Chris Mower» Relationships

Believe in the Power of Your Child’s Dreams

Chris Mower — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:25:36 +0000

A quick note. I’m not exactly sure what inspired this post; it’s still a little scattered in thought. I suppose I needed to remind myself that as I raise a family, I shouldn’t let what I want for my children be a barrier to their progress. I believe that we have a responsibility to teach our children correct moral principles and a responsibility to help them succeed.

Through the years I’ve worked with a lot of youth. I love how vibrant and energetic they are. I enjoy their company because they remind me of when I was younger, full of energy, and able to run a few miles without feeling like my lungs were going to explode. I’m not a decrepit old geezer, but I still feel way too old for my age.

It’s interesting that adults expect teens in high school and even college students to know what they want to do with the rest of their life. It’s actually rather absurd, really. The world is full of opportunity and after living 19 to 23 years of life with very little “real world” experience, how on earth are they supposed to know what to do with themselves in the career-driven and working world?

Do you remember hearing the words, “When you grow up you can be whatever you want to be”? It’s frequently used by adults attempting to placate a curious and day-dreaming child, but once they get older it loses its savor.

As adults we often limit our children’s choices as they age. We drag them into a reality that we create for them-saying they can and cannot do something because of their talents. We imagine their limits whether they’re true or not, and we put these imaginary limits on younger generations because we’re afraid of failure and the unknown.

» Finish reading Believe in the Power of Your Child’s Dreams at ChrisMower.com. »

© Chris for Chris Mower, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Decisions, Fear, Relationships, Thoughts

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Business IS Personal

Chris Mower — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:18:05 +0000

You’re probably familiar with the phrase, “It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there.” I’ve been hearing it for years, and I’ve used it a few times myself. It’s a true phrase. If you’re not careful, once you step foot into the big bad business world, you can get skewered, slathered in BBQ sauce, chewed up, and then spit out. These are reasons that people put up a guard and make business and the ensuing relationships as tough as boot leather.

If you have seen the movie, “You’ve Got Mail” you may recall the line by Joe Fox. In an email to Kathleen Kelly, he says, “It’s not personal, it’s business.” Later in the movie, Kathleen asks Joe, “What’s so wrong with being personal, anyway?” Joe, a little stunned, responds, “Uh, nothing.” Kathleen follows up with, “Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal.” (I’ll admit that even though I’m a guy and avidly follow and believe in The Art of Manliness, I still enjoy some of these classic ‘chick flicks.’)

I ask that same question today. What’s so wrong with being personal, anyway? Business is a giant web that connects people (not businesses) together; this means that business today is about building relationships and being personal, even in this dog-eat-dog world.

» Finish reading Business IS Personal at ChrisMower.com. »

© Chris for Chris Mower, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: At Work, Leadership, Relationships

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

You Want Me to Change?! Holy Smokes!

Chris Mower — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:50:03 +0000

If you’re interested in business you know you have to attract customers, some of which will be using your competitor’s product. If you’re interested in leading, you know you have to have followers. If you’re interested in getting someone to change a behavior, you have to be convincing. If you’re wanting to change a person’s thoughts or opinions about something, you have to compel them to change by seeing that what you’re offering is the best for them.

There’s only one problem. People are naturally resistant to change. They don’t like it. Even if it’s better for them, they’ll kick and scream and shake their fists in the air. Why is that?

I think the answer is relatively simple.

» Finish reading You Want Me to Change?! Holy Smokes! at ChrisMower.com. »

© Chris for Chris Mower, 2010. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Emotion, Marketing, Relationships

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

A Networking Casestudy with Northwestern Mutual

Chris Mower — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:30:20 +0000

The other day I met with a financial representative from Northwestern Mutual. I’d like to share this “case study” with you as part of my ongoing series on how to network.

I’m happy with my financial situation right now. My wife and I have taken great measures with our finances to accomplish what we consider priorities in our lives–part of which includes living on a cash budget since September with a mere $20 personal spending money each month. Needless to say for someone who likes to spend mula, it’s been a big challenge in self control, but it feels good to bend money to my will instead of money bending me. Moving on…

First Move

At the beginning of last month I received an email from a friend saying he’d given my name and contact information to a financial representative and to expect a call. No issues there, really. I respect my friend and know that he wouldn’t do anything without my best interests in mind. I appreciated the gesture and found that I was a lot more willing to meet with the financial representative because of the email.

