Achieving Goals

Patience—the Secret to BIG Success!

I have a best friend whose name is Todd. My wife says that Todd and I are like women. I said, “What does that mean?” She said, “You talk for hours on the phone.” I must admit that he is the only guy I can talk with for hours on the phone. We text each other every other week or so and then he’ll say, “Wanna go out?” That means, since we are 90 miles away from each other, would you like to connect on the phone tonight. We have a couple of beers, as if we’re going out on the town, and we discuss our business successes and stresses, family successes and stresses, and give each other advice. Sometimes we just listen to each other and offer no actual advice.

 Todd owns the Chef’s Hat in Ephraim, Wis. A beautiful café located along the shores of Eagle Harbor. His family lives above the restaurant and enjoys many stunning views from the second floor. The one thing Todd and I have in common is that we both have a strong belief in what we are trying to accomplish. When he started his business, he refused to have fryers and serve fried food. Since starting mine, I have remained committed to the message of Servant Leadership and the Prophit Marketing System.

 The momentum is growing because people are finally listening, and, in Todd’s case, they are eating his wonderful culinary concoctions. We both have a long way to go, but my point is this: If something is worth doing, it’s worth being patient for. There are too many talented and innovative people who give up before their ideas have a chance to blossom! Fine wine needs time to ferment. People grow wiser with age and ideas need a chance to sink in. Be patient—the world is depending on it!

 Joe

 ACTION PLAN: Relax … everything has its time and day. You’ll have yours, too!

There’s so much more to you!

Do you know how deep you are? Have you ever had the discussion way down deep where nobody goes? You know that voice that talks to you and says, “you’re not good enough. You can’t do that!” It’s the voice of sabotage. Are you AFRAID to be successful? There is so much you were designed to accomplish so why is it some people are wildly successful and some people, who are often smarter and more talented, only achieve mediocrity? FEAR! So where does the fear come from? 

 There are people who believe they can only charge X amount for their services. For example, I have seen business consultants who may charge $1500 a day for their services. I have seen similar coaches charge $5,000 a day. There are speakers who can get $30K a speech! Why is that? Well, it’s simple: The high-priced speakers no longer listen to the voice in their head that says, “You can’t charge that!” Oh, they have the voice—they just don’t listen to it.

 Now, put money aside … what about starting a movement? Do you think you can start a movement that touches people’s hearts and stimulates their brains? Whether you think you can or can’t … YOU’RE RIGHT! There are a small handful of people who I’ve faced from time to time who cut down my ideas. They’ve tried to sabotage my dream of creating a global community of Servant Leaders. “Impossible!” they say. At times I do have weak moments where I doubt my efforts. Then I shut down that voice inside me that wishes me to fail and I keep pushing. I’m fortunate. There have been other amazing people who have traveled before me on this journey to make my road less stressful. People like Ghandi, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr. In recent years, there has been Robert Greenleaf, Jim Hunter, Tom Thibodeau, the Skogen family and others. Live for what you believe in because nothing else matters!

 Joe Kiedinger

 ACTION PLAN: Shut down your inner voice of sabotage!

Starting a Servant Leadership Journey!

Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s nearing the end of August! It seems like summer has just flown by! And before we know it the kids will be back in school.

If you’re like most folks, you probably had grandiose plans for the summer: maybe hitting Wisconsin Dells, taking a road trip, and perhaps boarding a plane for a family vacation out of state, but just didn’t get around to everything. I understand the feeling-life seems to happen so quickly, especially during these short summer months.

Similarly, it’s all too easy to make grandiose Servant Leadership plans and then just never get around to them. You know what I mean-maybe you read something completely inspiring or went to a motivational seminar that got you pumped up to make big changes. In the moment, you felt like you could do anything, but then the inspiration faded somewhat and you got caught up in everyday tasks.

You can still accomplish your big Servant Leadership goals! I hope to keep your inspiration levels up through Wisdom On Wednesday. All you need to do is break your goals into realistic, manageable chunks. Start off with a goal that can be accomplished in one minute a day. Who doesn’t have one minute?

Is it humility, patience, respectfulness, kindness, selflessness, forgiveness, honesty, or commitment that you need to work on? What can you do in one minute today to improve as a Servant Leader? These short moments can really add up and create big change!

