THE PROFIT PRINCIPLES: THE POWER OF APATHY

THE PROFIT PRINCIPLES: THE POWER OF APATHY: My 9 year old son came home from school with some pretty tough questions just before Remembrance Day. He wanted to know from me as someone w...

THE POWER OF APATHY

My 9 year old son came home from school with some pretty tough questions just before Remembrance Day. He wanted to know from me as someone with a German background, how it had been possible for Hitler to do the terrible things he did. My son was looking to me for an explanation that has been troubling the world for generations.

After consideration, I looked at him and said:” Because people were too scared to stand up to a bully, hoping if only they‘d turn a blind eye, it would not effect them!” “Therefore”, was my conclusion, “we can not ignore the bullies but must stand up to them!” How little did I know, that I would have to lead by example not long thereafter:

Within the last week there have been terrible developments at a local organization that in the past has been very dear to me. Much of my charitable support time had been dedicated to it and it’s members over the past few years and many friendships were forged. This was before a new regime had taken hold. A regime, that is not transparent but inwardly focused. With that, the feel of the organization changed. Suddenly the gap to the previous, positive and results orientated Board of Directors was very evident.

The increasing distance of the organization to it’s members was at first only a little disappointing, because life and work simply carried on. Until an incident caused for attention and questioning. Suddenly the stark truth of wrong doing and cover-ups became blatantly obvious. So what does one do?

This week, a highly regarded Executive Director was compromised by the current Board of Directors with neglect to observe the by-laws developed for the proper and ethical regulation of actions.

I had to recall my conversation with my son and in addition was jolted into action by a very powerful Remembrance Day Memorial Service. It suddenly became clear listing to the speaker:” Each time a person stands up for an idea, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope!”

At the time my son was holding my hand and gave it a little squeeze:” See mum, that’s why we have to stand up to bullies.” Suddenly I realized I had to do something. Immediately on our return home from the Service, I finally took action and started to pose the question to other members inquiring if they experienced the same issues with the organization and if they were aware of the recent events.

Within the shortest period of time I received a flood of responses! It was as if someone had released the pressure in a valve, ready to burst. Members reached out and shared their concerns with me, willing to consider actions necessary to see some drastic changes in the management of the organization.

So, I was not alone in thinking there were some serious questions that needed to be put to the Board requesting full accountability and transparency for the expulsion of the Director.

And you know? This situation is far from being resolved and may or may not have a satisfactory outcome for the members.

However, that night after the Service I took my son to bed, knowing that I said ‘to hell’ with apathy, proving that I was willing to walk my talk whilst leading by example on the virtues I try to instill in my children.

So I want to call upon you: Find it within yourself to take the first step and you will be surprised how many people will gladly join you in unity.

Be the Change! (and a credible leader of your own virtues)
Conny

THE PROFIT PRINCIPLES: THE POWER OF OTHERS

THE PROFIT PRINCIPLES: THE POWER OF OTHERS: Just returning from a very successful trip to Europe, it is amazing how a little distance can offer so much perspective. And with perspectiv...

THE POWER OF OTHERS

Just returning from a very successful trip to Europe, it is amazing how a little distance can offer so much perspective. And with perspective comes lighthearted opportunity, endless possibility and vision. So why do I want to talk to you about ‘others’? 

Well, it is because of them that we lose sight of ourselves and our own wishes and get caught up in things we did not set out to do. It is our need to please, fit and impress that others hold so much power over us. ENOUGH, I say!

Firstly let me share a very brief story of a very good friend of mine. She was approached with an incredible opportunity however it was not something that was going to serve her or her family. Of course she was flattered and knew she could probably do an outstanding job. Yet she had other plans for the future which simply did not align. When she came to me, she was still torn. Her emotional turmoil did not let her think objectively. She wanted to proof to the people who supported her, she could do it and to the people who didn’t, even more so!

Have you ever been in such a situation? Where you did something you felt others expected you to, even though you knew somehow that it wasn’t right for you? People can have a big influence on our judgment, opinions and actions. Throw in your own ego and emotions and together it all becomes a tricky, murky muddle, led by the wrong intentions and in the wrong direction. What a terrible waste! It is time to put a stop to this!

The following 5 Decision Mantras will save you from falling into this usual trap:

1.) Know what you want - If you have a plan mapped out for yourself and your family, it is easier to sync your activities based on what is supportive and cut out what isn't!

2.) Take time before committing to anything - For big decisions you might even want to take a short trip to take yourself out of the emotionally overcast circumstances. It will do wonders to your objective perspective!

3.) Do ONLY what serves YOU - Everything else delegate, cancel or delete :)

4.) Don’t take things so damn personally - We all know we are replaceable and dispensable. And what’s more, we are not responsible for others but ourselves and our families!

5.) Detach from the outcome! - If you start by considering all the ‘what ifs’, chances are you don’t ground your decision on what you want but merely on conditioned emotions.

So for those of you who struggle with wasting precious time on pleasing others typically with little in it for yourselves, it’s time to put your foot down. Commit these decision mantras to memory and learn to make decisions that serve you, not others!


All the best,
Conny

THE POWER OF ASKING

It is fascinating how children will not stop asking for the things that they want. Relentlessly, they will pose a question over and over or try a slightly different approach to get the much desired ‘Yes’. 
When they realize they can’t have something, they will come up with the next best thing and start the process all over again. In adulthood they will have ‘finally’ been worn down and ‘learnt’ not to be so demanding. HOW TRAGIC!

My youngest son is 9 years old and still possesses the art of asking. He is a very fine example of the relentlessly hopeful with seemingly never ending persistence. As you can imagine as a parent that is pretty wearing but boy, does he get results! Let me share a couple of examples.

