Daylight savings time is here. In 1784 Benjamin Franklin proposed the idea as a way to conserve oil in the lamps used for evening reading. Of course, like all government sponsored programs, the policy continues long after the original purpose has changed. Oh well - enjoy the long evenings as times to take a walk, work in your gardens and spend time with friends.
Speaking of crazy ideas, be sure to read the article below on Are these people crazy. Don't do what "normal" people are doing. Be different, be bold - and you will find yourself getting "abnormal" results.
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Check out all the events coming up here at The Sanctuary in the 48 Days Highlights.
And be sure to read the quotations at the bottom of this newsletter on "When one door closes." You may be reminded that opportunity typically comes on the back side of challenge.
********************************************* " If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything. "- Allyson Jones
This weekend we had another of our famous RoundTable events here at The Sanctuary. The registrations maxed out quickly - with the limit of 45 attendees. So we had 45 excited 212Connection business owners, eager to share ideas and bursting with enthusiasm about the opportunities for 2009.
But wait, haven't they heard we are in the middle of a recession. Don't they know that no one is buying anything but bare necessities? Are these people crazy? Shouldn't we tell them how bad things really are -- why no one with a realistic outlook would even be thinking about starting a new business now?
Fortunately, our God-inspired human nature will not allow that to happen. Downturns and recessions always stimulate new ideas and new companies. HP, FedEx, and Microsoft were all started in economic downturns. And I am confident that right now, in a garage somewhere in NoWhere, USA there is a young Bill Gates or Fred Smith or Thomas Edison who is tinkering with his/her plan for more great inventions and companies that we'll see in the coming months.
Why? Perhaps some old common sayings can remind us of timeless truths:
We have heard that "Good is the enemy of the best." When things are okay, it's tough to take the initiative to change. When the good has disappeared, people find their best skills and talents and start moving.
There is an old saying - "In a tornado, even a turkey can fly." When things are easy, everyone can look like they know what they're doing. Anyone can be a realtor, mortgage broker or home builder. When times get tough, those with true skill stand out and survive.
"Necessity is the mother of invention." When you have no good options, you can get pretty creative. When our gas supply is threatened, we see an explosion of solar and wind options for energy. When our jobs disappear, people realize "security" is a myth and many decide to start their own company.
"Waste not, want not." Companies started in the tough times tend to have fewer competitors and are forced to be more efficient in their management of resources.
Don't quit your day job without a plan. But be careful of criticizing that neighbor kid down the block who is launching the next Domino's Pizza. Without a plan of your own, you may find him to be your next boss.
Times like these remind us that we need to help each other. It's impossible to achieve success by yourself. There have been so many people who have contributed to my success through the years and I'm sure that's true for you as well. Teachers, pastors, my wife, my children, friends of my children, customers and clients, people who have worked for me and the countless number who are available today for any task that appears. I know you feel the same way.
Maybe the current workplace volatility is a gentle reminder that we need each other. There is a short video circulating right now based on the great old song - Stand By Me. The producer traveled to four continents to allow people to contribute to this amazing mix. One of the singers you'll see says, "Love ain't got no eyes. Love ain't got no countries." I think we need his spirit.
I rarely suggest taking your time to watch a video. But I am recommending this one. Music really is the universal language and this song will remind you that we all need each other to tap into our own greatness. Be thankful for the people who have stood by you along the way.
Now take the next 5 minutes to watch Stand By Me. You'll drink in a message that will lighten and energize your day.
Each week I create a new online radio podcast - that you can hear in iTunes or at the 48 Days Online Radio Show link below.
This week's podcast has a rich variety of questions -- dealing with being fired, staying true to your convictions, and feeling "worthless and depressed." I hope my advice helps to lighten the load.
I am a female, mid 50's and have numbed and suppressed my dreams through the years. I believe I manifested my discontent physically and got lupus. Once downsized - praise the Lord - all my symptoms disappeared! Now I am trying to find my passions and have found they've gone missing. The thought of working for another boss/company sends me into depression. How do I find the spark? Or my vocation?
