Category Archives: Patience

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Build your ship before the flood

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Build your ship before the flood because in business it is easy to spend all day patching up the dam to keep the flood from coming. Even when you have secured all the breaches like paying your taxes, getting all of your insurances and calling all of your customers. One day the flood is coming. The flood of new profitable business can overwhelm you and your business if you do not have the ship already built.

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Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.

Benjamin  Franklin

Look into your future

If you honestly assess the business you are cultivating then you can see forward and plan for your success. Talk to the people and businesses that you will need to help you complete your tasks early in the process.

A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.

Thomas  Carlyle

Build upon your existing structure

You have worked hard to establish a foundation of business, do not forsake it. You are there for a purpose now but some meat on the bones of your business. Look around and put the pieces of your business in proper order.

The only safe ship in a storm is leadership.

Faye  Wattleton

Keep Hope Alive

This is definitely borrowed from another leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, however it still rings true. Once you build your ship know that the flood is coming. The flood of new business will rise those who are prepared to the top.

If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve  it.

Jesse Jackson

This time yours will be the business that survives. Put your ship together and chart your course. You will only be surprised at how high you rise.

How are you preparing for the flood?

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The value of a woman

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Value Flower

Know your value and do not settle for less

Count your intrinsic assets and be impressed with yourself

Being tired is secondary to fulfilled mission

Intangible are your ways, Tangible are your benefits. They can be felt from afar.

Beauty in your voice, melodies to he who is blessed with your presence.

Skin so smooth no one dares touch it. Frustration: skin is smooth for the expressed purpose of contact. Maybe it is smooth just for you. How valuable are you?

You long to show your brilliance but you already demonstrate it daily,

You are watched so much you do not recognize the admirers. Look up your Father is watching. Look up so are His sons.

Time adds to your value

Smiling eyes greet the dawn and shimmer like stars on a crystal clear night, how valuable is that?

Your smile is as stunning as the day we first met. Perfection is saved for beholder. For whom do you smile?

Price is what someone will pay for you

Value is the goodness people receive from knowing you

How does God quantify value?

17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

Proverbs 8:17-19
Do you see him soaking up your images? Ever present Guardian, Fearless husband. Where does one find that?

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

Proverbs 18: 21-22

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Happiest Birthday

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God blessed me with another year on the earth and the celebration was spectacular. Not the usual party streamers and balloon party but the kind where the whole day works out for the good. The morning started bright and early with a call from my lovely mother. Without her there would be no happy years. I worked only minimal amounts during the day. The majority of the day was spent with my lovely wife. The presents were perfectly tailored for my tastes. My children blessed me with a home-made cake, my favorite pineapple upside-down cake. I was able to take 2 naps that made me feel wealthy beyond measure. I ended the night with my scouts and lots of fun and games. Many of my friends on social media reached out and contacted me which made my heart warm. There were even two or three that reached out to me personally. The human voice is still amazing. May your days be happy. Thank you god for a wonderful day. Leadership advice: Enjoy the special Days.

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Correction is Perfection

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Correction is perfection: Leadership lesson or good motto for life?  This is a statement my son, William V, blurted out while we were at the store.  He said that it came to him and he felt like saying it.

Proverbs 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way and he that hateth reproof shall die.

I know you Bible scholars were thinking of the “rod of correction” scripture referencing children. This was deeper than that, he was speaking about having a more perfect walk with God. I tell him sometimes, : I am not correcting you because you are wrong but so that you know a better way.”  God tells us His Children the same thing,

Job 5:17

17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty

If God is coming back for a perfect church,then we all need to get ready for a lot of correction. When things are not going your way maybe you are just receiving correction. Thank the Lord that you learn the lesson fast so that you can walk in His perfection

Ecclesiastes 7:8

8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Remember the little saying, “Correction is Perfection” and say it when you begin to think the question, “Lord, why me?”

What kind of correction are you receiving from the Lord?

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Sales: Beat the Bushes

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Man with Wings by Photo_MindDo you want to Soar with the Eagles? 

Most people say they do not like sales especially cold calls. You have to Beat the Bushes for sales if you want to be a champion. Cold calls are challenging  because you have overcome fear of immediate rejection. Remember when you acquired the job you have. Remember the courage it took to apply and the confidence it took to land the position. This is confidence you should use to Beat the Bushes for your success.

I was talking to Jason, a great friend of mine and he is a wonderful financial adviser. He had just read an article about cold calling and was so excited about meeting new clients that he customized his opening pitch to fit my business. It went something like this:

Hello Mr. Customer, how are you today?

