HODGEPODGE BLOG

It’s a society where teamwork, loyalty and communication are the norm rather than the exception. Sound like utopia? Actually, it’s already present in nature – in a wolf pack. The wolf pack knows who it is. Those in the pack exist for each other.

Twyman Towery, Ph.D., a professional speaker and consultant who studied the lessons of leadership in nature, has captured them in a new book for Simple Truths called Wisdom of Wolves. Twyman shares the parallels between the wolf pack and human behavior…in business life, family life, and personal life.

Today, I’d like to share a chapter from Wisdom of Wolves. Who knew that the key to success might just be patterning your attitude after that of a wolf?

The Introduction from
Wisdom of Wolves
by Twyman Towery

The attitude of the wolf can be summed up simply: it is a constant visualization of success. The collective wisdom of wolves has been progressively programmed into their genetic makeup throughout the centuries. Wolves have mastered the technique of focusing their energies toward the activities that will lead to the accomplishment of their goals.

Wolves do not aimlessly run around their intended victims, yipping and yapping. They have a strategic plan and execute it through constant communication. When the moment of truth arrives, each understands his role and understands exactly what the pack expects of him.

The wolf does not depend on luck. The cohesion, teamwork and training of the pack determines whether the pack lives or dies.

There is a silly maxim in some organizations that everyone, to be a valuable member, must aspire to be the leader. This is personified by the misguided CEO who says he only hires people who say they want to take his job. Evidently, this is supposed to ensure that the person has ambition, courage, spunk, honesty, drive – whatever. In reality, it is simply a contrived situation, with the interviewee jumping through the boss’s hoops. It sends warnings of competition and one-upmanship throughout the organization rather than signals of cooperation, teamwork and loyalty.

Everyone does not strive to be the leader in the wolf pack. Some are consummate hunters or caregivers or jokesters, but each seems to gravitate to the role he does best. This is not to say there are not challenges to authority, position and status – there are. But each wolf’s role begins emerging from playtime as a pup and refines itself through the rest of its years. The wolf’s attitude is always based upon the question, “What is best for the pack?” This is in marked contrast to us humans, who will often sabotage our organizations, families or businesses, if we do not get what we want.

Wolves are seldom truly threatened by other animals. By constantly engaging their senses and skills, they are practically unassailable. They are masters of planning for the moment of opportunity to present itself, and when it does, they are ready to act.

Because of training, preparation, planning, communication and a preference for action, the wolf’s expectation is always to be victorious. While in actuality this is true only 10 percent of the time or less, the wolf’s attitude is always that success will come-and it does.

Wisdom of Wolves is one of the most fascinating books I’ve read. I could not put it down!  Just  click here for more information or to look inside the book.

All the Best,

Wisdom of Wolves

Some people might consider me an “old dog.” After all, I’ve been an entrepreneur for more than 30 years, but you better believe that I’m always looking to learn “new tricks!” My goal is to never stop growing and to always keep my mind open to fresh solutions.

One solution we’re all looking for these days is a way to accomplish more in our limited time. Author Amy Jones takes us back to the basics in Twice as Much in Half the Time- Secrets to Simplifying Your Life. It’s loaded with nuggets that will make a positive difference in your life.

Here’s an excerpt. Enjoy!

Excerpt from: Twice as Much in Half the Time,
by Amy Jones

What does it mean to manage your time (and life) better? Simply put, it means to live your life in such a way that you are able to accomplish more, so that at the end of each day you can realize measurable results and enjoy a sense of fulfillment. This often involves learning to do things differently so that the outcomes are more efficient and effective (and even less time-consuming) than before. After reading from countless resources and speaking to over half a million people on the subject of time management, I have come up with a simple truth. Learning to manage your life and your time isn’t rocket science. Anyone can do it! In fact, it is often the simple things you can do that will make profound differences. Sometimes you even have to go backward in order to go forward; so let’s go back-to-basics with this example.

First, grab a pencil and paper. Think back to the time you started school, all the way back to kindergarten. One of the first things you learned was how to identify shapes. Next you learned to draw them. On that sheet of paper I want you to do something very simple. Draw one triangle. That was simple, wasn’t it? Now, draw as many triangles as you can in twenty seconds. Stop. Count how many you were able to draw. Write down that number. Do you think there might be another way to complete this activity and draw more in less time?

