Random musings: November 2018

Friday, November 30, 2018

The week in review - November 30, 2018

Monday - "Are you sending holiday cards this year?" A valid question for this time of year. "I'm really amazed at how many people aren't sending holiday cards this year! It wasn't that many years ago that you could count on getting a card from just about everyone you knew. What's changed?"

Tuesday - "Breakfast Basics: How to Make Better Eggs" From The Art of Manliness. "It's really important to get your egg making skills up to snuff since Bacon Day is coming up in about a month! So, be sure to watch for a report on how to make bacon soon."

Wednesday - "Are you giving your clients away to your competition?" Probably. "And now your current clients are someone else's prospects...being wined and dined, and told how wonderful they are...while hearing nothing from you!"

Thursday - "Team building #TBT" Not the kind of team building you're thinking of. "And since "Time is money" maybe we can treat them both similarly"

Interesting days

Today - Systems Engineer Day, Computer Security Day, Mason Jar Day, Stay Home Because You’re Well Day, Mousse Day and A Blue Christmas

December - Pear Month, Tie Month, Food Service Safety Month, Human Rights Month, Write a Business Plan Month and Operation Santa Paws

Tomorrow - World AIDS Day, Eat A Red Apple Day, Day Without Art Day and A Blue Christmas

Next Friday - International Civil Aviation Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Cotton Candy Day, Bartender Appreciation Day and A Blue Christmas

December 30 - Bacon Day, Bicarbonate of Soda Day and A Blue Christmas

December 31 - No Interruptions Day, Make Up Your Mind Day, Champagne Day and A Blue Christmas

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Team building #TBT

Today's blog post was originally published two years ago:

You may notice a theme here this week. I was taking a class at work on Sunday night about team building, so this week is going to be variations on a theme.

I'm sure most of us can use more of each of these. And I'm going to talk about how to get more today and tomorrow.

Although we technically can't get any more time, since there are only 24 hours in a day, we can choose how we spend that time more wisely.

And since "Time is money" maybe we can treat them both similarly...in fact I did a blog post on "How to Invest Your Time Like Money", so not only is a penny saved, a penny earned but a second saved is a second earned. Spend your time and money wisely and keep an eye on your ROI, and you'll end up with more of each.

But what about energy? What can we do to have more energy?

I read a book quite a while ago called "Calm Energy" which talks about how to reduce stress and increase energy mostly through diet and exercise. I probably should read it again since I'm doing poorly with both, although I've just started walking more. And maybe start doing yoga again to help relax and to stretch this old body.

So, my final thoughts are:

Read "Calm Energy" to boost your energy and reduce stress
Spend your money wisely and find a way to make more if possible. I have a fun and easy way to make some extra money, if you're interested
Spend your time wisely. Read the blog that I linked to above. And there's a link to another excellent article on "Why you should track your time like you track your money" under Show Highlights

Tune in tomorrow for more.

Interesting days

Today - Electronic Greetings Day, Throw Out Your Leftovers Day, Square Dancing Day, Chocolates Day, Lemon Cream Pie Day and A Blue Christmas The problem with electronic greetings is that so many people's inbox looks something like this:

So, even if it doesn't go to die in the spam folder it may end up in a mailbox that's already overfilled. But with the new SendOutCards app, it's as easy to send a real greeting card as it is to send an electronic greeting

Tomorrow - Systems Engineer Day, Computer Security Day, Mason Jar Day, Stay Home Because You’re Well Day, Mousse Day and A Blue Christmas

Next Thursday - Miners’ Day, Mitten Tree Day, Pawnbrokers Day, St. Nicholas Day, Put On Your Own Shoes Day and A Blue Christmas

December 29 - Tick Tock Day, Pepper Pot Day and A Blue Christmas Here's a recipe for Pepper Pot Soup

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Are you giving your clients away to your competition?

"Of course not," you say. "I'm doing everything I can to keep them!" But are you? "I love my clients and they love me." Do they know that?

Let me ask you this: when you started your business did you immediately have all the clients you needed? I'm guessing probably not. You had to work for them. Work hard. It wasn't always easy to convince them to leave the person they were doing business with and to start doing business with you. But why did they leave? It may have been because of your price or level of service but usually it's because they think the person they were doing business with didn't care about them anymore. When they were a prospect they were wined and dined, and told how wonderful they were. Now, they don't hear anything at all from them except maybe a request to buy more of their stuff.

And now your current clients are someone else's prospects...being wined and dined, and told how wonderful they are...while hearing nothing from you!

