JWN: Future of The VIP Profiles

The Future of The VIP Profiles

By: Joseph W. Norman

So, where do we go from here? We’ve written countless articles and featured over 100 VIPs. For those of you scoring at home, all of this was done by a couple of college students. Now, what? One of The VIP Guys graduates right? He’s going to be finding a “real job” now and moving on probably, right? This was a school project anyway, wasn’t it?

Wrong.

The VIP Profiles lives on. Ben and I founded this publication in order to build and maintain our unique network of relationships and we did it in a way that would give value first. The personal fulfillment has been overwhelming.

To stop producing The VIP Profiles now would be like killing my first born. I’m an entrepreneur and this was my first pure entrepreneurial act. Even Warren Buffet took years to close down and sell off his original investment, the unprofitable textile shop that was Berkshire Hathaway. In addition, although he sold it off, he couldn’t forget the name. Now, we know Berkshire Hathaway as one of the most lucrative investment vehicles in the world.

That’s the way I look at The VIP Profiles. Although it has changed throughout the last 70 weeks, it has become its own living, breathing entity which deserves respect.

Every Monday morning there is a loyal set of readers that wants to know what The VIP Guys are up to. It is a wonderful feeling but it is also a tremendous responsibility. It would be foolish of us to let those readers down by letting this pursuit flounder.

What about secession planning?

My response is, “Why?” We can streamline our actions by adding personal assistants which can do the bulk of the template design and content package. We can farm out the transcriptions of VIP interviews to others, or we can change the format of The VIP Profiles to accommodate more buy in from the VIPs in the final product.

All giving this product up would do is diminish some of the brand equity we have created. I must add, that brand has been created by more than a thousand hours of sweat equity. It is hard to betray that type of input.

You don’t make money, so why would you keep doing it?

First, we know we can eventually make money doing it, so this question is relatively moot. In fact, we’re currently working with Layer 8 Studios, a software company based in Orlando, Florida, to develop a brand new website which has a primary objective of becoming a resource for personal and professional development. They provide the system and the web maintenance, we provide the bulk of the initial content, and we split the revenues.

More importantly to the money question, we find such tremendous fulfillment in the whole process that it would be a heist of our joy. Yeah, working on Sundays is not easy. But, I’d rather be sharing my stories, experiences, and best practices with readers across the globe then watching a movie or laying out in the sun. It is just who I am. It is who Ben is. We have gifts and they deserve to be used.

My executive coach Jennifer Sertl spoke to me recently about the concept of potential. The funny thing about potential is that it is a complete sham. Potential is a word used to describe what could be, not what will be. The truth is that every one of us has a unique set of skills and gifts which we are responsible to share with the world.

And, the world needs those gifts right now!

That has become “The VIP Challenge.” VIP stands for “Very Impactful Person.” We believe this because everybody has an opportunity to make an impact on the world, but more often than not, that needs to be enabled by an outside source. Motivation comes from within, but inspiration makes the world move forward.

Our objective with The VIP Profiles is to facilitate positive change on the people and communities we associate with. We do it through our publication which gives value to a global readership every week. We enabled ourselves with this online medium to make an impact on you. That has become our gift to ourselves. The effects have been truly life changing. Now, we have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of that pursuit.

Why would we give that responsibility up?

___

Joseph W. Norman, resides in Macedon, NY, and is Chief Enthusiasm Officer and Editor of The VIP Profiles. He offers lectures and keynote talks on leadership, personal, and professional development and is always up for a business lunch.

Joseph can be reached at Norms1523@gmail.com or 607.743.8569.

To receive the weekly eZine, The VIP Profiles, email viprofile@gmail.com or visit http://notableandnewsworthy.blogspot.com/

Scott Gonyeo

Scott Gonyeo:

Freedom through Real Estate Investing

I was once told, “Mentors find you, not the other way around.” That is what happened to me with Scott Gonyeo. Earlier this year I met and befriended his nephew Shaun Walker. After becoming good friends, Shaun introduced me to his uncle Scott whom he works with on a variety of real estate and business ventures. In fact, I can recall the first time we met quite vividly. Probably because it was only about two months ago…

Scott took Shaun and me out to lunch in Geneseo at the Big Tree Inn. We seemed to get along quite well and he was pretty impressed by The VIP Profiles. What interested me about him was his vision and passion for real estate and deal making. The man seemed to be a magnet for success. His lifestyle mimicked, almost to a “T,” that of the first book which inspired the entrepreneur in me, Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki. That evening I remember going home and saying, “I would rather scrub toilets for this guy than take any corporate job.”

