The Difference Between Ego & Excellence

One of the least understood behaviors is what most of us refer to as being egotistical. While some individuals voice much bravado and appear to be applauding themselves and patting themselves on the back continuously, someone with a truly healthy self - image does not find that type of self praise necessary. The reality is that if someone speaks about achievements in order to demonstrate experience and expertise, and they were real achievements, that is not bragging, but if someone exhibits false bravado and overstates his achievements, then it is simply self promoting. Walt Whitman stated, "If you have done it, it ain't bragging." Perhaps this is best demonstrated and understood by looking at this year's Presidential election, where the nominee of one of the major parties seems to often be best suited as a Carnival - barker, or self - promoter, rather than the expert businessman, he claims to be! Evaluate based on the record and facts, rather than merely how someone portrays himself!

1. There is often a huge difference between mere experience and true expertise. Just because someone has had some experience, it does not mean he has learned sufficiently from it, for it to provide some advantage or expertise. I'm sure we have all met people who appear to be egotistical, whose behavior ends up being more based on insecurity and the need for attention, applause, gratitude, etc., than it is related to any type of superior knowledge or expertise. For example, in politics, when a politician points to his record, it can either be a case of bragging, or true excellence. Was he actually the cause of the positive results? Were there actually any positive results at all? Especially as it relates to politics and politicians, there is often a distinct line that gets blurred between true achievement and excellence, versus falsely taking credit or distorting one's achievements. This is caused partly by convincing one's self that they were actually excellent and actually believing it, a desire to win and election, political spin, ego or false ego, or being delusional.

2. I have been involved in the event industry for well over thirty years. During that time, I have come across quite a number of people who thought of themselves as being event planners or event experts, while the reality was that they, at most, chaired a program, event or a committee, and perhaps got involved in certain aspects of the event planning process. Therefore, when it comes to event planners, while I can state that I will guarantee cost savings and superior event planning and superb results, that statement is not bragging but rather the facts based on my years of experience, my gained expertise and knowledge, and the results I have consistently achieved. On the other hand, it is bragging when someone who perhaps was involved in previous events but does not possess the prerequisites to be considered expert, claims to be an event expert.

3. Real estate professionals must serve and service their clients and customers in many ways, but perhaps the one which demonstrates expertise, is the ability to negotiate. Interview your potential agent before hiring him, and ask some probing questions! Use the situation, what - if, approach!

Bragging is only offensive when it is untrue. Otherwise, it may be merely a recitation of the facts. In either case, however, it should be done with tact and without being offensive.

Happiness Comes From Helping Others

The Founder of the renowned civic organization, Grand Street Boys, the late Judge Jonah Goldstein was fond of saying, "Happiness is the one thing in life that multiplies by division. The more you give to others, the more you have for yourself." Goldstein used this expression repeatedly at meetings in the 1940's and 1950's. If everyone followed this, wouldn't the world be a better place? Dictionary.com offers two definitions for happiness: "1. the quality or state of being happy 2. good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy." At the same time, Dictionary.com offers three definitions of happy: "1.pleased or delighted 2. pleasing 3. bringing good luck; fortunate." Obviously, Judge Goldstein felt strongly that for one to be truly happy, he must repeatedly bring joy to others as well as himself, thus providing one with a sense of joy, pleasure, delight and contentment.

So many people today seem to follow the "What's in it for me?" philosophy. It seems that too many people today often only "do the right thing" if they believe it will somehow materially benefit them. Beware of those in your community, who serve in so - called service, or civic groups/ organizations, not necessarily based on their commitment and caring, for their neighbors, but rather, how they might benefit. One of the speakers at the Democratic National Convention, made the point, we can judge someone running for office, by what they did many years previous, to their quest for an office. True happiness only comes when our service is genuine and caring, and helping others makes us feel better, about ourselves! However, when one realizes that many of the wealthiest individuals in the world are also amongst the most miserable, it takes far more than merely the accumulation of material things, or self- satisfaction, to bring about true happiness. How many truly happy people can you honestly say that you know?

Besides being a well - known judge in New York, Jonah Goldstein was famous for founding a civic and philanthropic group known as Grand Street Boys. Almost all the members of Grand Street Boys were professionals- - most of which were attorneys. The legal profession has often been much maligned, yet it is one of the first professions or occupations with an organized methodology of "giving back" to the most needy, via the "pro bono" process. Attorneys are regularly expected to, and do, perform a certain amount of "pro bono," or free legal work, for those unable to afford the cost of legal representation. Judge Goldstein encouraged widespread discussion and fabulous debating during the Grand Street Boys meetings, and in an interactive manner, encouraged members to "give back" to society, in any number of manners.

