Over the next week or so, I will focus this newsletter on helping individuals prepare for the looming war against recession. I’m addressing recession as war because it will be a series of battles, it will take varying strategies including when to be on the defensive and when to be on the offensive, and it will mean fighting for small victories in order to survive when the fight is over.
I address recession as war because we’ll never know what’s going to hit us next, we won’t know where and when the next battle will occur, and we will not know the casualties until the dust settles on a particular battle or possibly, on multiple battles at one time. And, just like a war where allied forces may be fighting right alongside, it will be necessary to be aware and cognizant of how the war will be affecting them.
In order to win each battle, and ultimately, the war itself, we will need to minimize our losses. We’ll need to protect our position and territory. We will need to be prepared!
Looking ahead, now is the time to fortify our arsenal, assessing what must be repaired or replaced. We must evaluate our skills, improving as necessary and learning new skills, as well. We must rally our troops and ensure all who will be helping us are properly trained and have the necessary firepower for combat. Essentially, we must plan for the inevitable fight ahead.
Today, we will address personal branding. As the leader of your company or brand, and of your efforts to generate revenue and achieve profitability, your personal brand must be rock-solid. Maintaining a strong personal brand will mean those around you and those you’re trying to attract to do business with (clients, prospective clients, vendors & suppliers, bankers, stakeholders, etc.) will have or will start building confidence in taking the next steps with you.
A fortified personal brand will help establish and showcase your values, mission and vision – the reasons for fighting to not only survive, but to thrive. It will help you stand out from competitors. It will help attract others that will want to work with you, for you and alongside you – strengthening you network, one that will be full of resources!
Recently, I published a series of articles about personal branding, so let’s start there. Below please find links to the various articles. Moving forward, we will progressively build our arsenal. We are in this fight together with a common goal of ensuring we have survived (and possibly even have thrived) when the dust settles.
Economic uncertainty. Recession. Failing business. All would certainly depict challenging times, if not devastating times. For most, these are unchartered waters. Certainly, giving up is not the answer. Or, at the very least, it shouldn’t be the only option. So, how can personal branding help navigate through rough seas until the waters calm down again?
The process of personal branding involves finding your uniqueness, building a reputation on the things you want to be known for, and then allowing yourself to be known for them. Ultimately, the goal is to create something that conveys a message and that can be monetized.
For this article, my thoughts wandered back to 2012 when I presented at the Franchise Brokers Association Conference & Expo. My presentation was appropriately titled, Personal Branding for Franchise Brokers. I recall many questions that essentially asked the same thing – What is personal branding and why is it important to me as a franchise broker or franchise salesperson (or business development professional)?
“Your personal brand is a promise to your clients… a promise of quality, consistency, competency, and reliability.” – Jason Hartman
The future may be a bit bumpy for some, more so for others. Knowing who to turn to and when to turn to for guidance and help is important. Having resources at your disposal is also important. So, if you hit a wall, for whatever reason, please feel free to reach out to me for assistance or even if you just need someone to talk to. Please do not hesitate. You can reach me right here on LinkedIn, by email to Paul@Acceler8Success.com, and by phone or text at (832) 797-9851. Learn more about Acceler8Success Group at Acceler8Success.com and also at Entrepreneurship411.com.
I think I hit a nerve yesterday, or maybe just poked a sleeping bear as I’ve had a number of people reach out to me, anxious to share their perspective on what it would take to work through current economic uncertainty, and most likely, through a recession. What really encouraged me was their positivity – across the board!
All have already begun developing strategies and deploying action plans; ones that are already seeing positive results from staff involvement to a slight sales increase. They were all quite optimistic that, we can do this, we got this. I certainly did not anticipate such optimism when I published yesterday’s article, but I’m definitely encouraged by the responses. More so, I’m intrigued by their desire to share their experiences.
You see, it wasn’t a nerve that I hit, or a bear that I poked. Instead, it was providing a vehicle, a platform where ideas and results could be shared in a positive manner. It felt almost contagious. Interestingly, the interaction was for the most part, directly with me by LinkedIn message, email and in one case, by text. Mostly, the remarks shared through the newsletter’s comments section were niceties – nice share, good stuff, great questions. A few did mention that it was good reminder to be an eagle rather than a duck.
But why contact me directly? Why not just post comments in the section provided at the bottom of the article?
Personally, it was due to what I believe is wrong with social media. Well, one of the things. If comments are shared in social media, and yes, LinkedIn is part of social media, those posting, and commenting run the risk of having to defend their position. Or possibly, just get bombarded by naysayers who could care less about hearing any defense or clarification.
I strongly believe those that contacted me directly wanted more than to just share their thoughts. They wanted interaction. They also wanted validation their actions were correct. As well, I believe a few wanted a pat on the back and an attaboy! But I felt there was even more to it – they were all excited to share their experience. That, in and of itself, made me proud of the effort I’m putting forward with the Acceler8Success Cafe platform.
There’s a long way to go to achieving my goals for the Acceler8Success Cafe newsletter on LinkedIn, as well as for other Acceler8Success Cafe projects, but I’m excited to be making progress. Good progress. And especially since I’ve committed to sharing articles and other information each day.
Just like an experience at your local cafe, my long-term goal for Acceler8Success Cafe is to be your virtual cafe. A place of community. A place where you may frequently visit to enjoy a few minutes to yourself to be conveniently located when you desire or need to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and catch up on some reading.
And a place where you can turn to others going through similar challenges. A place where you will not be judged or intimidated. A place where you can learn from the experience of others that have been there and done that. A place where you can also help others!
