Because of changes in my life and in plans, I am no longer posting to this site. This is not to say that I don't believe in what Napoleon Hill says in his great book, Think and Grow Rich, in fact, I believe it is because of Think and Grow Rich that the recent changes have occurred.
Please join me at my new blog to find out what changes have occurred.
Thank you.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Thoughts Are Things - From Chapter 1 of "Think and Grow Rich"
"Thoughts are things." This statement is the Law of Attraction in a nut shell, and Napoleon Hill starts off the most widely sold self help book in history with it. He also told us the story of Edwin C. Barns, "The man who 'thought' his way into a partnership with Thomas A. Edison.
This is a fascinating story that can teach us several lessons. Of course Napoleon Hill's point was, well ... thoughts are things.
Edwin Barns was just an every day guy who, one day, decided to go into business with some famous guy, whom he never met. Barns didn't have the money it took to get to Orange, New Jersey, where Edison's offices where located. But, he went anyway.
Right in the beginning of the story, we, not only see that Barns had already made a business deal with Edison in his own mind, we also see that Barns had some huge kahonas. How many people reading this blog have the guts to go to Michael Dell and tell him that you're his new business partner?
Although Napoleon Hill doesn't say it here, he shows us that courage and daring are huge parts of success.
When Edwin Barns got to Thomas Edison's office, Edison, in his words, thought Barns looked like a "tramp". But, he also said that he saw "something in the expression of his face which conveyed the impression that he was determined to get what he had come after."
So, Edison gave Barns a job in his offices, probably an office messenger of sorts, for very meager pay. Barns accepted joyfully and was determined to be Thomas Edison's partner, even if he had to wait the rest of his life. In the following months, he worked humbly, while enforcing his belief in the partnership.
Here is another subliminal lesson, and I think a pretty big one. This story and the next one shows us the power of patience. Patients is incredibly powerful. And we don't need to go far to see it's power.
Consider for a moment the present war on terror. How is it that a nation with nearly unlimited resources can be stifled by a rag tag crew of barley trained solders? The answer is patience. The fact is, from here on out, the winning side of any conflict will not be the nation with the most bombs but the nation with the most patience.
Barns used patience to his advantage. Considering how long some people have had to wait for their chance to succeed, Barns didn't have to wait long. As Napoleon Hill says, he only had to wait a few months. It was then, opportunity showed up discussed as the Edison Dictating Machine.
Apparently the only two who saw the potential was Barns and Edison. Edwin Barns immediately volunteered to sell it and did such a great job that Edison gave him a contract to sell his new invention all over the nation.
Yes, Edwin Barns did think himself into a partnership with Thomas Edison, but he also showed courage and daring as well as using the most powerful weapon at the human race's disposal; patience.
This is a fascinating story that can teach us several lessons. Of course Napoleon Hill's point was, well ... thoughts are things.
Edwin Barns was just an every day guy who, one day, decided to go into business with some famous guy, whom he never met. Barns didn't have the money it took to get to Orange, New Jersey, where Edison's offices where located. But, he went anyway.
Right in the beginning of the story, we, not only see that Barns had already made a business deal with Edison in his own mind, we also see that Barns had some huge kahonas. How many people reading this blog have the guts to go to Michael Dell and tell him that you're his new business partner?
Although Napoleon Hill doesn't say it here, he shows us that courage and daring are huge parts of success.
When Edwin Barns got to Thomas Edison's office, Edison, in his words, thought Barns looked like a "tramp". But, he also said that he saw "something in the expression of his face which conveyed the impression that he was determined to get what he had come after."
So, Edison gave Barns a job in his offices, probably an office messenger of sorts, for very meager pay. Barns accepted joyfully and was determined to be Thomas Edison's partner, even if he had to wait the rest of his life. In the following months, he worked humbly, while enforcing his belief in the partnership.
Here is another subliminal lesson, and I think a pretty big one. This story and the next one shows us the power of patience. Patients is incredibly powerful. And we don't need to go far to see it's power.
Consider for a moment the present war on terror. How is it that a nation with nearly unlimited resources can be stifled by a rag tag crew of barley trained solders? The answer is patience. The fact is, from here on out, the winning side of any conflict will not be the nation with the most bombs but the nation with the most patience.
Barns used patience to his advantage. Considering how long some people have had to wait for their chance to succeed, Barns didn't have to wait long. As Napoleon Hill says, he only had to wait a few months. It was then, opportunity showed up discussed as the Edison Dictating Machine.