Why are so many "troubled" individuals so very unhappy? Some people have attributed this unhappiness to a variety of items, including financial reversals, financial pressures, "personal problems," or the often-stated, "He's just not a very happy person." Yet, all evidence points to the fact that those individuals that appear to be "happiest" are often those that "give back" more to society and to mankind. "Giving back" does not have to be financial, but it can be. However, merely donating money generally does not create the level of happiness that non- financial volunteerism does. Think about the people you have met who are the happiest - - - aren't they invariably the ones who volunteer more, are more charitable, and/ or more philanthropic? Should this not be a valuable lesson to all of us, and to society, especially in these difficult economic times, when many worthwhile charities so much need assistance?

Judge Goldstein was certainly a sage. He was an incredibly successful man professionally, yet he got more pleasure, fulfillment and happiness from "giving back" than from anything else. Wouldn't our world, especially in these troubling and trying times, be far better, if we had more truly happy people?

What Is Your Elevator Speech?

It is generally believed that the most meaningful single component that determines the potential strength of the American economy is related to the health of small business and small business people. This includes consultants, real estate professionals, accountants and CPA's, physicians and dentists, small law practices, salespersons, commissioned individuals such as stock brokers and insurance agents, etc. These are often highly competitive industries, where there is a need for an individual or small business person to differentiate himself, develop a personal niche, and maintain and develop the ability to effectively and seamlessly communicate why others should utilize his services. In other words, he develops an elevator speech, which in thirty seconds or less, whets the appetite of those around him, motivating them to ask more, and creating a mystique or aura where he sticks out in a positive and productive manner.

1. How do you interest others without appearing to simply trying to sell something? How do you make your message both compelling and interesting, showing a positive message where others not only listen and hear, but pay close attention and retain what the messenger is trying to convey? How is it possible for anyone to have an effective elevator speech unless he maintains a positive mental attitude combined with actual self - confidence? What do you say that differentiates you from the rest of the pack? Do you believe your own words? Are you capable of seamlessly promoting yourself in an impactful and meaningful manner?

2. Why is an elevator speech so important for someone to develop? This thirty second opportunity comes about often, not solely in an elevator, but in brief meetings in the supermarket, at cocktail parties, and in any social or business gathering? What is your brand, and why is your brand one that others should care about? How do you differentiate yourself? One example could relate to, for example, a real estate agent, who might be asked some version of the question relating to why one should use him rather than others. The individual who does not hem or haw, wax philosophical, get hung up on cliches or empty rhetoric, and simply claims he'll do the best job for them, will rarely attract much positive attention. However, on the other hand, the individual who clearly and without hesitation states emphatically that while there are many real estate agents available, and even confidently states that many of them do a decent job, avows confidently that they lack one key ingredient that he possesses. Therefore, each individual must ponder what makes him different, unique and someone others need!

Think about the impact of your elevator speech! Does it motivate others to care more, think more, and understand why you are someone they should seek out and do business with?

Everything is NOT a FACT!

One of the greatest obstacles to achieving whatever we consider to be personal and meaningful success is often our inability, refusal or failure to properly differentiate between empty rhetoric (or exaggeration or manipulation) and actual FACT. While being successful must and should be personal in nature, so as to actually motivate others to drive ourselves further, we must develop the willingness and ability to differentiate the facts from not only fiction, but also merely what others might state to be so! When we drive ourselves to focus in this manner, and develop the skills, abilities and willingness to enhance our potential to understand this concept, we can be better assured that what we are doing directly relates to reality and needs.

1. Begin with an emphasis on consistently being fair! This is a combination of factors, including our inherent fairness to others and their points of view (even when they may disagree with our own), treating others the way we would want them to treat other (also known as The Golden Rule), and being open - minded enough to listen to and explore alternatives. When we proceed in this manner, we are more capable of being focused on what needs to be done (and why). After all, isn't the common thread to everyone's concept of success, to become more functional and worthwhile?

2. How can you know if something is factual if you do not take the time, expend the energy and seek to better understand what it means? This requires a consistent commitment to thorough analyses, combined with a comprehensive assessment of needs and possibilties. We should strive to maintain our positive attitude in a manner where we explore the alternatives in a realistic, but open manner!

3. Our approach must be to convert and transform, the rhetoric and statements of others in such a manner that the crux of the issue becomes clear - cut and better understood. We need to thorough evaluate and consider things fairly and thoroughly, but must do so that our focus is on the entire concept, and all the potential ramifications.

4. Perhaps the simplest and most direct approach might be to simply ask ourselves, "Is it true?" Being true does not mean simply being in alignment with our personal priorities, self interests and our own truths, but rather evaluating things objectively in terms of reliability, consistency and whether it aligns with those things that are self - evident because they are time - tested.

Truth (or real facts) and what someone says is a fact are often vastly different! We will enhance ourselves when we commit to only truly factual items, rather than permitting ourselves to be less than objective by blindly accepting what others merely claim! This applies to everything we do, including: our personal lives; business; etc.