I’d like the experience to be memorable by providing learning opportunities, by presenting a different perspective & insight, by spurring thought & reflection, by encouraging interaction, and by spotlighting topics that, frankly, may not be as front and center as they should or need to be.
You’re making it worth the effort, and I appreciate that. I also appreciate how the newsletter is being shared and the number of subscribers increases every day. For that, I’m honored and proud to keep moving forward, knowing that I may be helping someone or making a difference in someone’s life by continuing to build Acceler8Success Cafe.
To that end, I look forward to your comments, ideas and perspective as together, we strive to succeed. Thank you!
Last week I heard about what I believe to be extremely disheartening results to a recent Gallup poll: Fewer than 4 in 10 – 38% – of adults said they were “extremely” proud to be Americans. The 38% of proud Americans is well below the average of 55% since the question has been asked. In fact, prior to 2015, Gallup had never found those expressing “extreme” pride lower than 55%.
I’ve been speechless since first learning of these results. Certainly, I do not want to be political in trying to share my thoughts. Maybe what I’m missing is a clear understanding of what it means to be American? No, that’s not it. I believe I know it all too well. But possibly I’m just thinking of my own beliefs, and my own interpretation of being American. One that is based upon tradition and what has been reinforced in my mind from my early years.
I reflect upon the many conversations I’ve had with individuals that have become U.S. citizens after immigrating to the U.S. All had expressed their love for America and the opportunities that have been repeatedly put before them. Opportunities that they’ve made sure to capitalize on.
Many of them own their own homes. Several own multiple homes. Many own their own businesses with a few owning a number of locations. Their children have gone on to complete college or have established businesses themselves. I have found most are community leaders – community being within a residential area, within a business group, within a church, within their extended family, and within their ever-expanding network of friends and acquaintances.
Regardless of their ethnicity, I have found them to have similar thoughts, and similar thoughts about being American. That got me thinking… What is the consensus across our country? Not from a poll or survey but from a pointed question about what it means to “be American”. So, I researched it using Google Search with the question, “What does it mean to be American?” Here are some of the results:
What Does It Mean to “Be American”?
In 2014, New York Times reporter Damien Cave traveled the length of highway I-35, which runs south to north through the middle of the United States, for his “The Way North” project. Along the way, he asked 35 people, “What does it mean to be American?”
Becoming American means following the rules. It means respecting your neighbors, in your own neighborhood. —Francine Sharp, 73, retired teacher in Kansas (born in Kansas)
If you work hard, you get good things in life. —José, college student/roofer; immigrant without legal status in Tulsa, Oklahoma (born in Mexico)
Being American is making a change and making good changes. Being American is being welcoming, being caring about other people, being proud of the country. And it’s forgiveness. It’s not holding grudges on anything—I mean, where’s that going to get you? —Natalie Villafranca, 14, in Texas (born in Dallas)
Being American means protection by the law. Anyone can say whatever they want and, even if I don’t agree with them, they’re still protected by the law it’s my job to enforce. That’s their freedom. That’s their right. —Sean Larkin, 40, sergeant with Tulsa Police Department’s gang unit in Tulsa, Oklahoma (born in Virginia)
Being American is red, white and blue and being free. It doesn’t matter what language you speak; if you’re born in America, you’re still American. No matter what you look like, no matter what. —Sebastien de la Cruz, 12, student who gained attention, and backlash, when he sang the national anthem during the 2013 NBA finals in a mariachi outfit (born and lives in San Antonio)
I want all girls, especially girls of color, to know that they can be a part of science. And more than that, they can be leaders in science. I want them to know that, because I know that I am America. That I am science. I’m just the part that people refuse to recognize. —Taylor R., 13, speaking about her ambitions at the March for Science in April 2017
Writing about the relationship of ethnicity and American identity, the historian Philip Gleason put it this way:
To be or to become an American, a person did not have to be any particular national, linguistic, religious, or ethnic background. All he had to do was to commit himself to the political ideology centered on the abstract ideals of liberty, equality, and republicanism. Thus, the universalist ideological character of American nationality meant that it was open to anyone who willed to become an American.
A high school student shared:
To me, being American is much more than just being an American citizen or living in American. It seems people in America have a responsibility, and an obligation to be the best person they can be. It’s part of being an American, and another part is doing your part to keep society running properly. One of the best things about this place we call home, is that the country is basically run completely by the people inside it. Another great thing about being an American is the ability to have the American dream. In an American Creed article by Forbes, the American dream is described as “anyone, through gumption and hard work, can achieve any degree of financial success.”
America was built on the idea that all men are created equal, and that there shall be liberty and justice for all. However, today our country is split into multiple sections, from our politics, races, and lifestyles. In the past, we still had close to the same diversity, but we were closer as a nation, and didn’t let problems split us apart, rather bring us closer together. Junger, in Tribe, also says, “intact communities are more likely to survive than fragmented ones.” Our nation needs to get back to how people lived community wise, at the beginning of time, where there were tight knit communities.
Being American means to be free and have equal opportunity. Also, to have the ability to do what you want, how you want, and where you want. The amendments are what give us those freedoms, like the freedom of speech, and the freedom of religion. We’ve strayed from our ideals created by the founding fathers, and became more individualistic, and selfish. America needs to get back to the idea that everyone is created equal.
As outlined on USVisaGroup.com:
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “American” as “of or relating to America” or “of or relating to the U.S. or its possessions or original territory. A web search for “the definition of American” reveals similar results – “relating to or characteristic of the United States or its inhabitants.” Or “a native or citizen of the United States.”
Defining what it means to be an American isn’t limited to a birthplace but rather a shared set of cultural values and responsibilities. In contrast, an American citizen refers to the legal status that entitles Americans to specific governmental rights and privileges.
