Do What Matters Most…I’m a self-help, self-improvement book junkie. At nine or ten years old I started with with How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. By my 20s and 30s, I listened to Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar and many others, at least fifty times per set of cassette tapes (remember those?). In my early 30s, I re-read Dale Carnegie; I re-read it again thirty years after that.
All of that history is to preface that I’m not genuinely surprised by most of the self-help/self-improvement genre anymore. That said, Do What Matters Most was a very pleasant surprise. Like a lot of great books, DWWM seemed to be a synthesis of many other great works, honestly told with a very relatable perspective. Practical, with just enough anecdotes to illustrate the practicality of the sound reasoning given and outlooks shared.
The audible version is very well narrated. I usually like to hear authors read their own work, and this one felt like I did.
I got the audible version because I was having trouble getting through the print version, for a great reason! I found myself doing the writing exercises suggested in the print book, to the point that every time I picked up the book, I would find myself writing moments later.
My annual goal for the last 25+ years has been to read at least fifty (50) good books a year. Just to ensure reaching my goal, I got the audible version of Do What Matter Most while only halfway through the print version. I’m about two-thirds through the print version now (still writing), and thinking about listening to the audible version again, soon.
Do What Matters Most is very good at helping the reader determine exactly *What Matters Most* to them! Family, friends, spirituality…all are just as important, if not more so, than work. The authors do a good job of getting you to really be specific about what is important – to you. I’ve been self-employed for four decades. I have a history of workaholism, and of measuring myself on being a good provider; I find more that matters than work or amount of income now. My work is still what I would do even if I won the lottery tomorrow, but a bit differently, after reading the book. Do *What Matters Most* is a great primer for determining *What Matters Most* and – within each area of importance to you – a good reminder of the intrinsic value of weaving all of the relationships in your life into your life, via your calendar, in general and explicit ways.
I believe if you read or listen to the book with a view toward genuinely asking – and answering – for yourself *What Matters Most*, the authors will give you the tools to prioritize and *Do* that which matters most. Perhaps, as I have, you’ll find yourself scheduling your priorities, instead of prioritizing your schedule.
I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please contact us with questions. Best to call, email or visit our site for the best response. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs).
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Are you building your business and life by default or by design? Get your adjustments now.
Business: By Default or Design?
There are many Business Owners who manage their business by default instead of design and are frustrated with their business’s performance. Intentional business development increases a business’s success rate and improves its business performance. When Small Business Owners shift their business approach from default to design they feel confident and start to move their business toward excellence.
It’s only Human Nature…
I don’t know many people who like learning things that aren’t natural to them. during the past 20 years, I haven’t seen this change for Small Business Owners.
Human nature has a tendency to resist what it doesn’t like. I’ve seen this show up in many ways in businesses. Most commonly, there are business owners who don’t do their financial books, don’t build out the systems they need for their business to function appropriately, don’t do purpose-driven networking and social media, or avoid learning how to sell.
Human nature doesn’t necessarily support success – not personally nor professionally.
This is precisely why we have instruction, training, coaching, and teachers, mentors, or guides. Simply, to learn what doesn’t come naturally. Little humans, like infants and toddlers, don’t like wearing clothes; yet, we teach them to do so. Children don’t like studying; yet, we teach them. Adults don’t necessarily like schedules or commitments; yet, they adhere. Such examples demonstrate natural default versus design.
Are you Building a Business by Default or Design?
Now, this is where things get serious! I shared some examples of what the majority of Small Business Owners don’t do. These are essential activities to grow and sustain the business. Are you one of the Small Business Owners who resist?
Chances are you are resisting something and it is impeding upon your and your business’s success rate. I refer to this as default. Conversely, conducting your business by design means you are intentionally conducting business systems and activities to create the desired outcome.
Are you focusing on design?
The design focus approach is on your dream, your intentions, your plans, and your actions all working in unison to fulfill your desired outcome (intentions).
Design isn’t haphazard. Design requires Right Thoughts or a great deal of thinking to develop the vision to be a winning vision.
