Everything is possible!

Many are looking for the next thing and then the next thing.  Tiring themselves out trying to find the holy grail of what is going to push them to the top.

Don’t be one of them!

Look to grow where you are at.  There are a lot more places for you to contribute and grow. Go ahead do it.  It’ll be easier to make your company, business, or relationship better then trying something new every 6 months.  Dig in and instigate the growth.

If not, you’ll just keep trying something new every 6 months.  Becoming an expert at quitting.  So take some advice from Justin Bieber, “…the grass ain’t always greener on the other side, its green where you water it.”

It’s far better to collaborate with a another then get bogged down and lose momentum. Seek out those who’s skills can and will propel you forward.  Just be clear they are aligned with your vision and are capable of building off each other.  Your collaboration must benefit all involved.  Having the right people to collaborate with will help you scale faster, smarter, and more effectively.  Don’t pass up the opportunity to work with a superstar.

A quote I been thinking about from Joe Polish, “Winners find ways.”

We all have metrics to track, performance reviews to give, and reports to read.

What are the Key Performance Indicators your company tracks?

If you didn’t mention connection to your neighbors, clients or customers. Then you are missing one of the most important KPI’s there is.

My family and I operate a chain of Foodtown Supermarkets and one of the ways we know our team is connecting on a personal level with our neighbors is by how many real conversations they have.  Or when a neighbor brings in a tray full of home baked cookies to the team in appreciation for their efforts.  Sometimes they even bring in a plate of food from their BBQ or a taste of a new recipe they tried.  Moments like these are just as important as basket size, contribution to GP%, and cash flow.

Real connection should be a part of the overall health of your company.  Because at the end of the day we are here to serve our neighbors.  So be interested in them and the profits will come.  As long as you run a great shop.  Things will begin to fall into place and the bond you create with your neighbors will help cement you as a pillar in the community.

We all think having a long enough runway is the best option.

But I warn you of its danger.  To long of a runway can and will make you complacent.  Or worst it may entice you to take unnecessary risks.  You may think a long enough runway will protect you from having to innovate, create, and ship.

It’s better to pull up off the ground even for just a few feet, land safely, reaccess, and take off again.

Careful what you wish for.

Notice where and when the wheel connects.  It’ll help you out of the rut that has you stuck on the side of the road.  While all the other cars are speeding by.

Sometimes as one wheel grabs on the pavement another my slip.  Put a little gravel under them.  As they both catch you’ll be on your way and catching up to the other cars.  Even passing a few.

Press on the gas pedal.  Tighten the grip on your steering wheel, turn up the radio and enjoy the ride.

Hiding away

Far from others

Can’t look you in the eye when we speak

Because I see me

Reflected back in your big brow eyes

Ashamed of how I’m running things

I hide from your view

Knowing quite well you sneak a peek or

Two of us is really what its meant to be

So much pride, love and respect

I have for you

Believe in my

Its all you do

Pushing and supporting me

Even when I’m hiding from you

I can’t

Because your my rock

Who knows all my hiding places

And when to make me stop

And smell the roses you whisper into my ear

Sharing more of yourself

Then I’ll ever be able to give back

I got yours no doubt about that

Thank you is all I can say

As we lay beside each other

Wrapped up as one

Not knowing where you or I begin

Intertwined, my release

And now I’m able to breathe

Awake to all the senses

Feeling every nerve synapsis

Blood flowing

Whats the analysis

Each heart beat telling a story

Trying to hide it

But it keeps coming up

How do I make the change

If I can’t face it

Just out of my grasp

I can see it

Careful what you wish for

It might not be what you’re really looking for

Stomach turns

Knotted up

Throat choked up

A mess keeps showing up

Is that everyone has their own version.  Each of us carries our own set of beliefs, morals, and values.  We each our own set of ethics that we adhere to.

You cannot assume those with whom you are working with have the same as yours.  Far easier is not to go against your own prescribed code of conduct (ethics).  Maintaining to your own beliefs will prevent temptation or a swift tongue salesman gain an upper hand on you.