The third step to fruitful networking is Being Relational. If you’ve been to very many networking opportunities, you have likely met the people who are more transactional in nature. They are the ones who are slinging cards to anyone who will take one and seizing every opportunity to promote their services. You won’t typically see them quietly talking with someone ...
As a banker, I had a loan assigned to me that bank examiners had rated as a problem. Soon thereafter, my boss wanted me to loan this customer more money. When I objected, I learned that this customer was my boss’ friend and business partner. My boss had a conflict of interest. By loaning this person more money I would ...
Years ago, a movie called The Informant highlighted part of Mark Whitacre’s story. What the movie doesn’t share is the amazing turnaround that later occurred in Mark’s life. Mark had participated in a large price fixing scandal, embezzled money, became a whistleblower, and spent time in prison! But today Mark is leading an organization called TFactor that helps thousands of ...
A reporter recently falsified a story about a conversation that he claimed quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, had with his fiancé and brother. Mahomes supposedly asked them not to attend his football games. I shared this information with my wife only to later discover that the story had been discredited by Mahomes. Soon thereafter, the reporter apologized for his false story. The ...
During the pandemic, the US Government offered tax credits to help small businesses weather the troubling times. The government, however, seems to have forgotten to plan and fund the additional support the IRS needs to distribute the funds. Many businesses filed for these credits early in 2021 and have yet to receive any monies. In business, it’s easy to ...
Recently, I was teaching a men’s group on the value of using their areas of giftedness. One person shared with me that he and his son had just discussed giftedness the day before. They came to a profound conclusion: Giftedness, without strong character, can have a very bad ending. Bernie Madoff, who died in prison last year, was a great ...
One of the challenges facing many business leaders who have a large staff is actually hearing the truth. So many people believe that they need to share only what their boss wants to hear that they rarely share what their boss needs to hear. For several years I worked for a boss who punished people who delivered hard truth. His ...
George Washington left his American legacy with a great reputation. Even though the famous story of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree and not lying about it, may not be true, this story speaks to people’s belief about his character. George Washington once said, “Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is ...
As we remember Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, it’s a great day to remember the importance of doing the right thing, even when unpopular. With half of the nation at war, President Lincoln was very unpopular with most of the nation. Yet, he persevered to abolish slavery and fight secession. Today Lincoln is widely celebrated as one of the most respected Presidents ...
Miles Walker owns an auto repair store in Georgia. Mr. Walker refused to pay his employee, Andreas Flaten, his final paycheck, until forced to by the Department of Labor. When Walker learned Flaten had called the government, Mr. Walker retaliated. Mr. Walker retaliated by paying Flaten with pennies! Walker dumped over $900 worth of oil covered pennies in Mr. Flaten’s ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
