Russ Dalbey's Blog - Dalbey Education Institute

A supermarket employee unlike any other

Sometimes, you come across people that truly surprise you... and humble you too.

Take a look at this story about a very unusual man who is taking what he has received in life and making the most of it... no complaints.

http://www.komonews.com/news/19339104.html

Warmly,

Russ
Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Invest in your future!

Well... April 15 has come and gone. If you received a refund this year, is it already spent on something essential? If not, why not put some of it towards something really important... your financial future.

Don’t give in to the temptation to take a tax refund and spend it frivolously!

Here’s a great article from MSN that gives some very practical and smart advice on how to spend that tax refund windfall:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/Advice/GrowYourTaxRefund.aspx

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Are you sabotaging yourself?

I’ve blogged before about the importance of first impressions in business. How you present yourself – everything from your clothes, your hair, and your briefcase... to your demeanor on the phone, your promptness, and your handshake – can be the critical factor that unlocks the door to success.

The other day I had an interesting experience that highlighted this whole notion and brought to light the need to recognize some “not to dos,” as well.

This is what happened: I was at a meeting with a group of very professional and accomplished business people. One young man immediately caught my attention. He wore a nicely-tailored suit, his body language was confident, and he smiled and talked easily with everyone in the room. This individual had a commanding presence, and gave off an air of self-assurance and poise. He was polished down to the last detail.

I thought to myself, “That young man is going places.”

Then something amazing happened that changed everything: He blew a bubble with gum.

Suddenly, all of my good feelings and positive impressions vanished and I thought to myself, “Well... maybe not.”

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not against chewing gum (in fact, the sugar-free variety can help keep your teeth clean). What I’m saying is that there’s a time and place for all things, and true professionals always keep this in mind.

So, what are some “not to dos” that can create a negative impression (first or otherwise) and will only serve to sabotage your success? Here’s what I think are best to avoid:

• Interrupting the other person repeatedly.
  
  
• Dominating the conversation and not respecting or acknowledging the other person’s opinion or what they have to say.
  
  
• Inconsistent or minimal eye contact.
  
  
• Standing too close and invading someone’s "personal space."
  
  
• Taking a cell phone call in the middle of meeting or even letting it ring. It’s simple: if you’re in a meeting, turn off your phone at the beginning of it! Don’t compose text messages during meetings either.
  
  
• Arriving late, especially if you don’t give a client a heads-up that you’re going to be late, or worst of all – “no show, no call.”
  
  
• Off-color humor (especially with someone you don’t know very well).
  
  
• Wrinkled or dirty dress, or clothing that is inappropriate for the situation (e.g., wearing casual workout gear to a prospective client meeting).
  
  
• Checking your watch frequently; this gives the impression that you’re bored or don’t find the meeting's attendees or topics important.
  
  
• Poor table manners (at lunch meetings).
  
  
• Being arrogant or boastful.
  
  
• Complaining about anything (especially other clients or mutual acquaintances/associates) or having a negative attitude.
  
  
• Being unprepared and forcing others to be delayed because of it.

Remember that for many people, just one small negative thing they perceive can erase many positive attributes about you in their minds. Make sure nobody gets the wrong impression about you and your business.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute