Success and Achievement - how to get more of both...

...ever heard the phrase - "Life is a drag...?"

There is a reason for it - people actually experience drag in their personal and professional lives, its what holds them back and slows them down...

Let's get the techy bit out the way first...

Cars have something called a Coefficient of Drag or Cd - it defines how well a car interacts with the air around it as it is being driven along.

The higher the value the more disturbance is generated and the more effort or energy will be required to push the car along - the higher the speed, the more profound the effect of drag...

For example...

One of the most aerodynamic - vehicles ever built is the PAC Car II that holds the Guinness World record for fuel efficiency achieving 5385 km on the equivalent of just 1 litre of fuel...

It's Cd is just  0.075...

The VW XL1 is a 2013 concept car that has a Cd of just 0.189

An original VW Camper has a Cd of 0.51

The Caterham 7 sports car has a Cd of around 0.70 picture credit Steve Marsh - Lotus 7 Club GB

For comparison - a house brick has a of around 2.1

The higher the drag the more unstable the object will be at high speed, and the more energy will be required to get it there...

Strange how the VW is better than the Caterham - looks can be deceiving...

Reducing drag on a car involves the  shape, surface texture and the ability to lower the amount of turbulence that is created as it moves through the air. Wing mirrors, roof racks, exposed wheels etc. all play their part..

Basically the more bits that are attached to a car that create turbulence, the higher the drag and the slower and more unstable the car will become...

Same with people...

First, it doesn't matter what shape you are - we are not talking about your actual drag through the air - it's what holds you back in life and drains all the energy from you that we are interested in here...

Successful people have plenty of energy - they tend to be on the go, planning, creating and achieving all the time...

People who are achieving less may have the same level of energy, but they experience so much drag that they cannot go very fast and when they do they become inherently unstable...

Some people behave as a VW XL1 and others behave like a house brick...

What is the difference, and how can the drag be reduced...?

On a car the designers change the shape and curvature of the vehicle, they remove anything that protrudes and causes turbulence.

With people it is similar - we have to remove the things that cause us turbulence in our lives and streamline ourselves so that we are more efficient, effective and successful...

Turbulence Generators - remove for awesome performance...

1. Drama - from family friends and colleagues...

2. Procrastination - this is like putting a parachute on the back of a racing car...

3. Excuses - creates turbulence and slows you down...

4. Limiting Beliefs - will steer you round golden opportunities...

5. Ego - gets in the way of learning and achievement...

6. Chaos - build your Vision, and only work "on your purpose"...

It's really simple to go from behaving like a brick to behaving like a streamlined and super efficient achiever - the only question is, will you do it...

Removing these appendages can be painful, in fact you may have become dependent upon them and need anaesthetic - otherwise known as Red Wine - to be administered first. 

In sensible quantities of course...

Have fun removing your Turbulence Generators - and go careful with the anaesthetic... 

Why you should be nice to those who serve you...

...never upset the barman, waiter or chef...

We have offices in the best office centre in Luxembourg, at Buros, Strassen - owned and managed by the one and only Janice Allgrove...


Click on the LINK to find out more...

Last week, Janice had organised an Art Event, where local artists display their pictures, sculptures and creations so that invited guests can both view and purchase items they like...

At these events there is a FREE Bar with Wine and Champagne available to everyone, but unfortunately the Barman didn't show up..

So - I was asked if I'd "manage the bar.."

Bit like putting the Fox in charge of the Chickens...

As the evening went on I served dozens of people their drinks and learned a few lessons about the character of people in the process..

Negative Lesson from behind the Bar...

1. The Know it all - some people insisted on looking at the labels on the bottles, smelling the cork and tasting before I was allowed to fill their glass.

Bad Move - I know that most people can't tell the difference between a white and a red let alone a Pinot Noir and a Merlot. The cork that was passed to them was not from the bottle they were being served from and yet they insisted it smelled good and passed the test.

2. The Dismissive - walking up to the bar and not saying a word but simply pointing at the bottle from which a drink is expected is not a good move either.

It's really easy to pretend you haven't seen them, and completely ignore them until they have the courtesy to engage properly and politely. One chap kept pointing and waving, but didn't get a drink all night as far as I can tell. And no he wasn't deaf or mute...

3. The Arrogant - "red wine" is not how you should ask for a drink. "Could I have a Red Wine PLEASE..." is the right term..

I answered this lady with the simple "yes it is - well done..." to the lady who simply barked "red wine.." at me and then checked her I phone while holding her hand out..

4. The Ungrateful - checking the label and then asking if we have any Luxembourgish Cremant instead of French Champagne is silly..

When asked this question - you can guess the reply - but I pointed out that this was a FREE bar and that if he wanted a specific vintage or brand perhaps he should get is wallet out...

Positive Lessons from behind the Bar...

