Teach to Win

Making the Change

2010-03-11T05:33:00.003-07:00

Inevitably we will all make a career/employment change at some point in our lives. Personally I'm in the middle of my 5th employer and 2nd career change. This feels like the most difficult but I'm also most optimistic about this being my last change. Of course, I'm older, but still have a good 20 years of strong production left in me.....I hope! The interesting thing about his change is that I find myself feeling sad and relieved at the same time. Why?

What I'm learning and want to share with you is that during trying times, you must continue to check in on your beliefs, morales or whatever drives your core. I'm leaving because there are basic philosophical business differences between my current partners and myself. The differences are so core that changing them just isn't going to happen, I've already tried for 10 years. I cannot see myself spending the rest of my career battling things that cannot be won. The sadness comes from seeing potential and loving everything else about the position I'm in bu knowing it will never get achieved here. Stay true to your core!!!

What we sometimes don't realize is who we become or how we behave around others when we're experiencing troubles in some part of our lives. My family and friends experience me as a frustrated person instead of a happy person...no fun for them, no fun for me and no fun for the people I work with and nobody is getting any younger...That's why you make changes! Believe in your core, listen to the people you love and trust and strive to be happy, we only have one life. We all have the power of choice. Doing the right thing can ge hard and very difficult to decipher, but when you recognize things aren't right...invoke your power to change and live happily.

I wish all my current partners the best of luck and will always willingly help with anything I can. R&A CPAs is a great professional firm but Eide Bailly sees what I see and my struggles today will be the peace tomorrow!

Speaking of struggles, this economy has taken its toll on all of us. Never be afraid of looking for new ways to supplement your current income or reach out to help others. I remind you that Tampogo is a great way to do both. I encourage everyone to visit the site and see how easy it is to build a simple, no pressure network of caring people that can save lives and add a little cushion to your pocketbook.

Victor

A Time for Change

2010-01-27T04:53:00.002-07:00

Effective May 1, 2010, I will leave R&A CPAs and become an equity partner in the CPA firm Eide Bailly, LLP (EB). There are numerous times in everyones life when change is inevitable. Then there are those times when we seek change. In most cases I would say change is good for all parties involved. I have reached one of those times where I have sought change AND I believe the change is good for all parties.

After 10 wonderful years at R&A CPAs in Tucson, AZ I came to realize it was time for a change! The last 10 years have without a doubt been my most professionally productive, educational, emotional and rewarding of my life. I took on many new challenges personally and professionally and, as usual, some of those worked out and some did not...oh well that's how life goes. Because of my experience at R&A I have some great connections with some incredibly talented CPAs (the remaining partners) and have some special friends (all the past and current staff) too. Those relationships are invaluable to me.

So why is this change good for all parties? Well I have become the "square peg" within the R&A senior management group, so with me out of that picture R&A will have a more cohesive vision to execute...big winners! I, on the other hand, will be involved with a much larger organization whose management is much more inline with my professional business management philosophies. I also get to pursue the development of a service I am passionate about using today's technology over a large enterprise with total support of senior management...huge win for me too! Finally, EB gets me, my dedication, passion and knowledge but probably the most important thing they get is someone with the passion and leadership skills to take on a service area that needs some attention...another huge win!

I'm going to miss R&A but I relish the opportunities that lie ahead. As a final note, I hope everyone gets to experience change in their life. Whether change is good or bad is based on your attitude and ability to seek out opportunity. Make the best of your life every day!

Victor

Does Your Bookkeeper Know What Your CPA Needs

2009-12-11T05:08:00.006-07:00

How many employees are asked to handle the basic bookkeeping needs of their employer even though they aren't technically trained to do so? For the small business, my estimate is about one in every office. After all, they have Quick Books. Unfortunately, the assumption that once you can create an invoice and print a check does not mean your accounting system is functioning properly.