» Finish reading A Networking Casestudy with Northwestern Mutual at ChrisMower.com. »

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

12 Simple Lessons in Leadership for Those Who Want to Make a Difference

Chris Mower — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:25:38 +0000

There are a lot of people I admire out there who have good values, strong morals and contribute to society. Within that group I have personally observed four individuals who stand out as leaders and movers. These are my observations of their leadership behaviors.

Remarkable leaders…

…are not ashamed of their opinions.

The most successful leaders I know are leaders because they have their opinions and values, and they stick to them. It’s these opinions and values that have caused people to follow them, even if their opinions are unpopular.

…are not too proud to change their opinions.

These same leaders have enough humility to recognize a clearer or better path and abandon ideas and efforts that aren’t working. They realize there’s no point in finishing something that doesn’t benefit anybody.

…attract a following without gimmicks.

Leaders create change and influence people, and they do it without smoke and mirrors. They reach out and help others, they inspire and teach, and they contribute to society and groups. They do this not for self glory and praise, but because they genuinely want others to succeed.

» Finish reading 12 Simple Lessons in Leadership for Those Who Want to Make a Difference at ChrisMower.com. »

© Chris for Chris Mower, 2010. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Leadership, Motivational, Relationships

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Why You Should Care about Who You Recommend

Chris Mower — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:45:10 +0000

You should care about who you recommend. Everything you do and say reflects on you, and when you recommend somebody, everything they do or say reflects on you too.

When you recommend somebody…

…you’re also recommending their attitude.
If they’re eager to jump in and help, if they’re positive, proactive, encouraging, and happy, that reflects on you.
If they treat their customers or coworkers poorly, if they are mean, or if they are lazy and indifferent, that reflects on you.

…you’re recommending their work.
If their work is stellar, creative, unique and outstanding, that reflects on you.
If their work stinks, it reflects on you.

…you’re recommending their character.
If they’re honest, humble, diligent, and dependable, it reflects on you.
If they are dishonest, backbiting, de-motivating, and callus, that reflects on you too.

…you’re letting others know what ethics, values, and characteristics are important to you.

…you’re letting others know the quality of work you expect from others and give yourself.

…you’re taking a chance. Recommend those who reflect what you believe in and stand for, and you’ll find your recommendation’s worth grow.

Have your say in the comments below.

You Want Me to Change?! Holy Smokes!

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

A Need for Ethics

Chris Mower — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:36:51 +0000

More than ever before there’s a need for ethics and basic human decency at work, at home, and in our communites.

In a world of declining morality and kindness we find increased businesses, employers, employees, husbands, and wives looking for self satisfaction and glory. Selfishness is on the rise, and it hurts everyone.

I’m inspired by good men and women who honor and respect each other and themselves. They don’t cheat. They don’t steal. They treat others with respect. They value strong morals and honesty. They concern themselves with others more than their wallet and fame.

We need more of these people today. We need them leading our communities, companies, and government. We need people who dare make respectable, good decisions in the face of opposition. We need people who can lead with integrity and honesty.

Be one of those people.

© Chris for Chris Mower, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: At Work, Relationships, Self Improvement

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

How to Network: Getting Started with the Basics

Chris Mower — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:11:25 +0000

Do you remember that guy you spoke to who knew everybody? Or that one lady who could find anything with just a few phone calls? What about the friend who always has the hook ups? Those people are networkers, and it makes their lives easier. You can be one of them.

It’s impossible to capture all networking facets in a single blog post, but I’ve created some networking fundamentals to get you started. The most important part is that you start networking today–don’t wait. The sooner you begin networking the sooner you can reap the rewards.

Benefits of Networking

Goodbye comfort zone.

This reason alone will turn many of you away from networking, which is too bad. If you’re not naturally outgoing, networking provides an opportunity to stretch yourself and advance past your comfort zone. The more you do it, the easier and more natural it becomes. But you occasionally have to push yourself past nerve-wracking barriers. Do this enough, and networking will become second nature.

Increase social skills.

Networking doesn’t require spectacular social skills. I know plenty of socially awkward people who have excellent networks. Turn off ye ole television and shutdown ye ole computer and instead spend time in some social environments. Those great social skills will sharpen and develop as you interact with others.

Find hidden or unpublished opportunities.

All but one of my jobs I’ve found through networking. I don’t recall any of them being advertised, or if they were, I didn’t know about it. I’ve also found ample opportunities through networking, like having my car fixed free of charge and fantastic discounts. Networking opens the door to a whole new world. According to ABC News, 80% of jobs are found through networking (see the video here).

» Finish reading How to Network: Getting Started with the Basics at ChrisMower.com. »

© Chris for Chris Mower, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: How To, Networking, Relationships

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh