Dave Crenshaw's Blog, page 55

Plan for the new year – make it your best ever

Soon you'll get the opportunity to enjoy a very special time of year. Certainly the holidays are a great time to enjoy being with friends and family, but that's not what I mean. I'm talking about that special time I like to call "Headstart Week."

In this brief video, I discuss what Headstart Week is, why it's so important, and what to do during it. I'll also show you how you can join others in making a public commitment so that you plan for the new year and make it you best ever.

 

Action Steps:

Watch this video and ask yourself: "Do I have a scheduled time and action plan to get organized and prepare for the coming year?" If not,

Pull out your calendarand schedule two days during Headstart Week (or anytime in January, if needed) to get productive and organized and to plan out the coming year.
Make a commitment, in particular a public commitment. Tell the people around you that you're not going to be available during those two days.
Follow-through. When the time comes, do it. Do what you plan to do on those two days.


Click here to learn more about how Dave Crenshaw's coaching programs can help you get the most out of Headstart Week.
Comment on this page and tell everyone what your two days are and what you plan to do with the time.

 

Principles to Learn:

Headstart Week is that special window of time between Christmas and New Year's. During this time you are less likely to be interrupted.
Headstart Week is a great opportunity to get focused, get organized and get more productive so you can have a head start on the coming year.
By making a public commitment, you increase your level of internal commitment and increase the likelihood that you follow through.

 

This post was sponsored by Dave Crenshaw's Coaching Programs. Forget resolutions. Get results! Choose from three coaching packages custom-fit to your needs. Visit http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com/coach

In gratitude for entrepreneurs

One of my favorite causes is Kiva. To help promote them and to do something a little different for the holiday season, I've posted a special video expressing my gratitude for the opportunities entrepreneurship provides.

Watch this video, and then comment on this page for a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates to Kiva.org.

Action Steps:

Post your gratitude or questions about entrepreneurship for a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates to Kiva .
Return to this page in two weeks to learn who the winners are!

Principles:

Entrepreneurs have a powerful impact on nations, communities, and individuals that work in the businesses they create.
Entrepreneurs are the "Indiana Jones" of the business world. They are willing to leave behind comfort, security, and stability to strike out on their own in pursuit of "fortune and glory".
Often, entrepreneurs fail. But they don't stop. Their willingness to get up and try again is a part of their greatness.

 

This post was sponsored by Kiva. Make a Small Loan, Make a Big Difference – Check out Kiva.org to Learn How!

Business Networking Tips from Africa

Just this week I came back from Accra, Ghana, where I was asked to speak at the African Business Leaders Forum. It was an amazing experience, not just from a cultural perspective, but from a business and networking one, as well.

As I thought about what I might share with you from this experience, four tips for successful business networking came to mind. In this brief video, I'll share four things I did that you can use to improve your own networking and connecting skills.

 

Action Steps:

Watch this video and ask yourself: "On a scale of 0-10, how well am I doing with building long-term professional connections with people?"
The next time you go to a networking event, have an attitude of "how can I give" instead of "what can I get."
The next time you meet someone new, practice using their name, and use it often.
When you're talking with someone, focus on them by maintaining eye contact and listening to them.
Maintain long-term contact with new connections via social networks and possibly through a value-driven newsletter.
Share your questions or comments on this page.

Principles to Learn:

Connection is one of the factors that determines your marketplace value.
When you come with an attitude of "give first", you will build trust much faster than anything else you could say or do.
The most beautiful sound in the world is the sound of your own name.
When you give the person 100% of your attention, you're communicating to them that they're important. And when you do that, they will view you as more important.
Long-term professional connections often have greater benefit that just a one-time meeting.

 

This post was sponsored by Dave Crenshaw Keynote Speeches and Workshops. To learn more about having Dave Crenshaw as an enlightening and fun speaker for your event, visit http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com/event