At Christmas, All Roads Lead Home.....

Greetings Folks,

Holidays are a time for family, celebration, and giving thanks. 

As we celebrate the end of a year filled with innovative ideas and positive change, I want to say thank you for helping us (re)IMAGINE better ways to work. 

Whether you are already part of the FSO revolution or just pondering the possibility of a future with us, I very much appreciate your time and attention. 

We look forward to contributing to your wealth and success in 2017 and beyond. In the spirit of the season.... CHEERS!

Mitch

TED Tuesday: Robert Waldinger— What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness

"There isn't time, so brief is life, for bickerings, apologies, heartburnings, callings to account. There is only time for loving, and but an instant, so to speak, for that."

Good Morning Folks,

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. The food, family, the stories... always remind me that I have much to be grateful for. Each morning, I'm eager to jump out of bed and get to the office. I'm incredibly fortunate in that I love what I do. My team and I work hard every day to deliver the best opportunities to help you achieve your dreams and ambitions, whatever they may be.

But what else keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? If you think it's fame and money, you're not alone – but, according to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, you're mistaken. As the director of a 75-year-old study on adult development, Waldinger has unprecedented access to data on true happiness and satisfaction. In this talk, he shares three important lessons learned from the study as well as some practical, old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life.

Join 11 million others to experience my selection for this TED Tuesday, Robert's brilliant TED talk: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness




As we usher in the "happiest time of the year," I wish you all the health, wealth and happiness that you deserve.

Have a GREAT day, be happy and…

Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

*TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference on the West Coast each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer -- TED includes the award-winning TED Talks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize.  More at TED.com

At FSO, We Are Thankful For You

Good Morning Folks,

Our lives are peppered with mentors, bosses, colleagues and teachers who have helped us with our professions. But I bet you're like me and got your first career lesson from family.

I'll never forget mine. I think of it almost daily around the holidays.

Holidays are a time for family and good memories. And for saying thanks.

At FSO, we have a lot to be thankful for. We had another record year, advancing rapidly from a blank canvas to the fastest growing privately-owned outsourcing company on the planet. But, the best is yet to come (more about that in my 'kickoff" message back here on Jan 7).

Saying "thank you" — sincerely and with heart — feels good. Not just to the person receiving it, but also to the person offering it. And that's part of work too. It's hard to remember, as we process our 580th post, that behind each message being read is a person..

So, as we celebrate the end of one year and usher in another, I want to say "thanks" to you. The support I feel from you, my readers, our customers, employees and clients, is an unending source of encouragement to keep at it. 

It is a huge gift to me that you are interested in what I have to say and spend your valuable time reading and sharing it. It touches me and I am so thankful for it. 

Remember...

Zig's New Years Resolution: 

"Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right"

We'll be pausing the blog until Monday so our ever-growing FSO family can spend quality time with their own. 

Thanks again, and Happy Holidays!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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"Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold."

~~ Maurice Setter
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Inspire ME Friday: Nothing Better For The Holidays Than A Handwritten Note

"Not a single person I've sent a card to has NOT written to thank me for the sentiment, and the card itself. It truly is a present in itself."

Good Morning Folks,

Handwritten cards are an undervalued and underutilized business tool. When was the last time you received one via snail mail?

Now when was the last time your email pinged? 

If your inbox is like mine, it is full of emails that need reading, responding and filing. Even with filters and spam guards, it only takes a couple hours for my inbox to get cluttered and my productivity to take a pummeling.

Because of this, I have come to rather enjoy receiving snail mail and the brief reprieve it brings. And, when I receive a note from a colleague or new acquaintance, the rarity makes the task that much more enjoyable.

I understand that the task of writing cards is cumbersome (not to mention outdated) and has been largely replaced by emails, Facebook messages and tweets. Sending a hand written note, however, to thank someone for a meeting or offer congratulations for a promotion, communicates volumes of in just a few words.

