The Age of the Customer ... outpouring of Spirit

by Dale Shumaker

www.spiritsavvy.net

4spirit@gmail.com 

The Age of the Customer by Jim Blasingame is about moving into relevance. We are moving out of the age of the seller and into the age of the customer.

In the age of the seller, the seller controlled the product and product information and the buyer the buying decision. Word of mouth was very small. Whereas in the age of the buyer, the seller controls the product, but now the buyer is privileged to product information and user generated content, word of mouth makes a decisive difference, and the buyer controls the buying decision. 

It's an age of relevance. The buyer has access to product information and customer opinion before talking to the seller The buyer moves at his urgency to get the product he desires. The seller no longer controls this part of the sale. We are in a transition state to being in the age of the customer who has the greatest control over purchases. This is a long transition cycle starting in 1993 and moving into 2025. 

The customer is empowered and the seller is disrupted. Relevance is the key factor. Does it fit a need or desire now, and how soon can I get it. Urgency is on the side of the buyer. So its relevance to the need of the moment trumps competitiveness. For example, when in a city, and looking to make reservations at a restaurant close to you, the internet is searched. The one closest, and at the time the buyer wants, wins out. Anything a customer can do himself is where service stops and relevance begins. 

The new influencers are the users, and the communities. User generated information is seen by others who are making buying decisions. And then by the communities they are part of. Demographics are not the strong market identifier but the community the person is part of is. Find the communities interested in what you have, and follow the buyer to his community.

The key factors are values you share, the moment of relevance, and trust. Marketing is what you say, whereas values are what you do, not what you say, who you are when no ones watching. People seek values, ethics, integrity and authenticity. Trust weighs heavily into this. Do what you think others expect of you, even when you don't have to. Tell the truth even when it's bad news. 

In taking your product/service to market, it's okay to fall in love with what you do, but it's not okay to fall in love in how you do it. Be ready for the moment of relevance which is enhanced by how you are close by for the customer. You need to be where the customer is looking, is, and ready to take action at that time. Customers are responding less to mass marketing and more to values-based communities. 

Go mobile. The smart phone is contributing to the biggest change and how it affects relevance to the customer. Anywhere, anytime the customer can find what they need now, where it is, what is the fastest way to get it, find out what others think, and respond immediately.  Mobile apps are where people go, but every business should have as a minimum a mobile website. Nothing about your past was mobile. Everything about your future is.

The goal is to have the customer "follow me home." How is that done?  Get permission to send your customer email updates, e-newsletter, texts, tapped into Facebook, your bog to share current postings. and other social media. The key part is getting their permission to follow you. Then ask them the best method for contacting them they prefer: email, text, social media, etc. It's about being relevant by keeping customers informed through the use of new communication technologies and platforms based on customer expectations.

Today's sales process has new rules, new tools, new attitudes, new commitment. Initial qualifying is longer, prospects self-qualify themselves, sellers demonstrate relevance and values before doing business, the self-qualified customer has his own sense of urgency. The new tools are online research, networking in person and online with social medial, with patience, discipline, subtle sense of urgency by the sales person.

Contribute first, contract second. The call back is critical but with information, links, articles, books for the customer... contribute first.

Your goal is to build an online community. Contribute first, contract second. Your future customer will increasingly come from community-building activity, and less from the seller marketing practices and prospect development activity. Use the large platforms, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc., as a training ground, to gain access to diverse communities, but then migrate them over to your own platform where you have more control (because the large platforms may change outside your desired interests). 

Use stories of interest to the customer. Connect on an emotional level, convey your expertise, create a memory, and covert the customer.  Be your own publisher so the customer can be informed through you. Make your website your platform of relevant, new information, use blogs. Publish your own e-books.

Be relevant, real, short, regular, and remember form follows function. A website's function is toward distribution, not a destination. It is part of "follow me home" process to have a place they go to get relevancy. 

Small business can take great advantage of services in the cloud... i.e., software services online and not on your harddrive. In the cloud, there is processing power, information power, sales power, talent power and asset protection power. The small business has access to major software that was once available only to those with bigger budgets. Small business should become aware how to use the cloud for their growth and profitability strategies.

The small business needs to really be good at three things:

1. Adopting technological innovations

2. Building strategic alliances

3. Networking.

Today social media provides many networking opportunities, but the "face to face" is still the part that cements a working relationship. It remains important to keep in mind that your influencers are in your communities that rally around what you do, the values you demonstrate are critical, and the new rules for selling as relevance is the leading factor. All these are made more powerful with the "face to face."  Blasingame's law of networking: Networking = Community = Customers. 

Quality process surpasses quality service. Having a quality process in place will produce the quality outcome. Outsourcing provides a small business the same power as larger ones. Plus there is more flexibility to move with needed change quickly and still be response as the customer desires. With technology advances, the cloud, communities all around the world, global e-commerce is available to the smallest business venture. In the new age of the customer, you don't have the luxury to wait for change. You must lead the change.

More on The Age of the Customer: 

http://ageofthecustomer.com/

"I will pour out my Spirit upon all people." (Joel 2:28) and then the Terrible(or awe) day of the Lord. It seems in Joel there will be a great outpouring before the end. (I was reminded of the parable of the sower. That may happen after the outpouring.Then will come, the Terrible, shock and awe, day of the Lord.) It seems there will be an outpouring yet in store before love waxes cold. (People insensitive to people.)

The parable of the sower is in Matthew 13. Some seed falls on rocky ground and never takes root, some took root but with only shallow roots, others grew deep with deep roots and with very large produce.  Jesus also says many will not see, or hear. They are blind and deaf to His Spirit. They hear but don't get it, or respond. ...insensitive to it. Our world(media, constant criticism, negativity) is making us all insensitive. People become cold-hearted to each other. This mood is growing. 

Sacrificial love is the Spirit of those in Christ. Concern for others more than ourselves. ... the character of a Christ-centered, Spirit-centered, in-love-with-Jesus centered community. The "what's in it for me" will give way to "how can I help you."Secular sales psychology cozies up to the "what's in it for me" mindset. We prey on someone's self-centeredness. Jesus said the humble will inherit the whole earth (Matt. 5:5). Those who give up more will inherit, be given back, more. (Mark 10:29-31)

John was the only one of the original disciples not killed by someone. When you think about it the Gospel is a tough idea to sell... "join up, and you'll probably die for it." We can see why Jesus said to count the cost, on earth, although, we have much greater reward for those who sacrifice for who He is. To be with the Lord was their Higher aim and we aspire that too.

