Communication Is The Key To Having A Successful Business
Basic principles of communication
Every business requires effective communication, on many different levels of existence. A business that communicates successfully does not merely survive. It thrives and continues to grow.
The quality of communication within a business, determines the degree of success to a large degree.
How communication reflects the business, exterior to its inner, business structure and function, can help to determine how successful it will be in the community.
Communication Problem Solving - Questions to Ponder
1. Are we really communicating at all, when we attempt to communicate with others, with respect to business?
2. Have we learned the appropriate communication skills that are essential, to be able to communicate properly? If not, why not?
3. Are we actually communicating effectively, when we attempt to communicate or is it non-effective communication?
4. Are we really communicating what we think we are communicating or is it something totally different, that is actually communicated?
5. Is there a communication pattern that is negative and destructive, in our efforts to communicate with others? Or, is it positive and constructive?
6. Is there some kind of a problem that is evident in our communication methodology, that could be corrected, if it was properly diagnosed?
7. What are we really communicating and on what level of communication?
8. How can we communicate more effectively, so that we are actually communicating what we want to communicate?
Leading Others Towards More Effective Communication in Business
Communication is an extremely complex concept and occurs on many different levels or planes of awareness. Being aware of the particular level of communication is vital, when a person or a number of people are attempting to communicate. It is not always immediately evident on which plane a person or a number of people are attempting to communicate. In fact, it may not be apparent at all. Initially, it becomes important to establish the level of communication.
When two people are attempting to communicate with each other in business or with respect to life in general and are not communicating on the same plane, there is or there can be, an immediate breakdown in communication. The results can be disastrous. For example, if one person is attempting to communicate from a very high level of communication and the other person is attempting to communicate from a very low level of communication, the communication may not even be communication at all.
Either one person has to move to a lower level of communication, or the other person has to rise to a higher plane of communication, in order for the communication to be truly effective. Who is responsible for establishing the level of communication? The onus is on both of them to recognize where the area of difficulty lies and to respond accordingly, allowing communication to be on a more appropriate plane. The leader will take the first step and lead the other to a level of effective communication, where both are able to communicate on the same plane and can function together, in terms of appropriate communication.
There are no actual rules or regulations that one has to follow in terms of communication in business. Nothing is legislated or dictated, either to individuals or to groups of people, with respect to what level of communication people should be on or what they should do to establish or to maintain appropriate and effective levels of communication. In reality, business owners learn very quickly, what works for them and what does not work. While many books have been written on the topic, there is no single set of guidelines, that is applicable to every business scenario. Much of the communication that occurs is based on trial and error. But we all learn by trial and error too and generally we tend to avoid what appears to be error, simply because it does not work.
Generally, the things that do work in terms of true business communication, are basically positive and constructive in nature, as opposed to negative and destructive. As communication continues, it gradually rises to a higher plane of awareness and effectiveness. It should not deteriorate to a lower level of non-effectiveness. If it is stagnant or essentially not open to change or improvement, over a period of time, the level of communication will simple deteriorate and eventually come to an end. At some point in time, this would become total non-communication. Ideally, the goal that we strive for is true communication in business.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Integrity
Integrity: A Cornerstone For Business Practises
Adherence to moral values
Incorruptibility
Completeness
Soundness
When business practises are based upon these four principles, which actually summarize the definition of word 'integrity', the business will not merely survive, it will thrive.
When business practises depart from adherence to moral values, corruption results. The business is no longer complete as a whole. It is divided, whenever its integrity is compromised. It becomes in a sense, incomplete. It can no longer function as a sound business. The business is then teetering on the verge of a collapse.
Many businesses have succeeded and continue to succeed, because of the integrity of their business practises. Many other businesses have failed, because of their lack of integrity in their business practises.
As a business owner, you make the choice for or against integrity. Your decision will determine the success or the failure of your business, so choose your cornerstone with care!
Adherence to Moral Principles
Every people, culture or nation in the world, has a set of true values or moral principles, upon which their particular civilization is built. Where these values and moral principles are adhered to and thus maintained, there is a healthy, happy environment in which the people, culture and nation thrive.
When the true values are lost and the moral principles are no longer adhered to, or perhaps disintegrate, an unhealthy, un-civilized environment results. There is no longer peace and contentment amongst the people. In fact, the entire nation may disintegrate into warfare.
The same basic principle applies to business. A business can only thrive, if and when the environment upon which it is based, rooted or grounded, remains a solid construct upon a moral base. Adherence to the true values and moral principles is essential, not only for growth, but also for survival.
A very simple example is that of a building being built or constructed with just one block, on the corner that is crumbling. How long can that building actually stand, based upon that cornerstone?
