As a youngster, I had many heroes, idols, and role models. They included past Presidents, movie cowboys, rock singers, sports icons, astronauts, and many historical figures we read about in school. Remembering the very long list of people I looked up to during my childhood, I couldn’t help but wonder about today’s generation and who they might consider worthy of their respect and admiration. Based on what I see on TV, hear on the radio, find on the Internet, and view on magazine covers and newspapers, the list is very slim. Think about it: Rock stars on the way to rehab or prison, sports stars on drugs or in jail, politicians creating new scandals daily as they prove to be everything but leaders. I began to wonder if today’s young people had anyone left to look up to.

Then my spirit was renewed as I reviewed USA TODAY‘s most recent “Commemorative Top 25 List.” For weeks now, I’ve suggested that you check out the Monday editions of USA TODAY as they offer a different list each week to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. You can find their full-page specials in the paper or online every week from now until September.

This week’s feature focused on 25 very special people who have inspired us over the last 25 years. They made us care, cheer, and even cry. Our lives were enriched by these special people who moved us in so many ways. Most of these people were famous, but some were very ordinary folks who found themselves in extraordinary situations. Many became accidental leaders, even heroes. Most will live on in our memories forever. I’ve listed those 25 people below, but I recommend you check out the article itself for greater details as to why each is so very special. Here’s still another article in the series that is certainly worthy of a family discussion after dinner tonight. There are far too few of those taking place in this country at a time when we need them more than ever before. Why not do what you can to change that trend?

Lives of Indelible Impact

1. 9/11 heroes … passengers, police officers, firefighters, citizens, medical personnel, etc.
2. Nelson Mandela … South African President, Nobel Peace Prize winner, activist.
3. Princess Diana … the “people’s princess.”
4. Space shuttle Challenger astronauts … seven who died in 1986.
5. Lance Armstrong … seven-time winner of the Tour de France.
6. Christopher and Dana Reeve … Superman and his Lois Lane who lobbied for spinal cord injuries.
7. Pope John Paul II … first Polish Pope who crusaded for many causes.
8. Ryan White … HIV victim who became a positive symbol of the illness worldwide. Died at 13 from a blood product used to treat his hemophilla.
9. Man at Tiananmen Square … Unarmed, he stood down tanks at pro-democracy protests in China.
10. Mother Teresa … Nobel Peace Prize-winning nun who touched the world.
11. Oprah Winfrey … from poverty to riches, her own TV show, books, movies, and TV studio.
12. Terry Schiavo … whose controversial death prompted greater use of living wills.
13. Michael J. Fox … TV and movie star who started a foundation to lobby for more research on Parkinson’s disease and embryonic stem cells.
14. Arthur Ashe … African American who won three Grand Slam titles in the white world of tennis. Spoke for AIDS sufferers worldwide. Finally died of AIDS from bad blood transfusion.
15. U.S. Women’s Soccer Team (1999) … won World Cup title on U.S. soil, energizing girls in sports.
16. Megan Kanka and Jessica Lunsford …whose tragic deaths led to Congress passing laws that require sex offenders to be registered.
17. Mattie Stepanek … spokesperson for Muscular Dystrophy who started writing poetry at three and died at 13 after publishing five books, three of which were best sellers.
18. Bono … U2 lead singer and activist for Africa, trade, debt relief, and AIDS awareness.
19. Pat Tillman … who gave up a multimillion dollar pro football contract to join the Army after 9/11. Died in combat after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
20. Muhammad Ali … Three-time World Heavyweight Champion. Suffering from Parkinson’s, he champions humanitarian causes such as poverty relief and hunger.
21. Steve Irwin … The Crocodile Hunter from Australia who starred on TV and in movies.
22. Jessica McClure … Fell into a well at 18 months. Freed from an 8-inch-wide-pipe by rescuers after 58 hours.
23. “Baby M” … first child of a surrogate mother. Legal battle ensued. Today a college student.
24. Matthew Shepard … gay 21-year-old college student who died of a hate crime in 1998.
25. Elian Gonzalez … 5 year old who escaped Cuba and survived on an inner tube to reach the U.S.

Your children and grandchildren will probably hear little or nothing about these people who contributed to our history in many different ways. Take a minute and tell them what you remember about each situation.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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In early April, I wrote an article urging readers to monitor Monday editions of USA TODAY as they began a series of articles of “Commemorative Top 25 Lists” to celebrate their 25th Anniversary. You can find their full-page specials in the paper or online every week from now until September. Thus far, they’ve been very informative and entertaining.

