by Tony BakerI run a television production company.  Some say that my prices are so high, that they can’t see how I sustain in business.  Rarely do I offer discounts, and when I do, just like clock work it never fails, that particular job bites me in the butt every single time.  It always ends up costing me.  Some would chalk this up to simply doing business, but my thought is somewhat different.  I try not to offer discounts, because I don’t want to give, nor do I want a discount job.

Why do we go into business for ourselves in the first place?  I am not in business to make friends, or spend my life doing good deeds for organizations to say good things about me, but who ultimately never pay me money.  I AM IN BUSINESS TO TURN A PROFIT, TO MAKE MONEY!  Who can sustain in business if you never charge your normal business rate?  Rather than change your prices, why not change your clientele?  I challenge you to poll your own emotions with a very truthful scenario.

Two potential clients approach your company for business.  One client is a non-profit organization that you regularly do business for.  They were the first company that gave you an opportunity to do a big job, but they paid you scraps.  The second is an oil and gas company that is offering you double your day’s wage for a simple project that is a no brainer.  Both jobs just came in, and both have deadlines within two days of each other.  The church has to be done first because of its complexity.  So here’s the question.  Examine your thought patterns and emotions when you’re doing the job for the church, then monitor your blood pressure while you’re doing that job.  After its finished, measure the level of anxiety that will fill your spirit while you’re doing the job for the oil and gas company and tell me what it feels like.  Oh yeah, in the event that anything goes wrong with the church’s job, you won’t have the time to make the oil and gas company’s deadline.  Both jobs came in on the same day, but the church came in first and you’ve already given your word on making the deadline. . . I rest my case.

In closing, I would like to offer my definition of happiness, which simply is, when GOD has given you a talent that you’re fortunate enough to do every day all day.  Oh yeah, and you just happen to make a boat load of cash doing it, that’s happiness.

T.Baker@ftlocproductions.com
www.ftlocproductions.com
(832) 418-9827

“Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it.” - Marva Collins
In this new series, I’ll be discussing ways for you to get what you want in your life and launch your quantum leap to success.  I’ll be sharing with you a system designed through years of study of successful people.

Success doesn’t just happen – individually, YOU must make your own personal dreams come true!  There is no one else in the world who can influence your success, and there is no one that carries the passion for your personal success more than you.

Successful people are unanimous when they relay the “secret” of their success - they focus on their dream.  They are unwavering, and they do not let problems or setbacks alter their destiny.  Studies have proven this to be true.  You “get” whatever you concentrate on.  If you focus on problems - you’ll have plenty!  If you focus on your dreams and maintain a mindset to perform actions that will make them come true - they will!

Successful people know where they are, where they’re going, and they plan and perform actions that are congruent with their long-term goals.  They do not waste time performing actions that are incongruent with their long-term goals.  Time is finite.  Once spent on incongruent activities - you can never get it back.

The Quest for Success

All of us are in the same boat.  We all start somewhere.  We all also have this vision of what “success” is.

Up to this point, we have all been told to do the same thing… set goals.  Once we set the goals, we have a lot of “stuff” that we have to do to reach this “success.”  We begin along the path, but eventually, we begin to slip and continue to do what we have always done.  This is the “stuff we actually do.”

Then it becomes “New Years Day” again and we go back to our starting point – and we do the whole thing all over again.

If we step back from this never-ending process, we see that there is only one constant in every challenge that we have in our lives… US!!!  Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.  We each must learn these so that we can maximize our effectiveness.  Then, we must plan strategy – the “stuff we should do,” be accountable for the “stuff we actually do,” monitor our progress, make changes, and keep the momentum going!  This is where a coach can really help by working with you to focus on the stuff we should do and helping you create an action plan that is focused on your dreams to achieve the success you desire.

“I know the price of success:  dedication, hard work and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.” -Frank Lloyd Wright 

Successful people are willing to do what unsuccessful people aren’t.  Like Nike says, “Just do it!”