Regardless of if you are an American or an American citizen, there are no official definitions that define an American as someone who looks a certain way, practices a particular religion, or speaks one specific language. As a result of shifts in society viewpoints, evolving international relationships, and economic developments, what it means to be American has continued to evolve since the first reference in 1568.
The American Dream
What often draws millions of immigrants to the United States and drives Americans’ ambition is the belief in the American Dream. The American Dream is the idea that everyone has the same opportunity to achieve their goals if they work hard. This idea captures the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize the United States and creates an attractive society for those aspiring to a better life.
Collectively, Americans believe in a standard set of ideals – democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality that guide the possibility of achieving the American Dream. According to Wikipedia, the American Dream represents “the freedom and the opportunity for prosperity and success, as well as upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers.”
In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.” This belief reflects the shared set of cultural values that define what it means to be an American.
A Shared Set of Values
The belief in the American Dream and living by a shared set of values are deeply embedded in the United States culture. Commonly held values help drive what it means to be an American, set a standard of what’s good and fair in society, and are critical to upholding a culture’s shared beliefs.
While not all Americans share the same views, most Americans share a common set of values. L. Robert Kohls, a renowned author dedicated to research on cultural values, developed a list of 13 commonly held American values:
Personal control over the environment: Americans believe that they are responsible for taking control of what happens to them. Fate or destiny does not play a part in how their lives turn out but rather hard work and initiative to pursue a better life.
Change is seen as natural and positive: Change is good and often associated with progress and improvement. To Americans, it’s essential to development and growth.
Time and its control: Time is considered an important commodity and needs to be used wisely. This philosophy has enabled Americans to be highly productive, and productivity is highly valued in the United States.
Equality and fairness: Americans believe that all people are “created equal” and should all have the equal opportunity to succeed. People are important as individuals, not from which family they come from.
Individualism and independence: Americans view themselves as highly individualistic in their thoughts and actions. They believe in the right to express their opinions anywhere at any time. Each person is a unique individual, and a high value is placed on personal style and action.
Self-help/initiative: Americans take pride in what they can accomplish as individuals, not a part of a collective or as a right of birth. Getting ahead requires individual effort.
Competition: Competition is seen as bringing out the best in an individual, and free enterprise leads to progress and produces success.
Future orientation: The past is devalued, and Americans believe that the future will be better and happier. They believe that “the best is yet to come.”
Action/work orientation: Americans emphasize “doing” and regard what one does for a living as part of their identity. Active engagement and planning are seen as valuable. “Don’t just stand there, do something” is a basic American attitude.
Informality: High emphasis is placed on a casual approach to many things, including social interactions, clothes, and communication styles.
Directness/openness/honesty: A preferred approach to negative information is directness, and Americans consider anything other than openness as dishonest and insincere. Honesty is equated with being blunt, and “telling it like it is” is often admired.
Practicality/efficiency: Practicality is given the highest priority when making important decisions. Americans try to avoid being “too sentimental” when making decisions.
Materialism/greed: Higher priority is given to obtaining, maintaining, and protecting material objects than developing and enjoying relationships with others. Material objects are viewed as benefits of hard work.
How Americans define “real Americans”
According to a poll by Grinnell College, when asked what it means to be a “real American,” most of those surveyed defined it as the belief in treating people equally and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Accepting people of different racial and religious backgrounds also ranked high, while only 23% of the respondents believed that “real” Americans are those born in the United States.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2044, more than half of all Americans will belong to a group other than non-Hispanic White alone. By 2060, one in five people in the United States will be foreign-born. As time goes on, inclusion will play a key part in what it means to be an American. It no longer makes sense to define “American” as someone born in the United States. As President Franklin Roosevelt said in 1943 and still holds true today, “Americanism is not and never was, a matter of race or ancestry.”
The River Reporter, a newspaper based in New York, once asked its readers to define what it means to be an American. Charles A. Rubin, from New York, perfectly captured the ideals of the American Dream, core American values, and the benefits of the immigrant experience in his response,
“To be an American, you need to believe in change. To be a successful American, you must believe that you can be part of that change. America is about debate and differences. It’s new ideas and retaining old traditions. America is the story of immigrant success and hard work. It is sacrifice and building on dreams. America is an experiment still in its early stages that people all over the world are eager to participate in. To me, the appreciation of being an American can only be fully realized by living somewhere else first.”
Is being American the same as being an American?
I’m sure this question can be debated for years to come. Essentially, it comes down to what each of us believes AND how we are committed to making it true. Talking the talk is definitely different than walking the walk.
To me, Lee Greenwood defines it best in his great song, “Proud to be an American” which I believe could just as easily be titled, “Proud to be American” and have similar meaning.
And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend Her still today. ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt, I love this land. God Bless the U.S.A.
Independence Day is all about the U.S, but it’s also about US… for you, me and for US, for all of US.
Have a great day. Make it happen. Make it count. And please stay safe!
Sundays are a time for review at Acceler8Success Cafe. With so much going on at Acceler8Success Cafe I know it’s easy to miss a newsletter or two. Possibly the week flew by without you noticing one our daily newsletter that seemingly got lost amongst the busy news feed.
Just like an experience at your local cafe, I really want Acceler8Success Cafe to be conveniently located when you desire or need to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and catch up on some reading. My goal is for Acceler8Success Cafe to be your virtual cafe. A place where you may frequently visit to enjoy a few minutes to yourself.
I’d like the experience to be memorable by providing learning opportunities, by presenting a different perspective & insight, by spurring thought & reflection, by encouraging interaction, and by spotlighting topics that, frankly, may not be as front and center as they should or need to be.