I'm a Christian and I'm a writer. I write mostly non-Christian stories. I guess my first question is does me writing non-Christian stories dishonor God, since as a Christian I'd like whatever I do to bring honor to God? Secondly, as a story writer, how can I get exposure for my stories? Lastly, how can I go from writing stories as a hobby, to making money writing stories?
My business is in serious trouble. My bank called this week to say they are ‘calling my loan' (SBA 7A - $700,000). My bank loan is tied to me personally (home, car, etc.). My landlord has a judgment on my warehouse (with a ‘for rent' sign in the yard) and I have until March 16th to get out or be thrown out - or come up with $25,000 for back rent. Question. If I file bankruptcy (Chapter 7), is it too difficult to go back in business? Should I re-locate in an unknown area of the country? Is it impossible to get money for business again? I'm 59 years old.
You often refer to "striking a balance" in your life so if something goes wrong, like a job layoff, you still have other positive areas, like relationships that are working. I'm curious if you could elaborate more on the areas of your life one should be investing in.
Dan, you often ask people how are they going to position their product or service? Exactly what do you mean by that?
I am at ROCK BOTTOM! I'm broke, unable to work due to numerous health issues and really don't know where to turn or what to do. … I would have never imagined I would end up in this situation at 44 years of age. I feel pretty worthless and depressed. I am so ashamed of everything that has taken place and where I am today. I just don't have a 'purpose' anymore and am desperate for money to live on.
******************************************* If you have a question, just email me at askdan@48Days.com and you can ask about starting your own business, getting a better job, or finding your purpose in life.
And you can click the link below to listen to this week's broadcast immediately - no downloading - no wait.
Coaching with Dan
Many of you ask if I still coach people individually. Yes, I do. Are you feeling stuck? Are you struggling to get interviews or a job offer? Do you have a business idea but are not sure how to move forward. Maybe I can help you see some new ways of moving forward. See the details here: Coaching with Dan
********************************************* Lead the 48 Days Seminar
Are you someone who just naturally provides hope and encouragement? Would you like to help more people know the 48 Days principles? My daughter Ashley and I are offering a one-day training program to help anyone who wants to be ready to lead this six-week program. We'll provide you with a complete set of leader instructions, DVDs, and the confidence to begin sharing immediately. Certified 48 Days Trainer
Ashley and I did a teleseminar last week on Leading the 48 Days Seminar. You can listen to the replay here: 48 Days Seminar
********************************************* Pastors, Ministers, and Church Leaders
Do you know people who are struggling to survive in the workplace - confronted with unemployment or just a lack of fulfillment in their work? On March 13th, I will be presenting a workshop based on the St Iraneaus quotation - "The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive." What does it mean to be fully alive in our work? If you're a Sunday School teacher, counselor, pastor or minister, we'd like to invite you out to the Sanctuary, our office and event center just outside Franklin, TN for a morning of sharing how we can fulfill God's purpose in our daily work lives - yes, even in these difficult times. You can guide people to work that is meaningful - and profitable. Join us on March 13th for a morning that will inspire you in your own work as you inspire others. Breakfast and lunch will be served and you'll also receive a copy of my latest book, No More Mondays. Space is limited, so please register early. For complete details go to RestCare.org.
********************************************* 48Days.net
By now most you know about 48Days.net. This is different than 48Days.com. At 48Days.net you'll see lots of other excited people who have ideas - and they're willing to share those with you to help your business grow and profit. If you want your life to be different this year, get involved with people who are on the same path. There is no cost - just lots of helpful people and resources.
What work should you be doing?
The most popular product in the 48 Days arsenal continues to be the 48 Days Career Profile. Before you begin seeking a better job or self-employment, you need to be sure you are pursuing opportunities that match your personality style and will fulfill and reward you for a lifetime!
When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully, upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us. Alexander Graham Bell
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. Thomas A. Edison
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Albert Einstein
I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can't be done. Henry Ford
He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money. Benjamin Franklin
You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him find it within himself. Galileo Galilei
If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants. Isaac Newton
An inventor fails 999 times, and if he succeeds once, he's in. He treats his failures simply as practice shots. Charles F. Kettering
Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure. Thomas A. Edison
What work should you be doing?