It's said that 68% of customers leave because of perceived indifference...combine that with the 9% who leave because they are persuaded to go with the competition, you have more than three-quarters going away and probably to your competition.

Another statistic is that you lose 10% of your influence for every month that your clients don't hear from you. At first, your client may say "I have a guy (or gal)" but after a few months they're not so sure. It also takes 5 - 12 exposures for someone to make a buying decision. If your competitors reach out to them 5 - 12 times and they haven't heard from you in awhile, then guess what?

So, what can you do about it? I suggest making a list of your top 100 clients and if you don't have that many, then include your prospects and influencers that you know and reach out to them several times a year, if not every month. And the easiest way to do that is with a system like SendOutCards. SendOutCards lets you reach out to your list automatically...you just have to create your list and then decide what cards you want the system to send to them...automatically.

Interesting days

Today - French Toast Day and A Blue Christmas

Tomorrow - Electronic Greetings Day, Throw Out Your Leftovers Day, Square Dancing Day, Chocolates Day, Lemon Cream Pie Day and A Blue Christmas

Next Wednesday - International Ninja Day, Bathtub Party Day, World Soil Day, Repeal Day, Sachertorte Day and A Blue Christmas

December 28 - Card Playing Day, Faux Fur Friday and A Blue Christmas

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Breakfast Basics: How to Make Better Eggs

Eggs are always a good topic. Today's blog post is inspired by The Art of Manliness.

In my opinion, eggs are one of your best resources in the morning. Full of quality protein, virtually carb-free, and packed with vitamins and minerals, they make the ultimate breakfast food. Don’t be too swayed by the cholesterol scares of the 1980s; eating the whole egg–not just the whites–has actually been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and to improve good cholesterol levels. Eggs are a fantastic food for men who are looking to get in shape; they help build your muscles, and they keep you satiated for a long time. A study showed that men who ate eggs instead of carb-rich bagels for breakfast consumed less calories over the course of the day.

I'm of the same opinion, although this sounds just like me:

Yet, for all of their greatness and simplicity, I know a lot of guys who mess up even a basic scrambled egg. Their eggs are edible, but not incredible. Since we’ve been focusing our efforts on getting back to the basics in the kitchen, I wanted to share my thoughts and techniques on getting the most out of this versatile food.

My fried eggs never seem to be able to exit the pan smoothly, although it may be because my non-stick pan is in need of replacing, They offer tips on how to scramble, fry, poach and boil eggs. Although I'm not a big fan of poached eggs. Another really handy way to make eggs is with the Breakfast Sandwich Maker from Pampered Chef. Check out this video!

It's really important to get your egg making skills up to snuff since Bacon Day is coming up in about a month! So, be sure to watch for a report on how to make bacon soon.

Interesting days

Today - Craft Jerky Day, Pins And Needles Day, Bavarian Cream Pie Day, Giving Tuesday and A Blue Christmas

Tomorrow - French Toast Day and A Blue Christmas

Next Tuesday - Wear Brown Shoes Day, Dice Day, World Wildlife Conservation Day, Cab Franc Day, Cookie Day, International Cheetah Day and A Blue Christmas

December 27 - Make Cut-out Snowflakes Day, Fruitcake Day, Visit The Zoo Day and A Blue Christmas

Monday, November 26, 2018

Are you sending holiday cards this year?

I'm really amazed at how many people aren't sending holiday cards this year! It wasn't that many years ago that you could count on getting a card from just about everyone you knew. What's changed?

I think part of what's changed is social media: You may feel that social media brings us closer together and in a way it does, but all of those connections disappear when you turn your phone or computer off. And who prints out a tweet or a post and puts it on the mantle above the stockings?

And people seem to think that they're too busy to send cards. If you've got time to post or tweet, you have time to send a card. That's literally how long it takes to send a card! Or maybe you feel that it's too old fashioned in this high tech world. It's just the opposite...many younger people don't know what it feels like to get something in the mail. This could be something new for them.

I think you're doing a disservice to yourself, your family and friends by not reaching out to them not only during this time of year but all year long.

Take a look at this video that shares 10 years of Christmas cards featuring the additions to the family over the years!

If you're in business, holiday cards are one of the three main ways to reach out to your customers, clients and prospects. And if you're not in business, you have the same three ways to stay in touch with your friends and loved ones. And with relationship marketing there's really no difference between customers, clients, prospects, friends and loved ones.

So, take advantage of the holiday incentives that I offered last week and reach out this holiday season.

Interesting days

Today - Cake Day, Cyber Monday and A Blue Christmas

Tomorrow - Craft Jerky Day, Pins And Needles Day, Bavarian Cream Pie Day, Giving Tuesday and A Blue Christmas

Next Monday - Make A Gift Day, Roof Over Your Head Day, Disability Day, Walt Disney Day and A Blue Christmas

December 26 - Thank You Note Day, Candy Cane Day and A Blue Christmas

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Your weekend guide to interesting days - November 24, 2018

Friday, November 23, 2018

The week in review - November 23, 2018

Monday - "Achieving Your Potential " From Harvey Mackay. "But you are ultimately responsible for your own success, in both your career and personal life. What do you really hope to accomplish in your life? And do you have a plan for getting there?"

Tuesday - "Two holiday card sending incentives" You should read this before you decide whether to send holiday cards or not. "Holiday card sending incentive #2...if you do a few activities during the next 4 weeks, you can win $200, $300 or even $500"

Wednesday - "Happy #HelloDay" Hello. "Alexander Graham Bell initially wanted the standard phone greeting to be “ahoy!” which is a ship hailing call that dates back at least until the 1700s."

Thursday - "Look on the bright side #TBT" Another from Harvey Mackay! "Mackay’s Moral: Take control of your attitude before it takes control of you."

Interesting days

Today - Fibonacci Day, Flossing Day, Day of Listening, Black Friday, You’re Welcome Giving Day, Sinkie Day, Cashew Day, Maize Day, Eat A Cranberry Day, Systems Engineer Day, Espresso Day, Buy Nothing Day and A Blue Christmas

Tomorrow - Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day, Sardines Day, Small Business Saturday (US) and A Blue Christmas

Next Friday - Computer Security Day, Mason Jar Day, Stay Home Because You’re Well Day, Mousse Day and A Blue Christmas

December 23 - Festivus, Roots Day and A Blue Christmas

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Look on the bright side #TBT

Today's blog post was originally published two years ago:

This post comes from Harvey Mackay:

Ten-year-old Billy stumbled while boarding the school bus one morning and bruised his cheek on the stair But he got up, brushed himself off, looked out at his dad, who was at the bus stop, and gave him a thumbs-up.

Later that morning the school nurse called his father and said Billy had an accident at school. He ran into another student during a gym class and had a bump on his forehead but was okay. The nurse said Billy seemed more concerned about the other student.

At the end of the day as Billy was heading for the school bus, he slipped on some ice and broke his wrist trying to catch his fall. When his father arrived at the hospital he found his son chatting away with the nurses.

He said, “Dad, look,” as he clutched a dollar bill.
I found this when I fell. Today is my lucky day.”

Life and our circumstances are all about how we think of them. And for most of us working stiffs, our circumstances include making a living, sometimes at a job or career that occupies a big bite of our time. Shouldn’t that big bite taste good?

Career success is an ongoing journey, not a destination. You’ve got to show up every day and concentrate consistently on the activities that lead to achievement. You can keep moving forward from goal to goal, but your job satisfaction and performance will suffer if you don’t bring your best attitude to work.

Insurance magnate and author W. Clement Stone said: “There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” By the way, Stone lived this philosophy to a ripe old age of 100.

If you recognize some negative traits invading your attitude, take some action before it’s too late. Don’t waste time when you’ve got a problem to solve or an idea to put into action. A rapid response gets attention and builds excitement.

Focus on the bright side. Emphasize what you genuinely enjoy about your job and the people you work with, and express your gratification as much as you can.

Keep your eye on results. It’s easy to fall into routines and patterns that emphasize the process instead of the outcome. Learn the rules, but apply them with an eye on what you want to achieve.

Check your use of language, and change it when necessary. This includes inner talk and outer talk. Change your negative words and thoughts into positive ones.

Understand that some days will be more challenging, but don’t fall back into bad habits. Turn negatives into positives. Don’t obsess over obstacles and setbacks. Treat failures as an opportunity to spot mistakes and move forward.

Ultimately, the only control you have in life is over yourself, your thoughts, actions, responses and behaviors. Don’t fixate over what you can’t control; concentrate on what you can.

You’ll stay positive if you remind yourself of what you already possess. Spend some time every day thinking about your health, your family and friends and the advantages you have, instead of focusing on what you lack.

And after you have given serious consideration to all this advice, you are still unable to conjure up a good attitude toward your job or career choice, find another line of work and quickly! You aren’t doing yourself, or the people around you, any favors by staying in a situation that will only get worse.

