Web Media University

Practice What you Preach

DonTalbert — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:45:04 +0000

We’ve all experienced it at one time or another. Buy a book, attend a presentation, or buy a program that promises to fix all that’s wrong with our businesses. Some of those authors and speakers really know their stuff. Most of the time, you can tell they are truly doing what they advise, instruct, and guide us to do. We believe this is someone who’s done it, or doing it, and really wants to help others achieve their goals and dreams.
However, I have picked up books, begun to read and put them back where I found them, because the author was disconnected from what’s really happening. It’s painfully clear that the author is not one who has experienced what he or she has written about. In many cases, people like this are readers and researchers who regurgitate information they’ve read or researched, and packaged it into a product which can be sold to us. The real players know how to convert their life and business experience into products that are designed to help us improve our businesses. The products, are the product of someone who’s experiencing what he or she teaches.(preaches)

How does one tell the difference between the impostor and the foot soldier? Sometimes it can be difficult. Mostly, it’s about experience and about what seems logical. The doer can relate to the reader, viewer or attendee. The impostor is disconnected. The cracks begin to show to the trained eye or ear.
There’s another element to this. The icons of self improvement and sales have written so much good material, going back several decades. However, I observe others using tactics and techniques which are outdated. Those were good when written 30 years ago or so, but many have not been updated for today’s business environment. What worked in the 1970s, may get you escorted out the door today. Time tested concepts do work, however, they sometimes need to be updated. After all change occurs everyday. We need to be prepared to adjust, even when applying what has seemingly stood the test of time.

Before spending your hard earned money on a book, dvd series, or presentation, be sure you’re handing that money over to someone who really does practice what they preach. Don’t give it up to a product factory which cranks out material for the sole purpose of generating revenue. Support the doers, ignore the impostors.

I sincerely hope that you spend your money wisely, and follow the lead of the pros who are out there to help you achieve your business goals and dreams.

“I’m out there in the trenches doing it everyday, so you can practice what I preach.”

Don Talbert
Centurion Business Coach

www.centuriongrp.com

don@centuriongrp.com
859-816-2347

The Theory of Networkingtivity

DonTalbert — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:33:35 +0000

I’m sure you’ve heard Einstein’s “For every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction.” The same principle applies to networking. For every action you take to help others, that effort will be rewarded with an equal effort from others. It doesn’t always come back from the direction you sent it, but will return to you. Sometimes, it comes back in the most unexpected ways.

Don Talbert

Centurion Business Coach
www.centuriongrp.com
don@centuriongrp.com
859-816-2347

Opportunity

DonTalbert — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:11:30 +0000

Sometimes opportunity presents itself disguised as something else. Will you recognize opportunity when it arrives? Will you answer the door when it knocks?
Be on the lookout for the unexpected guest called opportunity. It may not knock a second time.

Don Talbert
Centurion Business Coach
www.centuriongrp.com
don@centuriongrp.com
859-816-2347

Fathom

DonTalbert — Tue, 01 May 2012 02:07:57 +0000

A measure of depth. Whether it’s your character, business knowledge or another aspect of your life, it can be measured. Shallow or deep, how do you measure yourself in key areas? How do others measure you? Is it inches or fathoms?

Don Talbert
Centurion Business Coach
www.centuriongrp.com
don@centuriongrp.com
859-816-2347

Tweeted on Twitter- “I’m at a Networking Event, Look at all these Prospects”

DonTalbert — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:06:19 +0000

To the author of this tweet, hold on there, you got it all wrong. Actually, I haven’t seen this tweeted, nor do I know if those words have been written. However, I do know that’s what some people are thinking when they are at networking events. We’ve all seen it, someone handing out business cards like candy at Halloween, carrying around literature or handing out coupons with “special offers.” What’s wrong with these people, don’t they get it? Before we judge, let’s take time to think about that.

The fact is, many people who attend networking events, are out there just like the rest of us, trying to meet people. The more seasoned among us,understand networking etiquette, and act accordingly. Some of those who may annoy us by tossing out cards like a black jack dealer at a casino, just don’t know any better. They are new to this game of networking. Without some kind of experience or training, how does one automatically know what to do? A small percentage of those whose actions we find offensive, will never get it. They move from venue to venue. They say there’s no such thing as a perpetual motion machine. I beg to differ. Those who choose to ignore the rules of networking, and continue to move around with boundless energy always trying to sell something , must be the closest thing.

You may ask; so what do I expect when going to a networking event? I’ll offer some tips on what to do.
1) Manage your expectations. Don’t go to an event, with the idea of selling your product or service.
2) Keep your eyes and ears tuned to opportunity, for future reference.
3) Look for potential allies. Who in the room, may be a good referral source over time? There are ways to identify them.
4) Be prepared to take a sincere interest in others. People love to talk about themselves. We learn so much by listening.
5) Be a collector of business cards. This enables you to follow up after the event. It takes chance out of the equation. Handing out your card and wishing for a call, may leave you disappointed.
6) Don’t forget that all important follow up after the event. Those next steps are where the magic happens. not following up, is squandering opportunity.