Is it really safe to build upon it? Is anyone even aware of the faulty block and the danger involved? Is it too late, when it is found or has the structure already collapsed, at least in part?
It becomes increasingly important to ascertain that the foundation of a business is based upon solid blocks, not blocks that are crumbling, or about to cause a collapse of the business structure.
The choice of the cornerstone is absolutely vital. Values and the principles are basic building blocks for business. The lack of integrity, with respect to one of the blocks in the business structure, can endanger the integrity of the entire business.
Incorruptibility
Incorruptibility in a business, determines its success or failure to a large degree. Once corruption begins, it will only grow. It is like a weed seed, that has been accidentally or maliciously planted in a garden. Unless it is eradicated immediately and completely, it will gradually invade every part of the garden.
A quickly multiplying weed, essentially growing wild, may even take over the entire garden before too long, killing all of the other plants. In the beginning, it may not even seem to be a weed. It may initially appear to be something beneficial, until it is actually too late to do anything about it. The key lies in the immediate recognition of what is a plant and what is not a plant, or is really just an invading or predatory weed.
Corruption in a business often begins unnoticed, just like the single weed seed growing wild in a garden. Unfortunately, there is no such a thing as a business that is not vulnerable. Every business is potentially corruptible. Businesses are owned and operated by people, who may not have personal integrity or operate their businesses with integrity. It is up to the owners of the business to begin to build with integrity, right from the start and to recognize as well as root out any seeds of corruption, immediately.
Being aware that there is always the possibility of corruption, is only the first step. The next step involves taking appropriate action to eliminate the early seeds of corruption, that can so quickly take their toll on what might otherwise be a thriving and healthy business.
Completeness
Completeness is an interesting concept, because the question becomes one of whether or not anything is ever truly complete. In terms of a business oriented model, built upon integrity, one can find an example in terms of a simple beehive, commonly found in total wilderness. In itself, the beehive is complete. It lacks nothing in terms of being able to function fully, based upon its own natural design.
Even the most astute contractor or business owner has to recognize the reality that the integrity of the bees, enables that particular 'honey business' to not only survive, but also to thrive. Would it not be wonderful to have a business that could function as well as that of a beehive?
What happens if and when the bees lose their integrity in terms of their orientation? An example of this might be in terms of a forest fire, that threatens their very existence. Their entire sense of base survival takes over, when they are forced to flee. Only the strong can survive and the weak will not survive. The beehive is no longer complete. The 'honey business' collapses, at least at that location.
The integrity of the leader in the beehive is essential for survival. Generally, if the queen bee still has the same integrity in her orientation, that allowed the beehive to be formed in the first place, the others will instinctively follow her to a new location, where another 'honey business' can begin. It will soon thrive.
As you begin your own business, consider the reality that you are a natural leader, or you would not be building your business. You too can build a business based upon integrity. You can build it, so that it has a sense of completeness. That completeness will ensure its growth and survival, regardless of any kind of attack upon it. Remember that you are the leader, not the follower.
Everything that you say or do, will be setting a pattern for those who will follow in your footsteps.
Soundness
Soundness has a multiplicity of implications, in terms of building and maintaining a business. Why waste time or energy constructing anything that is not sound? There are only 'x' number of factors in any kind of a construction, business or otherwise. Out of those 'x' number of factors, perhaps factor 'y' is the only factor that is not a sound factor, that is about to be added to the entire construct. If one is aware that the 'y' factor is not a sound factor, should it be included at all?
Knowing that there is one unsound factor, leads to a decision making process. A number or questions might be asked. Is the inclusion of the 'y' factor, essential to the construct? If it is not absolutely essential, perhaps it should be excluded completely, right from the beginning, as one unsound 'y' factor can undermine the entire enterprise. If it must be included, then the question becomes that of how long will that unsound 'y' factor be present in the construct, before it endangers the entire construct and causes its ultimate collapse?
For example, if that unsound 'y' factor involves a lack of honesty, can a newly constructed 'pillar of truth' stand? No, it cannot. At some point in time, the entire structure will collapse. Truth will stand; untruth cannot stand. In the final analysis what remains standing will be truth.
Again, this takes one back to the integrity cornerstone, with its own four corners of 'adherence to moral principles', 'incorruptibility', 'completeness' and 'soundness'.
NER-A-NER Secrets To Success
'NER-A-NER' Secrets To Success
Ever talk to one of those people who said, "Don't give away your secrets?"
It is much more exciting and a lot more fun, to share your secrets with others!
Here are some 'Ner-A-Ner' secrets to success in business and to living life in general, in a positive and successful direction. You may claim these secrets as your own, as long as you pass them along, to the next person that you meet and they in turn, pass them along to others!
1. Strive to reach the highest star that you possibly can!
If you strive to reach the highest star and you fall short of your goal, you will still have reached a star that is higher, than if you had tried to reach one that was lower. Who knows? You could be like that highest star, that others are reaching to touch. Be a star, but be one that is the highest star that you can possibly be, in business and in life!
2. If you are going to do something, do it and do it now!
There are so many exciting things in life that you could be doing! Sometimes the things that we know we could be doing, just get passed by, as momentary thoughts and are never actually captured in reality. Don't wait! Begin to do the things that you know you can do and enjoy doing them to the fullest! You will be glad you did, especially when you see the results! Success will be just one of the results!
3. If something is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well!
What is really worth doing? You decide! There are some things in life that are really worth doing and of course there are a lot of things that you could do, that don't have a lot of actual merit at the end. Focus in on the things that you know would really be worth doing and put all of your effort into doing them. Put your whole heart into it! You will be amazed at what you can achieve, if you try. Be an achiever!
4. Do things that are positive and constructive and will benefit you and others!
There are natural born 'builders' and natural born 'destroyers'. The 'builders' build and the 'destroyers' destroy. You can choose to be a 'builder', rather than a 'destroyer'! Just think what could happen, when you choose to 'build' every day, instead of 'destroying'. Look at the legacy that you will be able to leave for those who follow in your footsteps! Teach them to do the same and they will. You will be blessed with success and so will they!
5. Value your time, for it will soon pass, whether or not you have something to show for it!
Look at your life seriously and ask yourself, what you would like to have achieved five years, ten years or even twenty years, down the road. You just may turn around and realize that the time has flown by and you have nothing to show for it, or you may come to that point in time and look back and say, 'I am really glad that I did what I did, when I did it, because it is completed!' Congratulate yourself for your achievements and enjoy your success. Give yourself a pat on the back! You have earned it!
6. Cherish and take advantage of each moment, living life fully, for soon those moments will all be history!
Every moment in time is a moment that actually has merit, whether or not we can visualize it. Learn to see each moment as a moment of opportunity, to be taken advantage of by you. Live life to its fullest each and every day! All of those 'now' moments will have passed away, only too soon. Have something to show for every one of moment, of every day!
7. Turn the energy, from that which affects you negatively, into something that will affect you and others positively!
Even that which affects you negatively or is negative in some sense, can generate energy for you. Negativity and adversity can result in a release of adrenalin into your system. That extra adrenalin causes energy to be released. See that energy as a gift, given to you to use, for something that can be positive or can affect you and others, in a positive sense. You will be amazed at how much actual energy you have, if you choose to convert that energy into doing something that is positive and constructive, instead of letting it eat away at your system. Convert that energy and see how much you can actually accomplish because of all the extra energy that you did not realize that you could have! You won't believe how much better you will start to feel!
8. Be your own best friend, as no one really knows you, your strengths and your weaknesses, as well as you do, unless of course that might be God!
You do know yourself, whether you realize it or not. What you don't know, is what you have not found out about yourself yet. That is still to come! You know what areas of life you are strong in and what areas of life you are less strong in. Don't be your own worst enemy and don't be too hard on yourself. You do not have to be strong in all areas of life. In fact, some of what you perceive to be weaknesses, could actually turn out to be strengths. It will amaze you when you find out that you actually are your own best friend and truly seek to know yourself.
9. Remember that the darkness of failure, is a far heavier burden to carry than the light of success.
Fear of failure has a way of intimidating you into not doing what you could be doing. Failure can cast a very dark shadow on your entire life and your business enterpreneurial spirit, but only if you let it. What happens when you acknowldge the fact that failure is a part of reality? There is nothing wrong with failing sometimes. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons that progress progresses, is because of failure. If the level of true perfection had been achieved in terms of 'whatever', there would have been no need for future improvement. Even failure, in some sense, has some level of success. If nothing else, you are to be commended for trying! Keep on trying. You will succeed! It is only in the light, that there are shadows.
10. Keep expanding your horizons, as you really don't know your own God given potential!
Do you know what possible horizons lie in front of you? No one really does. The only thing that one can do is to step forward, one baby step at a time, into the horizon of the unknown. As you step forward, in your life or in your business, you will find that other horizons expand too! What an exciting time for you, as you discover your new horizons and see your life's plan being fufilled! If we manage to achieve even part of our actual potential in life, it truly is a miracle. Keep expanding your horizons, in terms thought and action. Keep learning and growing. You will be glad that you did!
