When you turn a No into a Yes...You have done your job

I feel privileged that I receive a number of requests to give of my time and it pleases me that, at the heart of it, the reason given is that I “add value and experience”.

My view has always been that if you cannot add value there’s no point in being involved at all.

The difficulty is that none of us have unlimited free time and good planning is needed to combine professional responsibilities and support to worthy Institutions.

It has always been a pleasure to contribute to local projects and it’s been a privilege to do what I could when time allowed.

Being useful is a basic need and having developed some skills it’s good to see them put to work.

I’ve never been the sort of person to sit back. I also count myself fortunate that others have come to respect my leadership skills and seek to benefit from them.

Where do any of us gain our confidence though to have good focus and determination?  It’s never by accident.

I guess it’s a combination of reasons.

Education can provide confidence but for me, when I left school I was pretty shy. (I know some of you are laughing at such an Idea but its true!)

I have always had an insatiable appetite to learn, as you will have read in earlier items on this Blog. I guess curiosity was the main reason.

My career took me into an environment requiring knowledge of critical specifications and a problem solving mentality.

I became a sponge and remain ever grateful to those at the “coal face” who took time to answer my questions about how and why a process worked as it did.

Every working day in my life has been full of challenges that have seen me arriving home hugely satisfied and keenly looking forward to the next day to go even further.

It makes me feel sorry for those whose jobs make them yearn for weekends.

Technical environments are good for learning. You never have chance to get bored and seeing projects achieve success drives you to want more.

When I look at finished goods I immediately want to look at the inside to see what makes it perform well.

That’s why Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, Equipment and allied Industries have always taken my Interest.

Selling speciality products and services has brought me into contact with some wonderful people.

It’s good to consider your character before choosing a career.

Know your strengths and don’t ignore your weaknesses to map your career course.

I once had a salesman who hated selling! I hasten to add I inherited him and we were able to reset his direction for the good.

Whatever we do, unless we are achieving we will gain little satisfaction.

You cannot win every time but learn from failure.

If I do not get the business I ALWAYS ask why and learn from it.

Oddly enough it’s welcomed by many and sometimes you come up short through no fault of your own.

I’ve never been a bad loser but I NEVER set out to lose.

I have proven, by asking, that 70% of people will pay more for a product with advantages. The trick is to make a gift to your competitor of the 30% who only buy on price.

It strikes me that where Innovation is involved three groups exist.

One who lead, see the benefits and Invest in it immediately.

Another who like the idea but prefer others to trial it first and will follow later and the traditional group who will never get involved until forced by legislation, HSE or some other unavoidable enforcement or risk factor.

Identifying the groups quickly is Important.

I am remembered as “Mr EnSolv”. The reasons are simple enough.

When you achieve what is widely predicted as impossible and yet you succeed, its people’s way of giving you respect.

In truth, when it’s described as Impossible it has my name on it.

Turning No into Yes is hugely satisfying and would be good training for any salesman.

Whatever we do needs to be Whole Souled and not Hole Souled.

Nothing is ever completed without commitment and belief.

Make your time count rather than count your time.

Never begin what you do not propose to complete

Look backwards to learn...but forwards to improve

Poet JG Whittier wrote: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest of these is it might have been”.

The thrust of the point was that we look back at things we regret.

“Regret” is a form of mental sorrow for something done or not done.

On some level it’s likely we all do this.

We all combine mistakes and good choices on some level and of course as we get older our values change.

This explains why people change for the better and reminds us how we should allow for change.

Wasting valuable energy on pursuits that are of no value is not uncommon when you are young. Sometimes it causes harm to others by letting them down and as you get older it may get listed under “regrets”.

One day you are reminded of the regret and it can feel disappointing.

The point to remember is that we look back to learn and forward to improve.

The present and the future offers the opportunity to achieve more and improve and is best achieved without distractions that may feel like weights and limit the true potential we have.

Stretching forward to the things ahead should be our goal.

Being human we have a tendency to remember, even dwell on regrets but it’s difficult to change the past.

Life is a “teacher” and even adversity can result in new strengths and determination. Out of regrets can come some good and at the very least we are being honest with ourselves at understanding mistakes.

Odd as it sounds we don’t really know our “true” selves until the end of our life.

Its then the evidence, when balanced, shows us what we accomplished, so never judge too harshly too soon.