Your design must have a strategy, or plan, to couple Right Thoughts with Right Actions to successfully deliver the vision.
What are Right Thoughts and Right Actions?
Right Thoughts are all the thinking involved in discerning what will provide your favorable outcomes according to what you intend.
Right Actions are all the actions that align with your Right Thoughts to fulfill your intention.
CLUE: Business is a practice. You design it. If not, default it is being created. Ultimately, default creates those business monsters you’re tangling with on a daily basis.
Why is this important to know and practice?
NOTE: This is the Business Owners path…it’s similar to doctors and therapists, who have a practice and are serving their customers with the best practices they know at that given moment. Additionally, they must complete continuing education and research to stay current with the latest techniques and breakthroughs.
Doesn’t this sound similar to the dynamic business ownership of the 21st century?
Let me back up a bit…
For over a decade, I’ve been blogging about how to optimize business performance and leadership. Throughout this decade-long conversation, I’ve shared the importance of SELF-Leadership. I chose to write about it in Vol 5 of Brilliant Breakthroughs for the Small Business Owner in the #1 Bestselling Business Book Series for Small Business. I researched SELF-Leadership for over a decade – even wrote about it for my Master’s Thesis. It really boils down to (1) Identifying your Intention and (2) Defining your Action Plan to (3) Achieve Leadership Proficiency – but it isn’t about leading others. It’s about learning how to lead yourself first. This means being responsible and accountable to do and achieve what is necessary to advance. I call this our noble work.
Aligning Thoughts & Actions for a Dynamic Business Design
Let’s fast forward to March 2022. I had the opportunity to be in some particular training. Even though they don’t use these terms, I say it advances SELF-Leadership. The training and tools I’m referencing are through Becoming Your Best Global Leadership. I was surprised how they took best practices and synthesized them into one simplified process and tools to support their participants to become their best. I noticed a direct alignment between all my SELF-Leadership research and their training, which was delivered by a retired US Air Force Fighter Pilot, Rob Shallenberger.
Rob Shallenberger and his father wrote a great book, Do What Matters Most. It’s been one month since I took their training, I have two mantras running through my mind all day long, “By default or design” and “Am I doing what matters most?”
As I’m moving throughout my business day and my personal life, I continue to ask myself these questions, as if they are a guiding prompt. I invite you to do the same!
Here’s a Powerful Training for Simplifying Your Success
Wisconsin Business Owners is hosting a 1-hour training event for anyone who wants to learn how to Do What Matters Most. Our business partner, Becoming Your Best Global Leadership, will deliver their crystalized training and even ship your materials prior to the training session. I assure you, if you consistently practice their model, you will alter the trajection of your business and life.
TIP: I strongly encourage you to register by April 20th so your materials arrive for your April 29th training.
Look forward to seeing you in the training and activation of being and doing what matters most to you – by design.
WE APPRECIATE YOU ALLOWING US TO HELP YOU IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS!
Brilliant Breakthroughs, Inc. helps Small Business Owners
Simplify Strategies & Align Actions
to further Profitability, Peace, & Potential.
Call Maggie (262) 716.7750 for YOUR No-cost Consultation
Blessings of Success to YOU ~ Maggie Mongan, CEO
Small Business Thought Leader Brilliant Breakthroughs, Inc. Direct Dial: 262-716-7750 LinkedIn: MaggieMongan
p.s.: Enjoy the Spring Sunshine and Shine Brightly Until Next Time!
Copyright owned by Brilliant Breakthroughs, Inc. The internet is about sharing. Please share this post in its entirety with full attribution to www.BrilliantBreakthroughs.com. Thank you.
Training Join one of the world’s leading experts on time management and leadership, Rob Shallenberger, for a power-packed virtual training that will transform how you manage your schedule, set goals, organize time, schedule priorities, balance time for health and relationships, and Do What Matters Most. This is a unique life-changing opportunity and learning experience. Rob will present the three (3) key habits that enable you to achieve 30-50% more with less stress.