I find their content to be terrific material for discussions between parents and their children and/or grandchildren. For instance, this week the full-page coverage focused on “25 Years of ‘Eureka’ Moments.” They point out that we’re a nation of inventors from neighborhood garages to corporate labs, creating gadgets and services that have changed the world. Some delight us and some drive us crazy, but they’re all very memorable. USA TODAY chose some of the most unique inventions that have surfaced since their arrival on the scene in 1982. Below you’ll find a list of those distinctive choices, but I suggest you visit the USA TODAY web site for a more descriptive explanation of each. This particular article is excellent research material for teachers as well. It’s really interesting to see all 25 on a single page as you suddenly realize how things have really changed in such a short span of time. Check it out yourself and continue monitoring this very informative series each Monday. They’re doing a great job.

1. Cellphones
2. Laptop Computers
3. BlackBerrys
4. Debit Cards
5. Caller ID
6. DVDs
7. Lithium Rechargeable Batteries
8. iPods
9. Pay at the Pump
10. Lettuce in a Bag
11. Digital Cameras
12. Doppler Radar
13. Flat-panel TVs
14. Electronic Tolls
15. PowerPoint
16. Microwavable Popcorn
17. High-tech Footwear
18. Online Stock Trading
19. Big Bertha Golf Clubs
20. Disposable Contacts
21. StairMaster
22. TiVo
23. Purell (hand sanitizer)
24. Home Satellite TV
25. Karaoke

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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Happy Birthday to USA TODAY!

In mid-September of this year, USA TODAY celebrates 25 years of service to readers all over the world. It is published via satellite at 36 locations in the USA and at four sites abroad. With a total average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA TODAY is available worldwide. USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co., Inc. Often fondly referred to as the Nation’s Newspaper or McPaper, this colorful daily is published Monday through Friday and is one of very few to inform readers nationally and internationally with such in-depth news coverage.

To celebrate their 25th birthday, they will be offering a series of commemorative Top 25 lists. You can find their full-page specials in the paper or online every week from now until September. The first two have both offered a fine mixture of entertainment and education. Check it out for some great reading material.

The first week they focused on 25 years of changing trends that changed the USA. When you see the many changes all profiled, with photos, on one page, it’s mind-boggling. It truly makes you wonder how we handled so many cultural changes at the same time so successfully. It certainly speaks to the character, tenacity, and determination of our country and its people.

They feature 25 major changes in their first article. Allow me to give you a short sampling of their in-depth research in hopes of enticing you to jump on this weekly bandwagon.

Safety: Fear of terrorism has changed our lives in so many ways. Color-coded threat levels, removing your shoes at airports, no-fly lists, Columbine, Amber alerts, and “America’s Most Wanted” to name just a few. I find it amazing how quickly we adapted to these many changes and now seem to take them in stride.

Snuffing out smoking: In 1982, you could smoke just about anywhere you chose. Then the banishment began in offices, then airplanes, then restaurants, public places, and now there’s a possibility of adding your car and home to this growing list. And don’t forget the availability of the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, and multi-million dollar lawsuits against big-money tobacco companies.

Tech creates cult of “me”: This trend seemed to appear overnight, and it’s growing at a tremendous rate of speed. Look at the advances in computers and cell phones. Consider the revolutionary switch from cassettes and VHS to CDs and DVDs. The internet opened the floodgates. Many of us are still unsure about MySpace.com, Facebook, and Blogs. It’s all about customization and personalization. Shop on TV with eBay and Amazon.com. Confirm your travel plans via dozens of expert websites. Use your TiVo to record any program to be watched at a more convenient time. Do the same thing by downloading your favorite music on your iPod or MP3. Capture your most secretive moments to play back for the world on YouTube, take pictures with your cell phone, or take part in your favorite reality TV program.

Bigger is better: We preach smaller but live bigger … McMansions, SUVs, Minivans, Megachurches, big-box stores like Wal-Mart and Costco. Megaplex theaters offering 55-gallon drums of Coke and box cars of popcorn. And have you tried Hardee’s Monster Thickburger (1,420 calories)?