For now we can use our time positively, take our goals seriously and make a difference to ourselves and others.

Self improvement is very rewarding.

Most successful "Promotional" giveaway ever!

Marketing budgets used to provide Mugs, Pens, Key rings and Mouse mats have all had good promotional value over the years but for me the all time winner is a Balsa Wood Glider.

Men, Women and Children love them.

They produce endless interest and fun and last in the memory for a long time.

If you’re connected in any way with Aerospace, look no further than this little gift for customers and exhibitions.

That said it works for every business.

Imagine you hand it to someone.

More often than not it will go home with Mum or Dad.

They make the glider together from pieces in a kit.

Children find lots of games to play and often ask that you get another.

Your Company Logo and relevant message are never forgotten by those who receive the gift because others enjoy the benefit.

Imagine you want to stop people at an Exhibition without being Intrusive.

A simple “do you have young ones at home?” and an offer to add some fun will not be denied.

Whether they are a Mum, Dad, Granddad or relative people can immediately see someone who would be pleased to have one. If there are two children you get to be generous but trust me...Dads will want their own!

Now being relaxed its easier to ask what business they are in and record it.

For a very small Investment you gain a remarkable value, not least in reinforcing your brand.

The versatility of this Glider will entertain, inform and not be forgotten.

My advice is source them now and arm your Staff with a great tool.

When they stop playing with them their enthusiasm in offering them will be complete.

You heard it here first.

Get ready for "Spring" to be "Sprung"

I have to admit I am no lover of Winter as a season.

Though there will be many sensible arguments about its importance it always has a feel of an obstacle course to me and others never seem at their best.

That said, these days you begin to wonder where winter begins and ends.

It’s the end of March and here we are....still in the snow!

Of course we Brits are well known for having our weather as an easy talking point and it opens conversations with relative ease for most people.

Starting conversations can feel very difficult for some people and the reasons are genuine.

When you meet someone for the first time it can feel awkward wondering what might open the conversation. We have no knowledge of them and search for something we might have in common.

Hence the weather is safe and have you ever noticed how dog walkers always stop to chat.

They can see that they have something in common.

The helpful bridge to starting a conversation is to send out a big warm smile and see what comes back.

Someone’s smile always cheers me up and makes that person seem pleasant and approachable.

Some people are very tactile. When they shake your hand and add the gesture of touching your arm at the same time, they create a very relaxed setting and radiate a very welcoming gesture.

If we feel a little anxious when walking into a room of people, never doubt there are others feeling the same way.

Confidence on the outside can often mislead us into thinking people don’t suffer hesitancies.

Sometimes someone stands out in a room looking rather lonely. I make a point of making my first introduction to such a person.

I feel good about it and their welcome is always positive.

It’s amazing too how often they prove to be the most interesting people.

I’m usually the one in a group where everyone is laughing. Telling people funny stories about myself gets people laughing with me and it can produce a very relaxed atmosphere.

It makes everything feel human and knowing there is at least one idiot in the room makes people feel less need to feel tense.

Humour, like the Sun, makes people feel at their happiest.

So, when will Spring be Sprung!

I doubt there’s much point asking a weatherman.

Most reports simply assure us we will be getting weather...but seldom makes it clear which to plan for!

The daffodils are waking and soon the countryside will return to its amazing range of green colours.

South Yorkshire, like most Counties, is beautiful to behold in its splendour and something to look forward to.

Just to prove how you can find an “opener” there’s another.

My names Derek, I’m from South Yorkshire, have you come far?

Keep it simple or do some homework.

Don’t be like the “posh” lady who attended a glittering event at Manchester United FC who, when speaking with Matt Busby asked rather pompously “What do you do here?”

Sir Matt, being a Gentleman, downplayed his well known role.

As you can see though, he would be amused telling the story to others later and hearing it would reveal that he too could see the funny side.

Being ourselves leaves others the choice of whether to like us or not but being positive in our interest of people will generally result in good outcomes.

Possibly a World Best....in Barnsley!

Having given talks to audiences in Hotels throughout Europe and beyond, it pleases me to say that a Hotel in little old Barnsley rates as one of the best.

Delegates drawn locally and from many parts of the World have “suffered” by giving their attention to me in various guises.

What used to be called Brooklands Hotel and is now Holiday Inn has one of the best atmospheres and staff to be found anywhere.

As you walk in the doors an innocent looking fireplace to the left has an interesting history.