Recently at a market he approaches a vendor and asks:” Can I have this skateboard for free?” The vendor is perplexed and of course declines. So my son tries again, this time with another object of desire:” Can I have this T-shirt for free?” Now the vendor starts to smile but again, gently but firmly declines. After the third question for something else, the vendor declines once more but finally gives in and offers him a brand spanking new wallet!? My son is over the moon, says a heartfelt thank you and gives the vendor the biggest smile.

The other day we went into a bike store. Again my son starts his magic and says:” Can I have this BMX for free?” Of course the vendors tells him - no way! A few minutes later, he requests:” Can I have this bike shirt for free?” “NO!” Then:” Can I have this pump for free?” “I am sorry but I can’t give you any of this stuff for free. Oh, but wait, I have some stickers and a key ring you can have!”

RESULT!

The pattern seems to be always the same. Three attempts of asking and finally he gets at least something in return for his perseverance. Typically it is not exactly what he wanted, however he is always better off and relishes the reward for his relentlessness. When he first started this, I was a little embarrassed and tried to discourage him from asking people to give him something for free.

To this he said:” But mum, if I don’t ask, then how can I get?” There it was - the truth, the only reality that really makes sense. As kids we all did the same. We kept on asking until we got. Now that we have been reconditioned, we find it tough to ask - FOR ANYTHING! Help, support, the things we really want.....

So I put it to you. Learn from our kids and get back to the pre-conditioned state of kindly asking. Not just the once but three times! If you are in negotiations, try to ask for the business even if you have to change approach or tweak the proposal until it suits.

Never be scared again to pose the question or take “No” for an answer. You know that if you don’t ask, you certainly won’t get anything! And if you don’t ask often enough, you might just be one ‘No’ away from a ‘Yes”!

May your summer be as educational as mine :)
See you soon,
Conny

THE POWER OF NATURAL

I recently had my quarterly make-over with my much trusted hairdresser. After mixing the colours she came back and asked:” Can I ask you a very personal question?” I really wasn’t sure what might come next but of course I said:” Go ahead!” And out she bursts with her question:” Have you had Botox recently? Your skin looks incredible!” Well, I was expecting everything but that.  Once I had recovered from the pleasant shock, I let her in on my secret.

I had recently done some research for an article on a super impressive Mompreneur who has built a business in all organic care products for women. She had the ‘balls’ to tackle a multi billion dollar market, undeterred by the big players and created products for the concerned consumer with clinically proven results exceeding 90% in overall skin improvement including fine lines and wrinkles!

At the time of my research, I was hugely impressed by this woman who at the age of 40 and expecting her first child, started a company from scratch that would provide what she had identified as a gap in the market - healthy, highly effective care products.

She assembled a team of executive investors who shared her vision and build a mission driven business that today provides skin and hair care products based on 100% powerful organic ingredients that offer proven results.

What impressed me the most was her bold approach to the idea. She understood that it would take an entire team, pots of cash to get it of the ground and experts in each field to make the success happen. She decided not to play SMALL but to go LARGE.

Today she heads up a business that she feels passionate about and offers products that make a difference in peoples lives.

After my research, I decided to put her products to the test! Well and the result - if even my own hairdresser who has known me for years thinks that I have invested 100’s of dollars in Botox, I simply rest my case.

So what can we learn from this story? If you have a dream, be undeterred. Put it into action even if at the beginning the odds look like they are staked up against you. Get a team behind you. You will not be able to go it alone. Get some cash behind you. It is imperative to have the money to pull it all off. Don’t compromise on quality - results will speak for itself!

And? Ask the question (my hairdresser will appreciate this) even if it means putting yourself out there. You will get information that could save you money and change your life! 

With that I wish you a Happy Summer!
(Botox-free) Conny

PS: And if you want to know the Power Cure that I discovered to keep the wrinkles at bay and save you $650, I am happy to share my secret, if you email info@mcbusiness.com with your three ideas on how to keep business natural!

THE POWER OF A CONSCIOUS vs A HURRIED LIFE

I want to share with you a very special email that I have just received from a valued client:

”As we’ve worked together for the past few months, I can’t help but notice what a “firecracker” you are – dynamic, strong and smart.  This is not a life “coaching” conversation. Trust me.

One thing that I promised myself (or a gift to myself) two years ago, was a conscious decision to try to not lead a hurried life. Not that I’m successful all the time, but with kids, work, family, etc. so much is happening and hurried.

You seem to lead a hurried life.  And I want and hope for you that it’s not a matter of “slowing down” but a matter of keeping a conscious effort to schedule less and do more, if you know what I mean. You are too good of a business woman and person to live life without enjoying the moments. And I want that for you, cause you deserve it.

Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox and hope dearly that I haven’t offended but more shared my own personal failures and aspirations with you to lead a less hurried life. J

Have a wonderful day, my coach.”

As I am sharing this with you there are so many hidden messages I would like to derive from this and point out to you.

Firstly that it is easy for all of us to get lost in day to day busyness, completely loosing sight of the priorities that entrepreneurs have to set and set, and set again.

Secondly that even with the best will, beware that YOU can easily get buried in responsibilities and commitment to excellence, neglecting yourself, personal relationships and the focus for what is truly serving you best.

Thirdly, that it takes objective perspective from trusted confidants who have your best interest at heart and are not afraid to point out the obvious so you can stop, listen and make better choices.

And lastly and most importantly that by making a conscious effort to schedule less, we can endeavor to do more!

A tribute to clients & people who help us develop, grow and move forward with every meeting, conversation and much valued feedback.

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, PY!

Conny