When you stick your neck out you may get it cut off, some say. The disciples went against the grain in a bold way. But Jesus said He is the resurrection and Life. They literally believed they would be raised to a better life. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead to re-enforce their faith. They knew Jesus would and could raise them from the dead. They saw Jesus come back from the dead. It made them eager to be bold, and stick their necks out. They knew what was waiting for them.

Representing the message of Jesus has its risks(from an earthly standpoint). History tells the most committed often died prematurely. Jesus' disciples gave up most of their lives for a cause, because they saw a greater reward ... faith in a resurrection. And through John, Jesus showed them what the new Heaven and earth would be like. What a picture of our final destination!. 

John was not martyred. He was exiled to a place where He was left alone. It was there he received a direct revelation of Jesus Christ. When we are alone, we can receive similar revelations. God made us so He can communicate in Spirit what is to come. In the exiled place, we receive such revelations. In Spirit we know what we may face, although, His Spirit gives us the strength beyond our natural abilities to face it courageously. 

Thus, we are more than conquerors, victors in all the battles of life.

Way of the Seal ... following the Joshua Principle, the Way of Jesus

by Dale Shumaker 
4spirit@gmail.com 
www.spiritsavvy.net

The Way of the Seal by Mark Divine (retired U.S. Navy Seal Commander), is about the skills of the Navy Seal, that if applied to life and business pursuits, would bring a powerful, productive dimension to our society. What he has noticed is we lack a cultural emphasis or education around honor, courage, commitment, seeking career advancement to be better people. Aspiring leaders lack a foundation in their own character development. We should have a strong focus on building character. 

The bottom line Divine says is if you lack an underlying commitment to self- mastery and growth, even the best theory won't help you lead yourself or a team to success. The Navy Seal is predicated upon your commitment to fully develop personal discipline and an ethical stand. Your focus is on becoming a good teammate before stepping into the leadership arena. 

The progression is from spirit to mind and then body. We must merge our heart and mind in action.  He summarizes to achieve Seal worthy success, you must

--establish your set point which is developing a deep sense of values and purpose

--develop front-sight focus so nothing can derail you on to victory.

--bulletproof your mission to inoculate your efforts against failure

--do today what others won't and then achieve tomorrow what others can't

--get mentally and emotionally tough, and eliminate the "quit" opinion from your subconscious

--break things, remake them and keep improving through innovation

--build your intuition

--think offense all the time to surprise your opponent and dominate the field

--and train for life development mastery in all areas of your life. 

In the book Divine goes into detail in each area. Within and at the end of each chapter, he provides exercises to learn the skills he recommends. Here is a brief overview of the Way of the Seal. 

A person must have a definite handle on his purpose, set values which form his character. Know what you stand for and live it. You have a reason why you exist on earth. What is your "why."  Without knowing this and living it a person will give up too soon before fulfilling the mission he sets out on. Uncover your purpose and learn how to envision your "future me." Have a strong stand, and build concrete character... the cornerstone of his process. 

Front-sight focus is preparing the mind. Learn how to breath. It is interesting breathing is very important to achieve what you set out to do and not let factors around you distract you. Divine recommends an exercise where you breath in at a count of four, hold it for a count of four and breath out in a count of four. Do this exercise every day for several minutes, extending it each time, and when faced with any situation first breath as he teaches. 

Practice a sacred silence and focus on just breathing. Think on a simple personal powering mantra as you do it. Then envision what you see in your future. See your future in these times, believe it as happening and then make it happen. Another way he puts it is to fantasize your purpose deliberately daily... before and after a day. Any attempts at action before you have mastered this fall short of being accomplished as you wish. 

Define your mission and simplify the battlefield. Determine your unique offer. 

Learn to direct your mind and be aware of your thoughts. You direct the mind with this process.

Detect. When negative or undermining thoughts enter your mind be aware.

Interdict. Stop the thought by simply saying stop, no.

Redirect. When you stop the negative thought, redirect it to powerful thought. In Seal training he learned to laugh within tough challenges, when he thought he couldn't go on. e.g., instead of saying I can't stand this, say just starting to have fun now.

Energize. Use the breathing technique to solidify the new thought so it takes hold as the dominating thought. Shift into a positive energizing state of mind with positive self-talk and mental imagery. 

To bulletproof the mission, keep going back to define what are your priorities, what are the realities you face, the options you have and select the best path forward. 

When you clearly and visually define your mission you reconnect with it viscerally(more from instinct than intellect). Divine calls it "dirt-dive" the mission. Practice the mission with the team until you have won it in your minds. It is practiced so well, it is then performed instinctively. 

Do what others won't and find your 20X Factor. What you think you can't do start thinking you can do it 20 times more than you think. Ancient warriors prepared with "mighty effort" which is training vigorously to do what others can't or won't. The industrial age brought us material prosperity, but also obesity, poor health, lack of purpose. Push your limits and acknowledge this mighty effort as both positive and necessary for true happiness. Embrace the pain and become disciplined, driven and determined in your mission. Again, your "why" is the most important factor that keeps you going. 

Forge mental toughness to control your response. Breathing neutralizes the fight and flight response to stresses. The sympathetic nervous system kicks back to the parasympathetic nervous system which brings balance... so we think and respond clearly, while not letting fear, anger, freezing control us. A Seal's life and death in combat depends on having this mental control. Control your attention, develop emotional resilience, harness your emotions. In the breathing and sacred silence you build the self-esteem, optimism you need. Then in the heat of action, focused breathing keeps you there. The Seals are about their team and not themselves. Take your eyes off yourself and on the team, completely committing to the team. All people pushing yourself forward.
By setting effective goals and visualizing powerfully you forge mental toughness. 

Box Breathing is mastering the four count breathing in, holding and breathing out exercise. Set SMART goals... specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. Divine says the key is to live in the present and set chunk goals, what you can do today, the next step. Seals work from step to step in their actions with high concentration on each step, staying in the present. 