Most business owners don't understand accounting and many of them are quite successful. Seems logical then that they believe a bright employee of theirs should be able to figure it out, especially with a highly touted computer program like Quick Books. Well I can tell you from 25 years of personal experience that 80-90% of those situations cost that employer when it comes time to work with his/her accountant or CPA. There seems to be so little focus or importance placed on the accounting records even though every business owner knows they need them. At the very least the business owner knows they need to file tax returns every year. They also know the tax return is derived from their accounting records but yet the importance placed on those records is so little.

When importance is place on a function, it normally performs well. When it isn't functioning well, people are trained or hired that have the skill set to make sure it is performed well. I guess thats what the CPA is for...they/we should be able to figure it all out. And figure it out we do, but at what cost? Doesn't it make sense to spend a few dollars training your bookkeeper to do a better job so that the CPA can focus on high value services like tax planning instead of cleaning up Quick Books files?

I have trained many bookkeepers during my 25 years but never developed a training program for them. With the recession in full force I have put together a series of three webinars that teach bookkeepers the practical side of bookkeeping and finally explaining to them exactly what the independent accountant/CPA needs from them. The goal is for employers to get more for the dollars they are spending on their staff and more for the dollars they are spending with their accountant/CPA. As good as Quick Books is, it falls way short on explaining how crucial it is you understand the accounting that happens on the on the back side of those invoice and check transactions and how expensive it is for a trained professional to clean it up.

The first webinar, titled "Understanding What Your CPA Needs From You", launches this month and the rest will launch in January, stay tuned for the details. Get your house in order, invest training dollars wisely and I wish everyone a fantastic holiday season and a tremendously prosperous new year!

Staying Grounded

2009-11-02T03:11:00.007-07:00

I was on a nice direct flight from Phoenix to Chicago yesterday and was able to listen to a great book called "The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg...what a great book!

How many times have we seen a person at work that just seems like they have it all and are going to be greatly successful but never quite get there? Maybe you've seen it in your children? I know I have and still struggle with one of my children that just hasn't quite given in to the ways of the world yet. The premise of the message in "The Go-Giver" is that you must be willing to receive in order to get and "receiving" is required in order for "giving" to even happen. Remember the message "It's better to give than to receive"?

I don't know about all of you, but I think we could all use a reminder every once in a while, ok maybe its more of a kick in the butt! In either case Bob Burg does a fabulous job of "waking you up" in this short but powerful book. Do yourself a favor and read this NOW. You, your students, family, friends, clients, staff and everyone around you will benefit if you do a bit more than just read it too. I know you all will, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. In case you like to listen to books there's a link to the audio book from itunes on Raendrop.com

Good luck today, go make a difference in someone's life!

Victor

Network Marketing vs Network Affiliate

2009-10-26T05:35:00.002-07:00

In my profession I have been asked to participate in dozens of network marketing programs. Every time I listen to the "pitch" I hear the same thing....convince people to buy this product that's the latest and greatest in the world. They all compete against each other on product AND the compensation plan is complicated. The other thing that always turned me off is the size of the investment to get started plus the required level of continued financial commitment for "inventory".

A few months ago I was introduced to Tampogo. If you haven't heard of it, google it and visit www.tampogo.com/krc, that's my page. So why did I get involved in an industry I just bashed? Because the BUSINESS MODEL is different and it makes business sense! Instead of competing on the next "save your life" product, they have created an online "store" with hundreds of every day items that are practical for everyone. They sell these at great discounts and pay a fee every time you and everyone you bring into the program buy something. Ever looked at how affiliate programs work? Most major retailers have one.

The concept is simple, we (the retailer) will pay for new business affiliates(ireps/network members) send our way. It's like having a huge sales team that is tracked when online purchasers are sent to the online store via an affiliate "link" or website. I got very interested in this when I was introduced to the Tampogo concept. It makes so much sense that I have created a website with numerous useful and very practical products (affiliate links) on it for small businesses www.raendrop.com

Tampogo is about to introduce things that I don't believe have ever been done in this industry. I encourage anyone that has a drop of entrepreneur blood in them to seriously check this out. They call it the President's Circle which is closer to other network marketing compensation plan efforts but this one has a huge twist! The products they are going mass market will also be placed in brick and mortar stores and the sales of those products will generate extra commissions for the network members...huge potential!!

