I enjoy communicating in conversations with people. My fourth grade teacher introduced me to Spanish, then I was introduced to French the summer before I went into the fifth grade. In college I took Italian so that I could be the graduate counsellor at the university's study center in Florence. I became conversationally fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian--motivated to have conversations with natives speaking these languages. I lived and worked in Italy for three-and-one-half years, in South America for six months, and used French in Vietnam. I could read and interpret in all three languages.
The U.S. Army found value in my ability to communicate in these languages. I had duty assignments where I was required to communicate in each of the three languages. After leaving the Army for a career as an organizational change management consultant, I had to find or make opportunities to speak the languages. I have been using Spanish extensively as a teacher of English language learners (ELLs) in Illinois for the past six years.
One way for me to maintain my conversational fluency is to play the French, Spanish, or (more rarely) Italian audio and/or closed caption tracks on DVD movies. That was how I built my fluency when living in Italy and it still is a good way for me to be interested and force myself to understand--I don't want to miss the punch lines.
I also find it valuable to listen to audio books in the languages and, when possible, to read along while I listen. This is the same approach I have found very helpful for English language learners to learn English--listen to a book being read to them by a native speaker and read along with the same unabridged book.
Recently I needed to brush-up on my French and I signed-up for an online language learning program that will provide a basic conversational review (or introduction) for French and Spanish--vocabulary, grammar, and other essentials. The program I signed-up for offers English and eight other languages at the basic conversational (101) level and was very affordable. I signed-up for one year of the service and expect to review both French and Spanish and possibly to learn one or more of the other languages if I have a chance to use them in conversation.
I have worked with other online programs in the past and found this program to be one of the best values for a basic conversational language learning program offering multiple languages for one fee.
I liked the program so much, I signed-up to enroll others who can benefit from what the program offers.
To go back to the original question, what is the value of communicating conversationally in multiple languages?
In the United States I see people from other countries who are struggling to communicate in English and I know that, if they had taken an online course to prepare them for basic conversation in English they would be much more successful in day-to-day living in this country.
As a visitor to many countries--Central and South America, Europe, and Asia, I have seen and felt the difference when I could communicate conversationally with people in their native language--and have felt the challenges when I was in countries where I did not know much (or any) of the language. I was facilitating a class in Hong Kong that was conducted in English because, with the exception of one or two people, English was the only common language spoken by everyone in the training. That meant that I had to rely on others to help me get through the day-to-day living requirements while visiting in Hong Kong.
Businesses are sending employees to other countries and knowing the language of the country would be of real value to both the business and the employee. Some organizations recognize the value of multilingual conversational ability and others do not. The individuals with the capabilities certainly appreciate the value. I know some people from Europe who are fluent in nine or more languages. Chinese and Russian seem so different from English that I am very impressed when people native in these languages speak fluently in English to make my life easier.
I enjoy speaking and understanding Spanish when I visit Spanish-speaking countries. I enjoy speaking Italian in Italy. My friends in France have advised me that I need a refresher course before I speak French with French-speaking people in Canada or in France. OK--now I'm in the program. :-)
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Why Set-Up an Online Support Network?
Why would anyone set-up a support network? One reason is to create a sense of community, of sharing ideas and resources and innovations. A benefit of a community is that members build a shared sense of identity. I have been involved in building online support networks for more than 12 years, starting with eGroups--which became Yahoo Groups and currently focusing on LinkedIn Discussion Groups.
One of the longest running and most successful groups which I started--and which runs itself--is the Action Learning eGroup on Yahoo Groups, run by IFAL-USA.
My most recent group is the DrM-Language Network discussion group on LinkedIn. This group was created to provide the opportunity to build a sense of community around the affordable, online language learning programs supported by http://www.drm-language.com/. While membership is open to people learning languages with other online programs, the main focus is to have the community network available for people working with two different online language programs available globally. Many of the people will be learning English, and one of the two programs offers eight other languages as well.
Many business professionals around the world will be working with me to enroll learners in these programs and this network is open to language learners and to entrepreneurs setting-up their own businesses concerning e-learning and these online language programs.
Some of the questions and answers and other support areas will also offer members a chance to practice their English in their interaction in the discussion group.
One of the longest running and most successful groups which I started--and which runs itself--is the Action Learning eGroup on Yahoo Groups, run by IFAL-USA.
My most recent group is the DrM-Language Network discussion group on LinkedIn. This group was created to provide the opportunity to build a sense of community around the affordable, online language learning programs supported by http://www.drm-language.com/. While membership is open to people learning languages with other online programs, the main focus is to have the community network available for people working with two different online language programs available globally. Many of the people will be learning English, and one of the two programs offers eight other languages as well.
Many business professionals around the world will be working with me to enroll learners in these programs and this network is open to language learners and to entrepreneurs setting-up their own businesses concerning e-learning and these online language programs.
Some of the questions and answers and other support areas will also offer members a chance to practice their English in their interaction in the discussion group.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Constructive and Destructive Focus for Action--Building Positive Habits and Attitudes
As I reflect on what I hear and see in news media from around the world and in conversations of the people around me, I am reminded that people develop habits in their focus for action. Largely these habits can be grouped into one of two areas, constructive or destructive.
It is much easier in video games to create "war" games with a destructive focus. Taking away an opponent is easier than being able to construct something out of an idea. Constructive video games are few and far between (at least in today's state of technology). Movies may have more of a constructive focus, though many of those also focus on some kind of combat--in the old western movies the "good guys wear white hats."
In sports, people are looking for winners and losers with scores as the focus for winning. In life pursuits it may be more challenging and many people are still looking for "winners" and "losers."
Today's economy in the USA looks at the housing market in terms of winners and losers. Those who are being forced out of foreclosed homes are looked at as "losers." While President Obama has several initiatives to help the U.S. economy, one of the initiatives is focused on giving tax credit of up to US$8,000 for first-time home buyers. In recent news coverage on ABC World News, it showed new home owners closing on a foreclosed home. The new home buyer is the "winner" and the "loser" is not even on the scene any more.
President Carter and the Habitat for Humanity movement focused on volunteers coming together to build homes for people who could not otherwise afford them. This is an example of a constructive focus for action. Volunteers in that movement leave the world a better place than it was before they started. They are also taking into account "green-initiatives" so that the houses they build are better and safer than the requirements of existing building codes. I lived in Hollywood, Florida, when Hurricane Andrew blew through in 1992. Habitat for Humanity homes survived the hurricanes where many of the developed houses did not due to shoddy workmanship of people who didn't think their shortcuts would be discovered.
Another organization with a constructive focus for action is the American Red Cross. As a volunteer with that organization for 33 years, I can safely say that the focus of the American Red Cross is constructive, helping people in times of disaster and in activities of daily living--teaching swimming and lifesaving and preventing drowning, teaching first aid and CPR and preventing accidents and accidental death.
As I observe business opportunities and look at the job market in today's economy, I look for opportunities and jobs that have a constructive focus for action. Our habits and focus will create our attitudes--in the form of a cycle. If any one of these is destructive, we need to begin to change the other two and our attitudes will change as well.
We build habits as we make our daily choices. It is up to us to take responsibility for our daily choices and decide to pursue a constructive focus for action rather than to take the "easy way" and choose a destructive one.
It is much easier in video games to create "war" games with a destructive focus. Taking away an opponent is easier than being able to construct something out of an idea. Constructive video games are few and far between (at least in today's state of technology). Movies may have more of a constructive focus, though many of those also focus on some kind of combat--in the old western movies the "good guys wear white hats."
In sports, people are looking for winners and losers with scores as the focus for winning. In life pursuits it may be more challenging and many people are still looking for "winners" and "losers."
Today's economy in the USA looks at the housing market in terms of winners and losers. Those who are being forced out of foreclosed homes are looked at as "losers." While President Obama has several initiatives to help the U.S. economy, one of the initiatives is focused on giving tax credit of up to US$8,000 for first-time home buyers. In recent news coverage on ABC World News, it showed new home owners closing on a foreclosed home. The new home buyer is the "winner" and the "loser" is not even on the scene any more.
President Carter and the Habitat for Humanity movement focused on volunteers coming together to build homes for people who could not otherwise afford them. This is an example of a constructive focus for action. Volunteers in that movement leave the world a better place than it was before they started. They are also taking into account "green-initiatives" so that the houses they build are better and safer than the requirements of existing building codes. I lived in Hollywood, Florida, when Hurricane Andrew blew through in 1992. Habitat for Humanity homes survived the hurricanes where many of the developed houses did not due to shoddy workmanship of people who didn't think their shortcuts would be discovered.
Another organization with a constructive focus for action is the American Red Cross. As a volunteer with that organization for 33 years, I can safely say that the focus of the American Red Cross is constructive, helping people in times of disaster and in activities of daily living--teaching swimming and lifesaving and preventing drowning, teaching first aid and CPR and preventing accidents and accidental death.
As I observe business opportunities and look at the job market in today's economy, I look for opportunities and jobs that have a constructive focus for action. Our habits and focus will create our attitudes--in the form of a cycle. If any one of these is destructive, we need to begin to change the other two and our attitudes will change as well.
We build habits as we make our daily choices. It is up to us to take responsibility for our daily choices and decide to pursue a constructive focus for action rather than to take the "easy way" and choose a destructive one.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
H1N1 Flu Vaccination Update
I live in Kane County, Illinois. I waited in line for just under two hours Monday evening at the St Charles North High School for a flu shot to protect against Swine flu (the H1N1 virus). They ran out of shots and gave me an appointment today at the Kane County Fair Grounds to have the injection. I arrived early and was out the door by five minutes after my appointment time.
The Kane County Health Department, Emergency Workers, police departments, and volunteers all did a wonderful job processing the crowds and demonstrating caring and respect for everyone. One of the health care workers told everyone today that more doses are expected to arrive in late November or early December. When this greater number of doses arrive, they can be available from doctors' offices. Several insurance programs have already agreed to underwrite the full cost of the vaccine--including any normal "copays."
My mother (age 94) will have to wait awhile. One way to look at this protection is that the same people who are encouraged to get a seasonal flu shot probably need to get the H1N1 shot as well. Children and people under 24 seem not to have much immunity to the virus and it has a strong effect on pregnant women.
In the lines I saw parents and teachers among the crowd. Lots of people are exposed to the virus and health care workers and all the other people I see certainly need the protection the shots (or injections of live virus for people who can deal with that) provide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now have two web pages. One for the H1N1 (Swine) Flu and one for the Seasonal Flu.
In an earlier post to this blog, I made some suggestions for teachers to get vaccinated against both types of flu this year. I'd like to extend that to everyone else who reads this blog unless an allergy or something else makes you not a good candidate to take the vaccinations. I still believe it is also part of basic preventative medicine.