©Copyright 2008 by PBCA & Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC, Quantum Leap Success Coaching, www.QuantumLeapSuccessCoach.com - Additional information:  kasox@comcast.net.  Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:  Copyright 2008 by PBCA & Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC.  All rights reserved.

Envision ‘08 Brings Together International Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs for Conference

SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 25, 2008) – International bestselling authors, Dr. Stephen Covey and Marcus Buckingham, will headline “Envision ‘08,” a conference for entrepreneurs who are looking to take their companies to the next level. Sponsored by The Texas A&M University Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship, attendees will have the opportunity to learn new funding, marketing, sales and recruiting tools to help drive company performance. “Envision ‘08″ will take place April 23 - 25 in San Antonio, TX. Participants will develop strategies to overcome business challenges and hear real-life stories from accomplished business entrepreneurs including Guy Diedrich, Vice Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System; Mark Carr, CEO of Christian Brothers Automotive; Tim Golumb of NASDAQ; and Steve Buxbam of Haynes & Boone. “Envision ‘08 will provide a unique opportunity for business leaders to get first-hand insight into the issues that will affect their businesses from highly-respected business leaders and visionaries,” said Richard Scruggs, Executive Director of The Texas A&M University Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship. Conference attendees will hear from well-known authors and business leaders, including: Dr. Stephen R. Covey , author of the international bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Covey was named one of Time magazine’s 25 “Most Influential Americans” and is a recipient of the National Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award. Marcus Buckingham , author of First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Best Managers Do Differently. Buckingham is considered one of the world’s leading experts on employee productivity and management and leadership practices. Guy Kawasaki is an author and managing director of Garage Technology Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is also a columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine. Peter Schutz , former CEO of Porsche A.G., where he nearly doubled worldwide sales in his first year. He is the author of The Driving Force, Extraordinary Results with Ordinary People. “Envision ‘08″ also will include workshop sessions geared towards obtaining financing from venture capital firms, angel investors, investment bankers and commercial bankers. Other workshops will provide insight into marketing, maximizing productivity, immigration, multi-generational team building, creating franchise businesses and international business opportunities. The conference will take place at the Marriot Rivercenter hotel, located on the San Antonio River Walk. Special Offer for Houston Business Review readers, 40% discount on registration fee, so you can attend for $800 if you register before March 15th. Simply go to www.envision08.com, and use the discount code “Friends” when registering to receive your discount. For more information, visit www.envision08.com.

Adapt to the Change & Adjust Your Attitude & Your Behavior!

“The most drastic and usually the most effective remedy for fear is direct action.” - William Burnham
In previous segments of this series, I discussed initial reactions to job loss and how to deal with those, as well as changing our thoughts to change our feelings and behaviors, which will help us develop more positive attitudes.  In the conclusion, I’ll present some specific ways to adjust your behavior and take action to re-ignite your life after job loss.

One way to begin feeling better and moving forward is to engage in positive activities that will improve your outlook.  Begin with some self examination to determine what your strengths are, what your passions are, what your values are, what you really enjoy.  Discover who you are, not only in a career sense, but in an overall sense.  Take a good look at what is important to you.  Then you can begin clarifying your career goals and mapping out a plan for beginning your job search.
Another strategy for improving your attitude and outlook is to list your accomplishments in life, not only your career achievements, but also achievements in the physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions.  This is an excellent exercise in feeling good about yourself and creating a positive attitude.
Finally, examine setbacks you have experienced in the past and determine how you got through them.  Think about the steps you took then and begin implementing some of those same strategies now.

Develop a plan of action.  Determine what you want to do next in your career.  Then start determining target companies, create a plan for how you will reach them, and begin taking steps today to achieve your goals.