Kudos for the model and guts to create something different. Viva netowrk AFFILIATES!!

Virtual Office - Save Thousands!

2009-10-01T05:34:00.004-07:00

I am absolutely amazed at the quality & pricing of some great applications/services out there that allow you to setup a business and operate as if you had a complete staff and had invested tens of thousands of dollars in infrastructure.

I've been in business for over 2 decades. In that time I have setup or help setup dozens of companies and offices. Where does the majority of investment go? Well outside of the physical location (leasehold improvements) and the product (assuming you're selling one), it goes to infrastructure and marketing. You know, a phone system, fax, flyers, brochures, lead lists and services and of course the salaries for the people to answer your phones, send your faxes and contact and track your potential customers.

For all those people that find themselves without a job and considering starting up their own business, allow me to introduce some applications and services that might allow you to open your own business for much less than you were originally thinking

1. If you don't need a physical location don't get one (this is just common sense, no application or service). Setup a website at either 1and1 or Go Daddy. It's very inexpensive and very easy to create and edit.

2. Phone System - most people have a cell phone and that's great but you have no help this way. Try Give the Impression of a Large Corporation with Virtual Call System! Toll Free 800 Number which gives you all the services of a normal phone system (PBX) and a receptionist for next to nothing and you can pay monthly.

3. Fax System - this one is easy. Just get an eFax Annual Subscription and be done with it.

4. Contact Management - So this has never been my strong point but this product is amazing. Please evaluate this, you will be doing yourself a favor. Free Trial of iContact

5. Legal Entity - don't forget to protect yourself. If you need a complex structure because you will have partners or outside financing, go see an attorney and get it done properly. If you're going at it alone, you can do it yourself at Legal Zoom

For your convenience I've put banners to these sites just to the left of this blog. Just click and evaluate. These are also located on my personal website www.raendrop.com.

Good luck to you all,

Victor

Dear Ole Dad

2009-09-27T06:19:00.003-07:00

I want to salute all the parents of the world! Without even knowing it, we go through an enormous part of our lives playing the role of "Master Teacher" and forming and shaping the lives of our children that go on to define tomorrows world. Talk about responsibility...WOW!!!

I find myself looking backwards these days a heck of a lot more than ever. I know everyone says I'm just getting old. Call it what you want, but everyone's life is a huge book of knowledge so learning from it can't be a bad thing. My dad was the most influential person in my life. I guess I should say "is" because I'm still learning from him today even though we lost him to the "Big C" (cancer) as he used to call it. It's been four years already and in just those four years the things I have gone through are amazing.

I've had two kids come of driving age (and promptly crashed of course), a kid go through rehab (doing great in recovery by the way), watch my mom's alzheimer's get pretty bad, almost cash in on the real estate bubble when my house was on sale for 7 figures only to have it fall through at closing, had challenges with the wife, won and lost clients, hired and fired a few employees, witnessed the first Afro-American become President of the United States, attended a few funerals...and this was in 4 years. Was I always thinking and trying to be a "teacher"? NOT! Was I being a teacher? Absolutely!

The scary part about that is people were watching how I acted and reacted in all of those situations and they learned from my behavior whether I wanted them to or not. Just think about that in relation to children. Where do they spend the majority of their lives? Yes with their parents and hopefully with both their parents. The lessons we learn from those that are near and dear to us last forever. We can all only hope to have most of those lessons be helpful and positive. I'll always remember my Dad as a fair but strict parent. He laid down the law and when (not if) you challenged it you were well aware of it. I have five brothers and sisters and I don't remember anyone successfully challenging that law. I remember my Dad laughing at the silliest commercials and jokes and how much he enjoyed us and all family, how he praised and respected my Mom for being the "Best Mother in the World". I remember him caring for his employees and going out of his way to help the local community. Was he aware he was teaching this whole time? Now that I can comprehend the issue I can't ask him so I ask all of you. Do you consider the fact that those near and dear to you are watching and learning from your every move?

Well if my Dad didn't I think he did a phenomenal job anyway. So to all the parents and teachers out there, here's to you!!! I must mention that Mom is a close second to the most influential people in my life. From where I stand, Mom's really are the ultimate "teachers" and I can't express the respect and honor I have for all of them, especially mine and my wife of course!

Here's a small thing I'm trying to do to give back to my community www.Raendrop.com.

God bless you all, enjoy your Sunday and please be careful someone is learning from you.

Victor
vpuchi@raendrop.com

Change is Good

2009-09-20T04:44:00.005-07:00

Why is it so difficult for people to deal with change? After all isn't change supposed to be good?

Personally I believe change is a must. From a business owners perspective change means life. If your business isn't changing and evolving it will become stale and your customers will find an alternative in a heartbeat. So what about from the personal side?

People are constantly changing, every minute of every day, again that's life. Every minute is a new experience and we take it in, process and react...poof we've changed! So why is it so hard to change the way we do things? Is it lack of leadership, motivation, clarity, validity? I supposed it could be any, all or any combination of those and other items too. A bit ironic don't you think? Change is good but making the change is extremely difficult?

What about all of the newly unemployed? Talk about change! I've found a great resource to pump up the motivation for anyone in the process of thinking about change or in the process of executing a change. It's a short movie called Change is Good.

The source of this move is from a company called Simple Truths, my favorite site for motivational resources. I post some of my favorite movies and books from the company on my site Raendrop. The point to all of this is to educate yourself on how to make change easier. Learn how to motivate the people that are critical to the success of the change. After all, the change is good only if its successful and that is a matter of opinion. Embrace change, instigate change and lead the change, but please educate yourself first then Teach and success will follow.

Good luck, keep the chin up and make a change!

Victor

Labor Day

2009-09-07T10:26:00.004-07:00

This is quite an ironic day to be celebrating the fruits of our labor when we are in the middle of what some will call one of if not the worst economic crisis in US history. The latest on unemployment is 9.7%...astronomical. So what to do? We certainly have a lot to be proud of, this is still the greatest country in the world. If your fortunate enough to still have a job as I am, then you should feel bad for those less fortunate.

I have a suggestion and I offer it because it has worked for me and it makes complete sense. Be your own boss, take control of your destiny and make life work for you because of you. I have been my own boss for just about 20 years and when there is an economic down turn I know I will be the last guy without a job in my business. Yes its hard but at times like this I wouldn't want it any other way and neither would my family!

So is everyone cut out to be their own boss? My thoughts are yes and absolutely yes. Is everyone going to create a multi-million dollar business? No and they don't have to. All a person needs is enough money to not be a burden on society. Feed and clothe yourself and your family and put a roof over your head, everything else is a luxury. So where does a person start? Business is for business people that are college educated and know about marketing and employees and accounting (oh no!)....NOT!

Today's world is filled with hundreds if not thousands of "work from home" businesses, in my opinion a better option is a network marketing business. Network marketing is the new term for Multi-level marketing businesses. I know, most people have a negative feeling about this but, they ain't what they used to be. Of course there are still many scams out there, but that's true of every transactions you can think of (mortgage brokers come to my mind!). There are some really great opportunities out there. They come in all different shapes and sizes. Some simple some complex and in various industries. What does someone need to do to start? In most cases just listen for about 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes that's it and other times you'll need to make a financial investment and committment.

Here's one that I love because there is no upfront cost, you don't have to sell anything and your only financial committment is to buy something you probably already buy once a month for a nominal $20-$30 a month. After that, all you have to do is tell other people about the opportunity and spread the word. The very cool thing about this is that the products offered for sale are sold at a discount from anywhere else (you get value and everyone you share this with gets value), $1 of every item you and everyone else buys goes to a charity dedicated to feeding starving children around the world and you can make some $$ by sharing this value added concept with others.