The Kane County Health Department, Emergency Workers, police departments, and volunteers all did a wonderful job processing the crowds and demonstrating caring and respect for everyone. One of the health care workers told everyone today that more doses are expected to arrive in late November or early December. When this greater number of doses arrive, they can be available from doctors' offices. Several insurance programs have already agreed to underwrite the full cost of the vaccine--including any normal "copays."
My mother (age 94) will have to wait awhile. One way to look at this protection is that the same people who are encouraged to get a seasonal flu shot probably need to get the H1N1 shot as well. Children and people under 24 seem not to have much immunity to the virus and it has a strong effect on pregnant women.
In the lines I saw parents and teachers among the crowd. Lots of people are exposed to the virus and health care workers and all the other people I see certainly need the protection the shots (or injections of live virus for people who can deal with that) provide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now have two web pages. One for the H1N1 (Swine) Flu and one for the Seasonal Flu.
In an earlier post to this blog, I made some suggestions for teachers to get vaccinated against both types of flu this year. I'd like to extend that to everyone else who reads this blog unless an allergy or something else makes you not a good candidate to take the vaccinations. I still believe it is also part of basic preventative medicine.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Helping Others Learn Language--Sources of Income for Teachers and Not-for-Profit Organizations
As a teacher of English language learners (ELLs) for the past six years, I came across many students and parents who needed to learn English. Schools sometimes offer English as a second language for parents, though parents rarely have time to come to classes.
An affordable online English language learning program that parents and students can access on their own at home could go a long way to help both improve English skills. As students build their skills in written and spoken English, academic performance can be expected to improve.
Students who improve their English on their own using an online English language learning program can more more quickly through classes in English as a second language. They can also engage more in English conversations related to the vocabulary and grammar they build in the basic English class online.
Some native English speakers can also benefit from an online English language learning program. Any learner whose home or work environment is not used to standard English usage may benefit from a basic study of English language vocabulary and grammar.
The affordable online language program can benefit students learning English and can help students learning French, Spanish, German, Chinese, or Japanese (and three other languages) improve their communication skills in those languages.
In 2009, thousands of teachers in the USA were forced out of their teaching positions due to the availability of funds for education at local, state, and federal levels. Many of these teachers need to find ways to make ends meet as they search for new jobs or careers.
There is a business side to the online language learning programs. This business side can allow teachers to generate some positive income flow while they pursue their job and career search.
Not-for-profit organizations also face a reduction in funding. 501(c)(3) organizations can get a free website and can receive commissions on the subscriptions of the members who sign-up for the program. This becomes another source of income to help the not-for-profit organization achieve its mission and goals.
I spoke about signing-up for this program to review my French in a previous post in this blog. I feel strongly that this will be a real help to students and their families and I am actively looking for people to help me share this program with others. It's available globally, not just in the USA. The business opportunity is also available in most countries.
An affordable online English language learning program that parents and students can access on their own at home could go a long way to help both improve English skills. As students build their skills in written and spoken English, academic performance can be expected to improve.
Students who improve their English on their own using an online English language learning program can more more quickly through classes in English as a second language. They can also engage more in English conversations related to the vocabulary and grammar they build in the basic English class online.
Some native English speakers can also benefit from an online English language learning program. Any learner whose home or work environment is not used to standard English usage may benefit from a basic study of English language vocabulary and grammar.
The affordable online language program can benefit students learning English and can help students learning French, Spanish, German, Chinese, or Japanese (and three other languages) improve their communication skills in those languages.
In 2009, thousands of teachers in the USA were forced out of their teaching positions due to the availability of funds for education at local, state, and federal levels. Many of these teachers need to find ways to make ends meet as they search for new jobs or careers.
There is a business side to the online language learning programs. This business side can allow teachers to generate some positive income flow while they pursue their job and career search.
Not-for-profit organizations also face a reduction in funding. 501(c)(3) organizations can get a free website and can receive commissions on the subscriptions of the members who sign-up for the program. This becomes another source of income to help the not-for-profit organization achieve its mission and goals.
I spoke about signing-up for this program to review my French in a previous post in this blog. I feel strongly that this will be a real help to students and their families and I am actively looking for people to help me share this program with others. It's available globally, not just in the USA. The business opportunity is also available in most countries.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Communication--Bridges and Barriers
Benjamin Franklin advocated a standard fee for postal service regardless of the distance involved. The fee was for delivery, not transport.
In the past, telephone companies charged high fees to recover costs for undersea cable and satellites. Today telecommunications is much more affordable and may more closely resemble the postal delivery concepts advocated by Benjamin Franklin.
U.S. Cellular offers free incoming wireless calls in the USA. Most cellular services outside the USA offer free incoming wireless calls. A friend who is positively addicted to his iPhone found out that AT&T charges US$2.50 per minute for wireless use (data or voice) from the Caribbean. He sent a note on Facebook.com that he would be "out of touch" on his 10-day cruise.
MagicJack.com and many other Internet-based telephone service providers provide easy access for local and international calling and greatly reduced fees. Skype (developed by eBay) now offers a free collaborative service that is similar to that provided by paid Webinar providers.
Free e-mail has had a significant impact on the United States Postal Service. The Internet is a great bridge to communication, allowing people to connect all over the world. Some of the fees charged by telephone and telecommunications companies are a barrier to this communication.
Most of us like staying connected. We need to influence a lowering of fees and barriers to this connected communication.
In the past, telephone companies charged high fees to recover costs for undersea cable and satellites. Today telecommunications is much more affordable and may more closely resemble the postal delivery concepts advocated by Benjamin Franklin.
U.S. Cellular offers free incoming wireless calls in the USA. Most cellular services outside the USA offer free incoming wireless calls. A friend who is positively addicted to his iPhone found out that AT&T charges US$2.50 per minute for wireless use (data or voice) from the Caribbean. He sent a note on Facebook.com that he would be "out of touch" on his 10-day cruise.
MagicJack.com and many other Internet-based telephone service providers provide easy access for local and international calling and greatly reduced fees. Skype (developed by eBay) now offers a free collaborative service that is similar to that provided by paid Webinar providers.
Free e-mail has had a significant impact on the United States Postal Service. The Internet is a great bridge to communication, allowing people to connect all over the world. Some of the fees charged by telephone and telecommunications companies are a barrier to this communication.
Most of us like staying connected. We need to influence a lowering of fees and barriers to this connected communication.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Leveraging Trust and Making New Connections
Between 1993 and 1998 I worked at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). In that time I met many wonderful people associated with "the firm." One of the things that impressed me was the hiring practice used by the firm. They always found top-quality people, most of whom were very trustworthy and had a terrific work ethic. (Of course everyone is human and we have to learn to trust everyone we work with and this firm got us off to a good start.)
In fact, many of the consultants at Andersen Consulting/Accenture ended up marrying each other. The "joke" was that HR (human resources) had already qualified the people and now they just had to fall in love. The other "truth" was that, as an Andersen Consulting/Accenture employee, both partners realized how much work and how many working hours were involved on the job. They had some shared experience to relate to.
Part of the time when I was working at Andersen Consulting Education (ACE) in St. Charles, IL (where Andersen Consulting and Arthur Andersen and Andersen Worldwide had their corporate training center--now called the Q-Center), I had a chance to work with many multinational consultants in the USA, in Europe, in Australia, and in Asia. I valued those contacts, though I have lost track of them in the years since I left the firm and went on to other consulting.
Now I need some trustworthy contacts in Europe and Asia. It occured to me that a very good place to start was with the LinkedIn alumni groups associated with Andersen Consulting/Accenture. What worked for the people getting married may work for me in terms of finding people I can work with on new ideas for Europe, the USA, and Asia.
I've posted a discussion starter in one of the alumni groups, so now I get to see who may be interested in at least discussing what I am looking for.
In fact, many of the consultants at Andersen Consulting/Accenture ended up marrying each other. The "joke" was that HR (human resources) had already qualified the people and now they just had to fall in love. The other "truth" was that, as an Andersen Consulting/Accenture employee, both partners realized how much work and how many working hours were involved on the job. They had some shared experience to relate to.
Part of the time when I was working at Andersen Consulting Education (ACE) in St. Charles, IL (where Andersen Consulting and Arthur Andersen and Andersen Worldwide had their corporate training center--now called the Q-Center), I had a chance to work with many multinational consultants in the USA, in Europe, in Australia, and in Asia. I valued those contacts, though I have lost track of them in the years since I left the firm and went on to other consulting.
Now I need some trustworthy contacts in Europe and Asia. It occured to me that a very good place to start was with the LinkedIn alumni groups associated with Andersen Consulting/Accenture. What worked for the people getting married may work for me in terms of finding people I can work with on new ideas for Europe, the USA, and Asia.
I've posted a discussion starter in one of the alumni groups, so now I get to see who may be interested in at least discussing what I am looking for.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Online Language Learning and Global Business Opportunities
My research into an online language learning system to review my French language skills has led me to a new global business opportunity. The online system allows subscribers to learn as many as nine languages during the period of their subscription (normaly six months or one year at a time). One subscription is for an entire family and all of the course materials are online. They are even interactive and you can record your voice and match it to native speakers.
The online system has been available for about five years and a different online English program is being released for use in China on November 1, 2009.
For the past six years I have been teaching English language learners (ELLs) in public schools in Illinois. The English program could be of great benefit for almost 100% of the parents of these students. While many of my former students did not have computers at home, some did and more purchased computers when it became clear that a computer with Internet access would help the students do better in school.
The even better news about the English language programs are that they can help students move ahead in their English skills and in their other academic subjects while allowing their parents to become more fluent in English to bring in more income for their families.
As you will see on my new website, http://www.drm-language.com, there are even programs to build business English and to prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam and for college entrance exams.
I was excited about having a year's subscription to build up my French fluency and to review my Spanish grammar. If I end up working with more people from the other six countries that have language courses in this online system, I can begin picking up even more languages.
I like the idea of having something affordable to share with non-native English speakers who are struggling to learn English. I use audiobooks and eAudiobooks a lot with them and these online courses can focus on building essential vocabulary and basic grammar. All of the courses focus on practical communication in the various languages.
What's more, I spoke today with Dr. Ivan Dulik who began with this program almost five years ago and who has spoken to about 1,200 people about the program. Of the 1,200, about 300 decided to enroll in the program and of the 300, about 80 decided to focus on sharing the program. The program offers free websites to subscribers. When someone subscribes to the program by using a website of a subscriber, the subscriber earns a commission for each new subscription. Of the 80 people who decided to share, 35 became really focused on sharing the business and, over five years, have generated almost one million US dollars for Dr. Dulik--see the link for "Two EN101 Success Stories" and remember that the date on Dr. Dulik's story is from 2007.
I don't expect to generate one million dollars anytime soon--though I wouldn't turn it down. What I do see is that it is a worthwhile, affordable program that lots of people I know in the USA and outside the USA can benefit from. As they learn, they can also help their families by sharing the program and earning commissions from the people who also decide to learn English.
