Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, recession | Posted on 07-02-2012 | 
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Who is the most important person involved in staging a global economic comeback?
The current President of the United States?
Whoever the next President is?
The Fed Chairman?
The U.S. Treasury Secretary?
No.
The most important person for the future of the United States and global economy is YOU—the entrepreneur.
You have heard the statistics before, but they are worth repeating as it shows you the tremendous power and burden YOU have for making an economic recovery possible.
U.S. Small Business Administration reports that, small businesses are responsible for 58% of all jobs and half of the total GDP. 64% of all new jobs were created solely by small businesses over the past 19 years.
Small businesses:
• Represent 99.7% of all employer firms
• Employ more than 50% the private-sector employees
• Pay 44% of the total U.S. private payroll
• Have generated more than 64% of all new jobs during the past 15 years
• And create more than 50% the private gross domestic product
*statistics from U.S. Small Business Administration
Carl Schramm, president of the Kauffman Foundation says this, "Entrepreneurs, people who now create more than half the new jobs in America,are defining the new economy, not just here, but around the world. We could call the current era the age of entrepreneurial capitalism"
This new era is changing the face of what we think of as the entrepreneur as well.
Entrepreneurs over the next decade will be far more diverse than their predecessors in age, origin and gender.
If you are in the business of recruiting or selling to entrepreneurs this is very important information for you.
Traditionally entrepreneurs came predominantly out of the... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 31-01-2012 |
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During the media tour launching The Compound Effect, CNN asked me to submit an article for their website. So, what do I have to say to CNN? Below is the article I submitted to my PR team. Even after they begged me to neuter it, to refocus it on 24/7 news (not just CNN and not just the Wolf man), CNN still didn't have the backbone to publish the critical commentary. So I publish it here.
(CNN-) Disaster. Crisis. Failure. Scandal. Tragic. Devastation. Danger. Emergency. Threat. Crash… just a few words spoken by Wolf Blitzer in "The Situation Room" within only a five-minute span. If you listen to The Wolf, the world is coming to an end… every five minutes. And we wonder why people feel hopeless (giving up the belief that a job even exists), fearful (pessimistic about the future) and lack confidence (market and otherwise) when you have The Wolf & Friends spreading the gospel of fear, worry, danger and anxiety in our family rooms, offices, cars and airports 24/7.
The damage these constant and repeated messages have on our consciousness and creative potential is "devastating."
What controls your attention controls your life.
Where your attention goes, energy flows and so goes your life. When I interviewed racecar-driving legend Mario Andretti, I asked him for the No. 1 success tip to racecar driving. His answer, "Don't look at the wall." He explained, "Your car goes where your eyes go." If you are a tightrope walker, what's the one thing you never do? Right, look down. Why? Your body will follow your eyes. Your body (your life) also follows your eyes (your attention). If you point your eyes at Constant Negative News (there's an acronym for that), your life will also go in that direction.
Your mind is like an empty glass. It will hold anything you put into it. You put in sensational news, salacious headlines and talk show rants and you are pouring dirty water into your...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 24-01-2012 |
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Those were the words of Italian Coast Guard Gregorio de Falco to Captain Francesco Schettino while he was abandoning his ship, leaving 4,200 people on board to perish (at least 12 died).
When you "mess up" and difficulty strikes, how do you handle it?
Do you take responsibility, do whatever it takes to make it right, step up and take action (like the Coast Guard)… or do you shirk responsibility, leave the scene of the disaster you created and start looking for someone else to blame (like the Captain)?
The translated exchange between the Captain and Coast Guard is transcribed below. In parenthesis are examples of excuses we might use in our daily lives for not taking responsibility for common failures.
(This isn't what I envisioned for my life. But I don't really want to change, please…)
Captain: Please …
Coast Guard: There is no 'please' about it. Get back on board.
(But I send out résumés, I leave messages for my prospects, I mail letters…)
Captain: I am here to coordinate the rescue.
Coast Guard (interrupting): What are you coordinating there! Get on board! Coordinate the rescue from on board!
(It's not my job, the president is supposed to fix it, when Monday comes…)
Captain: (inaudible)… there is another lifeboat…
Coast Guard (interrupting, yelling): You get back on board! That is an order! There is nothing else for you to consider. Now I am giving the orders. Get back on board, dammit! Is that clear? Don't you hear me?
Captain: I am going aboard.
(The market is down, no one is hiring, our industry is in a recession…)
Captain: Look, chief, I want to go aboard but the other lifeboat here has stopped and is drifting. I have called …
Coast Guard (interrupting): You have been telling me this for an hour! Now, go aboard! Get on board!
The Captain never returned to the ship. According to the harbor master's office, which notes the final exchange as occurring at 1:46 a.m., Capt. Schettino sought refuge on a rock at 12:30 a.m....
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 17-01-2012 |
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What matters most in making your business successful? (It might not be what you expect)
We are mid-stroke the first month of 2012. How you doing?
There is really only one barrier that can stop you from accomplishing every wildly ambitious and outrageous goal you have for 2012. Do you know where that barrier is?
Let me give you a hint—it's above your neck and between your ears. Yes, it's your own mind. If you want to achieve more this year than you have ever been able to achieve in previous years, then we need to first get your head straight.
I want to help you cultivate what I call an achievers mindset.
If you were to guess what I am going to teach you on how to cultivate an achievers mindset, what would you guess?
You are probably thinking things like: doing affirmations, or creative visualizations or guided meditations, or putting your goals on a post-it note and sticking them to your mirror or a vision board or listening to a recorded version of yourself saying, "I am happy, I am healthy, I am terrific.
No while all those things are fine and well (but weird), in my opinion they have nothing to do with achievement.
Note that I am talking about an Achievers Mindset. Not the 'Happy Mindset' or the Make-Yourself-Feel-Good-Mindset'. We are after the mindset that produces results.
To have an Achievers Mindset is to have the mental discipline to push yourself through the long, sometimes grueling and sometimes painfully, hard work it takes to achieve. And really the only thing keeping you from doing it, and the only thing that will ultimately power you through it—your mind.
As my Spin instructor says repeatedly, "Your legs can go harder, faster and longer than you think… all that is keeping them from doing so is your mind."
Thus you need an achievers mindset to push yourself to do the things necessary to achieve the big goals you have set for 2012 (you do have big goals for 2012, don't you?)
Let me give you a brilliant example...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Marketing, SUCCESS, sales | Posted on 10-01-2012 |
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What matters most in making your business successful? (It might not be what you expect)
If a genie popped out of a bottle and granted you instant “best-in-your-industry” status in just one of four categories, which would you choose?:
best management
best margins
best marketing
best product
While all these contribute to your business success, only one factor matters most.
PRODUCT?
It’s often assumed that the highest-quality and best product wins. Not true. What’s the No. 1 restaurant in the world? McDonald’s. What’s the No. 1 wine? Franzia (the stuff that comes in a box!).
MANAGEMENT?
The next assumption is that management makes the competitive difference. Countless “dream teams” have failed miserably (think Enron, the movie Oceans 12 and the 2004 Olympic basketball team, comprising nothing but NBA stars, ending up third, losing to Lithuania. Ouch.).
MARGINS?
Certainly your accountant and CFO would wish for the highest margins. Tell'em margins don’t matter at all if the product never sells. Ultimately, like it or not, the one thing that matters most in determining whether your business succeeds or fails miserably is... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 03-01-2012 |
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In the movie City Slickers, Curly explains to Billy Crystal’s character that the secret to life is “one thing.” When he asks what the “one thing” is Curly says, “That’s what you have to figure out.”
When it comes to making 2012 the best year of your life, the secret is the same, figure out the “one thing” that if you achieved it, would change your life so dramatically that it would make for the best year of your life.
Identification
In my Living Your Best Year Ever program (you have it right??) I take you through a process that vets out your entire life: your core values, strengths, weaknesses, ambitions, fears, purpose and inner most passion to try and help you discover your Top 10, then Big 3 and then the ONE.
Action: That’s your first challenge: figure out your ONE THING that if you achieved it would make this your best year ever.
Now let me help you achieve your one thing…
Motivation
You will be tested. You will encounter obstacles. You will experience pain. It will suck at times. You will want to quit. So, you need a significant reason WHY you want to forge ahead and continue to pursue and persist through the pain, obstacles and sucky stuff. (resource: watch this video or read pg 3 of this article: Finding Your Mojo-Your Why-Power)
Action: Figure out your unique WhyPower.
Execution
Behavior
In the LBYE program I also reveal my Massive Transformation Formula. One of the steps in that process is: List the one key behavior most important to accomplishing your goal, your “one thing.” You are one key behavior away from a massive transformation in any area of your life.
Think about it: Improving your marriage could need just a few consistent behavior changes to transform your current connection and intimacy. Your sales results? A few consistent behaviors could massively transform your...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 29-12-2011 |
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I love year-end Top 10 lists.
I feel I can get a good review of year bygone and check-in to see if I happen to miss anything important.
In that spirit I had the top 10 blog posts (based on comment and shares) pulled for you:
Be a ROCK STAR Presenter (Pt 2 of 3)
Based on important advice I gave to an executive team of a mid-size company to improve their 'State of the Union' address. Can help you improve any presentation you give.
THANKS-Giving Challenge
Of all the awe-inspiring stories I get about how The Compound Effect made a difference in someone's life, this is the concept that has had the most impact. This is something you can do ANY time of the year with equally life-altering results.
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY (1 of 3)
The cause and fix to all your money problems. Be sure to see post #3 too. Why the Rich Get Richer One of the most important distinctions I made all year.
Knocked on Your Tush (Part 1 of 4)
When you get knocked on your tush in life, how do you get back up so you are not knocked OUT. How to Be a Loser It's best to learn what losers do so you don't accidentally end up one!
You Can Be Right or Happy…
I paid dearly to gain this insight. Let me save you the pain, read this one!
Get IN the Game
Oh, it's definitely a good time to review this post!
Now Explode Off the Starting Line
If you have any goals you want to achieve in 2012, this post will be very valuable to you.
The Overachiever vs. The Superachiever (1 of 4)
The difference between Richard Branson, Tony Hawk, Donald Trump and me (and probably you).
8 Shocking (and Hilarious) Social Media Gaffes More people need to read this. Send this one to all your friends - before they hurt themselves, permanently.