1. The Polite - smiling and saying please and thank you goes a looooonnnnnnggg way..

One lady asked if I had any still water at room temperature, not chilled. I had a bottle that had not been put in the fridge and so was able to help. My mom doesn't like chilled drinks so I know how she feels; she was happy and said thank you..

I told her that I would keep this bottle just for her when she wanted a refill, when she came back to the bar next time - no words were needed, I just filled her glass with her water and all was good.

2. The Friendly - entering into a brief conversation with those that serve you, even though you don't have too will help too...

One chap was there with his wife and young child, looks like he had been nominated to drive and his wife was "allowed" a couple of glasses of wine - they were friendly engaging and chatty...

When I saw that her glass was empty, I walked from the bar and topped her champagne up without expecting her to come to the bar with all the bags and stuff that going out with a young child requires - she told me I was the best Barman in the World..  

3. The Helpful - seeing that I was running out of glasses, a couple of people actually offered to help, which was really appreciated...

Help is always reciprocated - guess who got served quicker with bigger glasses when they came back for a top up...

4. The Trusting - a couple of people simply asked what I recommended, they trusted my judgement and left it to me...

This is a great move, they only got the best - no sediment from the Red wine and the biggest of the glasses available, I was also able to chat freely to them and say why I'd chosen the selection for them.

Conclusion...

It was a treat and lesson to be working behind a Bar again - it reminded me of how people can treat those that they believe are "beneath" them, it also taught me that the majority of people are polite, pleasant and fun to be around...

The key lesson is that those who were, Know it all's, Dismissive, Arrogant or Ungrateful didn't have a great experience - the experience reflected their attitude...

Those who were Polite, Friendly, Helpful and Trusting had a great experience - their experiences matched their attitude too..

In life and in business we get back what we put out; life, relationships and results are a direct reflection of us - if we want better we simply need to be better and behave in a way that attracts positive outcomes...

Be happy, be successful and both play and be NICE...

Why should you contact me...?

Simple - you and your team will be better off with me as your Coach than you are without me.

I will expect and encourage you to achieve more than you think possible, you will love me some days and hate me the next.

I will take away your excuses and replace them with achievement; and on the way we'll have more fun than should be allowed in Business...

So, if you think you're ready - drop me an Email...

If you think you're not - then it makes no difference what you do...

davidholland@resultsrulesok.com

The 8 Toxic Situations that Successful People avoid...

...and how you can avoid them too...

Success leaves a pattern and so does mediocrity. I am extremely fortunate that I count among my clients successful Entrepreneurs, Executives and even World Champions, so I can spot the common traits that they display...

This doesn't mean that they are somehow miraculously born with the ability to be among the Top 1% of performers globally, far from it; some of them started with me when they were about to quit and go and get a J.O.B - Just Over Broke...

Usually there is a pattern to success and achievement. There are always those who inherit, win big or "get lucky" and almost in spite of themselves find themselves in the right place at the right time - Mark Zuckerberg take note...

For most, however, there are a set of principles that if applied consistently will improve the chances and increase the opportunity  for success, these principles are well documented and can be found in publications and websites - you can of course get my Book - Life Rules OK and find out for yourself...

However...

With all the best techniques and principles, there are 8 Toxic Situations that people seem to forget to remove from their lives - 8 Toxic Situations that will poison any opportunity and potential for achievement no matter how many times you walk the hot coals in cold car parks chanting "cool moss"... 

These 8 Toxins appear less in the mind and world of the high achiever; 

1. People - negative people in your network will destroy the possibility of you being successful; the challenge is they may be your family and closest friends. 

2. Belief - the inner voice in your head that talks you out of taking risks, making changes or getting out of your comfort zone.

3. Knowledge - thinking that you know enough and don't need to keep learning new skills principles and techniques.

4. Help - having the ego and arrogance to not reach out for help and advice when you need it; hiring a Coach for example.

5. Focus - on the money and not on the value that you offer and the benefits that people derive as a consequence of working with you; the money will show up.

6. Conformity - believing that you have to conform to the rules of others and also some rules you make up for yourself. 

7. Karma - forgetting that what you put out there comes back to you and that life and business is a mirror of you; better you = better results.

8. Excuses - if your list of excuses is longer than your list of achievements, then you will get nowhere real quick. 

So to get a better result, before you read Napoleon Hill or try and figure out what The Secret is all about - simply remove these life threatening toxins from your life, and see what happens... 

See if you Qualify for one of My Coaching Programs...

If you'd like to find out more about how working with a Business Coach will be the best investment you ever make - drop me a note to davidholland@resultsrulesok.com

You can even come along to one of our events, meet the team and some of our Clients and find out for yourself just how effective Business Coaching will be for you...

Click on the LINKS to find out more...