Leading Tools for Real Results
Included with the live virtual training are all the tools you need to lead a life by design and successfully Do What Matters Most. This includes a signed copy of the book Do What Matters Most, a full 12-month planner, pre-week planning Chrome Extension, mini Do What Matters Most course, access to coaching recordings, and a “success rhythm” to build up your momentum and make this your best year ever.
Group Discount & Pricing
Wisconsin Business Owners has negotiated a significant group discount for this training and these resources. The live training, planner, chrome extension, and on-demand resources are $77. That’s all inclusive.
This means you’re getting an 85% discount over the $541 investment for those who purchase these resources individually outside of the group (live virtual training ($349), planner ($69), Chrome Extension ($29), coaching resources ($57), and 52-Week Success Rhythm ($37). We invite you to take advantage of this unique discount!
Group Package – What’s Included:
1-Hour Live Virtual Training (May 13th, 9:45am CT) on HOW to Do What Matters Most and Achieve 30-50% More with Less Stress
PLUS:
* Special Group Discount (85% off bundled price)
* Signed copy of the Book Do What Matters Most
* #1 Planner for Top Achievers
* #1 Pre-Week Planning Chrome Extension
* Free Shipping
* On-Demand Mini Course to Do What Matters Most
* Access to 4 Months Recordings of Monthly Coaching
* 52-Week Success Rhythm Program
Step 1 – Choose Your Planner Size
(When you order your planner you’re also registering for the May 13th event at the same time)
Small Planner – 6″x8″
+ Extension
The small is perfect for the compact, on-the-go achiever. This is a full 12-month planner with a weekly view and daily schedule, allowing you to see all your week at one-time while planning each day individually. Includes the Chrome Extension for pre-week planning!
The Large is suited for the packed schedule, executive, and those who need more real estate for their planning. This is a full 12-month planner with a weekly view and daily schedule, allowing you to see all your week at one-time while planning each day individually. Includes the Chrome Extension for pre-week planning!
This is the worlds BEST planner because it is the only step-by-step planner to easily define your life vision (purpose & direction), clearly define your annual goals (move boulders not pebbles), and take your vision and goals into the daily and weekly level to truly do what matters most each day. With this planner, you achieve 30-50% more every day and accomplish 500-1,000 additional key action items each year. You create balance across all roles of your life. You simplify and get to what really matters. Also, with 30+ lined note pages, 65 motivation messages, productivity trackers, and performance and productivity guides, this planner is the best tool to make this your best year ever and help you become your best! Try it for yourself.
Step 2 – Get Registered
The training is May 13th, 2022 at 9:45am – 11am CT. Order your planner and register below to get the tools you need to accomplish 30-50% more with less stress and more purpose!
By Ordering Your Planner You’re Automatically Registered
What You’ll Learn:
A Simple Process to Achieve 30-50% More in Life
FIND FOCUS
GET INSPIRED
KNOW YOUR PURPOSE
Lead with a Vision
The top 3% of high achievers have a written personal vision. With this planner & training, you get tools to develop a personal vision that drives your purpose, actions, and motivation.
CREATE BALANCE IMPROVE HEALTH & RELATIONSHIPS
Set Roles & Goals
With the training and planner, you’ll set, track, and achieve meaningful annual goals by role. Set goals with integrated role tracking, templates and tools that make your goals a reality. Move boulders, not pebbles.
DO MORE WITH LESS STRESS, 30-50% MORE
Pre-week Plan
Learn how to organize your priorities, then prioritize your time. Accomplish 30-50% more, be organized, find balance, improve relations, be healthy, & Do What Matters Most.
