From the book, The Last Lecture...author Randy Pausch reflects on his "old school" football coach.
On the first day of practice, we were all scared to death. Plus he (the coach) hadn't brought along any footballs. One kid finally spoke up for all of us.
"Excuse me, Coach. There are no footballs."
And Coach Graham responded, "We don't need any footballs."
There was a silence, while we thought about that...
"How many men are on the football field at a time?" he asked us.
Eleven on a team, we answered, So that makes twenty-two.
"And how many people are touching the football at any given time?"
One of them.
"Right!" he said.
"So we're going to work on what the other twenty-one guys are doing."
Asked yourself the following question: What are the three basic business fundamentals?
Not sure? Contact me at bobgambone@bobgambone.com for the answer.
“Copyright (11-26-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Make ‘em Laugh…But Don’t Tell Jokes!
Yes, laughter is the best medicine.
And yes, laughter is a great icebreaker when you are speaking to an audience.
HOWEVER… in today’s politically correct climate and social sensitivity, telling jokes is not the way to go.
Why? Odds are you might offend someone.
I suggest telling funny stories about you, we all have them.
“Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused.”…or amusing. :)
Read more "Pecans of Wisdom" from Bob Gambone in his book:
"Pecan Pie, 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked to Order" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (11-13-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
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And yes, laughter is a great icebreaker when you are speaking to an audience.
HOWEVER… in today’s politically correct climate and social sensitivity, telling jokes is not the way to go.
Why? Odds are you might offend someone.
I suggest telling funny stories about you, we all have them.
“Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused.”…or amusing. :)
Read more "Pecans of Wisdom" from Bob Gambone in his book:
"Pecan Pie, 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked to Order" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (11-13-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
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Wednesday, November 2, 2011
When Are YOU Going To Get A REAL Job?!
Entrepreneurs!....how many times have you heard this?!
...and to make it worse, most of the time, the question comes from our family and loved ones.
Well, it is time to fight back!
Here are Seven inspirational quotes from entrepreneurs , just like yourself, to use as ammo against the pessimists that challenge you.
"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. The choice is yours and yours alone. Refuse to throw in the towel. Go that extra mile that failures refuse to travel. It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure."
- Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics
"The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer."
- Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese's
"Innovation is the specific tool of entrepreneurs, the means by which they exploit change as an opportunity for a different business or a different service. It is capable of being presented as a discipline, capable of being learned, capable of being practiced. Entrepreneurs need to search purposefully for the sources of innovation, the changes and their symptoms that indicate opportunities for successful innovation. And they need to know and to apply the principles of successful innovation."
- Peter F. Drucker, "The Father of Modern Management"
"Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you're generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make."
- Donald Trump, real estate and entertainment mogul
"The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it."
- Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies
"We were young, but we had good advice and good ideas and lots of enthusiasm. Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning."
- Bill Gates
"I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others... I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent."
- Thomas Edison
AND....Just in case someone says (like my niece did to me)
"Well Uncle Bob, you're no Thomas Edison"
"You're right", I said, "but who was Thomas Edison before he became "Thomas Edison?! "
...and to make it worse, most of the time, the question comes from our family and loved ones.
Well, it is time to fight back!
Here are Seven inspirational quotes from entrepreneurs , just like yourself, to use as ammo against the pessimists that challenge you.
"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. The choice is yours and yours alone. Refuse to throw in the towel. Go that extra mile that failures refuse to travel. It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure."
- Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics
"The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer."
- Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese's
"Innovation is the specific tool of entrepreneurs, the means by which they exploit change as an opportunity for a different business or a different service. It is capable of being presented as a discipline, capable of being learned, capable of being practiced. Entrepreneurs need to search purposefully for the sources of innovation, the changes and their symptoms that indicate opportunities for successful innovation. And they need to know and to apply the principles of successful innovation."
- Peter F. Drucker, "The Father of Modern Management"
"Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you're generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make."
- Donald Trump, real estate and entertainment mogul
"The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it."
- Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies
"We were young, but we had good advice and good ideas and lots of enthusiasm. Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning."
- Bill Gates
"I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others... I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent."
- Thomas Edison
AND....Just in case someone says (like my niece did to me)
"Well Uncle Bob, you're no Thomas Edison"
"You're right", I said, "but who was Thomas Edison before he became "Thomas Edison?! "
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
I’m Sorry, He is With a Client Right Now!
Don’t you hate that?!
Your appointment (as a client / customer) was for 3:00pm and it’s now 3:20.
You ask the receptionist if he / she is available and you get… “I’m sorry, she is with a client right now.”
AND you would love to say… “So, what am I ???”
