success
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
at 9:36am
You never know just how much you rely on something until it’s gone. You know what I mean, like the time your computer crashed and all your contact information and files were suddenly inaccessible. Or the time your power went out and you couldn’t answer the phones on a business day. Or the time you had an incredibly important meeting just an hour away and the printer decided to go kaput. We’ve all been there.
Besides all these technological tools, what about the people we rely on so much? What if we didn’t have the team that makes the gears of our businesses turn? Sometimes we take these people for granted and don’t appreciate just how much they do for us and our companies. Imagine walking into work one morning and finding out each and every one of your associates was out sick. To me, that would be tough!
Joe Kiedinger
Action Plan: So, this week, observe just how well your team keeps the ball rolling. Notice how they all play an integral role in the success of the company. And then thank them for it! Our people are our very best resources!
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
at 9:15am
I have become more and more aware of how people are feeling as I continue on the journey of Servant Leadership. A couple of weeks ago, my girls got up early all excited to go to their first day of Day Camp. The bus picks them up at 7:45 a.m., and then they head off into the wilderness and return home by five. Their hair was braided back, their backpacks and lunch boxes were ready, and then came the call. I answered it and was told, “Due to the storm last night, camp is closed for cleanup and will resume tomorrow.”
My girls were devastated. As is the routine every morning, I grabbed Maggie, our dog, and set off for her morning walk. Usually on my walk, I think about the meetings I have scheduled and everything that I wish to accomplish for the day. I decided to think about my girls and wondered, “How can I serve them and create something they’ll never forget?” I started planning a new itinerary and began to giggle inside.
I walked into the house and announced, “Girls, grab your lunches and all your stuff. Today is Daddy Day Camp!” Danica looked at me with a curious grin. “Really?” she said. I nodded and said, “Girls, today we will begin with a pancake breakfast followed by crafts at the office for one hour (I had an hour meeting). We will then have a short music session (I let them play on the piano in my office during a short second meeting). After music it’s off to Festival where you will practice Servant Leadership by writing a letter to your mom on the three ways you appreciate her (during my last meeting of the morning). We will then head off to the public swimming pool and water slides for the afternoon where we will also have a picnic lunch. I will then bring you home for tennis lessons (I then headed out for my last meeting of the day).”
Daddy Day Camp was a HUGE success. I’ll never forget it and neither will they. Always find a way to serve. It will do more for you than it will for them!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Be Creative! There’s always a way!
Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
at 9:29am
Who says you need to have years of success before you land a huge fish! Next week I’m off to Dallas to do a one-day engagement with Kraft Foods using the About Me Card program. It’s the beginning of an international brand.
All international brands must start somewhere. Disney started as a cartoonist making independent cartoons for entertainment movie and news features on the big screen. Hallmark started in 1910 with Nebraska teenager Joyce Hall and her shoebox of picture cards. And About Me International/Prophit Marketing is beginning a journey of Employee Engagement that is starting to get noticed.
We put the “International” on our name for a reason—Vision. What is your vision? Do you realize you are making history with each decision you make? What do you aspire to become? I will tell you, it’s not an easy road. You must always remember to live your life looking out the windshield and only glance at the rearview mirror. Do not dwell on how fast or slow a dream is growing. The question is this: Is it growing? As long as you make small steps each day, you will reach your dreams.
Our company has a long way to go, but that’s OK. I’m going to continue to push the flywheel until the momentum takes care of itself. People need their own time to become aware and ready for you. Allow them to understand and believe. Do that and you will have anything you want!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Keep a short journal of the steps you are taking each day to accomplish your long-term goals!
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
at 9:22am
I’m writing this Wisdom on Wednesday on Monday evening. Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, Danica and I board a plane and head to New York. Not too long ago I wrote a Wisdom with the theme of “showing up.” I wrote that 90% of success is having the guts to show up. Tuesday afternoon we have an appointment to meet with various executives at the Time Warner corporate office, where we will be spending 2-3 hours presenting our Prophit Marketing process and the About Me Card software.
What will come of it? Who knows. We hope for the best. One thing I can tell you is this: If we stay in Green Bay, nothing will happen with Time Warner. We learned all new initiatives come out of New York. Hey, at the very least Danica and I will spend a few days away. On the other hand, we may be meeting some new friends who can help us change the world. We’ll see. I’m sure you’ll be hearing about it in next week’s Wisdom. By the time you read this Wisdom, the pitch will be over and Danica and I will be sleeping.
Don’t be intimidated by opportunities—seize them. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. It’s the real show. Speaking of show, I think I’ll check out 42nd street!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: So who are you meeting with in the near future?!
About Me Card