English language learning is a major global market at this point and I don't know of any program that includes all the values and benefits of this new one at a very affordable price.
The online system has been available for about five years and a different online English program is being released for use in China on November 1, 2009.
For the past six years I have been teaching English language learners (ELLs) in public schools in Illinois. The English program could be of great benefit for almost 100% of the parents of these students. While many of my former students did not have computers at home, some did and more purchased computers when it became clear that a computer with Internet access would help the students do better in school.
The even better news about the English language programs are that they can help students move ahead in their English skills and in their other academic subjects while allowing their parents to become more fluent in English to bring in more income for their families.
As you will see on my new website, http://www.drm-language.com, there are even programs to build business English and to prepare for the U.S. Citizenship exam and for college entrance exams.
I was excited about having a year's subscription to build up my French fluency and to review my Spanish grammar. If I end up working with more people from the other six countries that have language courses in this online system, I can begin picking up even more languages.
I like the idea of having something affordable to share with non-native English speakers who are struggling to learn English. I use audiobooks and eAudiobooks a lot with them and these online courses can focus on building essential vocabulary and basic grammar. All of the courses focus on practical communication in the various languages.
What's more, I spoke today with Dr. Ivan Dulik who began with this program almost five years ago and who has spoken to about 1,200 people about the program. Of the 1,200, about 300 decided to enroll in the program and of the 300, about 80 decided to focus on sharing the program. The program offers free websites to subscribers. When someone subscribes to the program by using a website of a subscriber, the subscriber earns a commission for each new subscription. Of the 80 people who decided to share, 35 became really focused on sharing the business and, over five years, have generated almost one million US dollars for Dr. Dulik--see the link for "Two EN101 Success Stories" and remember that the date on Dr. Dulik's story is from 2007.
I don't expect to generate one million dollars anytime soon--though I wouldn't turn it down. What I do see is that it is a worthwhile, affordable program that lots of people I know in the USA and outside the USA can benefit from. As they learn, they can also help their families by sharing the program and earning commissions from the people who also decide to learn English.
English language learning is a major global market at this point and I don't know of any program that includes all the values and benefits of this new one at a very affordable price.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Networking, Connections, Social Networks, New Opportunities, Ideas and Inspiration
This week I have been exploring some new ideas to make a positive difference and to generate more income. (Visit my earlier blogs for this week.) Today I went back to LinkedIn to join more networking and alumni groups so that I can connect with former colleagues and others who share similar interests and values.
I needed to connect with people I can trust (often alumni network members) who live in other parts of the world and who can help me find some connections for global businesses. What I like about these social networking groups made available via LinkedIn is that we can share ideas, discuss, and inspire each other. Often someone will ask a question that someone else will have an answer for--or a resource or an idea about.
This one service provides me an opportunity to expand my thinking and to connect with lots more people who can help me make some dreams come true--for lots of people. If you're interested, visit my LinkedIn profile.
I needed to connect with people I can trust (often alumni network members) who live in other parts of the world and who can help me find some connections for global businesses. What I like about these social networking groups made available via LinkedIn is that we can share ideas, discuss, and inspire each other. Often someone will ask a question that someone else will have an answer for--or a resource or an idea about.
This one service provides me an opportunity to expand my thinking and to connect with lots more people who can help me make some dreams come true--for lots of people. If you're interested, visit my LinkedIn profile.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
"Wizard's First Rule"--"We believe something is true because we want it to be true or fear it to be true"
I was reminded again today of "the wizard's first rule"--mentioned in the Terry Goodkind book by the same title. In essence, the rule is that "we believe something is true because we want it to be true or because we fear it to be true."
I have recently experienced the "wizard's first rule" first hand in two situations.
Around July of this year I purchased an iPod Touch and quickly saw the value of having an iPhone. When I contacted AT&T, my wireless service provider, I was advised that due to my new contract (from earlier this year), I could only get an iPhone with a totally new contract, continuing to pay for my old contract. The iPod Touch provides many of the same applications except for telephone service and a camera. The iPhone would meet my needs better than my current LG phone and I did not see my way clear just to cancel my current contract and to start over.
I received a promotional e-mail from a marketing company who offered my an iPhone if I would try products of three of their sponsors. Normally I would pass these offers up and, because I wanted an iPhone sooner rather than later, I decided to participate. I worked with four (rather than the required three) of their sponsors and, of course, never received any iPhone. The sponsors were independent businesses and some were of value and some were not. One of the spin-offs from this promotion led to someone I don't know making an unauthorized charge on my credit card for just under four-hundred-dollars, securing two iPods from the Apple Store and shipping them to a state where I don't live. I reported this fraud to my credit card company and they are looking into it. I wanted the promotion to be true and, of course, it wasn't.
This year I am returning to my management consulting practice. I have been a senior business consultant for many years and took time away from consulting after 9-11-2001 to teach in K-12 school systems, making a different for children.
As I return to the job market for management consultants this year it seems much more restrictive than it was in the past. In November, 1998, I was recruited by a head hunter to be a management consultant for a European-owned consulting firm with US offices in Dallas, Texas. I flew to Dallas for the interview and was hired with a start date of January 2, 1999. I worked as a senior business consultant for the firm until October, 2000, when the firm I worked for was merged with a French consulting firm and most of the US workforce not actively on client projects was laid off.
I enjoyed my work with the firm and the compensation was fair. I regard the experience as a positive one that I would enjoy repeating should the opportunity arise.
In today's economy things are different from the way they were in 1998. Senior management consulting positions seem hard to come by in today's market and the salaries and bonuses offered in the past are also harder to find. In reviewing job opportunities on Internet job boards, sometimes senior management consulting positions show up.
Most of the major worldwide consulting firms are based in the USA and there are still many small to mid-level consulting firms based in Europe and other countries that would like to penetrate the market in North America. Very few of them are active in recruiting in the USA, though they may still do so.
I would like to experience the same opportunity I enjoyed in 1998, finding a European consulting firm starting to do business in the USA who would like for me to provide management consulting services either as an outside contractor or as an employee. My challenge will be to find European consulting firms who are in a position to do this and to offer the salary and benefits at least similar to those I received in 1998.
I have recently experienced the "wizard's first rule" first hand in two situations.
Around July of this year I purchased an iPod Touch and quickly saw the value of having an iPhone. When I contacted AT&T, my wireless service provider, I was advised that due to my new contract (from earlier this year), I could only get an iPhone with a totally new contract, continuing to pay for my old contract. The iPod Touch provides many of the same applications except for telephone service and a camera. The iPhone would meet my needs better than my current LG phone and I did not see my way clear just to cancel my current contract and to start over.
I received a promotional e-mail from a marketing company who offered my an iPhone if I would try products of three of their sponsors. Normally I would pass these offers up and, because I wanted an iPhone sooner rather than later, I decided to participate. I worked with four (rather than the required three) of their sponsors and, of course, never received any iPhone. The sponsors were independent businesses and some were of value and some were not. One of the spin-offs from this promotion led to someone I don't know making an unauthorized charge on my credit card for just under four-hundred-dollars, securing two iPods from the Apple Store and shipping them to a state where I don't live. I reported this fraud to my credit card company and they are looking into it. I wanted the promotion to be true and, of course, it wasn't.
This year I am returning to my management consulting practice. I have been a senior business consultant for many years and took time away from consulting after 9-11-2001 to teach in K-12 school systems, making a different for children.
As I return to the job market for management consultants this year it seems much more restrictive than it was in the past. In November, 1998, I was recruited by a head hunter to be a management consultant for a European-owned consulting firm with US offices in Dallas, Texas. I flew to Dallas for the interview and was hired with a start date of January 2, 1999. I worked as a senior business consultant for the firm until October, 2000, when the firm I worked for was merged with a French consulting firm and most of the US workforce not actively on client projects was laid off.
I enjoyed my work with the firm and the compensation was fair. I regard the experience as a positive one that I would enjoy repeating should the opportunity arise.
In today's economy things are different from the way they were in 1998. Senior management consulting positions seem hard to come by in today's market and the salaries and bonuses offered in the past are also harder to find. In reviewing job opportunities on Internet job boards, sometimes senior management consulting positions show up.
Most of the major worldwide consulting firms are based in the USA and there are still many small to mid-level consulting firms based in Europe and other countries that would like to penetrate the market in North America. Very few of them are active in recruiting in the USA, though they may still do so.
I would like to experience the same opportunity I enjoyed in 1998, finding a European consulting firm starting to do business in the USA who would like for me to provide management consulting services either as an outside contractor or as an employee. My challenge will be to find European consulting firms who are in a position to do this and to offer the salary and benefits at least similar to those I received in 1998.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The Human Connection--Compassion--A Missing Component
In the continuous care retirement community (CCRC) where my 94-year-old mother lives, care givers associated with the nursing home and assisted living units have recently decided to go to 12-hour shifts. There are two teams--a white team and a blue team-- of care givers (nurses, certified nursing assistants, and resident staff assistants). The shifts are from 7:00AM to 7:00PM and from 7:00PM to 7:00AM. Each team has both a day sub-team and a night sub-team. The white team will be on for two days, and then has two days off while the blue team works. Each team works Saturday, Sunday, and Monday every other week.
In order to accommodate staff requests during this turn-over period (which began October 18th, 2009), some teams moved to different coverage areas. This CCRC has two assisted living units for people who have reached an age where they need more help than they get in their independent living apartments--help with medicine delivery, food preparation and delivery, and cleaning their apartments. Residents in these units live in one of 44 studio apartments with private bathrooms. One of these two assisted living units is for people with dementia--who have more problems with memory than the people on the other unit.
Care givers used to working with the dementia patients have developed routines in their service that they try to implement throughout the week. Because of their dementia, their patients are more docile and responsive to relatively aggressive leadership from their care givers. Some of these care givers have switched to be care givers in the other assisted living unit where the residents have more of their usual faculties for decision-making.
Some of these care givers, with the best of intentions, have tried to impose the structure of their dementia-unit routines on the residents of the other assisted living unit. The reaction of the residents of the non-dementia assisted living unit is strongly negative. These care givers, rather than making their own routines the important factor in their care, need to learn the needs and personalities of the residents of this unit and to adapt what they do to meet the needs of the residents rather than forcing the residents to conform to a routine that the care givers value.
What causes the biggest conflict is what is perceived by the residents as a lack of compassion and connection on the part of these care givers. This creates a big disconnect between the care givers and the residents they serve.
The 12-hour schedule with accompanying rotations are also contributing to the disconnect due to the stress on the body caused by disrupting normal rhythms of sleep for the night shift workers. (See the previous post on this issue.)
In order to accommodate staff requests during this turn-over period (which began October 18th, 2009), some teams moved to different coverage areas. This CCRC has two assisted living units for people who have reached an age where they need more help than they get in their independent living apartments--help with medicine delivery, food preparation and delivery, and cleaning their apartments. Residents in these units live in one of 44 studio apartments with private bathrooms. One of these two assisted living units is for people with dementia--who have more problems with memory than the people on the other unit.