The Planner, Everything Included:
Spiral bound to lay perfectly flat (easiest planner to write in & manage)
Full 12 Months of Fill-in Pages – Plan and Organize your full year, all at your fingertips
Monthly Strategy Page – Preview each month, see and plan for the big picture
Pre-week Planning Weekly Guide – Use this guide on your weekly calendar to schedules priorities first, and then prioritize your schedule
Weekly View & Daily Schedule – View your whole week in one glance while planning each day individually (best of both worlds)
Daily Schedule & To Do List – Plan, schedule, & track each day’s tasks, appointments, and priorities
65 Inspirational Quotes – Stay motivated and inspired to Become Your Best
* What is the 52-Week Success Rhythm * – INCLUDED FOR FREE WITH YOUR PLANNER AND TRAINING PROGRAM –
The Success Rhythm is a made-for-you, easy-to-use process to apply the 12-principles of highly successful leaders on a weekly and daily basis without any extra work on your end. This process let’s you shape your life and live it by design. It includes a weekly kick-off with a focus for the week, daily inspiration, tips and suggestions to be “your very best,” and a debrief at the end of each week.
Order Your Planner & Get Registered
Let us know where to ship your planner below and you will automatically be registered for the May 13th Event!
Join us at Cars On Main this Sunday, July 25th, the 16th Annual Car Show in Lannon, Wisconsin.
Cars on Main is a great small town event! Many thanks to two of our Wisconsin Business Owners Sponsors are hosting, complimentary snacks & beverages provided!
Jennifer from www.MainStreetFraming.com (tour her shop and see the differences a pro makes to Frame Your Awesomeness!)
You may find Main Street Framing Gallery on Social media, including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
and Greg from www.VaughnInc.com (ask about Preferred Customer benefits…you’ll be glad you did!)
You may find Vaughn Enterprises, Inc. on Social media, including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Come by on Sunday and enjoy the sights, sounds, refreshments and people! Over 500 classic cars expected. Bring the whole family!
Photos by Ritchie
Richie volunteers his time to take thousands of pictures. Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio cannot thank him enough for all his time to take and prepare these photos. Not to mention the gas money and the wear and tear on his car. If you would like to send him an email please send it to: [masked]. Tell him how much you enjoy them.
Take a look at 262 pictures Richie shot at the last “Cars on Main!” at https://wisconsinhotrodradio.com/showpic/15th-cars-on-main-2020/
Great food, great people, great venues…
Cars on Main Classics
We’ll be right in front of Main Street Framing Gallery at 20177 W Main St · Lannon, WI
Be careful to approach from the North/East (Main Street closed from Main Street Framing to the intersection of Lannon Road and Main Street).
Free parking across the street from Main Street Framing! And the event is free to enter!
Please contact Keith Klein (text or call) at (262) 853*7900 with any suggestions or questions.
See you Sunday for a FUN Day!
We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please contact us with questions. Best to call, email or visit our site for best response. We do invite you to engage with us on social media (just not for immediate needs).
As always, if you like, you will find us on the following social media sites, among many others: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter
We’re looking for a mix of old school business people and new entrepreneurs at Wisconsin Business Owners and at our Wisconsin Business Owners Meetups. It’s a bit perplexing to me that we don’t have standing room only crowds, given the quality of our programs.
Despite excellent quality and value, so many meetups are now focused on “drive-by” presentations of as little as ten minutes. For some reason, people find that attractive. It may be attractive online – just “like” and “follow” and you think you’ve done the work – but real success requires more. Success is that place in life where preparation and opportunity meet. [my emphasis] We’ve long prided ourselves on professional, productive meetings in a very relaxed, personable atmosphere. So, why the limited numbers for Meetup attendance?
The video that follows may explain a bit of our dilemma in driving up numbers of attendees. I did a YouTube search for “old school corporate business” and “Why I do business old school” came up number one.
The points Andrew Henderson, the video presenter, makes are worthwhile for those who are “wannapreneurs”:
Rule #1 – Sales Matter
It takes more than a minute, or ten minutes, to master sales. Both of our Meetups this Friday address aspects of sales and follow-up in-depth. Our February 28, 2020 Lunch & Learn presenter, an engineer who sells, discusses “How to Advance Stalled Sales” Seats still available.
Rule #2 – Your Word Matters
Our February 28, 2020 Special Morning Session master sales/presenter does an hour and fifteen minutes in the morning on why your business apology matters.