Acceler8Success Cafe is open for business seven days a week. For the benefit of current & aspiring entrepreneurs, this daily newsletter is delivered each morning. As a way to jumpstart the week ahead, a weekly review is delivered each Sunday morning listing and linking to the articles you might have missed during the previous week. My objective is to provide an opportunity for you to begin the new week informed and with ideas that possibly could accelerate your success.
Welcome to the Sunday ‘Weekly Review Edition’ of Acceler8Success Cafe!
Networking is your lifeblood for a long-term success. It’s often been said that one’s net worth is their network. Yet, many give it a half-assed attempt. Why do you think that is the case when effective, diligent networking produces positive results? If not immediately, then at some point, for sure.
From the late-60s and through the 70s it was a different time for sure, but not really much different than today. War, drugs protests & riots, and recession made the headlines then as they do now. Is it a cycle, or is just a plethora of unsettled business that has lingered on for the past 50 years, a beast raising its ugly head now and again to keep our attention?
Do your goals have due dates? Firm due dates similar to utility bills complete with a termination date, late fees, and disconnection notices? Could doing so create a sense of urgency? How about accountability?
I’ve developed Acceler8Success Cafe to help current and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. I’m dedicated to entrepreneurial success at all levels. Whether to help others achieve work/life balance or to just be there to help someone pull out of a tailspin, my goal for Acceler8Success Cafe remains… to be a resource, on LinkedIn and across various social media to share information, to educate, and to provide an opportunity for interaction.
A long weekend is the perfect time to reset the clock on work/life balance. It’s a perfect time for some mental health maintenance. It really is a perfect time for new beginnings.
If you’re thinking about business ownership and considering whether franchising is right for you, the information shared at Acceler8Success Cafe will help you make an informed decision and provide clarity on your entrepreneurial journey.
Are you thinking of business ownership for yourself and learning how the choice of a franchise, startup or acquisition can “jump-start” the process and your earning potential?
Well, Acceler8Success Group can help. Working with in-house small business professionals you will work one-on-one in determining if you’re right for buying a franchise, starting a new business, or acquiring an established business, and whether business ownership is right for you.
If you determine that it is a path to consider, you will be introduced to various industry segments and ultimately, brands & companies that could be a “right-fit” option . . . all to help ensure your future success!
If you’re thinking about business ownership and considering whether franchising is right for you, the following articles, previously shared at Acceler8Success Cafe will help you make an informed decision and provide clarity on your entrepreneurial journey.
With the Great Resignation still in full swing, a lot of people are choosing to take control of their personal and professional future by exploring entrepreneurship.
Of those who realize their entrepreneurial potential many choose owning a franchiseas the vehicle to take them from employment to entrepreneurship due to the already proven business model and built-in, ongoing support system, among other benefits.
If becoming a franchisee seems like the right path for you, follow the tips in this article to find the perfect opportunity.
Potential franchise buyers know before making a final decision, they need to obtain information from other franchisees and also, their possible franchisors. But what information do they need to get?
Generally, I recommend using the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) as a guide. Read through it and ask a potential franchisor very specific questions about each item listed. It’s a can’t miss road map. This article outlines the various FDD items that every candidate should ask questions about in order they have complete understanding of the brand and its business model.
The dream of owning your own business is alive and well for most Americans. The only problem is that many people don’t know where to start on the journey to becoming self-sufficient. There are a million different options, but first and foremost each potential entrepreneur must decide if he or she wants to become a franchisee or start a business independently.
Each route has its benefits; therefore, it’s critical to take the time to consider both options before making a decision. What it initially comes down to is asking yourself the questions listed within this article.
Too often than not, franchisees are of the mindset that they’ve bought into a franchise system and just need to sit back and wait for the business to flow through their doors. Sometimes, it’s ignorance and perception that clouds their thoughts. Thinking that the brand name they invested in should be enough for instant business success at their location. But most of the time, it’s just plain old arrogance that gets in the way.
It’s the arrogance of having committed hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy a franchise as being the sole reason for success. It’s also the basis of feeling that with this level of financial commitment, the franchisor should be solely responsible for making sure franchisees succeed. Almost demanding a guarantee of success!
Well, it is not the franchisor’s sole responsibility, under any circumstances, for making sure that franchisees succeed. Read this article to gain a better understanding of personal responsibility and accountability when owning a franchise business.
With a new wave of brands, candidates are faced with questions beyond the norm. Instead of just focusing on investment level, industry segment and competition they will ask about the difference between legacy and emerging brands and advantage of one over the other. They’ll also ask specifically about an emerging brand head-to-head with a competing legacy brand that may clearly be the leader in that industry segment. They’ll wonder, isn’t it safer to invest in a recognized brand with a proven system as opposed to investing in something new and relatively unknown? This article identifies some of the obvious differences.
The Great American Franchise Expo connects hundreds of franchise businesses with potential owners. They provide education through seminars from industry experts on topics including franchise law, financing, and other critical business concepts. Attending these expos will provide potential franchisees with the opportunity to network with leading industry executives and franchise developers.
Recommended Books on Franchising
Listed below are several books on franchising that I highly recommend. I firmly believe these books must be read BEFORE signing a franchise agreement and remitting a franchise fee. They should be considered essential components of your due diligence. Know before you invest!
The definitive A-to-Z guide to researching, selecting, and starting a viable franchise business
With more and more professionals looking for alternatives to traditional corporate employment, Become a Franchise Owner! informs would-be franchise owners of the joys and perils of purchasing a franchise. Authored by a trusted, feisty, tell-it-how-it-is independent franchise industry insider, this book offers straightforward, step-by-step tips and advice on how to properly (and carefully) research and select a franchise business.