Click here to go to blog
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, Uncategorized | Posted on 27-12-2011 |
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For those of you who keep in touch with me on facebook, over this past year you have witnessed me logging sunsets I have captured from many corners of the globe. Many have wondered why. It’s actually a very powerful goal achieving tactic. I’ll let you in on it now and report the results.
The goal wasn’t about sunsets at all. It was actually a tactic for me to gain leverage over me and my weaker tendencies.
I am a self-afflicted workaholic. I’d rather be working than doing most anything else. I don’t consider this a bad thing (good for you too since I’m usually working on something you’ll benefit from!). However gaining some separation, getting away from the constant busyness, calming the frenetic energy and quieting the mind is an important productivity component. But I am an addict.
So the real goal was to spend 30minutes a few times a week just quiet and still. Well that lasted about 8minutes once.
That’s when I brought in the first goal achieving strategy...
ANCHOR: I needed a goal that wasn’t the goal, but would be something tied to the goal that would force me to do the goal. Documenting sunsets was the anchor. A sunset happens at a particular time each day. To actually catch it at the right time you will usually spend 30 minutes or more watching it. THAT is when I spent my 30minutes of calm, uninterrupted, quiet time.
Then I brought in THE most powerful tactic to all goal achieving...Click Here to Continue Reading this Post and See Pics of My Favorite Sunsets...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 20-12-2011 |
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The gap is widening. Which will you be?
We are standing on the precipice of 2012. Still at the beginning of one of the greatest periods of opportunity ever in human history. While there has always been opportunity, the sea of changes we've experienced over the past few years have unearthed possibilities unlike anything ever seen before — particularly for the budding entrepreneur.
As Industrial Age corporate structures and monolithic systems begin to crumble, those who once maintained unquestioned power have been dethroned, and everything — I mean, everything — is up for grabs.
This, combined with recent technological innovations, has changed the game forever. Today, we are all wired directly to each other. No one has exclusive access to markets or distribution channels.
Your local community is no longer your only marketplace — the entire world is, instantly, 24/7. The world has been made flat, and so has the playing field of opportunity.
Fifty years from now your children and children's children will look back with envy — wishing they were you, right here, right now, in 2012, when this new frontier was still unclaimed.
But be forewarned. This newly leveled playing field also brings unrivaled competition — not just from the business down the street or members of your local chamber of commerce. Your new competition is...Click Here to Continue Reading this Post...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 13-12-2011 |
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(If you missed them, here are posts #1 and #2)
We've learned that great teams beat great players, leaders and competitors every time. We found that the most sabotaging influence to team cohesion and performance is ego and "headwind hogging." Now let me identify the two most important ingredients for building high-performing teams.
TRUST
As Patrick Lencioni wrote in his excellent book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, the No. 1 dysfunction is an absence of trust. Interestingly, you don't even need to like each other, but you do have to trust each other to form the cohesion and solidarity needed for high performance.
So what do you do to build more trust?
I'm a believer in always giving what you want first. If you want trust from your team, give trust first. Things that foster trust are transparency, honesty, vulnerability and complete integrity.
Brainstorm five ways you can demonstrate trust to your team.
Thought starters:
Open the Kimono: Open up your books. Share the good, the bad and the ugly of your financial statements. Become far more transparent with how information is shared and communicated.
Marionette No More: Drop the puppet strings. Give others more responsibility and decision-making power without micromanagement and approvals. Train, but then trust them. Let them lead.
Expose Your Chest: As my friend Waldo Waldman teaches about leadership, "expose your chest to daggers," meaning, show your vulnerability first. Be more open and honest in the disclosure of your own fears, failures and shortcomings.
Remember, people relate and connect more with your struggles than your successes. What do you fear? When do you feel scared? When have you tried and failed? When does your confidence waver? Share that with your team and you will...Click Here to Continue Reading this Post... Plus free video on how to get a sneaky headstart on your competition in...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 06-12-2011 |
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(If you missed it, here's post #1)
The Single Most Sabotaging Force of Team Performance
When a duck falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone. Left out of formation for too long it will eventually tire out and drop out completely.
We see this happen on sports teams when one player tries to showboat and carry the game. Eventually the headwind of trying to fly alone will wear him down and the opposition will prevail.
You saw Mark Cuban on our November cover of SUCCESS. His Dallas Mavericks faced the Miami Heat for the 2011 NBA Championship. The Heat demonstrated a prime example of this sabotaging force. Many argued that never had more individual talent been assembled (and paid for) on a single team in the history of the NBA as was on the 2011 Miami Heat. They had the "three kings," or whatever they called themselves (that had to be a clue).
Meanwhile the Dallas Mavericks, while they obviously had good players, didn't have nearly the individual superstar/celebrity talent the Heat had. The championship should have been a blowout. And it was. Teamwork blew out talent 4 games to 2.
While the Miami Heat had more 'eagles,' let's say, the Dallas Mavericks played as a unified flock, or team, and beat the Heat decisively. That is the power of teamwork and that is the detriment individual egos can be, sabotaging the greatness of a team.
The important team lesson here: No one member of your team can or should be taking the headwind all the time. Just like a duck, he or she has to have the humility and the ego strength to rotate to the back of the formation so another duck can take the lead position to keep the flock moving at top speed.
I have shared the keynote presentation I did for the EXPERTS Industry Association.
You can watch it here.
Contents of the presentation include:
> How I developed my message - key ideas on how to develop...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Leadership | Posted on 29-11-2011 |
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Nature Gives Us Clues
If you were going to pick a model from nature for how to create and operate as a great team, which animal would you pick?
How about lions, tigers, hippos or bears?
Those species are known to eat their young, or the new guy or gal on the team, in our analogy. That doesn’t make for good team building!
How about wolves or hyenas?
These animals are known to constantly have ego fights for dominance—definitely not good for trust and the morale of a team.
How about salmon?
Certainly their long struggle to swim upstream in dedication to duplicate (procreate) the team has to be a good role model. Yeah, well, the only problem is, once they have finally done the quiver (seriously, that’s what they do—they align themselves next to each other and quiver while they each do their part of the act), they die. That can’t be good if every time new people are brought into your team the leaders die. So salmon are out.
I know what you are thinking… eagles, right?
Eagles are good role models for soaring to individual heights, but they are poor team players. They are known to be territorial, pretty hostile toward one another and constantly stealing prey from one another.
Get this… momma eagle usually lays two eggs and most often the bigger of the two siblings (which is usually the female, as they come out bigger) kills the other sibling while mom looking on (harsh, right?). No, you don’t want the new recruits killing each other or the leaders stealing sales and clients from each other. Eagles, team players? Not so much.
No, the animal species you want to learn from and emulate in working together as a team are… Click Here to Continue Reading this Post...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 22-11-2011 |
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If I could reach out of this blog and hug you I would.
Consider this my virtual hug.
Let me attempt to explain why I am so grateful to you...
I have learned my highest values in life are significance and achievement.
Without you I could not express and realize those values each day.
I come by these values by nurture (or lack there of). Many of you might not know my early childhood story as I have only recently started to talk about it publically. My parents divorced when I was only 18 months old. My mother didn’t want me so she gave me up to my father. In fact, I was told that when she first found out she was pregnant with me she got angry. After I was born she was generally disinterested and thankfully just handed me over to my dad.
My dad was only 24 years old at the time and a university football coach. He only knew how to parent like he coached—no whining, crying or excuses; lots of yelling, screaming and cursing. The best analogy is the experience was like being raised by Sergeant Gunnery of Full Metal Jacket. The way you got love and attention from my father was to do good, be good and achieve.
I am eternally grateful for this childhood as it instilled in me the desire to experience and express these two values:
Significance—wanting to feel significant by doing something important, meaningful, positive and contributing in the world that helps others feel empowered, important, capable and significant.
Achievement—my constant and never-ending drive for measurable improvement and achievement—for me and for those I serve: my readers, audience members, mentees and my virtually connected community.
Notice how YOU are in each of those two driving values. Without you, life, my purpose and the realization of my deep-seated passion is not possible.
So on this occasion of Thanks Giving and everyday I get out of bed to search the world over to find the best ideas, insights and...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 21-11-2011 |
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The release of hardbound version of The Compound Effect into retail has put me on a whirlwind media tour the last couple weeks. By the way, thanks to all your support it hit NY Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller! Thank you!
The two key messages I have been drumming are:
1) Don't let sensational media convince you otherwise, these are the times of great opportunity (particularly for the budding entrepreneur)--if you take responsibility for your future. Stop watching the news and start making news.
2) Don't let commercial marketing gimmickry convince you otherwise, there is no quick-fix to success, wealth and happiness. The unsexy truth is success requires hard sometimes tedious, frustrating and defeating work over a long sustained period of time. Period.
I know hard sell, right? But it's the truth. The only truth. And that's why I continue to need your help to spread this gospel of truth.
Anyway, a few places you can see me beating the drum of hope, opportunity and self-responsible prosperity are below.
Join me in the march!
Tomorrow, Tuesday November 22nd I will be on The Big Biz Show from 12noon - 2pm PACIFIC time. You can watch a live stream online and chat in real time while I'm on air.
I will also be on the Tavis Smiley Show on PBS the same night (Tues. Nov. 22nd). Check your local listings and set your DVRs, it's a fun conversation!
Some other drum beats of inspiring ideas and useful content can be found in these fine locations:
Stop Looking For a Job, Start Looking For an Opportunity
AOL Jobs | Vault.com | Today's Working Place | Examiner.com | Gen-X | Young Up-Starts | Dallas So. News
Savvy Entrepreneurs Adopt More Good Habits
Huffington Post | Business Insider | Start-up Professionals
How to Hire Top Talent
Monster.com
Guru...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 15-11-2011 |
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Walk into any restaurant, airport, park, or even a child’s school play or Little League game and you will see many people who aren’t even there.
While their bodies are there, their minds and spirits are trafficking in another world—on email, Facebook, Twitter, Farmville, Second Life, Amazon, eBay, Angry Birds, Yahoo News or any number of alternative virtual worlds.
Scott Campbell of the University of Michigan has said, “[Plugging in] can be a good thing. But I also see new ways the traditional social fabric is getting virtually torn apart.” I assume the pun was intended.
