool Fall Saturday and my neighbor decided that he was going to clean out his garage. He dressed up in some old clothes (an army jacket and jeans) and pulled down all the boxes in the rafters. While going through the boxes, he found a coat that was in really good shape. After finishing with the garage, he decided to jump in his car and drive down to the homeless shelter and donate the coat. He dropped off the coat at the shelter and as he was walking back to his car someone approached him with a bag of groceries. The person said, "You really look like you need these groceries." (Remember, he had been working in the garage all day, was dirty and wearing old clothes). The person handed my neighbor the food and walked away. It so caught him off guard that he couldn't think fast enough to get the words out to explain that he was not in need. He could only think to say, "Thank you!" to the person who was now halfway down the street. He turned around, walked back to the shelter and found someone that needed the groceries. But this time as he walked back to his car he had a lump in his throat as he thought about the kindness that he had been shown.

Stop and talk with a neighbor who is working in their yard, read a book to a child, be a "general manager" and consider the specific needs of those around you. Volunteer on a regular basis, turn off the TV and talk with your family, pick a charity to donate to every month (even if it is $5). Be a giver, not someone who is always taking.

Be The Ringmaster!!!

Tuesday is election day. Regardless of your affiliation, beliefs or perspectives, it's one of the most important "acts" you need to have in your lineup as an American. By doing your homework and voting based on your principles, you affect the lineup of not just your local community but for our country. If you want our country to get more standing ovations and for our performance as a nation to improve-you should exercise your right to vote. Be the ringmaster!

What's the Purpose of Having Purpose?

So, what is the big deal about defining your purpose, values and goals, mission statement or whatever you might call it? Well, we talk about that a lot in Juggling Elephants. Consider a few benefits:

• With so much opportunity and so many options it is important to have a filter that will help you pick and choose between something that is good and something that is best. Especially when limited resources are involved like time and money.
• When you reach a goal or when you are in line with your purpose you experience a sense of accomplishment. Some call it self-actualization or inner peace. Accomplishment gives you a reason to feel good.
• Having a worthy goal or purpose to work towards can be inspiring and push us beyond what we would normally achieve. It can help us get up in the morning.
• Purpose can help drive our focus and keep us pointed in the right direction. It can also expand our vision in what we can accomplish as we focus on a particular goal, activity or task.
• As the old country song says, "You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything." It defines our quest. What we are willing to die for and what are we willing to let go because it really doesn't matter?

When was the last time you sat back and reviewed your purpose? Your goals? Do you have some type of mission statement? Does it need to be updated-or even created? Do it! Do it today, tonight or this week. Then be sure to review your purpose and goals regularly. As least weekly. You will see a difference if you do.

If Your Circus Involves Sales

If you're involved in sales or have people in your lineup who are, I strongly suggest you get the book, Silver Bullet Selling. It's an enjoyable read with multiple practical examples, and exercises to help you hone your new skills. See more at: http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Bullet-Selling-Critical-Relationships/dp/0470373008/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224645617&sr=8-1

A Little Bit Over A Long Time Is A BIG Deal!

Sam's Club has come up with a new milk jug that is stackable. I know, you want to yawn and say, "Big deal." Well, it actually is a significant improvement with a benefit to their bottom line.

The biggest challenge with conventional milk jugs is that they have to be transported in racks or crates on carts. These have to be washed after each shipment and take up space in the cargo area. Because the new jugs are stackable, you can get 400 additional jugs in a shipment. The milk is also filled in a way that reduces bacteria so it has a longer shelf life. The big win for Sam's Club... it eliminates 11,000 delivery trips to the stores.

What small change could you make today that could make a big difference over a period of a month or longer? It might just work for your bottom line too.