December 2009

9 years ago today I married my high school sweetheart. We met when she was 13, and I 14. I’m not sure when it happened, but at some point around 16 I told her I’d take care of her forever. Now, looking back and reflecting, it seems that I’ve stayed true to my word. I love her more with each passing day, and I’ve dedicated my life to helping others so I can help her realize her dream. Owning a home. That next big step is on it’s way, and each passing day grows our bank account and our family vision.
That said, I spent the day absorbed in stock charts and cnbc. Not the most exciting of times, but it got me to thinking.
At what point do you just go with your gut instinct. Every expert says to stay away from such things, but it compels me none the less. The book Blink raises some questions about in depth analysis, and it’s pointing me towards following my instinct.
So, I ask this…How often do you go with your instincts? Your gut reaction. Your thin sliced decision. More so, what type of risk do you accept and what type of decisions are you making without review? I look forward to your response.

It’s amazing how fast a Nintendo Wii will bring a family of together. My wife, who is not a gamer, just made me buy Super Mario Bros. 3 from the Wii store. A game played so many years ago has my wife and son amazed. Why, not? It’s a great game. Who remembers the move Wizard? I think every gamer felt great as they watched their hobby in full bloom. We made it from Atari to Wii, PS3, DS, plenty of other great gaming systems. A great system like the Wii creates an immediate family vibe.
Anyways, I sit and smile as my daughter tries to throw a frisbee on Wii Resort. I chuckle as my son gets frustrated while trying to beat a Mario Koopa. The holidays always bring out the amazing glow in all of us. Be sure to enjoy your family and friends during this great time. Share stories and share life. It’s incredible. I listen to people’s incredible stories for a living. What an amazing way to spend my days. I’m sure that your time off from work will help your holiday spirit shine, and you’ll enjoy the moments you have.
Time for Dad to kick some Koopa butt. Happy Holidays!

I can tell a story, with the wave of my hand
I can look over my shoulder and see the wandering man
He’s never in a hurry and I’d sure like to know
what keeps his clock ticking.
I woke up this morning to the sound of his feet
shuffling away to the sound of the beat
of the morning birds chirping to a thundering noise
of happy people playing with their guitars and their toys
And when the wandering man wanders, he strolls
towards the sun, humming this song softly and slow
He thinks to himself that there’s no better place to be
than at the gates of heaven, lying deep in his sleep
but still he shuffles on, away to the night
to see this incredible world, this wonderful life
It’s a wonder he wanders the way that he does
but when I wander my soul is still, as it was
To be continued….

Life is hectic this time of year. The hustle and bustle, the holiday shuffle. As you do your shopping, run your errands and spread Christmas cheer ask yourself this…Who am I doing business with?
It’s a simple question, a powerful question, but unfortunately, it’s a question that just isn’t asked anymore. Business used to be about people and relationships. Now, it’s about price, convenience, the most bang for the buck. While that isn’t all bad, what’s trouble some is the lack of loyalty and personal relationship. Think of the thriving small community, where everyone know’s the baker, the tailor, the insurance agent. There’s a hardware store, the great family restaurant, maybe even an art gallery or two. Regardless of store front, there are great people, entreprenual spirits to share life with. People to grow relationships and share the wealth of life’s great journey. As I sit and listen to Sinatra serenade, I think back to simpler times. A time where belief in God and country was strong. The president was a hero, and America was the land of hope and prosperity. You did business with who you knew. You supported people you loved and liked, and you referred business because you wanted great success for the folks that provide a service to you.
Sadly that has drifted away, now we’re simply customers. The inevitable consumer. The impressionable and the sellable. It isn’t about what people need, what they deserve. Now it’s not about service and loyalty and needs based analysis. It’s about the bottom line. Money. Money makes the world go ’round.
Well, what happened to people making the world go’round?
So, as I listen to My Way, and daydream about years passed, I send another challenge your way. Get to know, and support your local business owners. Learn about what they do. Find out their passion and vision, and ask why it is they do what they do. A good small business owner will give the shirt of his back. You give the your business and in return you get an unrelenting drive to take care of one critically important thing. Your needs! You think that some corporate CEO on his yacht is thinking about how to take care of your individual needs?…not so much. Go meet a business owner, and see that smile, and you’ll get dedicated service you’ll never find from the big guys. Happy Holidays!