When you develop a plan of action and put it into motion, you will see results.  Only you can chart your course through this journey of life and you will determine the outcome of the events you experience through the choices you make and the attitudes you adopt.  Choose to honor your feelings, determine a productive attitude, and engage in fruitful behavior in a positive manner and your career transition will be successful.  Dealing with change is not always easy, and for some it is extremely difficult.  But if you choose to let the past go, concentrate on the future and the opportunities ahead of you, you can successfully manage any change you experience along your journey.

The truth of the matter is, no one is really prepared for losing a job and it is a stressful event.  However, once you take the time to recognize and honor your feelings about the loss, you can begin to work toward creating a rewarding and successful career future.  Remember that this is a temporary situation and you can rebound from this setback with determination and a positive attitude.  Dealing with and overcoming the obstacle of losing your job can help you gain a sense of confidence that you can meet any challenges you experience in this life.  You must remain positive.  In the end things will improve and, possibly, be even better in the long run.  Take charge of your career future and use the power within you to find your next opportunity and re-ignite your career and life!

©Copyright 2008 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC, Quantum Leap Success Coaching, www.QuantumLeapSuccessCoach.com - Additional information:  kasox@comcast.net.  Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:  Copyright 2008 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC.  All rights reserved.

Adapt to the Change & Adjust Your Attitude & Your Behavior!
“A great attitude is not the result of success; success is the result of a great attitude.” - Earl Nightingale

“You have the privilege of choosing your attitude in any given set of circumstances.” - Unknown

We all react to change in our own ways, but there are often four basic reactions to events that change our lives.  Some people may see change coming early and prepare, some may bolt into action once a change is experienced, some may deny and resist change because they fear it will lead to something worse, and others may learn to adapt when they see that changing can lead to something better.  Many people will experience varying degrees of all these reactions to change.  However we react, it is important to recognize that change is a part of life and we must learn to cope with it and navigate through uncharted territory in order to be successful.

You’ve taken time to grieve your loss and adjust to the changes in your life after losing your job.  Now it’s time to begin moving forward and re-ignite your life.  Take another look at the quotes above.  Our attitudes make all the difference in the world and can become self-fulfilling prophecies.  As we think, so we are.  If we put our difficulties into perspective, we can see the opportunities in even the most difficult of circumstances.  What are you telling yourself about your job loss?  Is it the most terrible thing that has ever happened to you?  OR Is it an opportunity to look at what you really want to do with your life?  

Norman Vincent Peale said, “Any fact facing us is not as important as our attitude toward it, for that determines our success or failure.  The way you think about a fact may defeat you before you ever do anything about it.  You are overcome by the fact because you think you are.”  You have the power to adjust to your job loss, and adapt to the change, by choosing your attitude.  Take the tack that this is just a temporary stumbling block that you have the power to overcome. Then, as Brian Tracy said, “Turn your stumbling blocks into steppingstones to success.” 

Phyllis Bottome said, “There are two ways of meeting difficulties.  You alter the difficulties or you alter yourself to meet them.”  Often the difficulties you experience, such as losing your job, are out of your control, so the only thing you can do is manage what you do have the power to control, and that is your attitude.  Your attitude is nothing more than your thoughts, feelings, and actions.  To adjust your attitude you must first change your thoughts, which will change the way you feel, which in turn, will change your actions.  So if you are looking at your job loss as the worst thing that has ever happened to you, shift your thinking to see this experience as an opportunity to determine what you really want to do with the next phase of your life.  Now is the time to look forward and discover your new path.

“The difficulties and struggles of today are but the price we must pay for the accomplishments and victories of tomorrow.” - William J.H. Boetcker

©Copyright 2008 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC, Quantum Leap Success Coaching, www.QuantumLeapSuccessCoach.com - Additional information:  kasox@comcast.net.  Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:  Copyright 2008 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC.  All rights reserved.

Coping with Job Loss

“Hope is what remains when all your worst fears have been realized.” - UnknownIn Part I of “Coping with Job Loss” I discussed common reactions to losing a job and how this loss may affect you.  Now that your worst fears about losing your job have been realized and you know you’re not going crazy, here are some tips to give you hope and help you feel better and move forward.

Kathy Smith says, “Your choices today determine your tomorrow and you make your life through the power of choice.”  There are several effective methods you can choose to help yourself feel better and work through your reactions.  

First, get support!  Talking to others who care about you can help to diffuse your anger and fear and can help you develop a positive attitude about your future.  Try to maintain as regular a schedule as possible.  Eat right and get plenty of exercise and rest.  Find ways to relax that will help you to energize yourself.  You may want to find a hobby or get back into an old one that you enjoy.  Make sure to find time to play, have some fun and laugh; laughter truly is the best medicine!

Remember, too, that some days will just be difficult for you; so give yourself permission to feel rotten.  On your rough days you may want to share your feelings with others or keep a journal and write down how you’re feeling.  Finally, do something to help others; this will help you to feel useful and productive, will help you to put your difficulties into perspective, and make you feel good about yourself.

Some people feel a sense of relief and look at their job loss as an opportunity.  These people may or may not go through the typical stages of job loss, but rather, may begin with an adjustment and acceptance period and move on with their lives, never looking back.  Remember that your job is not who you are; it is what you do.  It does not define you; you define it.  Now is a time for you to decide what you want to do next.

“My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose - somehow we win out.” - Ronald Reagan

Start by making up your mind now what you are going to make of your life.  Begin by asking yourself the following questions.  Where is my passion?  What do I want to do next in my life?  Then choose to make that your goal.

©Copyright 2008 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC, Quantum Leap Success Coaching, www.QuantumLeapSuccessCoach.com - Additional information:  kasox@comcast.net.  Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:  Copyright 2008 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC.  All rights reserved.

Coping with Job Loss

You’ve lost your job!  Your world has been shaken to its core.  You may be feeling a sense of overwhelm and paralysis and be at a loss as to what to do next.  You may have derived a large part of your identity from your job and your work helped you to fill, structure and manage your time.  You knew who you were and what you would be doing, where, and when for at least 40 hours a week.  Now you wonder, how do I tell my family and friends?  What does this say about me?  Who am I?  How will I fill my time?  Will I be able to find another job?  And you think, I was doing a good job, why me?  Your job loss may have had nothing to do with you or your performance, but you may still face these questions.

Losing a job is the third most stressful event of life, behind death of a loved one and divorce.  You may feel the same reactions that you would feel with any other emotional trauma, including shock, bargaining, denial, anger, depression, acceptance and adjustment.  These emotions vary in intensity, length, and order, and you may cycle through them more than once.  This is a grieving process and is normal when facing this type of loss.

You may also experience several different types of symptoms that make you feel like you’re going crazy.  I assure you; you’re not!  You’re just reacting to the stress of a major life change.  The symptoms of the stress you are feeling can affect you in many ways, cognitively, physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.  They can include:  confusion, uncertainty, lack of attention or concentration, feeling drained or exhausted, body aches, digestive problems, headaches, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, teeth grinding, rapid heart rate, tightness in your chest, feelings of powerlessness and worthlessness, depression, anxiety, guilt, grief, panic, irritability, intense anger, loss of emotional control, overeating, smoking, drinking, overmedicating, fidgeting, withdrawal, inability to rest, loss or increase of appetite, forgetfulness and indecisiveness, and changes in social activity.  These are just a few of the normal reactions to this type of stress.

These reactions, along with an overall feeling of loss of control can be debilitating.  Understand that working through this stressful event will take time.  You may feel badly for a brief time or even a bit longer, but developing your coping strategies and skills will help you function more effectively during this time.

©Copyright 2007 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC, Quantum Leap Success Coaching - Additional information: kasox@comcast.net.  Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:  Copyright 2007 by Kathleen A. Bowersox, M.Ed., LPC, LPBC.  All rights reserved.