We all know you cannot really be in two places at one time. When you switch your attention to a device you leave your surroundings… and the people in it. Even just having your mobile device on and having it ding, ring, buzz or f lash teleports your mind, removing you from the world in front of you to the wonderment of some virtual land.
Some people argue that the always-on wireless world has allowed us to stay more connected and closer to each other. Yet I have observed (and felt) it has also allowed us to keep each other at an emotional distance.
In her book Alone Together, MIT professor Sherry Turkle points out that we are increasingly looking to technology for ways to be in relationships while also using technology to protect ourselves from those relationships. Are our virtual worlds stunting our ability to truly connect in the physical world?
Love to a child used to be spelled T-I-M-E— which is the key ingredient to cultivating any human relationship. Technology has changed the game. Today, I think the key ingredient to fostering real human relationships is... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, SUCCESS Magazine | Posted on 08-11-2011 |
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…and the successful become more and more successful.
I have to confess something to you. While you can definitely glean ideas, tips and important distinctions that will accelerate your progress, there are a few advantages that do separate the superachievers from everyone else that are not easily accessible.
Advantages you cannot simply find in a magazine, book or CD/DVD program, unfortunately.
These three advantages are access to Counsel, Connections and Strategies.
Let me explain briefly.
Counsel—The best in the world have the best in the world advising, consulting and coaching them. It is one of the greatest ways they gain advantage over their competitors.
The best golfer, tennis player, baseball pitcher, singer, even surgeon, CEO and top entrepreneur all invest in highly paid advisors and coaches. Why? This is a massively critical point about high performance.
There is a phenomenon called unconscious incompetence, meaning, you don’t even know when you aren’t doing something correctly or to the best of your ability. It takes someone outside of you to observe, identify, prod and counsel you in order to bring awareness to the adjustments needed take your performance to the next level.
A top CEO once said to me, “You can never pay too much to rent someone’s eyes, mind and experience.”
If you want to take your life to the next level, you, too, will want to seek out the best advisors and coaches to help get you there.
Connections—It is not just who the top achievers in the world know and have access to; what’s far more critically valuable is the high-achieving reference group this provides them. As human beings we raise or lower our performance to match the expectations and performance level of our reference group. As
Stephen Covey pointed out, if you take a walk with someone whose pace is quicker than yours, it...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 01-11-2011 |
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In the last post I promised to give you an investment tip of a lifetime. Ready for it?
I received this investment tip originally from Brian Tracy more than 15 years ago and it has produced a personal ROI (Return On Investment) of many millions of dollars.
This was the pitch Brian gave me:
“For every $1 you invest in ___________________, it will return $30 to your bottom line.”
That’s 30 to 1!
Even if you are the most experienced investor, where can you get a nearly guaranteed 3000% (or greater, depending on your allocation) on your money?
Compare it to these investment returns over the past several years:
S&P 500: 1.65%
Dow Jones Industrial: 29.49%
Real Estate: -19.47
Bonds: 8.19%
U.S. Treasury: 16.36%
3000% looks better, eh?
Okay, here’s the “insider” investment tip:
Invest in YOU… and your greater personal development.
I’m not just being clever here. I’m serious (and so was Brian).
This is what Jim Rohn taught me long ago:
“Income seldom exceeds personal development.”
Therein lies the key to growing your income—growing yourself.
Let me explain and then I will give you the investment formula Brian Tracy gave to me 15 years ago that earned me millions… CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 25-10-2011 |
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In the last post we discovered the great sabotaging factor of your greater wealth (hint, it’s in the mirror). In this post I will suggest a few tools to help you get your finances back on the yellow brick road toward your pot of financial gold.
Most people’s financial life is like a runaway stagecoach, meaning they are completely out of control. Maybe even speedily heading in the wrong direction. And maybe headed for a cliff… without even knowing it.
So just like a runaway stagecoach, there are two very important things to do to regain control.
ONE: Get a Grip.
You have to first locate and grasp the reins. I find it shocking how few people have a financial budget—an accurate knowledge of what their monthly expenses and spending patterns are.
A Princeton research study reported less than 4 in 10 do. The other 60% have no idea how they are spending their money month to month (gasp!). Do you know? Right now, can you tell me what your total monthly expenses are?
If not, start grasping for your two reins now:
1) CASH FLOW
Get really clear on where it is all going. You might not even be aware of some of the leaks you have in your financial boat… or how small expenditures are adding up to big pitfalls. So, to find out where the leaks are and to promptly plug them, start tracking your spending.
Two tools I recommend: Quicken and/or Mint.com. I have found Mint.com to be extremely helpful in being able to easily, automatically and visually see where my finances are flowing and how my net worth is growing—week to week and month to month, from anywhere in the world—as it is stored on the Cloud.
2) NET WORTH
How much are you worth right now? If you don’t know off the top of your head, it isn’t good, and might be why your stagecoach has been traveling in the wrong direction.
Are you even sure what completes a personal financial...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 18-10-2011 |
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When I asked a friend, who was wearing his smile upside down, what was troubling him, that was his answer, “Money, money, money!”
Seems to be the same answer if you ask what’s troubling Wall Street, the housing market, the unemployment rate, political campaigns, charitable endeavors, corporate quarterly earnings, small-business startups and the strife between husband and wife: Money, money, money!
So, let’s talk about it.
Money—love it or hate it, you need it. Best you get buddy-buddy with it. Promptly.
Aside from temporary setbacks and extraordinary fortunes of inheritance or luck, if you want to know how someone feels about himself or herself—look at their bank account.
If you want to know how someone feels about himself or herself—look at their bank account.
Money is one of the greatest measurements of one’s mindset. As Jim Rohn says, “Your net worth will seldom exceed your self worth.” This is probably why there is so much emotion and psychosis tied to people’s relationship with money. It can be very revealing.
Thus, if you want to fix your money problems, get your head examined.
It’s your mindset and attitude about money that will either draw it in to you… or repel it away from you.
What’s in Your Head Determines What’s in Your Wallet
In this three-part series, I am going to help you acquire the attitude and mindset of financial abundance.
If you want more money, here is where to look… within… or it is likely to become self-evident that you will go without.
In the book The Instant Millionaire by Mark Fisher, the old millionaire asks the boy who has sought his advice about becoming a millionaire, "Why aren't you rich already?"
That is a good question to ask yourself. You live in an era of unprecedented wealth and opportunity. It has never been...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 12-10-2011 |
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“It’s cool to be a tortoise.”
That’s what my friend’s son said when his father asked what he learned by reading The Compound Effect. (I just love these stories about kids. I hope you will indulge me.)
I said, “That’s neat.” My friend quickly corrected me, “No, it’s way more than neat. You don’t understand. Dillan is constantly looking for the shortcut. If he doesn’t see results almost immediately, he gets frustrated, bored or simply gives up. This book changed a critical and fundamental philosophy that will alter his future in my opinion."
I admitted, “You are right, that’s way more than ‘neat’.”
How many times have you been like Dillan? Come on, admit it, we’re amongst friends.
How many diet books, programs, schemes, creams potions, powders or pills have you bought that promised overnight results with little effort?
How many eBay, Internet riches, real estate tax lien sales, day-trading, get rich quick books, programs or courses have you bought?
Look, there is no silver-bullet, short-cut, quick-fix or SECRET to becoming successful.
It’s HARD FREAKING WORK! (someone had to say it!).
It comes down to about a half-dozen fundamentals. Master those and the world is your oyster.
That’s what you will find in The Compound Effect.
Only 48 hours left (no joke) to order during the pre-release period and receive these free gifts:
The Compound Effect complete audio program (MP3)—$35 value
Darren Hardy interview with Jim Rohn (MP3)—$9.95 value
Jim Rohn’s Living an Exceptional Life seminar (MP3)—$39.95 value
Order now and start kicking some hare!
10 Ways You Can Help Share The Compound Effect on Facebook and Twitter
Don’t be a Hare. Why it’s “cool to be a...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, SUCCESS Magazine | Posted on 11-10-2011 |
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In this age of information and technology, we have a world of resources at our fingertips.
Much of human knowledge has been scanned, transcribed, recited and digitized for immediate Google access. Today there are more teachers, preachers, coaches, consultants, mentors and "experts" at your disposal than ever. But the most overlooked, underutilized and divinely powerful resource of them all is you—your own inner voice, intuition and instinct.
I think many people have lost contact with their inner resource.
We live in an era in which everyone around us is telling us what we should do—the government, religious authorities, academic leaders, news media, commercial marketers, our bosses, our parents and now hundreds of friends on Facebook and Twitter every day.
I believe the deluge of all these available resources, ideas and opinions can overwhelm us, put us into a bit of a stupor and make us lazy. As Albert Einstein once said, "Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking." You cannot simply study the wisdom of others.
You have to think through ideas yourself and tap your own inner wisdom.
Too often we are consumed by some epic hunt for the Holy Grail. We're looking for someone else's secret, answer, formula or big idea in order to get where we want to go.
Over time, and through practice, I have found that the answers to life's most vexing questions don't exist on Ask.com, YouTube or Wikipedia, but reside within us. The Holy Grail, as it were, isn't out there to be found, but lies within us, waiting to be discovered.
As you know, I interview people for a living. It's true that incredible insights, inspiration and distinctions can be found by interviewing and studying people who have already been where you wish to go. But when it comes to the big issues—to those vexing questions and momentous decisions of...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 06-10-2011 |
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That was a question someone asked on Facebook about my audio program of The Compound Effect.
I thought that was a fair enough question; so let me point out a few things that are “in there”:
The strategy Richard Branson uses to significantly increase his luck—it’s in there!
Donald Trump’s answer to what his competitive advantage is—it’s in there!
Montel Williams’ method to easily eradicate bad habits—it’s in there!
How Dr. Oz keeps mental peace of mind with a crazy, hectic schedule—it’s in there!
Dave Ramsey’s learned technique of handling money and wealth accumulation—it’s in there!
Brian Tracy’s strategy on how to improve any area of your life 1,000%—it’s in there!
The tip Jillian Michaels’ mom taught her that keeps her consistent with her disciplines—it’s in there!
Donny Deutsch’s finding of the one ingredient to success after interviewing thousands of successful CEOs and entrepreneurs—it’s in there!
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz’s method for building a committed team culture—it’s in there!