Apparently the only two who saw the potential was Barns and Edison. Edwin Barns immediately volunteered to sell it and did such a great job that Edison gave him a contract to sell his new invention all over the nation.
Yes, Edwin Barns did think himself into a partnership with Thomas Edison, but he also showed courage and daring as well as using the most powerful weapon at the human race's disposal; patience.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
"A Word from the Author"
In the "A Word from the Author" section of Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill told the story of meeting Andrew Carnegie as a child. Mr. Carnegie began teaching him about the Law of Attraction immediately. Although Napoleon Hill never directly mentions the Law of Attraction in the entire book, with close careful study, we know that that is what he is teaching in Think and Grow Rich.
Napoleon Hill tells us about Mr. Carnegie's opinion about this law, which in our day and age makes perfect sense. He told us that Mr. Carnegie believed the Law of Attraction or "The Secret" should be taught in all public schools. I believe this makes perfect sense because I see a nation which is slowly drifting toward an entrepreneurial society. Without the proper business training, many of the businesses will fail. The ship will eventually right itself, as it always does, but there could be a steep price to pay for the entrepreneurial illiteracy which is coming our way.
Another thing that stuck out at me was Napoleon Hill's alluding to the use of patience when preparing. He wrote, "When he saw that I had grasped the idea, he asked if I would be willing to spend twenty years or more preparing myself to take it to the world." Imagine, in this day and age anyone planning to prepare for anything for twenty years. I don't know if the use of patience was more prevalent in his day and age, but that is a lesson we need to relearn.
"There is no such thing as something for nothing!" This statement is one that we must remember in light of the book and the movie, "The Secret." From what I understand, The Secret has been leading people to believe that with the Law of Attraction, all you need to do is think about what you want and you will have it. This sentence is a statement that is very important to remember. If we don't apply massive action behind the Law of Attraction, we will end up disappointed and losing faith. And as you will see, if you follow this blog, faith is one of the most important ingredients to the Law of Attraction.
With all of this said, I think the best way to start a study of Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich is by reading his last paragraph in his "A Word From The Author" section.
"As a final word of preparation, before you begin the first chapter, may I offer one brief suggestion which may provide a clue by which the Carnegie secret may be recognized? It is this - All achievement, all earned riches, have their beginning in and idea! If you are ready for the secret, you already possess one half of it; therefore, you will readily recognize the other half the moment it reaches your mind."
Napoleon Hill tells us about Mr. Carnegie's opinion about this law, which in our day and age makes perfect sense. He told us that Mr. Carnegie believed the Law of Attraction or "The Secret" should be taught in all public schools. I believe this makes perfect sense because I see a nation which is slowly drifting toward an entrepreneurial society. Without the proper business training, many of the businesses will fail. The ship will eventually right itself, as it always does, but there could be a steep price to pay for the entrepreneurial illiteracy which is coming our way.
Another thing that stuck out at me was Napoleon Hill's alluding to the use of patience when preparing. He wrote, "When he saw that I had grasped the idea, he asked if I would be willing to spend twenty years or more preparing myself to take it to the world." Imagine, in this day and age anyone planning to prepare for anything for twenty years. I don't know if the use of patience was more prevalent in his day and age, but that is a lesson we need to relearn.
"There is no such thing as something for nothing!" This statement is one that we must remember in light of the book and the movie, "The Secret." From what I understand, The Secret has been leading people to believe that with the Law of Attraction, all you need to do is think about what you want and you will have it. This sentence is a statement that is very important to remember. If we don't apply massive action behind the Law of Attraction, we will end up disappointed and losing faith. And as you will see, if you follow this blog, faith is one of the most important ingredients to the Law of Attraction.
With all of this said, I think the best way to start a study of Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich is by reading his last paragraph in his "A Word From The Author" section.
"As a final word of preparation, before you begin the first chapter, may I offer one brief suggestion which may provide a clue by which the Carnegie secret may be recognized? It is this - All achievement, all earned riches, have their beginning in and idea! If you are ready for the secret, you already possess one half of it; therefore, you will readily recognize the other half the moment it reaches your mind."
Monday, March 3, 2008
Ah-ha!
I was going to start my review of Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich today, but I had such an experience that I though I should share it with everyone.
This was an Ah-ha experience.
After joining Fortune Hi-Tech, I was a little worried that I would not have the proper training to do the Network Marketing in the way I wanted to do it. I don't want to bug my family and friends into a business they really don't want to be in and then subjugate them to people who demand that you get more and more people under you so you can meet your quotas, so you can get your bonus.