And then it happened. The next day I received an unsolicited phone call from my friend Shaun, saying Scott wanted to have a conference call at 3 PM. He said, “Are you available?” I replied, “Absolutely.” The 3 PM call lasted seven minutes. Scott works fast. He invited me into the empire.

Scott began his career in property management for Conifer Realty LLC in their affordable housing business. After Home Properties purchased some of Conifer’s businesses, Scott worked with them until he decided it was time to quit his day job. Some Russ Whitney real estate investment training and the equivalent of a year’s pay in the bank, Scott left Home Properties to pursue financial freedom through real estate investing. Now, I am blessed with the opportunity to learn from this man. The following is Scott’s recount of his life’s pursuits! ~JWN

VIP: What is your definition of success?

SG: “GLIFS” is my personal acronym which means: God; Love; Integrity; Fun; and Success. When I recognize God wants us all to be happy; when I have someone I Love to share my life with; when everything I do is done transparently with Integrity, then everything I do is Fun…then I am Successful. Money and things pour out of these thoughts, actions, deeds but do not “drive the bus” for me. They are not my motivators. Check out www.kickstartmyday.com for a great daily perspective from my new best friend Michael Chriswell in Orlando…

VIP: What is your current occupation and what has your career path looked like?

SG: I am a real estate investor, developer and mentor. Some describe me as a “Serial Entrepreneur” as I’ve never met a new business venture I didn’t like. I’m thinking of having new business cards made that give me a title of “Empire Builder” though this may come off as to egotistical to others. My thought and chief goal in life is “To serve others in ever increasing numbers” or to help OTHERS build their personal empires; whether that means financially, spiritually or however they define their goals.

VIP: What are some influential books you’ve read?

SG: There have been so many but “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and all the Kiyosaki books helped me see the fork in my road that pulled me out of my corporate treadmill. “Conversations with God” by Neale Donald Walsh opened up my mind spiritually. “4- Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss is challenging me to rethink being a serial entrepreneur to focus more on a few of my key businesses that I can develop into passive income streams, leaving me more time to enjoy life, my family and helping others achieve their freedom.

VIP: Who are three people from any time period that you would like to meet?

SG: Jesus, though we have daily conference calls already so he may not count. Hugh Hefner, tons of great people stories in that man. He’s met them all. And, Donald Trump, to learn whatever he is willing to teach me. (Editor’s Note: Scott is currently a national speaker for Donald Trump’s mentoring company, Trump University. He speaks on Tax Liens and Deed Investing)

VIP: Who are a few people that have had a meaningful impact on your life?

SG: My parents of course were most influential in molding my work ethic and positive attitude towards life. My wife. She is my love and continues to teach me daily. My kids, who I love to watch and help grow. Shaun Walker, my own personal human Guinea Pig. He will one day be greater than I and he’ll do it sooner than I achieved anything. And the many other great folks who have mentored me, led me, pushed me and opened my mind.

VIP: What is your favorite candy bar?

SG: None. But I’m an absolute Starburst Jelly Bean FREAK. My wife has to buy me a case every Easter. Sadly it’s now the end of May and this year’s stash is gone…I’ll be jones’in till next Easter, bummer.

VIP: What is your “average” day like?

SG: Haven’t had an “average” day since I quit my day job and became a full time Real Estate Investor in 2004. All my days are now EXCEPTIONAL. My days are filled with positive, energizing, like-minded people who pursue their dreams inspite of the naysayers surrounding them.

VIP: What got you into real estate investing? What are some of your near term and mid term
goals with your pursuits?

SG: Bought my first rental property in college. It was a little single family house I rented to my buddies. Got my first job out of college in property management and got sucked into the corporate vortex for 21 years. Then I bought some books, tapes, courses and mentoring from a Real Estate guru. That last piece finally made the difference. Got the education first, then had someone show me how to apply that knowledge.