Keep getting better. To do that you must break things and rebuilt them to be better. Apply total commitment, burn your boat, find a way or.fail forward fast by systematizing trial and error... try something new, fail, analyze the lesson learned, how can we modify the approach to regain momentum, re-instate the insights for you and your team and try again. Keep repeating this process. Navigate gaps for opportunity, operate in the present, identify and destroy blind spots, innovate and adapt quickly. Make decisiveness and variety a habit. Divine said he kept deliberating changing team meeting locations, times and methods. It's important to learn to excel in chaos, new conditions. 

Working within the rational mind is only half the effort. Intuition, using the subconscious mind needs developed. We haven't used this part to its potential but the Seal learns awareness skills from a developed intuition. A person should read this chapter in detail to grasp this. But in the fight of the day, we need to use the senses, pick up danger like a dog can pick up a scent, following the intelligence of the great computer program in our subconscious mind. This takes much time in relaxed awareness, i.e., much like meditation but focused for answers and future awareness of what to expect. In the alpha state you can get answers to questions not possible in the rational mind. You have a place where wisdom tells you things you may not know but need to know. 

Think offense all the time. Develop unwavering confidence by changing your words and changing your attitude. Avoid mental traps by avoiding:  things you doubt instead of investigating them, feeling you owe something to people who give you something, if something is good for someone you know it is good for you, waiting for social proof before acting, clinging to things once you have them, inflating the value of authority figures' ideas, thoughts, decisions. Activate your radar, do the unexpected while staying on the offensive to keep your opposition off guard. 

Divine concludes with an in-depth chapter on training the Seal Way including examples of training plans others have used to help you develop yours. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Closing thought, "slow down and shut up."  Lead with your heart. Breath, be quiet and let your spirit work through your mind. More from Mark Divine at 

www.sealfit.com

Follow the Joshua Principle.

A daily discipline of fixing our minds on God's principles, renewing our minds, rebuilding our minds, and taking disciplined action every day with the Power principles of Spirit is our driving force. 

The first chapter of Joshua and the Psalms emphasize the power behind constant meditation, sharply focused thinking to concentrate on the precepts, principles of the Bible. In Joshua, God guarantees success in efforts that follow this method:

" I promise you what I promised Moses: 'Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. "Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1: 1-9, NLT)  

The Lord told Joshua to check out the territory... get intelligence on what is going on where he was to take the land.
" Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove. He instructed them, "Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho." So the two men set out and came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there that night." (Joshua 2:1, NLT)

And sometimes His methods are unorthodox, out of the ordinary, even a little bizarre. Think of it, God has His Servants stay in a prostitute's house. That definitely would raise a few eyebrows, but the cleverness here is the enemy most certainly wouldn't expect that as Children of God.

With this intelligence, He guarantees that we will be effective when we follow what he tells us strategically to do. Whenever they followed the orders of the Lord, the Angel of God's Spirit went before them and they had overwhelming success. When they didn't, they had humiliating defeat. The only defeats came when they failed to follow His instructions to the finest detail. We can be assured He, the Spirit, will give us instructions to the finest detail if we seek his strategies first. And then follow them precisely. The important thing is seeking His Strategies, first.
We then are assured overwhelming victory.

How can we develop this ability to hear the exact mind of Christ, the strategies of God and His Spirit. It takes a life of discipline in the Spirit.

Jesus way is to believe. With faith in Jesus, see the answer already fulfilled knowing Jesus has the power to do it.

Faith is also the ear through which the voice of God is always heard and intercourse with Him kept up. It is through the Holy Spirit the Father speaks to us; the Son is the Word, the substance of what God says; the Spirit is the living voice.  God needs to lead and guide him; the secret voice from heaven must teach him, as it taught Jesus, what to say and what to do. To be consistent to what we believe and stand for requires a personal disciple daily... morning, noon and night... keep mulling over the teachings of Jesus and His Apostles in the Bible. Joshua advocated to meditate on Spiritual principles day and night…i.e., constantly and all the time.

Those who practice this relate that they have seen great miracles when they do this repeatedly. How you prepare in quiet, in Jesus Spirit, in the Secret place of the Most High, will be manifested, come into reality.

But it takes renewing the mind through reprogramming its thought processes, with Jesus' Spirit processes and then allowing it to saturate our being as it takes us on a mystical journey in our mind and soul. The more time spent here the greater the external results you will see. The more Spiritual Power you will see being part of your life. The more results you will see in untouchable areas of your life....mind, body, relationships, purpose, mission, gifts, skills.

You live a Powerful, Action-packed, Spirit-guided lifestyle. 

Give and Take ... giving has many returns

by Dale Shumaker 
4spirit@gmail.com
www.spiritsavvy.net

Give and Take by Adam Grant is for those who want to make it in life and make their business work. It's about being a taker or a giver. In the past it seemed a person had to be a taker to advance his life and career. Adam Grant, in his book backed by extensive research, is finding the opposite. Those who are givers run past those who are takers in the long run. He says most people function as takers, matchers, or givers. Takers strive to get as much as they can from others. Matchers try to trade evenly. Givers are a new rare breed of people who contribute to others expecting nothing in return.

As he expands his givers theme into networking, collaborating, influence, negotiation, and leadership skills, he cautions a person to watch for those who look like givers, but really are takers.
Takers have a distinctive signature. They like to get more than what they give. They tilt reciprocity in their own favor, putting their own interests ahead of others. They believe the world is competitive, a dog-eat-dog place. They feel they must be better than anyone else, be self-promoting, and make sure they get plenty of credit for their efforts. Many think if they don't look out for themselves no one else will.

Givers give more than what they get. Instead of using people to see what they can get from them like a taker, they are other focused... giving more attention to what other people need from them. Both givers and takes may give to charities, but the givers don't do it just to make themselves look good, but out of more genuine concern for a cause. Givers generally strive to be generous in sharing their time, energy, knowledge, skills, ideas and connections with others who can benefit from them.  

Matchers operate on the premise of fairness. A matcher seeks reciprocity but that it's equal for all concerned. 

Takers favor wealth, power, pleasure and winning (doing better than others). Givers have their priorities as helpfulness, responsibility, social justice and compassion.