Get tips on how to locate information about franchises, current industry trends, interviews with franchisors, and hot franchise opportunities.
Offers a self-evaluation to discover if you are “franchise material”
Describes how to choose the right franchise for your specific situation
Lists the 40 crucial questions to ask current franchise owners
Owning a franchise isn’t for everyone; in fact, as Joel Libava says, “it’s really not for most people.” But if it is for you, this book can guide you in starting your own successful franchise business.
This comprehensively researched and deftly written franchise guide brings together experience and fact to give you the tools you need to understand which franchise is right for you. With insights from respected franchise leaders and a thorough understand of franchising, this book will help you understand and master the 4 Critical Steps to finding the Ideal Franchise: 1. The Introspective Self 2. The Franchisor 3. The Franchisees 4. The Legal and Financial
The Insider’s Guide to Buying a Franchise or Franchising Your Business
In this easy-to-read guide, franchise expert Rick Grossmann and franchise attorney Michael J. Katz impart decades-worth of insight and advice on what it takes to make your franchise operation successful. Grossmann and Katz share expert tutorials, tricks of the trade, and access to sample franchise documents, checklists, and questionnaires designed to get you organized, support you through the process and get your new franchise off the ground.
If you’re thinking of buying a franchise, you’ll learn how to:
Determine if running a franchise is right for you
Navigate franchise disclosure documents and agreements
Identify the signs of a good franchise opportunity
If you’re thinking of franchising your existing business, you’ll learn how to:
Pick the best method for expanding your business
Understand the keys to establishing a successful franchise system
Evaluate potential franchisees and grow your franchise Whether you want to buy a franchise or franchise your own business you’ll learn what to expect, how to move forward, and how to avoid costly mistakes–making Franchise Bible required reading.
Get fast, economical, custom funding and realize your small business or startup dreams with help from Benetrends Financial. Their experts provide an innovative approach to help you achieve the ideal funding you need to get your ideas off the ground for long-term entrepreneurial success!
Long holiday weekends are a great opportunity to relax, unwind, visit with friends & family, get away for a couple of days, catch up on a few things around the house, maybe catch a movie or essentially from whatever is a break from the daily grind. As well, an extra day added to a weekend can help with business planning, setting the stage for a productive period ahead. For the Independence Day Weekend, it’s even more the case as we’re entering a new quarter and the second half of the year.
A long weekend is the perfect time to reset the clock on work/life balance. It’s a perfect time for some mental health maintenance. It really is a perfect time for new beginnings. Whether an early morning walk or bike ride, without a specific time to get to the office or for a scheduled call or anything work related, the time to focus on a physical activity is open-ended. Better stated, there’s no pressure to rush! A morning or two of the same would help to start a regular routine.
Mental health maintenance is extremely important, and with physical activity added to the mix, increased benefit should be realized. Feeling better about ourselves would go a long way toward maintaining good mental health. (I know, I need to practice what I preach and will commit to making it happen this weekend.) More importantly, a clear, calm mind coupled with a strong sense of accomplishment further fortifies our mental health.
Of course, it would be very difficult to leave our smart phones at home, but if we do bring them, we should only do so to be able to listen to music, podcasts, etc. We should plan on having developed a few play lists, making sure to diversify our music so we may listen to what may be most appropriate for the moment. It is imperative that voice mail and texts be ignored while focusing on this personal time. Distractions must be avoided, or at the very least, minimized.
Mixing in “productive” relaxation would add the work component to work life balance. Reading about our favorite business topics, motivational & inspirational quotes, and ways to succeed are relaxing. So is reflecting about the same. Mostly positive thoughts come to mind. It is very calming. A clear mind would definitely help provide a different perspective or insight. Meaning – we’ll most likely see things differently with a clear mind.
Thoughts about work are going to occur. There’s no doubt. However, these thoughts typically become foundational components of planning. We must make note of our thoughts – writing them down, recording them. These thoughts should be reflected upon as we shift our focus – from life balance to work balance, and ultimately to work/life balance.
When shifting to work mode, it’s imperative we do so in small blocks of time. As it’s the weekend, we have the luxury of working without the interruptions of email and text messages. We must take advantage of that but must do so without being overwhelmed by the work itself. Breaking up our time into small sessions will help ensure we won’t be overwhelmed while also ensuring we get things done while still having time for rest and relaxation – the life balance part of the yin-yang of work/life balance.
Look, there’s no right or wrong way to achieve and maintain work/life balance, and especially on weekends. So, it will take us to plan for the same. Ahead of the weekend, write down what you’d like to achieve on both sides – work & life. I don’t suggest actually scheduling to accomplish each thing on your list. I do, however recommend writing things down as our goals for the weekend. Don’t forget to include Monday evening as preparation for the week ahead.
Best-selling author and motivational speaker, Harvey Mackay shared an article yesterday (The Best Time to Start Anew is Now) that I thought was very timely. I’ve shared the same with my thoughts as follows:
“Despite the start of a long holiday weekend, tomorrow is the start of a new quarter. Can you afford to wait until returning from the holiday weekend on Tuesday before starting to think about your efforts for Q3? I’d suggest taking some time over the next few days to re-evaluate your prior efforts, revenues, profitability, and changes that are needed to make for a successful Q3. Develop an action plan so you can hit the ground running while others take a few more days to even begin to move forward.”
I’m very passionate about work/life balance and as such, I’m always seeking out information and articles on the subject. Yesterday, in addition to the article referenced above, I also found this quote by Jack Welch of GE fame. I’ve read his book, Jack: Straight from the Gut, which I had found to be very interesting and informative. I believe his philosophies to be somewhat out of the norm at times – definitely different from other leaders of the day. So, it was no surprise to read his thoughts on work/life balance. I’d love to learn what you think of his quote below!
I’d like to leave you with one more thought… If you’re struggling to achieve work-life balance, you’re not alone. Understand how to better manage your time, detach from work and care for yourself. Learn more in this article from the Mayo Clinic, Work-life balance: Tips to reclaim control
Have a great day and holiday weekend. Make it happen. Make it count.
As we prepare for a long holiday weekend, we’re faced with the reality that the second quarter of 2022 ends today. Some will take the next 3-4 days off to relax, enjoy time with friends & family, and celebrate our Nation’s birthday. Others will take the time to reflect on this past quarter and the past six months. Have goals been met? Have plans been put into place for a successful third quarter and to wrap up the year on a high note? What needs to change moving forward?
I’ve developed Acceler8Success Cafe to help current and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. I’m dedicated to entrepreneurial success at all levels. Whether to help others achieve work/life balance or to just be there to help someone pull out of a tailspin, my goal for Acceler8Success Cafe remains… to be a resource, on LinkedIn and across various social media to share information, to educate, and to provide an opportunity for interaction. Since launching Acceler8Success Cafe, significant progress has been made toward this goal. The number of subscribers is up. Interaction is increasing. And the number of views for each article continues to rise. Thank you for helping to make it so!
At the time I wrote this article, the Multi-unit Franchising Conference was right around the corner (3/29-4/1 in Las Vegas). Individuals planning to attend were already involved in franchising as single-unit operators while others were already operating as multi-unit franchise owners or area developers. They would be attending to explore (or continue to explore) the world of multi-unit ownership. But how would they know if multi-unit ownership was [really] right for them.?
The article listed questions that would be of interest to multi-unit candidates (and current multi-unit operators) and that should be answered before taking the plunge or next steps. I believe these are the same questions franchisors should insist individuals know the answers before awarding them a multi-unit package to current franchisees desiring to open additional locations, and the same questions for multi-unit operators desiring an additional multi-unit or area development deal. I firmly believe this to be true for those interested in multi-branding… but with a plethora of additional questions, as well.
Interestingly, this article came made it into the top 5 of articles viewed. I believe this to be a testament to the spiritual sense many need and desire. I strongly feel it also indicated it was a feel-good time and a break from the day-to-day grind.
I wished everyone a beautiful Easter Sunday filled with happiness, love, and faith. I expressed my hope and wishes readers would feel the love of God on that blessed day.
Definitely an article to cause people to pause, and reflect upon, this article generated more personal messages to me of thanks for sharing this article once again. After all, it was back in 2009 while in the midst of an uncertain economy, and a few times thereafter, that I have shared this article and inspirational video. Almost every time that I’ve done so, I’ve heard from individuals thanking me and letting me know that it had helped them cope with difficult times.
I went on to share how I had recently heard from someone who reminded me of the original post and how much it meant to him back then and how he often refers to it when facing a current challenge. It made me think about how it might help others today as we’re once again experiencing economic uncertainty. I expressed my thoughts about sharing it once again with hope that it may help a few more that may need some inspiration and hope that tomorrow will be better than yesterday.
In this article, I addressed the age-old question of, what is an entrepreneur? I shared some of the questions I had asked over the years in various LinkedIn groups and podcast interviews, and also in impromptu interactions. As such, I shared some of the insights and perspective from a wide cross-section of individuals (entrepreneurs, corporate executives, small business owners, and even a number of restaurant servers, retail clerks, construction workers, and high school & college students).
This article generated more interactivity than most other articles. I believe it’s proof there’s a great deal of interest in entrepreneurship and also, that entrepreneurship is still a mystery to some (or possibly, to most).
By a wide margin, this article garnered the number one spot of the most viewed articles at Acceler8Success Cafe. But why?
I posed the question (and scenario) that despite being financially qualified and with a proven track record of success, was it possible for franchise candidates to be rejected for not being a “right fit” for a brand? But that was within the article itself, not the title.
So, was the extreme interest in this article driven by the negative statement about an application being rejected? I do think that was the case. It may be a case of what I refer to as “social rubber-necking,” a need-to-know situation akin to slowing down to see the wreck on the other side of the highway.
Here’s to a strong Q3. Make it happen. Make it count!
Time appears to be flying by as it’s hard to believe we’re already two plus years removed from the first lockdown and didn’t we just celebrate our third holiday season since then? Now, with the end of Q2 just days away, it feels like time is flying by at break-neck speed. Do you realize we’re 22 years removed from Y2K and get this, we’re closer to the year 2050 than we are to the year 1990? Let THAT sink in!
I bring up the notion of time flying by because time doesn’t change. It’s one of the only constants we have in life with the same number of seconds in a minute, minutes in an hour, hours in day, days in a week, etc. What does change is how we make use of our time.
I believe time appears to fly by when goals are met. Achieving goals is like maneuvering from rock to rock to get across a stream with each rock getting us closer to the other side, albeit several or more feet at a time. Sometimes, it means assessing the situation and may mean changing course. The quote, “Change the plan, but not the goal” comes to mind.
With each step, stride and leap, we’re closer to the goal. As that occurs, the pace may quicken. The sense of achievement motivates us more and more. The rocks become easier to navigate. As the goal is reached, the excitement inspires us to do more, to establish another goal or set of goals, and so on.
But what happens when we miss achieving our goals? Well, time flies by even faster as time appears to be wasted. We become frustrated by the loss of time, spinning our wheels and getting nowhere. Procrastination becomes the order of the day. Denial soon sets in. Progress, or any semblance of progress is non-existent.
