Business Trends

Some people believe we are entering another depression. Everyone knows that our economy is changing. In school we are taught to get good grades, get an education and prepare for a secure job. Employee mentality is one of compliance. An employee waits for direction from external sources and does what he is told. No creativity, no personal involvement, nothing original, or going the extra mile. With many companies down-sizing or out-sourcing, many employees find themselves jobless.
Just in time the American economy is becoming more entrepreneurial. More work activities are driven by small business and entrepreneurs. Some people find themselves as consultants or contractors to companies they used to be employed by.
A while ago I read a book “The Next Millionaires” by Paul Zane Pilzer.
Mr. Pilzer explains in a very simple way how we are now moving out of the Industrial Age into the Information Age. With the arrival of the internet and globalization of business new industries are opening up.
He talks about four new areas of business becoming available for the entrepreneurs among us:
1 – The Wellness Business: With traditional health care failing us, people are looking for alternatives. Vitamins and food supplements are big. Fitness clubs are popping up everywhere. The baby boomers are setting the trend again; they don’t want to grow old.
Mr. Pilzer predicts that by the end of this decade, the wellness industry will exceed $1 trillion.
2 – The Internet: The internet has been around since 1990. Some business have come and gone in cyberspace but the internet is here to stay. With the exchange of information worldwide almost instantaneously, one can only imagine what will happen.
Mr. Pilzer proclaims that the Internet is a new emerging growth super-industry that has barely gotten started.
3 – Intellectual Distribution: This is the information age. Education, books, online seminars and most of all consumer awareness is big. Do you belief your doctor being like God, having all the answers?
Mr. Pilzer predicts that the #1 business opportunity for those who want to create new wealth is educating consumers about products and services that will improve their lives.
4 – Home-based Business: With a computer and a telephone one can start a business from the kitchen table. No commute, no overhead for office/store space, no employees, and a lifestyle including the family, what better way to conduct business?
Mr. Pilzer suggests that the greatest opportunity is to go into business for yourself as an entrepreneur. By combining some of the above mentioned methods the direct selling industry provides the perfect intellectual distribution business for today’s economy.

“It isn’t physical resources that make you wealthy; it’s technology that makes you wealthy.” - Paul Zane Pilzer from The New Millionares

These four trends are not only profitable moneywise; the greatest benefits come from personal development, training, and developing a strong belief system and leadership qualities, life skills which are certainly not taught in high school or college.
As the saying goes if you help enough other people to succeed, you can’t help to succeed yourself.

To learn about the educational and leadership training materials of the TEAM, please visit: http://www.the-team.biz

Resurrection

We just celebrated Easter. For me Easter represents the hope of a new beginning, nature reawakens after a long winter, and most of all the resurrection of Jesus.
The word resurrection means passing from death to life. The need for resurrection is the result most Christians call the Fall of Man. So resurrection does not refer to physical life. It refers to the life of man’s spirit. Therefore, Jesus resurrection also was a rebirth into the spiritual world where God and man will live forever.
How do we resurrect? There are four principles of resurrection
(http://www.tparents.org/Library/Unification/Books/DP-L4/DP-L4-05.htm):
1 – The word of God. God created the universe by the word. Throughout history God has revealed truth to man according to our spiritual development. It is our responsibility to believe in the word of God and live by the word.
2 – We need a physical body. Our spirit is created to grow throughout our life here on earth. We need the physical body to carry out our spiritual growth. Our spiritual growth takes place by performing good actions in a positive spiritual environment.
3 – We grow through three stages. We grow from babyhood through adolescents into adulthood. Our spirit grows from a Form Spirit into a Life Spirit and finally into a Divine Spirit.
4 – Providential Age Benefit. Throughout the Ages, God had sent prophets and faithful people who helped us through their example. Through their effort of heart and sacrifice, they have expanded the foundation of the merit of the ages. In Abraham’s time a certain foundation was accomplished. Moses brought a greater truth through the Ten Commandments. Jesus brought an even greater truth through the Gospel and expanded the foundation unto the worldwide level. Even people who do not believe in Jesus and what he accomplished through his life here on earth, have the benefit of the Age.
Since each of these time periods were roughly 2,000 years, many people believe that we are in the age of the return of the Messiah today. This corresponds with many of the world religions who each are awaiting the return of their leader.
Did I say that Easter represents the hope of a new beginning? We are all looking for hope today. Let’s be watchful.

Bucky’s Synergy Formula

We all have experienced the joy and fun which is created when a group of people shares a common experience or have a joined purpose like in a business.
I was reading “Living with Passion” by Peter L. Hirsch
(www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/096342596X/002-9346685-4028852).
In the chapter on FOCUS he mentions a man named Dr. Buckminster Fuller (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckminster_Fuller).
Dr. Fuller was truly a genius futurist, mathematician, architect and author. Throughout his life, Fuller was concerned with the question "Does humanity have a chance to survive lastingly and successfully on planet Earth, and if so, how?" He also explored the dynamics of relationships. According to his observation, he came up with a formula:
P x P – P ÷ 2 = S
This means, the number of People squared, minus the number of People, divided by two, equals the number of Synergistic relationships present in the group.
Based on this formulation, let’s say we have 4 People: 4 x 4 - 4 ÷ 2 = 6
6 People: 6 x 6 – 6 ÷ 2 = 15
We can see that the more people there are the greater the dynamic of relationship becomes. From the synergy of the People present comes an increasing excitement and brainstorming.
As with the question Dr. Fuller asked, I asked myself: “What do we humans have to learn to live more cooperatively?”
I believe that we have to accept our God given purpose (http://www.tparents.org/Library/Unification/Books/Eup/Eup-1-03.htm). I am not talking about a religious belief or a personal opinion. By discovering our common purpose, we learn that we were meant to be fruitful, multiply and have dominion over the earth.
Being fruitful means to be fruitful in oneself, mature and wise; to understand exactly what the creator had in mind for us.
Growing up in a loving family, we learn to live for each other which prepares us for the second blessing: multiply. We have multiplied alright to the point of seven Billion people on this earth. But have we learned to live for each other and serve one another? Therefore, the third Blessing: Have dominion over all things got distorted.

From today’s scientists we learn that we live in an expanding universe. There is really no shortage of supplies or energy; there is only shortage of knowledge how to keep relationships flowing, how to relate to others in a spirit of goodwill.
By focusing on our God given purpose we have a clear owner’s manual. Let’s apply it and live for the sake of others.

Focus with Gratitude

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, and confusion into clarity....

It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie – Author and Journalist

Some people suggest having Thanksgiving everyday. I agree. By being grateful, we connect with the creative forces of the universe. Counting our blessings can be a daily practice. By appreciating little things like the smell of a beautiful flower, a cute little girl, a tasty sandwich, a soft pillow, the sound of the wind, etc. we can experience life more fully.
I found this meditation practice in Donna Eden’s book: ENERGY MEDICINE. It is called: Send Gratitude Through Your Body. Gratitude can be a powerful spiritual healing force. Let’s focus on something to be grateful for, like my health.
Thank you for my health, for my heart, lungs and all my organs; all my energy systems like the nervous system, lymphatic system; for my arms and legs, etc. Imagine each part, starting from head to toes and give thanks for their hard work each and every day. By sending feelings of gratitude to each part of my body, I have a better chance to stay healthy or in case of some imbalance to get well again.
By connecting with this feeling of gratitude I get directly in contact with my Heavenly Father who created me. He accepts me, He approves of me and He appreciates me. My feelings of gratitude are my way of giving back to Him.
These feelings of gratitude are good seeds planted in the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind controls all the vital processes and functions in the body and knows the answers to all problems.

Doesn’t it deserve some gratitude?