I understand where the sales techniques come from and I understand that the up lines want you to make money like they did, but I was a little uncomfortable with that type of sales technique. I'm uncomfortable with it, because it's not me. One point made in their training video, and it's a good point, is that if you are not excited about your product, the perspective recruit can tell.
Well, the reason I'm not comfortable with selling to people I know is, everyone I know, knows I'm not a sales man and any sales presentation I give to friends and family would seem disingenuous and I am not a disingenuous guy. Or I try not to be.
The mantra of the training I saw was close the sale and get people under you. But, all I knew was I wanted another way. I was feeling a little depressed, wondering what I had gotten myself into.
Then I thought of Talk Shoe, that internet radio sight with many talk shows. The Focus Society can be heard there as well as many other great informative shows. I did a search on Network Marketing and came across "The Network Marketing Nooner." It's a collection of 15 shows all about Network marketing. Kim "Mr. Kim B." Bolte interviews giants in the Network Marketing Industry and picks their brains to find out the best secrets.
He interviewed Suzanne "the MLM Mom" Fulford on one of the shows, and that is where I had my ah-ha. She told the story of how she got into the industry in the first place and how she was trying to sell the way the companies wanted her to sell. She talked about how she never had any success in it. She felt the way I was beginning to feel, because it seemed I was heading down this road.
Then she began selling her way. She began stressing Relationship Marketing and helping others get what they want. She didn't need to say any more. There it was. The Long-Talked-About-But-Rarely-Ever-Seen-Coveted-Golden-Ah-ha! That very moment, I knew, that is what I wanted! I want to help people! I want to make others lives better! That's it!
I have a dream of becoming a professional speaker, and with this way of thinking about the network marketing industry would not only make it more rewarding and easier for me, it would lead me into public speaking as well.
I, then, went through the rest of my day with a little bounce in my step and feeling a heck of a lot more positive. I still don't know where Fortune Hi-Tech is going to take me, but things are definitely looking up.
I'm excited about my future in the company, but I still have a lot to learn. Things such as marketing my web site, www.fhtmus.com/michaeld. Sorry, I just had to do it. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I'm all ears!
This was an Ah-ha experience.
After joining Fortune Hi-Tech, I was a little worried that I would not have the proper training to do the Network Marketing in the way I wanted to do it. I don't want to bug my family and friends into a business they really don't want to be in and then subjugate them to people who demand that you get more and more people under you so you can meet your quotas, so you can get your bonus.
I understand where the sales techniques come from and I understand that the up lines want you to make money like they did, but I was a little uncomfortable with that type of sales technique. I'm uncomfortable with it, because it's not me. One point made in their training video, and it's a good point, is that if you are not excited about your product, the perspective recruit can tell.
Well, the reason I'm not comfortable with selling to people I know is, everyone I know, knows I'm not a sales man and any sales presentation I give to friends and family would seem disingenuous and I am not a disingenuous guy. Or I try not to be.
The mantra of the training I saw was close the sale and get people under you. But, all I knew was I wanted another way. I was feeling a little depressed, wondering what I had gotten myself into.
Then I thought of Talk Shoe, that internet radio sight with many talk shows. The Focus Society can be heard there as well as many other great informative shows. I did a search on Network Marketing and came across "The Network Marketing Nooner." It's a collection of 15 shows all about Network marketing. Kim "Mr. Kim B." Bolte interviews giants in the Network Marketing Industry and picks their brains to find out the best secrets.
He interviewed Suzanne "the MLM Mom" Fulford on one of the shows, and that is where I had my ah-ha. She told the story of how she got into the industry in the first place and how she was trying to sell the way the companies wanted her to sell. She talked about how she never had any success in it. She felt the way I was beginning to feel, because it seemed I was heading down this road.
Then she began selling her way. She began stressing Relationship Marketing and helping others get what they want. She didn't need to say any more. There it was. The Long-Talked-About-But-Rarely-Ever-Seen-Coveted-Golden-Ah-ha! That very moment, I knew, that is what I wanted! I want to help people! I want to make others lives better! That's it!
I have a dream of becoming a professional speaker, and with this way of thinking about the network marketing industry would not only make it more rewarding and easier for me, it would lead me into public speaking as well.
I, then, went through the rest of my day with a little bounce in my step and feeling a heck of a lot more positive. I still don't know where Fortune Hi-Tech is going to take me, but things are definitely looking up.
I'm excited about my future in the company, but I still have a lot to learn. Things such as marketing my web site, www.fhtmus.com/michaeld. Sorry, I just had to do it. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I'm all ears!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Oh, the Changes!
I mentioned yesterday that there where some interesting developments in the lives of my family and myself. I figure I should explain. I talked about what had happened in the past few months in an earlier blog, but I’ll talk about it again.
Back at the end of September, I was laid off from my job in Lancaster PA. I used the philosophies I learned from Napoleon Hill and Charles Haanel and applied massive action to my problem. I decided that I would start work on the following Monday. My wife thought I was nuts, but I went head long into making that come true.
Ultimately, I did miss my goal; however, I did accept a job the following Thursday and started work that Monday. This being laid off has turned out to be a great blessing. I now have a job that pays more and that I really enjoy doing. In the past, whenever I started a new job, the honeymoon was over after about two weeks but here it is, nearing six months at this job in Lititz Pennsylvania, and I still am exited about going to work.
Some other things that have developed are, I realized I have some experience that may be useful to other people. Besides the last two jobs, I also held positions at three other companies. I have a bit more experience at job searching then the average person, so I began putting together a presentation on the subject. I have a rough draft together now and am doing a little more research before going forward with it.
Then, of course, there is the reason for this blog. LeCount Holmes came to me with the idea of Fortune Hi-Tech back in the beginning of the summer. Although, I was not interested at the time, I have since decided that I should get another stream of income.
In this case, I decided on Fortune Hi-Tech because, I’m comfortable with the product and I have three successful mentors to refer to right off the bat. The fact that one of those mentors is in Reading Pennsylvania area is not too shabby either.
Here’s my point today. I know the power of what Napoleon Hill wrote about in Think and Grow Rich. I have felt it and seen it in my own life throughout the past few months. It is amazing how anyone can change their lives just by following the thirteen steps that Napoleon Hill outlined in his book.
Thinking about this gets me more excited about writing about his book. I’d like to start right away, but I believe I need to wait until my view numbers are a little hire so I can help more people experience what I have.
I’m taking off for the weekend. I’m spending a little time with my wife and four boys. Have fun with your own family and see you Monday!
Back at the end of September, I was laid off from my job in Lancaster PA. I used the philosophies I learned from Napoleon Hill and Charles Haanel and applied massive action to my problem. I decided that I would start work on the following Monday. My wife thought I was nuts, but I went head long into making that come true.
Ultimately, I did miss my goal; however, I did accept a job the following Thursday and started work that Monday. This being laid off has turned out to be a great blessing. I now have a job that pays more and that I really enjoy doing. In the past, whenever I started a new job, the honeymoon was over after about two weeks but here it is, nearing six months at this job in Lititz Pennsylvania, and I still am exited about going to work.
Some other things that have developed are, I realized I have some experience that may be useful to other people. Besides the last two jobs, I also held positions at three other companies. I have a bit more experience at job searching then the average person, so I began putting together a presentation on the subject. I have a rough draft together now and am doing a little more research before going forward with it.
Then, of course, there is the reason for this blog. LeCount Holmes came to me with the idea of Fortune Hi-Tech back in the beginning of the summer. Although, I was not interested at the time, I have since decided that I should get another stream of income.
In this case, I decided on Fortune Hi-Tech because, I’m comfortable with the product and I have three successful mentors to refer to right off the bat. The fact that one of those mentors is in Reading Pennsylvania area is not too shabby either.
Here’s my point today. I know the power of what Napoleon Hill wrote about in Think and Grow Rich. I have felt it and seen it in my own life throughout the past few months. It is amazing how anyone can change their lives just by following the thirteen steps that Napoleon Hill outlined in his book.
Thinking about this gets me more excited about writing about his book. I’d like to start right away, but I believe I need to wait until my view numbers are a little hire so I can help more people experience what I have.
I’m taking off for the weekend. I’m spending a little time with my wife and four boys. Have fun with your own family and see you Monday!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Fortune Hi-Tech Decision
I want to tell you a little about my decision to join Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. I had never heard of it until my friend, LeCount, told me about it. At that time, I could not really see myself doing any kind of marketing business, but I guess it was the combination of listening to Chuck Bartok, Sam Cam' and friends talking about it as well as some very interesting developments in my family and my life that got me thinking about it.