Also, if Servant Leadership is something that resonates with you, I invite you to join our Servant Leaders of Wisconsin Group. It’s free to join. Our next meeting is at The Marq, September 21st from 3-5. Our keynote speaker is Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller. Bob has infused dozens of companies around the world with the Servant Leadership philosophy; although, he calls it People-Centric approach. You will be inspired by his words and impressed by his actions. Afterward, for those who are interested, we will help you get started on the Servant Leadership journey. One that you already believe in if you believe in mutual respect and accountability. Let me know if you would like to be included on our e-mail list by responding to this Wisdom and we will send you more details.

Here’s to a better life through serving others!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Come explore our Servant Leader community!

Say ‘cheese’! My engagement with Kraft Foods!

Who says you need to have years of success before you land a huge fish! Next week I’m off to Dallas to do a one-day engagement with Kraft Foods using the About Me Card program. It’s the beginning of an international brand.

All international brands must start somewhere. Disney started as a cartoonist making independent cartoons for entertainment movie and news features on the big screen. Hallmark started in 1910 with Nebraska teenager Joyce Hall and her shoebox of picture cards. And About Me International/Prophit Marketing is beginning a journey of Employee Engagement that is starting to get noticed.

We put the “International” on our name for a reason—Vision. What is your vision? Do you realize you are making history with each decision you make? What do you aspire to become? I will tell you, it’s not an easy road. You must always remember to live your life looking out the windshield and only glance at the rearview mirror. Do not dwell on how fast or slow a dream is growing. The question is this: Is it growing? As long as you make small steps each day, you will reach your dreams.

Our company has a long way to go, but that’s OK. I’m going to continue to push the flywheel until the momentum takes care of itself. People need their own time to become aware and ready for you. Allow them to understand and believe. Do that and you will have anything you want!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Keep a short journal of the steps you are taking each day to accomplish your long-term goals!

Big Apple Here We Come!

I’m writing this Wisdom on Wednesday on Monday evening. Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, Danica and I board a plane and head to New York. Not too long ago I wrote a Wisdom with the theme of “showing up.”  I wrote that 90% of success is having the guts to show up. Tuesday afternoon we have an appointment to meet with various executives at the Time Warner corporate office, where we will be spending 2-3 hours presenting our Prophit Marketing process and the About Me Card software.

What will come of it? Who knows. We hope for the best. One thing I can tell you is this: If we stay in Green Bay, nothing will happen with Time Warner. We learned all new initiatives come out of New York. Hey, at the very least Danica and I will spend a few days away. On the other hand, we may be meeting some new friends who can help us change the world. We’ll see. I’m sure you’ll be hearing about it in next week’s Wisdom. By the time you read this Wisdom, the pitch will be over and Danica and I will be sleeping.

Don’t be intimidated by opportunities—seize them. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. It’s the real show. Speaking of show, I think I’ll check out 42nd street!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: So who are you meeting with in the near future?!

Education is the food for success!

I just finished reading Rascal: Being a Person of Unique Character. The book describes “a rascal” as a trend setter, movement starter and decision maker who makes decisions based on the big picture and all available information, not public opinion. Near the end of the book, there is a Rascal Quiz. The quiz asks something like 135 questions. With each question, you rate yourself from “Never me” to “Always me” to “Discover your Rascal Score.” Through these questions, you are led to experiencing self-education.

Are you thirsty for knowledge? Do you crave it? Having an open and courageous mind can free you from life’s troubles that come your way. Self-taught people have the amazing ability to create, because they take the best and discard the worst of everything they read. It’s OK to begin a book, skim a few chapters and discard it if its contents are not relevant to you right now. We can’t learn unless we are ready, and sometimes we are seeking certain types of information. In these instances, it’s OK to set books aside while in search of specific content you are needing right now. Never throw a book away because you may need it later as your journey grows.

If you are on a journey of wanting to better understand your co-workers, boss or teenagers, keep reading. If this is not your journey at this time, my wisdom ends here. Bottom line is this: You are in control of your own destiny and the quickest way to grow is the old-fashioned way—slowly and deliberately through self-education and focus.

Joe

ACTION PLAN: Next week we have openings on March 21st (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) for Teen Bootcamp! Adults only. Get to know your teen all over again. The mind of a teenager is revealed and how to tap into it. March 24th – an Introduction to the About Me Card System for Business (7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.). These are short, free seminars on 21st century communications based on Servant Leadership. Click here to hold your spot!  Click here!

Not All People Are Created Equal!

This great Wisdom on Wednesday comes from Vince Lombardi, who once said, “Not all people are created equal. Some have abundant talents and some have few. It’s not about the talents you were born with. It’s what you do with the talents you’ve been given that matters.” Have you ever heard of someone who has a beautiful voice but has no desire to sing? Or someone who is great at math but has no desire to be a mathematician? There is no mystery as to why these people are often frustrated: They can’t find their purpose in life.

Your purpose in life is directly tied to your God-given talents along with a current and relevant need. That need usually has a little pain inside you that you use to comfort those in need. We all have a purpose inside us. Find that purpose and learn what it is to be free!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Take the time to reflect on your life talents and purpose!

Right Place at the Right Time

I get a kick out of the saying, “I was at the right place at the right time!” It’s spot on accurate, but I find that the people who make this claim tend to be at all places all the time. They are always making an effort to be in the right place at the right time. You see, 90% of success is just showing up. Do you realize only a small percentage of people have the guts to show up in the first place? Why the intimidation? Don’t get me wrong … I’ve had my moments of being intimidated by being in the presence of potential clients.

Are you tired of being intimidated? We are all human. Be yourself and make the call. Reach out to those people who could change your life forever and just be yourself. Share your beliefs and your product with them. Give them a chance to say no! The time is now to make new friends. Stop lollygagging!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Pick up that 100-pound phone and call your next best friend!

You ARE in control!

I’ve realized that when you surrender to events and situations that are not necessarily in your control it actually puts you in control. The feeling of control is simply a control of your emotions. When you get frustrated, you feel out of control. When you feel relaxed and focused, you feel in control. It is strange that by surrendering to situations you actually feel more in control about them.

Let’s try something. Find a sheet of paper. On the left side, write five disappointments that you had in 2010. Then write down some of the achievements that you experienced on the right side. Take a look at each group and draw a line or connect the disappointments to the achievements. You should see direct correlations. For example, you may have noted something like “I’m disappointed that I was ignored for that home mortgage.” However, a positive was finding a gain in the market with the money you were going to use as a down payment for the home.

Write these down and see how your disappointments actually are a part of the journey for your successes.

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Pull out the paper!

Introducing CHANGE!

This week I had the humbling task of strengthening understanding among nine men in a leadership team in Austin, Texas. These guys were just like you and me. They were trying to “figure it out” so to speak. Figure out business growth, both strategically and tactically, as well as better understand one another. I am always slightly nervous when entering into an About Me Card session with any group. I don’t know why, as it always ends up being enlightening for most everyone there. What I have realized, though, is how the initiation of change works with this program and any program that is newly introduced.

Imagine there is a big gutted-out wooden boat with many oars lying on the floor. When change like a new program is introduced, everyone is asked to step inside the boat. The boat is the meeting room or that presentation they’re “forced” to attend. Once the information is delivered, what usually happens is this: 10% of the crowd loves it and wants to get started right away. They pick up some oars off the floor and start rowing. They practice what was asked in the meeting, and it really connects with them. They see it working in their lives.

 Another 80% sit in the boat and look around to see who else is picking up oars. They are wondering, and some may be hoping, that this will go away. No big deal, they can just step out of the boat. Then there is the remaining 10% who sneak in a drill and try desperately to make holes in the boat. “Let’s sink this idea!” It’s always the same in every group. You can tell by how people talk. When I do this with a 10-person group, one of them will come back all fired up after doing the exercises. Eight will sit there and give some feedback. Some a little positive, perhaps, some a little negative, but nothing too far to the right or left. Then there is always one person who sends the message, “This is clearly a waste of time” or “It doesn’t work.”

 It’s this 10% who are the most adamantly opposed to ANY change. Remember this as you go out to change the world with something you may discover or feel is better than what already exists. Stay true to your beliefs and eventually you will experience breakthrough! When it comes to the About Me Program, have we broken through? Not quite yet, but the wall of resistance is sure starting to crumble!

 Joe Kiedinger