When takers build networks they try to build as much value for them. Givers try to expand the pie so everyone can get a larger slice. When a person gives, it influences the whole group to want to be givers. It's a contagious attitude that ripples through the whole organization.

A leader's belief in someone becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy for the person. A study showed that when someone believes someone is gifted, talented or superior in a quality, the leaders show an affirming attitude to a person. The person then performs better in the area in which the leader believes he is good at.
Givers don't wait for signs of potential. Being trusting and optimistic, givers see potential in everyone.

Powerless communication is a trait of the giver. In contrast, in many business venues it seems power communication is advocated, a favorite of the takers. Two fundamental paths to communication are dominance and prestige. When we establish dominance others see us as strong, powerful, authoritative. With prestige we earn the respect of others. Takers excel in creating dominance.

Whereas, the powerless style to the giver also has proven to establish prestige. Givers are more inclined to asking questions than offering answers, talking more tentatively than boldly, admitting weaknesses than displaying their strengths, seeking advice than imposing their views. In the long run, these forms of "powerless communication" prove to be powerful.

Takers use powerful speech being assertive and direct. Givers use more powerless speech... using hesitations as "well...." Hedges as " probably, sorta". Disclaimers as " this may not be a great idea..." Tags as " that's interesting, isn't it." Intensifiers as " really, quite." The givers style is more likely to build rapport and trust. By being more vulnerable, they bring more into their point of view. This makes them then more powerful as there is more authentic buy-in.

Givers who can maintain self-interest, while being selfless with others, maintain emotional balance and do not experience burn out. Meaningfulness is associated more with the giver than taker. With this in place people work harder, longer, smarter, and more effectively while feeling a sense of happiness.

A giver can be a door mat for takers, although givers show a greater judge of people and learn self preservation. Their finesse as givers eventually wins out as they can enlist more to their point of view because of building more trust and rapport with others. 

Grant has in-depth studies to back up his findings. It's a great book for those who appreciate exhaustive studies... that givers give. There's a lot more there, so see his website:
http://www.giveandtake.com/

Jesus said give and it will be given to you... and it would come back in much greater degrees that you give. It's a Spiritual principle that works everywhere, in about every situation. It's a natural law but also a Spiritual principle, which will do more than we can imagine.
We don't know how this works in Spirit. A small seed can yield a tree that has many pieces of fruit and all the pieces of fruit has many seeds in them. When we give in love, unselfishly, we see great returns in Spirit.

We all live for happiness. We get much satisfaction when we can give our gifts away. It is indeed more a blessing to give than receive. When we give we have an increased sense of well-being in what we do.

Be kind to everyone and give kindness to those who mistreat us. In the long run, even a greedy person is affected by someone's generosity. It can penetrate his heart. The heart is the most powerful force to change another person's heart, their attitude, their outlook on life.

What you give comes back many times in the same form. You give money, more money comes to you. Give love and more love comes your way. Give friendship and you gain many friends. What you give comes back in a similar way in most cases.

So what you do, the Spiritual principle as explained by Jesus about giving, should not be done with great fanfare. It should be done quietly and discreetly. God knows what you give and He will reward you... either in the near-term, or the long-term, or in the forever. Giving always comes back in bigger ways and measures more than what we give. 

"Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full ...pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Jesus said this in Luke 6:38.

What you sow you will reap to the level and degree you sow. Be a giver... it won't fail you.

How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big ... you must lose to win

by Dale Shumaker

4spirit@gmail.com

www.spiritsavvy.net
 
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams is a string of experiences through his life which finally led to his Dilbert cartoon series. He doesn't claim to be a business building expert by any means, although he says a few things he learned along the way may benefit someone else.

 A few of his observations are

1. Goals are for losers, it's systems that make winners.

2. Your mind is a moist computer you can program.

3. The most important part is to track your personal energy.

4. Every skill you acquire doubles your odds of success.

5. Simplicity transforms ordinary into amazing.

Just to name a few. 

And then he goes more in detail in several areas and his view. 

Passion isn't all its cranked up to be. Your passion level moves with your success, so success increases passion more than passion causes success. Work toward increasing energy to get things done, more than following a passion which may lead you down the wrong road. The market rewards execution not ideas. Concentrate on ideas you can execute... then you will fail toward success. 

A person should have a system instead of a goal. In a system we continually look for better options. Goals disappoint and discourage us as most lack the experience of real world conditions. When we are consistent with a system we feel successful every time we keep the system in motion.  A system is something you do on a regular basis with a reasonable expectation that doing so will get you to a better place in your life. Most people who really succeed follow systems not goals. 

 If you want success figure out the price, then pay it. Focus on your energy. Have something in your life that makes you excited when you wake up. Simple systems are probably the best way to achieve success. Simplification frees up energy, and makes everything else much easier. Maximize personal energy, not the number of tasks. 

Smiling makes you feel better. Become good at a hobby and the value of being good laps over to other things you do. What's real to you is what you imagine and what you feel. Be a seeker of knowledge. You will find more stuff than those who sit and wait. 

Recognize your talents. What you were obsessed with before 10 years old, what has a strong connection between your interests and what you are good at, and you feel real comfortable doing, are indicators of your talents. Know when to quit. Things that start out well may someday work. Small successes can grow into big ones. If your work inspires some excitement, some action from customers, get ready to chew through some walls. You may have something worth fighting for. The hard part is figuring out what to practice. 

Manage your odds for success by adding skills. You're better off being good at two complementary skills than being excellent at one. Good plus good equals excellent. 

The math of success including being good at these personal skills.

Public speaking... take a speaking course.

Psychology... study human behavior.

Business writing... take a course, write a blog.

Accounting... learn the basics of how it works.

Design... be familiar with design principles.

Conversation... develop the skill to talk to anyone, anywhere.

Overcoming shyness... step forward, instead of stand back.

Second language... it's a great advantage today.

Golf... still the great place for business activity.

Proper grammar... know and use elements of basic grammar.

Persuasion... hang around good salesman and learn from them.

Technology... at least have hobby-level activity with it.

Proper voice technique... different tones for different things makes a difference.

Adams goes on to suggest to look for patterns of things that work, use humor when you can, and affirmations have their place. Make affirmations broad enough that there is room for some luck. 

Life is about being happy in what you do, doing what you want to do when you want. Eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, nap, do things you can steadily improve at, reduce daily decisions by using routines. And coffee is good when you need a boost. Remember failure is your friend. Invite it in. Learn from it. Don't let it leave until you pick its pocket.

More from Scott Adams at
http://www.dilbert.com/

He who loses His life will save it. (Matt. 16: 25)

The kingdom of God is like what a songwriter said,
"It's an inside, outside, upside down Kingdom;
where you lose to gain, and you die to live."
Misty Edwards

Jesus talked a great deal about losing your life on earth, so you will have eternal life in Heaven. He said there will be persecutions for those who want to live the right way. That even members of your own family will not like you anymore if you devote your life to the Kingdom of God. If you want to have life in the Spirit forever, you must give up your attachment to things of the earth. If you want live for acceptance in the Kingdom, you must love to the point that you allow others to use you. 

Then Jesus goes on to say, that you must drink my blood and eat my flesh. At that time many followers left Him. Drinking His blood and eating His flesh meant a total commitment to His Teachings and living with a willingness to die for what you believe in. He was a King who came to build an army, an army willing to die for the cause. All soldiers know they face death. They will have people shooting at them. Jesus said you will be targets of the world, because the world will not like you. And those who don't stand for righteous living will not like you.

As Francis Chan said, "if Jesus were your pastor you would probably not go to His church."  As you look at parts of Jesus' message, it is not something that would sell well in the world. To sell someone you must satisfy someone's want. Jesus' came to give life, and He showed the way. It was not what some may want while on earth.

So in the world's eyes, those successful in the Kingdom, may be looked on as failures in the earth. Jesus never established the Kingdom He talked about while on earth. He was killed, had his followers abandon Him, while He was strung up on a tree with very few wanting to be around Him any more as He died.

But He said in death is our victory. We, those in Him, will rise again, live again to become heirs of great fortunes in the Kingdom of Heaven. All in Jesus escape death to live forever with no more pain, suffering, being despised by those around them. All they lost on earth will be made up with the abundance of this new Kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven. People who survived the earth's scorn will have positions of leadership in the Heavenly Kingdom. The last will be first, the poor will be rich, the small and powerless will be big and strong.

As failure on earth teaches a person's lessons vital to doing well later on, we also learn from trials and challenges of earth to make us stronger in Spirit. Challenges on earth are our Spiritual fitness program for becoming strong in Spirit.

Start Something that Matters ... the least of these

by Dale Shumaker
4spirit@gmail.com
www.spiritsavvy.net

Start Something that Matters by Blake Mycoskie is about looking for solutions in the world by using business and entrepreneurship. Solve problems creatively. Mycoskie created a social entrepreneur business concept to sell a pair of shoes today, give a pair of shoes tomorrow. So, Tomorrows Shoes, became Toms. In his book he tells his story and provides encouragement and personal guidelines for others who will do the same... start something that has an impact on the world.

Toms is more than about shoes. It's a story of how with three interns, in a Venice apartment, a website, Mycoskie began selling shoes so that for every pair of shoes he sold, he would give one away. It was a story that began grabbing people's attention. Fist the LA Times published a story, then Vogue magazine. By the end of his first summer Toms sold 10,000 shoes, and then made 10,000 more shoes to give away in Argentina at clinics and schools.

Why did he do this. "This provided me a sense of fulfillment unlike anything I felt before," stated Blake Mycoskie.

Today as the world is mutating, you must play by a new set of rules. Here's Mycoskie's guiding principles behind Toms, doing something that matters and makes a difference.

The six traits of starting and sustaining something that matters.

Find Your Story
Conscious capitalism is about connecting supporters to something that matters. You are competitive, with superior quality, competitive pricing, fashionable, but something that your supporters believe in .

What's your passion?
What would you do if you didn't have to worry about money?
What kind of work would you want to do?
What cause can you serve?

Always be thinking of ways to tell your story. Share your story with everyone you can. Find story partners with a contact base who will tell your story with you. Carefully manage your online story. Find influence makers who love your story. Be specific about your idea, product, expertise. Craft it so it appeals to those you want to be your supporters.

Face your Fears
Explore. Dream. Discover.

Face up to your fears in business. It won't kill you if you fail. Create a plan to overcome what you fear. Everyone who succeeds battles through adversity. In a new endeavor you will inevitably wake up in fear thinking no matter how hard you work, you are doomed. You must face it and keep learning. The question: What will you do with your fears at this time. The key: Focus on what you can control. How you react to negative emotions will be the key to your success.
 
How to fight off fear.
No matter what happens, win, lose, draw, never forget life goes on. Don't fear the  unknown. Start. Learn as you go.  Everyone makes mistakes. Your boat may have a whole in it. But you will not sink.
Don't be too concerned about what other people think. And don't get trapped in the "best idea" freeze. It is execution that matters not necessarily the best idea. When you start something noble, frequently you feel alone. Surround yourself with great biographies of those who did great things, stories that inspire you. Timing is never right. If you wait for the right time, you may never make a move at all.

Be Resourceful without Resources
The truth is we don't know if something will work, so it is difficult to raise money like a traditional business does. "With no money, no likelihood of raising it, and no proven business model, we had to cut more corners than corners existed."

Lack of resources makes you become resourceful and creative. Entrepreneurs are innovatively successful. Too much capital can hinder the expansion of these qualities. Even without resources you should do it. You need a lot of people's help. To get help you stand for something bigger than just yourself and your business.

Make What You Have Count
Develop a presence where it's free. Take full advantage of social media. For Toms it was the DNA of their business.

Space matters. Toms made a deal to use an address of an established business to receive their mail there. Cost of office space is an unneeded expense for a start up business. Forget titles. Toms had creative and flexible titles. Be what intrigues others and/or gets you in the door. Business cards mean business. Business cards are great means to gain attention, and low cost to make. Reward employees. Employees with full stomachs are happy and productive. Be creative with gifts and prizes. The age of free. From web development to public relations, there's a lot of free services out there. Try Googling "free(and what you need)". You will be amazed how much there is that is free.

Keep It Simple
Product design, simplicity of business model, Toms used a hundred year old Argentina shoe design.
A simple operation. Do one thing and do it the best you can. Unclutter your work space. Have a notebook, electronic or paper, with you all the time. Own as little as you can get away with. Schedule everything, combine as many things as possible to one thing.
 
The simple plan. Write it in one sentence. 1. What is your business? 2. Be known for what personally? 3. Why should someone hire you? 4. Social cause you are seeking to serve? 5. What can you remove from your product or service and still keep its function intact?  Answer your appropriate questions in one sentence.

Build Trust

You need to build internal trust, with those in your organization, and external trust  with your customers, vendors, your donors or investors. A leader is to create a company, but  community creates a movement. Truly great servants are inspiring. Servant leaders make it a community affair to advance. No tolerance for breaking trust; making mistakes, yes, breaking trust, no.

External trust: make a powerful promise and fulfill it. Be forthright to where your money goes. To foster trust, be open with your staff, give away autonomy, trust employees that they will grow into their role, follow the Golden Rule and be as open as possible.

Giving is Good Business

It's good because it helps people; it's good because it makes money. More and more who make giving part of their business model are finding this out. Giving not only helps you attract great employees, it helps you attract great partners as well. People want to partner with those who are doing something good. The old school of business is for profit only. The new school is to do what is right with social responsibility.

Don't make giving an after thought. Give more than money. Donate skills, incorporate giving anywhere you can. Give early. Don't get overwhelmed, there's something you can give. It is better to give than receive. Listen to those you give to.

Final Step

Go out into the world and have a positive impact, inspire others to start something that matters whether for profit or not-for-profit.

Start something. It doesn't have to be big. You don't have to have a lot of money. You don't have to save the world.
Take the step. Start. Start something that matters.

http://www.startsomethingthatmatters.com/

Jesus said whatever you do to the least you do to me.

In His teachings, Jesus emphasized that we are servants to each other. Whoever serves is the greatest. The Apostle Paul talks about submitting to each other, put others before yourself, and confessing our shortcomings to each other.

So much of the Scriptures point to this. That we are to consider others as more important than ourselves, and what we do to the less fortunate is the earmark of true Christianity. The Spirit is motivated to move when this is done. We see that this impacts everything else we do.

In any endeavor this applies, whether it's an entrepreneur venture, or a social improvement organization. It is difficult to see how this works as it may defy logic of a for-profit business. Toms points this out that it works in business. Be a servant, be a giver, help those with what you have. 

It's a new philosophy in the business world. But it appears to be grabbing the attention of more and more business people.

We all have a personal mission and this is expressed many times in a business venture we take on. The key is to serve others, and consider doing things for others who can't pay you back. The Spiritual cycle ignites when we focus on doing things, but not for personal gain.

The more we give without expecting something in return, the more The Spirit works to bring you back more. Whatever you give is given back to you many more times the amount given. Start something that matters and apply the teachings of Jesus to it and see what God does through it.

The Industrial Marketing Revolution ... small prayer big power

by Dale Shumaker
4spirit@gmail.com  
www.spiritsavvy.net

The Industrial (marketing) Revolution is an industry specific book for industrial marketing. Although, many of its principles have value in a product or service-based business.

The trend is toward lean marketing with a grand focus on technology. The old way of hitting the trade shows, targeted direct mail, getting in the industry specific trade magazine is going the path to the website as your core  platform, e-based information such as e-books, e-newsletters, blogging that is constantly updated and current to the latest information. 

The goal is to be simple, predictable, and repeatable. The company must embrace technology. It's about the speed of the mouse and immediacy of reporting, quick adaptability and be the one in front doing it. 

Measurability matters. Technology can provide real time reporting of what is going on. Online marketing goes beyond the basics. Targeted e-newsletters need constant delivery, searching online catalogs need updated and reported as it happens, technical descriptions need to be close by, as well as offers constantly showing up, so the customer can take advantage of immediate best deals. With an online presence you can have trade shows web-based with live chat interactions... with all media options. 

Seven steps for successfully navigating your marketing plan. Think long and hard before mounting a campaign.

1. See the finish line first. Be specific.

2. Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Trends change and you must

turn quickly to the better direction when needed.

3. Stay in the right lane. Know where your target audience lives and stay
in their lane.

4. Keep hitting your target. How often are you teaching them... with the
strategic best choice of technology resources, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, online
trade shows, websites, blogs, white papers, e-books....

5. Less miles equals more mileage. Refine the message with valuable, personal
connections.

6. Take the carpool lane. Be in line with all others in your marketing efforts.

7. Follow the speed limit. Know the rhythm, pace they move at. Know what the

speed limit is so you are where you need to be when opportunity presents
itself. Some things take several impressions before it is considered... know
the speed and pace at which that happens. 

Your website should have the same ingredients as a trade show booth.

1. Exposure. An attractive, easy-to-navigate, and graphics to make it an

initially a positive experience.

2. Hands-on sampling of product. Photos that make it feel like you are
physically handling the product.

3. Personal interaction with sales reps and staff. So that you can virtually
having a meeting place for customers to interact with you in a real,

genuine manner.

4. One-on-one introduction to a company, idea, or brand. Make a clear
strong message who you are. 

What makes a powerful website.

The hub effect. It is an online link to all your internet activity... the blog,
free e-book, online catalog, etc.

Expect to change. What you are happy with today, may need changed
tomorrow. New products, new clients, testimonials, etc.

Click a mile in your user's mouse. Navigate your website yourself to see

how you feel.

Less is more. Streamline and make it simple.

Lead with the headline. Make the headline the most important message you
have.

Effective Website redesign.

1. Less is more.

2. Metrics, measurement and meaning. Be able to measure its performance
and quickly.

3. Content is king. Focus on creating quality content that is engaging,
powerful, unique and inviting.

4. Content is constant. Update content continually.

5. Don't fix what is not broken. If it is working, stick with it.

6. Do it for the right reasons. Do it to increase performance, not just to
do it.

7.Blogging for fun and profit. Remember content is king and constant. The blog

will do this. 

Five things about content

1. Fresh

2. Unique.

3. New

4. Original

5. User driven 

Stock your content with
White papers, i.e., comprehensive, concise descriptions of how things work.

More information so they can judge against you competitors.