Weather I am successful at it or not is entirely dependent upon who I surrounded myself with. I thought seriously about joining with Chuck, Sam and the others until I realized a part of - a big part of - Lecount's team was right here in Reading, Pennsylvania. Matt Barrat is a very big guy in Fortune Hi-Tech and very successful.
Well, when it came down to it, I had a choice to make. Do I join with a team of very highly successful people in the Network Marketing industry who are on the left coast, or do I join with a very successful team whom I can meet with, face to face.
The decision was pretty much made up for me. Unfortunately, I won't be joining forces with Chuck and Sam at the moment, but that does not mean that some kind of alliance won't be possible in the future.
At this point, I don't know a lot about the network marketing industry, so the future is not clear. However; I'm optimistic. I am working on surrounding myself with some brilliant and successful people. People who know how to make one of these businesses work. My only problem may by that I've always had a little trouble taking advice.
That's my Southern side coming out. My dad used to call me "Rebel", partly because I was born in South Carolina, while the rest of my family was born in Shamokin PA. But, the biggest reason he called me that was because I always wanted to do things my way, weather it was right or not.
This is one of the things I'm going to have to work on. And like everything else in this opportunity, I have to learn to do it in a hurry.
Weather I am successful at it or not is entirely dependent upon who I surrounded myself with. I thought seriously about joining with Chuck, Sam and the others until I realized a part of - a big part of - Lecount's team was right here in Reading, Pennsylvania. Matt Barrat is a very big guy in Fortune Hi-Tech and very successful.
Well, when it came down to it, I had a choice to make. Do I join with a team of very highly successful people in the Network Marketing industry who are on the left coast, or do I join with a very successful team whom I can meet with, face to face.
The decision was pretty much made up for me. Unfortunately, I won't be joining forces with Chuck and Sam at the moment, but that does not mean that some kind of alliance won't be possible in the future.
At this point, I don't know a lot about the network marketing industry, so the future is not clear. However; I'm optimistic. I am working on surrounding myself with some brilliant and successful people. People who know how to make one of these businesses work. My only problem may by that I've always had a little trouble taking advice.
That's my Southern side coming out. My dad used to call me "Rebel", partly because I was born in South Carolina, while the rest of my family was born in Shamokin PA. But, the biggest reason he called me that was because I always wanted to do things my way, weather it was right or not.
This is one of the things I'm going to have to work on. And like everything else in this opportunity, I have to learn to do it in a hurry.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Getting Back to It
It's good to get back to talking about Napoleon Hill's great book Think and Grow Rich. I've always enjoyed writing and what better subject to write about then Think and Grow Rich. It's a way to help people to better themselves, while bettering myself. Especially at this time. I have a lot of learning to do in a very short time; and I think this would be a great way to do exactly that.
So, you may be wondering, exactly what is it I plan to do with the blog. Since there has been a long hiatus, I don't think I'd be doing anyone any favors by picking up where I left off. So, what I plan to do is to start over, more or less. I'll bring back the writings I've already done but add things that make it more pertinent in my life, now.
I've undergone a lot of changes in the past few months. Changes that may have not been possible without the writings of Napoleon Hill and an appreciation for the law of attraction.
Another issue I have is having to keep the blog moving a little faster. So, what I may do is, break up those articles into smaller ones so, I can post more often; therefor get more attention from the search engines. After all, as you may have noticed, I now have two advertisements. One for the Fortune Hi-Tech shopping site and one for my business opportunity. That's right, I'm blogging for dollars now!
When I plan to start is a bit of a mystery to me. I was thinking of starting tomorrow, but then I thought, (yes, my brain still works despite the many years of drinking and banging my head against walls!) If I just blog some of my thoughts on Napoleon Hill and Fortune Hi-Tech first, that may get some of the attention of people who had been visiting before. I believe this will lead to some very good discussions.
So, My tentative day for starting is on this Monday. It could change, depending on the increase of traffic, or the lack there of.
See you tomorrow from your Wednesday Night Wiener, Michael Donlan
So, you may be wondering, exactly what is it I plan to do with the blog. Since there has been a long hiatus, I don't think I'd be doing anyone any favors by picking up where I left off. So, what I plan to do is to start over, more or less. I'll bring back the writings I've already done but add things that make it more pertinent in my life, now.
I've undergone a lot of changes in the past few months. Changes that may have not been possible without the writings of Napoleon Hill and an appreciation for the law of attraction.
Another issue I have is having to keep the blog moving a little faster. So, what I may do is, break up those articles into smaller ones so, I can post more often; therefor get more attention from the search engines. After all, as you may have noticed, I now have two advertisements. One for the Fortune Hi-Tech shopping site and one for my business opportunity. That's right, I'm blogging for dollars now!
When I plan to start is a bit of a mystery to me. I was thinking of starting tomorrow, but then I thought, (yes, my brain still works despite the many years of drinking and banging my head against walls!) If I just blog some of my thoughts on Napoleon Hill and Fortune Hi-Tech first, that may get some of the attention of people who had been visiting before. I believe this will lead to some very good discussions.
So, My tentative day for starting is on this Monday. It could change, depending on the increase of traffic, or the lack there of.
See you tomorrow from your Wednesday Night Wiener, Michael Donlan
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
I'm ... Back?
Well, this is my first post since I promised ... over a month ago ... that I was back.
Well, those of you who are familiar with this blog may have noticed a significant change. Yes, I have joined a network marketing company. It was only a matter of time, really. reading and studying Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" is bound to make a guy reach for the stars. Will this opportunity actually take me to the stars? Well, that isn't the reason I joined. I told one of the guys I joined up with that I was looking for some "beer money". You know, that extra cash, I can spend on silly nonsense, such as paying down debt, keeping a roof over my wife and four boys' heads, and keeping everyone warm and fed.
I started looking around and investigating several options, but a friend of mine showed me Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, and I was intrigued. With FHTM I have the opportunity to sell products that most people are already familiar with. Products from companies such as GE, Cingular, BP and on and on.
I was worried I'd end up selling Bubu's Energy elixir or something. No offence to Bubu. I'm sure his elixir is great stuff, but no one has ever heard of it.
So I'm happy to be a part of this company, especially since I have direct access to three gentlemen who have been with FHTM for an average of two years. I have a lot of experience to tap into, plus I trust the guy who brought me in to this.
The only problem I have at the moment is, now I have to prove to my wife that I didn't wast 300 dollars in joining FHTM.
Next time I'll let you know about my plans for this blog and the study of Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich"
Well, those of you who are familiar with this blog may have noticed a significant change. Yes, I have joined a network marketing company. It was only a matter of time, really. reading and studying Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" is bound to make a guy reach for the stars. Will this opportunity actually take me to the stars? Well, that isn't the reason I joined. I told one of the guys I joined up with that I was looking for some "beer money". You know, that extra cash, I can spend on silly nonsense, such as paying down debt, keeping a roof over my wife and four boys' heads, and keeping everyone warm and fed.
I started looking around and investigating several options, but a friend of mine showed me Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, and I was intrigued. With FHTM I have the opportunity to sell products that most people are already familiar with. Products from companies such as GE, Cingular, BP and on and on.
I was worried I'd end up selling Bubu's Energy elixir or something. No offence to Bubu. I'm sure his elixir is great stuff, but no one has ever heard of it.
So I'm happy to be a part of this company, especially since I have direct access to three gentlemen who have been with FHTM for an average of two years. I have a lot of experience to tap into, plus I trust the guy who brought me in to this.
The only problem I have at the moment is, now I have to prove to my wife that I didn't wast 300 dollars in joining FHTM.
Next time I'll let you know about my plans for this blog and the study of Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich"
Thursday, January 17, 2008
I'm Baaaaaaack!
As some of you have noticed, I had to take an emergency hiatus. Back on September 24th, I was called into the conference room at my work and was given the old lead handshake. Yes, I lost my job.
But, all did turn out well. I used Napoleon Hill's philosophy of concentrating on your goal and adding massive effort and I ended up turning a bad situation into a very good one. Exactly two weeks to the day I walked out the door of my former employer, I walked into the door of my new employer; and that's not all. This new job pays more and I actually enjoy this job more then I ever enjoyed any job I ever had.
"Well, if it only took two weeks for you to find a job, where the hell have you been?!"
Good question.
In my house, the time between the beginning of October and January 1st of every year is usually a time of getting up in the morning, running around like a chicken with it's head cut off for around 12 to 18 hours and then going to bed. This year, we had to add in my loss of job, starting and getting acclimated to a new job, my father-in-law having, not one, but two heart attacks and my mother-in-law having dementia, my sister-in-law getting cleaned out in a robbery ... Look, your just going to have to take my word for it, I was way too busy to write.
During this same period of time, I have been going through a wonderful journey, where I learned so much. The experiences that I had in the past three and a half months have been incredible and they will more then likely take years to sort them all out.
