Dog Party !

                                                      

Edition 92 Monday May 30th  2011

Hi, birthdays are cool and great fun to recognise and celebrate . They are the one day every year each of us deserves the right to feel special . So it was with great pleasure on Sunday that we helped Harry Jones the hound dog do just that. We packed up the dog troop truck with all the dog party essentials; canine treats to munch on like tux bikkies and pigs ears, party cups , hats and poppers, plus plenty of water and the favorite rugger ball together with girlfriend Kate and best mate Oscar (photo to follow once Harry gets tech sorted)  and all headed for the local park.

Harry had an amazing time like every birthday boy should celebrating his 8th year in style. The equivalent to 56 human years he didn’t look a year over 40 !!(so he reckons).

In a short speech during the formalities in between eating, drinking, playing footy, chasing ducks and pukekos Harry paid tribute to his friends and family both human and canine for ensuring he is the most ‘upbeat’ hound around. He went on to say that whilst he occasionally felt the pressure of being a ‘Jones’ hound he enjoyed the challenge of setting the pace for others to follow (goes with the territory bro). A big day was had by all ensuring an early night for 50 yr plus dad and dog !

It felt good to do something for my best buddy on his special day. It reminded me of how important birthdays are and even if we don’t like being reminded that another year has ticked over it is a time to reflect and be thankful. I hope the same applies for you personally and for all those in your lives (pets included!)

I hope your weekend was equally as enjoyable, have a great week, cheers Jonesey !

Harry the birthday hound had a ‘Scooby Doo’ time at his dog party in the park !

“Empathy =T.L.C. Think Like a Customer. Karl Albrecht

I rode my motorbike to work one day last week. I needed a break from  peak hour traffic jams not to mention the need for an adrenaline rush !

Careful what you wish for ! Crikey! I sure achieved both by arriving ahead of time and buzzing after a helter skelter dash between the rows of peak hour commuters! Feel the fear and do it anyway!

What an amazing day this set up for me, I didn’t realise how many people are into motor bikes. They either have them or have owned them or secretly wish they still did..thay all certainly had an opinion or experience to share.

The  empathy this created with my customers was huge as we raved on about the bikes we have had or wished we did and the great times we had in the past and our many escapades (with the obligatory embellishments of course).

This reminded me of how important it is to establish areas of common interest with customers and to use these to build and develop our relationships with them. Just like remembering Harrys birthday and celebrating it every one we meet or know has things in their lives that are important to them . This can be as simple as remembering a name or a birthday (we know they all have both of these !) or establishing and developing common areas of interest (like sports, pets or hobbies).

There are simple ways of doing this from roaring up to an appointment on a motorbike to noticing photo’s, certifcates and books in offices. The key is to be aware of the tell tale signs, ask plenty of open questions (what, where, when, who) and to listen rather than talk once you have established an area of common interest. Done correctly this will open doors and assist you to build closer, stronger relationships with existing and potential customers.

It is a great feeling to get to know people so well that they become part of an extended business family and doing deals becomes a natural occurrence because of the trust and closeness that is engendered as a result….sales Eutopia!, maybe more motorbike rides coming up!....Good luck team !

“Your customers don’t care how much you know…until they know how much you care” Gerhard Gschwandtner

Are you the 'weakest link' ?

                                                      

Edition 91 Monday May 23rd  2011

Hi, I love the smell of freshly cut grass, and the way a property is transformed after the lawns have been mowed. I get the same feeling after having swept the courtyard or having washed the car inside and out, is it just me or does the car seem to go better when clean? I know one thing for sure all of these things make me feel good as I do them and after they are done. So it was cool to do all three this weekend as I tore around catching up with chores after a weekend away last week.

