Systems that Nurture Growth

Last week we discussed Rule number 5 of our Fourteen Rules of Attraction, Reverse people's risk in changing.

This week we're discussing number 14, Create Standards and Systems that Nurture Growth.

Many people today are scared. They look toward the future and are worried about the impending changes that are invariably on the horizon. Where will the future take us? Will it be a good year or will it be a very difficult one? Others look toward the future and can't wait to get there. They see fresh opportunities, new potential relationships and perhaps a more effective or efficient way of achieving their goals. I believe much of this has to do with how we spend our time and with whom we decide to associate. For example, I'd like to share what I did this weekend. I hope that it might inspire you to think about the coming new year and how you may use the little time that we have left to prepare to make some changes - - changes for the better! I had the honor this weekend of being asked by CBS Radio to participate in delivering the 1st Annual Financial Fest at the Hyatt Regency in Anaheim, CA. Joining me as presenters were Doug Fabian, Gabriel Wisdom, and the "Professor" himself Tom Leykis. The event was attended by more than 300 listeners all coming out to learn ways that they can prepare to make 2005 the best year ever in terms of building wealth. Everyone walked away educated, inspired and equipped with a whole new arsenal of financial and business development tools. Leykis talked from the heart in a way that I have never before heard him speak. He talked about his childhood of nearly abject poverty. He spoke about how wealth as well as poverty begins in the mind and that it is our decision to change our thoughts as a the first step to changing our financial status. Doug Fabian used a SWOT analysis to help us define out strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in terms of our financial future. He talked about international opportunities, how to achieve a balanced portfolio and discussed ways of anticipating the performance of interest rates and the U.S. Dollar in 2005. Gabriel talked about various different industries and gave some warning signs for first quarter 2005. He talked about the resiliency of the market and the new tech boom! One of the things I talked about was Attraction Rule # 14: "Create standards and systems that nurture growth." In fact, rather than rehashing the talk in writing, our resident whiz kid, Matt Walker, has made it available as part of this Business Update in the form of a video file. I invite you to view it. In short it was a fabulous weekend filled with learning and collaboration. If you didn't have the chance to attend that's OK. However I'd like to encourage you to think about what you CAN do to begin to prepare for the new year. I believe we will have access to some tremendous opportunities next year and that yes - - - WE are in control of reaping the reward from these opportunities. Yet how do we do it? A large part of increasing our chances for success has to do with Rule # 14; Creating standards and systems that nurture growth. Let me take just a moment and break down this most critical rule: 1. Create some standards for yourself this year. These could be investment standards, ethical standards, relationship standards or even marketing standards. Standards give us something to measure ourselves against. 2. Focus on establishing systems of efficiency. There is always a better, faster, cheaper way of accomplishing any task. The more efficient we are the less waste we produce. Less waste means more profit and free time. I don't know about you but there's nothing better than time on your hands and money in your pocket! 3. Nurturing is not just for Moms! Webster's defines nurturing as feeding, educating, nourishing and growing. We need to do this for ourselves. We need to feed good thoughts into our hearts and minds. We need to educate ourselves about the changes in our industry, economy and society. We need to nourish our relationships with those that are potential mentors and advisors. And finally we need to grow in terms of our capabilities. We all must learn new skills. Take a class. Attend a seminar or two. Make a commitment to read one book per month. The future is dark only if you see it that way. A big part of this is learning to attract the positive. If you want to know more about how to attract what it is you are looking for ask me about my new program, "Attract More Business." Is available now and we're starting to get some great reviews. BACK IN PRIME TIME! Thanks to you, our loyal listeners and readers, we're back in prime time! Check out the Small Business Hour every Saturday at 3pm on 97.1FM in Los Angeles. You can still hear us on the internet at www.smallbusinesshour.com. Risk Reversal Tele-Clinic - Monday, Nov. 22 at 1pm  We can't deny that the future holds risk for all of us. How do we deal with risk? More important how can we reverse risk for ourselves and our customers? Due to popular demand I will be giving a Telephone Clinic on Monday, November 22 at 1pm. The title is "Reversing Risk in 2005." We will only be able to accommodate a limited number of participants for this telephone clinic so act now. Tele-Clinics are held over a standard telephone line during which I present detailed information on ways to improve your business performance. They are a great way to get your specific questions answered directly by me. The cost is only $29. To read more go towww.deoteleclinics.com, and to register, go tohttps://www.sbanetwork.org/learning/signup.asp. Have a great week!