Near term ventures:

• Building 90 unit senior apartment complex with Fed and State Tax Credits, looking for the next site.
• Operate 3 self storage properties, looking for the 4th one
• Consulting on real estate projects for others
• Partnering on fund raising for other developers
• Resort development in Costa Rica
• Launching a new real estate investor club (www.ffreia.com) with plans for 15 more across the United States
• Teaching real estate investing for 3 companies; one being Trump University
• Investing in real estate through government tax foreclosure auctions across the United States

Mid term ventures:

• Consolidate all the above so I only have to work 4 hours a week (thanks Tim Ferriss!).

VIP: What is your “secret to success?”

SG: Help others achieve their goals. Always think Win-Win. Work hard but smart and with integrity. Always ask God for help.

VIP: Tell me a little bit about your family…

SG: My dad passed two days before my last day of my day job. It was very sudden and very sad. But now looking back, I realize he went to Heaven to work behind the scenes to help me achieve my dreams over the past 3 ½ years. It’s been an unbelievable run. Mom does well in her circle of activities and friends and will always be a success story. My sister struggles with life at times, but always ends up on top. My wife is the rock in my life, the touchstone to reality and sanity in my insane world. My kids are the cherry on top of my life of ice cream. Shaun…well, what can I say? He’s a great friend and partner.

VIP: Where did you grow up?

SG: I was an Air Force brat. So, everywhere. I finished Junior High and High School in Penfield.

VIP: If you could create anything with the snap of your fingers, what would it be?

SG: Instant awareness of the universe around and within us right now.

VIP: Or, if you could instill one bit of knowledge into everybody, what might that be?

SG: Wake up people, this life is a great experiment we should consciously explore and enjoy, not wallow in.

VIP: What advice would you give a recent college graduate?

SG: DON’T GET A JOB!!! GET SOME REAL ESTATE!!

VIP: Your peer group?

SG: QUIT YOUR JOB!!! GET SOME REAL ESTATE!!

VIP: People in general?

SG: Same as above. Isn’t it obvious by now?

A final note…

SG: Thanks for the opportunity to share with you and your readers and for the opportunity to become your mentor. Together we will help many people in ever increasing numbers. This is “What’s In It For Me” through you…

Editor’s Note: “Thank you for your generosity of time and resources Scott. I look forward to learning with you and making things happen together!” ~JWN

JWN: Why I Write for You

Why I Write

By: Joseph W. Norman

“My hope is that sharing my path with you enables you to let your life speak!”

A while back I read a book by Jeffrey Gitomer, my literary mentor, called The Little Green Book of Getting Your Way. In this work of sales genius, Jeffrey states that anybody can become a voice on a subject if they are published. So, I started to write about a few topics I have been passionate about for years; leadership, personal, and professional development. My articles initially appeared in the Life and Times of JWN, my personal section in The VIP Profiles.

Since that beginning, I have really become to think of myself as a writer. Before, I always knew I was good at it and often found myself using that ugly word “potential” far too often, but I never really applied it. The VIP Profiles gave me an outlet and the kick in the butt I needed to help me find myself.

There are a few very personal reasons why I write now. 1) I want to become known on a global scale as a thought leader, 2) I believe strongly in the concept of personal development and I want to share my thoughts on it with you, and, 3) Writing allows me to process my thoughts, so my writing now is my gift to myself. Through it, I solidify who I am and what I want to become.

Writing has truly helped me develop who I am. Some say it is selfish to write about your pursuits and share them, but I find it quite cathartic. Also, I try to do it in a way that is valuable. I’m a firm proponent of giving of yourself first, so my words are my way of sharing experiences; good, bad, or life changing, with you.

Although the system is definitely in place for the narcissist, my objective is primarily to share. I feel that through giving we learn more about ourselves and enable ourselves with an opportunity to inspire others. Throughout the entire production of The VIP Profiles this has been the primary goal. Now, with the writing I publish, that is my goal.

This has been the most valuable impact of The VIP Profiles to date. I know I cannot speak for Ben, but I can speak for myself. The impact the production of this eZine has had on me, goes above and beyond any other possible scenario or situation because it taught me how to be a giver and it showed me the wealth that comes from that.

