I have written a new training, focussing on not worrying about your co-workers but deciding what it is that YOU can change.  For example, if your co-workers constantly makes personal calls or sits around and doesn’t show initiative or whatever it is about them that drives you crazy, what is it REALLY that you can do.  My theory is that you should be using the time you are worrying about your co-workers to decide how you can improve.  I know that sounds really mean but really, isn’t it true.

If you have a true desire to change things in your company, apply for that management position.  Often times what I have found is people get into that position and then see everything from the other point of view and realize why the previous supervisor did what they did.

Since this training is very new, I would love to hear your ideas on what I can include in this training. 

It was a pleasure today speaking at the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.  What a great group!  Debbie does a wonderful job as their Executive Director.  Today’s topic was customer service.  My thanks to everyone who purchased books! 

If your group is ever looking for a speaker, just let me know.  I would love the opportunity!  Have a great customer service day!

Yes, you heard it right.  Many of you know that one of the items on my “Top 25 List Before I Die” is see and meet Tony Orlando at the Lawrence Welk Theatre in Branson, MO.  Well, last year I was singing at a wedding and at the rehearsal dinner I was just trying to make conversation.  I said to the lady “so what do you do” and she said “I work for Tony Orlando”.  Yeah, right, whatever.  I said “no really, what do you do?” and she said “I work for Tony Orlando”.  So, I pulled out my IPod and showed her what a fan I was of Tony’s.  She said if I was ever in Branson to give her a call.

Well, I mentioned to the bride a few weeks ago how I would like to get ahold of this person.  She immediately called her, set me up with two tickets AND backstages passes.  Here is what I am thinking…I could be his missing Dawn!  So, originally I asked for one ticket but they gave me two.  At this point, not a huge line of people who are interested in seeing the show.  (I can’t imagine!)  But, it looks like Ted has drawn the short straw.

The really sad fact to this whole story is that I am going to know every sing song he sings.  Now who doesn’t know the words to “Who’s In The Strawberry Patch With Sally”?  On top of everything else, the performance is at the Lawrence Welk Theatre.

I am telling you that life doesn’t get much better than that.  I’ll be sure and post pictures. 

Thank you so much to my favorite three cousins in Springfield, IL.  They were the best hosts on Saturday night.  We went to dinner and then went to this great karaoke bar.  Of course, now the bar will never be the same.  We then went back to one of their houses and sat up until 5:00 a.m. just talking and laughing. 

Make plans to go see someone you haven’t seen in a long time.  It will do both of you good! 

I am counting down the hours/minutes until Mom gets home.  She tooks a 16 day trip to Florida.  Now, the fact is that she didn’t ask Terri or I if we wanted to go.  Do you think she needed to get away from us???  UGH.

Did you get your latest copy of “Today’s Advantage” in the mail?  Be sure to check out the article from the Chamber. 

I have doing a ton of speaking lately, so much so that I am tired of hearing myself talk.  (Okay, no comments….)  But, what I have found to be the best part of speaking is all of the great people I have met along the way.  People are so open and often like sponges.  They love to hear new ideas and how those ideas can be applied to real life. 

 I ran into a lady a few weeks ago at Wal-mart.  I walked by her and just said “hi” and she said “I remember you.  You spoke for my company.”  After a bit of discussion, I figured out what company and what topic I spoke on.  She said “I just want to let you know that I am pursuing my passion.  I didn’t think I had enough time but like you said, you make time for what you really want.”  To make a long story short, she gave up one hour of television watching at night and is pursuing her dream.

My goal is speaking is just to open up other ideas to everyone in the audience.  Really, I am not teaching anything new, just reinforcing that we have the power to become whomever we wish to be. 

When is the last time you spent the day with 14 friends?  For me it was recently.  A bunch of us got together and bowled in a tournament and then went out to eat.  We bowled in the BVL, which is a Veteran’s tournament.  It was a wonderful day.  Although my bowling was less than desirable (I was very nervous), it all worked out.  People assured me that no one even cared how I bowled, but I should just make it a fun day.

We went to dinner at Tucker’s in Soulard.  One of the most amazing steaks I have ever had.  I used to go there for lunch years ago when I worked at Channel 5 and I do remember their burgers were great. 

My thanks to my group of friends who put up with me on both Wednesday and Friday nights.  It is great to have people in your life who support you.  Many of them I have known for over 20 years. 

I encourage you to hook up with old friends. 

The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob Chamber of Commerce officially has a page on Facebook.  Be sure to check it out and add yourself as a friend. 

So, I have to ask … what are you doing to give back to your community?  The reason I ask is that I recently read an article that if everyone in the community gave two hours of their time each month, that the community would grow stronger.  Think about how you want to give back.  Are there areas that could use some improvement?  Are there people you could visit?  What about area cleanup?

There are companies who actually provide volunteer time to their employees.  What a great way to give back.  Think about what you can do to help someone or some organization.  It would be a great way to get your family involved in doing something good for humanity.