Yes, it is time consuming, but because this small gesture can make such a large impression, here are some tips for streamlining the process and maximizing their impact.  

Keep the presentation simple.
You can find simple, blank cards in the clearance aisle at OfficeMax or at Dollar General. Buy a box and keep a few with you at all times. Remember, it's the thought that counts. If you want to perk up your presentation, you can beautify your stationary through online services such as Mo0.com, which will create customized, high-quality notecards for a premium.  

Pre-label and pre-stamp envelopes.
Take a few minutes to prep your envelopes with a return address label and stamp. This will not only cut out this step in the process, but it will make you more inclined to actually use them. And, yes, buy stamps. Real stamps. You've gone this far in the process, so don't ruin the impression with a generic red stamp from a postage meter.  

Keep the message brief.
A long, detailed note defeats part of the original purpose. Simply include a brief reminder of where you met, what you discussed, and how thankful you are for their time. Anything more will most likely be seen as insincere and as an overzealous marketing ploy (it is, but it should not come across as such).  

Include a business card.
Instead of using valuable notecard real estate reminding the recipient of who you are, include a business card and let it do the talking. Just make sure your business card says what you want it to say.  

Use a good pen.
I find that having a high quality pen helps. While I will make small corrections on the card, if the pen leaks, bleeds, or runs out of ink mid-message, it kills the presentation.  

You can even find online help (if you need it).
If you find carrying cards with you too much, or you simply don't know where the nearest post office is located (hey, nobody's judging), then consider an app that will do the same thing. For instance, Felt is an app that allows users to create customizable greeting cards with handwritten messages on an iPad, which are then printed and mailed for you. It even allows you to handwrite the address on the envelope. Cost is steep at $3.99 per card, but the presentation is very nice.

Sending handwritten cards does not have to be a time consuming and burdensome task. The return on investment for your time, however, is priceless. And, if doing so gets you away from the anxiety of an Outlook inbox packed with email, even for just a few minutes, well, that may just be worth it all in the end.

Two very important takeaways are: 
1) Keep it brief
2) Include a business card. (lot of people don't do that).

If you really want to make an amazing impression, invest in note cards from Sweet Jane Papery.  Not a single person I've sent a card to has NOT written to thank me for the sentiment, and the card itself. It truly is a present in itself.    

Hooray It's The Weekend!

Be great and (re)IMAGINE!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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"A conclusion is the place where you got tired thinking."
- Martin H. Fischer

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Wishing You Good Health And Prosperity In The Coming Year

A little smile, A word of cheer, A bit of love from someone near, "These make a Merry Christmas!"

Good Morning Folks,

I trust you are all celebrating great moments and times with your families through the week and into the New Year.

During this season joy and giving, we wish you, your family and friends all the blessings of Christmas and hope you enjoy the best of Holidays

Health. Happiness. Family. Careers. Jobs and a future that is extremely bright for all. 

Life is about attitude. Focus, and the ability to see what we have at all times and to not focus on what we don't have. To share with others and to give where we might not have given before. 

We are a blessed group and a lucky family as well. 

As you head home today to be with your loved ones, the Weiners and the entire leadership team, Jim and many others want to say THANK YOU and take this moment to say thanks to your families for all the support and care they provide to us each and every day. 

You are my extended family and I wish you all a happy, safe, healthy, exciting, surprising, unexpected, rewarding, redeeming... joyous New Year!

May you and your team find good health and prosperity in the coming year.

Happy Holidays everyone!!

Be back on the blog next week.