Tap Everything

We are spiritual beings in a human body. Just as we can study the physical body, take care of it by eating well and exercise, or when we are sick take medicine and get extra rest, we can also learn about the spiritual body. Let’s take a look at how we can support the energy body.
The Chinese have studied the meridians for thousands of years. Acupuncture manipulates the meridians through needles or pressure to the skin. They correspond to different organs (heart, liver, stomach, etc.) and physiological systems (immune, nervous, lymphatic system, etc.) in the body. They are our body’s energy bloodstream.
When the body gets sick, these meridians get out of balance. Donna Eden (http://www.innersource.net/) describes in detail the different energy systems in her book “Energy Medicine.”
To do the tapping we don’t need to know a lot about meridians or the body’s energy system.
Emotional Freedom Technique was introduced in 1995 by Gary Craig, a Stanford engineer in lifelong pursuit of personal well-being. He recognized at a young age that the quality of his thoughts were mirrored in the quality of his life and has been intensely interested in personal improvement ever since.
His underlying theory was that "the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system." The EFT system includes tapping on 12 acupuncture points and repeating reminder phrases about your problem aloud. Mr. Craig believed that this sequence of tapping would balance one's energy system; he recommends it as a potential solution to any challenge.
Testimony movie:
http://www.emofree.com/splash/EFT_video.asp
Documentary film released soon:
http://www.tryitoneverything.com/
Tapping points (diagram)
http://www.thrivingnow.com/for/Health/eft-tapping-points/
Gary suggests to first use the tapping on physical pain and later adress emotional issues.

We have to understand that we are responsible for our life. To do the tapping we don’t need any specific place or circumstance, just a willingness to let go of negativity. Let’s make room for the good life, the life we were intended to live.

St. Louis – Here Comes the TEAM

I just returned from St. Louis were the TEAM put on a leadership conference. The TEAM is a leadership development service provider which teaches through seminars, books, audio and personal mentoring powerful principles for life.
On Thursday morning I had the most awful feeling of gloom and negativity. It came on when I listened to some coworkers about the weather and some general complaining. Around midmorning I was still struggling, when a customer approached me. His whole demeanor was negative and accusing. I tried very hard to help him and absorb some of this negativity. Even when I went home that evening, I wasn’t in the best mood yet.
Then a Toastmaster’s meeting was canceled because of weather conditions.
Friday morning came and we were to leave for the conference in St. Louis. It had snowed during the night and then sleeted and rained on top. The road conditions were not so good according to the weather channel. Then I discovered that the actual announcement weren’t always focusing on the same area and what we were hearing wasn’t really happening in St. Louis or our area but somewhere else in the country.
We finally left Cincinnati at noon, going the southern route through Louisville, Kentucky; Jasper, Indiana; Mount Vernon, Illinois and to St. Louis. It took us a little longer since we encountered some rain in the beginning. We got to St. Louis 7 ½ hours later.
The excitement and the warm welcome of the TEAM were overwhelming. We heard stories of cancelled flights, lost luggage and so many different ways members had traveled to St. Louis. Everyone had their own amazing story how they got there because they were determined to get there for this important meeting. The conference didn’t disappoint us. The information was powerful, entertaining and uplifting. For more information about the TEAM, please go to the website: http://the-team.biz/. To learn more about the featured speaker Dr. Robert Rohm and his Positive Personality Profiles, see: http://www.personalityinsights.com/

St. Louis was ready for the TEAM. During our stay I could experience such wonderful hospitality from the city. They had just experience adverse weather conditions but were showing us the warmest welcome. The Metro system in the city was closed for repair over the weekend. Instead they had not only free shuttles from all the different hotels to the convention center but had personnel at every street corner. Everyone was friendly and giving clear directions.
Our hotel staff was also most hospitable. My husband and I went on Sunday morning to have breakfast at the hotel. We were inquiring about the price of the breakfast which was quite high but it was a buffet. As it turned out the server gave us a discount by charging us for only one breakfast.
The same happened when we paid for our bill at the front desk. We stayed for two nights and thought they would charge us for two days parking but the charge was for only one day. We were wondering why and just accepted it as a special blessing.
I believe the TEAM left a good impression when we were there last year. The positive impact the education of the TEAM system has on its members resounded in the ways we were treated in St. Louis. This really shows that if you treat people well they will not only respond but treat you well, too.
Regarding the feeling of gloom I felt Thursday morning I am glad I didn’t give into it. The sun will always come out again – sometimes we just have to push though everything and find the good and disregard our personal feelings.