Birmingham - Friday 17th October 2014 SOLD OUT

Luxembourg - Friday 7th November 2014 THREE PLACES LEFT

If you don't think you could transform your business and your results by working with one of the Top Coaches in the Business, or simply can't be bothered to attend a One Day Workshop to find out more - then clearly you don't need contact me; in fact nothing you do will work so probably best if you give up now...

In that case, here's another website you may find helpful - www.samaritans.org

Don't let your Boss read this...

...it's the secret she doesn't want you to know...

At a recent Dinner, Lynn and I were sat marooned in a sea of corporate navy blue suits, patterned ties and lace up shoes...

Out of 120 people there were only 8 women too - initially I thought we had wandered into the a Gay Pride event, which in my experience would have made for a great party...

Alas, it was not; we were surrounded on all sides by Bankers, Brokers, Treasurers, Lawyers and Accountants..

In her startlingly bright white patterned low cut dress dress with stilettos, Lynn clearly looked out of place and with me in chinos and cowboy boots, I wasn't far behind...

At the table we found the people to be extremely friendly, charming and great company - and as always happens, someone eventually asked us...

"So what do guys do...?"

Lynn responded...

"Well you know how lots of Executives work hard to get up the corporate ladder and then look round when they get to 45 and wonder if this is all there is to life...?"

Everyone nodded in agreement...

"We fix that..."

Stunned silence - no one knew what we did but they sure as hell knew they wanted what we had to offer...

As the evening progressed, a few individuals approached Lynn and I looking for more information, what we told them is the unfortunate truth for so many employed people..

We explained that there are few Unwritten Rules of Work that you should bear in mind...

1. Your Career is only as secure as the thread by which it is attached to the Market...

2. 40 Year Careers do not exist - you will be fired at some point...

3. The higher your salary, the more vulnerable you are...

4. Your job is just your apprenticeship for running your own business...

5. All your knowledge is just Market Research for the future...

6. It's called compensation for a reason...

7. The older you get the more chance that you'll be outsourced...

8. If you don't love your job now; wait for 5 years and see how bad it gets...

9. You only tolerate your job because your Mortgage is bigger than your Pride...

10. They know you'll stay because the FEAR of change paralyses you...

Now, some people make great employees, they value the predictability and relative security that employment offers, however, others don't...

These people are the ones that need to go it alone, be the independent free spirited consultant, contractor and entrepreneur...

Your Career is just part of your journey, it is a trade between you and your employers; your job is to add value while you are working there, do a great job and help them build their business...

It is also your job to learn everything that you can, go on every course, attend conference and listen to those around you; watch how the top players perform, ask them for guidance, and get a Coach to guide you...

Then you can make a choice about your future...

Your job is the best Training Program in the world; just don't tell your Boss...

When did you lose control of your Business..?

...are you running it, or is it running you..?

One of the joys about doing what I do is that I get to work with ambitious and increasingly successful Entrepreneurs, Business Owners and Executives...

Another fun part is being able to ask simple but uncomfortable questions and watch as people squirm and hesitate as they look for the answer and realise that their business is quite simply out of control...

So, here is a quick Quiz that you can take to see if your business is fully under your control, whether it is careering wildly over the edge of the unseen precipice, or simply needs bringing back into line with a gentle nudge...

Scoring - for each of the questions simply answer on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being "absolutely no idea" and 10 being "100% certain" a 5 score will mean that you had to give "your best guess..."

1. What is your Annual Break Even Sales Value...? 

2. What is your Av Client Value over the last 12 months..?

3. What is you cost of Acquisition for a new Client...?

4. What is your Gross Margin %...?

5. What is your Net Margin %..?

6. What is your conversion rate from Lead to Client...?

7. How many Customers do you have..?

8. What cash was in your Business Acct at 09.00 today..?

9. What are your average Debtor Days...?

10. How many people do you employ...?

11. How many people are on payroll...?*

12. What is your Net Promoter Score..?

13. What is your Dream...?

14. You are living to your full potential..?

15. Your children recognise you in person..?

If you get any less than 80% your business is out of control...

If this is the case, email me immediately for help, advice and guidance...

davidholland@resultsrulesok.com

If you got 80% or more - then congratulations, your business is under control...

Email me anyway so you can let me know what pills you are taking... :-)

If you can't figure out how to answer the questions let alone calculate a percentage, or If you don't think you could transform your business and your results by working with one of the Top Coaches in the Business, then clearly you don't need to contact me; in fact nothing you do will work so probably best if you give up now...

In that case, here's another website you may find helpful - www.samaritans.org

The Cheese Sandwich Paradox...

...in business you don't always get what you want...

Driving back from an event in Bucharest, we decided to head through Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro en route to our hotel in Split, Croatia...

For anyone who knows this part of the world, you'll understand when I say that the culture is somewhat different when compared to the USA, UK and France...

