Ted Tuesday— "The Cleverest Kid In The World," Adora Svitak, on What Adults Can Learn From Kids

"The world needs "childish" thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kids' big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups' willingness to learn from children as much as to teach."

Good Morning Folks,

15-year old Adora Svitak will blow you away. She says the world needs "childish" thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kids' big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups' willingness to learn from children as much as to teach.

Dubbed the “cleverest kid in the world”, the 15-year-old is already an internationally acclaimed speaker and published author, known for her essays, stories, poems, blogs, and full-length books since the age of seven. Her TED Talk in 2010, What Adults Can Learn From Kids, has garnered almost 3 million views across the web.

A passionate activist, Adora has a moving message to share with the world. She can often be found on stages around the world delivering talks on youth impact, Internet culture and its integration into education, and the impact of technology on the creative process. Her most recent endeavour was to participate in the XPRIZE Foundation’s Visioneering 2013, an annual event where groundbreaking entrepreneurs, thinkers, inventors and innovators gather to create innovations that will push humanity forward.

When you talk about what we look for in employees for FSO, the eye of the tiger, fire in the belly and skip in the step, this young lady knocks all three out of the park. Adora, we have a place reserved for you on our team!

Enjoy the brief video. After hearing Adora's talk, how could one ever say the world "can't" again?

Enjoy!

Have a GREAT day. Love LIFE!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"It's not what you've got. It's what you use that makes a difference."
~~ Zig Ziglar
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TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/translate. Watch a highlight reel of the Top 10 TEDTalks at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10

Ted Tuesday: Do you love what you do for a living?

"There is never a job shortage for good people! There is an endless number of jobs that you could do successfully, and make a good living doing them. You never have to feel stuck in a particular position, company, or industry. You deserve to do what you love for a living." ~~ Brian Tracy

Good Morning Folks,

Brian Tracy made a very motivational post on Facebook (see above) that made me wonder if he ever given a TED talk.

I couldn't find a TED talk, but my online search led me to this timeless gem on YouTube (24 Techniques for Closing the Sale) that is a must for anyone in sales to watch or watch again. This being a long weekend, you might simply bookmark the link and hope to find time to consume it.

 

Have a GREAT day. Love LIFE!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. 

Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain

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How to Become More Productive at Work

"A must see for overwhelmed professionals. It gives you tips and tools to accomplish more on a daily basis and to make better choices about your career.”

Photo: Robert C. Pozen is Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School and Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. 

Good Morning Folks,

In today's short video, Harvard Business School Professor Bob Pozen discusses secrets to workplace productivity and high performance from his recently published book "Extreme Productivity."

Pozen reveals his secrets to workplace productivity and high performance. The antidote to a calendar full of boring meetings and a backlog of emails, his book shows professionals how they can achieve their goals by making a critical shift in mindset: from hours worked to results produced.  Pozen focuses on:

==> Three Big Ideas

• Spending your time on your most important goals
• Focusing on the final product as soon as possible
• Accepting the B+ and moving on to more important tasks

==> Productivity Every Day

• Establishing an efficient daily routine focused on your priorities
• Transporting your productive habits from the office to the road
• Running effective meetings and avoiding them altogether!

==> Developing Personal Skills

• Reading effectively by knowing your purpose
• Writing effectively by organizing your thoughts quickly
• Speaking effectively by engaging your audience

==> Managing Up and Down

• Getting the most out of your team by getting out of the way
• Creating a mutually beneficial relationship with your boss
• Productivity Throughout Your Life

==> Choosing your next job to maximize your career options

• Embracing change, but recognizing universal constants
• Maintaining balance between your work and your life

There's a difference between being productive and being effective. I try to focus on the latter.

Enjoy the Video and if it's useful, check out  Professor Pozen's book.

Have a GREAT day. Love LIFE!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"If you don't fight for what you love. Don't cry for what you loose."
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Inspire ME Friday: The List of "10"

"Remember that friends are what really matter"

Good Morning Folks,

As another week ends, let us think about this list of 10, as we go about our coming days.

1. Challenge Fear
2. Be Bold
3. Have Gratitude
4. Take Action
5. Have Faith
6. Embrace Setbacks
7. Look Inside
8. Learn From Suffering
9. Don't Be Concerned With What Others Think Of You
10. Do What You Love

With the market on our side we have recognized the opportunity for limitless growth. And it wouldn't be possible without your support. And for that I am eternally grateful.

Have a safe, HAPPY and healthy weekend as I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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“The happiest people don't have the best of everything. 

They make the most of everything."
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Ted Tuesday: Rita Pierson— Every Kid Needs A Champion

"Simply outstanding and relevant to all those who dare to struggle and dare to win in the game of Education."

Good Morning Folks,

On this Ted Tuesday, I'm excited to share this inspiring talk from Rita Pierson.

Pierson, a teacher for over 40 years, has seen all sides of education. Both of Pierson’s parents and grandparents were teachers, and since 1972, Pierson has taught elementary school, junior high school and special education. According to Pierson, the most important component of learning – what keeps kids in school and passionate about reaching their goals – is simple: relationships. “Every child deserves a champion,” says Pierson,”an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”

Rita Pierson is one of the best educators i've ever seen! Her powerful voice is also inspiring me. I bet this talk is strong enough to stimulate the educators all over the world!!