I attended the funeral of my old front row buddy Dougie Hopkins held at the North Shore Rugby Club during the week. This was a fitting farewell for the club stalward, the place was packed to the gunwales with friends and family. Family is a good way to describe the unique atmosphere in this special venue that has become the ‘hub’ of the sleepy little marine suburb. Aptly named the ‘Pride of the Union” the Club played host to championship leaders Massey on Saturday. In another fitting tribute to Dougie (who played 165 senior games) the senior team played out of their skins to win convincingly by a whopping 46-16. After having not been at the club for over 12months my two visits within three days reinforced the important part this place has in my heart and my memories. Kids, parents , supporters and players all proud and happy to be members of a Club where ‘family’ is the look and feel. It was like going back in time and whilst providing the highlight of the weekend also a catalyst for future visits ‘this’ season. Some cool moments from a huge ‘things that make me feel good’ weekend. Funny how simple but enjoyable life can be,it doesn’t get any better.

I hope you had an equally cool weekend to set you up for another great week, Cheers Jonesey!

Harry the protective hound had a busy weekend deciding if mower and hose were friend or foe

“My pride never stopped me from picking up a mop and cleaning the toilets” Ray Kroc (Founder of McDonalds)

My visit to the mighty North Shore Rugby Club made me think a lot about their logo “The Pride”

Pride is something every member of that club clearly has in their organisation. This is essential if they are to thrive and be successful. It’s a good message for us all to heed in our business and private lives.

What I observed in the last three days was a group of people who cared enough about each other to ensure their club (or business) ran like a well oiled machine.This is not because a few people do all the work, moreover it is because everyone is doing their share to make the place work as well as it can. I am sure we have all been members of clubs and companies where it is the same old people who do the hard yards and others who take continuously without giving.

I am a firm believer in the philosophy that you will only ever get out of a club or company/organisation what you put in and that if you don’t do your bit then you will be a passenger and a become a ‘weak link’.

As any good coach or Manager will tell you, the team (or staff) will only ever be as good as the ‘weakest link’. The quote above from Ray Kroc is therefore an appropriate one because unless you are prepared to do any job in the company it is unlikely you have what it takes to contribute fully. No one is more important than the cleaner or lowest paid member of your staff or team. We all need to make an effort to ensure we are doing our bit to eliminate the weak links.

A good analogy I use often is that of a row boat where each of us has an oar and responsibility for  rowing so we contribute to the forward momentum of our boat (team, business, organisation, club). The minute one of us isnt rowing we become a passenger or a liability that the rest have to work harder to carry. This is unacceptable if we are to compete and survive in the competitive world we live in. The message this week my friends is to row hard and don’t ever be ‘the weakest link’.

P.R.I.D.E. Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence.  Barry Uroquhart

Snooze or lose !!!

Edition 90 Monday May 16th  2011

Hi, nothing beats getting out of town for the weekend no matter where and how, it is a buzz heading away “looking for adventure and whatever comes your way”. Scheduling regular annual leave has never been my strong point but I have made a conscious effort to rectify that recently. The much anticipated trip to the Coromandel was worth waiting for, delivering an overdose of R,R&R (rest, relaxation and revitalisation).  Some key tips for keeping up with the Joneses in this area; 1)To get the most out of a weekend away one needs to take annual leave either Friday, Monday or both to organise to get there/back in a leisurely and relaxed manner.2) Plan in advance to get the best rates, and more importantly to give yourself something to look forward to. 3) Plan time to do nothing, take books. If taking family schedule time for rest, time for you.4)Don’t talk about it…do it, make it happen no matter how simple or basic.Some of the cheapest least complicated options are often the best.5) As one break finishes , plan the next (aim for a quarterly break at least).

As if to justify or reinforce this philosophy I got home Sunday night to the news that an old football team mate the same age as me had passed away on Friday night ! We never know when our number is up so it is important to do the things you want NOW while you can.

I hope you had an equally relaxing or adventurous weekend with family and friends, cheers Jonesey.

Harry the Westie hound missed the holiday cut but reckons the East Coast is overrated! He was also blown away by the feedback on his photo attached to last weeks edition, thanks.

