Dalbey Education Institute

"If I can do it, anybody can do it..."

You all know what a big fitness buff I am. I truly believe that physical wellness is directly linked to emotional and mental strength and to success and fulfillment on all levels.

Here’s an inspirational article from CNN about one woman’s struggle with her weight and her new-found health and vitality.

What I liked so much about this article is that it documents how a woman's simple decision to change her life - and her determination to stick to it until she'd achieved her goal - delivered her to success. 

"If I can do it, anybody can do it," Ms. Davis says. Absolutely! We all have enormous potential to achieve way more than we imagine and reach any destination.

I take inspiration wherever I can find it, and Ms. Davis definitely inspires me. Take a look:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/diet.fitness/01/25/weightloss.heather.davis/index.html

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Smart Financial Advice From MSN

My goal – my passion – is to help you make money and better your financial situation. I’ve got an idea or two about creating wealth, so I have blogged quite a bit with tips on saving, spending wisely, and strategizing for smart business growth with an eye toward the future.

At the same time, I’m always on the lookout for others’ views as well; the more insight and qualified viewpoints, the better.

Here’s a really great article on how to create wealth from Liz Pulliam Weston at MSN with her “best financial advice ever.” Take a look. Her simple suggestions are continued on a second page.

MSN Moneycentral Article
MSN Moneycentral Article (page two)

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Real-life Super Foods for Women

Here’s a quick link to a segment for The Today Show about the top sixteen “super foods for women.”

Men and women are built and wired differently. While we all need to eat healthy foods and exercise and keep our minds and bodies in tip top shape, there are certain foods that are particularly well-suited for women.

So, for all you marvelous women who are looking to be the best 'you' that you can be, take a look!
 
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/22313465/

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

The Perfect Time

In my work and in my travels I meet the most amazing and inspiring people – people who are motivated to better their lives, people who are goal-oriented and success-driven.

Very often, these powerful “go getters” reveal to me a shocking secret: they weren’t always powerful, positive, motivated, goal-oriented or successful.

There was a time, they shyly admit to me, that they were “blamers.” They said they wanted change in their lives, but in reality, they weren’t living the lives they wanted because they believed there were outside influences beyond their control making it impossible for positive and productive change to happen. So, they didn’t do anything.

They blamed, created their own obstacles and made excuses. Pure and simple.

They all told themselves things like “I can’t get in shape because I can’t afford to join a gym,” or “I’m too stressed at work right now to think about changing my diet,” or “I can’t stop smoking because everyone I hang out with smokes,” or “When the time’s right and XYZ happens, I’ll quit my horrible job and start my own business.”

Well, what happened is that eventually these excuse-makers and “blamers” wised up. They realized that there is never a perfect time or situation to do anything!

The truth is that if you are waiting for the “perfect time” to change, then you never will. Because, the perfect time doesn’t exist. It’s fictional. In this life, the stars will never be aligned so perfectly that you won’t have an ounce of doubt or fear or caution.

You’ll always be able to find some excuse for not doing something. And, honestly, it’s not about timing, it’s about fear. No matter when you do something it involves some element of risk. Fear of that risk, and of the unknown, is what stops people from doing anything!

Here’s my point: While it might seem easier, less scary and less painful to make excuses, blame others and put off doing what we really want to do to better ourselves, it’s not. And, what’s really happening is that the waiting isn’t really waiting, it’s paralysis.

Paralysis means that you’ve stopped growing, stopped trying to be all that you can possibly be. Paralysis stops you from achieving your true potential and from being who you really are.

SO, stop waiting for the perfect time to better your life. The time is now, imperfections, risks, excuses and all. Because even if you try and fail, at least you tried, and you’re still one step closer to achieving your goals. You simply stand up, brush yourself off and try again.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Be a Marketing Mastermind

Here’s a simple truth: To succeed as an entrepreneur, you MUST master the art of marketing yourself. YOU are your business.

Unfortunately, poor self promotion is what causes many small businesses to fail. And lots of entrepreneurs don’t realize that having a sound marketing philosophy is absolutely key to their success.

If your home business’ income last year could have been better, why not re-evaluate your marketing strategies and get serious about building a highly-profitable business in ‘08.

Just follow the easy tips below to focus your marketing and really optimize your income-generating enterprise. Having a logical plan will not only make the process easier, but you might have more fun too!

• Define yourself and your product/service. You won’t be able to convince people that you’re the greatest if you can’t quickly and succinctly express what you are all about and the benefits you provide. Think long and hard about it, then write it down. Memorize it! “I do X and offer Y, and I am the best choice because Z.”

• Develop a consistent message. Once you define what your business is and what you offer, make sure to work that message into everything you do. Everything from your business cards to your email signature communicates your company “image.” Make sure it’s what you want people to remember you by.