Rule #3 – Contracts Matter
Rule #4 – Protect What is Yours
Rule #5 – A Job is A Job
Many thanks to Mr. Henderson of https://www.nomadcapitalist.com for explaining his thoughts. His thoughts helped me explain my own.
My next YouTube search was for “old school corporate business vs. millennial mindset” and this excellent animated video came up first:
I’m not blaming lower than expected attendance on millennials. Rather, on the digital equivalent of “drive-by” networking, a “swipe-right” involvement level. I encourage everyone to “do the work.” Ninety percent of success is showing up. Come join us!
BTW, #2 in my YouTube search for “old school corporate business vs. millennial mindset” was this TEDx Talk – lest I be called on to apologize to millennials, this is a great rejoinder to the video post above. My wife and I have four millennial adult children, and I believe all of them have life – work and play – figured out better than I did at their ages.
Practical Networking & True Relationship-Building for 21st Century Businesses
by Maggie Mongan & Tamara Burkett
Practical Networking and Relationship Building are essential parts of your business development activities. These activities look different than they did 10 years ago. Time to learn how to create business relationships to improve your business’s success rate.
During our time together Maggie will:
– Define how networking and relationship-building are different activities and what to focus on during each one.
– Phrases to create unique and memorable conversations.
– Reveal and correct the #1 Networking Myth.
– The 2 things to do with everyone you meet.
– Tips for better networking conversations and follow-ups.
Next, Tamara will discuss the power of a 21st century tool to boost your networking and relationship building activities:
– Most of us know the value of CRM and might even have one, but most of us lack the discipline of using our CRM. The two main barriers are data entry and developing a follow up process. During our time together, I will explain:
– How to quickly enter contact info after networking. I’ll include a strategy for prioritizing contacts and identifying relationships roles.
– How to stay memorable. Identifying reasons to reach out to add value to others.
MEET OUR EXPERTS: Maggie Mongan & Tamara Burkett
Maggie Mongan and Tamara Burkett, Presenters of Practical Networking and Relationship Building
Maggie Mongan, is a tenured Master Business Coach and 3-time #1 Bestselling Business Author, who serves Entrepreneurs and the Small Business Sector to simplify their success. With over 30 years of leadership and management, she is a trusted guide to her clients. Maggie is recognized as a Small Business Success Influencer.
Tamara Burkett is a Customer Loyalty Architect and #1 Bestselling Business Author, who trains professionals who are committed to building strong business relationships. Tamara helps them find the right system to manage relationships and simplify their follow-ups and improve their productivity levels and profitability.
Come Join Us!***
Details and RSVP at https://www.meetup.com/wisconsin-business-owners/events/267796738/
Click on the “I’m going box” to register now. You’ll reserve your seat to network with other authentic relationship builders. Bring plenty of business cards and brochures to share! Better yet, join our morning session – Fast Pitch Networking – as well! (Separate registrations for the Special Morning Session and the Lunch & Learn.)
*** ITINERARY Friday, Jan 31, 2020 ***
11:00 MEET & GREET
Registration & Open Networking for Lunch & Learn begins
12:00 (Noon) – All-You-Can-Eat Pizza & Salad!
Network with great Business Owners and build strong
relationships at your table while Lunching.
12:25 to 12:31 – Break (Get seconds, dessert, etc.)
12:32 – Keith’s Minute
12:34 – Speaker Introductions
12:35 – Speaker Presentation: Maggie Mongan & Tamara Burkett
1:25 – Prize Drawings
1:30 – End… or stick around to build true relationships!
***SPEECHES MAY BE VIDEOTAPED or PHOTOGRAPHED***
Your attendance means you accept being shown on tape.
Come Join Us! RSVP now at https://www.meetup.com/wisconsin-business-owners/events/267796738/
Click on the “I’m going box” to register now. You’ll reserve your seat to network with other authentic relationship builders. Bring plenty of business cards and brochures to share! Better yet, join our morning session – Fast Pitch Networking – as well! (Separate registrations for the Special Morning Session and the Lunch & Learn.)