Before we know it, six, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four days, weeks or months fly by like a blur. If you don’t agree, think about what had been described as the “new normal” since the lockdown two-plus years ago. Many implemented a plan but have never monitored or even evaluated it. Yet, the plan remains, half-assed as it may be.
Stuck in the new normal, it’s easy to become complacent. “We’re giving it more time,” is what I’ve heard from many business owners of late. “We believe it’s working” is the follow-up statement. Based upon what? And how long is more time? Is giving it more time and belief that it’s working anything more than procrastination and/or denial? Is it anything more than just not wanting to make necessary adjustments, revisions or change? It’s no wonder time flies by.
It’d be interesting if we were to receive a monthly bill for time and goals. Think about it. Receiving a bill each month for an allocated amount of time toward the plan developed to achieve our goals would be motivating. The bill would include a payment date (achievement or progress deadline), late-fees (urgent action items) and a termination date (personal accountability, change or stop). Need an extension? Sure, with a definitive payment date and only two times within a year.
As we prepare to begin Q3, I suggest reviewing all goals. We must be honest in our evaluation. This should include estimating what has been done to-date as a percentage and then, what must still be done as the remaining percentage. We must determine the remaining time to achieve each goal and establish firm payment or installment dates. Terminate what should be considered a closed or inactive account.
The rocks in the stream mentioned above have a similar approach as bills for goals. Each rock is in and of itself a bill. The difference is that the rocks are tangible. They’re right in front of us. We know if we don’t reach the next rock, the goal is terminated. Now, let’s apply the same theory to our future goals and to the remaining goals for 2022. After all, due dates are just ahead, and the clock is ticking!
Getting lost in music of the 70s is a great way to calm a racing mind at 3 AM. Really listening to the awesome lyrics and pondering the meaning of each line, each verse either puts me back to sleep or spurs my creative side into action. Sometimes I find myself just staring into the darkness – seemingly neither asleep or awake, but quite aware of the steady beat and one poetic verse after another. It’s then that Hotel California by the Eagles starts playing in my ears…
On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair, warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air. Up ahead in the distance, I saw shimmering light. My head grew heavy, and my sight grew dim. I had to stop for the night.
There she stood in the doorway. I heard the mission bell, and I was thinking to myself, this could be Heaven, or this could be Hell. Then she lit up a candle, and she showed me the way. There were voices down the corridor, I thought I heard them say…
Welcome to the Hotel California. Such a lovely place (such a lovely place). Such a lovely face. Plenty of room at the Hotel California. Any time of year (any time of year). You can find it here
What motivated the great songwriters of this era? From the late-60s and through the 70s it was a different time for sure, but not really much different than today. War, drugs, protests & riots, and recession made the headlines then as they do now. Is it a cycle, or is just a plethora of unsettled business that has lingered on for the past 50 years, a beast raising its ugly head now and again to keep our attention?
War or conflict – whichever was a more politically correct term for those speaking about it or listening to the rhetoric of the day.
The Vietnam War was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vietnam and South Vietnam.
The Vietnam War is the commonly used name for the Second Indochina War, 1954–1975. Usually, it refers to the period when the United States and other members of the SEATO (Southeast Asia Treaty Organization) joined the forces with the Republic of South Vietnam to contest communist forces, comprised of South Vietnamese guerrillas and regular-force units, generally known as Viet Cong (VC), and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). The U.S., possessing the largest foreign military presence, essentially directed the war from 1965 to 1968.
For this reason, in Vietnam today it is known as the American War. It was a direct result of the First Indochina War (1946–1954) between France, which claimed Vietnam as a colony, and the communist forces then known as Viet Minh. In 1973 a “third” Vietnam war began—a continuation, actually—between North and South Vietnam but without significant U.S. involvement. It ended with communist victory in April 1975. (credit to historynet.com)
Decades of Drug Use: Data From the ’60s and ’70s.
The scare tactics of the 1960s gave way to the contradictory messages of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Drugs became glamorous, without becoming better understood. In fact, the 1981 book The Truth About Drugs — The Body, Mind and You by Gene Chill and John Duff asserted that cocaine wasn’t addictive. The ranks of those who had tried illegal drugs grew — in 1973, 12% of respondents to a Gallup poll said they had tried marijuana. That number had doubled by 1977.
As drug use increased, many Americans began to see it as a problem. In 1978, 66% of Americans said marijuana was a serious problem in the high schools or middle school in their area, and 35% said the same of hard drugs.
While more Americans were willing to admit they tried marijuana, acceptance of it was still slow in coming. In 1978, 21% said they would welcome increased acceptance of marijuana, while 72% said they would not. That percentage who would welcome an increased acceptance decreased to 13% three years later and was just 11% when last asked in 1991. In 1978, 83% of Americans said it was very important that high school graduates with no plans for college “know the health hazards of smoking, use of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.” (credit to JENNIFER ROBISON and NewsGallup.com).
Her mind is Tiffany-twisted. She got the Mercedes Benz. She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys she calls friends. How they dance in the courtyard. Sweet summer sweat. Some dance to remember. Some dance to forget.
So I called up the Captain. Please bring me my wine. He said, ‘We haven’t had that spirit here since 1969. And still those voices are calling from far away wake you up in the middle of the night just to hear them say…
Welcome to the Hotel California. Such a lovely place (such a lovely place). Such a lovely face. They livin’ it up at the Hotel California. What a nice surprise (what a nice surprise). Bring your alibis.
Protests and sadly, riots.