• Identify your target market. There’s no point in marketing yourself and your services if you’re talking to the wrong people. Once you’ve pinpointed WHO, find out WHERE your prospective customers are and market to them in their specific neck of the woods, and in publications they read.

• Know your competition. Ask yourself, “What else is out there?” and “Who else claims to do what I do?”  Once you answer those questions, find ways to differentiate yourself and your product.

• Distinguish yourself. Talking about what sets you apart or makes you better than the rest can be a very effective marketing strategy.

• Build credibility. A good reputation will bring you new customers and help you keep existing ones. Create credibility by doing what you say you’re going to do, and by being professional and honest to earn your customers’ trust. Use positive testimonials in your advertising.

• Maintain focus. Stay positive and self-confident. Remember why you started your business, and what it is that you are working toward, and GO GET IT!

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Meet Some Amazing “50-Percent” People

We all want to be financially secure. Everyone wants to make enough money to always be able to pay the bills, not worry about putting food on the table, and be able to do the things we want to do… take fantastic vacations, afford a nice place to live, and always be able to help our children and families financially.

But, I think it’s important to remember that being financially sound also gives you the ability to open your heart to others.

I recently came across an organization called Bolder Giving. Basically, the group’s mission is to inspire and support people to give at their full potential.

Bolder Giving’s “50% League” is made of extraordinary givers who have donated 50% or more of their income or business profits for at least three years (or 50% or more of their net worth at some point in their lifetime) to causes that reflect their deepest values.

Pretty generous, right? But what’s really amazing about this group is that its members aren’t just people who make millions, and therefore have millions to give away. Quite the opposite, actually. For example, one woman in the  50% League earns only $16,000 a year, but she gives away $8,000 to needy people in her community.

Now, I’m not saying you have to give away half of your money. But, the spirit of this organization and its members is truly remarkable. It makes us stop and think about what having money is really all about.

Is it about security? Sure. Is it about being able to enjoy life? Yes. Is it about freedom? Absolutely!

But, good fortune is also about charity in the biggest sense of the word. And it’s about the security, enjoyment and freedom to give to and help others.

Whether you have lots of money to give, or just your time; whether it’s donating food to a homeless shelter, volunteering, or writing a check – helping others is, in ways large and small, a rewarding way to make the best of your success.

Check out www.boldergiving.org to get inspired! Each of us can always do more than we think we can.

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

What are YOUR New Year's resolutions?

I have blogged a lot about setting goals. It’s what I’ve found to be critical to creating success, and it’s what the Dalbey Education Institute is really all about: helping people to achieve their goals and dreams.

The arrival of the new year brings a perfect opportunity to think about, revisit and set goals (although I think everyone should reconsider their goals in life on a regular basis… several times a year).

But, in talking to some friends and colleagues recently, it seems that plenty of people think that making New Year’s resolutions is a bit daunting, and, frankly, just too much pressure.

Well, no worries! Here’s some advice to help you set and KEEP those New Year’s resolutions and to start 2008 off right.

1. Define your resolutions and make them as specific as possible. Make sure they incorporate the “big picture” goal for your life. For example, let’s say you want to improve your overall health and well-being. That’s great! So, in order to do that, set a specific resolution to lose a specific amount of weight or build strength (see #2).

2. Set measurable resolutions… and commit to a schedule to get it done. This way, you are likely to achieve them.

Plot your resolutions out on a calendar: pick a day when you will have achieved that objective, then back it up and design a plan to make it happen by that date.

For example: let’s say that your goals are to lose 30 pounds and be able to walk 2 miles in 30 minutes by June 1, 2008. So, from January through June, you can set your measurable objectives: join a gym by January 31, meet with a nutritionist or trainer by February 15, start walking regularly by March 1, etc.

3. Make your resolutions realistic. Don’t resolve to become a lion tamer or an astronaut if that really isn’t going to happen and you’re not physically able to do it. Set goals and resolutions that you can achieve and that make sense for your life and your skills.

4. Don’t make too many resolutions. Setting too many can overwhelm you and set you up for failure. You should definitely set goals that will push yourself to try, do, learn and accomplish more, but don’t make the mistake of driving yourself in too many directions at once.

5. Involve your family and friends. Make sure you have a support system to help you accomplish your resolutions. Let others know what you’re gunning for! There will be days when you will need some moral support, and if your family and friends are behind you, you won’t be easily thrown off-track.

6. Forgive yourself. If you don’t achieve a goal, that’s okay. Don’t let that discourage you. All of life is a learning process and the point is to keep bettering ourselves and improving our lives – physically, spiritually, and monetarily. You haven’t failed until you fail to try.

And, remember, I am in your corner, rooting for you all the way. My staff and I are here to support all of our students and to help you achieve your personal goals and resolutions.

Call or email us…we’re here to help!

Happy New Year everyone!

Warmly,
Russ

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute