Tag Archives: Business Success

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned about growing your business?

If you’re a goal-setter and a planner, you’ve already made great progress on your list of New Year’s Resolutions.  If you’re like most people, you may create the goal list, but struggle with the strategy and action steps to reach them.

A friend of mine recently released a book titled “Clarity.”  Written by Bob Bohlen, a man who’s achieved so much success in his life; it makes you wonder if there are super humans living among us.  Bob doesn’t claim to have extraordinary abilities; he’s simply found a plan that works, and he works that plan every day.

The Speed of the Leader Determines the Rate of the Pack.

I’ve been a cyclist for many years.  As a CAT 3 cyclist, I’ve logged thousands of hours, mostly from show and go training rides, where people show up at a specific location and go for a pack bike ride.

The unique thing about cycling in a pack is that the speed of the pack is always determined by the leaders.  The rest do their part in the pace line or just suck wheel, which means they stay at the back and draft, saving up to 30% of their energy.  In a race, it makes total sense to conserve your energy to sprint for the finish line. In business, however, drafting (or coasting) leads to bankruptcy.

Are you drafting or leading in your business or career?

Why do you suppose so many employees today have entitlement mentality and learned-helplessness?

I’m talking about the attitude that they think they are  irreplaceable,  indispensable and that they deserve to keep their job even with poor or lackluster performance.

I’m Ford Saeks and I’ve been self-employed most of my life.  That comes with it’s own pros and cons, but as any entrepreneur knows, you have to be self-motivated and surround yourself with quality, capable employees and then lead them well for success.  You also don’t go broke when you’re making a profit.

My comment about thinking or wearing a paper hat is not meant to insult those hard working fast-food employees. Every job or career is an opportunity for self-respect, to add value and earn money.   But let’s face it. People wearing paper hats don’t have to be the sharpest tool in the shed or make too many higher-level decisions because they follow systems. Systems that have been designed so they don’t have to think that much, which is why they earn minimum wage or close to it.

Common Sense… Is it really all that “common?”

Common Sense is such a debatable topic. Some people say you’re either born with it or not.  Others, like me, believe that it can be developed.

What do you think?  How would you rate your level of common sense? What would your friends and colleagues say?

You might be surprised by their answers, but I’m sure you would agree that many people make things way more complicated than they need to be—both in business and their personal lives.  I want to help you add more value, increase your revenues and grow your business.  In a new book I’ll be launching in 90 days, I’m going to reveal how you can develop your super power of common sense.

You bet it does! Creating your marketing mindset is critical, because it’s your mindset that determines the steps you take and the overall success of your marketing efforts.

I always recommend that before starting a project, marketers should check their B.S. (that’s “Belief System,” and not the other “b.s.”). Ask yourself whether your Belief System supports you or gets in your way?