The meeting rooms have names like O Hara and here lies the clue to the fireplace.

It came from the film set of “Gone with the Wind”.

Many Hotels feel clinical but here you feel immediately at home.

Everyone leaves commending the care and friendliness of local people.

So, if you are in South Yorkshire and passing Barnsley, why not give it a try.

If you are brave enough you might even take up the challenge in the restaurant to order a famous “Barnsley Chop”.

Unlike a Manchester Slap which is exactly what it sounds like, a Barnsley Chop is a man sized meal.

You won’t believe it until you see it for yourself.

Finish one and you will become part of folklore!

Encourage Input and "Freeness" of speech

Have you ever found yourself making a mistake, a poor error of judgement or offending someone without Intention?

If we are honest I suspect all of us would need to put our hands up because no-one is perfect.

We all learn by experience and mistakes form part of that.

The more honest we are the more we will learn.

It’s hard to look at ourselves critically but if we are to improve, mature and become more rounded, we have to take stock occasionally.

Inevitably we can’t please everyone all the time.

Where a principle is at stake for Instance our differences will show but disagreeing without being “disagreeable” is important.

A business analogy might be where one Board Director feels another tends to disagree with their thoughts but if they ALWAYS agreed, one would not be necessary.

Being respectful and gracious eliminates bad feelings and remains constructive.

I’ve always found people with a different perspective interesting.

A challenge to our thinking can result in reinforcing the value of our ideas.

I like people to express themselves freely.

Often, great Ideas result from such freedom, each building on what’s already been said.

It strikes me that “Brainstorming” has become less popular but in my experience it’s stimulating and still holds merits.

Being too serious about ourselves can become unhealthy.

Letting others offer their thoughts before ourselves can be encouraging, showing we value Input.

Where a problem arises discussions need to be about solutions.

Our positive Influence on others should be a goal and when we occasionally make a mistake it will be seen as “human” and not Intentional, simply because our reputation is built on a pre-existing strong foundation.

Fear of making mistakes would only disable us so just put it down to increasing our education when our perfection slips!

Weighing Justice with Mercy

The outcome of the Chris Hunhe and Vicky Price case has been the big talking point recently.

The legal issues are now dealt with but I wonder what else we might learn from the disaster this family faced.

Like mostly any subject, opinions are very diverse, ranging from most severe to compassion.

What might influence the wide difference?

In simple terms its how we feel about a subject and then how we direct our opinion.

It is right and proper to recognise a wrong when it’s done.

The difficulty is that we find it difficult to separate out being opposed to the wrong without showing our opposition to people.

The cry for Justice is loud but remembering that any decent society would hope for a balance of Mercy is Important.

This is the challenge for any Judge and hopefully, in most instances, never gets forgotten.

Undoubtedly, being very public property may have gone against this couple and anyone found guilty of phone hacking in the future can expect no less than a custodial sentence too.

The public demand it and public opinion will influence the outcome.

Some only see the crime whilst others see the people.

Revelling in someone’s disaster adds nothing and robs us personally of something decent.

An old saying says “before you set off to wreak vengeance on someone, dig two graves”.

The point is that moving from opinion to acting as a judge and jury is not healthy.

Being reasonable in all things is to be commended.

If we think ourselves to be perfect we think foolishly.

As armchair critics we occupy ourselves with things of no benefit.

To gloat at someone’s misfortune is not a recommendation.

Justice has now been enacted.

There must always be a time for Mercy and just as we would hope to receive it, we should recognise its benefit.

One thing that did surprise me was that an MP can still continue in his job unless sentenced to 12 months.

This is poor Governance and in most other walks of life in Public Office the standard for disqualification would more likely be 3 months.

For us, we might consider how we deal with others in times of their difficulties.

The reason? One rebuilds and the other destroys.

Tivoli Hotels in the Algarve for Business or Pleasure

Having organised many Conferences around Europe the overwhelming favourite of delegates was Tivoli Arade, Portmao Marina, Algarve.

Tivoli Hotels are good for business or pleasure.

If you need details, Contact: Claudia Pinto

Email: claudia.pinto@tivolihotels.com   

LinkedIn: pt.linkedin.com/pub/claudia-coelho-pinto/18/52/687

And then came me!

I wonder if like me you like black and white photographs taken many years

ago.

These are photographs of my Mum and Dad taken during the period of World War 2.

