Dear diary inspiration

Observations and opinions

The following is a list that was written by someone I consider a mentor, friend, and a role model. He wrote this for his friend that had came to him for advice. He is a caring family man, a devoted man of God, unintentionally hysterically funny, and a very successful businessman with a ton of wisdom on life in general. He has “been there, done that”, which means his advice and wisdom doesn’t only come from the many books he has read, but (in my opinion) more importantly, it comes from his experience, and his trial and error.
He shared this list with Michael and I a few months ago, and I absolutely love it. He has given me his blessing to share it with you:

Observations and Opinions

1. Pursue something you have a passion or interest in or you will not put the time in to be successful.
2. “Burn the Boats” for a specific time period. (this reference comes from the book “You Can Negotiate Anything”)
3. Why do you want to do it?
4. What happens if you don’t do it?
5. Who benefits other than yourself?
6. What are the risks? Write them down.
7. What are the rewards? Write them down.
8. What are the opportunity costs?
9. Give your customers, suppliers, partners and employees more than they expect!
10. Do a budget – quarterly, semi-annual, and annual
11. Keep score! Monthly financial statements!
12. Do what you say you will do.
13. Be on time.
14. Build in reserves in regards to time, thought, and finances
15. Under promise, and over perform.
16. Budget forecast = Sales -20%, costs +20%, = Profit/2
17. Have a positive social impact.
18. Work hard! Few things replace perseverance.
19. Get second and third opinions from lawyers and accountants.
20. Say no to time thieves.
21. Anticipate obstacles and set backs. Write them down and plan to overcome.
22. Do the most important things first.
23. Save the detail work for your daily mental peak.
24. Take time to sharpen the saw.
25. If you get married, make certain that your spouse is like minded.
26. Do not marry if you plan on changing your spouse (their qualities, etc)
27. Take an aptitude test.
28. Take a personality test, and be honest with yourself.
29. Focus on your strengths.
30. Be moral.
31. Pay close attention to hygiene and dress.
32. Eliminate or reduce excessive behavior.
33. Develop positive images and expectations.
34. Read a variety of career and personal related books.
35. Get lots of liability insurance and personal umbrella coverage.
36. Do not reveal financial details to all but a few close friends and associates.
37. Business is very emotional. Smooth out the mood swings.
38. Banks will negotiate! Take your plan to 7 – 10 banks or investors if you need funding.
39. Get verbal agreements in writing ASAP
40. Bad news gets worse with age.
41. Most growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
42. Tithe.
43. Pray, pray boldy, pray specifically, pray for the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11)
44. Be a good listener.
45. Imitate successful competitors.
46. Be innovative.
47. Lots of research and development.
48. Abandon what is not working.
49. Regularly audit your customers and suppliers.
50. Send typed and written letters.
51. Business is seldom as bad or as good as you think it is for long term considerations.
52. Our Father created the universe.
53. Hang around people you want to be like.
54. Go to church.
55. Get organized! Throw out, give away, or donate (tax deductible) things you don’t need or use.
56. Do a daily task list.
57. Look for opportunities in the adversity.
58. Learn and practice the art of public speaking.
59. Hand out lots of business cards.
60. Learn to be an excellent conversationalist.
61. Remember the “Five Steps of Persuasion” (Find something to agree on. Give supportive evidence. Give the alternative. Give why your alternative has validity. Hit them with the “Zinger”!)
62. Remember most people like to talk about themselves. Be personable and ask them questions. (From the book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. A must-read!)
63. Be thankful.
64. Enjoy the journey!
65. Fast.
66. Focus on time management.
67. Time = life.
68. Set periodic “Super Weeks”
69. Do something you have never done before. (Steve frequently challenges us to “think a thought you’ve never thought before.“)
70. Call me with your inspiration, thoughts, questions or comments. (I’m sure he really would welcome your call!)
71. Share your wisdom with others.

Written by Steve Keck on May 21, 2007

 

2 Comments

  • Reply
    Marisa
    July 30, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    Great List!! I am really bad at #59…people get soooo offended when you give them a card to train them-LOL Haven't figured out a nice way around that one yet.

  • Reply
    Gordon Wayne Watts
    December 29, 2011 at 7:43 am

    Good points, Steve…

    It is funny (coincidental, ironic) that you listed 43 and 44 in succession:
    43. Pray, pray boldy, pray specifically, pray for the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11)
    44. Be a good listener.

    I would add that not only listen, but to try to listen to The Spirit of God speaking to us … it's hard, but not impossible.

    A) The sheep are supposed to know His voice:
    B) He has us in his hand, and protected (John chapter 10)
    C) Jesus is not only saviour, but also role model & example to encourage us how to "hang in there": John 13:15; 1st Peter 2:21 –and He is also our advocate (1st John 2:1-2) and healer, and good friend, etc.

    We need good friends. 🙂

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