Care givers used to working with the dementia patients have developed routines in their service that they try to implement throughout the week. Because of their dementia, their patients are more docile and responsive to relatively aggressive leadership from their care givers. Some of these care givers have switched to be care givers in the other assisted living unit where the residents have more of their usual faculties for decision-making.
Some of these care givers, with the best of intentions, have tried to impose the structure of their dementia-unit routines on the residents of the other assisted living unit. The reaction of the residents of the non-dementia assisted living unit is strongly negative. These care givers, rather than making their own routines the important factor in their care, need to learn the needs and personalities of the residents of this unit and to adapt what they do to meet the needs of the residents rather than forcing the residents to conform to a routine that the care givers value.
What causes the biggest conflict is what is perceived by the residents as a lack of compassion and connection on the part of these care givers. This creates a big disconnect between the care givers and the residents they serve.
The 12-hour schedule with accompanying rotations are also contributing to the disconnect due to the stress on the body caused by disrupting normal rhythms of sleep for the night shift workers. (See the previous post on this issue.)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Reusing-Rediscovering-Reinventing Our Resources
Over time we build and acquire lots of resources that we no longer keep in the foreground of our awareness. Much like using our personal computers (Mac or PC), we have more programs on the computer than we normally use and we frequently pay attention to what is in our foreground rather than running in the background.
I was reminded today that a resource I had invested heavily in a few years ago may still be relevant and viable to me today. I had put it into the background and had not used it. All of a sudden I received an e-mail that got me to thinking--to find a way to reuse, rediscover, or reinvent this resource.
If I've done that with one resource, how many more resources can I tap into that I have been ignoring? That will be a focus for me for the next few days--and more.
Several years ago I became a protege of Robert Allen. Since then I became a classroom teacher and was investing all of my energy in teaching. This year, due to economic changes impacting schools, I am engaged in other work and had lost track of the value of being a Robert Allen protege with access to the Enlightened Wealth Institute (EWI). Fortunately I kept on the mailing list and receive the awakening e-mail today. One thing I have to keep in mind is that the opportunities offered by Robert Allen and the EWI are not for everyone--including me. I have to pick and choose the opportunities that are of real value for me.
Yesterday I signed-up for a refresher course in French to help me regain my fluency in the language. My friend who lives in Paris has been encouraging me to brush up on my French for years. Now is a good time to do that.
Today, at lunch with some friends, I began sharing what I am doing about language and the owner of the restaurant, another friend of mine, has people he know that need to learn English--offered in the same software program I am using to brush up on my French.
These resources are all around us and are available for us to use today to improve our lives. I need to keep better track of the blessings I have around me.
I was reminded today that a resource I had invested heavily in a few years ago may still be relevant and viable to me today. I had put it into the background and had not used it. All of a sudden I received an e-mail that got me to thinking--to find a way to reuse, rediscover, or reinvent this resource.
If I've done that with one resource, how many more resources can I tap into that I have been ignoring? That will be a focus for me for the next few days--and more.
Several years ago I became a protege of Robert Allen. Since then I became a classroom teacher and was investing all of my energy in teaching. This year, due to economic changes impacting schools, I am engaged in other work and had lost track of the value of being a Robert Allen protege with access to the Enlightened Wealth Institute (EWI). Fortunately I kept on the mailing list and receive the awakening e-mail today. One thing I have to keep in mind is that the opportunities offered by Robert Allen and the EWI are not for everyone--including me. I have to pick and choose the opportunities that are of real value for me.
Yesterday I signed-up for a refresher course in French to help me regain my fluency in the language. My friend who lives in Paris has been encouraging me to brush up on my French for years. Now is a good time to do that.
Today, at lunch with some friends, I began sharing what I am doing about language and the owner of the restaurant, another friend of mine, has people he know that need to learn English--offered in the same software program I am using to brush up on my French.
These resources are all around us and are available for us to use today to improve our lives. I need to keep better track of the blessings I have around me.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Second Language Learning via the Internet
The Internet has made some things much more accessible. Second language learning (the learning of any language beyond a person's native language [mother tongue]) can be accomplished with the support of the personal computer and the Internet.
One of the best ways to learn a second language is to start young. French and English schools in Canada have been offering dual-language programs for years and can serve as a model for best practices. Some Spanish and English dual-language programs in the USA have also served as the model and as the research platform to improve teaching.
We naturally learn language through the process of listening (or observing if we are deaf), thinking, then speaking (or practicing hand signs if we are deaf), thinking some more to make sure that we are understood. Later we move to the area of reading (best approached by listening to "native speakers" read to us while we read something interesting) and finally beginning to use our favorite readings as models for writing.
This approach works well for both first language learning and second language learning (SLL). Once we have acquired a solid foundation in the communication centers in our brain for language, we can begin to add multiple languages. I have found that an ear for language is similar to an ear for vocal music--listening to variations of tone and pitch and pronunciation. Some people say that you need an initial base for a language before the age of 15. I was exposed to most of the languages I know before then, though I began studying Italian in college.
I loved communicating in multiple languages and, when I took the Army language exams, tested fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian. I lived in Italy for three-and-one-half years and was considered (by the Italians I worked with) fluent. I have been speaking Spanish for much of my life and am certified by the state of Illinois as a bilingual (Spanish) teacher. My French is my least-used language. While once fluent, I haven't had the need to speak it daily. Yesterday I signed up for a year's subscription to EN101--an online language program for English language learners (ELLs) with supplementary programs in multiple languages. I've started my review of French and will probably review the grammar for both Spanish and Italian throughout the year to bring back my fluency in all three languages. My native language is English and am certainly fluent in that. I am also certified in the state of Illinois as a Teacher of English as a Second Language and have been working in that field with adults overseas in Europe, Asia, and South America. In the USA, I was an ELL teacher (K-12) for six years.
I was recently approached by the founders of two language programs, focused primarily on teaching English as a second language. The first of these was EN101--which I have already subscribed to as a student of languages other than English. The second has a full release date set for November 1, 2009, and is the English language program of Excel Global University (XLGU). The initial focus of the XLGU program is to make a conversational English program available online at a modest tuition to English language learners in China.
My undergraduate major was Humanities--with more than 55 credits in English courses. My certification as a teacher in Illinois includes a "highly qualified" area of English and Language Arts and Reading at the K-9 level. I have also taught English as a second language at the high school level.
I believe strongly in second language learning and have written several research articles about English language learning and second language learning.
As I begin to work with both EN101 and XLGU, I believe that becoming conversationally fluent in English will be a big help for immigrants to the USA and to people wanting to develop business relationships with organizations based in the USA with connections outside of the USA. The second language learning offerings can help people fluent in English to pick-up conversational fluency in other languages to help make communication of better quality and easier in dealing with non-native English speakers.
Beyond all of this, there are some business opportunities in helping to expand the reach of both EN101 and XLGU. It's great to have a chance to help someone grow and to earn some money while doing it.
One of the best ways to learn a second language is to start young. French and English schools in Canada have been offering dual-language programs for years and can serve as a model for best practices. Some Spanish and English dual-language programs in the USA have also served as the model and as the research platform to improve teaching.
We naturally learn language through the process of listening (or observing if we are deaf), thinking, then speaking (or practicing hand signs if we are deaf), thinking some more to make sure that we are understood. Later we move to the area of reading (best approached by listening to "native speakers" read to us while we read something interesting) and finally beginning to use our favorite readings as models for writing.
This approach works well for both first language learning and second language learning (SLL). Once we have acquired a solid foundation in the communication centers in our brain for language, we can begin to add multiple languages. I have found that an ear for language is similar to an ear for vocal music--listening to variations of tone and pitch and pronunciation. Some people say that you need an initial base for a language before the age of 15. I was exposed to most of the languages I know before then, though I began studying Italian in college.
I loved communicating in multiple languages and, when I took the Army language exams, tested fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian. I lived in Italy for three-and-one-half years and was considered (by the Italians I worked with) fluent. I have been speaking Spanish for much of my life and am certified by the state of Illinois as a bilingual (Spanish) teacher. My French is my least-used language. While once fluent, I haven't had the need to speak it daily. Yesterday I signed up for a year's subscription to EN101--an online language program for English language learners (ELLs) with supplementary programs in multiple languages. I've started my review of French and will probably review the grammar for both Spanish and Italian throughout the year to bring back my fluency in all three languages. My native language is English and am certainly fluent in that. I am also certified in the state of Illinois as a Teacher of English as a Second Language and have been working in that field with adults overseas in Europe, Asia, and South America. In the USA, I was an ELL teacher (K-12) for six years.
I was recently approached by the founders of two language programs, focused primarily on teaching English as a second language. The first of these was EN101--which I have already subscribed to as a student of languages other than English. The second has a full release date set for November 1, 2009, and is the English language program of Excel Global University (XLGU). The initial focus of the XLGU program is to make a conversational English program available online at a modest tuition to English language learners in China.
My undergraduate major was Humanities--with more than 55 credits in English courses. My certification as a teacher in Illinois includes a "highly qualified" area of English and Language Arts and Reading at the K-9 level. I have also taught English as a second language at the high school level.
I believe strongly in second language learning and have written several research articles about English language learning and second language learning.
As I begin to work with both EN101 and XLGU, I believe that becoming conversationally fluent in English will be a big help for immigrants to the USA and to people wanting to develop business relationships with organizations based in the USA with connections outside of the USA. The second language learning offerings can help people fluent in English to pick-up conversational fluency in other languages to help make communication of better quality and easier in dealing with non-native English speakers.
Beyond all of this, there are some business opportunities in helping to expand the reach of both EN101 and XLGU. It's great to have a chance to help someone grow and to earn some money while doing it.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Transformative Learning Experiences--Personal Integrity--Core Values
Transformative learning experiences literally produce transformation and change in a person. Normally this learning requires a conscious process of reflection and time to integrate the change with the core values of the individual.
Personal integrity forms a bridge between core values and transformative learning experiences. We may or may not be aware of a life purpose, though our core values may have been guiding us to make certain choices throughout our lives.
To illustrate this idea three friends were having a conversation today about Joan Baez and a new documentary on her life available from Amazon.com. A recent news article went into what the documentary is about. The conversation focused on the integrity and core values that Joan Baez has demonstrated in her life. In the beginning of the documentary, Joan Baez says that she would prefer not to be labeled. If someone needs to label her, she would prefer the first label to be human being, the second label to be pacifist, "and if you have to have a third, it can be folksinger.
I graduated from high school in 1964 and from college in 1968. Joan Baez and the other folk singers were "the voices of our times." I hope that my life with reflect the integrity and core values I see in the life of Joan Baez.
When I went back to graduate school for my doctorate degree, I decided to focus on how to help adults and organizations learn to change. When it came time to conduct research and to publish a dissertation to advance knowledge, I chose to explore how to help people learn to deepen their ability to reflect on their experience. I finished my course work in three years, then took 3.5 more years to conduct the research, analyze it, and get it ready for publication.