“You cant turn the clock back but you can wind it up again” Bonnie Pruden

We talk a lot about selling techniques, philosophies and how to apply the various ways and means to achieve the ultimate or desired sales and business deal outcomes.

Whilst this is important , relevant, and useful what this weekend has reinforced for me is the need for regular R,R&R (rest, relaxation and revitalisation) to enable me to be at my best.

I didn’t realise how run down and tired I was until I got away for the weekend. I got more sleep in one weekend than I do in nearly a week! I was exhausted doing absolutely nothing, books I was reading ended up spread across my face as I fell asleep trying to read them ! The more sleep I got the more I seemed to need? I never enjoyed doing nothing without feeling guilty more in my life, it felt great. It was funny telling those who asked about what I did on holiday that I did “nothing” for three days !

Crikey my batteries were flat , talk about a wake up call and a timely reminder of the importance of a number of things; 1) Scheduling regular annual leave is essential if we are to perform at peak.

2) The need for daily rest, accepting that I am not Superman and that the more sleep each day the better I will be 3)Not to feel guilty for doing nothing. 4)Making time for me. 5) Reading 6)Action not words, making it happen.

I felt great after the weekend away, batteries recharged and raring to go. I couldn’t help thinking how much more effective I could be as a partner, manager, father, triathlete and overall as a person with extra energy, vitality and fuel in the tank.

I know of a lot of people in the same position who survive on a minimal amount of sleep, who don’t schedule regular leave and who think they are superhuman! Well take it from one who has realised albeit better late than never that this is not the case and that sooner or later it catches up with all of us. Some of us are lucky enough to do something about it, others are not that fortunate.

So if you  want to make sure you can ‘sell the sizzle’ you need to make sure you have plenty of gas in the BBQ bottle and a bright spark to ignite it with every day!, following the steps above is a good start! Good luck, have a great week in the field chasing those opportunities!

“Triumph is the extra “umph” added to the “try”!  Wayne Bennett (Famous footy coach)

Harry Jones the cool dude hound !

Man pain !!

                                                      

Edition 89 Monday May 9th  2011

Hi, what do sweetcorn fritters and stubbed toes have in common? Both have a link for me to my childhood and both hold special memories. One pleasurable and one painful and both were part of my weekend. When it comes to sweetcorn fritters no one does them better and when it comes to my toes no one skins them more often than me!(notice how it is always the same toe each time!) I think the pleasure of the fritters won out over the pain of the toes although there can never be anything worse than the man pain I endured as my toe was mashed!

After recovering from both we had the elation of yet another Blues win on the trot and the pleasure of spoiling Mum on Sunday,hope you did too.  My Mum loved lunch in Devonport and Dad had a good time too,cashing in on the chocolate and the occasion!... Love you Mum x (and Dad)

We finished off the weekend on a special note watching the late afternoon sun go down in the west amongst the vines and the rich vibrant autumn colours at a local winery…amazing how something free, accessible and simple is so priceless….life doesnt get any better!

I hope you had a special Mothers Day weekend with family and friends and made especially sure Mums were remembered or recognised for the special people they are to us all…cheers Jonesey !

Harry the faithful hound wishes his Mum was still around but always knew the Blues would come right eventually, long may it continue!

“Persistence breaks resistence” Thomas Edison

We always knew starting up a business in a competitive environment would be challenging but I don’t think any of us realised how much so.

Did we expect that our competitors would step aside and allow us to get a foot hold in their market…no way and they certainly havent disappointed in that respect.

We havent been daunted, instead we have been stimulated and extended to the limits and beyond of our experience and comfort zone ! We have had a lot of NO’s and maybe’s and a limited number of Yes’s but through it all we have perservered because to survive we have had to just like anyone else.