I also have changed my perspective of things a little bit. I have decided to undertake some endeavors.
One thing I was able to do with my time off is put together a rough draft of a presentation on a quick way to find a job. It uses the theories of Napoleon Hill and shows one practical example of how to put the Law of Attraction into action. Once I get it cleaned up and have a couple of friends in Toastmasters and a couple of friends who are public speakers review it, I hope to be able to market the presentation to some of the local schools and employment organizations.
I have also begun to look into MLM programs as a second stream of income. My friends at the focus society want to be helpful; however, I haven't been able to spend any time with them either. I hope you can forgive me Chuck and Sam!
My Journey has taught me much. More then I can understand at the moment. I hope that continuing this blog will help me pull together the peaces. Although I have a feeling that after I get all of these pieces together, I'll just have more questions then I ever had.
But, all did turn out well. I used Napoleon Hill's philosophy of concentrating on your goal and adding massive effort and I ended up turning a bad situation into a very good one. Exactly two weeks to the day I walked out the door of my former employer, I walked into the door of my new employer; and that's not all. This new job pays more and I actually enjoy this job more then I ever enjoyed any job I ever had.
"Well, if it only took two weeks for you to find a job, where the hell have you been?!"
Good question.
In my house, the time between the beginning of October and January 1st of every year is usually a time of getting up in the morning, running around like a chicken with it's head cut off for around 12 to 18 hours and then going to bed. This year, we had to add in my loss of job, starting and getting acclimated to a new job, my father-in-law having, not one, but two heart attacks and my mother-in-law having dementia, my sister-in-law getting cleaned out in a robbery ... Look, your just going to have to take my word for it, I was way too busy to write.
During this same period of time, I have been going through a wonderful journey, where I learned so much. The experiences that I had in the past three and a half months have been incredible and they will more then likely take years to sort them all out.
I also have changed my perspective of things a little bit. I have decided to undertake some endeavors.
One thing I was able to do with my time off is put together a rough draft of a presentation on a quick way to find a job. It uses the theories of Napoleon Hill and shows one practical example of how to put the Law of Attraction into action. Once I get it cleaned up and have a couple of friends in Toastmasters and a couple of friends who are public speakers review it, I hope to be able to market the presentation to some of the local schools and employment organizations.
I have also begun to look into MLM programs as a second stream of income. My friends at the focus society want to be helpful; however, I haven't been able to spend any time with them either. I hope you can forgive me Chuck and Sam!
My Journey has taught me much. More then I can understand at the moment. I hope that continuing this blog will help me pull together the peaces. Although I have a feeling that after I get all of these pieces together, I'll just have more questions then I ever had.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Chapter V - Specialized Knowledge
Chapter 5 has reminded me of a fact that has been becoming clear in recent months. The fact is if you study the life story of some of the most successful people in the world, most of them had a few things in common. These commonalities are, to name a few, they where underachievers. i.e. they where counted out early in their lives and had to fight for every little bit they got. They had a parent or mentor push them to learn. Most of these successful people hated school, but the authority figure in their lives forced them to learn. One very important thing many successful people had in common was they loved to read, research and experiment on their own, on the road to self-enlightenment. Indeed, when their schooling was done, they didn't stop their education.
This is precisely the point of the chapter on specialized knowledge.
Napoleon Hill wrote "Back of all ideas is specialized knowledge". His point was, when you gain sufficient knowledge and mix it with imagination, which we will study in the following chapter, you will begin to develop the ideas needed to create your road to success.
Dr. Hill also gave us a warning. He wrote, "Unfortunately for those who do not find riches in abundants, specialized knowledge is more abundant and more easily acquired than ideas." For those people, he said, there is an ever increasing demand for people who can use ideas to help sell their services. This may be the first referance to the mastermind, which is another important chapter.
So, how can you acquire the knowledge necessary to be a success in your endeavor?
If you listen to the common knowledge of society, you may be lead to believe that you need to enter into a course of study at some college or university, where you will be asked to invest a large amount of time and money.
There was a line in a movie from a few years ago that puts everything in perspective. The movie was "Good Will Hunting" and the line was something like, "You spent 150 thousand dollars on an education that you could have had for a dollar fifty in late fees at the local library."
Dr. Hill referred to the library in 1937 and even today the library is a powerful tool of education. The membership is free and if a particular library doesn't have the book you need, they can get it for you.