Components of a Business Plan

One of the major challenges facing any entrepreneur is understanding all the various nuances involved in preparing to, and actually opening a new business. In discussions with many graduating college students, as well as many professionals (physicians, dentists, etc.), I have often been told that while the individual feels completely (or mostly) prepared with the "academic" and technical subject matter, they feel inadequate when it comes to the business aspects themselves. One of the major omissions seems to be a lack of familiarity with the basic components of a business plan, and how to use these. This lack of preparation, especially regarding necessary analysis of needs, goals, objectives, priorities, and finances, as well as time commitments, makes utilizing a business plan, a needed skill, for many individuals, such as Real Estate professionals (what is the goal, why, and how will you get there?), organizational leaders, and executives of every size organization/ company!
 
1. The first question one must ask, before even beginning to create a business plan, is what is the owner's "vision" for the business (or practice). What does the individual want from his business that might differentiate it from the "pack?"

2. One of the most challenging items to many novices seems to be the ability to identify costs, particularly startup costs and reserves. What if the business takes longer to open than anticipated (for example, awaiting permits, licenses, etc)? What if the revenue flow is lower than expectations? One of the biggest identifiable errors, and the overwhelmingly biggest cause for the demise of new businesses, is being under- capitalized. Businesses with insufficient reserves cannot pursue many effective strategies, and often resort to disastrous or at least disadvantageous crisis management instead of forward looking planning.

3. Part of a business plan must include in- depth financials. This information must include forecasts for revenues (which should be done with at least three different scenarios; optimum, average, and below average. The listing and analysis for revenue must include a discussion of why these revenues are anticipated, and how these numbers are devised. Next, a complete list of expenditures must be included. These expenditures must include start- up costs (including renovations, equipment, tools, labor, licenses, inspections, etc.), an in- depth marketing plan including a timetable and all expenditures related, fixed expenses such as rent, taxes, fees, salaries, benefits, shipping (if applicable), etc. Start- up business plans should include a starting take home salary for the owner, because if the owner is not compensated from the onset, many delay taking a salary (which causes undue stress and pressure, often creating burnout scenario).

4. A thorough, comprehensive marketing plan, with particular emphasis on the first three months, six months and one year must be developed as part of this plan. These expenses must be planned for and considered part of the start up plan, at least for this preliminary period. Many businesses make the mistake of saying they will market, but because they are under- capitalized, fail to expend sufficient funds to this endeavor. Invariably, if there is any type of financial shortfall, the marketing is often the victim, which then also adversely impacts revenues, etc. Abandoning marketing is generally short- sighted.

In four decades of counseling start up businesses and practices, I have come to the conclusion that one of the major faults of many educational programs is not academic, but instead an insufficient emphasis on needed and necessary business basics. I urge colleges, universities, etc. to reconsider, and include more business related information, so that their students are better prepared for the real world.

5 Components of Effectively Marketing Yourself

Most would agree that marketing is perhaps the most, if not one of the most essential ingredients for success in nearly every field of endeavor. Why do you think that the largest and most successful corporations spend so much time, effort and resources on marketing themselves, and attempting to create a specific and unique brand, that creates an attractive niche and compelling story? Since all of us, regardless of what we do, are involved in some sort of selling, it is important to understand what is needed to successfully market ourselves. Whether someone is a doctor, lawyer, salesperson, teacher, or stay - at - home mom, success requires selling every day. We either sell a product, a service, or ourselves, but we do sell! Since the advent and increased popularity of the Internet, however, many people have abandoned the previous fundamentals of marketing, and begun to rely exclusively on the Web. However, success means using a broad - based, multi - media campaign, where we maintain a common focus throughout, in order to distinguish ourselves, thus creating a niche that develops our personal, quality, respected brand. While there are many possible components, those who seek to effectively market themselves should both understand and utilize these five components listed below.

1. Don't abandon direct mail and snail mail. There are still many individuals who prefer being contacted that way, and effective mailing pieces that enhance our brand, are key. However, cost containment requires doing this wisely, so make sure that you study the best and most effective way to use this, including your mailing list, types of piece, etc.

2. Use email and texts judicially and wisely. Under - utilization will have no impact, and overuse will strike many as a form of spam. Make sure that you use these forms when appropriate, but don't become overly reliant on them.

3. While a strong Social Media presence is wise and needed, don't fall into the trap of assuming that because you posted something here, there is widespread communication going on. The most effective usage is generally having links to compelling information, so that others will be interested. Don't either over or under - post, and remember that you must use these in coordination with the overall brand you wish to create and develop.

4. What is the feeling someone gets when they look at your Website? How easy is it to locate, and what does it say about you? Does it enhance your brand? Does the message being sent say what you are trying to communicate? Have you looked into SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?