Whether you are a CPA , a doctor, a financial advisor, or a contractor…if you have people working your front desk, PLEASE never-ever have them just say “….you are with a client.”
Better answer: “I’m sorry, I will let _(name)_ know that you are waiting, he /she is with another client / customer and I apologize.
Remember….don’t let your ‘front line’ weaken your ‘bottom line.’
“Copyright (10-19-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Your appointment (as a client / customer) was for 3:00pm and it’s now 3:20.
You ask the receptionist if he / she is available and you get… “I’m sorry, she is with a client right now.”
AND you would love to say… “So, what am I ???”
Whether you are a CPA , a doctor, a financial advisor, or a contractor…if you have people working your front desk, PLEASE never-ever have them just say “….you are with a client.”
Better answer: “I’m sorry, I will let _(name)_ know that you are waiting, he /she is with another client / customer and I apologize.
Remember….don’t let your ‘front line’ weaken your ‘bottom line.’
“Copyright (10-19-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
GO BANANAS!!! When Building Strong Business Relationships.
---Top Rated Posting from September 6th 2010---
Did you know that the number one selling item at SuperWalmart is bananas. (according to Bloomberg/ Business Week).
Wow!? …who would have thought!
According to Progressive Grocer Magazine, 75% of supermarket shoppers purchase bananas on a regular basis due to their 1). nutritional value, 2). low cost, and 3). the fact that bananas are a very perishable product.
What is the number one strategy in building your business through networking?
Correct!
Building strong relationships! And, just like bananas, strong trusting relationships are nutritious (in a business sense), can be very cost effective, and very perishable if you do not keep your “credibility” in stock.
Here are three quick tips to maintain a good "credible" inventory of your networking relationships.
1). Send a “reconnecting” email if you have not seen or heard from them in the last 30 days.
2). A personal inspirational greeting card is a great way to remind them of your relationship.
3). It may be old fashion in today’s techie world, but a simple “Hi Joe, how are things going this week?” phone call, really sends a message that you care.
So when it comes to building strong relationships...Go Bananas!!!
***This is just a sample!... be sure to indulge yourself in my book,
"Pecan Pie, 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked to Order" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (10-11-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Did you know that the number one selling item at SuperWalmart is bananas. (according to Bloomberg/ Business Week).
Wow!? …who would have thought!
According to Progressive Grocer Magazine, 75% of supermarket shoppers purchase bananas on a regular basis due to their 1). nutritional value, 2). low cost, and 3). the fact that bananas are a very perishable product.
What is the number one strategy in building your business through networking?
Correct!
Building strong relationships! And, just like bananas, strong trusting relationships are nutritious (in a business sense), can be very cost effective, and very perishable if you do not keep your “credibility” in stock.
Here are three quick tips to maintain a good "credible" inventory of your networking relationships.
1). Send a “reconnecting” email if you have not seen or heard from them in the last 30 days.
2). A personal inspirational greeting card is a great way to remind them of your relationship.
3). It may be old fashion in today’s techie world, but a simple “Hi Joe, how are things going this week?” phone call, really sends a message that you care.
So when it comes to building strong relationships...Go Bananas!!!
***This is just a sample!... be sure to indulge yourself in my book,
"Pecan Pie, 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked to Order" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (10-11-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Betty the Barometer
***TOP RATED POST***
Let’s call her Betty the Barometer.
Now this story dates way back to when my hair was still black and I looked more like Mark Spitz than Jay Leno. (not to say I can compare to either of them, but you get my drift).
I was assigned as the Grocery Department manager in a new store.
Towards the end of the second week, I was walking through the store in a terrible mood because the night stocking crew did not complete their assignments and my department was not meeting customer requirements... I probably looked like a chicken with my head cut off because I circled the inside parameter of the store several times barking out orders to my employees and completely ignoring the customers.
Betty, a very petite and soft-spoken meat wrapper with 23 years in the business, had been observing me in my state of frenzy while she was stocking the meat case with fresh cut meat... As I passed by her for the third time, she called out to me.
“Gambone! …come here for second.”
I quickly stopped in my tracks and started walking towards her with a huff and a puff.
“What Betty, can’t you see I’m busy.”
“You know Gambone, that’s your problem, you are too busy. You look like you are ready to explode. What happened to that smiling face I am used to seeing?...and hey, you didn’t even say hi to me this morning!
Well, I don’t know what’s going on in your head but you can’t let your employees and customers see that you are pissed off…we need you to lift us up, not let us down.”
I looked at Betty and said, “Wow Betty, thank you …I never would have thought I'd hear that from you….but you are right…thank you again.”
From that day forward, when I got in a bad mood, I would always check with Betty to see if my “mood” was actually coming to the surface.