I’m not talking about monetary wealth (yet), but rather the concept of wealth in general. You see, the world’s greatest leaders are also the world’s greatest philanthropists. There is a concept taught in the Bible and it is a fundamental principle of the universe. The more you give, the more you get.

This relates and directly corresponds to all things; time, money, energy, etc. It should be harnessed because the fulfillment it creates is beyond what any other action can create. That is why I write. In my effort to give of myself and share my path with you, I find fulfillment.

Know that the fundamental principle behind my articles is to share my journey with you. There are many things I have learned, practiced, and experienced as a primary producer of The VIP Profiles. One is that there are many people that have gone before us, who have trodden many roads, and experienced countless things. Their journey has a story which deserves to be heard and learned from.

Although I am a firm proponent of taking the road less traveled, I still believe you need to know where the other paths have led. This is my path shared for you. My hope is that sharing my path with you enables you to let your life speak!

___

Joseph W. Norman, resides in Geneseo, NY, and is Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of The VIP Profiles. He offers lectures and keynote talks on leadership, personal, and professional development and is always up for a business lunch.

Joseph can be reached at Norms1523@gmail.com or 607.743.8569.

To receive the weekly eZine, The VIP Profiles, email viprofile@gmail.com or visit http://notableandnewsworthy.blogspot.com/

JWN: A VIP Student Experience

The VIP Profiles and the Student Experience

By: Joseph W. Norman

It is about that time of the year for me. Or, rather, it is about that time of my life. On May 17, 2008, I will complete my undergraduate experience at the State University of New York at Geneseo, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English. Often, when I say that, I hear a variety of quips like; “Good luck getting a job,” “Sucks to be you,” or, “What are you going to do with that degree? Teach?” Well, I’m proud to say that none of these particularly apply and that is due in large part to The VIP Profiles.

First, what defines the student experience? Many, in fact most, attest that it is predominately an academic campaign. If we look through this lens at the effect of The VIP Profiles on my experience, the result is pure, unadulterated failure. Since the inception of the eZine on January 21, 2007, my GPA has dropped by approximately half a point. I have “successfully” gone from a 3.63 in my first semester to a solid 3.0 (or slightly below) the last three semesters. On par for this last one too!

Am I proud of this? Not necessarily. But, I have learned a few things about how to have a rewarding student experience. With that in mind, I am proud to say SUNY Geneseo has been an exceptional outlet for my life pursuits. With its focus on a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum (and affordable price), it promotes both classroom excellence and co-curricular involvement. This combination makes up most of the elixir that has left me with a Geneseo love affair.

So, if I claim the experience has been rewarding, but I “failed” academically, then what was it? It was a matter of personal development. The unique mix of activities at Geneseo helped me figure out a large part of who I am, what I want to accomplish, and what I bring to the table in my efforts to complete those goals. This creates the first challenge of describing the college experience for me; “How do you balance academia and life experiences?”

I’ll admit that I am hyper-responsive with things that strike passion in my veins. At the outset of my college career I removed myself from most extra-curricular activities (with the exception of Cross Country and Track) in an effort to excel in the classroom. My first year was an academic success as I posted a 3.53 cumulative GPA at its closing. Not a bad start.

What I learned after that first year though was the importance of being proactive in college and the power of your relationships on personal and professional development. (Insert VIP Profiles plug here).

Now, let’s take a step back from my personal experience and look at a systemic issue in higher education. Educational institutions tend to train employees but we live in a capitalist system in the United States which rewards entrepreneurs and business owners. This paradox throws a wrench in the spokes on the tandem bicycle of college, jointly ridden by academic success and professional development.

The question is, “How do we empower (and effectively place) the future employees and inspire (and train) the prospective entrepreneurs with the same system?”

Back to my experience. I learned a large part about the entrepreneur in me through the relationships I developed and the extra books I read. For those of you still in college, I did in fact say, “extra books.” It comes back to being proactive. You can’t just do enough to get by. You always have to push the limit and take one extra action for YOU everyday. That could be an athletic pursuit or a chapter of a book that covers a subject you are passionate about.