Single tip a CEO I mentored used to revive his company culture and increase profits by 30% in less than 18 months—it’s in there!
How Cal Ripken Jr. beat Lou Gehrig’s 56-year-old record—it’s in there!
The mental trick Lance Armstrong uses in a competition to push himself past competitors—it’s in there!
Plus, the unique success strategies of these folks:
Tony Robbins, Steve Jobs, Oprah, Bobby Bowden, Pete Carroll, Tiger Woods, John Wooden, Jack Nicklaus, John Maxwell, Brian Tracy, Harvey Mackay, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Muhammad Ali, Michael Phelps, Greg Norman and of course Jim Rohn—they...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, persuasion | Posted on 04-10-2011 |
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"Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion." —Aristotle
The final level of persuasion uses ETHOS, a concept from which we derive the word ethics.
ETHOS requires integrity, character, wholeness, consistency and discernment. In essence, ethical people are a living example of the truth behind their arguments. They don't just say what they believe; they live what they believe. Their arguments and opinions speak for themselves, in the actions they choose to take. The consequences of their actions prove the truth behind their opinions.
To ME this is the most powerful form of persuasion. This is what persuades me to put people into SUCCESS or to interview for the CD that goes into the magazine—those who walk their talk. Those who are DOING and have DONE (at an extraordinary level) what they will advise us we need to do.
This is also how I try to live—you can listen to me or you can just watch me, either way you will get exactly the same message. I recommend this as your most powerful tool of persuasion and influence as well.
The best way to practice or use this tool of influence in your sales or business life is this... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 03-10-2011 |
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Help Improve the Lives of 1,000 Kids. Watch video below to learn more.
a la TOM Shoes model, we are doing a one-for-one (ends October 14th).
Every hardbound copy you buy, we will buy and distribute softbound copy to a kid.
Go here to order The Compound Effect in bulk.
Each copy = one kid... and the potential to change their life forever!
Thank you for your help! - Darren Hardy and SUCCESS Team
10 Ways You Can Help Share The Compound Effect on Facebook and Twitter
I’m helping improve the lives of 1,000 kids. How you can too: http://bit.ly/mission1000
Join me @SUCCESSmagazine Publisher @DarrenHardyFan to help improve the lives of 1,000 kids: http://bit.ly/mission1000
Help yourself and help 1,000 kids. Wonderful campaign by SUCCESS Publisher @DarrenHardyFan. I’m in. You? http://bit.ly/mission1000
Get better and do good all in one campaign. Help 1,000 kids. Join me and @DarrenHardyFan. Here’s how: http://bit.ly/mission1000
CLICK HERE TO GO TO POST ON BLOG
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 29-09-2011 |
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That is what Kevin Small, former president of John Maxwell’s company, founder of The Marcus Buckingham Company and owner of ResultSource said to me when we met for a quick cup of coffee together. I was taken aback. Flattered yes, but I was intrigued why.
Then Kevin explained the story of how he read
The CompoundEffect with his young son Grant.
He explained how they read the book chapter by chapter together. They each highlighted different passages and then wrote their best ideas and action plans on each flap of the book. Grant’s on the left and Kevin’s on the right.
At the end of each week, they would discuss how they did on their goals. It created discussions and a connection unlike any other experience. Kevin said, “This book (as he held up The Compound Effect) is the most treasured book in my entire library (his library is colossal!).
He went on to say, “Because it is the only book that documents one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had with my son Grant.” And then he said what’s in the subject line, “If you only read one book, ever, with your child, this is the one.”
It’s a great idea. If you have kids, order copies to read it with them chapter by chapter. If you have some friends who have kids, buy them a copy and/or forward this post to them. Be sure to come back and tell us your story. This is why we do what we do! Buy during the pre-release period and receive (or give these) gifts too:
The Compound Effect complete audio program (MP3)—$35 value
Darren Hardy interview with Jim Rohn (MP3)—$9.95 value
Jim Rohn’s Living an Exceptional Life seminar (MP3)—$39.95 value
10 Ways You Can Help Share The Compound Effect on Facebook and Twitter
This is the book that changed my life. New version, pre-release comes with free gifts. Check it...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, persuasion | Posted on 27-09-2011 |
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"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." —Aristotle
Aristotle's second level of persuasion is PATHOS—which means using emotion: passion, empathy and feelings to build emotional discontent and to motivate people toward change.
PATHOS is used to gain individual attention, to disgruntle large groups, create mass movement, advertise products, start revolutions and win elections.
Both sides of the emotional spectrum are used, and both are as equally persuasive.
Positive emotions like: pride, joy, fulfillment, meaningful contribution, recognition, love, compassion and honor.
Negative emotions like: prejudice, fear, uncertainly, doubt, greed, hate, desperation, shame and guilt.
I remember Brian Tracy asking an audience, "What percentage of human decision making is rational and what percentage is emotional?" Most answered "80/20" or "90/10". Brian then pointed out that we are 100 percent emotional.
Human beings, including you, decide emotionally and then justify logically.
Whether people use negative emotions to persuade, or positive emotions to persuade, both are extremely powerful. Look at how people were persuaded by Hitler, Churchill, Jim Jones, Gandhi, Napoleon, Cesar Chavez, Mussolini, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Mother Teresa, Stalin, and every other persuasive and influential leader. Whether leaders use positive emotions to empower you, or negative emotions to imprison you, they all use the power of PATHOS persuasion.
Which type of emotions should you use to build and empower? Certainly I have a strong preference. As you make your choice always remember this... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 26-09-2011 |
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… anyway, so you might as well do some good and help people while you're here.
How?
Today we kickoff our pre-release for The Compound Effect in hardcover (so excited!).
Thousands of testimonials suggest that getting a copy of The Compound Effect into the hands of someone who might not otherwise have found it can be life-changing. Let me explain.
Just a few notes I have received recently: “In the last three months, I have successfully lost 55 pounds, taken control of my health and now I’m helping others do this as well." —Sarah Menendez “60% of our sales force is on track to have their best year ever.” —Jim Black “I’ve doubled my sales income since using the Weekly Rhythm Register.” —David Weiss "My business has taken off since reading and applying just a few small ideas from The Compound Effect." —John Hayes "The Compound Effect helped me achieve a lifelong goal. I just finished my first marathon and am now qualified to run the prestigious Boston marathon." —Annette Dowdle
YOU can do that! You can change someone's life... by sharing The Compound Effect with them. Send them a link, or better yet, buy them one as a gift and inscribe that you believe in them and their greater success. Here's just a glimpse of what your gift will give:
How to (finally) uproot the bad habits that cause failure and the foolproof ways to install the success habits you need to excel in any area of your life
How to make yourself do what you don’t want to do, but know you need to; the key to real (and lasting!) motivation, discipline and consistency
The three-step MTS—Massive Transformation System—to dramatically improve your income, your health, your marriage or any area of your life
Plus the exclusive success acceleration secrets of these superachievers:...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 26-09-2011 |
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… anyway, so you might as well do some good and help people while you're here.
How?
Today we kickoff our pre-release for The Compound Effect in hardcover (so excited!).
Thousands of testimonials suggest that getting a copy of The Compound Effect into the hands of someone who might not otherwise have found it can be life-changing. Let me explain.
Just a few notes I have received recently: “In the last three months, I have successfully lost 55 pounds, taken control of my health and now I’m helping others do this as well." —Sarah Menendez “60% of our sales force is on track to have their best year ever.” —Jim Black “I’ve doubled my sales income since using the Weekly Rhythm Register.” —David Weiss "My business has taken off since reading and applying just a few small ideas from The Compound Effect." —John Hayes "The Compound Effect helped me achieve a lifelong goal. I just finished my first marathon and am now qualified to run the prestigious Boston marathon." —Annette Dowdle
YOU can do that! You can change someone's life... by sharing The Compound Effect with them. Send them a link, or better yet, buy them one as a gift and inscribe that you believe in them and their greater success. Here's just a glimpse of what your gift will give:
How to (finally) uproot the bad habits that cause failure and the foolproof ways to install the success habits you need to excel in any area of your life
How to make yourself do what you don’t want to do, but know you need to; the key to real (and lasting!) motivation, discipline and consistency
The three-step MTS—Massive Transformation System—to dramatically improve your income, your health, your marriage or any area of your life
Plus the exclusive success acceleration secrets of these superachievers:...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, persuasion | Posted on 20-09-2011 |
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"No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness." —Aristotle
No discussion on the topic of influence and persuasion is complete without a few words on Aristotle's famous dialectic on what he calls the three levels of persuasion: LOGOS, PATHOS and ETHOS.
In each installment I will boil it down to a single action item for you to walk away with in order to make this new knowledge have power in your own ability to persuade and influence others.
Let's start with LOGOS—which can be understood as simply logic.
So the first form of persuasion has to do with convincing others through the use of logic. I interviewed Dave Lakhani recently (grew up in a cult, now best-selling author of Persuasion: The Art of Getting What You Want). Here is how he put it: "Persuasion is helping people come to their own most logical conclusion which happens to be one we share." He goes on to say, "Persuasion is about being a more effective communicator and getting the best outcome for everyone involved."
"Persuasion is helping people come to their own most logical conclusion which happens to be one we share."
So, in LOGOS, we use logic and reasoning to persuade others to see things in a new way.
Let me give you an example; this is how I lay out the argument for why someone should... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, persuasion | Posted on 13-09-2011 |
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Eat or be eaten. Influence or be influenced. Someone is always selling and someone is always buying (consciously or not).
If you open up your medicine cabinet, or your dresser drawers, your pantry or your garage… or just look around the room you are standing in right now, each item you see is a war trophy, representing somebody’s or some company’s victory—who got you to trade your hard-earned money for their product.
How did they do that? What tools did they use?
That is what I will teach you in this four-part blog series—the all-important skill of influence and persuasion.
Make no mistake. There are legions of influence agents operating around you everywhere, all day. Sometimes it’s in the form of a TV commercial, or a phone solicitation, or grocery store announcement, bus bench or billboard, and other times it’s in the form of a solicitation or request by a child, spouse, employer, priest, friend or co-worker.
