You only get out of something what you put in to it.

Posted by John Park on May 15th, 2010
2010
May 15

 
It has been a few months since my last post.  To my loyal subscribers, my sincerest apologies.  Like many business owners, I have been deeply entrenched in the fight against current economic conditions.  The good news is I believe we are winning.  I hope this is the case for you as well.
 
Today, I wanted to write about a saying I’ve lived by most of my adult life.  Strangely enough, the first place I ever came across this statement was when I was pledging a fraternity during college.
 
This statement that has become a lifestyle for me is “You only get out of something what you put in to it”.
 
It’s a simple theory but I often find myself at an advantage over others because I am able and wiling to embrace this saying as a way to take on any task or situation.  The saying can be applied anywhere including in business, parenting, physical well being and yes even in love or relationships.
 
In this economy, business owners and employees are being tested like never before on this very important and somewhat philosophical approach.
 
As business owners, what are you willing to put in to save and grow your company?  Are you willing to make cold calls?  Are you wiling to go door to door?  Are you willing to spend money to make money?  Are you willing to sacrifice your weekends?  Are you willing to work late?  Are you willing to come down from your ivory tower and take on any task necessary to get the job done?
 
Where are your limits during these times?
 
Whether you are an owner, manager or just starting your business career, what you “WANT” ultimately is not a natural right as some might have you believe.  What you “OBTAIN” is a direct result of what you put in to it.
 
 
 
 

Here’s to the CRAZY ones… Think Different

Posted by John Park on Jun 20th, 2009
2009
Jun 20

Here is an oldie but a goodie.  This is a perfect video for the weekend.  Consider this video my tribute to ALL of you crazy ones otherwise known as entrepreneurs, leaders and those who just dare to think differently.  Enjoy!


Until Next Time…



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Susan Boyle on Britain’s Got Talent

Posted by John Park on Apr 13th, 2009
2009
Apr 13

One of my clients just sent this over to me.  As we ALL start the week again, take a few minutes to view this short video about a woman who never gave up on her dreams.  It’s all about that isn’t it?  We all have dreams and it’s just an issue of whether we will let them fade away or we keep pursuing them.  I heard a line from a movie once that stuck with me… “You can do anything or be anyone, it’s just a matter of discipline.”


A little luck can’t hurt either.  Enjoy!  Thanks Katherine James–client who sent this.

VIEW THE VIDEO


 

Has commiserating become a national pastime?

Posted by John Park on Feb 26th, 2009
2009
Feb 26

 
I am vowing to omit the following word from my vocabulary for 1 full week.
 
ECONOMY
 
 
And, I will start immediately after this post goes live.
 
These days, it’s hard to escape the constant doom and gloom of the economy.  At every turn, there is some statistic to reemphasize over and over again how weak the current economy is.  If you believe everything you hear (especially from the 24hr news channels), you might even think that we’ve entered in to the abyss with no hope of return or survival.
 
I’ve also observed and probably have participated in a growing phenomenon.  Commiserating about the economy has become a national pastime.  I would say this is especially true in the workplace.  Instead of talking about sports, last night’s TV show or some hot new gadget, we seem to be finding solace in each other’s misery.  In fact, I’ve never been around so many econ majors in all my life.  All of a sudden, everyone has some crazy statistic supporting why the whole world is coming to an end soon.  After months of this nonsense, I’ve finally decided to do something about it.
 
Well… Enough is enough!
 
As a business owner, embracing this negativity which often turns in to stress and anger is especially dangerous.  I am not saying to deny what is happening.  I am just asking… how does it help to constantly dig deeper in to the abyss in a business setting.  As leaders of our organizations, we must work diligently to create a culture that does not fall prey to the recession for all of the wrong reasons.  Leading by example is one of the strongest characteristics of a leader.  Somewhere along the path of your life, you might have met a cold-calling CEO or you might recall the scene from Patton when the WWII general stood directly in the path of an on-coming German fighter plane with only his pearl-handle pistol in hand.  We remember these things for a reason.  Give your employees, team members and clients a reason to not only remember you but to be inspired by you.
 
Here are some ”Red Flags” to look out for in your business setting.
 
1)  Stop the internal commiserating around the water cooler (coffee pot).  Help them change the subject.
 
2)  Discourage the passing of “economic doom” propaganda in the business setting.
 
3)  Train your employees and team members on the negative impact of commiserating with clients.  This is a big one.
 
4)  And most importantly, don’t use and accept the economic condition as an automatic scapegoat.  Sometimes, a marketing idea didn’t pan out because it was just a bad idea.  Sometimes, you didn’t get the deal because you just did a poor job in the sales process.  NOT everything is the fault of the economy.  If you accept this scapegoating from yourself and from your team, you will find your business deteriorating over time even when times get better.
 
Say it with me “I will no longer use the economy as an automatic scapegoat for everything that goes wrong in my business.”
 
If you’re up to it… take the vow with me.
 
Starting now — GO!


“Each golden sunrise ushers in new opportunites for those who retain faith in themselves, and keep their chins up.  No one has ever seen a cock crow with its head down.  Courage to start and willingness to keep everlastingly at it are the requisites for success.  Meet the sunrise with confidence.  Fill every golden minute with right thinking and worthwhile endeavor.  Do this and there will be joy for you in each golden sunset”  Alonzo Newton Benn

Good Friends, eBay, 5 Panes of Glass and a Bag of Chips

Posted by John Park on Feb 6th, 2009
2009
Feb 6
 
If you watched the Super Bowl last Sunday, the chances are you probably caught this commercial.  To some, watching the commercials during the big game is just as important as the game itself.  This year, Doritos challenged its consumers with their “Crash The Super Bowl” contest.  It encouraged anyone to beat the ad gurus of Madison Ave. by creating their own commercial.
 
A couple of brothers from Indiana took up the challenge.  Joe Herbert and Dave Herbert, with their $2,000 budget, created this winning commercial which ended up beating out ALL other commercials in USA Today’s Super Bowl Ad Meter (a 10-year-old consumer opinion poll).
 
All of the actors are their good friends.  They did have to feed them 3 meals for the day.  The vending machine was bought on eBay for $500.  And for the dramatic moment, they had 5 glass panes at the ready.  It turned out they only needed one.  Their first take was the best.
 
The bottom line is the rules have changed.  Technology in all of its glory continues to turn traditional media and advertising on its head.  Don’t expect this trend to slow down any time soon.
 
There are a million reasons why this achievement should have been impossible.  I guess Herbert and Dave decided that it wasn’t.  The words “CAN” and “POSSIBLE” are truly contagious.  And if you use these words frequently enough… Your battle is already half won.
 
By the way, did I mention that these guys won a million dollars?
 
 
 
 

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