A nation divided: Reagan Revolution. Bill Clinton. Rush Limbaugh. Al Franken. Hanging chads. Voter fraud. Red and blue states. Iran and Iraq. Border disputes. Halliburton. Gay rights. Governor Arnold. What’s next? First female President? First African American President? Anything could happen!

Global warming: Real or imagined. Everyone’s talking about carbon footprints, The Kyoto Protocol, the shrinking polar ice cap, melting glaciers, monster hurricanes, El Niño, La Niña, and Al Gore.

Pick up a USA TODAY for many more details and an on-going offering of interesting articles like this. We can look forward to these weekly treats every Monday from now until September 10th.

As the nation’s best-selling newspaper, the USA TODAY brand also includes: USATODAY.com, which is an award-winning news and information web site that is updated 24 hours per day, USA TODAY Sports Weekly, which is a magazine for enthusiasts of pro football and baseball, and USA TODAY LIVE, which is the television arm of the USA TODAY brand.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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A few weeks ago, I directed you to the web site of “Simple Truths” to view the short, three-minute movie called “The Dash … Making a Difference With Your Life.” I hope it was as thought-provoking for you as it was for me. It certainly makes you re-evaluate your current priorities. More than 30 million people around the world have viewed it since its appearance on that site, and more than 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of folks passing it along as I did to you.

The following week I again directed you back to that same web site to view still another three-minute inspirational video called “The Nature of Success.” I found this one to be inspirational, energizing, and insightful as well.

Well, apparently good things come in threes as I just received another invitation to return to their web site to observe a third video. This one is titled “212 – The Extra Degree.” Again, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality, inspiration, and impact of what I witnessed. I found this one especially interesting as it reminded me a great deal of a familiar theme we share in many of our training seminars and keynote presentations … Sweat the Small Stuff. Little things do make a big difference, and we witness examples of this simple fact every day. It’s the “small stuff” that really makes an impression on us when it comes to making the decision to spend our hard-earned dollars on products and services of any kind. It’s also the “small stuff” that disturbs us to the point of deciding to take our business elsewhere on occasion.

This particular video is based on the fact that at 211 degrees water is hot; at 212 degrees it boils and turns to steam, and steam has enough energy to power a locomotive. It’s that one extra degree that makes all the difference. Some might consider one single degree as being “small stuff.” However, look at the impact it can have! If you enjoyed the first two videos, you’ll want to see this one as well. It’ll only take a few minutes, it’s absolutely free, and it’ll provide you with some serious content to ponder and share with others. Give it a look-see, you won’t regret it!

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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In our continuing effort to provide you with access to great resources — both personal and business — I suggest that you check out the following link.

Immediately upon connecting to this link, you’ll see a fascinating, three-minute, inspirational movie. It’s titled “The Nature of Success,” and I think you’ll really enjoy it. You won’t hear a single word. What you will hear is a terrific musical sound track as you view some of the most creative and exquisite photography you’ll ever encounter. It’s truly inspiring to see these very colorful depictions of inspiration as a variety of thought-provoking quotes are superimposed on each shot. You’ll share the wisdom of such notables as Carl Sandburg, Vince Lombardi, Henry Ford, William Wordsworth, and the author who has long been my personal favorite, Anonymous.

It certainly is a magnificent way to start each day with the proper mind-set to be both positive and productive. It’s also a great way to conclude each day providing you with an opportunity to unwind after a long, stressful day and appreciate the relaxation that will enviably lead to a good night’s sleep. Either way, you’ll find it a great investment of your time and attention.

Those of you who may have enjoyed “The Dash” poem I shared with you a few weeks ago will most likely relate to this movie short as it comes from the same source … Simple Truths, a company dedicated to publishing great gift books that reinforce core values. Mac also founded Successories, Inc., the leader in designing and marketing products for motivation and recognition purposes.

If you enjoy this experience, you can easily send it on to others directly from the web site. Check it out, you’ll be glad you did.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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Name the sport — they all target a strong bench to lead them to the success they covet so greatly. In baseball, it might be a burly DH (designated hitter) or a strong closing pitcher. In the competitive game of “hoops,” the 6th, 7th, and 8th players are almost always as talented, experienced and valuable as the starting five. In football, the bench strength appears in the form of the 11 starters who don’t happen to be on the field at the moment … be it the offense or the defense. When it comes to NASCAR, you’d better have one of the best pit crews on the circuit, or you may as well stay off the track. Tiger Woods pays his caddy six figures. Do you think that’s for rotating the tires on his golf cart or for providing the experience, support, advice, knowledge, judgment, and talent that has led Tiger to become one of the most successful talents in the game today? That caddy is Tiger’s bench strength!