As I reflect today on the choices I have made in my life, I believe that the major choices have been aligned with my core values, personal integrity, and sense of purpose. All of us--at least most of us--experience life in a series of ups and downs rather than in straight lines.
Some people measure the value of life with a bankbook. For me, the value of my life has little to do with a bankbook--that, too, has had a series of ups and downs. I measure the value of my life by what I have learned and by how I have been able to make a positive difference in my own life and in the lives of others.
Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, in the movie, Groundhog Day, demonstrate a series of transformative learning experiences--with true transformation coming late in the movie. It is very helpful when an enjoyable movie can demonstrate a concept and Groundhog Day (filmed in Woodstock, IL) does it well.
Personal integrity forms a bridge between core values and transformative learning experiences. We may or may not be aware of a life purpose, though our core values may have been guiding us to make certain choices throughout our lives.
To illustrate this idea three friends were having a conversation today about Joan Baez and a new documentary on her life available from Amazon.com. A recent news article went into what the documentary is about. The conversation focused on the integrity and core values that Joan Baez has demonstrated in her life. In the beginning of the documentary, Joan Baez says that she would prefer not to be labeled. If someone needs to label her, she would prefer the first label to be human being, the second label to be pacifist, "and if you have to have a third, it can be folksinger.
I graduated from high school in 1964 and from college in 1968. Joan Baez and the other folk singers were "the voices of our times." I hope that my life with reflect the integrity and core values I see in the life of Joan Baez.
When I went back to graduate school for my doctorate degree, I decided to focus on how to help adults and organizations learn to change. When it came time to conduct research and to publish a dissertation to advance knowledge, I chose to explore how to help people learn to deepen their ability to reflect on their experience. I finished my course work in three years, then took 3.5 more years to conduct the research, analyze it, and get it ready for publication.
As I reflect today on the choices I have made in my life, I believe that the major choices have been aligned with my core values, personal integrity, and sense of purpose. All of us--at least most of us--experience life in a series of ups and downs rather than in straight lines.
Some people measure the value of life with a bankbook. For me, the value of my life has little to do with a bankbook--that, too, has had a series of ups and downs. I measure the value of my life by what I have learned and by how I have been able to make a positive difference in my own life and in the lives of others.
Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, in the movie, Groundhog Day, demonstrate a series of transformative learning experiences--with true transformation coming late in the movie. It is very helpful when an enjoyable movie can demonstrate a concept and Groundhog Day (filmed in Woodstock, IL) does it well.
Real Estate Investing Opportunities and Education
My mother, who will be 95 in December, 2009, had a 14-year career in Real Estate when she retired from a 33+ year career in education. She enjoyed Real Estate and earned more in that career than in her education career.
In the careers I have chosen so far, I have not included Real Estate. At this point in my life and in the economy, Real Estate is looking better and better as a choice for building income, especially at this stage in my life.
Last week I became acquainted with some of the programs offered by the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College. I also became acquainted with the Chicagoland community of like-minded investors with offices in Downer's Grove (use "dog" as a password).
I attended a "Super Saturday" Meeting today in Oakbrook and learned more about business opportunities in marketing the education offerings of the Real Estate Investment College.
There are, in this program, three sets of business opportunities: 1) Real Estate Investing Education supported by immediate "earn while you learn" components to build net worth and to get out of debt. 2) Ongoing mentorship, team, and community support for new (and experienced) Real Estate investors. 3) Marketing opportunities to promote the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investing courses--with attendant mentoring, team, and community support for new (and experienced) marketers of the education program.
Some people may only want the Real Estate Investing education and to work on their own (Opportunity one). Others may want support and guidance as they build expertise in Real Estate investing (Option One and Option Two). Another group may want to earn extra income to support their own Real Estate Investing education by marketing the education courses (Option Three). (Some people may want all three options.)
I certainly like what I see so far about the program, though I have only had limited exposure to the programs and the community of "like-minded" investors. My "due dilligence" requires me to check out other Real Estate investing opportunities for education and support to see if the value offered by the Nouveau Riche opportunities are the best value for me. I would like to find a way (grants, alternative funding) to support my education without incurring more debt. I also need to be sure that this is a community I would like to be a part of.
One aspect of my concern at present is the delivery method of the education courses. Tuitions require attendance at the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College in Scottsdale, AZ. They have video-tapes from completed classes available for review. Last summer I completed fifteen graduate education hours online with the University of Phoenix. Laura Palmer Noone, former President of the University of Phoenix, is now the CEO of Piccolo International University in Scottsdale, AZ. Piccolo International University was created by the same three founders as the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College. Presently Piccolo International University offers practically-oriented online degrees at the bachelors and masters level. The Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College is considered a vocational school even though they number the courses in the 100, 200, and 300 levels similar to what would be offered at the university level. Some discussion regarding the accreditation process for Nouveau Riche indicates that the courses may be approved at the associates level (similar to a community college). While that doesn't mean much to successful Real Estate investors graduating from their programs, it may be more important to people determining the value of education.
Because of Laura's work with the University of Phoenix and now her work with Piccolo International University, I am hopeful that she will bring her online education expertise to help Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College to move to more online courses.
In the careers I have chosen so far, I have not included Real Estate. At this point in my life and in the economy, Real Estate is looking better and better as a choice for building income, especially at this stage in my life.
Last week I became acquainted with some of the programs offered by the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College. I also became acquainted with the Chicagoland community of like-minded investors with offices in Downer's Grove (use "dog" as a password).
I attended a "Super Saturday" Meeting today in Oakbrook and learned more about business opportunities in marketing the education offerings of the Real Estate Investment College.
There are, in this program, three sets of business opportunities: 1) Real Estate Investing Education supported by immediate "earn while you learn" components to build net worth and to get out of debt. 2) Ongoing mentorship, team, and community support for new (and experienced) Real Estate investors. 3) Marketing opportunities to promote the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investing courses--with attendant mentoring, team, and community support for new (and experienced) marketers of the education program.
Some people may only want the Real Estate Investing education and to work on their own (Opportunity one). Others may want support and guidance as they build expertise in Real Estate investing (Option One and Option Two). Another group may want to earn extra income to support their own Real Estate Investing education by marketing the education courses (Option Three). (Some people may want all three options.)
I certainly like what I see so far about the program, though I have only had limited exposure to the programs and the community of "like-minded" investors. My "due dilligence" requires me to check out other Real Estate investing opportunities for education and support to see if the value offered by the Nouveau Riche opportunities are the best value for me. I would like to find a way (grants, alternative funding) to support my education without incurring more debt. I also need to be sure that this is a community I would like to be a part of.
One aspect of my concern at present is the delivery method of the education courses. Tuitions require attendance at the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College in Scottsdale, AZ. They have video-tapes from completed classes available for review. Last summer I completed fifteen graduate education hours online with the University of Phoenix. Laura Palmer Noone, former President of the University of Phoenix, is now the CEO of Piccolo International University in Scottsdale, AZ. Piccolo International University was created by the same three founders as the Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College. Presently Piccolo International University offers practically-oriented online degrees at the bachelors and masters level. The Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College is considered a vocational school even though they number the courses in the 100, 200, and 300 levels similar to what would be offered at the university level. Some discussion regarding the accreditation process for Nouveau Riche indicates that the courses may be approved at the associates level (similar to a community college). While that doesn't mean much to successful Real Estate investors graduating from their programs, it may be more important to people determining the value of education.
Because of Laura's work with the University of Phoenix and now her work with Piccolo International University, I am hopeful that she will bring her online education expertise to help Nouveau Riche Real Estate Investment College to move to more online courses.
Friday, October 16, 2009
A Vital Spark--Missing in the USA? in the World?
In the late 1800's when most Americans were farmers, there was a vital spark of energy in the food that was grown. This vital spark was probably in most of the food grown around the world and no one knew that it was there. In the beginning of the 2100s, much of our food--even organically grown food--is missing that vital spark. Our bodies need supplements to get the bio-materials we need to be healthy. There is lots of discussion over exactly what and how much and how to get it and that we need more to be healthy is not really in contention.
In the emerging USA economy, the "American Dream" of owning a home, raising a family, giving more to our children that their parents had, getting a college/university education for whoever wanted it is changing. Part of how it is changing seems to be the elimination of the middle class--the people who worked toward the American Dream from World War II (1940s) to the present. Many of the jobs are changing. With the pressure to be a nation of consumers, debts are increasing while income is shrinking. Recently we learned that there will not be a cost of living increase in Social Security for 2010. "We have not had inflation." Bills keep going up and more and more people are being laid off and forced to accept jobs with lower salaries. Getting out of debt is getting more and more difficult and savings set aside in "401K" plans and in stocks and bonds keep dissolving (worse than disappearing). Yes, the concept of "dollar cost averaging" may still exist--if you can wait 50 years or more for the stock to recover its lost value.
Real Estate investing seems to be riding on the wave of change. Someone mentioned to me today that "everyone still needs a place to live, no matter what the economy." That's certainly true. It's also true that marriages continue to take place, babies continue to be born, people need to change houses for a variety of reasons. Commercial Real Estate is the next area for concern in terms of people not being able to pay for the properties they have bought. The end idea is still that Real Estate, in some form, is here to stay. Of course, that is part of the issue, the form may be changing rapidly--especially in the next few years.
Even so, it's hard to see any "job security" these days. Those out of work looking for a job are not assured how long the new job will last--or the company or organization providing the job. When we have expenses, all of us need a positive cash flow to do more than cover our expenses. We would also like to have a good way to save for our future and emergency needs. Health care is important and we need to be able to afford the premiums.
Education is a vital part of learning how to do something--to learn from others who are successful can certainly eliminate much of the trial and error we would otherwise face in working something new. There is high value in the right education. Some education is expensive without providing lasting value. At other times we have to look to find the lasting value that may not be obvious at first.
I don't regret my education, though what I know needs to be added to in order for me to continue to be successful in our emerging economy. I have my own strengths--consulting with others and with businesses, providing training designed specifically to help someone learn to do something in a new way. I have not yet been involved much in Real Estate or in Real Estate investing.
I'm exploring what opportunities I see to learn more about how I can be successful in this arena. I've been a protege of Robert Allen for several years, though lately, because of my commitment to classroom teaching, I haven't been able to take advantage of everything he offers. I was also involved with Primerica for several years and, again, due to my family commitments and my commitment to teaching, I was not able to take full advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves through Primerica.
I am open to learn and believe that I have the "vital spark" I need to be very successful in the USA (and the world) today. I also know that learning is a team sport and I am looking for great team members to help me learn what I need to learn and to help make a positive difference for the world we live in--and for our families and ourselves.
I keep working, exploring and learning. Anyone want to join me?