It’s up to you to fix what you can, and that starts with your attitude. Don’t sell yourself short You deserve better.

When it comes to having a winning attitude, think about the story of the taxpayer and the IRS tax auditor, who was reviewing the taxpayer’s records. While the auditor worked through the papers, the taxpayer shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

The auditor adjusted his glasses and said, “Mr. Smith, we at the IRS feel it’s a great privilege to live and work in the United States. And as a U.S. citizen, you have an obligation to pay taxes. And we expect you to pay them eagerly with a smile.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Mr. Smith said, wearing a giant grin on his face. “I thought you were going to want me to pay with cash.”

Mackay’s Moral: Take control of your attitude before it takes control of you.

Interesting days

Today - Thanksgiving, Go For A Ride Day, Cranberry Relish Day, Day of Mourning, Turkey Free Thanksgiving, Beaujolais Nouveau Day and A Blue Christmas

Tomorrow - Fibonacci Day, Flossing Day, Day of Listening, Black Friday, You’re Welcome Giving Day, Sinkie Day, Cashew Day, Maize Day, Eat A Cranberry Day, Systems Engineer Day, Espresso Day, Buy Nothing Day and A Blue Christmas

Next Thursday - Electronic Greetings Day, Throw Out Your Leftovers Day, Square Dancing Day, Chocolates Day, Lemon Cream Pie Day and A Blue Christmas

December 22 - Date Nut Bread Day, Forefathers' Day and A Blue Christmas

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Happy #HelloDay

Why do we say hello? I came across this article on Facebook and thought I'd share it with you today.

As it turns out “hello” is a relatively new word. In use by the end of the 19th century, the phrase and the concept were quite revolutionary at the time. Back in the 1800s it was considered extremely rude to speak to people you had not been introduced to yet and so the conundrum of what to do when speaking on the telephone (to strangers) was a real head scratcher for the folks at telephone companies.

There were other choices for the preferred telephony greeting:

Alexander Graham Bell initially wanted the standard phone greeting to be “ahoy!” which is a ship hailing call that dates back at least until the 1700s. But, there were a few other suggestions put forth by other telephone manufacturers, some of which were printed in the manuals which accompanied new telephone installations.

“Are you there?”

“Are you ready to talk?”

“What is wanted?”

If Bell didn't come up with the telephone greeting, who did?

In 1877 Thomas Edison, competitor of Bell, pushed for “hello” and very quickly won the unofficial battle.

But how did it evolve from just a telephone greeting?

The word “hello” came to be a common greeting as the popularity of the phone skyrocketed (again the phone user manuals had a huge impact when they suggested this new and simple word). “Hello” came to be used not only used for phone conversations, but on the street as well. This informality was necessary as one could not keep to all of the many rules of 19th century etiquette while efficiently making phone calls. But, it also meant a shift in how formal introductions and rules of class and etiquette were seen.

“Hi” was in use as an exclamation (as a variant of “hey”) as early as the middle ages, but it wouldn’t catch on as the even less formal version of “hello” until the early 20th century. By 1922 the word “hi” was referenced in etiquette books as far too informal of a greeting when meeting new people, but acceptable for friends and family.

And what about ending a call?

Interesting takes on how to end a phone call were also thrown around at the time and included “God be with you” and “that is all” among the now-familiar phrase “goodbye.”

I don't see a #GoodbyeDay, so we probably won't delve into that topic!

Interesting days

Today - World Hello Day, of course. It's also Stuffing Day, False Confession Day, Red Mitten Day, Tie One On Day, Jukebox Day and World Television Day

Tomorrow - Thanksgiving, Go For A Ride Day, Cranberry Relish Day, Day of Mourning, Turkey Free Thanksgiving, Beaujolais Nouveau Day and A Blue Christmas

Next Wednesday - French Toast Day and A Blue Christmas

December 21 - Humbug Day, Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, Crossword Puzzle Day, Short Girl Appreciation Day, International Dalek Remembrance Day, Underdog Day, Look On The Bright Side Day, Ribbon Candy Day, Flashlight Day, Short Story Day, Don’t Make Your Bed Day
and A Blue Christmas

Subscribe To

Friday, November 30, 2018

Interesting days

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Interesting days

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Interesting days

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Interesting days

Monday, November 26, 2018

Interesting days

Saturday, November 24, 2018

This week

Next week

Next month

Friday, November 23, 2018

Interesting days

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Interesting days

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Interesting days