Learn to create, not compete

A successful lumber dealer told the newspaper reporters what he did to stay ahead of the game. Every night he said he sat quietly in his darkened room and relaxed. Then, he tried to imagine how the lumber business would be conducted ten years from now. He would write down everything that came to him and tried to put them into effect in his business immediately. He didn't want to wait for the ten years to come around. He wanted to succeed now. While his contemporaries were competing with him, he was creating his future.
Learn to create, not compete. Every day, do some concentrated thinking, visualizing, about yourself, your work, your family. Anyone from ages ten to one hundred and ten can benefit from this way of Thinking.

Thanks to Jan Tincher.

Tag, you're IT!

My vote for the best company mission statement I've seen in a loooong time? Enterprise Rent-A-Car's: "Enterprise is an extended family of more than 65,000; a world-class company
with homegrown roots. Through tremendous leadership and the entrepreneurial spirit of our employees, we've built the largest rental car company in North America — customer by customer, car by car from the ground up. But our goal has never been to be the biggest; we simply work hard to be the best."

Isnt' that absolutely inspiring? Have you sat down lately to define your message? Key words: family: 65,000, world-class: homegrown; leadership: entrepreneurial spirit / employees ... it paints a masterpiece of contrasts - I'd say they've got all their bases covered, wouldn't you?

The Punctual Plummer

Just heard the greatest commercial on KLIF out of TX:

Benjamin Franklin Plumbers, "The Punctual Plummer" will take $5 off your bill for every minute they are late.

What a GREAT idea! Honestly, the first time I heard the commercial I didn't catch the name of the plumber but I did catch the offer. How can you tailor your marketing message to surprise and attract clients? What are the known flaws of your competition and how can you do better?

Charity

Not sure if anyone saw this video on 60 minutes last night about the charity that was founded to bring medical care to the poorest areas in the world that now does most of it's work in the US. http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3898008n

I found it shocking and heart-breaking.

But it is quite an eye opener. If corporations won't support them then maybe it is up to us small business owners?