Leaders don't give up on what's important!

I reward myself for an excellent work week with a worthwhile wine. I'm pleased the artisan that made the wine did not give up when facing challenges that came his way.
Read on...

I recently received a tip that was especially relelvant for any of us who are parents, and for us business owners (that includes winemakers) too. Charles Fay from the Love and Logic Institute (www.loveandlogic.com) was talking about his father who made a profound impact on this life by repeatedly sharing this important thought:

"Well, Charlie, what's really worthwhile in life is rarely easy."

Charlie goes on to say that many children rarely get this powerful message about struggle, and end up going from one thing to the next, hoping for it to be 'easy', and desperately trying to find fulfillment.

That got me to thinking, "Doesn't that apply to us as business owners too?" Marketers everywhere are telling us that it is easy, when in fact anything worthwhile in life is rarely easy.

As a result, we have unrealistic expectations about growing our business, the results we will get, and the amount of work involved. And then in the end we feel like WE are not suited to be businesses owners, and that WE are the failures. And then we move on to the next venture hoping to find more ease and success there. 

 Is it worthwhile to grow a thriving business, and are you willing to do the work to make it happen?

I reward myself for an excellent work week with a worthwhile wine.  I'm pleased the artisan that made the wine did not give up and faced any challenges that came his way.

Leadership Perspective - Fresh Mondays!!!

Fresh Start for Monday - Pay & Plan.  Unlike Garfield the Cat - I like Mondays.

I begin by paying bills.  There is nothing like a sense of completion when closing your checkbook for the week.  Major ahhhhhh, right?

Next I reward myself by finding a wine event (you can choose any activity) and write it in on my calendar.  No time for attending the event or its too far away?  Write it down anyway.  You never know if your schedule will open up for an activity that interests you.  Now your prepared for possibility.

Now your bills are done and you're prepped for fun.  The rest of the week is yours!

Brandywine Trail:  Wine & Chocolate Month

February 2010
Bring your sweetheart and come celebrate with the wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail as we present delicious wine and chocolate tastings and other romantic activities throughout the month.


See you on the trail?
Monday Inspiration

Each man set his own standard

There are no standards of taste in wine... Each man's own taste is the standard, and a majority vote cannot decide for him or in any slightest degree affect the supremacy of his own standard. ~ Mark Twain
 
We like to think we set the standards for others, right?  We set the bar or we even raise the bar.  But truly it is we that decide for ourselves just which stardard we would follow or set.  Thus WE/ YOU set your own standard.
 
While I know what may be right for another and see in her the possibilities, she must see them for herself.  She must decide on her own personal standard for it is only that standard for which she will strive.  If you truly want to grow or help another to grow, encourage her to look within first.  If you want to help, teach her ways to discover her internal compass for setting her own standard.  Your reward for this effort is watching her grow.  Who knows, her standards may be far beyond whatever you would have set for her.
 
These thoughts are a little deep for a Monday - so it's Friday and I'm enjoying a fabulous Zinfandel Hayley's from Kamere Vinyards, CA.  Here's a thought when selecting the people with whom you will share your wine:
 
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 (1835–1910) American humorist and writer

Does Commenting On Other People’s Blogs Make a Difference?

Do you comment on other people’s blogs? If you are a blogger, you know the emotional lift you get when people actually take the time to acknowledge what you’re writing. It makes all the effort feel really worth it. But did you know there are business reasons why commenting on blogs is a good idea?

 

Consider this: 

• Your primary objective through social media is most likely to build visibility for yourself and your business. When you comment on the influential blogs in your niche regularly, you become known by not only that blogger, but by the people that regularly read that blog too.
• Some people that read that blog, and appreciate the thoughtful points you make, may click your name to read more about what you have to say. That’s why you should always include a website link in the optional field. (NOTE: I advise against including your link in the text of your comment. That just feels spammy.)
• Sometimes, if the blogger hasn’t disabled it, those website links count as incoming links to your blog, increasing your search engine visibility.
• You contribute to the larger discussion that helps everyone in your niche consider different viewpoints, and ultimately become better. Are you helping to shape the conversation? 

It’s so easy to just consume the content that other people are putting out there, without giving back. But those that are most successful know that contributing is an important part of visibility. Take some time to read 3-5 influential blogs in your niche several days a week, and leave comments! It will benefit the visibility of your business.  blog contributor - Jennifer Fong

 You share your comments about wines - good or bad.  Why not take a few minutes to comment on the thoughts of another.  Chances are they will be thrilled by your feedback - good or bad.  So - get going!

Martin Luther King Day

You may be enjoying the day off. You may be scrambling to work while your children are enjoying their day home from school. You may experience inconvenience on the “bank” holiday. Breathe and reflect on how Dr. Martin Luther King’s words are still worthy of guidance going forward in our complicated and global world.

“…my four children will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Character! As we are challenged to grow our businesses, close sales and juggle family life, remember his words. While pursuing your dream and your personal best you need only remember the significance of your character. The REAL you, the content of your character, will lead others to be a part of your success toward accomplishing your dream.

Today we honor a leader above leaders. A man who brought honor to this great nation by holding our leaders, our people, accountable to the promises we hold self evident. Today we honor a man who teaches us not to live in fear.

“Tonight I’m not worried. Tonight I’m not fearing any man – my eyes have seen the coming of the Lord.” Martin Luther King

As leaders we have the power to act on our passions without fear. Whatever your dream – you have the power of choice!

I imagine bits and pieces of Dr. Kings famous speeches will be running on the TV or maybe even radio. Just in case you would like to listen on your own time, I’m attaching this link:
I Have a Dream

Bless the lives of those you care about by BEING a Leader.

Consider Each Moment a Success

I live moment to moment and see greatness all around me, especially in others. When asked about my greatest achievement I am stifled. Greatest? Really? Are they asking me to nail down a particular life accomplishment like childbirth, writing a best selling book or climbing a mountain? If that were the case I simply couldn't choose.

If asked "What would you say contributed greatest toward your success?" I could easily answer: learning to live in the now. It allows me see and enjoy the wonders around me. It allows me to see the beauty in the person beside me.

Sound corny or 'earthy'? Consider the person who has had a near death experience. They have a greater or even new appreciation for every moment in life. They live each day as if it were their last. You too can have the same exhilaration for life without the near death experience.

Now, when asked about the greatest wine I've ever tasted I again reflect on the moment.  How I feel or want to feel depends very much on where I am mentally and physically.  So would my answer.  At the moment I am energized and its sunny and cold outside.  Writing this blog it would be great to have a buttery yet mild-bodied Chardonnay with notes of toasted oak in my hand.  I'll post this and possibly make my way to the wine cellar to see what looks the great.
Try it... it is GREAT!

Lead the Way ... what it takes to get your products to your customers.

Lead the Way and be a part of progress.

Since moving to Pennsylvania I am constantly reminded of how difficult this state makes it for Winemakers to sell their wines. I've even gone to extreme measures to get my favorite wines shipped into the state (names witheld to protect the awesome). Well it seems Pennsylvania is finally giving in to consumer demand and making a few changes for distribution. 

Follow this link to see progress in the making.

Lead the Way and be a part of progress.

It is ever-so-exhillerating and inspiring to see anyone willing to act on an idea and see it become a reality.  Thank you to the creative minds behind this idea.