Both of these extra actions have been intimate parts of my life in college. My training as a student-athlete for three and a half years taught me much about competition, camaraderie, and hard work. Meanwhile, my passion for leadership, personal, and professional development led me to Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Black Book of Connections which inspired The VIP Profiles.

After I co-founded the eZine with Ben, I truly began to find myself. Again, back to the paradox, this was completely an outside of the classroom pursuit. It might as well have been the noose enabling my academic suicide. However, it empowered me to seek out and learn from passionate people. In the beginning it happened unintentionally, but I have since learned that this is the (seemingly lost) art of finding good mentors. Looking back on my experience this was the most critical point.

First, it was Cynthia Oswald, President of the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce. Her generosity of time, energy, and resources has taken second fiddle only to her infectious positive attitude and her living example of effective organizational leadership. Then it was SUNY Geneseo President Christopher Dahl, who I learned countless lessons from through both personal conversations and outside observations. Also, I’d like to add for the “English degree nay-sayers,” Dr. Dahl is a Professor of English at Geneseo and a scholar of Victorian Literature.

As the scope of VIP influence spread itself past the Livingston County lines, I got to know Chris McVicker, Chairman and CEO of The Flanders Group. Words can barely describe the impact this man has had on me. The life and business lessons I continue to learn from Chris make up a tremendous part of who I am and who I will become. Also, you can thank him for about half of the VIPs we have ever featured. He is a great connector!

Now, thanks to an introduction from Chris, I am pleased to mention David Mammano, Founder and CEO of Next Step Publishing.

This is a special relationship in regards to this reflection because David and I are working with another competent and confident colleague, Shaun Walker, on developing a business focused on exactly what this essay is trying to articulate, the college to life transition. More on that to come!

So, what have these tremendous relationships meant to the student experience? They have put me on the path towards letting my life speak. And, isn’t that what college is all about? We study and bust our tail in an effort to get on the right career path (which is hopefully synchronized with our passions).

Again, I’m hyper-responsive. Thus, as I learned from these relationships, I began to search them out with more vigor and intellectual curiosity. Was my approach the correct one? Maybe. But, more importantly it helps me pose this question, “How can students balance the “paradox”?

The answer to that involves a balance between the proactive search for mentors and a concept which I call the “4.0 box.” When I’m beating on doors with my rather bold personality and my offer for VIP status, some of my colleagues are holed up in the library pounding out school work. Which approach is correct? That depends on a person’s objective and I can only speak from my own experience.

This I do know for sure though. Being in college doesn’t mean you’re removed from the real world. The fulfillment I’ve received from interacting with passionate people leads me to believe that a balance between the “4.0 box” and a VIP guy’s lifestyle is an essential component to an effective student experience. Why?

Three reasons. 1) The discipline you develop with your studies can be applied to another (more important) subject, YOU, 2) The professional relationships you proactively pursue create a support system for your career path, and, 1+2=3) A disciplined approach to building genuine relationships will help you discover your passions and develop a clear picture of the path you can take to pursue them.

Since the beginning of my college experience I have believed whole heartedly in the importance of effective communication. This led me to pursuing a degree in English; despite the abuse which asserted that English majors can’t find jobs. My passion for entrepreneurship and personal development inspired the creation of The VIP Profiles with my good friend and colleague, Ben DeGeorge.

Now, my hyperactive approach toward building and maintaining genuine relationships has taken me to the next step in my post undergraduate career…and I’ll let the suspense build on that one.

To sum it up, I will end with a quote from Steve Jobs; “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” My hunger led me through an English degree towards a career in business and entrepreneurship, while my foolishness helped me ignore those who said that can’t be done. And, most importantly, SUNY Geneseo gave me an outlet to succeed with my rather unconventional approach to the student experience.

___

Joseph W. Norman, resides in Geneseo, NY, and is Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of The VIP Profiles. He offers lectures and keynote talks on leadership, personal, and professional development and is always up for a business lunch.

Joseph can be reached at Norms1523@gmail.com or 607.743.8569.