The Buck Stops Here

Does this mean that the deer stops here?
Does this mean that we run out of money?
Does this mean that the Bucks lost the National championship?

U.S. president Harry S. Truman had a sign with this inscription on his desk:
The Buck Stops Here. As the president he set a good example of leadership and responsibility. This is a phrase of integrity and true character.

Recently, I was reading a book called “The Question Behind The Question.”
John Miller addresses ways to eliminate blame, complaining and procrastination. In his book he explains how to practice personal accountability at work and in life.
I started my talk with questions. Let’s take a look at different questions.

“Why” questions make us victims of other people or of our circumstances.
For example:
Why is this happening to me?
Why isn’t anybody helping me?
Why doesn’t anybody do anything?
It’s ok for a frightened child to ask these kind of questions. Children are not yet aware of solutions and aren’t able to take responsibility.

“When” questions lead to procrastination.
For example:
When will the customer call me back?
When can I get the book?
When will they take care of the problem?
It seems that we have to wait. There is no other choice than doing it another time. Tomorrow sounds good.

“Who” questions put out blame and complain.
For example:
Who’s done it?
Who made the mistake?
Who forgot to put the papers back?

Our society is full of complaints. Everybody blames somebody. Anybody can sue anybody over anything at anytime. It seams that we are operating under a new “Golden Rule where we sue unto others before they have a chance to sue us.”

Remember the infamous lawsuit of the lady who spilled hot coffee on herself? She ordered coffee at the drive-though-window, put it in between her legs and drove off being in a hurry. Then she found a lawyer who talked her into suing McDonalds, because she got burns on her groins. I think they made about $2,000,000 on it. Obviously, they gave her a thin paper cup and the coffee was too hot. Didn’t she have any responsibility to treat the hot cup of coffee with care?
Or the many complains against drug companies and medical professionals?

Have you ever wondered why we get frustrated? “Why can’t I do this? Why is nobody doing anything?” By asking the wrong kind of question we set ourselves a trap of being a victim. By focusing on negative things, thoughts, emotions, and actions, we get frustrated.
The solution is to asked better questions.

Let’s look at some empowering questions:
How can I help? How can I make a difference?
What can I do to change the situation?
Empowering questions contain solutions. They focus on a positive outcome. They contain an “I” and an action.

For the longest time at my work I felt disgusted when I walked in the bathroom and there was paper all over the floor. Our bathrooms are used by workers as well as customers. Rather than getting frustrated and indignant, I now think, I am glad I came in here and can pick this up to make the bathroom look presentable again.
When I first started this job, I made effort to serve my coworkers by going out of my way to help others or just take out the trash. Even though I didn’t always like doing it, it made me feel good doing something extra.
Then I got sick. I had a sharp pain in my right shoulder. I couldn’t lift so well and was often depressed because I couldn’t give my 100%. After I got better I still tried to hold back because I had a good excuse. But I didn’t like myself for it. By being conscious of my environment and serving others whenever I can, I feel empowered and good about myself.

In conclusion, I have given you “The Question Behind the Question.”
Ask “what” and “how” with I and an action.

Actions bring learning and growth.
Actions lead to solutions.
Actions focus on a positive outcome.
Actions require courage.
Actions build confidence.
Actions allow positive expectation and get results.

We have choices in every situation. Even if we make a wrong choice, it will be a learning experience. Learning is about translating knowing what to do into doing that what we know.

It’s about growing and changing.