Although there are far more analogies, I don’t have the time or space for them all here. Why the sports analogies? If you don’t think business is a game, you’re still in the bush leagues. Choose your sport and note the similarities in today’s marketplace … competition, talent, budget, high stakes, moving franchises to new locations, marketing, growth, strategy, experience, fans, creativity, teamwork, and, of course, BENCH STRENGTH. Sports have become big business, and business has become a very competitive gamble with many high-stakes consequences at risk.

The examples are many, but the point remains the same. You’d better have a constantly growing, high-performing, extremely focused, in-the-know, ready-to-go bench in order to compete — much less win — in today’s competitive marketplace. How would you rate YOUR bench on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 representing total satisfaction? If it’s under 8, you’d better get to work!

Over the past five years, we have witnessed a growing number of our clients that have recognized this reality and taken action to focus on establishing or strengthening their “bench.” They have taken the necessary steps to identify, recognize and develop existing employees who have the potential to be a “future leader” within the organization. They then utilize the many strategies available to assist those selected employees as they evolve into a leadership role. While time frames and methods may often vary, the results are usually the same. When the organization is ready to elevate these employees to official leadership roles, the transition is much smoother, takes less time to produce notable results, creates far less stress and inhibitions, reduces turnover and increases productivity.

Current tactics include mentoring programs; increased empowerment; increased interaction with leadership, clients, and vendors; involvement with special products and/or R & D; opportunity to train others; bench marking assignments; job shadowing; advanced training; and the opportunity to attend meetings, conventions, and trade shows usually reserved for higher levels.

Program guidelines exclude any change in titles, levels of authority, pay increases or additional working hours. The organization provides opportunity, guidance, and regulation. The employee contributes openness, involvement, and a willingness to grow. No promises are extended other than opportunity, consideration, and growth. This win-win situation has resulted in the valuable “bench strength” required to compete in today’s chaotic environment.

Several of our clients have identified anywhere from 5 to 25 potential leaders who have regular meetings to share training, exchange ideas, brainstorm, cross-train, benchmark, and support one another. Some have even created team mission statements, beliefs and values, logos, and team goals. Many have even established names for their teams that represent their missions, such as Future Leaders, Fast Trackers, Pace Team, Strike Force, Supreme Team, etc.

Results certainly support the creation of these teams as the concept of “bench strength” becomes more viable, and even necessary, every day. If you scored under 8 in your earlier evaluation of your organizational bench strength, consider the identification of potential leaders who can and will enhance your potential for future productivity. Look for those current staff members who demonstrate:

• a true desire to lead others
• obvious potential
• respect of peers
• education and experience
• enthusiasm and positive attitude
• creativity and enthusiasm
• unrelenting curiosity
• integrity and trustworthiness
• an openness to risk-taking

Identify these people, articulate the opportunity, answer their questions, make the offer and get them in gear. Clarify the “Big Three” (expectations, accountability, and consequences) and, most importantly, “Inspect What You Expect.”

While the task may appear daunting at first glance … the return on investment is incredible! If you’re still in doubt, reframe the equation by seriously considering the question: “Can you afford to procrastinate in such a critical area of growth and productivity?”

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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Working in the consulting, seminar and keynoting business, we receive a good number of calls from clients looking for a “motivational” speaker. I often struggle with that terminology. Very early in my career, I attended a number of programs which featured a “motivational speaker.” I was very fortunate to sit in the audience as a vast number of iconic characters took the stage to stimulate, motivate, and change lives. I remember with great fondness many of those who did this very successfully on a regular basis … Zig Ziglar, Denis Waitley, Wayne Dyer, Earl Nightingale, Robert Schuller, etc.

Many of these great talents are still very active today, and I’ve had the privilege to meet several of them later in my career. This impressive list has grown over the years to include such notables as Tom Peters, Tony Robbins, and several others who possess the fire and brimstone to wake us and shake us into action.

I remember the days when the fire and brimstone was enough. I’m not certain if that’s true any longer. Today, we need something to take us beyond our car in the parking lot of the auditorium where the rally was held. The very competitive and global marketplace requires much more of us now. We truly need proven tips, tools, and strategies that are easily understood and readily applied.