There you have it. Don’t take aim at those in the room at events. You may find them taking cover. Instead, go in and cultivate. When you cultivate, you’ll eventually reap the rewards.
Best wishes on your success, as you attend future networking events.

Don Talbert

Centurion Business Coach

www.centuriongrp.com

don@centuriongrp.com

Blogstorming

DonTalbert — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:46:01 +0000

Not a weather related event. Blogstorming is a flurry of creativity, resulting in a tidal wave of content. Again, not weather related, despite the meteorological references.

Don Talbert

http://centuriongrp.com/

don@centuriongrp.com

859-816-2347

Easy Street

DonTalbert — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:01:57 +0000

Found at the intersection of Preparation Boulevard and Opportunity Way.

Don Talbert
Centurion Business Coach
www.centuriongrp.com

Let’s Stay in Touch

DonTalbert — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:37:13 +0000

Relationships make the world go round. Whether personal or business, we thrive on our relationships with others. I have so many stories, as many of you have. In business, we meet others at networking events, networking groups, association meetings, etc. Seeing others repeatedly is an important facet of relationship building. The more you’re around someone, the more you learn. Before long, referrals begin to flow among those in your network. You build these strong relationships, with the intent of maintaining them for many years.

However, sometimes people move on for various reasons. When someone leaves a networking group for example, what usually happens? In many cases, there is a bit of a disconnect. Someone you saw on a regular basis, is no longer in the room. It’s easy to let those relationships gradually slip away. What a waste of time and effort! You work hard to earn trust and build a strong trusting relationship, with that person who’s no longer in the room. Why would you let that go? It needn’t be that way. Of course, you won’t see one anther regularly like before. When a relative moves across the country, do you give up on them? Of course you don’t. The relationship does undergo some level of change, but it doesn’t have to end.

What can you do to stay in touch? In my situation, I place regular phone calls to those I now call friends. Those friendships evolved from our business relationships. It does take work to keep those relationships going. Anything worthwhile takes some level of work. I see people throw away previously strong business relationships everyday. All because it’s not as convenient as it once was.

I regularly receive referrals from those in my network who have moved on for various reasons. My faith in keeping relationships like I’ve described, was reinforced just yesterday. (Update) While writing this, I received a call from a center of influence, who wants me to do work for him. These things happen for me every day. I’m sure some of you have experiences you can share as well.

It really works folks, that’s all I can say. Relationships, especially the really strong ones, are hard to come by. Don’t cast them aside because it takes work to keep them going. make them stronger by staying in touch.

Best wishes in all you do.

Don Talbert
Centurion Business Coach
www.centuriongrp.com
don@centuriongrp.com
859-816-2347

Are you the Cowardly Lion?

DonTalbert — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:41:47 +0000

In The Wizard of Oz, the cowardly lion was one of the three main characters Dorothy found along the Yellow Brick Road? He was going with her, to find the long elusive trait of courage. Courage kept the lion from becoming the most he could be, the king of beasts. Without courage, the lion was just an ordinary animal, afraid to step into his greatness.

What’s keeping you from stepping into your greatness?
There are several fears that keep us from achieving our potential. Fear is very real, and can paralyze us.
Here are the three main fears that hold us back:
1) Fear of failure- Failure is the ultimate four letter word. The idea of failing is just not acceptable in our society. It carries so many negatives. However, failure actually represents opportunity. Failing at something, gives you an opportunity to try again and get it right. Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Christopher Columbus and countless others, failed at sometime in their lives or careers. What if these great names, had given up the first time they failed>

2) Fear of success- You’re kidding right? No, I’m not, many people fear success and all it brings. Some fear it may change them and who they are. Others don’t like to think of change on any level. They take comfort in the status quo. They want to be successful, but are not sure how to embrace it. Therefore, the comfort of the way things are, keeps them from moving forward to success.

3) Fear of the unknown- What’s around the corner, or behind the door? some people just can’t make themselves turn that corner, or open the door, for fear of what’s there. It’s very powerful and limiting.

How do you overcome fear? It’s no small task to do so. You must meet your fears head on, in order to overcome them. Perhaps it’s too much to just cast aside your fears and push through them. The best way is to gradually move forward and overcome those fears a little at a time. Small steps add up to major victories. Build on your successes, and use each step as a building block toward your ultimate goal.
Don’t be like the cowardly lion and wait until the you get to the Land of Oz to find your courage. Build your courage, as you travel along the yellow brick road. If you do, the Wizard of Oz will soon be looking for a job

For Every Action,There’s an Equal and Opposite Reaction- Albert Einstein

DonTalbert — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:27:18 +0000

Dear Albert,

I’m glad you decided to be a Physicist and not a salesman. With the above statement, you demonstrated your greatness in the world of Physics, but you would have faded into obscurity as a salesman. Thank you for choosing the former.

Sincerely,

Don Talbert

p.s. Reacting in a sales situation, is not going to end well. Whether one defends, over explains, or bashes the competition, reactive selling will get you nowhere. Become great at selling and leave Physics to Albert Einstein’s world. The universe will be a better place for it.