Customer says, “I’m well”

Wonderful, I would like to speak with you about increasing efficiency in your production packaging and waste streams.  When would be a good time to meet and discuss the possibilities?

Customer says, “I am really busy right now.”

Oh, I understand that is why I am willing to meet you at your convenience.   Which is better for you Tuesday afternoon or Friday morning?

Customer says, “I am just not interested.”

Maybe I can meet you on the way to your car from work and to give you an opportunity to put a face with a voice.

Really there is nothing hard about this approach.  Just keep selling you and your products and services. This is a good approach for finding a job, starting a business or even getting into the school of your choice. So the next time you need something, think like a salesman. Up your sales: Beat the Bushes.

I even re-branded my email to sales@spencerwood.net Adjustments are necessary if you want to soar like an Eagle.

 

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Challenge your senses, Try a Dodge Challenger

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dodge_challenger_srt8_black

Recently, I needed to make a trip so I rented a 2013 Dodge Challenger, this car was not by choice but by availability. Lucky me, no just the blessing.  As I look at this Challenger it is shy and unassuming.   Until I touched her handle and yes I said her. Normally, I drive Dodge Ram trucks and they are manly men but she was different when I  first touched her she smiled at me with her quick lowering window.

As I sat in the seat I was wrapped in leather that assured me that it was going to be smooth ride.  It was evident that I was safe with her and she had all of the safety precautions handled. There was a push button start , I pushed it because I was ready for her to purr… silence no song, no lights just silence. I look up and see my wife and the being the Queen that she is, just smiled and said “safety first, you don’t start any car without stepping on the brakes first.” Thank God for a Proverbs 31 woman. Next sweet purring music to my ears.  Now the Dodge Challenger is winking at me from the electronic instrument panel but her analog speedometer suggests a classy lady with vintage charm.

 

When I step outside to check for damage her black skin covers curves that are more May West than Kim Kardashian.  The only jewelry she is wearing are silver earrings over the gas cap and the big HEMI on her finger. We are ready to dance, she cracks a smile again and I close the door, we are off.

She’s screaming Rock n Roll from the radio so I quickly grab the reigns and change the XM Satellite Radio channel to Hip Hop – there you go, no wait – R&B real mellow. It is little too soon for R&B so I will turn to  Ol Skool Hip Hop. Now we are on the same wave length.

 

She pulls on to the highway and she knows what do to up here.  I press the pedal and she gives me instant response but no more than I can handle. It is time to get up to speed and with out hesitation we are riding with the rest of the party. Safety measures  abound now I see that she has a dual radio display one in the dash. I look right and there is another man grinning at me and giving the thumbs up sign. Then it is apparent that he is looking at the car. I return the gesture and step on it to get her away from the other admirers.

 

We can relax now the initial nervousness is gone. I set the cruise control and I notice the words ECO. Now she is saving me money, oh what a find.  The Dodge Challenger could handle every situation on the road.   She hugs the curves and devours the straight-aways.

When she got into traffic and the other cars pushed up on her she transformed to an intuitive ninja or maybe a geisha ready to serve on any occasion.  I could feel the electronic breaks slow her down when I got out of the throttle.  But as soon as I needed more, a quick burst  from the HEMI was right there waiting for me. This is a road warrior’s fantasy car.

 

I really did not discover her sporty side until late in the return trip when I saw the rally sport button.  A firm pat, then push of the  pedal and this car moved  smother and much faster to passing gear than anything I ever had the pleasure of driving.  I passed six cars in an Alabama Minute.  Oh, but it is too late

I must feed her and take her home.  Ever the Lady she didn’t require much.  The gas was the  considerably  less than I suspected especially considering how I tested the majority of the features.

I finished the short experience with some Latin tunes because this baby was saucy. Oh no what about Jazz – Not enough time. I turned the music off because I want to carry the sound of that HEMI breathing with me until the next time.

What is your best driving experience?

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Don’t get mad at your money

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Money 2

“Don’t get mad at your money”  This is a statement that one of my business associates made when a potential customer was giving me a bit of a hard time. I normally have a lot of patience but sometimes I stumble on the path. I liked the saying so much I thought that this would be a good m plank in the platform of patience.

A few days ago a salesman called me to interest me in a retirement fund. He was pleasant and seemed to offer some good products. I very politely told said, ” I am not interested sir.” He continued with his lines about how terrific his product was for these tough times and I said, “I am not interested sir.” Ten he said,”okay you continue to stay small”. After that he hung up. First of all his negative spirit was immediately clear. I had two thoughts: 1. I was glad I did not entertain this “thimblerigger”  2. He needed the lesson, “Don’t  get mad at your money.”

Hopefully, this plank in the platform patience will help you hold your tongue in a trying situation. Do not demonstrate anger and allow it to affect your bottom line. Keep all of your morels but have patience with the ignorant.

Matthew 7:6-7

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Open the door to your prosperity and close the door to anger and ignorance. Anger robs you of a prosperous future.

 

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You can reach your goals

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Say this out loud.  “I can get there from here!”  wherever you are you can reach your goals from here. You are not far from receiving the prize. Do not quit.

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When I began this website/blog I wrote a post called “Personal Steps to Escape Momentum” Here is an overview of the steps to achieve “Escape Momentum

  1. Lighten your Load
  2. Have an achievable plan
  3. Live your plan
  4. Have relentless faith

This post “I can get there from here” is not a rehash of the earlier post than addendum. Because on the path to Patience to Dominate we all need some encouragement.  I will sign up for your cheering section, now find others that encourage you.

You can light the world from where you are. You are not that far off from your goals.  If you believe it, who can deny you? Quitting is an option you will not choose.  Work like there is no tomorrow until it is tomorrow arrives then do it all over again. I am up at 5:00am chasing my dream of being a writer.

You made your plans now watch for the naysayers. You will find them in the most peculiar places.  There is probably a naysayer sitting there beside you.  The biggest naysayer is between your ears.   You definitely have to confront this one. To combat the one in your head you should make confessions your profession.  Talk about your goals, dreams and plan obsessively.

1 Tim 6:11-13

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses

If some one comments that you are talking to your self , then ask them if they want to help. Muhammad Ali had people around him for the express purpose of calling him the “Greatest”.  If they want to help, have them walk behind you for a few minutes chanting. ” You are the greatest”. It will help your confidence and their humility.  Also there is a post that I wrote about Olympic Medalist Daniel Leyva called “Trust Your Training“, that is what his Dad would say just before he entered a competition.  You have enough in you to get out from here. Trust that your talents and your training will propel you into your desired goals.

What goal are you going to reach?

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Part 2: Clean Plate Club

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Clean Plate Club

Here are some ways to remain in the Clean Plate Club.

  1. Do not put more on your plate than you can handle

In elementary school everyone received the same amount of food. In life every person has the same amount of time. How you use time determines the benefit you receive. As a business person you instinctively know your limits.  Do not take on the project you do not have time to finish.  You may have the aptitude to handle the project but if you drop the ball you lose face and you have added no value.

  1. Give it back so that you do not have to deal with it

When children are the lunch line there is an option to say, “No thank you, I do not want any of that.” Sometimes in business and in life we do not have the option before it is given to us, but we can look at the project and give it to the proper channels for a more expedient solution.  This is more than delegation this is distribution. There are others who can do more with what is on your plate than you can.

  1. If it is not yours than do not eat it

Sometimes in school we would have some undesirable food item and to get the reward we would have to finish everything all week. People would play the “hey look over there game” As soon as you would look away they would put some Brussel sprouts on your plate.  With projects and ideas you have to mindful of Brussel sprouts on your plate.  If it is not your problem, do not accept it.  People call me for advice from time to time, some good friends and some are business associates.   In these conversations I have to decide if I am helping or if they dumping a problem on me.  Mentally figuring solutions for business is an enterprise worthy of compensation. If you decide to eat the undesirable thing or handle a problem in business be sure to negotiate compensation. In elementary school, eating undesirable foods meant exchanging places in line for ice cream or maybe the whole cup of ice cream.

Joining the clean plate club is easy if you monitor your plate every day. Remember the rules and you will receive the reward…   Peace at the end of the week.

What example of the clean plate club have you demonstrated lately?

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Clean Plate Club: Part 1

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/panasonic-kei/

Our lunchroom in elementary school had a plan called the Clean Plate Club. We would try to eat all of the food on our plates. We would eat down to the last bean and then take our fingers and run them around the edge of the tray to get every ounce of dessert. I especially liked the gravy when we had those homemade yeast rolls… Okay, I am getting really hungry, the true reason behind this was so that we as kids received healthy full meals to be able to discern what was being taught.

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Kitchen dinner

 

There is a Clean Plate Club for business also. It is the club where you leave no work on your plate that can be directed to others and moved forward. If it just sitting with you than no progress is being made. Progress happens when you excert force on an idea.   Ideas move when we share them with others that move them and add to the momentum.  Some ideas are not yours to do anything move.  This is where you have to use discernment.  discernment is a gift and a skill. Some of us have a strong sense of what we can put on our plate and the rest of us have to be really focused so we will not get trapped.

 

Part 2 of this post gives more ideas how develop the skill of business discernment as it relates to The Clean Plate Club.