She has such a passionate, compassionate, witty way of bringing her ideas through! She made me think about the teachers I had who were there for me and my class mates. Our champions...I will never forget them.

Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, "They don't pay me to like the kids." Her response: "Kids don't learn from people they don’t like.’” A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.

Indeed, it’s heroes just like Pierson and the educators we honor today that are these very champions. “Is this job tough? You betcha,” says Pierson. “But it is not impossible. We can do this. We are educators. We are born to make a difference.”

I hope you enjoy Pierson’s TED Talk as much as I did.


Have a GREAT day. Love LIFE!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me."

~~Ayn Rand

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How to Get Human Customer Service

"Of course at FSO, you can always count on getting a live person to help you."

Good Morning Folks,

Have you ever had a problem with a company and wished you could just get a person on the phone? Yeah, me too!

According to Steve Anderson, "Even with all the technology at our disposal sometimes it is faster, easier, and creates a much better customer service experience when you can actually talk to a customer service agent. But, it can often be difficult to find the right number to call."

That’s why you need to bookmark GetHuman.com. This site does one thing really well. It maintains an easily searchable list of over 8,000 company customer service phone numbers that, in most cases, connects you with a real live person.

It also provides advice and shortcuts on how to get through voice menus as well as tips on how to receive good service. You can also see reviews left by others and leave your own reviews about your experience with a company for others to see.

The site does have quite a few ads displayed between blocks of information so just make sure you click on the information you want and not an ad.

GetHuman.com also works on your mobile phone. No special phone necessary. Any Internet-enabled phone can use GetHuman.com by using your browser to navigate to the website. When you visit on your cell phone, you’ll see a mobile version of the site that is fitted to a smaller screen.

If you have an iPhone or an Android device, you can download the free GetHuman App from the respective stores. The app has customer service phone numbers for major businesses, and the steps for getting a live person – just like the website. But unlike the site, the app is on your phone, meaning that you can contact customer support from wherever you are. The app dials the phone number for you after suggesting how to talk to a real person."

Of course at FSO, you can always count on getting a live person to help you.

Have a GREAT day. Love LIFE!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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“If failure is not an option, then neither is success.” 
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Steve Anderson is the leading authority on insurance agency technology. He is a prolific writer known for his knack for translating “geek speak” into easily understood concepts. Check out his free weekly newsletter “TechTips” and other resources for the insurance industry on his website.

Via LinkedIn: Creative Commons

Inspire ME Friday: Just "3" Things...

"FSO did not get to this place by luck. With the market on our side, we have limitless growth potential."

Good Morning Folks,

Folks, there's is so much awesome "stuff" happening in our great company. We have awesome leaders; awesome people; and a market that is so in love with us so competitors can't keep up. I have huge aspirations for the future of FSO.

It looks like our Inspire ME Friday series has struck a chord with a lot of you. Thanks to those who have been writing back personal messages. 

So here's a bonus for today!

==>Three things in life that, once gone, never come back 
-1. Time 2. Words 3. Opportunity

==>Three things in life that can destroy a person 
- 1. Anger 2. Pride 3. Unforgiveness

==>Three things in life that you should never lose
- 1. Hope 2. Peace 3. Honesty

==>Three things in life that are most valuable 
- 1. Love 2. Family & Friends 3. Kindness

==>Three things in life that are never certain 
- 1. Fortune 2. Success 3. Dreams

==> Three things that make a person 
- 1. Commitment 2. Sincerity 3. Hard work 

Thank you again for your amazing energy that is fueling the FSO fire across the country. FSO did not get to this place by luck. With the market on our side, we have limitless growth potential.

Have a safe, HAPPY and healthy weekend as I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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“The difference between success and failure is just getting it right more than getting it wrong"
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LinkUP Thursday: The Best Business Books In Brief...

"People want to be part of something that is bigger than they are"

Good Morning Folks,


Want to read 15 famous business books in under a minute?

To save you some time and money, Business Insider's made it possible. They boiled down some of the most popular and influential business books out there to their central lessons.

For those looking to bone up on some business theory, here are the highlights.

Read all about it: http://www.businessinsider.com/famous-business-book-summaries-2013-10#ixzz2jd8lh8HT

Have a GREAT day. Love LIFE!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"Never stop working at what you love because that's the fuel that makes life worth living. Happiness is about making dreams come true, no matter how long it takes."
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Ted Bonus: A Talk to Cheer You Up On Hump Day

"Take a moment this Wednesday to be thankful for all the wonderful things in your life. "

Good Afternoon Folks,

I thought that on hump day something to lift the spirits would be in order.
Louie Schwartzberg’s TEDxSanFrancisco talk “Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.” from June 2011 is an excellent mediation. 

Schwartzberg’s talk is a beautiful embodiment of these virtues, and while it’s not a typical presentation, there are certainly elements in it that we can use to better ours.