E-books, articles, blog posts, social media posts. 

Blogs are now the modern trade journals. A blog can have greater
frequency and updates on new advances. 

How to get Google to find you? Write keyword rich copy. Find the keywords
people go to to find what you offer. Google looks for those who are an

authority, topics frequently look for, the more people link to you and

you link to them, the more others will find you.

Create captivating titles, write backwards(being short and sweet with key

idea up front), be likeable, have a site map, focus on quality.

Fabac goes on to share how to engage with people and convert contacts to customers. 

More at

http://www.industrialmarketingrevolution.com/ 

 A song's lyrics says "it only takes a spark to get a fire a going."  There's probably more truth to this than we realize. It is found that when we have lightning storms that way up in the clouds, high in the atmosphere, at the very tip of the lightning bolt, a small puff of light is emitted. Scientists became intrigued by what this was. They found this tiny burst of light gave out an energy and it extended all around the world. These little bursts of energy  gave the atmosphere a protective shield. What seemed so small was a huge energy producer for the whole whole. 

This is what prayer is. It is like that little spark in the song, or that small puff of light that comes out at the very tip of the lightning bold. 

Prayer seems small, although its influence is huge. The small prayer can bring all of God's Power into play and extend all around the  world.

 Prayer brings intelligence. We can glean from God's information thousands of miles away, or hid away in the deep hiding places some may have. 
Prayer instills love. When communication breaks down, love can penetrate the hardest person's heart, and soften their feelings toward us. We can create favor with someone, we don't even know. Prayer perseveres. When things don't seem to be going well, prayer keeps us going and gives us the strength to handle things we feel are overpowering or overwhelming us.

Prayer is the the tip of the lightning bolt that gives out an energy we have no way of explaining its power.

 So the Apostle Paul says to pray without ceasing. Why?  Ever increasingprayer is what protects us, empowers us and makes us strong tolove when in the human will, we don't feel we can.

Business of Belief ... having faith in God's Power

by Dale Shumaker
www.spiritsavvy.net

4spirit@gmail.com

The Business of Belief by Tom Asacker is about understanding belief, what it is and how it is created.

Those who inspire and move others practice the business of belief. Here are some key thoughts in the Business of Belief. It is much like a compilation of proverbs on belief and what you can do.

 What They Know

Belief starts with our choices. We believe so then we choose. They are many times no more than our assumptions. Belief is opinion, so our opinion becomes our reality. Our beliefs make the work convincingly real to us. Our unique perspective on things form our belief about what is around us; it drives our decisions.

 Everything is inherently without meaning. Except for the meaning we create. We think in stories and stories steer our lives. We ultimately expect to find meaning in our lives by editing our stories, by freely mixing and  matching our decisions to create a narrative authentic to us.and others. Our minds crave control, so we direct our stories so we can feel safe. We want guided control along with freedom to create our own meaning, our own story; we want the illusion of control. 

People believe in things as long as there's a reason and evidence to  believe them. For entrepreneurs and other risk takers desire fuels belief, especially in their ability to control their destiny, and through thoughtful and determined action. Desire drives belief which motivates people to seek out information and act in certain ways that help them attain those desires. What we believe is what we desire, and what we desire is ultimately what we do. 

What They Do

The essential first step to changing people's behavior is to understand their perspectives and embrace their dreams and beliefs. Everything else flows naturally from there. It takes having an intuitive sense for the reality in which people live. Great designers design new beliefs. 

People are drawn across the bridge to belief by their anticipation of a better experience and a better life.  

Effective leaders ignite people's imaginations. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more you are a leader. Simplify the belief process by eliminating difficulties and competing options on our attention. 

Belief is a result of experience and repetition, both within and without, which makes our actions feel familiar and safe. We teach belief by believing in others, and they in turn increase belief themselves. It's behavior rather than understanding that best influences our beliefs. We must not only know we are on the right path in life, but we must feel and be affected by it. Your best argument is always yourself, your exuberance, your vitality, your passion, your belief. The person most confident in himself gains the confidence of others. Be willing to express confidence with boldness and passion. 

Learn to control emotional impulses, when to speak or not, when to respond to an email or not. Conceal the how, and keep that a mystery.  People despise reality, but love what appears to be true. Make us feel comfortable, invested, and in complete control... a blend of passion, creativity, self-awareness and impulse control. So when the task is accomplished people will say, we did it ourselves. 

What You Can Do

We must believe everything we think, and question the validity of our lazy assumptions. We must break the happy trance of our present beliefs and create new thinking. Insanity may be doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the same results. If it ain't broke yet, it may be time to fix it. Watch and really wonder. Question and fully explore. Be driven by curiosity and passion. Have the wisdom and courage to follow your heart. You are not your history. Forget what you have done; forget what others are doing. What are you passionate about, now go do that. That's who you are. 

We are moved by our perceptions, by our immediate concerns and desires.

Made the choice first and allow that choice to direct your thoughts, inform your instincts, your feelings, your perceptions. Those who surpass a reality, begin with belief. Driven by a sense of purpose.

 In baseball the batters response to seeing a pitch and his physical response is about 450 milliseconds. Whereas, a major league pitcher's throw from hand to catcher is about 400 milliseconds. So how can a batter hit a ball as the speed exceeds the batters ability to see(perception), feel, think(cognition) and swing(decision and action). Instead of allowing perception, their present reality, to drive their actions, they begin with belief. Belief surpasses natural ability.

Breakthrough thinking is about belief, then a person's perception. Conviction then action, heart then head. Seeing isn't believing, believing is seeing. Act as if you already have it. Your actions will convince your mind. Influence your attitude by controlling your actions. Change your behavior and your behavior will change your mind.

 You never change things by fighting your existing reality. To change something build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete. To change your beliefs change your behavior. Comfort is an illusion, a fantasy that imagines freedom from pain and suffering if only we stay still and avoid change. Say no to short-term comforting activities and say yes to fear, passion and leadership.  A single dream is more powerful than a thousand realities. Reality is for wimps.

More from Tom Asacker: 

 http://www.acleareye.com/

The Scriptures tell us to put our faith and trust in God. We can believe the promises He has for us in the Bible and put our hope and trust in His Promises
By making this the basis of our belief we rely on God's Power beyond our own. So our faith combined with faith in God and counting on His Spirit at work, we can live very hope-filled lives. We can expect results beyond our own abilities and skills.