A friend of mine once tried to count the number of direct attempts to control his thoughts and behavior that he encountered in a single day. This included people requesting him to do things, forcing him to do things, asking him to buy things, telling him to pay for things, showing him where to stop and when to go, suggesting how he should think about things, offering him slogans to repeat, songs to remember, attitudes to change, and ideologies to believe. He doesn’t even read the newspaper, listen to radio or watch TV! He gave up by 10:30 a.m., as he lost count somewhere around 500. Research calculates that the average person receives more than... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 09-09-2011 |
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I am humbled and excited to tell you that because The Compound Effect has had such phenomenal viral success (without ever being available in a bookstore) a big N.Y. publisher came romancing us wanting to publish it to a worldwide retail market in November.
They (and we) are going to spend a truckload of dough marketing the book everywhere. In my opinion, the best way to tell the story of The Compound Effect is to tell YOUR STORY.
If you have read the book and have had some significant “ah-ha’s” surface or if it has a direct impact on your life in some way, I’d like to share that story with audiences of people all over the world. It could be your story that changes the story of someone who hears it forever.
Here is what I would LOVE for you to do: Record a video of you telling your story (or if you are more comfortable, you can send via email). Instructions on how to submit your video or email below.
Story telling outline: C.A.R.
C=Challenge: what particular challenge were you dealing with? What were the circumstances of your life when you first got a hold of SUCCESS magazine, The Compound Effect or Living Your Best Year Ever?
A=Answer: what was the answer, inspiration or ah-ha you discovered that triggered a defining moment… that started to turn it around.
R=Resolution/Result: What has happened since? What are the results? How is your life different now because of what you learned and implemented from The Compound Effect? Ideally, under 3 minutes.
I know what you are thinking… my story isn’t that important, riveting or awe-inspiring. To someone who is dealing with what you dealt with and overcame, changed or improved, it could be the most important story of his or her life.
Don’t prejudge, just tell your story using the C.A.R. outline. Remember the more specific the details and the greater the emotion, the more impactful and memorable it is. Your courage, your...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, SUCCESS Magazine | Posted on 06-09-2011 |
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As a society, I think we often misunderstand the word success. Our society celebrates those who obtain fame, wealth, power and celebrity, no matter the means—ethical or not—and we call them successful. Success is often equated to an achieved status, rather than to a measure of value or contribution.
We are taught early in life to strive for success, to achieve the status—win the trophy, get the notable degree, land the big position, win the impressive title, acquire the bigger house, bring back the enviable vacation photos and collect the cars, boats, jewels and big bank account. And when we are waving from the mountaintop, having finally achieved these trappings of "success," we often feel a stark emptiness inside. What's wrong?
We might have acquired everything we ever wanted, except the one thing that really matters—significance. We want to know that our lives meant something, that we've had a positive impact on the lives of others. And only significance provides that; success by itself cannot.
The interesting thing is you can be successful and not significant, but you cannot be significant without being successful.
In 2007, when we took over the stewardship of this legendary magazine, we decided not to change the name. Instead we have attempted to change the definition of success. We see success as... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 02-09-2011 |
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Don't miss a thing!
Here's is a little digest to help you ketch-up (catch-up that is) on the best-of-the-best shared, discussed and passed along over the past couple of weeks...
Most Popular from: The Publisher's Blog
Mastering THE BOUNCE
Your Competitive Advantage: REST
THANKS-Giving Challenge How to Be a Loser
Most popular from: Facebook Fan Site
Darren Hardy Daily Mojo: "Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don’t do that by sitting around." -Katharine Hepburn *What are you going to do to make this week GREAT? LINK
Darren Hardy Even with every door you hold open, car you allow to merge, smile you flash, compliment you give, encouragement you offer, you are making a deposit into someone’s life. The best part of this form of giving is your bounty to give is limitless and in the end, the feeling of fulfillment you get makes you the greatest recipient. Test yourself, how many times did you make a positive deposit today? LINK
Darren Hardy Book Club: One of the most frequent questions I am asked is: “How exactly do I ‘journal’?” Lucky for me (and YOU!) @Jim Rohn left behind his teaching of this essential art form in “How to Use A Journal”. You all know about my gratitude journal (at least you SHOULD! But if not, check the 1st comment for a link) but Jim Rohn takes journaling to a whole new level and teaches you how, too: LINK
Darren Hardy Weekend Challenge: Only you are responsible for your success or failure, happiness or sadness, stress or vitality, scarcity or abundance, appreciation or depression. You choose what you experience. And you choose by what you give attention to, what you think about, what you talk about and what you do or don’t do about it. CHOOSE something great for yourself this weekend! LINK
Darren Hardy...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, SUCCESS Magazine | Posted on 30-08-2011 |
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Why do you want to learn how to be a loser? you ask. We learn from both examples and warnings. This post provides you both.
It’s good to know how to be a loser so, 1) you could do the opposite and 2) you can check to be sure you aren’t doing those things yourself.
I remember Jim Rohn saying that it’s too bad failures don’t give seminars. He would say, “If you meet a guy who has messed up his life for forty years, you’ve just got to say, ‘John, if I bring my journal and promise to take good notes, would you spend a day with me? Tell me how a good-looking guy like you with a beautiful family, everything going for him messed up his life so bad. What did you do? What do you read? What do you eat? What type of people do you hang out with? What do you do with your free time? What TV programs, newspapers, and radio programs do you spend time with? Wouldn’t that information be valuable? Find out and then DON’T DO those things.” Great strategy.
Here’s some loser training tips to get you started:
Take it day by day. Don’t bother with setting goals, making plans and preparing. Just wake up each morning and figure out what you want to do then.
Seek comfort. Growth and progress requires work, stress and struggle. Forget it. Stay comfy instead.
Don’t believe in anything. It’s easier to be... CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 23-08-2011 |
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I want to issue you a challenge.
One that can make a profound difference on your year… and your life.
How do I know? Because it did on mine… and now hundreds of others (that I know about) who have emailed, posted on Facebook, tweeted or told me at an event how much this simple activity totally transformed their marriage, relationship with a child, parent, friend, boss or colleague.
Tomorrow (Aug. 24) is exactly 3mos until Thanksgiving 2011 (Nov. 24). If you start tomorrow (Friday at latest!), you can collect 90 days of thanks-giving thoughts about someone you care about… and then you can give them the collection of thoughts and gratitude on Thanksgiving Day. I promise that it will be one of the most special gifts they will ever receive.
Below is pulled directly from my book The Compound Effect
Thanksgiving Year-Round
It’s easy to point fingers at others, isn’t it? “I’m not getting ahead because of my lame boss.” “I would have gotten that promotion if it hadn’t been for that backstabbing co-worker.” “I’m always in a bad mood because my kids are driving me crazy.” And we’re particularly gifted in the finger-pointing department when it comes to our romantic relationships—you know, where the other person is the one who needs to change.
A few years back, a friend of mine was complaining about his wife. From my observation, she was a terrific lady, and he was lucky to have her. I told him as much, but he continued to point out all the ways she was responsible for his unhappiness. That’s when I shared an experience that had literally changed my marriage... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 16-08-2011 |
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Refueling the jets… Learning to Value Time Off
By the time you read this I am off on my 10-year wedding anniversary vacation trip through the South of France and Italy. In that honor I am republishing an article I wrote on high-performance productivity a few years back. Enjoy!
How does America regain its supremacy in the productive world?
How do YOU improve your personal productivity?
ANSWER: Go on vacation.
438 million. That is the number of vacation days Americans failed to take in 2007, according to Harris Interactive research group—more than any other industrialized nation.
Here is the result: America ranks No. 1 in depression and mental health problems. Americans are experiencing burnout, reduced productivity, diminished creativity, failed relationships, stress or stress-related ailments such as depression, heart disease or stomach ulcers in record levels. Our entrenched puritanical conditioning, being valued on how “hard” we work, fear of being replaced or left behind, and our addiction to always being “busy” are actually not only destroying our mental and physical health, but also destroying our creative productivity.
This is especially true in our new global economy, where our advantage and future is... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 09-08-2011 |
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"I'm going to give you a little advice. There's a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen and be the ball."
That was actually a quote from Ty Webb, played by Chevy Chase, in the movie Caddyshack. (I've always wanted to use a Caddyshack quote in one of my letters!)
Welcome to our special Comebacks issue of SUCCESS, which features those companies, entrepreneurs and leaders who have experienced a bit of a fall from grace. When down and out, they could have easily stayed there, given up hope, given up on their dreams and given up on themselves, but they didn't. Instead of collapsing, they bounced. And they came back stronger, better and and more equipped to achieve greatness than ever before.
That is why I want you to "be the ball." In this metaphor, however, I want you to be the tennis ball. You see, life will smack you around like a tennis ball in a match point between Nadal and Federer. To win in the game of life you will need to "be the ball" and learn The Bounce.
To bounce: To fall rapidly, hit bottom suddenly with impact and rebound decisively.
According to that definition, there are four distinct phases of The Bounce... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 05-08-2011 |
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Don't miss a thing!
Here's is a little digest to help you ketch-up (catch-up that is) on the best-of-the-best shared, discussed and passed along over the past couple of weeks...
Most Popular from:
The Publisher's Blog Take the Path of MOST Resistance
Half OVER… or Half TO GO?
You ARE Influential…
The Overachiever vs. The Superachiever (1 of 4)
The Overachiever vs. The Superachiever (2 of 4)
The Overachiever vs. The Superachiever (3 of 4)
The Overachiever vs. The Superachiever (4 of 4)
Most popular from: Facebook Fan Site
Darren Hardy Daily Mojo: Every single person you ever meet wants to know: Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you? How many people will you validate and encourage today? Share how in the comments below. LINK
Darren Hardy Half OVER. Or Half TO GO? Will you accomplish your BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) for the year? Here's what I do EVERY day to accomplish what others would call seemingly impossible goals: LINK
Darren Hardy Daily Mojo: "Walk away from the 97% crowd. Don't talk like they talk, don't act like they act and don't use their excuses. Take charge of your own life." -Jim Rohn *What's one step you will take today in the opposite direction of the 97% LINK
Darren Hardy Feel overworked, overstressed and at times overwhelmed, but you still aren’t getting the results you want? Help is on the way: LINK
Darren Hardy Exclusive Audio clip! In my interview with Brian Tracy, he outlines his #1 strategy for Doubling Your Productivity and Doubling Your Income. Listen to the excerpt here: LINK
Darren Hardy Goal: See more sunsets. #50 YTD - Goal ACCOMPLISHED!! As Paul J. Meyer (whose place I am staying at in Grand Cayman - amazing place!!) would say, "Another ho-hum day in paradise." And still more to come……..!! LINK
Darren Hardy...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 02-08-2011 |
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Just joining us? Be sure to read Installment #1 and #2 and #3
WARNING: There is kryptonite all around you!