Most of the power in Schwartzberg’s presentation lies in his use of visuals. Arrestingly beautiful video plays in the background as an accompaniment to his words. Smartly, he avoids use slides riddled with bullet points and words, instead harnessing the power of the incredible photography and video he has collected over years. His visuals fit ideally with the topic at hand, and they do a great job of keeping the audience enthralled from start to finish.

With that said, take a moment this Wednesday to be thankful for all the wonderful things in your life. As Brother Steindel-Rast points out: we so rarely take time to look at the sky and at the faces of other people. Spend a few moments this upcoming holiday season letting gratefulness wash over you, and allow yourself to fall in love with nature’s enduring beauty.

For I am deeply thankful and grateful for all of you reading this right now!

Have a GREAT day. Love LIFE!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, 
whose presence calls forth your best." - Epictetus 
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Ted Tuesday: Dan Pink— What Motivates People

"You should watch this because it is influencing the conversation about what makes a great workplace. It can help you do a better job as a boss" 

Good Morning Folks,

On today's show, career analyst and author of the best-selling business book Drive, Dan Pink, examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward. 

The talk contains the substance of this book. If you're a boss or concerned about leadership, you need to become familiar with that message. The ideas are important. Pink's rendering of them, for good or ill, will define and influence the discussion of motivation in business for quite a while. He does get the big picture right. He says that people would prefer activities where they can pursue three things.

==> Autonomy: People want to have control over their work. 

===> Mastery: People want to get better at what they do. 

==> Purpose: People want to be part of something that is bigger than they are. 


Pink delivers many key ideas that matter. 

Key Idea: There is a difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. 

Key Idea: Intrinsic motivators are more powerful. 

Key Idea: If you use monetary rewards to get people to perform the way you want, those rewards may have the opposite effect. These are important things for a boss to know. 

Bottom line: "You should watch this because, it is influencing the conversation about what makes a great workplace. It can help help you do a better job as a boss."

Now let's join Dan Pink for "The Puzzle of Motivation."

Have a GREAT day. Love LIFE!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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“People may not always remember what you said, 
but they will always remember how you made them feel."
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Inspire ME Friday: Happiness Is A Happy Boss

"Regardless of what it says on your job description, your real job is to make your boss successful. There are no exceptions to this rule. None."

Good Morning Folks,

Geoffrey James' "Sales Source" *(@Sales_Source) (formerly "Sales Machine" on CBS) is the world's most-visited sales-oriented blog. 

Geoff's recent INC column, "8 Core Beliefs of Extraordinary Bosses," drew a flood of responses. 

But there's one thing he didn't mention: An extraordinary boss communicates his expectations clearly to his team. That way, everyone understands what it will take to make your company succeed.

With that in mind: If you are the boss, you'll want to share this column with your team, because it will make your job a heck of a lot easier. And if by chance you're not the boss, memorize this column-because it contains the key to long-term success

==> 8 Ways To Keep Your Boss Happy By Geoffrey James

Here are the rules for keeping your boss happy:

1. Be true to your word.
Your boss wants to trust you. Really. Therefore, whenever you accept an assignment, follow through religiously, even fanatically. Do what you say you're going to do. Never overcommit, and avoid hedging your bets with vague statements like "I'll try" and "maybe." Instead, make your word carry real weight.

2. No surprises, ever.
The secret fear of every boss is that employees are screwing up but are not saying anything about it. So even if you're afraid some bad news might upset your boss, make sure he's informed. Note: If your boss consistently "shoots the messenger," you can ignore this rule-because his behavior shows he doesn't really want to be in the know.

3. Be prepared on the details.
Your boss wants to believe you're competent and on top of things. That's why she sometimes picks an aspect of your job and begins randomly asking penetrating questions. Therefore, whenever you're meeting with the boss, have the details ready so you can answer these queries with grace and aplomb.

4. Take your job seriously.
Bosses appreciate individuals who truly care about what they do and willing to take the time to achieve a deep understanding of their craft. Bosses need people who have unique expertise. You don't have to be a pro at everything, but you should definitely have a specific area of knowledge that your boss values.

5. Have your boss's back.
When you see your boss about to make a foolish decision, it's your responsibility to attempt to convince him to make a different one. Make your best case, and express yourself clearly. However, once the decision is actually made, do your best to make it work-regardless of whether you think it was the right one.

6. Provide solutions, not complaints.
Complainers are the bane of your boss's existence. Nothing is more irritating or more boring than listening to somebody kvetch about things that they're not willing to change.  So never bring up a problem unless you've got a solution to propose-or are willing to take the advice the boss gives you.

7. Communicate in plain language.
Bosses are busy people and have neither the time nor the inclination to wade through piles of biz-blab, jargon and weasel words. When dealing with your boss, speak and write in short sentences, use the fewest words possible to make a point, and make that point clear and easily understandable.

8. Know your real job.
Regardless of what it says on your job description, your real job is to make your boss successful. There are no exceptions to this rule. None.

And, by the way: Your boss's real job is to make you more successful. The reversal of these priorities is the source of almost all organizational problems.

Have a safe, happy and healthy weekend as I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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“Being able to be truly happy at work is one of the keys to being happy in life”
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