Finally finding our Hotel in Macedonia - there are no road signs there, a hangover from the Soviet Era when it was felt that people didn't need to know where to go outside of their own community - we were advised to go to a Restaurant overlooking a lake if we wanted an evening meal...

The three of us arrived and were the only people in the place. We were given menus and left to make our choices...

For us the prices were really low - so we decided to splash out on Filet Steak with all the trimmings and a bottle or two of red wine...

When the meal turned up - it was actually a large Pork Chop, covered with a square of burger cheese, topped off with a fried egg...

Lovely as this looked, it clearly wasn't Filet Steak...

I said to the waiter "this is not Filet Steak..."

To which he replied with the immortal words.

"it is here..."

Lesson learned - probably best to ask for chefs recommendation when travelling through old Soviet States...

Scroll forward to the London, September 2014...

Being with one of our favourite Clients and their team, we attended a Conference / Exhibition over two days at the Soccer Dome in Greenwich...

When asked what type of sandwich I'd like for lunch, I replied..

"Grilled Swan, with a light truffle sauce sprinkled with caramelized Panda liver on toasted whole meal bread made from sun dried Patagonian wheat..."

I got a Cheese sandwich...

The next day, when asked what type of sandwich I'd like - I simply made the same request - seemed sensible to me...

I got a Cheese sandwich again...

So the lesson in this story of culinary mischief is that sometimes, it doesn't matter what you ask for, your going to get what is available...

Sometimes it pays to dream big, and sometimes it pays to do a reality check first to avoid disappointment...

Sometimes you have to set your goals according to the reality of the situation you find yourself in...

And sometimes if you are being really creative, it may be that you have to get your own lunch...

In life and in business - wishing and hoping is not a strategy - getting up and getting on with it yourself may still be the only way to actually get what you want...

See if you Qualify for one of My Coaching Programs...

If you'd like to find out more about how working with a Business Coach will be the best investment you ever make - drop me a note to davidholland@resultsrulesok.com

You can even come along to one of our events, meet the team and some of our Clients and find out for yourself just how effective Business Coaching will be for you...

Click on the LINKS to find out more...

Birmingham - Friday 17th October 2014

Luxembourg - Friday 7th November 2014

If you don't think you could transform your business and your results by working with one of the Top Coaches in the Business, or simply can't be bothered to attend a One Day Workshop to find out more - then clearly you don't need contact me; in fact nothing you do will work so probably best if you give up now...

In that case, here's another website you may find helpful - www.samaritans.org

8 Ways to be an Awesome Boss...

...and build your business in the process...

I have been a "boss" and I have been a team member too - I have, and continue to see the good the bad and the ugly when it comes to how people in management and leadership positions treat those they have responsibility for...

There are a number of key traits that in my experience define the "awesome" managers and leaders from the average and useless...

Being in charge of a Team is a privilege; building and motivating a great team is one of the single biggest challenges that Managers face. It doesn't matter how good they were at the job they did before they got promoted, being a Leader and an Awesome Boss is a skill denied many..

So here is my checklist for all round Boss Awesomeness...

1. Vision - have clarity of purpose and passionate resolve towards it's achievement. If you want to see someone reveal their true character; give them authority over others. 

2. Respect - you are not paid to be liked, but you will need to be respected. Earning  the respect of your team; respect them first and they will reciprocate.

3. Achievement - you don't have to be better at the jobs that your team do, but you do need to be excellent at something. Leading by example is still the best...

4. Trust - if you say you are going to do something, do it. Keep your promises and for good or for bad your team will know that you are a serious player.

5. Equality - treat all people equally and reward them on the basis of their performance. Don't have favourites, the team wins collectively not individually...

6. Promote - recognise your team and share the credit. Allow them to stand in the limelight with  you and allow them to be recognised by others too..

7. Discipline - set the rules of the game and stick to them, let everyone know what is expected and don't tolerate those who don't play nice - teams lose players too sometimes...

8. Fairness - don't use petty rules to penalize people - allow as much freedom and individual responsibility as possible. Business should be fun remember...

I once sat with a Marketing Director who told me that she had got promoted, not by actually being any good, but by making her Boss look bad and reporting him to his seniors whenever possible...

This negative, back stabbing, political maneuvering isn't tolerated by many and should be stamped out wherever possible - you can only imagine the type  of Boss she became. Not only despised by those around her, but eventually fired for professional incompetence.

The interesting thing that I find now, doing the work that I do, is that strangely, the Managers and Leaders in business who work along the lines defined above - get better results, make more money and are actually better people than those who don't..

If you'd like a FREE copy of one of my E Books describing more about getting the best from your team - Excellence is a Real Pitch...

Just drop me a note with your email address and I'll send it over..

Cheers

Dave