In the emerging USA economy, the "American Dream" of owning a home, raising a family, giving more to our children that their parents had, getting a college/university education for whoever wanted it is changing. Part of how it is changing seems to be the elimination of the middle class--the people who worked toward the American Dream from World War II (1940s) to the present. Many of the jobs are changing. With the pressure to be a nation of consumers, debts are increasing while income is shrinking. Recently we learned that there will not be a cost of living increase in Social Security for 2010. "We have not had inflation." Bills keep going up and more and more people are being laid off and forced to accept jobs with lower salaries. Getting out of debt is getting more and more difficult and savings set aside in "401K" plans and in stocks and bonds keep dissolving (worse than disappearing). Yes, the concept of "dollar cost averaging" may still exist--if you can wait 50 years or more for the stock to recover its lost value.
Real Estate investing seems to be riding on the wave of change. Someone mentioned to me today that "everyone still needs a place to live, no matter what the economy." That's certainly true. It's also true that marriages continue to take place, babies continue to be born, people need to change houses for a variety of reasons. Commercial Real Estate is the next area for concern in terms of people not being able to pay for the properties they have bought. The end idea is still that Real Estate, in some form, is here to stay. Of course, that is part of the issue, the form may be changing rapidly--especially in the next few years.
Even so, it's hard to see any "job security" these days. Those out of work looking for a job are not assured how long the new job will last--or the company or organization providing the job. When we have expenses, all of us need a positive cash flow to do more than cover our expenses. We would also like to have a good way to save for our future and emergency needs. Health care is important and we need to be able to afford the premiums.
Education is a vital part of learning how to do something--to learn from others who are successful can certainly eliminate much of the trial and error we would otherwise face in working something new. There is high value in the right education. Some education is expensive without providing lasting value. At other times we have to look to find the lasting value that may not be obvious at first.
I don't regret my education, though what I know needs to be added to in order for me to continue to be successful in our emerging economy. I have my own strengths--consulting with others and with businesses, providing training designed specifically to help someone learn to do something in a new way. I have not yet been involved much in Real Estate or in Real Estate investing.
I'm exploring what opportunities I see to learn more about how I can be successful in this arena. I've been a protege of Robert Allen for several years, though lately, because of my commitment to classroom teaching, I haven't been able to take advantage of everything he offers. I was also involved with Primerica for several years and, again, due to my family commitments and my commitment to teaching, I was not able to take full advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves through Primerica.
I am open to learn and believe that I have the "vital spark" I need to be very successful in the USA (and the world) today. I also know that learning is a team sport and I am looking for great team members to help me learn what I need to learn and to help make a positive difference for the world we live in--and for our families and ourselves.
I keep working, exploring and learning. Anyone want to join me?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Second Language Learning--English, French, Italian, Spanish, More
Today I was asked how fluent I am in French. It is my least used language at the moment. I did study French for five years and was fluent in it in 1969 when I entered the U.S. Army. I have used French in a limited way since then and could bring it back to fluency with a bit of study.
English is my native (first) language. I am currently most fluent in Spanish, then comes Italian (I lived in Italy for 3.5 years) and, finally (for now) French. It is amazing how much learning multiple languages helps in focusing the learning in all of the languages. The real key is immersion--actually speaking the language in normal day-to-day activities. One way to identify emerging fluency is when we are aware of dreaming in a second language. Second language learning (SLL) is the term used for all languages after acquiring the first language.
For me, most of my second languages have a Latin base. That's helpful. I'm very happy to have English as my first language--it's incredibly difficult to learn as a second language. I enjoy language learning and am now certified as a Teacher of English as a Second Language in Illinois. I had lots of hours in English in college and what I needed to learn to teach English as a second language is very different from the coursework I took in English while at the university.
How fluent am I in French? I can probably get around in a taxi in France and I can be lots better with a brief refresher course in the language. I'm exploring an opportunity to brush up on several languages. I'll revisit this post with the links once I have them.
English is my native (first) language. I am currently most fluent in Spanish, then comes Italian (I lived in Italy for 3.5 years) and, finally (for now) French. It is amazing how much learning multiple languages helps in focusing the learning in all of the languages. The real key is immersion--actually speaking the language in normal day-to-day activities. One way to identify emerging fluency is when we are aware of dreaming in a second language. Second language learning (SLL) is the term used for all languages after acquiring the first language.
For me, most of my second languages have a Latin base. That's helpful. I'm very happy to have English as my first language--it's incredibly difficult to learn as a second language. I enjoy language learning and am now certified as a Teacher of English as a Second Language in Illinois. I had lots of hours in English in college and what I needed to learn to teach English as a second language is very different from the coursework I took in English while at the university.
How fluent am I in French? I can probably get around in a taxi in France and I can be lots better with a brief refresher course in the language. I'm exploring an opportunity to brush up on several languages. I'll revisit this post with the links once I have them.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thinking Outside the Box or In A Larger Box?
At an orientation introducing job seekers to new business opportunities, we had a chance to view Steve Job's 2005 Commencement Address at Stanford University. Steve had lots of good things to say in his video.
We were then introduced to a new Real Estate Investment College founded by Jim and Mary Piccolo and Bob Snyder. These three people also founded an online university in Arizona now named Piccolo International University. They recruited Laura Palmer Noone out of retirement to be the CEO of Piccolo International University. Both the Real Estate Investment College and Piccolo International University are involved with a new approach to practical education.
The Real Estate Investment College offers classes in practical real estate investment skills and actually helps students build their Real Estate portfolios as they complete the classes. Rather than preparing graduating students for jobs, graduating students are practicing Real Estate investors when they graduate--and they earn their tuition while engaged in the practical applications of what they are learning while they are students. The program even has lists of properties and other Real Estate services available to students if they choose to make use of them. There is also a business education component built-into the learning program.
The thrust of this orientation is that there is a world of opportunity for people to build six-figure incomes in the world of real estate investing. The key to success (a valid theme in many areas) is that knowledge can be converted to income.
While they didn't use the term "JOB=Just-over-broke" that I've heard many times before, they are realistic--actually showing sales forms and commission statements indicating income over a 24-month period.
The tuition for this "Real Estate Investment College" is high--though I haven't checked the details. It does offer tuition assistance in the form of actual pay-off of tuition as well as cash-in-the-pocket for students completing Real Estate transactions while taking college courses (50% of profit goes to instructor, 25% to student, and 25% to student tuition).
One fundamental area I need to explore if I am considering getting involved in this world is to answer the question, how much of this new world is built on a solid foundation and how much is subject to immediate change--for example in regulations regarding bank loans, mortgages, home-owner line of credit, etc.?
There are trends at work in our new economic marketplace and there is a group of investors introducing these ideas in this geographical area. While they are certainly making money and engaged in worthwhile ventures--to include "Pay It Forward" charity work--there's more to think about.
There is some controversy about this approach, though the integrity of the people involved and the institutions overall seem to shine through the controversy.
People who are working with what they have learned from the program say that there is significant work involved and that it is not "something for nothing." Nor is it a multi-level marketing program.
My original question remains, while this approach to Real Estate investing is outside the box of traditional "jobs," it still relies on the worlds of financing Real Estate--a larger or different box. Taking education courses to know current trends and best practices in Real Estate investing will prepare someone to work successfully in this different box--unless and until the rules change. Then, if the education courses can keep up with the evolution in the rules, it can still be worthwhile, though not the same as it is now.
I'm still learning and am open to explore ideas that can help me have a quality lifestyle. I've tried many approaches so far and have lots more to learn.
We were then introduced to a new Real Estate Investment College founded by Jim and Mary Piccolo and Bob Snyder. These three people also founded an online university in Arizona now named Piccolo International University. They recruited Laura Palmer Noone out of retirement to be the CEO of Piccolo International University. Both the Real Estate Investment College and Piccolo International University are involved with a new approach to practical education.
The Real Estate Investment College offers classes in practical real estate investment skills and actually helps students build their Real Estate portfolios as they complete the classes. Rather than preparing graduating students for jobs, graduating students are practicing Real Estate investors when they graduate--and they earn their tuition while engaged in the practical applications of what they are learning while they are students. The program even has lists of properties and other Real Estate services available to students if they choose to make use of them. There is also a business education component built-into the learning program.
The thrust of this orientation is that there is a world of opportunity for people to build six-figure incomes in the world of real estate investing. The key to success (a valid theme in many areas) is that knowledge can be converted to income.
While they didn't use the term "JOB=Just-over-broke" that I've heard many times before, they are realistic--actually showing sales forms and commission statements indicating income over a 24-month period.
The tuition for this "Real Estate Investment College" is high--though I haven't checked the details. It does offer tuition assistance in the form of actual pay-off of tuition as well as cash-in-the-pocket for students completing Real Estate transactions while taking college courses (50% of profit goes to instructor, 25% to student, and 25% to student tuition).
One fundamental area I need to explore if I am considering getting involved in this world is to answer the question, how much of this new world is built on a solid foundation and how much is subject to immediate change--for example in regulations regarding bank loans, mortgages, home-owner line of credit, etc.?
There are trends at work in our new economic marketplace and there is a group of investors introducing these ideas in this geographical area. While they are certainly making money and engaged in worthwhile ventures--to include "Pay It Forward" charity work--there's more to think about.
There is some controversy about this approach, though the integrity of the people involved and the institutions overall seem to shine through the controversy.
People who are working with what they have learned from the program say that there is significant work involved and that it is not "something for nothing." Nor is it a multi-level marketing program.
My original question remains, while this approach to Real Estate investing is outside the box of traditional "jobs," it still relies on the worlds of financing Real Estate--a larger or different box. Taking education courses to know current trends and best practices in Real Estate investing will prepare someone to work successfully in this different box--unless and until the rules change. Then, if the education courses can keep up with the evolution in the rules, it can still be worthwhile, though not the same as it is now.
I'm still learning and am open to explore ideas that can help me have a quality lifestyle. I've tried many approaches so far and have lots more to learn.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Creative Imagination--Inspirational Examples--Innovation
Creative imagination can push pre-existing boundaries to thought and action. Inspirational models can inspire us to move beyond these limits. Michaelangelo's statue of David represented an entirely new way of depicting the human form and ushered in an entirely new way of rendering art.
Michaelangelo understood the marble he was working with. People using creative imagination to create something new need to understand the medium in which they are creating. Our economy is evolving and there are opportunities for those with creative imaginations to create something entirely new from the medium available.
One challenge is to find positive models to serve as inspiration in the way David inspires other sculptors and artists.
Michaelangelo understood the marble he was working with. People using creative imagination to create something new need to understand the medium in which they are creating. Our economy is evolving and there are opportunities for those with creative imaginations to create something entirely new from the medium available.
