GoHuman Blog

The past few weeks I’ve been gearing up (myself and those interested in reading my posts) to begin a wellness program I recently enrolled in, through a local chiropractor. I know, who knew a chiropractic office offered wellness programs? I’ve chalked it up to a basic business philosophy that many entrepreneur’s/organizations tend to lose sight of which is that they clearly understand how important it is to the success of their business to continuously find ways to add value to those they serve.

Last week marked my first visit to the office, which was the initial consultation and program review. The Dr. was definitely on a fact-finding mission and asked a multitude of questions ranging from current fitness regimen and eating habits, to why I chose “now” to take action.

Some of you may be wondering what (if any) purpose does it serve others, for me to track such a journey, through weekly blogging. What’s more, how or does it even relate to coaching? The good news is that the two are very much in alignment with one another and “no,” I’m not self absorbedJ.

Coaching is about commitment, accountability, taking action for the results we want and doing whatever is necessary, in order to get those results. Coaching is a structured relationship designed to help the person being coached to move forward, to reach the goals that they have set, and to reach their potential.

Those who remain hesitant, may then be asking “Why would someone who’s built a career for themselves that’s designed to lead others to realizing the untapped potential they have within, seek their own assistance of an outside source to get more fit, become healthier by adapting new eating habits, to live a longer and healthier life?” My response is simple and nonetheless, truthful. I understand and know the value of having a support system who’s in my corner, rooting for me every step of the way. I know the value of having someone to help hold me accountable and offer a different perspective when it’s difficult to see the forest through the trees. I know the value of having someone on your side who isn’t there to criticize, but rather offer their encouragement to continue moving forward, after not having reached a weekly goal. I also know (all too well) that in order to change the things that aren’t working or are missing from my daily diet/fitness routine, means that “I” must make the commitment and “I” must take the action required, to affect the change “I” want.

When multiple award winning actress (and dubbed as America’s Sweetheart) Sandra Bullock landed the lead role in The Blind Side, in order to really get into her character as the headstrong football mom Leigh Ann Tuohy, one of the first moves Bullock made was to hire dialect coach, Francie Brown. Bullock hired Brown to help her refine her southern-style accent and incidentally, she won best actress for her role in the movie.

How about one of the best golfers of all time Tiger Woods who, regardless of the personal challenges he’s endured these past few years, also works with a coach. The coach may change from time to time but nonetheless, he always has one. Why does someone with his talent, his skills and his record have a coach? Because he takes constructive feedback from another golfer who he could undoubtedly beat with some regularity, if he were to compete against him. Just imagine what it’s like to not only be the very best in the world at what you do, but to be humble enough to admit than you can always get better and don’t know it all.

My commitment to all of you is to post weekly progress updates, as my journey continues.

One excellent principle to be applied in business is the element of surprise aka “doing the unexpected.” In sales and marketing, this means to continuously seek out ways to out-do, or upset your competition. Always look for ways you can add more value to the product or service you offer and adjust your prices accordingly. Staying a step ahead of the other service provides within your industry, allows you to have a competitive advantage.

Often, “doing the exact opposite” of what you have been doing can be the perfect solution that will give you the results you want. The natural tendency for a person who finds themselves in a hole, is to continue digging or doing the same things that clearly haven’t been working, thus far. The key is if you’re not getting the outcome you want, why continue doing the things that aren’t working? Change things up a bit. Continuing to tweak your system or process, allows you to discover what’s working, what’s not working and what’s missing, that if present, would make all the difference in the end result. Remember, the definition of insanity is often referred to as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

How important is follow-up and follow-through in business? Both can and will make or break a business. When opportunity strikes you take full advantage of it. If you offer a great product or service, you sell as much as you can to your target market. Use every opportunity imaginable to capitalize on it.

The ability to work effectively with others and lead responsibly are an organization’s greatest attributes and best path to travel, to achieve success.

One favorite question many people love to ask or at least are always thinking, is “what’s in it for me? A good and effective leader is always looking for ways to help others. Leaders understand that assisting others is a sure way to create within them, a desire of wanting to help you achieve your goals.

Implementing these success principles into your daily routine, will allow you to accomplish far more in a shorter period of time than you ever imagined.

The human fear of failure is the greatest obstacle we allow to get in our way of achieving success. Taken to its extreme, we become totally pre-occupied with not making a mistake, with seeking the approval of others for security. We allow it to debilitate us, entrap us, immobilize us from taking action.

Another major fear that gets in our way and interferes with performance, is the fear of rejection. We learn this when our parents make their love for us conditional upon our behavior. If we do what pleases them, we gain their love and approval. If we do something they don’t like, they withdraw their love and approval, which we interpret as rejection.