Interestingly enough, almost all of these successful speakers authored best-selling books to support their messages. I always found it intriguing to ask others what they thought about a live performance or best-selling book. It wasn’t that far-fetched to ask five people for feedback and receive comments such as:

1. “No value whatsoever.”
2. “Didn’t care for it.”
3. “Really liked it.”
4. “Truly loved it.”
5. “Decided to live it.”

Now when you review those responses to a speaker, his/her message or book, would you say he/she did a good job or a poor job? I think you must admit that the speaker did at least a good job of providing good information. If not, the last three responses would never have materialized. However, upon closer observation, I think you must admit that the majority of the responsibility for success lies not with the speaker/author but with those who receive the message. What they did with the information they received made all the difference.

One common thread I think I’ve heard every “motivational speaker” share with those attending their programs is the fact that we CAN’T motivate people. Accept that fact. True motivation must come from within. All we can do is create a culture, environment, and opportunity for our employees to motivate themselves. This leads to a number of challenges:

• Hire the right people initially. Are we investing enough quality time in this area?
• Provide the proper expectations, informing our people about self-motivation.
• Hold staff accountable for C.A.N.I. (Continuous And Never-ending Improvement).
• Provide both positive and negative consequences to insure continued growth and necessary change when and where needed.
• Provide the proper on-going training and development necessary for continued success.

For all of the reasons above, we try to avoid giving the impression that we’re going to provide a speaker who will run into the audience, yell, scream, walk on hot coals, balance on a 2 x 4 prior to swinging on a rope, perform magic tricks and send your people back to you ready to conquer all challenges currently facing your organization.

We customize a message for your audience that will assist them in dealing with your current challenges … a message that will provide them with tips, tools, and strategies that have proven to be successful by a vast number of organizations across industries. We’ll use humor, props, interaction, and the most current information available to support the focused message that will best benefit your staff. However, that’s not enough today. We need you and your total support if you want the very best ROI available.

Prior to bringing us in:

1. Inform your staff why you chose our organization. We can help you with that message.
2. Inform your staff why you chose this particular subject. We can help you there as well.  It’s critical that your people know you have expected outcomes of this training.
3. Clearly inform your staff of your expectation concerning their contribution to and participation in the program.
4. Request that they return from the program with at least three, preferably five, key learning points, which they feel can immediately be applied in the workplace for obvious results.
5. Request that they return from the program with at least three ideas, suggestions, tips, tools or strategies to share with their immediate work group in the spirit of shared learning. It has been proven time and time again that sending a staff member to a training program with this expectation results in better concentration and comprehension as a result of his/her effort to identify those three elements requested to share.
6. Upon return, “inspect what you expect” by insisting on the follow-through described in your earlier request. If you don’t do this, you’re sending a message that your future requests can be ignored.
7. Upon return, discuss the program and content with your staff. What did they feel was immediately applicable to your organization, what should be further pursued, who else should attend, what should be added or deleted from the program, what are some “next steps,” what “targets” should you focus on next, etc.? This conversation with you will send a very positive message to your team concerning your concern for their future growth, feedback, success, etc.

Following the above formula will insure a much greater degree of success. Partnering with your speaker prior to and following your program will definitely create the “motivational” climate you desire to achieve. Can you afford to do otherwise?

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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As I look back over the decades of my life, I recall a great number of valuable lessons. It seems as though each stage of our existence presents opportunities for greater learning.

One of my most memorable lessons was, while very simple, instrumental in my ongoing quest for continuous improvement. I learned that regardless of my age, experience, or station in life, there is always something new and exciting waiting to be discovered in every tomorrow. I am constantly amazed, enthused, and motivated by the vast amount of new knowledge I’m exposed to daily. So much so, in fact, that I feel obligated to seek out, utilize, and pass on as much of this knowledge as I possibly can during my short stay on this earth.

Through some very strange circumstances, which I’m not at liberty to share, I recently came across a very simple but life-changing poem which has inspired me to continue with my quest and the obligation I mentioned earlier. This poem consists of a mere 239 words arranged in just 36 lines. You can read it in less than a minute and a half. However, I’m certain you’ll then want to re-read it several times as it will inspire you to dwell on a number of your most personal inner thoughts about yourself, your life, and those who make it so very precious.