There are great traps you will have to overcome to execute and stick to your five-point plan each day. These are three great warnings to look out for.
WARNING No. 1—“Yes” You will have to become a master at saying “no.” This is one of the greatest distinguishing features of superachievers—not what they do, but more important what they don’t do. Their ability to keep the main thing, in fact, the main thing and not get mired in weeds of minor tasks is their genius. They major in the major issues and don’t major in minors, as many of the rest of us tend to do.
As Brian Tracy said, you need to develop “Won’t Power.” The power to declare and stick to all the things you won’t do, in order for you to stay focused on the things that matter the most to the accomplishment of your BIG hairy audacious goals.
WARNING No. 2—Being reactive instead of creative
Monitor and calculate your time between being reactive (reacting to communications, inquiries, requests and needs of others) and being proactive or creative—the time you are spending being productive and on target with your key priorities, not the priorities of others. Think about it: email, texts, the phone… you are mostly reacting when you are on these devices. Don’t let them yank you around all day as if you were on the end of a string where someone else is your puppet master. Instead, be sure the lion’s share of your time is spent being creative and focused on YOUR few and high-value priorities.
WARNING No. 3... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, plan | Posted on 26-07-2011 |
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Just joining us? Be sure to read Installment #1 and #2
Here is a simple (but don’t let the simplicity fool you!) but PROFOUND plan to immediately multiply your productive output many times over your current rate. I’m not talking about activity (more work, more time). I said productivity (results, money, accomplishment, goal attainment)… all the while, living much more stress free and carefree existence (more time for family, fun and hobbies!).
Let me outline a 5-point Superachiever Productivity Plan for you… this is what I do.
No. 1—Plan tomorrow today. Jim Rohn taught me, “Don’t start your day until it is finished on paper.” And the best time to do this is the day before.
This is an important and many times not so easy-to-keep discipline. The last thing I do before I shut down for the day, by routine, is to review and complete the plan for the following day. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes. What you don’t want to do is wake up and then figure out what you should be doing—it’s way too late by then. Chances are the rest of the world will have decided what it wants you to do and it will control your day, instead of you. You will be reacting instead of creating.
Let me take you through that simple planning process, since the key to brilliant execution is always brilliant planning.... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, Stress | Posted on 19-07-2011 |
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If you want to know what we’re up to, be sure to read Installment #1.
After interviewing hundreds of superachievers, many of whom you have seen grace the cover of SUCCESS magazine, I have found about a half-dozen key distinctions of superachievers.
In this series I will outline one of the BIG strategies and a 5-point plan to dramatically increase your productive output, while significantly lowering your stress and schedule burdens.
Superachiever Distinction No. 1: It’s NOT what the superachievers DO that separates them from everyone else…
I am constantly asked, “What do Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet and the like DO that makes them so successful, productive and wealthy?”
What’s supremely interesting is that what they DO has little to do with their extraordinary success. It has more to do with what they DON’T DO.
Steve Jobs: When asked what is the thing he is most proud of what he and Apple has created, this was his answer: “I'm as proud of what we DON’T do as I am of what we do.”
Warren Buffet: When asked for the No. 1 key to his success, this is his consistent answer, “For every 100 great opportunities that are brought to me, I say ‘NO’ 99 times.”
Isn’t that interesting?! You see, saying “yes” is easy.
Yes I have a minute
Yes I’ll take the call
Yes I’ll take on that project
Yes I’ll come out for happy hour
Yes I’ll have another drink
Yes I’ll have dessert too
Saying “no” is much harder.
And I have learned it is the master skill of the superachievers and... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 12-07-2011 |
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If busyness, long hours and hard work equaled success—I’d be wealthier and more successful than Richard Branson, Tony Hawk and Donald Trump.
I KNOW I put in more hours, take fewer vacations, play less golf, get in less beach time and spend far less time with kids, family and friends than they do.
And yet, in a world where all four of us have exactly the same 24/7/365, I produce nowhere near the results they do. What’s worse, I am not even allowing myself to enjoy as many non-work-related joys of life as they are.
I have to confess, this really ticks me off!
And the only person I have to be mad at… is me. All four of us started out this journey relatively the same—a couple of them in much more difficult circumstances than me—and yet, I’m getting my butt kicked.
I think I’ve finally figured it out a critical distinction of how they are accomplishing so much more than me… and probably you too.
Overachiever
You see, I have always been an overachiever. If you read The Compound Effect you know I was raised by a university football coach, single dad. And the way you got love and an ‘atta-boy’ in our house was to achieve. Do well in school; you get to go to the ice-cream parlor to celebrate. Don’t do well and you’re left home. Hit a home run at Little League and we stopped at the pizza parlor on the way home. Collect a day of strike-outs and it was a cold, quiet car ride—straight home.
Looking back, this is why I think I am such an achievement addict—or as it is commonly known as in polite society, an overachiever. In fact I have worn this title as a badge of honor. I was proud that I could outwork most anyone.
But I now understand the massive difference between an overachiever and a superachiever. They kind of sound the same, don’t they? Yeah, that’s what I thought. But they are worlds apart—or you can...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 01-07-2011 |
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…For Better or Worse
What do Jesus Christ, Charles Darwin, Adolf Hitler, Martin Luther King Jr. and Vladimir Lenin have in common? Each is deemed one of the 100 Most Influential Persons in History in Michael Hart's 1978 book. Interesting, isn't it?
You don't have to like what their influence was or what they influenced people to do—that's beside the point, and well, also the point. Each of these people influenced millions of others to do as they envisioned and directed.
The key point is: Influence is powerful, and the same qualities and charisma that can influence people toward human enlightenment can also be used to influence people to destruction and great inhumanity.
Another vital understanding of influence is: You don't have to be standing on a mountaintop speaking profound parables or pumping your fists on a lectern while shouting madly into a microphone in front of legions of people to be influential.
It is crucially important to know that we are all, at all times, influencing people and the environment around us.
We are energetic beings. As we enter every room, mix with any group or converse with any other living being, we are either bringing enlightenment or we are darkening the world around us.
Additionally, we come to understand ourselves by... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 30-06-2011 |
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Today marks the mid-point of year. So... how you doing?
Are you glad it's half over? Or are you anxious because it's already half over?
Are you on track?
Are you where you planned to be halfway through? Did you make a plan?
Will you accomplish your BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) for the year?
Do you remember what your BHAGs are? Do you have BHAGs?
I just got an email from a blog subscriber who said they have been using the Living Your Best Year Ever program and they have already surpassed the income and business growth goal they had for the entire year, before this mid-way point. Congrats Susan G.!
This encouraged me to go back and read one of the blogs I posted at the beginning of this year. It even re-fired me up!
2011: How to Live Your Best Year Ever
Are you feeling a little bummed or even disappointed in where you are in life right now? Did you think you would be doing a little bit better and be a little further along in life by now? Are you a little down on yourself about how you have let your body go… or your relationships wane a bit… or maybe you’re frustrated about the fact you aren’t doing better in your job or business… or you haven’t been the parent you wanted to be? If so, it’s time for a turning point... CLICK HERE TO READ POST (there is a great video there too!)
If you aren't satisfied with where you are, having finished the first half of this year... Or if you don't want to lose the momentum you have knowing you are only halfway, I strongly recommend you utilize the Achievement Management System™ inside Living Your Best Year Ever (If you already own it, pull it back out!).
This is the system I use EVERY day to accomplish what others would call seemingly impossible goals. It will work for you too (if you work it!).
Happy Halfway to New Year everyone! ~Darren Hardy
Share your mid-year status...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, choices | Posted on 28-06-2011 |
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In The Compound Effect I explain how the results in your life are rooted in one single factor—your choices.
Like it or not, good or bad, your accumulated choices have added up to your current waistline, business success, relationship strength and bank balance.
Your choices created your problems and the only way out of them is to start, and stick to, making new choices.
But then you ask, How do I know what the right choices are?
Here's a simple formula:
When in doubt, just do what you don't want to do—that's usually exactly what you should do. Take the path of MOST resistance.
Put it this way: If you are disappointed in any area of your life, whatever choices you have been making aren't working.
Definition of insanity:
Doing the same things you've always done and expecting different results.
Here is the force you are fighting: You and your brain are creatures of habit. You simply talk yourself into taking the easy, low resistance and comfortable route. Like the pull of a rushing river, your unconscious habits continue to take you downstream in the wrong direction. To change your direction you will need to... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 24-06-2011 |
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Don't miss a thing!
Here's is a little digest to help you ketch-up (catch-up that is) on the best-of-the-best shared, discussed and passed along over the past couple of weeks...
Most Popular from: The Publisher's Blog
You Can Be Right or Happy…
The Industrial REVELATION: A New Kind of Revolution
Social Capital – The New Measure of Success
Are You Building SUSTAINABLE Success?
Mining the Millennials
Most popular from: Facebook Fan Site
Darren Hardy Goal: See more sunsets. #36 YTD. Sun setting off Duomo di Milano in Italy - fantastico! Cathedral took 6 centuries to build (1386-1965). I can at least take 30 minutes to watch the sun fall across it's face - scioccante, magnifico, multo bello! LINK
Darren Hardy Daily Mojo: "Good habits are hard to form and easy to live with. Bad habits are easy to form and hard to live with. Nothing is neutral. Everything counts." -Brian Tracy *It's really this simple: If you're hard on yourself, life will be easy. If you're easy on yourself, life will be hard. LINK
Darren Hardy Went house shopping today. Kind of like the one behind me. Now if only someone will bequeath me a railroad... or Google (Biltmore Estate - 175,000 square feet, but no movie room so I might pass). LINK
Darren Hardy One encouraging statistic: Even though entrepreneurs are among the world’s wealthiest, 90 percent of all entrepreneurs started out at the bottom, broke or with little to no capital or savings. Is this true for you? What's your story? LINK
Darren Hardy Daily Mojo: "It doesn't matter how strong your opinions are. If you don't use your power for positive change, you are, indeed, part of the problem." -Coretta Scott King LINK
Darren Hardy 45 years ago the Miranda Rights were established. I think there should be Entrepreneur Rights: "You have the right to be creatively boisterous....
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, sales | Posted on 21-06-2011 |
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Millennials, also known as Gen Y-ers (80 million, born between 1980 and 1995), were raised by overly doting parents who coddled their self-esteem like fragile Fabergé eggs. They played in little leagues where the score wasn't kept and where everyone was a winner and everyone got a trophy for just showing up.
Having hired, worked with and trained many, I had concluded that millennials were simply lazy, undisciplined, unmotivated, over-entitled and disengaged, with the attention span of goldfish.
Then I joined the Board of Directors of an organization called Invisible Children, founded by and made up entirely of millennials. I was quickly humbled to the fact that it is not that they are unmotivated, inattentive or disengaged—they were just unmotivated, inattentive and disengaged in working for ME!
The three leaders behind Invisible Children and their mostly volunteer army of incredibly motivated, hard-working and passionately engaged millennials have pulled off achievements in the last half dozen years that even SUCCESS hasn't in the last 116 years. They have organized marches on Washington, simultaneous overnight rallies of millions of people in over 100 cities worldwide and pulled off wild stunts to get themselves on the Oprah show (which they did three times!). They even wrote a bill that they personally pushed through the Senate and Congress all the way to the Oval Office and stood there while the President of the United States signed it. You cannot tell me this is an unmotivated, lazy and unfocused generation anymore.
Having seen the talent, passion and capabilities of the millennials up-close, I now believe they pose one of the greatest strategic opportunities for companies today, if... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 14-06-2011 |
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This past week my wife Georgia and I spent some time touring the 116-year-old Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. This 175,000-square-foot home on 8,000 acres still emanates its founder's--George Washington Vanderbilt's--illustrious grandeur... and it remains (remarkably) privately owned.
Of course my inquiring SUCCESS mind wanted to figure out how. Although much of the robber-baron wealth of his grandfather Cornelius Vanderbilt (earned through shipping and railroads in early 1800s) has dissipated through his heirs, Biltmore Estate continues to thrive because it was founded on a vision of sustainability. While many of the Gilded Age estates have been reduced to rubble, taken over by the state or sold to nonprofit entities, Biltmore remains a privately owned, for-profit working estate.
Sustainability is the capacity to endure; to be diverse and productive over time; exhibiting the potential for long-term maintenance and well-being.
George Vanderbilt's vision wasn't only to build the largest private home in America (which it is still today 100+ years later) but to also have it be self-supporting.
In addition to the grand estate, George also had built the Biltmore School, scientific forestry programs, poultry farms, cattle farms, hog farms and a dairy. He also built the Biltmore Village for all those who would work on the estate, complete with a church.
Today the enterprise is not only a profitable historical tourist attraction but also a worldwide brand that includes a furniture line, housewares and it's own winery, which today is the most visited winery in North America (yes, more than those in Napa Valley!), shipping more than 120,000 cases a year (some of it quite good I might add).
Three Lessons Learned on Sustainable Success: ... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 10-06-2011 |
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Since we have been talking about the new revolution of self-reliance and self-employment and our need to adapt to a fast-changing online and social marketplace, I asked a friend of mine, Simon Mainwaring (a regular FAST COMPANY contributor) to write an exclusive article for us on what he calls The New Measure of Success and how you and I can grow our Social Capital with some specific examples. Enjoy! -Darren Hardy
Social Capital – The New Measure of Success by guest blogger Simon Mainwaring
Social media is disrupting how businesses need to measure success in the marketplace. Of course, profits still matter, but as consumers connect up in communities and networks through social technologies, they are gaining leverage to pressure companies to think about more than just great products and services. What they want from business is a better world, not just better widgets.
How does this impact small companies, entrepreneurs, and contractors? The answer is, it affects you the same way it impacts global corporations that seek to powerfully develop and imprint their brands in the consumer’s mind.
When it comes to appealing to today’s socially-minded consumers, your company is no different than Nike, Pepsi, or Starbucks in the need to build social capital, not just financial capital. Social capital refers to the appeal your brand has in your customer’s eyes. It is composed of a mix of respect, shared values, and loyalty. High social capital derives from engaging with your customers in a way that creates a deeper meaning for them, not just selling them products or services.
Here are three key insights and tips for how you can accomplish raise your social capital:
1. Make your brand the chief celebrant of your customers’ community, not its celebrity. In your marketing and advertising, stop thinking of your brand as the center of the universe. Instead, reach out to serve the issues your...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS, SUCCESS Magazine | Posted on 07-06-2011 |
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The revelation is this: The way we were… is over.
As you know, we are living through an era of unprecedented change. Over the last decade, we began hearing the death rattle of a bygone era. The corporate structure and system has begun to crumble. The global marketplace has been flattened. Innovative, fast-moving and nimble competition has risen from nearly all corners of the planet. Technology has wired us all directly to each other. Now every manufacturer or marketer has immediate and direct access to everyone, everywhere, destroying heavily controlled and highly valued distribution channels.
All this deconstruction and loss of control by the few, the behemoths, the entrenched, spells freedom… and opportunity for the rest of us.
As entrepreneurs and individual achievers, it is our time to thrive!
But you also have to adapt. The traditional yellow brick road to success and financial security has been deconstructed as well. The path to the high-paying job you needed and desired used to involve getting the highest academic degree you could obtain, along with some specific technical job skills. Today, if those jobs still exist, certainly the rules of those jobs have changed and will continue to do so.
With the mind-blowing velocity of change and the throng of competition, the skills needed for 21st century success are less about academic or industrial or technical training, and more about what might be called the "soft skills": emotional intelligence, adaptability and resiliency; networking, interpersonal and relationship-development skills; self-motivation, accountability and productivity skills; personal branding, social marketing and persuasive communication skills; along with leadership, recruiting and people-building skills.
So, to stay relevant, if not gain the advantage, in today's ever-changing and fast-evolving marketplace, where do you go to gain these critical skills? You won't...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 31-05-2011 |
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…Usually not both (particularly in your marriage).
It was Friday night (Date Night!) and I was flying home after a long exhausting week on the road. My wife, Georgia was picking me up from the airport and she had made reservations for us at this new restaurant in downtown San Diego we were excited to try.
To make it special, earlier in the week I called ahead to see if they stocked our favorite French champagne. They did not, so I arranged to have a bottle shipped to the sommelier at the restaurant to be presented at the table as a surprise (along with another small gift I picked up on the road).
Georgia had arranged a surprise as well, knowing I would be coming off a long flight she had bought me a new shirt, had it pressed and waiting in the car when she picked me up. Oh boy, this was going to be a good night!
Even though they had people spilling out the front door, the hostess greeted us with a big smile and immediately whisked us to the best table in the house (apparently we had made an impression with the sommelier!). Halfway through the heavenly champagne (in other words, we are feeling the magic!) our meals arrived. They were delicious. I offered a bite of my dish to Georgia and she commented on the taste of curry in the dish. I insisted it was turmeric and not curry. She said no it was definitely curry. I ranted on about how wrong she was and threw down a bet that I was right (by my scorecard I am like 1,258,932-to-0 in winning our bets).
I started trying to search for the recipe online from my iPhone in the middle of our meal (I know, super lame). I couldn’t find it so I called over the waitress and asked her to settle our score. She was uncertain, but then (‘make the dumb man happy’ she probably thought) she decided to side with me.
I won! I was right! I did a little victory dance in my chair and gloated a bit longer. However, I now experienced that I had won the battle...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 27-05-2011 |
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Don't miss a thing! Here's is a little digest to help you ketch-up (catch-up that is) on the best-of-the-best shared, discussed and passed along over the past couple of weeks...
Most Popular from: The Publisher's Blog
Be a ROCK STAR Presenter (Pt 3 of 3)
The No. 2 Instrument of Death
Recruiting Great People (Pt 1 of 3)
Recruiting Great People (Part 2 of 3)
Recruiting Great People (Part 3 of 3)
Most popular from: Facebook Fan Site
Darren Hardy Morning Motivation: "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." -Leo F. Buscaglia *How will you change someone's life today? LINK
Darren HardyWeekend Challenge: “Life without balance can cost you your relationships. Life without balance can cost you your health. Life without balance can cost you your spirituality. Life without balance can cost you your wealth & your happiness. So find things to motivate you from all areas of life. Your success depends on it.” -Jim Rohn *How will you find & keep the balance in your life this weekend?LINK
Darren HardyAre you struggling with a certain area, person, or circumstance in your life? Here's quick tip for you: Start journalling all the aspects of THAT situation you are grateful for. Keep a record of everything that reinforces & expands your gratitude in that area. (And don't forget to check out the chapter titled "Choices" in The Compound Effect for more insights.) LINK
Darren Hardy Goal: See more sunsets. #33 YTD. A great time to quiet the mind and appreciate the beauty of life. LINK
Darren Hardy Happiness is not derived from the outside, but from within. It is a state of mind & you can continually CHOOSE to be happy. The best way I know to live in happiness-live in GRATITUDE. When you focus on...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 24-05-2011 |
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We have been discussing the critical importance of recruiting great people (read Part 1, Part 2), no matter if you lead a small sales team, a charity, a sports team or if you are the leader of a big enterprise.
Organizations with the best people win. Get good at recruiting.
In this installment I’d like to give away one of the greatest strategies on how to get people to tell you how to sell them.
This is by not selling, but asking. Not by talking, but by listening.
People will tell you what is important to them, what they are looking for in life, what their hopes, dreams and aspirations are—if you let them. But one thing is for sure: You won’t learn this by moving your mouth.
The question acronym outline I use to this day is FORM:
F=Family and Friends
O=Occupation
R=Recreation
M=Money and Meaning
Recruiting
Script Example
A conversation might go something like this (O): “What do you do?” Whatever their answer, my response is, “Oh, you must LOVE that!” People are contrarians by nature, if you suggest they must love it, then they will tell you everything they hate about it.
If you would have said, “Oh, that sounds tough or terrible.” They will then tell you everything the like about it.So even if they tell you what they don’t like, ask, “What aspects of it do you like?” They are there for a reason, there is some value or need it is filling, it is important to discover that.