Start at one side of the paper and draw connected W’s all the way across the page. Now put a line across the top and the bottom. See how many you can draw in twenty seconds using this method. Wow, that creates a lot of triangles! In only a few seconds you have learned to do this activity more efficiently and effectively in a much shorter amount of time. A seemingly insignificant change can make a significant difference in what can be accomplished in a given amount of time. In fact, you most likely made up to four or five times as many triangles the second time around.

What if you could do four or five times your sales volume by making a simple change? Or what if you could get four or five times as much done each day by making a simple change? Would that work for you?

If so, always be on the lookout for “new” ways to do “old” things, and keep your mind open to using alternative methods and plans of action. This book is filled with simple things that can make a profound difference. Are you ready to learn some new ways to manage your life and your time even better?

Then let’s get started!

Today, we are pleased to offer Twice as Much in Half the Time for only $10.00. Our regular price for this beautiful book is $15.95…a 37% savings. To learn more about Do Twice as Much in Half the Time or to look inside the book, just click here
.

Note: Offer expires 11:59pm CST on 2/22/10

All the Best,

Twice As Much In Half The Time

Laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy life.  He who laughs-lasts! 
                                  Wilfred A. Peterson
Laughter is one of the simple joys of life! Take a few minutes to enjoy the movie,
Laughter is an Instant Vacation! You will laugh, chuckle and take a little stress out of
your life!

Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as
bacon.
Doug Larson

Here’s a warning: Once you watch this 3 minute movie, it’ll be hard to forget!

I’ve probably watched it a hundred times but you know what…it still works. Whenever I need a little “nudge” to remind me about the difference between good and great, I’ll watch it…again.

Don’t forget to pay it forward by sharing this email with friends, family and co-workers. They’ll thank you for doing it!

Just  click here  to watch

To Life,

Linda Ellis has mastered the art of communicating the “Simple Truths of Life.” Her famous poem, The Dash, has only 239 words, but truly captures why we were put on this earth. Since we released the 3 minute “Dash movie,” over 30 million people have watched it on the internet and the feedback from around the world has been nothing short of amazing!

Today, however, we’re proud to bring you Linda’s new movie, Simple Truths of Life. The photographs, the music, but especially the words, are presented in an unforgettable way. Just sit back, turn up your speakers and click here to watch the Simple Truths of Life. And just in case you haven’t seen The Dash, come back and clcik here. You’ll get a “double shot” of inspiration! And feel free to share it by forwarding this email to friends and co-workers. They’ll love you for it!

To Life

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.
Acts 16:6

A missed flight connection puts you in a seat next to someone bearing a heavy load in life.

A wrong turn takes you by an outreach center you had never heard of.

A waitress opens up and shares some difficulties she is experiencing.

A conflict with a neighbor becomes the open door for a new relationship.

Ask God to lead you, and He just might put you in the right place at the right time to accomplish something for Him. You never know what seemingly mundane occurrence can be an opportunity to serve Him.

Click here  for a fresh dose of inspiration to find and fulfill God’s purpose for you, and pass this note along to a friend who might need a little encouragement today.

The teacher of teachers gives His guidance noiselessly. I have never heard Him speak, and yet I know that He is within me.
Therese of Lisieux

What’s holding you back from living a second mile life today?

Be Inspired and Inspire others,
Troy Johnson

One of my favorite things about life is that…good things happen when you least expect them!

About 6 months ago, I received a call from a California movie producer who said….”I read your book The Richest Man in Town a few weeks ago. I loved it and would like to make a movie about the story.” He said that he had 9 producer friends (14 Emmys between them) who had decided to focus on making movies that could make a difference in the world. This one, he said, had moved quickly to the top of their list!

Needless to say that we, along with the author, VJ Smith, were honored that they want to do a movie on The Richest Man in Town, and I must say, they’re moving very quickly to make it happen!

Today, however, I thought I’d share the story behind the story…. Enjoy!The Richest Man in Town .