One challenge is to find positive models to serve as inspiration in the way David inspires other sculptors and artists.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Christopher Columbus--Consulting and the Emerging Technology-Economy of the New World
Columbus Day, 2009--October 12, 2009--Christopher Columbus was a consultant for his times--and, perhaps, a model for today. A short history--from my memory, so it is in part a fable--In that time (1490's), Italy had a "lock" on the overland trade routes to Asia--silks, spices, exotic goods of all sorts funnelled through Venice, Italy. Many of the neighboring countries were frequently at war with each other and had lots of expenses and no money to pay for them, having taxed their inhabitants enormously. Christopher Columbus, from Genoa, Italy, was working as a map maker in Portugal where navigators of sailing vessels were trained. Christopher Columbus became convinced that he could find a "short cut" to the "Indies" (the name for the islands where exotic spices such as pepper came from). (Remember, in those days before referigeration, spices could cover the taste of bad meat--a real problem for the dining table.) He needed a sponsor and, after much sacrifice, got the Queen of Spain to sponsor his expedition. In dreaming-up his short cut he (along with most other explorers of his time) didn't know about an entire continent that lay in his way before he could sail around the world to Asia and "the Indies."
To make a long story short, Christopher Columbus didn't know where he was going, got someone to pay his way in advance, didn't know where he was when he arrived--or where he had been, though he could find his way home. Instead of pepper, he brought chilies. Instead of the Indies, he found the West Indies. Instead of a short-cut to riches, he found (and claimed) some islands and, eventually, an entire continent on behalf of Spain.
He lived in a time of emerging economies--everyone needed new sources of money and finding a new continent became lucritive for all of the European countries around Spain--except for Italy. The technology was also up and coming--newer magnetic compasses, newer ideas for sailing. Finding countries who didn't have the kind of armament and weaponry that the Europeans commanded in the late 1400's.
Today we are in an emerging economy, exploring new technologies, looking for sponsors, and we have consultants who can provide advice--though we may not know where we are going or where we've been when we get there. It sounds asthough Christopher Columbus may be a good role model for consultants of our times as well.
To make a long story short, Christopher Columbus didn't know where he was going, got someone to pay his way in advance, didn't know where he was when he arrived--or where he had been, though he could find his way home. Instead of pepper, he brought chilies. Instead of the Indies, he found the West Indies. Instead of a short-cut to riches, he found (and claimed) some islands and, eventually, an entire continent on behalf of Spain.
He lived in a time of emerging economies--everyone needed new sources of money and finding a new continent became lucritive for all of the European countries around Spain--except for Italy. The technology was also up and coming--newer magnetic compasses, newer ideas for sailing. Finding countries who didn't have the kind of armament and weaponry that the Europeans commanded in the late 1400's.
Today we are in an emerging economy, exploring new technologies, looking for sponsors, and we have consultants who can provide advice--though we may not know where we are going or where we've been when we get there. It sounds asthough Christopher Columbus may be a good role model for consultants of our times as well.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
"Business as Usual"--Sustainability, Emerging Economy, Death Spirals, and Change
Chief Executives (CEOs, COOs, CFOs, etc.--all members of the "C-suite") and Business Owners in today's emerging economy are all facing significant challenges to "business as usual." Business does not operate "as usual." Many businesses have a core series of processes that generate most of their income. Between the drying-up of sources of income (bank loans) and demand (no disposable income to make "normal purchases"), the volume of business has decreased significantly. For those who still enjoy a positive cash flow, the flow may have moved from US$16 million to US$6 million in a year. If the organization is geared for the volumes of US$16 million, significant workforce reductions and other restructuring will be required for the organization to remain viable when generating US$6 million.
Depending on how the businesses are organized, structured, and run, some may continue to operate on their own inertia for some time in the emerging economy until their forward progress comes to a stop (inertia). In earlier posts the book, Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson, was introduced in terms of explaining how we are often reluctant to stay aware of changes and to make the change to do something different. When the economy has changed to the point that the way a business is organized and run is no longer sustainable, it may enter a death spiral and become extinct (like the dinosaurs).
Sustainability, in terms of the new economy, may also need to focus on the details of the organization. Is the organization's mission and are its processes sustainable in terms of planetary needs? Buckminster Fuller, in 1971, wrote Spaceship Earth (mentioned in a previous post). In this book, the author notes that the Earth is like a spaceship moving through space. We need to pay attention to our renewable resources and, as a planet, to take care of our planet. We cannot continue to pollute the air, water, and land. In the Constitution of the United States of America, we say, in part, that we want to ". . . secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity." We need to leave a planet that our posterity can prosper in.
While the "green movement" may be an extreme example of this idea, each of us can focus on making minor changes in our daily lives to make our lives and our planet healthier rather than destroying it.
What is the reality an organization faces? Rather than trying to take how a business is organized and structured at the moment, what if there were a "4th of July Revolution (as in 1776)? What does the economy present in terms of business today and how would a business best be organized to meet the requirements of the emerging economy, ignoring present organizational structures, people, and processes? This may give an idea of "what we need to change to." Once that activity is completed, we need to look at how we are currently organized and structured to find out "what we need to change from." After that, we need a plan to make the transition. Many occupants of the C-Suite are not ready to face the need for change. The consequences of not facing these needs are enormous--and we are just beginning to feel the impact. While we have high unemployment in this country, a more challenging problem is that the jobs that are being created will not be the same as those being given up.
Each of us needs to begin to think about the emerging economic reality and what we need to prepare for to be sustainable in the new economy. Not only do people in the C-Suite need to face the need for change. Each of us needs to face this need and to find some assistance to help us prepare for the changes we need to take.
Depending on how the businesses are organized, structured, and run, some may continue to operate on their own inertia for some time in the emerging economy until their forward progress comes to a stop (inertia). In earlier posts the book, Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson, was introduced in terms of explaining how we are often reluctant to stay aware of changes and to make the change to do something different. When the economy has changed to the point that the way a business is organized and run is no longer sustainable, it may enter a death spiral and become extinct (like the dinosaurs).
Sustainability, in terms of the new economy, may also need to focus on the details of the organization. Is the organization's mission and are its processes sustainable in terms of planetary needs? Buckminster Fuller, in 1971, wrote Spaceship Earth (mentioned in a previous post). In this book, the author notes that the Earth is like a spaceship moving through space. We need to pay attention to our renewable resources and, as a planet, to take care of our planet. We cannot continue to pollute the air, water, and land. In the Constitution of the United States of America, we say, in part, that we want to ". . . secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity." We need to leave a planet that our posterity can prosper in.
While the "green movement" may be an extreme example of this idea, each of us can focus on making minor changes in our daily lives to make our lives and our planet healthier rather than destroying it.
What is the reality an organization faces? Rather than trying to take how a business is organized and structured at the moment, what if there were a "4th of July Revolution (as in 1776)? What does the economy present in terms of business today and how would a business best be organized to meet the requirements of the emerging economy, ignoring present organizational structures, people, and processes? This may give an idea of "what we need to change to." Once that activity is completed, we need to look at how we are currently organized and structured to find out "what we need to change from." After that, we need a plan to make the transition. Many occupants of the C-Suite are not ready to face the need for change. The consequences of not facing these needs are enormous--and we are just beginning to feel the impact. While we have high unemployment in this country, a more challenging problem is that the jobs that are being created will not be the same as those being given up.
Each of us needs to begin to think about the emerging economic reality and what we need to prepare for to be sustainable in the new economy. Not only do people in the C-Suite need to face the need for change. Each of us needs to face this need and to find some assistance to help us prepare for the changes we need to take.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Creating Roadblocks to Sucess with Processes and Technology
Research has indicated that people becoming adults in the 21st century will change careers at least 12 times and jobs even more frequently. In today's job markets, many organizations, Internet job boards, and headhunters rely on Internet-based search engines to scan resumes, sort through information, and prescreen job candidates from thousands of applicants. Many of these organizations are creating roadblocks to success by the way they require job seekers to enter data into the systems they use for prescreening candidates.
The University of Chicago's job profile process is looking for the last four jobs held--regardless of whether or not those jobs relate to the job posting they are trying to fill. Many of the larger firms require a chronological resume and, potentially, a list of all previous employers to fill job openings using the technology adopted by the organization.
These same electronic screening software programs are not designed to make sense of functional resumes. The University of Chicago and other organizations will have a hard time filling open positions when they trust the information generated by their own data collection systems. These organizations place an over-reliance on outdated data collection and sorting systems that do not provide relevant information to decision-makers trying to fill these open positions. Frequently positions remain open for months.
The University of Chicago's job profile process is looking for the last four jobs held--regardless of whether or not those jobs relate to the job posting they are trying to fill. Many of the larger firms require a chronological resume and, potentially, a list of all previous employers to fill job openings using the technology adopted by the organization.
These same electronic screening software programs are not designed to make sense of functional resumes. The University of Chicago and other organizations will have a hard time filling open positions when they trust the information generated by their own data collection systems. These organizations place an over-reliance on outdated data collection and sorting systems that do not provide relevant information to decision-makers trying to fill these open positions. Frequently positions remain open for months.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Capitalism: A Love Story by Michael Moore--Good reminders of another perspective on today's economy
I just viewed Michael Moore's newest release, Capitalism: A Love Story. It provided some documented insight into today's economy and the conflict between "haves" and "have nots" in the United States of America. Buckminster Fuller, in his 1971 book, Spaceship Earth, tracked the history of this planet in terms of a continuous series of conflicts between "haves" and "have nots." In every instance in the history of this planet, after the "have nots" got sick and tired of being "have nots," they rose up and displaced the "haves."
From the perspective of this movie, many of the current "haves" are ignoring the possibility that their comfort zones are built on "sand." The film also gave me a fresh perspective on some business opportunities I have come across recently. I mentioned some of my concerns and values in previous posts.
One of the benefits of viewing this film is to reaffirm my values and priorities for where I place my energies. Thank you, Michael, for giving me an experience to tie my personal experiences to and to come up with renewed insights and priorities for action.
From the perspective of this movie, many of the current "haves" are ignoring the possibility that their comfort zones are built on "sand." The film also gave me a fresh perspective on some business opportunities I have come across recently. I mentioned some of my concerns and values in previous posts.
One of the benefits of viewing this film is to reaffirm my values and priorities for where I place my energies. Thank you, Michael, for giving me an experience to tie my personal experiences to and to come up with renewed insights and priorities for action.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
"Yellow Blinking Lights"--Leveraging Experience-Guided Intuition--Gestalt
Malcolm Gladwell, in his book, Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking, is talking about a process tied to the concept of gestalt--in essence, with the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. The concept of holistic thinking connects with this idea.
In practice, after we have learned from our experiences over time, we can make intuitive connections when we observe something in the world that are tied to our learning in ways we may no longer be conscious of. We know something without being able to explain the details of why we know what we know.
As I am exploring potential business opportunities, I can frequently intuit whether or not the opportunity is a valid one for me. Sometimes they sound very good and I have a "yellow blinking light" flashing a warning in my brain--there is something "off" with this opportunity. Sometimes I check it out anyway, though always with a lot of watchfulness. Most of the time I soon find the flaw that my intuition had picked-up on from very few (and important) clues.
