Weedin 360

Success trap.

In the past few weeks, I’ve had two different friends become grandparents (one for the second time). My daughter turned 23 years old over the weekend. Funny that it doesn’t seem that long ago that Barb and I were carting our babies to our friend’s weddings. Now we attend more funerals than weddings. It’s part of the maturity of life. You have to be careful that you are constantly re-inventing yourself to stay mentally and physically “young.” New hobbies, new adventures, and new experiences add to your ability to constantly renew yourself.

Your business has it’s own maturity cycle. You do what you’ve done to become successful, but there is a great danger in stumbling over something called the success trap. If you’re not careful, your business can “get old” and fall into a rut where you aren’t getting better, you just tread water. What can you do in your business to re-invent yourself? New products, new services, and new challenges can re-invigorate your business. Be on the lookout for new ideas and be prepared to take similar risks that you took early on in your career to jump over that success trap to land in new and exciting places.

This week’s quote – “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.“
- Michael Jordan

The greatest word in the world to me is “Daddy,” and I became one for the first time 23 years ago. Happy birthday to may favorite oldest daughter…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flying back last Friday from Bogotá, Colombia meant a quick stop at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York before heading home to Seattle. Or, so I thought.

The layover was only about an hour and 40 minutes and getting through customs was brutal. There were 3 international flights all arriving at the same time and only 4 people manning the booths for much of it. By the time I got through and picked up my luggage, my plane was already boarding and I wasn’t even close to security. The nice people at Delta got me on the next plane…at 3:45 (it was only 7:30 am)! They checked in my bags and gave me my boarding pass and directions on how to catch the Air Tran to the A train to get to Manhattan. New York City, here I come!

It all worked seamlessly. I caught the Air Tran to Howard Beach where I jumped on the A Train. I had been to Manhattan once before and knew if I could get to Rockefeller center, I could work my way around. In looking at the map, I saw Cathedral Street. I knew St. Patrick’s Cathedral was next to 30 Rock, so I figured I’d get off there. That was my big mistake.

After getting out of the Subway and walking upstairs, I realized I was not where I wanted to be. I was in Harlem. Oops. I also had a large sum of cash I was carrying for my cousin for a deposit they needed me to make in the States. This only added to my growing apprehension. I started walking in the direction I thought I should. To say I felt out-of-place and a little on edge is an understatement. I remembered what my friend and personal safety guru, Larry Kaminer always says – “Act naturally and be observant.” I also called my wife. I figured if I was on the phone, that was a good thing. It was for me, but it wasn’t for her! Needless to say, Barb was very concerned (and loudly) that I had left the comfort of JFK airport to traipse around Harlem in my quest for Manhattan. Regardless, it was good to have her on the phone as I kept walking in the direction I thought I should be. Finally, I decided to check my GPS on my iPhone. I plugged in the only address I knew…30 Rockefeller Center. I was going in the right direction! However I was 3.6 miles and over an hour walking away! I was glad I dressed casually to travel that day!

Soon, I was very relieved to find the entrance into Central Park (Barb was still not happy at 5:30 am her time). I felt very safe among the joggers, walkers, baby strollers, and dogs in the park. It was a beautiful morning in New York City. As it tuned out, the GPS kept me on my way and in exactly an hour and change from the time I started the walk, I ended up at 30 Rock. I spent the morning walking around Manhattan, sipping on Starbucks, and taking pictures. Several hours later, I was on the train back (the right one), and easily made it to my gate in time to head home. It was a fun adventure and a great way to end my vacation.

Here are a few lessons that I took away from my jaunt into the city…

1. Take a few risks. I could have played it safe and stayed in a stuffy old airport in arguably the greatest city on the planet for 8 hours. I decided to take a risk and do something I’ve never done before. Sure, it came with a little scare, but it all worked out and I have a terrific story to tell. In business and life, you need to take a few risks to gain tremendous rewards.

2. Be prepared when you travel. I had a couple of energy bars in my backpack. I can tell you I was pretty hungry and the availability to have those handy was a life saver. I would have had water too but I couldn’t take it past security leaving Bogotá. When you travel, make sure you have food and water handy.

3. Act naturally in anxious moments. Yes, I admit I was nervous. However, I think I did a pretty good job of just trying to blend in and be natural. Otherwise, you cause unwanted attention to yourself.

4. Laugh. I actually chuckled to myself and then laughed about it when I was in the park. It really was an amusing set of circumstances that occurred. You have to be able to laugh at yourself.

