Year ago Bill Gates was asked that question, "what is one of your main formulas for success?” Without blinking an eye he said “hiring smart people as well as surrounding yourself with smart people.” His best friend is Warren Buffet, who just recently decided to leave his 40+ billion dollar empire to the Bill Gates Foundation upon his death. This friendship alone affirms his aforementioned statement. As a speaker and trainer, many people tell me that there too many people out here today giving various formulas for success in business and career. The internet has turned everybody into an expert, so it often gets confusing. My answer to them is simple and plain, I do not proclaim to have the all the answers, never have. But, one thought I have on life and career success is “If you show me your friends I will show you your future.” This nugget of wisdom was given to me by a man by the name of Jim Murphy who I met as a seventeen year old during a plane trip to college. This few minutes of mentoring by Mr. Murphy changed my life forever. It is almost impossible to build a successful business, ministry or anything else if you do not have successful advisors. Even bible in proverbs says "Plans fail due to a lack of advisors." I find that many people who are trying to climb the ladder of purpose often have friends who are doing the same. I am in no way saying that we must judge our friendships by achievement. If so, I am proclaiming the prosperity gospel which is something I do not stand by or for. What I am saying is that you need some friends or advisors in you inner circle who have gone through the process of building a successful business or career in an area in which you aspire to achieve success.
A few ways I have personally been able to build my personal network of friends and associates are as follows:
Volunteering:
Through volunteering my time to help various causes, I have been able to meet with overachievers in all types. A few of my early stage mentors were met via volunteerism, and as a result of these connections and their wisdom, I have been able to remain in business since 1996. My goal in volunteering was not to meet mentors but I found that it was a beneficial by-product. Zig Ziglar used to often say “In life you get everything you want when you help other people get what they want.” Volunteering your time is most beneficial to the organization you are supporting first, but a secondary benefit to you is the people you get to meet.
Networking
Time is often the enemy of networking but I have found this to be highly beneficial to make professional connections. The type of networking I am talking about is not the type where you dump a load of information on a person at a meeting or event. It is the kind where you ask questions of people and do your best to get to know their career and personal interest. I remember meeting a very successful business owner once who told me he was tired of people asking him to hand hold them through the process. I responded by saying to him the only thing I want from you is the wisdom you have learned over the years; I will do all of the work. He proceeded to give me a mentoring session of a lifetime. On another note, one of the challenges I have with all of the business social networking sites is it is often one way communication. You have millions of people communicating all of their information to us and wondering why they are not getting a response. This is not real networking. I am not saying to dump your internet based social networking if you are a fan of it, but I am saying get out and have some real human to human interactions. This type of connectedness will always be the best way to meet new friends and associates.
Enough said for this BLOG. I hope the information was helpful to you. Please visit my websites www.passionview.com for life coaching Information and www.coachdspeaks.com for speaking and training information.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Is America Becoming A Modern Day Sodom & Gommorah?
The other day I had a conversation with a friend of mine who I had not spoken with in a number of years. We were discussing the good old days and how we stood for moral and values for the sake of our community and family. In our conversation, we discussed the many changes we see in today's world and our belief that the lion share of the changes will destroy the moral integrity of our nation. We were discussing how parents are allowing their children to play video games in which the worst kind of killing takes place, and we call this entertainment? We talked about how in today's world if you say that the person you are married to is your wife or husband, you will be considered intolerant and the proper term is "partner." We were amazed at how many of the schools are becoming insular by hiding the violent acts and fights that take place everyday for they do not want to be perceived in a negative light. They want you and I to think that the kids are fine and that everything is perfect. I am convinced that if people continue to sit on the sidelines and say "nothing", one day the country that we love will become like the cities of Sodom & Gomorrah that were discussed in the bible. We are a long way off, but the potential is there. Even the elect are being deceived today thinking that money and riches are the goal of God.
I thought long and hard about should I write this because many people think that letters like these are similar to conspiracy theories, but I decided this year to speak the truth no matter what the outcome. I cannot hide my head in the sand and think that this onslaught of improper behaviors and attitudes can be overlooked.
If you stand for morality, integrity and character, I would encourage you to get involved with your community and political system. Your words count only if you are saying something. If not, your words mean nothing. I am involved and plan on running for political office because we need morally sound people making decisions for the masses. We can complain about legislation that takes place if we are not at the table. Don't assume things are going well at your kids school. Often your kids won't tell you because they fear being rejected by their peers. Ask questions and get involved. Turn off the television set and read to your children. We turned off our television for the entire month and our relationships have blossomed as a result. I have found that my children have been more peaceful during this time. Teach your children good moral behavior by discussing right and wrong with them as well as being an example of right. And most importantly, do not let them get lost in video games, music and television shows that exploit people and show contempt for human life. We must shape our family's identity and stop allowing this broken system to become our children's teachers. If you do not give your children a sense of identity, someone else will!
I know this is a heavy BLOG but I have to be obedient to God first. I hope that the information is an eye opener and encourages people to stand up for what's right. If we choose not to, we will eventually fall to what's wrong!
Darrell "Coach D" Andrews
www.passionview.com
I thought long and hard about should I write this because many people think that letters like these are similar to conspiracy theories, but I decided this year to speak the truth no matter what the outcome. I cannot hide my head in the sand and think that this onslaught of improper behaviors and attitudes can be overlooked.
If you stand for morality, integrity and character, I would encourage you to get involved with your community and political system. Your words count only if you are saying something. If not, your words mean nothing. I am involved and plan on running for political office because we need morally sound people making decisions for the masses. We can complain about legislation that takes place if we are not at the table. Don't assume things are going well at your kids school. Often your kids won't tell you because they fear being rejected by their peers. Ask questions and get involved. Turn off the television set and read to your children. We turned off our television for the entire month and our relationships have blossomed as a result. I have found that my children have been more peaceful during this time. Teach your children good moral behavior by discussing right and wrong with them as well as being an example of right. And most importantly, do not let them get lost in video games, music and television shows that exploit people and show contempt for human life. We must shape our family's identity and stop allowing this broken system to become our children's teachers. If you do not give your children a sense of identity, someone else will!
I know this is a heavy BLOG but I have to be obedient to God first. I hope that the information is an eye opener and encourages people to stand up for what's right. If we choose not to, we will eventually fall to what's wrong!
Darrell "Coach D" Andrews
www.passionview.com
Friday, January 15, 2010
Reinvention-The Key To 21st Century Career Success
Nationally recognized author Daniel Pink mentions in his book, A New Kind of Mind that “the jobs that our parents enjoyed in the past are not going to be the jobs that we will enjoy in the future. Many of the jobs are, or will become obsolete.” In the past two years companies eliminated 7 million jobs, larger corporations such as Circuit City and Blockbuster closed their doors, and many more cuts are looming. Per the US Department of Labor, unemployment rates hover around 10%, the highest rates since the Great Depression. My personal analysis of the situation has led me to believe two factors have impacted the workplace as we know it:
1. The Dynamics of Doing Business Has Changed
Outsourcing was a term seldom used in the American workplace a decade or so ago. Today, corporations nationwide are outsourcing their operational jobs (answering phones, product manufacturing, etc.) to foreign companies. I read in Thomas Friedman’s book, The World is Flat-A Brief History of the 21st Century that many accountants in the USA are now outsourcing tax paperwork to accountants in India. The cost of labor in countries such as India is much less than here in the states. Companies that are looking to cut cost, see this as an attractive possibility. The majority of the companies I call today to address technical assistance issues have people from foreign countries answering their phones. Years ago, call centers in America handled this function.
2. Certain Types of Jobs Are Being Replaced Through Automation
Let’s be real about this, machines are now doing the job of people. I often tell the youth I work with “you want to be the person who runs the machines that are doing the jobs. You will be invaluable if you do.” You can simply look in any factory in America and find a function where machines are now doing the job of people. This will continue to increase as companies are looking for better and faster ways to produce the products we use everyday.
Reinvention Time
What this means to the employee of the 21st century is that they must begin the process of reinventing themselves. In order to be valuable to corporations, governments and other employers, people must become creative thinkers and innovators as well as upgrade their current skills. As you read information from the national news outlets, there is a lot of despair and anxiety taking place regarding finding jobs. It is quite obvious to anyone who analyzes labor trends, the only way to remain workforce competitive is to possess a skill that is significant to the employer and regularly upgrade that skill set to make your position relevant. I am convinced that identification of personal passions and affinities go hand to hand in this process. Once a person chooses to reinvent themselves, they will be more valuable to the employer if the reinvention is centered on a personal passion that inspires them to get up in the morning. Listed below are a few ideas for reinventing yourself in today’s workplace:
1. Participate in trainings designed to identify and mobilize your unique gifts, talents and abilities.
2. Identify a career and life coach who will direct and inspire you through the career transition process.
3. Consider going back to school (or to school if never attended) and learning a new trade-career.
4. Use social networking tools such as Linked-In to make connection with new career opportunities and networks. Linked-In has thousands of innovative job and career networking opportunities and it is a free source.