We all need a Betty in our lives.
Ask yourself…Who is my “business barometer?”
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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my book, "Pecan Pie" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (9-28-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Let’s call her Betty the Barometer.
Now this story dates way back to when my hair was still black and I looked more like Mark Spitz than Jay Leno. (not to say I can compare to either of them, but you get my drift).
I was assigned as the Grocery Department manager in a new store.
Towards the end of the second week, I was walking through the store in a terrible mood because the night stocking crew did not complete their assignments and my department was not meeting customer requirements... I probably looked like a chicken with my head cut off because I circled the inside parameter of the store several times barking out orders to my employees and completely ignoring the customers.
Betty, a very petite and soft-spoken meat wrapper with 23 years in the business, had been observing me in my state of frenzy while she was stocking the meat case with fresh cut meat... As I passed by her for the third time, she called out to me.
“Gambone! …come here for second.”
I quickly stopped in my tracks and started walking towards her with a huff and a puff.
“What Betty, can’t you see I’m busy.”
“You know Gambone, that’s your problem, you are too busy. You look like you are ready to explode. What happened to that smiling face I am used to seeing?...and hey, you didn’t even say hi to me this morning!
Well, I don’t know what’s going on in your head but you can’t let your employees and customers see that you are pissed off…we need you to lift us up, not let us down.”
I looked at Betty and said, “Wow Betty, thank you …I never would have thought I'd hear that from you….but you are right…thank you again.”
From that day forward, when I got in a bad mood, I would always check with Betty to see if my “mood” was actually coming to the surface.
We all need a Betty in our lives.
Ask yourself…Who is my “business barometer?”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my book, "Pecan Pie" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (9-28-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Beware of The Grazers!
In the supermarket business, we call people who eat all the samples and rarely purchase anything, Grazers.
Guess what?!.... Grazers are everywhere! And to the small businessperson they can eat you alive!
How do you recognize a Grazer? Here are 3 Red Lights!
1.Grazers attend your free seminars, sometimes two or three times but they never commit.
They are very friendly, give you great feedback, and then suddenly they are gone!
2. Grazers love to schedule first meetings with you. They make the meeting all about you; sometimes surprise you by bringing a business partner. Grazers ask you a lot a questions about yourself and particularly all about your business, but when you try to have a follow up meeting to find out more about their business, they make it almost impossible to meet again, or they cancel right before the second meeting.
3. And then there are the EGrazers. They remind me of the people who would eat the sample and then want to fill out an “incident report” claiming they choked or got sick. EGrazers eat up all of your information you have posted on the internet and then use it for their own profit.
What can we do to prevent Grazing? Nothing!, but you can slow it down.
1. Charge a fee for seminar (adds value) and reimburse the fee with purchase.
2. Have an agenda for your meeting or at least know when to stop talking about you and then start asking about them. Say something like, “hey, enough about me for now, let’s talk about you.”
3. Make sure your information on the web is protected, copyright, trademark, etc… best to talk to an expert on this matter.
Al Sandonato, a mentor of mine once said… “Gambone, Grazers will eat everything and never buy anything.”
I would love to continue this discussion. Please email me at bobgambone@bobgambone.com.
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my book, "Pecan Pie" by it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (9-18-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guess what?!.... Grazers are everywhere! And to the small businessperson they can eat you alive!
How do you recognize a Grazer? Here are 3 Red Lights!
1.Grazers attend your free seminars, sometimes two or three times but they never commit.
They are very friendly, give you great feedback, and then suddenly they are gone!
2. Grazers love to schedule first meetings with you. They make the meeting all about you; sometimes surprise you by bringing a business partner. Grazers ask you a lot a questions about yourself and particularly all about your business, but when you try to have a follow up meeting to find out more about their business, they make it almost impossible to meet again, or they cancel right before the second meeting.
3. And then there are the EGrazers. They remind me of the people who would eat the sample and then want to fill out an “incident report” claiming they choked or got sick. EGrazers eat up all of your information you have posted on the internet and then use it for their own profit.
What can we do to prevent Grazing? Nothing!, but you can slow it down.
1. Charge a fee for seminar (adds value) and reimburse the fee with purchase.
2. Have an agenda for your meeting or at least know when to stop talking about you and then start asking about them. Say something like, “hey, enough about me for now, let’s talk about you.”
3. Make sure your information on the web is protected, copyright, trademark, etc… best to talk to an expert on this matter.
Al Sandonato, a mentor of mine once said… “Gambone, Grazers will eat everything and never buy anything.”
I would love to continue this discussion. Please email me at bobgambone@bobgambone.com.
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my book, "Pecan Pie" by it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (9-18-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
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