Dad served in the RAF and like many men of that time, never wanted to return to the harrowing tales of that period.

He just counted himself fortunate to survive as most of his aircrew mates had not.

Mum was easy going and good humoured and originated in Chesterfield.

Dad’s family originated in Galway but he grew up in Manchester.

Ultimately they married and settled in Nottingham.

To understand people I always feel that you need to understand the times they lived through.

Mum was protective of her children whilst Dad was more aloof.

It’s a tale of ups and downs littered with hugely funny moments.

We have good reason to be grateful to parents because through them, came us.

I am told I am a good mix of the two likenesses and I know you are thinking what a handsome pair they are!

It’s good to have photos because they both died some years ago.

They are never forgotten though.

If you want to read more of their lives have a look at this.

Parts will make you smile at least and it fills time if you have Insomnia!

 http://dcarpenter1.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/book-on-social-comment-that-can-only-be.html 

Brothers - often different in their interests

I have a Brother who is 10 years younger than me and I couldn’t wish for better.

He’s kind, caring and funny.

Everybody loves Him, not as much as me you’ll understand but he’s good company, is in no way aggressive and has a cheeky charm.

He has no interest in sport whereas I love it.

It’s amazing how Brothers tend to be this way in their likes and dislikes.

My Grandsons are a prime example of chalk and cheese and it can sometimes be funny.

They both actually like sport....just not the same sport!

The eldest loves football whilst the youngest loves Rugby League.

Looking to take the “high ground” to aggravate his brother the young one once announced that “football is a game for Girls!”

It got the attention it deserved.

It’s just the way boys are.

It got me wondering if most brothers are like this and what’s the equivalent for Sisters?

Any ideas?

They grow up "way too fast"

I’ve often spoken of the tragedies that Fathers fall foul of in their working lives.

Not creating a good work/life balance they often look back to find they had not spent enough quality time with their families.

Family responsibilities are a good motivation to work hard but nothing is more precious to a child than the time of parents.

I rate one of my top relationships in my life as being that with my Daughter.

Maybe it was because she was good at football!

Being involved in her growing up was such a happy time.

The problem is they grow up so quickly so don’t lose the time.

These photographs represent the quick pace of change.

One minute you are 10 and the next you are (that bit was censored by you know who)

You get the idea though.

We laugh at many things now when we look back and I’m glad we made the memories.

Lets be "aving" you....

Whenever someone stands in front of me, hands me a group photo and asks “see if you can find me?” I hesitate.

The truth is I never get it right.

It’s a bit like someone asking “guess my age?”

They look 40 but you plump for 35 to be safe, only to be told they are 30!

What bothers me is that I can spot someone wearing odd socks five miles away...so why can’t I pick out a face on a photo!

It’s bound to be something to do with a Mans brain because Women get it right first time, every time.

Before you Women get too smug though don’t forget a Mans brain can deal perfectly with reverse parking.

I have tried so many times to hand this group photo of me to people for them to fail to find me that I have given up.

Man, Woman or Child they get it straight away.

It’s apparently because I have a trademark.

Apparently a mischievous smile gives me away!

Typical.

Of all the reasons to stand out in a crowd....a mischievous smile is not high on my list of priorities!

If you can’t find me please let me know.

There must be someone like me!

"yer aving a Giraffe" Award

I’m sure that, like me, as an onlooker of some situations that you despair at the way people deal with things.

Those who deal with things foolishly or without common sense are often those who see “rules” as rigid.

I have decided to create the “yer aving a “Giraffe” Award for such situations.

The point being that the winners actions are “laughable” but may have negative consequences to others.

This first prestigious award goes to Tate Travel of Barnsley but likely represents a common practice on most other Bus services “backed up by the rules”

A young girl, smartly dressed in school uniform and on her way home from Barnsley Bus Station, got on the Bus having misplaced her bus pass.

For this crime you pay full fare, in this case £1.90.

Without such fare you have to get off and be abandoned.

Entirely sensible, fair and caring for the well being of the child.

Rules is rules and life and death do not enter into any judgement.

If a Driver has no discretion and more importantly, never uses it, there will be a tragedy.

Any parent who saw this situation would see a risk.

I can only imagine the Driver was not a parent and felt his job might be vulnerable.

Message for Tate Travel

Congratulations on your Award but all the decent thinking people of Barnsley likely think this was shabby.