We are securing  deals last where we have received a number of No’s along the way but instead of accepting any of them we have persisted in asking WHY and HOW. As a ‘start up’ you have to live and breathe the Winston Churchill philosophy of “Never give in, Never give in, Never give in” or you will perish pretty quickly. An interesting and exciting business environment that’s for sure!

What a buzz when a deal comes off though and especially after thinking there is no way it is going to happen for so long. There is a real lesson here for us all and that is to hang in there even if things are not looking that good. There is always a way to make something happen and often its just a case of being like a postage stamp and sticking to one thing until you get there !(Franklin D Roosevelt).

Yes, business is tough and the competition is hot in every industry sector but nothing was ever achieved without a degree of difficulty. No matter what you want to achieve in your business or personal lives you need to accept that it will not be done without effort and ongoing  persistence…. So when you get to the end of the rope tie a knot and hang on !!!.good luck, have a great week.

“Nothing in the world will take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

Calvin Coolidge

The UPBEAT guy !!!

                                                      

Edition 88 Monday May 2nd  2011

Hi, “do you ever shut up?” the question was posed and rightfully so ! Once again I wasn’t listening twice as much as I was talking ! Easy thing to say and hard to do and something that others are quick to pick up on. I have always loved the sound of my own voice, thing is that just because I do doesn’t mean everyone else does! This timely reminder came along with some other frank and honest feedback following a cool training day last week. Never be afraid to say it like it is, people always need to know how they are doing. Toastmasters will tell you that feedback is the ’gift of growth’ and to all those who share their feedback on my presentations and ‘Upbeat’ I will always be grateful.

What a weekend, something for everyone from the pomp and ceremony of the royal wedding to the record breaking win of the Breakers, win # 8 for the mighty Blues and crikey the Warriors even won!

Now I also got reminded that not everyone is in to sport, so to give the column balance, I lit the fire on a blustery Sunday afternoon and hunkered down in front of the  ‘chick flick’  Eat, Pray , Love !!! Hmmmm taking ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ to a new level huh !, I think its called ‘balance’!!

I hope you all had an equally balanced and enjoyable weekend with family and friends.

Have a great week and keep the gift of growth coming…cheers Jonesey.

Harry the blokey hound is happy to have the fire back but the dog jury is out on chick flicks

“The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible”

Is there such a thing as ‘over positivity’?  An interesting question posed last week.

How come you are so ‘Upbeat’?, how come you are so enthusiastic and energetic, what is the secret, how do we get started if we want to be the same way? Surely you are not constantly happy and excellent, things must go wrong in your day as well, how do you handle that?

Good and relevant questions and things I have often wondered about other people I have met.

Being positive is not something you are born with it is something you have to work at on a daily basis. I don’t think you can ever be ‘over positive’ however it is important to choose to have a positive attitude/outlook and this must be done daily.

Being ‘Upbeat’, enthusiastic and energetic is not easy, it takes discipline to form the daily habit. There is no secret it is something we all need to focus on doing each day. I find the easiest way is to consciously make the decision/choice each morning to “have a good day”. Planting this thought as early as possible is the key to making it happen. I find the day gains momentum toward the desired outcome steadily from there. I am not constantly happy every day, things go wrong in my day just like anyone else but I handle them a lot better when I am focused positively.

“Its not so much what happens to us each day its more how we react to what happens to us that is the key”

If you say and act like you are excellent enough times you will eventually feel that way and soon have that effect on others.

To give yourself the best chance of achieving success through developing the habit of being positive daily there are a couple of other things you should also think about. They are exercise and sleep. Fit in body = fit in mind and lack of exercise or sleep or both put your body and mind under pressure  and make it harder if not impossible to have the energy to perform at peak.

We are all in the same boat, I am no different, every day presents a new opportuniity to have a happy and good day, there is only one person who can develop the habit and ultimately make the call!... your mission should you decide to accept it daily is to do just that, have a good one !!!!

“First we form habits, then they form us.”  Rob Gilbert