When dismantled, fear is nothing more than a thought. A thought that is all based in the future. As humans, we tend to fill in the blanks (our thoughts) with the worst case scenario. Fear is irrational. It’s a habit that we can change. Everyone has courage within them and the distinction is that those who don’t allow fear to control their thoughts and actions, call on that courage. They don’t allow their story to stop them from being who they want to be or from doing the things they want to do.  Our personality or story that we use to identify ourselves as, is never what truly defines who we are. Drop the story, get into action and the fear will gradually dissipate.

The opposite of fear is love. Love is always creative and fear is always reactive and ultimately tragic. Destructive! Fear produces “need,” but need it and you won’t get it.  Want it and you will. Want it with all your heart, aka, “commitment.”

Life is fragile. Those were the words my 16 year old son posted on his Facebook page this past Saturday evening, shortly after learning a good friend and motocross racing buddy of his, had been in an accident earlier, while practicing. Later that evening, we were told he’s likely to be permanently paralyzed, from the upper-waist on down, as well as having suffered other severe injuries. This boy’s entire life has revolved around motocross racing events. He had his own practice track at his house, a shop full of tools, extra bikes & equipment, etc….All the necessities to be a professional motocross racer.

It’s hard enough as an adult, to comprehend such a tragic and freak accident, but to have to make some sort of sense out of the situation and explain it to a child, was where the real challenge was going to be. What I did tell my son was that I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason in life, and we should be grateful for the way things turned out for his friend, because he may not have been so lucky the next time. He was alive. “He may not have been so lucky the next time.” I think about how odd it seems to say those words given the circumstances and knowing this boy faces the likely-hood of permanent paralysis, but then I kept thinking if it were my son in this situation, I’d be grateful that the worst didn’t happen.

The day after the accident, we found out it was his 18^th birthday, and I felt an immediate sense of overwhelm go through my entire body. The first thought that came to mind was the big guy upstairs must have some great plans for this young man. Next, I remembered an audio I had just listened to the day before, by Steve Chandler. In the audio, he talks about when certain major events occur in our lives and ultimately change the course of how we move forward in the future, there are two distinct ways for us to handle them.

When faced with tragedy or something that presents itself as a constant struggle in our lives, we often refer to those moments as having hit “rock bottom.” However, one person’s rock bottom doesn’t necessarily carry the same weight as what another person would consider to be their “rock bottom.” Nonetheless, Steve suggests that rather than consume ourselves and the rest of our life with all the spinning thoughts of mixed emotions and undoubted challenges that lie ahead of us as a result,  we embrace them and use the misfortune and unexplainable circumstances, to our benefit. Why? Because it’s during these exact moments, that offer us the greatest opportunity for creating something far bigger and more imaginable for ourselves, than we could have ever envisioned.

li

Did you know 80% of businesses started by experienced businesspeople succeed? That’s an incredibly high statistic, but did you notice how I said “experienced” businesspeople are the ones who succeed?

Experienced entrepreneurs who’ve “been there, done that,” have a good understanding of what works and what doesn’t work in business.  Those who are fully committed to knowing what to do, when to do it, & know how to purchase and market the products/services offered, can and will survive in any economy. They know how to negotiate with their suppliers, they know how to raise money, they know how to sell & market and they know how to add continuous value to those they serve. “Experience” is the key.

Most businesses started by inexperienced people fail. Ninety-nine percent of businesses started by those who lack business experience, fail within the first two or three years. Why? Because they haven’t the slightest idea how to make it successful. They may have an idea for a product or service, but don’t have the experience to know what the key requirements are for building, sustaining or growing a successful business.

Coach’s Corner #1

To err is Human, but to repeat mistakes is tragic.  Leaders are confident, visionary, often right, and have a hard time seeing themselves. A Business Coach can make the difference between success and failure.

Have you noticed our “Make it Right” button? GoHuman.com was failing to market itself successfully, hurting us and our customers.  As CEO, I needed a Coach to help me fix what I was contributing to.   A good Coach is selective, so I was relieved to learn the one I wanted feels I am “coachable.”

Are you coachable? For your business to grow and expand, you have to be. It can be daunting, if not insurmountable, to be successful in all needed areas. A good Business Coach can help you consistently bring your A-Game.

Not everyone can afford a personal coach, but if you are coachable, GoHuman.com can help.  We’re proud to announce that Carrie Nicolini, a top-notch certified Business Coach, will provide a powerful, weekly blog for the small business owner.  Visit Coach’s Corner, starting Friday.

Check out Carrie’s credentials and friend her on facebook.  Speaking of facebook, here’s a college photo of me and my swimming coach

Reason #1; Reason #2; Reason #3; Reason #4; Reason #5; Reason #6; Reason #7; Reason #8; Reason #9; Reason #10;

Why GoHuman.com?  Reason #11 is Carrie Nicolini

Reason #12