Then ask, “What are some of the things you like the least or wish were different or you could change?” Now they will tell you all their needs, wishes and desires.
Then if we are on the business conversation I will jump to M and say, “Well you must make a ton of money doing that.” They will now tell you what? Yes, all their financial dissatisfaction.I’ll follow up, “Is this something you always wanted to do; was it an aspiration since you were young?” 99 times out of 100 it isn’t.
Then I ask, “What was it you wanted to do when you were young...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 17-05-2011 |
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In Part 1 of Recruiting Great People, we talked about key philosophies when it comes to recruiting. Now we'll discuss the finding the ideal match.
As a leader I believe you have three main functions:
1) Think. Set the vision. Architect the strategy. Make decisions.
2) Recruit and retain (culture development) the BEST talent you can.
3) Inspect what you expect – keep your eye on the vital signs of the organization.
And really, if you only master No. 2, the rest will probably get done too.
That makes recruiting and retaining talent your most important job as a business owner, entrepreneur and leader; thus, worthy for us to spend some quality time on it here.
Finding Your “Ideal Match”
I interviewed one of the most successful professional executive recruiters in the country today, Harry Joiner, to pick his brain and take a look into his grab bag of tricks on the topic. Harry used the analogy that we should approach recruiting like dating.
First, ask yourself the questions to determine what your “ideal match” would look like. He also said to know the key initiatives for your new team member needs BEFORE you look for them so you know how to qualify your “ideal match.”
Four key questions to identify the criteria of your “ideal match”
1. What’s the role?
2. How will success be measured?
3. What attributes are needed to succeed?
4. What attributes are needed to gel with rest of team and culture?
Here is what I have always done.
When I am looking to recruit someone, the first thing I do is...CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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We need to rally together and do something about this!
I heard this statistic and tweeted about it yesterday:
@DARRENHARDY Get this stat:@end of this mo. 3M kids will graduate college-2.4M will be moving in with their parents!! They need SUCCESS!! Help me!
I got flooded with people saying the want to help, but asked how.
So, I asked my SUCCESS team to perform a fire drill to come up with a solution we could collectively use.
This is the problem we are trying to impact:
Of the 3 million college students who will graduate this month, nearly 85% (2.4 million) of them have to move back in with their mom and dad!
The unemployment rate for the under-25 group is as high as 54%!
The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports 12.8 million young people (under age 30) are either unemployed, working part time or working at a job that doesn't require a college degree, after spending tens of thousands to obtain one!
Rick Raymond, of the College Parents of America, notes, "Graduates are not the first to be hired when the job markets begins to improve. We're seeing shocking numbers of people with undergraduate degrees who can't get work."
Sum Report finds that young adults without a college degree have been pushed out of the labor market entirely and are finding work at a lower rate than anytime since the end of World War II!
What can we do about this? We can help them separate from everyone else by developing the success mindset, habits, actions and persistence it's going to take to have them take personal accountability and control of their future. Whether they want to compete for their dream job or (better yet) take their ambition and initiate an entrepreneurial endeavor, they are going to need the inspiration, support, positive role models and mentors to help them realize their dreams.
There is NO better way to deliver all that to them than through a subscription to SUCCESS magazine and the personal mentorship of me and my mentor Jim Rohn. This is what I had my team put...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in SUCCESS | Posted on 10-05-2011 |
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Any business or organization is simply a group of human beings that have joined together to accomplish an objective. Whether that objective is to sell a product, win a game or even defeat an enemy and win a war.
The success of the organization is strictly dependent on the quality and caliber of the people in it.
The number one asset of any organization or business and the greatest determining factor of success or failure to the organization are quality of the people involved. That is why your ability to recruit great people is paramount to a business, organization, association, charity, team or any entity that requires more than one person to succeed.
What the über-successful attribute their success to:
As you know, I have had the opportunity to meet, sit down with and spend time with many of today’s most admired super-achievers. When asked what they attribute the success of their business to, invariably, they will say it is the great people they have surrounded themselves with. We all know no one climbs to the top of the mountain alone—it requires a great team. Many of these extraordinary achievers will readily confess that most of their team is smarter, more talented and more skilled than they are… in fact they will tell you that is always their objective.
The CEO of a billion-dollar company told me recently that it is his ardent goal to always... CLICK HERE TO READ REST OF POST
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Darren Hardy, Health, SUCCESS | Posted on 03-05-2011 |
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What do you think causes more deaths in the United States each year?
Car crashes
Drug overdoses
Alcoholism
Firearm accidents
All of those combined don't total a third of this insidious instrument of death: food.
We are literally eating our way into the grave.
Obesity (caused by bad diet and lack of exercise) kills some 400,000 people in this country every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Only smoking-related diseases account for more deaths, with a total of 435,000 annually, the CDC reports.
A staggering 129.6 million Americans are overweight or obese—that's two out of every three people in this country. Think about it. While our ancestors battled disease, famine and other deprivations, we are killing ourselves—with excess.
On top of that, we no longer have to chase down and kill our own food. Instead, we chase the world while sitting in front of a computer screen all day, every day, often neglecting to schedule in some form of physical activity.
A recent article in The New York Times cited several studies showing that sitting for extended periods—at a desk, in front of the TV, etc.—leads to weight gain and increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, a variety of cancers and early death.
Author Olivia Judson, an evolutionary biologist, detailed how the body shuts down following prolonged periods of sitting, causing a metabolic disaster of such proportions that even getting a full hour of exercise each day can't offset the impact.
We DO have a healthcare problem, and most of it is SELF-inflicted. We aren't taking proper care of our own health. We need a new healthcare policy, and I don't mean one enacted by Washington—but one enacted by you. You are the only one responsible for what you put into your mouth and how often you move your body.
The June issue of SUCCESS is focused around the...
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Posted by Darren Hardy | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 29-04-2011 |
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Don't miss a thing! Here's is a little digest to help you ketch-up (catch-up that is) on the best-of-the-best shared, discussed and passed along over the past couple of weeks...
Most Popular from: The Publisher's Blog
Are You Connecting or Just Communicating?
10 Top Social Media Marketing Resources
Be a ROCK STAR Presenter (Pt 1 of 3)
Be a ROCK STAR Presenter (Pt 2 of 3)
Be a ROCK STAR Presenter (Pt 3 of 3)
Most popular from: Facebook Fan Site
Darren Hardy If your vocation is better than vacation, you have found your true passion in life. There are many times, okay, MOST of the time I would rather be working, improving, championing my crusade, than laying on a beach, watching a sporting event or playing golf. Some call it a bit sick, I call it passion… I call it the juice of life! I LOVE it & that’s what also pushes me to reach for mastery as well. What’s your passion? LINK
Darren Hardy Morning Motivation: "Optimists are right. So are pessimists. It's up to you to choose which you will be." -Harvey Mackay *The choice is yours today and EVERY DAY! LINK
Darren Hardy Book Club: Don’t let fear of the future or worrying about your circumstances keep you from following your dreams! Conquer your worries for a more successful & fulfilling life with this step-by-step guide by Dale Carnegie. "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" will teach you how to crowd worry out of your mind, prepare to accept the worst & even forget your own unhappiness by helping others. Check it out: LINK
Darren Hardy Morning Motivation: "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." -Albert Pine *What are you doing for others today? LINK
Darren Hardy We are all intuitive & sensitive beings. We can sense authenticity & we can sense when it isn’t present. Projecting pretense...
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We have been talking about how to become a ‘rock star’ presenter (Part 1, Part 2).
Let me now give you the all-so-important bread around the meat of your presentation…
The (not so) Secret Rock Concert Formula
Every rock star knows the secret to a great performance is to START and END with their very best songs to create a shock-and-awe opening and a knockout close.
Power Opening: They know if you are disappointed in their first song, it is likely they will have lost you for the entire concert. At best, it will take several songs and some pretty spectacular stunts to win you back if your first impression is a letdown. They have (at most) 5 minutes to spellbind, ‘WOW’, stun and amaze you.
Memorable, Awe-Inspiring Close: They also know that it will be the last impression and last song that you will sing on your way out and will play as an endless loop in your head as you drive home, sleep and get up the next morning. They know it better be good and they better make you feel something to keep your connection to them long after the show has folded up its tents.
What I described above is (also) YOUR formula for a memorable, effective and awe-inspiring presentation.
OPENING
Use (a form of) Pyrotechnics to Grab Your Audience’s Attention
While you (probably) cannot blow something up onstage to get your audience’s attention (although that would be cool!), there are other ways you can detonate the mind and attention of your audience right up front in your presentation—and that is with your opening headline.
I recently interviewed Hall of Fame presenter Patricia Fripp and she put it this way, “A strong opening powers the rest of the presentation.”
You, too, have only a few minutes to make that critical first impression and deliver your attention-grabbing opening statement. Just as in TV bumpers, magazine or newspaper articles, or direct response...
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Bill Gates releases mosquitoes during his
presentation to illustrate his point about malaria.
First of all, thank you for all your contributions to the discussion in Part 1 of this series. Some great ideas were shared, some of which I added to my own notes. Well done!
I interviewed Carmine Gallo recently, who wrote the book The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience. One of the many great insights I picked up from our one-on-one time together was the importance of turning your presentations into theatrics—simply meaning the use of multisensory outputs (visuals, video, audio), demonstrations, attention interrupts every 10 minutes, etc., and stories with villains and heroes, for you to introduce their problems (similar to the audience's) and your solutions.
To narrow the heart of this post I suggest we focus on one key point Carmine made, which is, "No one cares about your product; they only care about themselves."
In that vein I'd like to reiterate some advice I gave on the SUCCESS magazine CD inside our May 2011 issue on the art of connecting…
I was asked a few months back to consult on a presentation an executive group had prepared to deliver to their staff at what they call their 'State of the Union' address. When I looked over the slide deck my counsel was twofold… and I recommend you filter your presentations through these same guiding principles. Here is how I put it to the executive team:
Principle No. 1:
"What matters to you, doesn't necessarily matter to them." Don't look at your presentation from the viewpoint of what you want to tell them. Instead throw all that out and ask yourself: What do THEY want to hear? What's important to them? What problems, concerns, worries, frustrations, needs or desires do they have? What is going to give them hope, comfort, security, meaning and be exciting to...
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