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Archive for Starting a New Career

Why are you settling for mediocre?

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Nothing mediocre...you deserve better.

As I write this there are 16 days left in 2011. How was your year? For me it’s been a very trying year, both business and personal challenges have reared their ugly heads this year and both have been faced and brought under control… thankfully.

All around me I’ve been listening to the media, other business owners, relatives and friends many spewing doom and gloom and casting enough blame for their circumstances on anyone and everyone.

It is at this time of year…every year…that I take time to reflect on the highs and lows of the year past and prepare for what’s ahead in the new year. In doing this exercise, I once again find that if the results sucked there is only ONE person to blame or chastise…ME. In your case…YOU.

Other people can create circumstances and throw challenges in our path Read More→

Network Marketing vs. ‘The Pyramid Scheme’

Friday, June 17th, 2011

I’ve recently joined the ranks of an outstanding direct sales/network marketing company, after some serious due diligence, I might add.

The skeptics among you are silently screaming..”what are you thinking, they’re all scams!” I must confess…I’ve been in the network marketing industry on and off for more than 15 years and while some companies have had integrity problems, the business model is more than 100 years old and in fact is something that you’ve also been participating in, week in and week out, whether you know it or not.

When I begin to talk to someone about the business the most common reply is “it’s one of those pyramid schemes…leave me out”. There is a very fundamental difference between network marketing and a pyramid scheme…a huge difference and if you don’t understand them you’re staying away from something that could make you a lot of money and give you great time freedom. Read More→

Leadership is not simply a plaque on the door.

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Bob Holdsworth - Leadership

"Everybody wants the title..."

For many, getting a new title, a corner office, or more brass on their collar is viewed as a destination. Often the transition, the right of passage and the plaque on the door becomes an open invitation or an excuse to stop learning.

The truth about a promotion, if you’re a leader rather than a manager…is that the move up is simply a new beginning which creates an entirely new level of responsibility and opportunity.  A serious student of business and leadership NEVER stops learning, asking questions, and honing their craft.

Leadership is a craft, an art, and a noble occupation.  For some it’s a lifelong aspiration. For others simply a path to their version of success.

My wife has a great saying, “Everybody wants a paycheck, but not everybody’s willing to work!”   In the realm of leadership, the correlation is “Everybody wants the title, but not everybody’s willing to take on the responsibility.”

I’ve been fortunate, my career in leadership began more than 30 years ago.  I’ve had great mentors, role models and coaches along the way.   They all taught me their version of two extremely valuable lessons.  First, never stop learning and second, never ever forget where you came from. Read More→

When it’s not fun anymore…STOP!

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Bob Holdsworth - Doing Life on My Own TermsHave you ever spent any time watching kids play? You should, even if you have to borrow them from the neighbors for a few hours. Kids tend to make a game out of just about anything, playing with toys, the boxes that they come in or anything found lying around, not to mention the great imagination it takes to fly like a superhero draped in nothing but a towel. Smiles, laughter, being engaged with others and truly enjoying themselves, we can all learn something very important from their example that will help us live longer, happier and healthier lives.

The most important difference between the age groups is that unlike all of us so much smarter adults, they actually stop or change an activity when it is no longer fun. B`cuz why? B`cuz it has lost its appeal, its ability to be intellectually stimulating or because something with the potential to be even more interesting has attracted their attention. Read More→