‘Tis the Season to Give

 

Starting on Black Friday, we begin shopping for everyone on our Christmas list. We buy gifts for our friends and loved ones. Our goal in life should not be about getting more, but about giving more. When we do this, our hearts open up.

 

Giving is the opposite of greed, so give, give, give this holiday season and not just gifts. Don’t be a Scrooge. Be generous with your time, energy, and compliments. The spirit of Christmas is about being generous, but remember a giving heart gives all year long!

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

How to Standout in the Workforce

 

What makes someone a standout in the workforce? Talent, brilliance, or hard work? The truth of the matter is you can produce great work, and still go unrecognized. Hard work simply isn’t enough. Ideas are needed.

 

Everyone has ideas and making them known is the easy part. The hard part is having an idea that can be understood and acted upon. What I’ve learned over the years is an idea framed to resonate with the right audience is what’s needed.

 

They say timing is everything, so make sure the timing of your idea is considered before you state it. Change requires energy, and most people need to see the importance of your idea before they will change their mind and adapt it.

 

With lovingkindness,

 

 

How To Say “I’m Sorry”

 

An important life skill is knowing how to resolve a conflict. Conflict exists on a daily basis, and it’s ever-present because people are imperfect. An important skill is knowing how to say “I’m sorry.”

 

The best way to resolve conflict is to acknowledge our faults even if we consider them to be minor in relation to the other. You can always find something to confess, something that wasn’t admirable like the tone of your voice or even your attitude.

 

It’s hard to see our weaknesses, but you can be certain that you participated by some off-putting behavior. Perhaps you were insensitive or maybe you were overly sensitive. Just say, “I’m sorry” and move on. You’ll feel much better; I promise you!

 

With lovingkindness,

 

Seek to Understand

If you want to be a good entrepreneur, professor, or anything else for that matter, you must start with the needs of other’s. A good sales person starts with the customer in mind. There’s an old Chinese proverb that says, “seek to understand before seeking to be understood.”

When you’re focused on the other person’s needs and not your own, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the situation and move forward with the other in mind. Simply put, you need to see and listen to the other person’s perspective if you want to reach them and understand them!

With lovingkindness,

Gentleness Leads to Persuasion

Gentle speech breaks down defense. If you want to convince someone to do something use gentle speech (or in my case gesture) because gentleness breaks through rigidness?

Nagging never works and we rarely respond to someone yelling at us. Persuade by kindness and gentleness instead. The more positive the words, the more persuasive.

Even when someone is guarded, speech that is gentle will get their attention. You can never persuade when you’re rude. Rudeness is for idiots, so remember; wise and mature people are pleasant, and barking of any kind never works.

With lovingkindness,

 

The Four Ps of Successful Entrepreneurs

 

Successful entrepreneurs have the following four qualities: patience, persistence, passion, and most importantly – perseverance! These are qualities that are a must for entrepreneurs. Successful entrepreneurs also have the following four traits: confidence, creativity, determination, and they are knowledge-seekers who seek information that will keep their business growing.

Entrepreneurs are confident, and they can read other people. They are creative thinkers who know how to turn an existing product idea into something grander. Successful entrepreneurs are determined and can maneuver through difficult obstacles. Now don't forget the 4Ps! So, how do you like my new business attire? Pretty snappy, huh? Wow, success never felt so good.

With lovingkindness,

 

Feel Good and Feel Bad Brands

 

Branding is what you do, and it starts with corporate culture. Branding is not about selling products; it’s about how brands make people feel. Companies who manage to inspire change and have a positive impact on society can be considered a feel good brand.

 

What you see on the outside represents what is on the inside. People who feel good about themselves, project it outward. The same is true for people who are bitter. Companies are no different. A managerial culture that is arrogant will only hinder their brand, communicating poor feelings.

 

I must say; Grand Vin De France is the best wine I’ve ever tasted! It makes me feel dam good! I think we should add it to the HotDogue Culture menu. What do you think? Bon appetit everyone!

 

With lovingkindness,