Have a GREAT WEEKEND!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. 
To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, 
is to have the real spirit of Christmas."
~~ Calvin Coolidge

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Walter Thompson, Reavis & Pogue, Kabel Bw, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaye, Scholer, Fierman, Hayes, And Hudler, Hudson County Community College, Kddi Corporation, Kelley Drye & Warren Llp, King & Spalding Llp, Kirby Mcinerney Llp, Kirkland & Ellis Llp, Leaseweb Usa, Laughlin/constable, Inc, Latham Watkins, Legal Source Ls Llc, Leslie Digital Imaging Llc, Lexis-nexis, Linode Resources, Liquidnet Holdings, Lion Resources, Loeb & Troper, Cpa, Lombard Odier Asset Management, Los Angeles County Office Of Education, Loyola Marymount University, Macquarie Bank, Macquarie Holdings, Manufacturers And Traders Trust Company, Marriott International, Marsh, MasterCard, Mayer, Brown & Platt, Mcnc, Mckesson Technologies, Mdmb Law, Medex Pharmacy, Mediadata, Medimmune, Llc, Mellon Bank, Memorial Sloan-kettering Cancer Center, Mercury Radio Arts, Merck And Co, Methodist Hospital Of Memphis,Miami University, Michaels Stores, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, Micro Graphic Info Svcs, Microsoft Corp, Middle Country Public Library, Milbank - Milbank Tweed Hadley Mccloy, Ministry Of Education Computer Center, Miox Corporation, Montclair State University, Moody's Investors Service, Morgan Stanley Group, Moses & Singer Llp, Motorola, Mount Sinai School Of Medicine, Multiverse, Munsch Hardt Kopf Harr, Museum of the City of New York, Namesco Limited, Museum Of The City Of New York, Nassau County Board Of Cooperative Education Services, Nassau County Boces, National Board Of Medical Examiners, National Chiao Tung University, Navy Network Information Center, NBC Universal, Nbs, Nbty, Nco Group, Ncs Pearson, Neuberger Berman, New Jersey Institute Of Technology, New Mexico State University, New York City Public Schools, New York Power Authority, New York Public Library, New York University, Next Jump, Nomura International Plc, Northern Michigan University, Northern Ohio Educational Computer Association, Northwood University, Nyedc, Off Campus Telecommunications, Old Republic, Onewest Bank Fsb, Openband Multimedia, Llc, Ohiohealth Corporation, Orange, Orange County - Telecommunications Department, Orange Israel, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe, Oshean, Oxford Networks, Paramount Pictures, Partners Healthcare System, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker Llp, Pavlov Njencom Colo, Perfect Building Maintenance, Peter-paul_verduin Pfizer, Phonoscope, Pillsbury Madison & Sutro, Pitney Bowes Plc, Plum Creek Marketing, Pluk Pluk,  Plus One Health Management, Polaris Project, Polytechnic University, Powerspace & Services, Preferred Office Products, Privax Limited, Procter & Gamble, PwC (50 locations!); Queens Public Library, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges Llp, Qitx; R.r. Donnelley & Sons Company; r.sea; Readers Digest; Reed Smith Llp (PA); Regus Business Centers, Research In Motion; Revenue Assurance Test; Richards Kibbe & Orbe Llp; Robins, Kaplan, Miller, & Cire; Robert Bosch Gmbh, Robins, Kaplan, Miller, & Cire, Rockefeller Group Technology Solutions; Rothschild, Row 44; Royal Bank Of Canada; Rutgers University; Safra National Bank Of New York; Salesforce.com; San Diego City Schools; San Francisco Marriott Marquis; Santa Clara County Office Of Education; Sarah Lawrence College; Scholastic; Sfr; Sedwick Llp, Sharp Electronics Corporation; Shearman & Sterling; Sidley Austin Brown & Wood; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett Llp; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom Llp; Social Law Library; Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, Sify Limited, Smoothstone, Societe Generale; Socorro Independent School District; Softbank Bb Corp; Social Security Administration, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Soros Fund Management Llc, Spherion Corporation; src Federal Holding Company, Llc; Standard Motor Products; Starwood Hotels; State Of Minnesota , State Of Montana; Stinson Morrison Hecker Llp; Straub Clinic & Hospital; Sungard Availability Services Usa; Syracuse University; Systems Research And Applications Corp; Talktalk; Tadlock Law Firm Pllc, Target Corporation , Teco Energy; Tesoro; Companies; Texas Blending & Warehousing Corp; Texas Instruments; Texas Medical Center; The Chubb Corporation; The City Of New York; The Coca-cola Company; The Heritage Foundation; The Interpublic Group Of Companies; The Jnt Association; The Limited, The Metrohealth System; The Municipal Communications Utility Of The City O (Iowa); The New York Times Company; The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey, Tiaa-cref , Time; Toronto District School Board; Tower Group Companies; Trlg – Hq, Ttx Company; Turner Broadcasting System,  U.s. 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LinkUP Thursday: This Holiday, Give The Gift of Knowledge