Present with good humour

Sir Gerry Robinson, a hugely gifted businessman rightly said, “There is no such thing as a “Perfect" Presenter, Just someone with clear thinking”.

I have done a lot of presentations to huge audiences and "one to one" and never forget that having something for people to adopt is a good aim.

I love presentations. The adrenalin and challenge just appeal to me.

Challenging minds and widening peoples thinking is very satisfying.

My nervousness disappears with the first point I make to get Impact.

This photo was pointed out to me recently.

I was told I look as if I was getting ready for a bit of “mischief”!

Is it that obvious?

My audience was the best minds in Aerospace who I worked with on many projects.

A senior member of BAE did not know it yet but I was about to challenge him to try and throw a balsa wood plane through a hoop I had set up.

He was a great sport and it raised huge laughter.

To satisfy Rolls Royce we said that failure was due to the lack of their engines!

Everyone got planes to take home for young ones as part of our Marketing.

They were still talking about it two years later!

Seems I get to have all the fun....but occasionally it is hard work too!

A privilege of Partnership

For those of you who return to this Blog (I thank you greatly) you will know I am always advocating good relationships.

All of us look back on life and wherever there is joy or success it is ALWAYS with those we had the best relationships with.

I am not suggesting it is possible with everyone but it’s good to take the view that “if it depended on us” it would be available.

Never give up on the effort, remembering that some who have been hurt in the past may take longer to develop trust.

Be patient.

I have been blessed by developing a “Family” of friends through business.

This photo is one of our Annual Distributor Conventions in Prague where it was a pleasure to organise and spend time with Partners.

We engendered a spirit of closeness that was unique and whichever Country a person was from the welcome each year was uplifting.

I got to be serious and mischievous at the same time and the good humour was an Important part of producing a bond.

They are people rich in talent but generous in outlook.

A finer bunch of people could not be found.

The formula worked and trust was abundant.

It took time but proved the effort and encouragement produced the best team ethic.

Possibly the best "Girl" Friend ever

Right from boyhood I cannot remember a time when there wasn’t a pet in the house.

Sometimes Cats but mostly Dogs were my companion.

For better temperament we favoured Girls.

My Daughter grew up having close to an obsession with Cats, getting the name Cat Woman!

At 12 years of age an Alsatian called Blackie (a boy) was a best friend but our last Dog, Jez, was the most outstanding.

I should explain we did not pick her name.

She came to us at 4 years old for a fortnight and stayed for over 10 years!

Initially I just saw her as an addition to the family but the inner heartbreak of losing her at the end of her days tells you something of the journey in between.

If Men are to hold back tears I did a good impression of Paul Gascoigne as the Vet let me hold her.

We never had an argument, she didn’t mind watching football and sharing crisps, she hated window shopping and she was the perfect listener.

A gentler more loyal creature was not possible.

She added energy and drew our family together and likely helped us be calmer.

Like children, a well behaved pet is a joy.

Losing them of course is the downside as with all loss.

We had great times and she gave unreservedly.

She was everyone’s favourite.

Ten minutes out of the house was greeted as if you had been away for a year!

She was a good part of life and will never be forgotten.

If you don’t think Dogs are super clever, watch this and tell me you don’t want one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AMpugNjTKk 

Being SMART and arrive on time

I am guessing that if anyone asked us if we are SMART we would be unlikely to say no.

In a business or in life it’s not unusual to find people who answer the question without considering the point.

We live in a World where image is everything and it lends itself to misleading ourselves and others.

A SMART person is one who starts with REALITY.

They recognise the need to ask these questions:

Where are we now?

         Where do we want to get to?

         How are we going to get there? – The Big Picture

         How are we going to get there? – The Detail

        Who is going to do what and when?

        How can we control, measure and develop our plan?

In business, to begin without this framework will be disastrous.

With some things in life it might be fun to be spontaneous but with the big things of life you need a Compass.

Heading North when you were meant to be going South takes you further away from where you had intended.

You cannot read small print when your eyesight is poor so make the details big and clear to stay on course.

Using the wrong map will get you lost.

Knowing your business is on course will mean you have answers to each of these headings:

Specific (with numbers)

Measurable (to monitor progress and confirm achievement)

Actionable (can we do it?)

Reasonable (realistic and attainable)

Timed (within Company deadlines)

It’s these headings which ensure your destinations are set and achieved.