To receive the weekly eZine, The VIP Profiles, email viprofile@gmail.com or visit http://notableandnewsworthy.blogspot.com/

JWN: A Secret for You

A Secret for YOU

By Joseph W. Norman

About a week and a half ago I got hold of a concept that changed the way I think about a lot of things. In fact, it changed the way I think about my thoughts (as strange as that sounds). It is from a book by Rhonda Byrne called The Secret. Its message, if exercised properly, will absolutely amaze you. I’ve tried it a few times already over the last few weeks and have seen some compelling, early results.

“It has been passed down through the ages, highly coveted, hidden, lost, stolen, and bought for vast sums of money. This centuries-old Secret has been understood by some of the most prominent people in history: Plato, Galileo, Beethoven, Edison, Carnegie, Einstein – along with other inventors, theologians, scientists, and great thinkers.” - from The Secret

So, what is The Secret? It is the law of attraction.

The world moves according to a series of scientific laws. One that may come to your mind immediately is the law of gravity. I know that if I jump from a tree, I’m going to hit the ground. Without bias towards who I am or what I plan to accomplish, that law exists and influences my life every moment of every day.

The law of attraction states that everything happening in your life, good or bad, is there because you attracted it there. This could be anything from relationship issues to debt or a best-selling book to hitting your sales quota in half the time. It’s even fueling that job search you are on and that job offer you really want to get.

It all boils down to this phrase; “What you think about, you bring about.”

For me, this law helped answer one of the biggest “whys” I have had in my life. For years and years I have focused on having a positive attitude. Constantly, I’ve read about it and truly believed that if I focused on thinking positive things I could create powerful results. Recently, when I found and fully immersed myself in The Secret I discovered why that phenomenon works. It’s the law of attraction.

How does the law of attraction work?

Science has proved that your thoughts have frequencies which communicate with the world around you. In essence those thoughts are your personal magnetic force which draws things into your life. Like attract likes. Or in three other words, thoughts become things. It’s science. This is a fundamental law of the universe. Whether you understand it or not, this law is affecting your life.

KEY QUESTION: What do you really want from life? Wealth? Health? Happiness?

ACTION PLAN: Make a list of five things you really, truly desire and think about those things every morning and every night. Carry a list with you throughout the day and revisit it every now and again to keep your mind privy of your passions.

I’m really just starting to learn and apply this concept in full, but I wanted to bring you along for the ride with me. When you come across some things in your life they make a tremendous impact on your psyche and the way you think about the world. You don’t always know when that is going to happen, but you definitely know when it happens.

This is one of those moments for me and I want to share it with you. The thought time I have put into this concept over the last week has been enormous and I’m already seeing results. Everyday, some event has happened, big and small, which has affirmed this mind set and discipline I am now applying to my life. It has truly been incredible.

Now, here are some cautionary items you need to know because at first this concept is a bit overwhelming. You have over 60,000 thoughts per day, how do you control them? Remember, what you think about MOST, you bring about. So, you don’t have to control them all. Also, your feelings are the best guide of the thoughts you are having. If you’re feeling good, keep thinking and feeling that way. If you’re feeling bad, think of something positive which makes you feel good; i.e. a past success or a loving family member.

Good feelings are things like hope, satisfaction, joyful expectation, happiness, excitement, passion, and love. Bad feelings are things like fear, guilt, depression, resentment, blame, hate, and revenge.

A few more things about the law of attraction that you need to know. There is a time delay. It takes time for the universe to bring things full circle. Also, positive thoughts have stronger frequencies than negative thoughts. Therefore, affirmative statements have the most traction.

REFLECTION: Think about negative thoughts or fears you have had in the past and how they manifested themselves into your life. Now, think about positive thoughts and real passions you had which came true in your life. Amazing, right?

The greatest leaders in the world understood this concept. Some suppressed it and kept it from others, some wrote about it and shared it with the world, but either way, all of them applied it and we continue to talk about them to this day.

Check out the book. Make your top five list and start to have fun with this. Life should be fantastic. What is your dream life? Have some near term desires and some long term big ideas. Get the universe working for you. I assure you that you will be amazed by the results.

My executive coach, Jennifer Sertl, taught me a philosophy she holds dear; “Be. Do. Have.” And, it works in that order. Once you internalize mentally who you want to become, that will move you to do what you need to do, and eventually have what you want to have.