11. Recognize the multiplicity of pathways to success, as there are many possibilities out there!
There is no such thing as only one road to success! There is also more than one definition of success! What you see as success is not necessarily what others will see as success and it does not have to be what others see. Sure, we are affected by the attitude and reaction of others, to what we say or do and by their reaction to what we perceive to be success. Determine for yourself, what success is to you! Go after it and keep going after it until you actually achieve what you perceive as success. There will always be the criticism of others, but remember, it just might be the fact that they are jealous and secretly envy you and your successes!
12.Don't let money or the lack of money determine what you can do or you cannot do in life, as money is not the determining factor in anything!
Money is merely a commodity, that will always come and go. It you focus on what you determine to achieve, you will probably find out that there is an decent, honest way to obtain the money that you need, without hurting or harming anyone else. If you only do what you do, because of money, you will soon find that it is a cold and comfortless commodity, that really does not give a lot of actual satisfaction. Your personal achievements in life and in business are far more rewarding. The bottom line is love, not love of money. Love God first and love others. Seek their well being and you will find that you are truly blessed with success!
Ever talk to one of those people who said, "Don't give away your secrets?"
It is much more exciting and a lot more fun, to share your secrets with others!
Here are some 'Ner-A-Ner' secrets to success in business and to living life in general, in a positive and successful direction. You may claim these secrets as your own, as long as you pass them along, to the next person that you meet and they in turn, pass them along to others!
1. Strive to reach the highest star that you possibly can!
If you strive to reach the highest star and you fall short of your goal, you will still have reached a star that is higher, than if you had tried to reach one that was lower. Who knows? You could be like that highest star, that others are reaching to touch. Be a star, but be one that is the highest star that you can possibly be, in business and in life!
2. If you are going to do something, do it and do it now!
There are so many exciting things in life that you could be doing! Sometimes the things that we know we could be doing, just get passed by, as momentary thoughts and are never actually captured in reality. Don't wait! Begin to do the things that you know you can do and enjoy doing them to the fullest! You will be glad you did, especially when you see the results! Success will be just one of the results!
3. If something is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well!
What is really worth doing? You decide! There are some things in life that are really worth doing and of course there are a lot of things that you could do, that don't have a lot of actual merit at the end. Focus in on the things that you know would really be worth doing and put all of your effort into doing them. Put your whole heart into it! You will be amazed at what you can achieve, if you try. Be an achiever!
4. Do things that are positive and constructive and will benefit you and others!
There are natural born 'builders' and natural born 'destroyers'. The 'builders' build and the 'destroyers' destroy. You can choose to be a 'builder', rather than a 'destroyer'! Just think what could happen, when you choose to 'build' every day, instead of 'destroying'. Look at the legacy that you will be able to leave for those who follow in your footsteps! Teach them to do the same and they will. You will be blessed with success and so will they!
5. Value your time, for it will soon pass, whether or not you have something to show for it!
Look at your life seriously and ask yourself, what you would like to have achieved five years, ten years or even twenty years, down the road. You just may turn around and realize that the time has flown by and you have nothing to show for it, or you may come to that point in time and look back and say, 'I am really glad that I did what I did, when I did it, because it is completed!' Congratulate yourself for your achievements and enjoy your success. Give yourself a pat on the back! You have earned it!
6. Cherish and take advantage of each moment, living life fully, for soon those moments will all be history!
Every moment in time is a moment that actually has merit, whether or not we can visualize it. Learn to see each moment as a moment of opportunity, to be taken advantage of by you. Live life to its fullest each and every day! All of those 'now' moments will have passed away, only too soon. Have something to show for every one of moment, of every day!
7. Turn the energy, from that which affects you negatively, into something that will affect you and others positively!
Even that which affects you negatively or is negative in some sense, can generate energy for you. Negativity and adversity can result in a release of adrenalin into your system. That extra adrenalin causes energy to be released. See that energy as a gift, given to you to use, for something that can be positive or can affect you and others, in a positive sense. You will be amazed at how much actual energy you have, if you choose to convert that energy into doing something that is positive and constructive, instead of letting it eat away at your system. Convert that energy and see how much you can actually accomplish because of all the extra energy that you did not realize that you could have! You won't believe how much better you will start to feel!
8. Be your own best friend, as no one really knows you, your strengths and your weaknesses, as well as you do, unless of course that might be God!
You do know yourself, whether you realize it or not. What you don't know, is what you have not found out about yourself yet. That is still to come! You know what areas of life you are strong in and what areas of life you are less strong in. Don't be your own worst enemy and don't be too hard on yourself. You do not have to be strong in all areas of life. In fact, some of what you perceive to be weaknesses, could actually turn out to be strengths. It will amaze you when you find out that you actually are your own best friend and truly seek to know yourself.
9. Remember that the darkness of failure, is a far heavier burden to carry than the light of success.
Fear of failure has a way of intimidating you into not doing what you could be doing. Failure can cast a very dark shadow on your entire life and your business enterpreneurial spirit, but only if you let it. What happens when you acknowldge the fact that failure is a part of reality? There is nothing wrong with failing sometimes. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons that progress progresses, is because of failure. If the level of true perfection had been achieved in terms of 'whatever', there would have been no need for future improvement. Even failure, in some sense, has some level of success. If nothing else, you are to be commended for trying! Keep on trying. You will succeed! It is only in the light, that there are shadows.
10. Keep expanding your horizons, as you really don't know your own God given potential!
Do you know what possible horizons lie in front of you? No one really does. The only thing that one can do is to step forward, one baby step at a time, into the horizon of the unknown. As you step forward, in your life or in your business, you will find that other horizons expand too! What an exciting time for you, as you discover your new horizons and see your life's plan being fufilled! If we manage to achieve even part of our actual potential in life, it truly is a miracle. Keep expanding your horizons, in terms thought and action. Keep learning and growing. You will be glad that you did!
11. Recognize the multiplicity of pathways to success, as there are many possibilities out there!
There is no such thing as only one road to success! There is also more than one definition of success! What you see as success is not necessarily what others will see as success and it does not have to be what others see. Sure, we are affected by the attitude and reaction of others, to what we say or do and by their reaction to what we perceive to be success. Determine for yourself, what success is to you! Go after it and keep going after it until you actually achieve what you perceive as success. There will always be the criticism of others, but remember, it just might be the fact that they are jealous and secretly envy you and your successes!
12.Don't let money or the lack of money determine what you can do or you cannot do in life, as money is not the determining factor in anything!
Money is merely a commodity, that will always come and go. It you focus on what you determine to achieve, you will probably find out that there is an decent, honest way to obtain the money that you need, without hurting or harming anyone else. If you only do what you do, because of money, you will soon find that it is a cold and comfortless commodity, that really does not give a lot of actual satisfaction. Your personal achievements in life and in business are far more rewarding. The bottom line is love, not love of money. Love God first and love others. Seek their well being and you will find that you are truly blessed with success!
Be A Diamond Builder
Be a Diamond Builder
Dream a dream.
Imagine the possibility.
Picture the impossible becoming the possible.
Envision the expansion of your horizon and reach your destiny.
Open new horizons that will help you to fufill your dreams and reach new goals.
Picture many others following in your footsteps as you climb up.
See yourself awakening their dreams and their visions.
Be the leader not the follower.
You can do it.
You will succeed!
How To Build Your Business
How To Build Your Business
Ten 'NER-A-NER' steps to diamond success
Step 1. Identify a need.
Step 2. See that need as met.
Step 3. Formulate an actual plan.
Step 4. Obtain appropriate counselling.
Step 5. Draw up your concrete business plan.
Step 6. Seek small business funding or financing.
Step 7. Begin by just taking a few small steps, at first.
Step 8. Continue to build your business, each and every day.
Step 9. Recognize your own small success and reward yourself.
Step 10. Most important of all, keep on building and don't give up.
Of Diamonds I Have Known
Of Diamonds I Have Known
Of diamonds I have known,
And yes, there've been a few;
It seems, it's not just who they are
Or what they say or do,
That plots the course for diamondship,
A path they cannot hew.
There's clarity of thought
And purity of mind,
A vision with a mission true,
A brilliancy, we find,
That sparkles with a certain glow,
Portraying love as kind.
A fingerprint remains,
One left for all to see,
Of leaders, generating peace
With certain harmony.
Of flaws, there are of course a few;
Light's truth, a legacy.
With grace, they leave a word
That's oft' not understood.
Their energy, integrity,
Soon turns out for man's good.
Perhaps the diamonds that you know,
You envy and you should?
A diamond, you may be;
Adversity, your fire;
Refinement, in its highest form,
Masked in you, as desire.
Your personality you'll find
When you seek values higher.
W. Diane Van Zwol
Copyright 2005
Diamond Personality
What is a Diamond Personality?
What does it mean for a person to have a diamond personality?
What are the characteristics of a diamond personality?
How can the characteristics of a diamond personality be discerned?
Can you identify a diamond personality in others?
Do you have a diamond personality?
What does having a diamond personality signify for your life?
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