To all our highly valued clients and acquaintances:
Some recent observations, based upon talking with almost everyone I know and have been able to access:
During a recent plane flight, while being gladly upgraded to First Class, I experienced our stewardess to be exceptionally buoyant as she delivered absolutely fantastic service.
Always looking for good pointers and possible affirmational ideas, I couldn’t help but ask her, as we de-planed, “to what do you attribute your continuous smiling and graceful demeanor?” She smiled again as she said, “I pray as I work.”
Reminded me of a favorite axiom – “pray like it’s all up to God – act like it’s all up to me”
I thanked her on the way out and gave her an Above & Beyond Certificate, which her airlines puts into a drawing with up to $10,000 in prize money. While I certainly hope she wins that prize, the way she lives and works is a gift that just keeps on giving, from which she obviously receives great, great joy.
On another note, during a recent breakfast last week with one of my longer-term mentors, my very successful businessman (and now retiree) friend reminded me of 4 “four letter words” that he teaches students at the middle school levels.
Works for me, I told him. I will continue to apply myself to master those four letter words.
One last story? Over the last few years, when I repeatedly ask one of my confidantes how she consistently is so elevating and uplifting, she always replies with a warm laugh, “well, you know, Don – I get a lot of help” May we all continue with our own such version.
2008 Observations?? We are going to continue going through this turmoil period for who knows how long. We have to do everything possible to have a long term mindset that we feel is credible and that we can/will live it and can work inside of, to keep a clear head.
As we come to work every day and week, we need core focuses and routines. First and foremost is to do whatever it takes to be in great communication and service with our existing clients, including being vigilant for additional ways that we can add real value.
Other seemingly common sense practices that we suggest we all maintain??
- Increase our initiative and resourcefulness with people that will strengthen us.
- Take great care and pace ourselves accordingly, to keep our stress levels down.
- Consider frequent breaks, plenty of rest, exercise, healthy diet and good music.
- To always maintain our highest possible levels of sincerity, integrity and service.
- With life beyond work, invest as much time as you can with those you care about.
Based upon our disciplined approach to client service and the markets, we suggest you let everyone you know (clients, centers of influence, family, friends, neighbors, etc) that you have the time, energy, capacity and desire to meet/possibly work with new people.
Believe it or not, over the last few months, I have spoken with Financial Advisors every week who are continuing to receive referrals and have net new assets transferred in. While much of those assets are typically held until a better time, they are now there.
Sounds like a lot of core basics and we want to do whatever we can to make sure you are able to keep yourself working and in business and stronger in the end. We will continue to work to keep the energy, the resiliency and the productive idea levels up.
A final example to learn from? As you may know, investor and mutual fund pioneer, (Sir) John Templeton was known for his continuous spirit of gratitude and vigilant efforts to find/add value. Templeton attributed much of his success to his ability to maintain an elevated mood, avoid anxiety and stay disciplined. May we take a page from his book.
As we look forward, many Financial Advisors that I have spoken with are already doing a re-think about their 2009 business preservation, branding, marketing and growth plans.
We will be on the lookout for innovative ways to go beyond our fiscal environment’s current challenges and coming to you with suggestions in our December newsletter.
As we head further into the Holiday Season, may you move with increasing initiative
and resourcefulness during these historically unique times.
Let us know what you are up to and what you might be up against.
We look forward to expanding our relationship and our efforts together into 2009.
Happy Thanksgiving
&
A Wonderful 2008 Holiday Season
With sincere and deep appreciation,
Coach Don
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