It was a Wednesday afternoon in late July when my assistant came into my office. She said that one of our customers had been waiting on the phone for a while to talk with me. He said it was important.

I picked up the phone and the gentleman on the other end of the phone said, “My name is Pat Shaughnessy and I love your products, but that’s not why I’m calling. I’m calling because I just finished a book by VJ Smith titled: The Richest Man in Town. He then said, “Mac, you’ve got to read this book. I guarantee you that you’re not going to like it…you’re going to love it.”

Now, I’d be lying if I told you that this was the first time a customer had called with what they thought was a great book. And truthfully, they aren’t always so great! But there was something about this conversation that told me…this could be different. Pat’s enthusiasm was unwavering and when we hung up, I couldn’t get it out of my head.

A few days later I purchased a copy of the book. I shut my office door and read it, non-stop. When I finished I just sat there with tears running down my cheeks. Pat “nailed it”…I didn’t like it, I loved it!

I then picked up the phone to call the author, VJ Smith. If nothing else, I just wanted to thank him for writing a book that made a positive difference in the world. And the rest, as they say….is history! He was a fan of Simple Truths and said that he loved our products. VJ, who had self-published the book then said, “You’re not going to believe this, Mac, but just recently, I told my wife that someday I’d like to partner with a company like Simple Truths who could take my book to the rest of the world.”

I believe that some things are meant to be. The Richest Man in Town is a wonderful book. it’s a true story that will grab your heart and not let go! All I can say is that I’m honored to make it a part of the Simple Truths’ “family” of inspirational gift books.

I’d also like to share VJ Smith’s brief introduction to The Richest Man in Town.

“Introduction”
From The Richest Man in Town, by VJ Smith
I’m so glad I found you.
My friend, Aaron “Marty” Martinson, wrote those words in a note to me. On the pages that follow, you will discover that he didn’t find me. I found him. And, thanks to Marty, I remembered a few things about life that I hadn’t really thought about for a long time.

For years I had grand visions of writing a book about a leader who changed the course of history. I filled my personal library with biographies of presidents and statesmen. I wanted to understand what made their lives great – and what might be missing from mine.

In looking for answers I turned to books written by people who are successful in business and industry. For a while I searched for excellence, and then I compared my habits to those of highly effective people. More recently, I tried to figure out which mouse was in pursuit of the cheese. Like millions of people, I thought success equaled happiness.

The book I’ve written, though, is about a simple man who ran a cash register. He worked hard and was good to people. That, in turn, made him happy.

Can it be so simple – so free of complications? Marty thought so. He showed me how to be a better person, not one wealthier or more successful or more powerful.

He changed my life – forever.

Today I’m pleased to make a special of $12.00 per book, including the DVD that comes with each book. Regular price is $19.95, a savings of 40%. This little book makes a wonderful gift for any occasion…one that will keep on giving for a lifetime!

To learn more and to watch our inspirational 3 minute movie on The Richest Man in Town, just click here.

Note: This offer expires on 11:59PM CST on February 8, 2010.

All the Best,

Mac Anderson
Founder, Simple Truths

The Richest Man in Town with DVD and Audio CDs

He was named “Coach of the Century” by ESPN. The Super Bowl Trophy is named in his honor. And almost forty years after his death, legendary coach Vince Lombardi’s words still ring true: “Running a football team is no different than running any other kind of organization – an army, a political party or a business. The principles are the same.” His classic words, along with vintage photography, are presented in a beautiful gift book and movie titled What It Takes to Be Number One. Whether your team plays on the field or in the boardroom, this timeless message will inspire you to be number one.

Just click here to watch our What It Takes to be Number One movie and hear excerpts of Lombardi’s most famous speech. It gave me “goose bumps” the first time I heard it!

Also, today, to celebrate next weekend’s Super Bowl XLIV, we’re pleased to offer What It Takes to be Number One book, our 3 minute movie and the 20 minute audio CD of Lombardi speaking to a live audience, for only $12.00 (regular price is $19.95, a 40% savings). This also makes a treasured gift for any sports fan you know!

Note: This offer expires at 11:59PM CST on Monday February 1, 2010.

Live with Passion,

What it Takes to Be #1 with Audio CD and FREE DVD