You may be thinking of many different reasons to not go to the library, but remember; the books are free, they won't clutter up your house (because you bring them back), you can find any book you want (if they don't have it, they'll find it) and if your late bringing back the books, the fine is cheep (unlike your local Blockbuster).
The fact is the local library provides the cheapest education in the world.
There are areas of expertise where it is best to have an instructor to get your education. But before you plunk down your $150 thousand consider a few other options.
Do you want to be a writer? Writers Digest offers full writing courses, taught by real and sometimes famous writers. These courses coast anywhere from $130 to about $450.
Another source of knowledge is professional clubs and organizations. Many organizations offer free and cheep courses of study. For example, the local National Speakers Association offers an eight week course on how to start a speaking business for less than $100.00. The local Chamber of Commerce offers an 8 week course on how to start a business for $100.00
Let's not forget about Dr. Hill's suggestion of correspondent's courses. Yes, they're still around and they're cheep. Correspondence Courses teach many different subjects which are very useful. This is one thing you and I need to check out. And then there is the modern version of the correspondence course which is the on-line or the distance learning course which most colleges and universities participate in.
For the areas of study which can not be covered in any of the above courses, they can usually be found at your local Community College. Community Colleges get a bad rap, but it is not where you get your education that matters. What really matters is how well you learn it and what you do with it. The fact is college students tend to learn more in the years following college than while their in classes. In other words, no matter where you go to college, you still will learn on the job.
Regardless of where you acquire your specialized knowledge, Dr. Hill's main points in this chapter are:
First: learning and self development doesn't stop when schooling does. School only gets you ready for learning. The rest is up to you.
Second: Contrary to popular belief, knowledge is not power. Knowledge - in action - is power.
This is precisely the point of the chapter on specialized knowledge.
Napoleon Hill wrote "Back of all ideas is specialized knowledge". His point was, when you gain sufficient knowledge and mix it with imagination, which we will study in the following chapter, you will begin to develop the ideas needed to create your road to success.
Dr. Hill also gave us a warning. He wrote, "Unfortunately for those who do not find riches in abundants, specialized knowledge is more abundant and more easily acquired than ideas." For those people, he said, there is an ever increasing demand for people who can use ideas to help sell their services. This may be the first referance to the mastermind, which is another important chapter.
So, how can you acquire the knowledge necessary to be a success in your endeavor?
If you listen to the common knowledge of society, you may be lead to believe that you need to enter into a course of study at some college or university, where you will be asked to invest a large amount of time and money.
There was a line in a movie from a few years ago that puts everything in perspective. The movie was "Good Will Hunting" and the line was something like, "You spent 150 thousand dollars on an education that you could have had for a dollar fifty in late fees at the local library."
Dr. Hill referred to the library in 1937 and even today the library is a powerful tool of education. The membership is free and if a particular library doesn't have the book you need, they can get it for you.
You may be thinking of many different reasons to not go to the library, but remember; the books are free, they won't clutter up your house (because you bring them back), you can find any book you want (if they don't have it, they'll find it) and if your late bringing back the books, the fine is cheep (unlike your local Blockbuster).
The fact is the local library provides the cheapest education in the world.
There are areas of expertise where it is best to have an instructor to get your education. But before you plunk down your $150 thousand consider a few other options.
Do you want to be a writer? Writers Digest offers full writing courses, taught by real and sometimes famous writers. These courses coast anywhere from $130 to about $450.
Another source of knowledge is professional clubs and organizations. Many organizations offer free and cheep courses of study. For example, the local National Speakers Association offers an eight week course on how to start a speaking business for less than $100.00. The local Chamber of Commerce offers an 8 week course on how to start a business for $100.00
Let's not forget about Dr. Hill's suggestion of correspondent's courses. Yes, they're still around and they're cheep. Correspondence Courses teach many different subjects which are very useful. This is one thing you and I need to check out. And then there is the modern version of the correspondence course which is the on-line or the distance learning course which most colleges and universities participate in.
For the areas of study which can not be covered in any of the above courses, they can usually be found at your local Community College. Community Colleges get a bad rap, but it is not where you get your education that matters. What really matters is how well you learn it and what you do with it. The fact is college students tend to learn more in the years following college than while their in classes. In other words, no matter where you go to college, you still will learn on the job.
Regardless of where you acquire your specialized knowledge, Dr. Hill's main points in this chapter are:
First: learning and self development doesn't stop when schooling does. School only gets you ready for learning. The rest is up to you.
Second: Contrary to popular belief, knowledge is not power. Knowledge - in action - is power.
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