Thoughts Become Your Destiny

“Remember to keep your thoughts positive, for your thoughts become your words; remember to keep your words positive, for your words become your actions; remember to keep your actions positive, for your actions become your habits; and remember to keep your habits positive because you habits become your destiny”

Keep It Simple

"In business you’re always selling to prospects, investors and employees"

To be the best salesman put yourself in the shoes of the person your selling to. Listen to their needs and solve their problems. Don't complicated the process, keep it simple and get to the point.

TPOH

"Never let things you want make you forget the things you have"

You've worked hard for your accomplishments and never lose sight of what's in front of you. Happiness is enjoying what you have, while you pursue what you want. Life is simple, try not to complicate it. As Bobby McFerrin sang "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

Deliver Solutions

"People don’t measure you on how hard you tried, they measure you on what you deliver"

Everyone is busy and works hard, but set yourself above the rest by working SMART. Don't try and sell your client something he doesn't need, know what he wants and deliver a solution. Selling is simple, don't make it difficult.

Get To The Point

"The key to a good sales call is have a great beginning and a great ending, and to have the two as close together as possible"

Brevity is one of the keys to a great sales call. Know what your client wants and get to the point, don't waste his time.

Wonderful World of Working from Home

I’ve been lucky enough to work out of home for approximately 14 years and I wouldn’t change a thing. A lot of things I learned through trial and error, but once I figured them out I became extremely efficient. I would like to share a few things I’ve learned over this time.

How to Work Smart

This phrase should be used more often in the work world. I can get the same amount of work done in half the amount of time. I’m not saying there aren’t distractions at home but they’re different distractions that you can control. It’s so much easier when you’re in control.

Get Comfortable

The main benefit to working out of your house is you don’t need to wear dress clothes. Not only will you save money by not updating your wardrobe as often, but working in shorts and a T-Shirt is very refreshing. If you have a webinar call, I highly recommend putting on a dress shirt and make sure your background is appropriate.

Never Work at a Coffee Shop

They joy of working from home is to avoid outside distractions while working. If you need noise in the background watch BNN on TV or listen to music. Don’t put on a TV show that will distract you from working, make sure it’s something that’s just noise. If your tired of working at your desk, work somewhere else in the house. Sitting in your den, bonus room or kitchen table for a few hours is a great change of pace.

Be Organized

It’s very is easy to have a cluttered work area and keeping it organized improves your efficiency. It’s refreshing when you know exactly where it is, this also applies to your cloud storage. Having your files labeled allows you to not waste time searching and makes life a less stressful.

Walk & Talk

I love walking around the house while I’m on a phone or conference call. It keeps me more engaged and less distracted. I keep my notepad in a central location and if I need to take notes. I also stand at our island in the kitchen during calls. Moving around is more comfortable than sitting in a chair for an hour.

Get Out

If I don’t have any meetings I leave the house for an hour. I require human contact and to have a chinwag about something other than work. Playing a game of squash or working out over the lunch hour is extremely refreshing. It’s a great way to break up your day and set a positive tone for the second half of the day.

Watch What You Eat

This is a tricky one as your access to snacks and food is only 10 steps away. If you’re going to snack, try and make it healthy. I know it’s tough but you can get into a bad junk food rut. The only time I eat out at lunch is with a client or if I’m meeting a buddy. I try to make all my lunches at home, omelets, Denver’s and soup are a mainstay for me.

Take A Break

This doesn’t mean moving to the couch and watching a movie but put in a load of laundry, go shovel the driveway, mow your lawn or vacuum. This doesn’t take a lot of time but getting away from your computer for 10-15 minutes sometimes provides needed relief.

Routine

Having a routine is the key to your success in working from home. In the mornings we get the kids ready for school and then walk them over. While there eating breakfast I turn on the computer and take care of any urgent issues or phone calls, but once this is done my attention turns back to the girls. Your family time is priceless and nothing should get in the way. The same goes for when I pick them up around 5pm. We all have cell phones and can deal with urgent issues quickly, and if it’s not urgent return the email after supper or after the kids go to bed. Once the kids are in bed I spend some time working because I without any distractions I can get a ton done. Sometimes I send out the emails but most of the time I send them out in the morning. I do this because I don’t want to bother people during their personal time. Just because I’m working doesn’t mean they are or want to.

Most importantly make sure you tell no one you talk to your cat, I’m just happy Bubbles can’t repeat any of the information I share with him. LOL

I hope you enjoyed some of my tips that make me successful in working from home.

Learn From Your Mistakes

"It’s not about money or connections, it’s the willingness to outwork and outlearn everyone when it comes to your business. If it fails you learn from what happened and do a better job next time"

No need to explain this quote

What Does Your Conscience Say?

"Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does"

Everything happens for a reason and if you have to think twice before convincing yourself it's a good decision, it's probably not. Put yourself in the other person's shoes and see how you would react. A guilty conscience needs no accuser. Think right, do right and listen to your conscience

Discover Ability

"It’s a fine thing to have ability, but the ability to discover ability in others is the true test"

This is what makes a leader, boss or coach great. Everyone is driven by something different and finding what this is can be the difference between a happy employee or one that's looking to leave. Leadership is the ability to make greatness operate in others.

Helping Hand

"The first to help you are the ones who know how it feels to fall down"

You should never kick someone when they're down. Be a good friend or co-worker and listen to what's bothering them, that might be all they need. There's not a better feeling than helping someone out. You never need a reason to help someone out.

Afraid of Criticism?

"To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing"

Have you sat in a meeting had a great suggestion but said nothing? Have you ever wanted to ask a question but didn't because you were afraid? One of our fears is looking or saying something stupid, but in reality the only person that looks this way is the one who criticizes you. If someone does criticize you DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY. Your suggestion might not be exactly what they're looking for, but could be a starting point.

Have Your Dreams Changed?

"You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream"

Age is just a number. You should always be evaluating your life, health, goals and dreams. Adjusting these is a reflection of our ability to adapt to the world around us. Change is not a bad thing, as things rarely stay the same throughout our lives. Live your life to the fullest.

Tone Deaf

"Sometimes it’s not what you say, but how you say it"

Your intentions might be in the right place, but if your tone isn't people will be put off. Wait for the person to finish talking and then respond. Don't respond in a "know it all" or "smart-ass" tone, be sincere. Be sincere when giving advice and humble when receiving it.

Less is More

"The less you say the more likely you’ll be heard"

The biggest make people make during sales call is talking to much. Make your long stories shot. You have 5 minutes to make a impression, after this you start to lose them. Don't talk about what they already know, get to the point. It's time to stop talking when you start enjoying what your saying.

Exercise and Feel Great

"You can’t out exercise a bad diet"

I love this quote and it's something I personally struggle with. I believe have to feel great to be great and this has nothing to do with your clothes. No one is saying cut out all the bad food, just eat less of it. So many unnecessary calories come from things we drink that can be replaced by water. Instead of reaching for that bag of chips, grab a banana or apple. Most important is try to stop the late night snacks, they're killers.

What Obstacles?

"Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goal"

Your career, relationships and life will encounter obstacles, but how you deal with them defines your success. When you come across obstacles eliminate the negative posture and keep moving forward. Your mindset should be that nothing will stop you from achieving your goal. Sometimes this means getting out of your own way.

Opportunity Knocks

"Your big opportunity may be right where you are now"

Is the grass is greener on the other side? Don't miss out on a opportunity because your scared to put in the work. Change is very important but you'll never find out your real worth until you've given it your best shot. Working SMART pays off and sometimes you don't know how good you have it until it's gone. When dealing with superiors don't take anything personally, this will improve the way you cope with situations.

Teamwork

"Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to produce uncommon results"

Most of my posts have focused on you and this is a reminder. It's very important to be a incredible co-worker, friend or teammate. One of the quickest ways to success is helping others succeed. Being selfless allows you to accomplish so much more, especially when it doesn't matter who gets the credit.

Learnapreneur

"Don’t be afraid to take time to learn. It’s good to work for other people, they paid for you to learn"

Many successful people start off as a employee. Learn how to grow a client base, build a product line, establish an operational process and shore up infrastructure. This helps avoid failures and make sure you have the right people. Starting your business with more knowledge increases your chance of success. Patience is a virtue.

Be Good To People

"No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind"

This expands on last weeks quote and speaks for itself.  Say good things behind peoples back and bad things to their face.

Be Yourself

"Always be yourself because everyone else is taken"

Once you start trying to be everything to everyone you lose focus on what's important. Be yourself and people will enjoy it, if they don't forget them. Be who you are and say what you feel because those whose mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

Qutting is Not A Option

"Once you learn to quit it becomes a habit"

Stay focused on the goals you've set for yourself. Quitting won't stop the bad stuff from happening, it just stops you from enjoying the good.

Are You Prepared?

"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail"

Another key to prosperity is preparation. You can research a substantial amount of information beforehand about a company or person. Once the meeting commences you control it by asking good questions and listening. Ask open ended questions so they have to verbalize and try to stay away from yes and no questions. This will fill in the blanks and show you what's important to them. Take notes and don't be scared to ask them to reiterate a fact or number. Getting a fact or number wrong could come back and haunt you. Once they stop talking there's no harm in a pause. Pauses, if utilized correctly can be powerful.

Honesty = Credability

"Credibility is the cornerstone to persuasion"

If honesty is not your foundation, you have no credibility. How do you expect to succeed if no one trusts you. It's very difficult to rebuild a relationship once your caught lying. Don't ever regret being honest.

Find A Way

 

"I will find a way or make one"

I like this quote because it's simple. When things aren't going your way, do you give up or get discouraged? Experts outlook on our economy is not positive, so you need to be focused. Tough times don't last, tough people do. Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from incredible will. Stay positive, work smart and good things will happen.

Always Seek Knowledge

One of the best ways to better ourselves is to continue to learn. The obvious ways are reading or education, but my favorite is listening. There are many wise people that have a plethora of knowledge and are willing to share. Once your in a conversation with them ask good questions and listen intently. You have 2 ears and 1 mouth, which means you should listen twice as much as your talk. Never forget what ASK means? Always Seek Knowledge

Afraid of Criticism?

"To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing"

Have you sat in a meeting had a great suggestion but said nothing? Have you ever wanted to ask a question but didn't because you were afraid? One of our fears is looking or saying something stupid, but in reality the only person that looks this way is the one who criticizes you. If someone does criticize you DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY. Your suggestion might not be exactly what they're looking for, but could be a starting point. If your the boss throw out the first few suggestions, with one of them being way out there. This helps break the ice and makes everyone feel comfortable. Lead by example.

Have Your Dreams Changed

"You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream"

Age is just a number. You should always be evaluating your life, health, goals and dreams. Adjusting these is a reflection of our ability to adapt to the world around us. Change is not a bad thing, as things rarely stay the same throughout our lives. Live your life to the fullest.

Take Some ME TIME

"You have to train your mind like you train your body"

Your mind is going 1000 MPH all day and it needs a break. TAKE SOME ME TIME. Play a game of squash at lunch, go to the gym or put on your iTunes and go for a walk. Getting away from the office and forgetting about work will give your a day a boost. You'll be refreshed and psyched up for the rest of the day.

Trust Yourself

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember airplanes take off against the wind, not with it"

 

Sometimes it feels like everything is blowing up. Stay positive, maintain your focus, stay true to your yourself and soon enough you'll be flying high. You and only you control the direction of your life, always trust yourself.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

"Life is too important to take too seriously. If you learn to laugh at yourself you will enjoy a lifetime of entertainment"

Give yourself a couple me moments every day. Forgetting about everything for a short period of time is quite refreshing. Follow the joke of the day or funny tweets on twitter. A smile will light up your day.

Bacon & Eggs

"When you have bacon and eggs for breakfast, the chicken makes a contribution but the pig makes the commitment"

I thought a quote on the lighter side would be a good change. It's a good thing to be the chicken, but strive to be the pig.

How Do You Measure Yourself?

"The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have"

It's not about how much money you make, what car you drive or how big your house is. You can make a difference in this world by just donating your time. Be respectful to everyone as you never know who your talking to.

Are You Versatile?

"To succeed in life you must make adjustments"

Once you set a goal do you achieve it? What happens when this goal becomes unattainable? Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you must change on the fly. Being able to adjust quickly increases your chance of success. Never view adjusting your goals as a failure.

Choose You Attitude Wisely

"We get to choose our Attitude everyday"

This quote is self explanatory, choose wisely.

Control Your Reactions

We like to think we're in control of everything, unfortunately we aren't. We control what we can, but our reaction to situations speak louder than words. If a person takes your reaction the wrong way, you might never have a chance to explain it.

Pillars of Success

"Be impeccable to your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions and always do your best"

I wish everyone would follow this quote in life and business. Things would be a lot clearer and we could avoid misunderstandings. Following these doesn't guarantee success, but definitely guide you down the right path.

Do You Feel Pressure???

"Pressure is something you feel only when you don't know what you are doing"

Do you feel pressure in life or at work? We place to much pressure on ourselves. Be confident in you and your abilities. Life is to short to worry about stress, stay true to yourself. As the song goes Don't Worry...Be Happy.

Achieve What You Want

"To achieve what you want in life you must start by getting out of your own way"

I like this quote because it reminds me to stay focused and positive. These are two important keys to success.

Discovering Your Attitude

"The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing their attitude"

I'm not including the person that said the quote. For me it's not who said it, but the message I take from it. A positive attitude goes a long way in business and life.

I am a very positive person and a big fan of quotes. I keep a list on my computer and look at it daily. I find it reassuring to glance over them if you are having a tough moment. I've quoted them to kids I've coached, co-workers, colleagues and friends.

I would like to start sharing them with you. It's not important what they mean to me, but how you interpret them. Some are simple and straight to the point, others are a bit more complex. I will post a new one very Monday. Take Care

"If you love what you do you never work a day in your life"