5. Far too many individuals today build artificial walls by relying too heavily on these methods, while ignoring or nearly ignoring the all - essential methods of professionally using the telephone, and getting out and being face - to - face, with your potential constituents, stakeholders or desired audience. Therefore, it is very important to become professional in these methodologies.

Don't use one of these components, while overlooking others. Those that want to market themselves to their fullest potential, and thus get the best results, need to have the discipline to use all of these.

Face The Facts: Excessive Greed is Often The Economic Reality!

In the run - up to the upcoming elections, we have witnessed a couple of years (or more), where there has been lots of discussion about who (if anyone) is serving constituents' needs! On the political right, we've witnessed the Tea Party, who espouses less government involvement, etc, and on the left, The 99%ers, who bemoan the fact that the vast majority of wealth and advantage, falls with the upper 1% economically. Whenever politics gets involved, of course, the issues get clouded, but to simplify the matter, to a large degree, it comes down to greed or excessive greed: Whether by the 1%, the government, or those feeling they are entitled to more (also known as shared wealth).

For several years, the entire world, including the United States, underwent a severe economic recession, with record bankruptcies, bank closures, corporate failures, and extreme rates of unemployment. However, as in all things economic and political, all entities did not suffered equally. While many people struggled, and demand for many items, including gasoline have fallen, certain companies have prospered. For example, Exxon Mobil had fourth quarter of 2010 earnings climb 53% to $9.3 billion. In light of the "spin" that has blamed oil producing nations for the run up in oil prices, it is important to understand that if prices were merely rising because of increased costs, companies such as Exxon Mobil would should revenue growth, but they would simultaneously have greater expenses, so their earning would not grown nearly that substantially. When earnings grow by 53%, I believe that this is indicative of corporate greed, where large multinational corporations benefit at the expense of the public. Certainly, corporations are entitled to profits, as long as they are fair. When there is such substantial profit being made, it is simply a form of corporate greed and the public is being dramatically impacted. While the economy has improved, especially in the United States, since the extreme depths, it stills has a long way to go, and many challenges to be faced, in the upcoming years. How much will greed play into this picture?

It would be impossible for anyone not to notice what went on, both at the gas pump, filling up one's car, or at one's home or business, with the run up in energy costs being precipitated by this dramatic price increase. This even defied the economic law of supply and demand, because consumer demand for oil  actually decreased during that period. The large oil companies that profited by this said that they are entitled to a profit, which they most certainly are. However, when oil and gas rose as quickly and dramatically as it had, it is important to recognize the ancillary impact that has on many aspects of our lives. We all, of course, saw the obvious increase at the gas pump and when heating oil was delivered. However, since most products are delivered, at least partly by truck, and trucks use diesel fuel (which in most areas of the country is even more expensive than gasoline), the increased costs get passed along to the end user, the consumers (also known as the American public), in the form of higher prices. Anyone who goes to a supermarket saw their average grocery bill go up, as either prices rose to cover these increased costs, or sizes were reduced (at the same cost as the original larger size- obviously, also a price increase). Isn't it interesting, for example, that while FedEx implemented fuel surcharges when that occurred, they have not eliminated them, even though the price of gas has dropped dramatically?

My cleaner has been complaining about how his cost of packaging, hangers, plastic, etc., have been dramatically increasing. Obviously that has cost him to raise his prices, which has translated either into fewer people using his services because of costs, or higher prices to those who have continued using his service.

How foolish must our government think the average American is when showed almost no increase in the cost of living? About the only thing that has gone down was the price a homeowner had to accept if he wanted to sell his home (a situation, which has reversed itself, in the last year or so. Then, the government assesses homes at a lower price, making some individual think that their real estate taxes will also decrease. However, all that actually happens is that the taxing authorities raise the rate taxed per assessed dollar, so again the individual takes the brunt of the pain.

Recently, NJ politicians have been bickering about substantially raising their gas tax. It is a political football, and a result of many, in politics, replacing reason with rhetoric and threats!

Are the 99%ers any less greedy? While there should be more opportunities, and there should be income equality regardless of gender, etc, should someone with lesser skills, education or training, automatically be entitled to earning the same amount as someone who became well educated, works hard, and uses his training effectively? The reality is, that generalities are often little more than a form of greed! The Tea Party often complains about government intervention and involvement, yet, complain, when one of their cherished concepts, etc, does not get supported by the Government. Aren't all these behaviors a form of greed and selfishness?

Corporate greed, combined with governmental "spin" and inability to create a system to protect the average American during these times, has made these economic times trying, at best, for most Americans. We have laws known as usury laws, that protect consumers against unfair loan practices, where greedy loaners charge excessive interest for loaning money. Isn't corporate greed simply another form of usury, with even worse ramifications to the country and its economic health and well-being.

We all have choices - complain about the greed, or seek solutions that are not merely idealistic and empty rhetoric, but viable and pragmatic?!