5. Be in the moment. Be observant. Have fun. Take in beauty. Take in life. Don’t become so over-anxious and concerned that you waste precious moments and time.

Well, I’m back from my trip, Labor Day is in the books, and so it’s time to get after it. Captain Jack is laying here next to me as I type, so all is back to normal. Except, I now have new memories and stories because I took a few risks. Go out and do likewise!

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last two days have again been filled with wonderful family, delicious food, and a terrific city and country.

On Sunday, I went with my cousins to their “finca.” Finca translates directly into English as “farm,” but it’s really not. It’s a weekend home where people in the city go to relax with family. Bogotá is a lot like New York City. Many people live in apartments because it’s easier in a city of 9 million or so. At the “fin de la semana,” they book it out-of-town to the country.

My cousin’s daughters and their husbands are my age. Funny that although we’ve only met once or twice, as I said before, it’s as if we’ve always known each other. We are able to laugh and tease each other (although I NEVER do any teasing) as family and friends. I am glad that I was able to bring them some American colloquialisms that they didn’t know such as “blackmail (long story but let’s just say it’s part of the teasing),” “chill out,” and “dude.” I’m glad I can do my part for the cause.

Yesterday, I spent time with my Tia Clara and her husband Hernando, my Tia Elena, and both of their families, which include many cousins and second cousins. Head to my Facebook page to see photos and names. This was the house I stayed at 40 years ago on my last visit. It’s funny how memories of the house and people quickly get unlocked from your memory when coming back. My aunts are a kick and I enjoyed listening to “cuentas” of my mother when she was young. Many of them I had never heard. They were also kind to share some old pictures with me and we talked about their lives and family. Oh…and the food. The beat just continues. The homemade food is out-of-bounds (again in Dan terminology this is really, really good). The Bogotá voodoo is that it just never runs out!

Today it’s off to the famous salt mines. Looking out the window as I type it is blue skies and chirping birds. Going to be another great day. More to come…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

This week’s focus point -

15 minutes.

On Sunday, I had a 15-minute date with my wife, Barb. We were in Dallas and had a few minutes after Sunday morning Mass before we needed to head back to my cousin’s to pick up my mother prepare to leave. Our 15 minutes were spent at the local Starbucks enjoying each others company.

When I was studying for my Certified Risk Manager test last week, I took a 15 minute break about every 90 minutes. It allowed my brain to rest; my body to get some motion; and my spirit to rejuvenate.

Employees are mandated to take breaks during the day. Not only is it the law, but it’s smart. Studies prove that occasional breaks improve efficiency and productivity.

What about you? Do you allow yourself regular 15 minute breaks to recharge your brain? If you’re an entrepreneur, you may treat yourself worse than any other boss could. If you’re a business person who is in charge of their own schedule, you may do the same.

Reward yourself frequently during the day and give yourself 15 minutes just for you. Parlay that every few weeks into a full day. You will find that taking time for yourself and your most important relationships will not only pay dividends for you personally, but professionally as well.

This week’s quote – “One chance is all you need.”
- Jesse Owens

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

Active Minds and Bodies.

This past weekend was a blur…

I started Saturday morning packing my golf bag and duffel bag and heading to Seattle via the ferry to play golf at beautiful Harbour Pointe Golf Course in Mukilteo. My friend Dave picked me up on the other side on a glorious day and we headed over for 18 holes in my Washington Athletic Club tournament. After the round, I scarfed down a turkey sandwich and beer and then like Superman in the telephone booth, changed into my “symphony” clothes. My wife Barb was herding cats by bringing my two daughters, my 87-year old mother, and our Rotary foreign exchange student over to Seattle to meet me for the playing of the Wizard of Oz with the Seattle Symphony in the background. Dave dropped me off at exactly the same time they arrived, we went to dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s, and then spent the evening re-visiting Oz.  The next day, we got up early after a late night, went to morning Mass, and then hit it out to Barb’s parents for a day trip and visit. Whew! I’m waiting for Monday to relax!

Active minds and bodies are essential to living a well-rounded life. Sometimes maybe a little frantic, but always good to keep the brain synapses popping (or whatever they do). Staying active both physically and mentally is the real fountain of youth. It also is the “stuff” that a healthy life is made of. I encourage you to find ways in your busy professional life to add plenty of balance with a healthy dose of activity. It’s good for the body, mind, and soul…

This week’s quote – “You don’t have a professional life and a personal life. You simply have a life…”
- Alan Weiss, author of Million Dollar Consulting

Twenty-five years ago today, on a beautiful first day of summer in Oak Harbor, WA, I married my best friend (in today’s lingo, my BFF).