What this means for me is that I need to pay close attention to my "blinking lights." I try not to "run" yellow lights in traffic--that can lead to lots of accidents and, with the new photo-sensor-pictures on many traffic lights--tickets or other negative consequences. The same holds true with "running" a "yellow blinking light" concerning job opportunities.
I believe that all of us have the potential for this intuitive response to our environment. We may build our confidence and skill by paying more attention as we move forward in our lives.
In practice, after we have learned from our experiences over time, we can make intuitive connections when we observe something in the world that are tied to our learning in ways we may no longer be conscious of. We know something without being able to explain the details of why we know what we know.
As I am exploring potential business opportunities, I can frequently intuit whether or not the opportunity is a valid one for me. Sometimes they sound very good and I have a "yellow blinking light" flashing a warning in my brain--there is something "off" with this opportunity. Sometimes I check it out anyway, though always with a lot of watchfulness. Most of the time I soon find the flaw that my intuition had picked-up on from very few (and important) clues.
What this means for me is that I need to pay close attention to my "blinking lights." I try not to "run" yellow lights in traffic--that can lead to lots of accidents and, with the new photo-sensor-pictures on many traffic lights--tickets or other negative consequences. The same holds true with "running" a "yellow blinking light" concerning job opportunities.
I believe that all of us have the potential for this intuitive response to our environment. We may build our confidence and skill by paying more attention as we move forward in our lives.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Building on our Past--the Value of Experience
We never know when an opportunity will come forward that our previous experience may be just right for.
Today I came across a business opportunity that was tied directly to my first career, a 10-year career in the U.S. Army. After I left the Army, while I used the skills and experience gained in that career, I haven't been working in the same areas as I did then.
The business opportunity I came across today was directly linked to this Army experience. That seems almost amazing.
It is important to remember (and to document) experience because, among other things, we never know when we may need to refer to that experience in the future. By having the necessary documentation at my fingertips, I was able to take advantage of the business opportunity in ways I would never have been able to do without that background and documentation.
For a sample, read the stories on my website about some interesting experiences.
Amazing, isn't it?
Today I came across a business opportunity that was tied directly to my first career, a 10-year career in the U.S. Army. After I left the Army, while I used the skills and experience gained in that career, I haven't been working in the same areas as I did then.
The business opportunity I came across today was directly linked to this Army experience. That seems almost amazing.
It is important to remember (and to document) experience because, among other things, we never know when we may need to refer to that experience in the future. By having the necessary documentation at my fingertips, I was able to take advantage of the business opportunity in ways I would never have been able to do without that background and documentation.
For a sample, read the stories on my website about some interesting experiences.
Amazing, isn't it?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Management Consulting Considerations--Europe and USA
What are the main differences in the American and European ways of running business?
To review some of the cultural differences that impact businesses, look at these two websites:
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_united_states.shtml
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_netherlands.shtml
These websites provide profiles of the cultures of the United States and of The Netherlands—as an example of Europe. The differences between these two cultures are reflected in the ways of doing business in each culture.
Aside from the cultural differences identified by Hofstede, there are basic differences recognized by the formulation of the European Union. American businesses in the USA share a common language, operate under the same federal laws and regulations—though they are also influenced by state laws and regulations. Their employees largely come from the United States or face one set of immigration and “right to work” laws from the USA. Global firms operating in the USA have the basic regulations of the USA, coupled with the requirements they must meet to operate in each of the different multinational locations they are organized in. In Europe, women and men may be regarded more as equals than is prevalent in the USA. In Europe, multiple languages, cultures, and currencies impact businesses and business consulting.
There are different sizes of business which are looking for consulting and some of their decisions on which consulting firms to engage are based on their comfort zones. In the USA, many of the largest consulting firms with 60,000 plus consultants targeted Information Technology (IT) and added strategy and human resources consulting on top of the IT business. To some extent that is also true in Europe. One major area of difference is that many European firms are more aware of the interconnected nature of change in a business and are more supportive of organized planning efforts to support that change than are some American based organizations.
What advantages could a mid-sized European-owned management consulting firm have in the American market?
What needs to be determined is your target market and fees. Firms such as Accenture and PriceWaterhouseCoopers used to have large teams of junior consultants working and reporting to senior managers or partners. Fees for those large teams were in the millions and that limited the target market to only major players in the industry. If you can target a more middle range and provide both physical presence and virtual support—a blended consulting team approach—with investment requirements (costs) that these companies can manage, that will be a significant advantage in the American market. Another goal will be to make the American market support further global expansion by how you target the market.
To review some of the cultural differences that impact businesses, look at these two websites:
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_united_states.shtml
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_netherlands.shtml
These websites provide profiles of the cultures of the United States and of The Netherlands—as an example of Europe. The differences between these two cultures are reflected in the ways of doing business in each culture.
Aside from the cultural differences identified by Hofstede, there are basic differences recognized by the formulation of the European Union. American businesses in the USA share a common language, operate under the same federal laws and regulations—though they are also influenced by state laws and regulations. Their employees largely come from the United States or face one set of immigration and “right to work” laws from the USA. Global firms operating in the USA have the basic regulations of the USA, coupled with the requirements they must meet to operate in each of the different multinational locations they are organized in. In Europe, women and men may be regarded more as equals than is prevalent in the USA. In Europe, multiple languages, cultures, and currencies impact businesses and business consulting.
There are different sizes of business which are looking for consulting and some of their decisions on which consulting firms to engage are based on their comfort zones. In the USA, many of the largest consulting firms with 60,000 plus consultants targeted Information Technology (IT) and added strategy and human resources consulting on top of the IT business. To some extent that is also true in Europe. One major area of difference is that many European firms are more aware of the interconnected nature of change in a business and are more supportive of organized planning efforts to support that change than are some American based organizations.
What advantages could a mid-sized European-owned management consulting firm have in the American market?
What needs to be determined is your target market and fees. Firms such as Accenture and PriceWaterhouseCoopers used to have large teams of junior consultants working and reporting to senior managers or partners. Fees for those large teams were in the millions and that limited the target market to only major players in the industry. If you can target a more middle range and provide both physical presence and virtual support—a blended consulting team approach—with investment requirements (costs) that these companies can manage, that will be a significant advantage in the American market. Another goal will be to make the American market support further global expansion by how you target the market.
Monday, October 5, 2009
English Language Learning and Second Language Learning
English language learning and second language learning are big business. The demand for English world-wide continues to grow. Unfortunately, many of the people learning English around the world do not have the practice-time with native English speakers and either are too embarassed to communicate orally in English or literally do not have enough knowledge of spoken English to engage effectively in conversations in English.
Second language learners in the USA frequently have similar challenges when attempting to communicate in another language--Spanish, Italian, French, and many others.
Second language learners in the USA frequently have similar challenges when attempting to communicate in another language--Spanish, Italian, French, and many others.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Using Technology to Influence--A Matter of Timing
Hollywood movies and movie stars had a positive influence on military recruiting efforts at the beginning of World War II. They were also involved in supporting the troops in the wars and "police actions" following World War II.
With the advent of the Internet, YouTube and TeacherTube, among other sites, are hosts for a series of video shorts promoting all kinds of things.
Today, Techsmith.com has three great products that I use--SnagIt, Camtasia, and Jing. I am learning to use these products to produce my own promotional videos.
I am now looking at using this technology to introduce new ideas to potential clients and to others so that they can quickly capture the vision of what I am trying to tell them. I'm still learning how to be effective. Examples such as Jimmy Stewart's promotional video can give me a good example of what a great video looks like--even with technology from 1942.
With the advent of the Internet, YouTube and TeacherTube, among other sites, are hosts for a series of video shorts promoting all kinds of things.
Today, Techsmith.com has three great products that I use--SnagIt, Camtasia, and Jing. I am learning to use these products to produce my own promotional videos.
I am now looking at using this technology to introduce new ideas to potential clients and to others so that they can quickly capture the vision of what I am trying to tell them. I'm still learning how to be effective. Examples such as Jimmy Stewart's promotional video can give me a good example of what a great video looks like--even with technology from 1942.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Accessing Technology--iPhones, iPod Touch, Notebooks, Netbooks, and Accessories
The iPhone and iPod Touch have changed access to technology in profound ways. The applications (apps) created for the iPhone and iPod Touch provide access to a wide variety of applications that are also linked to Notebook and Netbook computers.
These applications can vary from a variety of games to mobile business applications including a variety of social networking applications. The iPod Touch works with WiFi networks and the iPhone is currently on AT&T's wireless platform.
These applications can vary from a variety of games to mobile business applications including a variety of social networking applications. The iPod Touch works with WiFi networks and the iPhone is currently on AT&T's wireless platform.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Success Comes from Small Choices for Positive Action
We make small choices every day that lead to the harvest we experience in our lives on a daily basis. We often make these choices without thinking. Should I stay in bed just five minutes more in the morning? Should I show my family I love and value them as I run out the door to work or to school? Should I use my time wisely in traffic? Should I exercise in ways that promote the health of my body? Should I eat in ways that promote the health of my body? What is my purpose? Is the work I do aligned with my purpose? If not, what should I do about that?
I enjoy water aerobics and, more recently, aqua pilates. I try to get to the indoor pool every day for some healthy exercise. I'm also watching what I eat, making more healthy choices--though not yet at 100%. Recently I had an opportunity to look at some work opportunities that were not fully aligned with my purpose in life and was able to redirect my action away from opportunities that go against my values.
I enjoy water aerobics and, more recently, aqua pilates. I try to get to the indoor pool every day for some healthy exercise. I'm also watching what I eat, making more healthy choices--though not yet at 100%. Recently I had an opportunity to look at some work opportunities that were not fully aligned with my purpose in life and was able to redirect my action away from opportunities that go against my values.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Business-to-Government (B2G)
Businesses and non-profit organizations have very different roles, each with separate careers and separate jobs. Research for today's college graduate indicates that each person can expect to have 12 separate careers (and even more jobs). I have been working for 40 years. My first ten years were in the U.S. Army. Since then, my career has largely been in the business-to-business (B2B) and the business-to-government (B2G) arenas. My teaching experience might be considered business-to-consumer (B2C).
As I became aware of my personal background in each of these three areas, I discovered that I enjoy B2B and B2G more than I do B2C (with the exception of teaching). My consulting work is largely B2B or B2G. This also explains, to some extent, while selling things like insurance, securities, or household products has not been something I readily engage in.
Each of these three areas is needed by our society. Each of us may feel more comfortable in one arena than in another.
As I became aware of my personal background in each of these three areas, I discovered that I enjoy B2B and B2G more than I do B2C (with the exception of teaching). My consulting work is largely B2B or B2G. This also explains, to some extent, while selling things like insurance, securities, or household products has not been something I readily engage in.
Each of these three areas is needed by our society. Each of us may feel more comfortable in one arena than in another.
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