When we combine our faith with the faith of others, it compounds again. In Leviticus is says five will chase a hundred and a hundred will chase ten thousand (Leviticus 26:8). Jesus said where two or three agree or work in unity of minds and Spirit, we can expect what we believe for and agreeing together it will happen (Matthew 18:19).

So then no matter how bleak our circumstances may be, or how big the vision is we have, God can turn the most difficult circumstance around or make the biggest dream come true. It's believing in the One who makes everything, the One whose power is unmatchable by anything.  God tells Isaiah that you will not be called the city of desolation, but the city of God's Delight (Isaiah 62:4). The city will change from desolation to joy and laughter in the streets.

God is faithful and you can count on Him and He will turn ruins into prosperity. The Lord is Good and His faithfulness endures forever (Jeremiah 33:10-12).

With belief in God, who's goodness lasts always, His Spirit can take complete failure and loss and transform it into a joy, happiness, and abundance of every kind.

 His Spirit will open our graves and take what was dead and dried up, and turn it into life. He will take where hope has vanished, and rebirth new life of greater proportions than ever before. The Spirit of God will come alive in us and we will have a whole new, a completely whole life. Then you will know the Lord has done this and He has done what He said (Ezekiel 37:11-14).

When His Spirit resides in us, and we believe as teams, we can see big dreams fulfilled. What others see as pipe dreams, God's Inspired vision of grand ideas are possible for those who believe.

 It centers around our faith, unbending belief in God's Spirit at work in our lives. He constantly watches over us and everything He says in the Bible is true.

 We can count on every promise He has made in His Word. Every day read the Bible until you find a promise that seems to leap out at you... note it and recite it to yourself throughout the day. Do this everyday.  Faith, belief as solid as steel will encompass you.

Jesus summed it up, "Anything is possible if a person believes." (Mark 9:23) "Where two or three agree, what you ask will be done for you." (Matt. 18:19) Nothing is too big, too hard, too complicated for God.

When You Pray.... always pray before decisions

by Dale Shumaker

www.spiritsavvy.net

4spirit@gmail.com

When in a business venture of any kind, prayer will add an additional substantial dimension to your business decision making and power to resolve critical situations. 

 

Isaiah said to Hezekiah that because he prayed to the Lord of Heavens Armies, God will respond with His might to come against his enemies (Isaiah 37). This is the lesson for all of us when faced with a decision. Ask God first, and He will respond to our requests. How do you pray... here's how to make prayer work in all we do, and see His Power at work in our efforts. 

 

When You Pray by Dr. J. Robert Ashcroft is a great fundamental study on learning the art of prayer. It is easy to follow and practical in how he explains it. It is a teaching manual intended to train the reader in the skill of prayer, and live in the prayer experience as a working part of life, and seeing results actualized in your life, business, career, relationships. 

 

 In this summary, be sure to note the last couple chapters on group prayer and the Power of the Holy Spirit in prayer. 

1. Think about God when you pray.

God will teach you to pray. It starts by doing it. God is good and he wants to answer your prayers and wants you to come to Him in prayer. God loves you and responds as a Father. God can do anything, and wants to help you regardless how difficult of a situation you may be in.

2. Come to God the right way.
Pray in Jesus' Name. Jesus tells us to use His authority in prayer. We should hold an attitude of respect, thankfulness, confidence, humility and repentance, forgiving and loving others, sincerity and earnestness. We can pray anywhere and in any position... kneeling, standing, laying down. A pattern to follow is the Lord's prayer using it as an outline for addressing current conditions of your life.

3. Listen to God when you pray.

God wants to talk to you. He speaks through life experiences, people, circumstances, visions, dreams and messages by others. Especially listen for God when you read the Bible. And when you feel God is speaking to you through people, places or events, always go back to the Bible to make sure it is consistent with the Bible.

4. Use God's Word when you pray.
Use the Bible as a guide. Many times when reading a verse it will come alive as meant for you. This is a way God speaks to you. Use the Bible to strengthen your faith, so you believe He will answer you. Use Bible verses when you pray and make them personal by using your name in them. God's promises are like a promissory note or bank check from Heaven... pay to the order of (every believer) the sum of (your needs). Act in faith as you believe He is answering your prayer, and keep on believing it is so.

5. Think about others when you pray.
Look at the needs of others. Pray for your family and others. He tells us what to do, tells others what to do, tells angels what to do, He works in nature, circumstances, in us and defeats evil powers. He works miracles.

6.Join with others when you pray.

Pray with a friend. Pray with you family.

Pray in a group. When praying in a group keep this in mind.

--Begin by singing together or listing to worship music.

--Have a brief time of reading the Scriptures, especially that encourage faith.

--Have some share testimonies of how God has answered a prayer in their life. This encourages us to pray for the needs of others.

--Encourage those with special needs to share them with the group.

--Then encourage everyone to take part in praying for needs and praying for others as the Lord may lead.

Small groups of around 10 or less work well so everyone can participate. These groups can be held at home, an office, or any place where there is privacy and people feel comfortable.  Many find a small group has great benefits for prayer as needs can be shared, prayed for, and faith is enlarged to see miracles in lives.  

 

 7. Let the Holy Spirit help you.
Listen to the Spirit's voice. The Spirit speaks to us in a two-way conversation. When in Spirit we can trust our thoughts to be of Spirit as we converse. Of course, Scriptures come alive too as if talking just to us. 

 

 In many cases we may let the Spirit speak through us. Some call this a prayer language as we feel a language moving through our lips. When your Spirit prays, it many times is this expression. "Speaking in Tongues" is what the Bible calls this. Let the Spirit pray through you in this way. Then as you get mental impressions, act through God's power. 

 

 Live by the Spirit and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. Seek His will in all matters. The Holy Spirit will give you victory over Satan. Know The Spirit demolishes all earthly strongholds, so be obedient to what the Spirit is telling you. Jude 1:20 says to build yourself up in your holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 

 

When Your Pray is a publication of Global University. 

 http://www.globaluniversity.edu/sed_index.cfm 

and available as part of their Christian Life series.