As we sat at home watching television last night, we discussed how we never knew a quarter of a century later, that we’d have two daughters in college, be living in Poulsbo, and my mother would be living with us. The only thing that had come between us was our dogs (literally).

Relationships of any kind are fragile. People are motivated by different things, events change, feelings are hurt, and both joys and crises are shared. In today’s world, somewhere about half of marriages fail. One of the reasons I believe ours hasn’t is because we dated for so many years prior to get married (even though we married at 21 years old). She definitely saw me at my best and worst! Even though today marks 25 years of wedded bliss, this September we will have been together 29 years. There is something to be said for cultivating trusting relationships. They take time, perseverance, forgiveness, humility (still working on mine as she might attest), humor, understanding, and the ability to face crisis as a team. Take a look at your best relationships – both personal and professional – and I’m certain you will find those characteristics.

Today, I honor my BFF.  Thank you Barb for 25 years of marriage, for putting up with all of my “idiosyncrasies:” my wild hairs; my golf outings; my sports watching; my inability to cook but my willingness to eat; for holding my “stuff” while we sit at games; and for all those other things that get lost in translation during the course of 4,380 days. I love you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. to Leo who I know reads this blog – she loved it! Thanks for your help…

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

This week’s focus point -

Overcoming Resistance.

When we were on vacation in Washington D.C. six years ago, we were warned about the metro system. As you leave the train, all the “slow” people stay to the right, and the “fast” people play through on the left. Boy, were they right. Everyone who needed to get somewhere fast zipped past us like Dale Earnhardt Jr. The system worked because those on the go were not delayed and those who were tourists like us didn’t get trampled.

Getting off the ferry to go into Seattle last week, I recalled fondly that system. Unfortunately for me, there is NO system off the ferry. People walk with large bags, dawdle, stop mid-stride, and stroll in all areas of the walkway. They literally block all of those who are in a hurry to move and trying to gain speed and momentum. Guess which lane I want to occupy here!?

The same thing can happen to your speed and momentum in business. You will encounter resistance just like I did trying to get into the city. Instead of baby strollers and rolling luggage, you will run into people, systems, situations, competition, and plain bad luck all trying to derail you and impede your momentum. However, in my experience one of the biggest culprits of resistance comes from ourselves. We can be our own worst enemy and hinder our own progress. Lack of confidence, discouragement, stress, and impatience mask our own talent and cause us to quit before we should. “Resistance” can be an invidious condition and one that we need to recognize and hold fast against.

Today’s’ morale – make sure you’re playing in the fast lane and don’t let anything slow you down.

This week’s quote – “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”
- Admiral David Farragut – a lifelong left-lane sprinter

I just finished watching the Dallas Mavericks vanquish the Lebron-led (or not led) Miami Heat. I can tell you that there is a stark difference in class. First, you’ve got the mega-hyped, Lebron James who held “The Announcement” last year to bolt from Cleveland. Everyone outside of South Beach was rooting against him.

Mark Cuban is the bombastic owner of the Dallas Mavericks. He just won his first NBS championship and what’s he do? He invites the club’s original owner, Donald Carter, to receive the championship trophy on stage. That’s class.

Leadership is about actions. Mark Cuban showed tremendous leadership, character, and class tonight.

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

This week’s focus point -

Passion.

Last Friday, my wife Barb and I had dinner with friends at a very nice Italian restaurant. As good as the food was, the server stood out. She was gregarious, humorous, and really knew her stuff when it came to food. But above all of that, she was passionate about food. Not only did her demeanor indicate it, her words did. In a conversation with us where we had asked her why she had been in the food industry for 30 years, she exclaimed, “For me, it’s all about the food. It’s my passion. I love being part of food.”

Her passion may have been the food, but it literally spilled over to her customers. The joie de vivre left us with a good taste in our mouth for the food, the restaurant, and her. Our experience was heightened because of her passion.

Can your customers and clients say the same about you? Does your passion for your work spill over to them? If not, then why do you do what you do? If this lady can still have the same passion for food after 30 years, shouldn’t you be able to do the same? If the answer is “yes,” then kudos to you. You’re doing the right thing. If the answer is “no,” then it may be time to examine your career and either change or re-invent. The benefactors of this will be your clients, customers, prospects, and you!

This week’s quote – “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the starts to change the world?”"
- Harriet Tubman