The Secret is the science of “being.” You don’t necessarily have to understand exactly how it works, but I want you to know that it exists and that it is affecting your life every second of every day. Use the power of The Secret to your advantage!

___

Joseph W. Norman, resides in Geneseo, NY, and is Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of The VIP Profiles. He offers lectures and keynote talks on leadership, personal, and professional development and is always up for a business lunch.

Joseph can be reached at Norms1523@gmail.com or 607.743.8569.

To receive the weekly eZine, The VIP Profiles, email viprofile@gmail.com or visit http://notableandnewsworthy.blogspot.com/

JWN: Tribute to Ken Blanchard

A Tribute to Ken Blanchard

By: Joseph W. Norman

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to see Dr. Ken Blanchard speak at the RIT Inn and Conference Center. Ken, a man often referred to as insightful and compassionate, is considered one of the world’s most prolific authors on management. His best selling book, The One Minute Manager, is a quintessential text for any manager’s library. I was fortunate enough to listen to Ken’s thoughts on his new book, The One Minute Entrepreneur. His talk was truly tremendous! In addition, I had a chance to speak to Ken afterwards and get my pre-released copy of The One Minute Entrepreneur signed!

The following is compiled information about Ken and notes from his talk in Rochester.

From the Ken Blanchard company website;

“Ken is Chief Spiritual Officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies^®, an international management training and consulting firm that he and his wife, Dr. Marjorie Blanchard, founded in 1979 in San Diego, California. He is also a visiting lecturer at his alma mater, Cornell University, where he is a trustee emeritus of the Board of Trustees. Ken is cofounder of The Center for FaithWalk Leadership, which is dedicated to helping leaders walk their talk in the marketplace.

Ken has received many awards and honors for his contributions in the fields of management, leadership and speaking. The National Speakers Association awarded him its highest honor, the "Council of Peers Award of Excellence." He was inducted into the HRD Hall of Fame by Training magazine and Lakewood Conferences, and he received the Golden Gavel Award from Toastmasters International. And in 2004 Ken was awarded with The Thought Leadership Award for continued support of work-related learning and performance by ISA—The Association of Learning Providers.”

From his Rochester talk on leadership and entrepreneurship:

VIP Fact Sheet:

-Wife, Margie, was born in Rochester, New York. Although the couple lives in San Diego, California, they continue to consider Upstate New York home.

-Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester is one of his top five favorite golf courses.

-The couple has a summer home in Skaneateles, New York

What Ken thinks creates your self worth?

1-Fate

2-Early childhood interactions with adults

3-Failures

4-Perceptions of the first three

Ken believes the last principle is the most important.

Success stems from mastering the “Four P’s”

1-Passion

2-Profit

3-People

4-Priorities

Passion:

Do you really love what you’re doing? You want to be able to lose track of time with your “work.” There should be a difference between “having” to do something and “getting” to do it. That is passion.

Profit:

If you don’t make money then it is a hobby. The true test of purpose is getting paid. It is not dirty to make money. Profit is the applause you get from taking care of your customers and motivating your people.

People:

You’ve got to be a servant leader. This is the key determinant to managing the people game. There are two parts to that concept. 1) Visionary, or the strategic leadership, and, 2) Implementation, or the operational leadership. You have to do the right things, right.

Ken believes that most companies do not have a compelling enough vision statement. You need to define your vision in a creative and succinct way. For example, Disney is in the happiness business. Everything they do revolves around that. What is your picture for the future?

Set the vision and then turn the pyramid upside down to put the people closest to the customers on top. One person can change the whole game!

Priorities:

If something is important in your life, put structure to it. For legendary NFL football coach, Tony Dungee, his priorities are, 1) God, 2) His wife, 3) His children, and, 4) His job.

There needs to be a set of operating values, in order of importance that everybody in the organization needs to know.

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Joseph W. Norman, resides in Geneseo, NY, and is Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of The VIP Profiles. He offers lectures and keynote talks on leadership, personal, and professional development and is always up for a business lunch.

Joseph can be reached at Norms1523@gmail.com or 607.743.8569.

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