I could have easily obtained permission from the author to reprint her classic “thought provoker” right here for your ease and convenience. I chose not to do that. I think this gift is one that deserves to be earned and you can easily do so by simply visiting the home of this original classic.

Go to www.TheDash.net

When the page opens, you’ll see a list of options on the left.  First click on “Read the Dash Poem.” You can then read the poem as it is posted in its 36-line structure.

Or you might also want to click on “Listen to Linda Read the Dash Poem,” which you’ll find directly under the author’s picture. You will then hear Linda Ellis reciting the poem for you. It’s well worth it to hear the audio.

Or you can click on “Meet the Dash Author” and be whisked away to another page where you can load and listen to a 10-minute interview with Linda Ellis to learn of the background behind this incredible poem. Also, on that page, you can easily click on “The Dash Song” and hear this unique heart-touching poem rendered as a song by award-winning composer, songwriter, and singer Kirk Dearman.

When you’re finished, I think you might want to check that list of options again and click on “View the Dash Movie.” It simply shows you the poem again against the backdrop of some beautiful, relaxing scenes, which add so much to the original words. I come here often when I’m really stressed and I can’t believe how relaxing it is for me to view this very short production.

You’ll find other options on this page that allow you to hear Linda’s unique personal story, which led her to write this poem during a lunch break and how doing so changed her life forever. You’ll also find several other links that will lead you to interesting information about this simple but moving poem which has touched millions of lives and has literally taken on a life of its own as it made its way around the world!

If making this simple effort doesn’t bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye or a lump to your throat … If it doesn’t cause you to pause to contemplate your current circumstances … If it doesn’t evoke a deep appreciation of many things you’ve taken for granted … If it doesn’t encourage you to re-evaluate and re-dedicate yourself to achieving personal aspirations known only to yourself … Then I have sadly misjudged you and do indeed apologize for wasting your valuable time. My guess is that you will return to this site often to relax to the short movie, listen to the song once again or maybe even laminate a copy of the words to keep close by when you need them most as I did. One thing I’m almost certain of … You’ll certainly focus more on living your “Dash” in a more gratifying and worthwhile way than ever before as you continue on that never-ending journey for greater knowledge to savor and pass on.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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Christopher M. Knight’s Top7Business is a resource that you’ll want to revisit on a regular basis because it offers an unending, ever-growing source of business information on just about any subject you might be interested in. Article-writing and marketing expert Christopher M. Knight has drawn upon the expertise of more than 100 unique contributors to provide business building tips, secrets, suggestions, and strategies to build your business … regardless of what it may be. Entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, CEOs, chairpeople, coaches, start ups, home-based businesses, and multi-million dollar organizations visit this site regularly for brief seven-point lists on a vast array of business subjects designed to assist them in building and growing their businesses in the shortest period of time.

Knight created Top7Business in 1998 in hopes of finding a way to impact and provide value for millions of people, and this web site and corresponding e-mail newsletters have become the vehicles to that end.

I can’t even begin to scratch the surface of the many actual titles you’ll find on this site. However, here’s a list of the categories you can browse in search of the list that will meet your personal need(s). I found a category that offered only one list and another that offered 124 lists. Take a look for yourself. It’s well worth your time. One visit and you will return.

In addition to finding a wealth of information, you may be interested in checking out the many discussion forums, submitting your own lists, or signing up to receive new lists as they’re generated. Why not take a moment and check it out right now?

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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Since the first of the year, we have experienced a marked increase in the number of web site visitors to the page on “Meeting Planning – Luncheon and Banquet Tips.” We’re not sure if this is a seasonal phenomenon, whether it’s the result of increased web traffic, or a combination of the two.

Regardless, we felt we should certainly add this information to the “Resources” area of our blog. The article is short and precise but focuses on the critical aspects that are often overlooked when planning business meetings, banquets, or luncheons. The article shares room set-up and timing issues that one might think would be obvious. However, I’ll bet you remember more meetings for what went wrong or for lack of preparation than you do for those that ran smoothly.

Got a business meeting, banquet, or luncheon on your planning schedule? Visit the page on “Meeting Planning – Luncheon and Banquet Tips” to take advantage of some critical tips that will insure your success, reduce your stress, and impress those attending your event.

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

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• More Posts(619)