5. Identify how your passion connects to hot job markets such as green jobs, technology and healthcare.
6. Develop a network of people who can help you advance in your career. Ask for their advice often.
Economic experts seem to all agree that this problem will be around for awhile, I am part of a team of political leaders in my state and we recently had a meeting with our Governor. He shared with us that their will be massive job cuts and a budget deficit of over $200,000,000. Reinvention is not only going to be the key to finding a job in the future, it may be the key to ones ability to keep a job as well. It is no longer business as usual. In order to make it these days you have to be creative, innovative and assertive. Reinventing your self in the 21st century is no longer an option, it is required. By doing so, you are securing a good future for yourself and your family.
About The Author
Darrell “Coach D” Andrews, CSP, is the author of the book, How To Find Your Passion And Make A Living At It. He is nationally acclaimed motivational speaker and career-life coach. Coach D conducts individual and group coaching sessions. He can be reached at his office toll free 1-866-426-2243 or via his website www.passionview.com.
1. The Dynamics of Doing Business Has Changed
Outsourcing was a term seldom used in the American workplace a decade or so ago. Today, corporations nationwide are outsourcing their operational jobs (answering phones, product manufacturing, etc.) to foreign companies. I read in Thomas Friedman’s book, The World is Flat-A Brief History of the 21st Century that many accountants in the USA are now outsourcing tax paperwork to accountants in India. The cost of labor in countries such as India is much less than here in the states. Companies that are looking to cut cost, see this as an attractive possibility. The majority of the companies I call today to address technical assistance issues have people from foreign countries answering their phones. Years ago, call centers in America handled this function.
2. Certain Types of Jobs Are Being Replaced Through Automation
Let’s be real about this, machines are now doing the job of people. I often tell the youth I work with “you want to be the person who runs the machines that are doing the jobs. You will be invaluable if you do.” You can simply look in any factory in America and find a function where machines are now doing the job of people. This will continue to increase as companies are looking for better and faster ways to produce the products we use everyday.
Reinvention Time
What this means to the employee of the 21st century is that they must begin the process of reinventing themselves. In order to be valuable to corporations, governments and other employers, people must become creative thinkers and innovators as well as upgrade their current skills. As you read information from the national news outlets, there is a lot of despair and anxiety taking place regarding finding jobs. It is quite obvious to anyone who analyzes labor trends, the only way to remain workforce competitive is to possess a skill that is significant to the employer and regularly upgrade that skill set to make your position relevant. I am convinced that identification of personal passions and affinities go hand to hand in this process. Once a person chooses to reinvent themselves, they will be more valuable to the employer if the reinvention is centered on a personal passion that inspires them to get up in the morning. Listed below are a few ideas for reinventing yourself in today’s workplace:
1. Participate in trainings designed to identify and mobilize your unique gifts, talents and abilities.
2. Identify a career and life coach who will direct and inspire you through the career transition process.
3. Consider going back to school (or to school if never attended) and learning a new trade-career.
4. Use social networking tools such as Linked-In to make connection with new career opportunities and networks. Linked-In has thousands of innovative job and career networking opportunities and it is a free source.
5. Identify how your passion connects to hot job markets such as green jobs, technology and healthcare.
6. Develop a network of people who can help you advance in your career. Ask for their advice often.
Economic experts seem to all agree that this problem will be around for awhile, I am part of a team of political leaders in my state and we recently had a meeting with our Governor. He shared with us that their will be massive job cuts and a budget deficit of over $200,000,000. Reinvention is not only going to be the key to finding a job in the future, it may be the key to ones ability to keep a job as well. It is no longer business as usual. In order to make it these days you have to be creative, innovative and assertive. Reinventing your self in the 21st century is no longer an option, it is required. By doing so, you are securing a good future for yourself and your family.
About The Author
Darrell “Coach D” Andrews, CSP, is the author of the book, How To Find Your Passion And Make A Living At It. He is nationally acclaimed motivational speaker and career-life coach. Coach D conducts individual and group coaching sessions. He can be reached at his office toll free 1-866-426-2243 or via his website www.passionview.com.
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