"Even if your not  a salesman, selling skills will help you in every facet of life from buying our selling a house, to blowing away that interview for the dream job, to negotiating your next car. All told these books leave a lasting impression that will accelerate and improve the quality of your life and career."

Good Morning Folks,

Books make great gifts, but they’re even more meaningful with a story behind them.

Inspired by the LinkedIn Influencer series  CEO and other thought leaders were asked "What Book Changed You" — a new tradition has been born as these recommendations are serving as great gift lists for the executives, students, managers and career seekers in your life.

Unlike the traditional sweater or tie, these life-changing books empower you with knowledge, tools, techniques and tips— lessons that keep giving for the res of your life.

At FSO, myself and team are are already receiving some of the recommendations from our thoughtful friends and partners . We wanted to share some favorites those with you.

The Greatest Salesman in the World, by Og Mandino, was the first book that spoke directly to me and that addressed what I was going through while trying to seek clarity as a young businessman most, and when I first read it and every time since.

You can learn something from every experience — be open to learning new things and living new experiences.

1. Decide what you want.

2. Discover what the customer wants.

3. Deliver what the customer wants, plus one — SURPRISE THEM!

Many other books have changed me, one was the new bestseller from Jim Collins and Jerry Porras, Built to Last - Successful Habits of Visionary Companies. It was one of the first evidence-based books to explain the value of a vision. They found that the companies that got the vision and purpose right outperformed their industry (in stock market returns) by 1500% or 15 times! We knew that this would get the attention of CPAs as we asked them to help us create a vision for their future.

The lesson: Be a leader in your industry, not a “me too” company — understand and leverage your core competencies. Adapting to change and becoming a learning organization are competitive advantages.

In 1990, I discovered Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and was transformed.

For me, another book that transformed me the most is Dale Carnegie’s massive bestseller, How to Win Friends and Influence People. While this classic, advice-driven read may seem like a no-brainer, you can never hear it enough times.

More recently: The Five Best Social Media Books For Holiday Giving 

This month, over 60 of the most powerful figures in business shared the one book that got them where they are, and described how reading it transformed them professionally and personally. “The Book That Changed Me,” November’s feature series of Influencer posts on LinkedIn, amounted to a library of life-altering books. Some were inspirational, some serious, and others downright silly. But they all had a profound impact on the lives of leaders, among them Virgin founder Richard Branson, executive recruiter James Citrin and GE CMO Beth Comstock.

LinkedIn’s members enthusiastically participated in the series, and added another shelf to that library. Responses in the comments and on social media layered new meaning onto some Influencer favorites and offered a whole new selection of great books.

HERE, you’ll find MORE the top ten books that LinkedIn members and Influencers say changed their lives.

Even if your not  a salesman, selling skills will help you in every facet of life from being our selling a house, to blowing away that interview for the dream job, to negotiating your next car. All told these books leave a lasting impression that will accelerate and improve the quality of your life and career.

Best of all, these books can be purchased online, gift wrapped with a personal message and delivered to your recipients door within two days. So why waste gas finding another sweater to collect dust in the closet?

In the spirit of the season.... CHEERS!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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 "Stop being afraid of what could go wrong 

and start being positive about what could go right". — zig

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