As for protests, Wikipedia lists the number of protests from the 50s through the 90s as follows: 50 from 1950-1959, 106 from 1960-1969 with the majority occurring from 1967-1969, 43 from 1970-1979, and only 11 from 1980-1989 and 12 from 1990-1999.
Riots differ from lawful protests or demonstrations because of the violence that ensues. They also differ from these events in that they’re more chaotic and disorganized. While you may receive an invite to a protest or spend hours planning an effective assembly, riots are more akin to massive mind melds between individuals.
The people who participate in a riot may have never met one another before, but they’re likely all linked by an underlying social problem or complaint. Poverty and race form the bedrock of many riots. People who lack economic opportunity often participate in a riot because they have nothing to lose by doing so, whereas middle- and upper-class people tend to stay away from these violent events that could sully their livelihood. Race becomes an issue when a particular ethnicity feels that they’re always singled out for punishment or when a different ethnicity encroaches on their perceived turf. With both social issues, the affected people likely feel that they’re not getting a fair shake from the government. (credit to Molly Edmonds and people.howstuffworks.com)
Recession; economic uncertainty.
The recession of the time in the U.S. lasted from November 1973 (the Richard Nixon presidency) to March 1975 (the Gerald Ford presidency), and its effects on the US were felt through the Jimmy Carter presidency until the mid-term of Ronald Reagan’s first term as president, characterized by low economic growth.
Economic recessions are caused by a loss of business and consumer confidence. As confidence recedes, so does demand. A recession is a tipping point in the business cycle when ongoing economic growth peaks, reverses, and becomes ongoing economic contraction.
A decline in the gross domestic product growth is often listed as a cause of a recession, but it’s more of a warning signal that a recession is already underway. The GDP is only reported after a quarter is over, so the recession has probably already been underway for a couple months by the time the GDP turns negative. (credit to KIMBERLY AMADEO thebalance.com)
Mirrors on the ceiling, the pink champagne on ice. And she said, ‘We are all just prisoners here of our own device.” And in the master’s chambers, they gathered for the feast. They stab it with their steely knives, but they just can’t kill the beast.
Last thing I remember, I was running for the door. I had to find the passage back to the place I was before. “Relax” said the night man, “We are programmed to receive. You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave!”
What is the true meaning of Hotel California?
The same narrative is found in The Magus, going from sincere idealism and earnest curiosity to a sense of darkness and despondence, runs parallel to so much. Like coming of age and the loss of innocence. Or the sparkling allure of golden age California’s dashing but dangerous lifestyle of cash and drugs. Or the energetically revolutionary but eventually fleeting spirit of the 1960s. And maybe even the entire American experience.
You start with nothing. It all looks so good! Then you get everything. And you get crushed under the weight of everything’s excess. What was it all for to begin with? So “Hotel California” is a sort of broad allegory for rising and falling? Maybe. (credit to ETHAN REESE and americansongwriter.com)
Sundays are a time for review at Acceler8Success Cafe. With so much going on at Acceler8Success Cafe I know it’s easy to miss a newsletter or two. Possibly the week flew by without you noticing one our daily newsletter that seemingly got lost amongst the busy news feed.
Just like an experience at your local cafe, I really want Acceler8Success Cafe to be conveniently located when you desire or need to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, and catch up on some reading. My goal is for Acceler8Success Cafe to be your virtual cafe. A place where you may frequently visit to enjoy a few minutes to yourself.
I’d like the experience to be memorable by providing learning opportunities, by presenting a different perspective & insight, by spurring thought & reflection, by encouraging interaction, and by spotlighting topics that, frankly, may not be as front and center as they should or need to be.
Acceler8Success Cafe is open for business seven days a week. For the benefit of current & aspiring entrepreneurs, this daily newsletter is delivered each morning. As a way to jumpstart the week ahead, a weekly review is delivered each Sunday morning listing and linking to the articles you might have missed during the previous week. My objective is to provide an opportunity for you to begin the new week informed and with ideas that possibly could accelerate your success.
Welcome to the Sunday ‘Weekly Review Edition’ of Acceler8Success Cafe!
It’s good to dream. It’s essential to our well-being. Dreams are inspiring as they enable us to see what we might not see otherwise. Walt Disney said, if you can dream it, you can do it.
As I researched The Entrepreneur’s Creed by Thomas Paine, I find it interesting to see things coming full circle since 1776 when he authored two influential pieces for the time. It’ll be even more interesting to see if the next 250 years will parallel American History. Freedom. Independence. Entrepreneurship. The combination of the three… What a novel idea!
In order for an entrepreneurial community to thrive and grow, there must be local resources for entrepreneurs including banks and local professional services providers. The local government must be pro-business and not look to stall growth. There must also be an aggressive residential development plan with the entrepreneurial community helping to attract families to the area. The same is true to attract companies and startups alike.
We know the quote all too well – “Insanity Is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again – but Expecting Different Results.” So, why go on if that seems to be more and more the case, and one that causes such extreme frustration?
The challenges for entrepreneurs in general are great. The challenges for Hispanic entrepreneurs are even greater. And there isn’t just one “Hispanic” entrepreneur – there are entrepreneurs from various countries that face some of the same – but some different – challenges and opportunities.
A while back on LinkedIn, I asked the question, “How do you define entrepreneurship?” To my surprise the discussion was quite vibrant as there were numerous responses, a few exchanges for further clarification, numerous likes, and really some great perspective into entrepreneurship. In today’s Acceler8Success Cafe newsletter please find some of the responses; unedited, I might add. I’ve kept the quotes anonymous (to protect the innocent – LOL).
Have a great day (and week ahead). Make it happen. Make it count!
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