Do yourself a favor and spend 30 minutes at this site www.tampogo.com/krc. Yes that is my site, I am part of the program. I offer this concept to you to help those in need or for others to help those in need, but frankly I don't understand why everyone wouldn't want to do this. It cost nothing, offers value, is charitable and you are helping others for absolutely no additional cost in your life! A little skeptical, check this out http://www.onlinescamsuncovered.com/tampogo-scam.html

For more ideas on how to add value to your business visit my personal collection of ideas and products at www.raendrop.com

Have a fantastic holiday!

Victor

Biggest Losers of the Economic Crisis

2009-03-26T05:14:00.006-07:00

There is no doubt this economic crisis has or will hit every american at some point in time and in some fashion or another. As it does, we all have to sacrifice something. It's those extra dollars we are so generous with in this country that are being conserved or lost. The heart wrenching part of this is the charities that were/are the beneficiaries of those coveted dollars are now unable to serve those thousands of causes.

There is one company that has devised a program that we can all participate in that will provide funds to our favorite charities/causes without adding any additional outlay of cash from you or me. The company is call Shop Wurld. It provides individuals an opportunity to make some money and help charities at the same time. The concept is easy....purchase things from very large and established companies (like Starbucks and iTunes) online and they will pay a commission that gets shared by those in the network. Yes it is multi-level marketing, but there is no commitment to spend/invest any money for inventory or marketing, you aren't selling anything and you aren't spending money you weren't going to spend any way. If you sign-up a charity then they get the benefit from the money all of their constituents normally spend as long as they spend it online through Shop Wurld. This is truly a no brainer!

Membership is by invitation only so consider this your invitation, now go do something good. Sign up at www.shopwurld.com and use this code ZWQSAH to register. If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to contact me. Not many things are free, and this isn't either, you actually have to be proactive, but you don't have to try and convince someone of buying the next magic potion!

Share The Knowledge

2009-03-14T05:04:00.007-07:00

One of the most important things we can do to help our organizations, associates, employees, and any one else we care about is to share what we know with them. After all, that is what teaching is. At R&A we have recently taken this to a new level. Just this month, our efforts in an international collaboration with other CPA firms went "live".

R&A is a member of an international organization that teaches CPA firms how to provide consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. This group provides us with phenomenal training and "best practice" tools and techniques to deliver these services. With Ran One's

assistance, a group of about 12 CPA firms from across the globe launched a new website to assist business all around the world during the horrific economic crisis. Please visit the site at http://www.economicrecoveryresourcecenter.com. The information on this site is as valuable as you can find any where.

Keep the American dream alive, stay focused and use the resources around. We are all in the same boat, and we all need each other to make it through to better days!

Victor Puchi, CPA

Managing Shareholder

R&A CPAs

www.RandAcpas.com

Position for Tomorrow

2009-02-20T05:25:00.004-07:00

If you watch any news channels, ready any newspaper or just listen to the chatter at the water fountain at work, you are going to hear the bleakest news of the US economy since the Great Depression.

Owners and executives of businesses both small and large and working day and night to manage through this crisis. Businesses are streamlining operations to conserve cash (major layoffs), and cutting back in every expense category possible. This isn't enough. Crisis time is also the best time to reposition your business for the needs of tomorrow.

The strong get stronger during difficult times because they know how to get ready for the turnaround. Study your markets and find the niche that has been created by the new crisis or that will exist when the turnaround comes. If you can't find one then make sure you are ready to handle the increase in business when the economy stabilizes. Invest in keeping the great people in your organization, improving your processes and communicating your efforts to your clients. Keep your ear open to your clients, they will tell you if you should be doing something differently or different things.

During these times, basic business management techniques are critical. Keep your operation simple, manage inventories, manage accounts receivable, collect, collect, collect and watch the key performance indicators for your business http://economy.aicpa.org/business-industry/.
Make sure you keep your staff involved and informed of your plans and how they can help. Your staff can be the best resource for ideas and the extra energy needed to make it through these tough times. They are more loyal than most realize. Stay positive and keep the focus. We are a great nation and the capitalistic nature of the American people will prevail. You are that people...Good luck!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-19T05:14:00.004-07:00

As we rapidly approach the end of another incredible year and the holiday festivities get cranked up I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year!

Reflecting on my fortunate past comes so easy to me this time of year. Regardless of personal or professional struggles I may have had the super majority of my life has been blessed with loving family and friends and a very successful professional career. I challenge everyone to put their own lives in perspective this holiday season. Take a few moments to remember the tragedies that have occurred in our own back yard and around the world. The victims of 911, the floods in New Orleans and surrounding areas, the fires in California, the thousands of children inflicted with life-ending disease and the millions inflicted with mental/psychological challenges.

Be grateful and appreciative, loving and caring, sensitive and honest. Give with heart not only with money. Give with respect not for respect. Love those that are with you, inspire those that are influenced by you and offer a prayer for those you haven't met.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Victor Puchi, CPA

R&A CPAs

www.RandAcpas.com

Succession Planning

2008-12-02T03:35:00.008-07:00

One of the biggest, if not the biggest, challenges small to mid-sized business owners face is that of succession planning. Finding the right person or people to hand the reigns over to should be a process that lasts years not months. It is difficult to accept that whoever that next person is, they won't be you and they won't run the place like you either.

So what can be done to increase the success of handing things over to the "next generation"? First of all, don't limit your options and plan plan plan. One of the most important things I have learned over the 20 plus years of being a business owner and advisor is to make sure you have an exit strategy as early in the game as possible. I now teach young entrepreneurs to make sure part of the business plan is an exit strategy. What options are there?

For the most part there are 3 options to exit. First is to hand it over to an insider. That would be someone that has been working for you that understands how the business works and is willing to pay for the opportunity to drive the bus going forward. Second, is a sale to a competitor or larger enterprise that has an interest in your market and your brand. The third is a variation of the second and that would be to merge with a competitor or a complimentary business that gives both entities a benefit. There is the option to liquidate or close the business but I don't think of that as succession planning even though it is an exit strategy.

Finding the right player is always the difficult part. A successful business almost always has clearly defined core values and you want them to stay in tack so you need someone that understand and believes in yours. You also want to make sure there is strong leadership and passion for the business along with aptitude, compassion and strong business acumen. Now you start seeing why this is such a challenge! The good news is that this happens all the time so you aren't the first person to have to do this. The bad news is that at least half of these fail within the first 3 years.

The point here is to take your time and think about how you can best transfer what you know about the business, people, customers, process, market, industry, and all the tricks of the trade to that lucky chosen one. Invest time and money to educate and edify or to investigate a potential buyer/merger candidate to find the best fit possible. Understand that there is great value in mentoring, shadowing, selecting a protege, or whatever you want to call it. The training for the next leader should be much different than any other position in the business because the business owner is a unique position.

Be aware that businesses, like people, have a period when they are in their prime so don't wait too long if you want to maximize the chance of success and value.

Victor D Puchi, CPA

vpuchi@randacpas.com

The New American Dream

2008-11-25T04:38:00.005-07:00

The way I always heard the story was that people came to America from around the world to have freedom and financial stability....The American Dream!

Doesn't the word "dream" tell us that it might not always be reality or that the dream may be bigger than life? Do you think the fat cats of our largest financial institutions or auto companies have lost site of this? What about our political leaders? They certainly must always have this in mind, as is it not their responsibility to keep this nation as great and greater than always?

Somebody needs to get all of these "leaders" and send them back to the basics. Maybe they should all have to run their own businesses using their own money and credit for ten years. Until they are able to prove they can grow a business and manage money and people they shouldn't be able to take a seat where they are responsible for TRILLIONS of dollars the rest of us spend a lifetime trying to generate. That way sex, color or political party preference would all be the same....Red, White and Blue.

What are we teaching our young "professionals-to-be"? Go get the best degree you can from the most prestigious school around and latch on to a big company. Don't disrupt anything, play nice and always make sure nobody knows what you're doing. Pretty soon you can be the CEO of one our nations pride and joy companies and flush it down the toilet while you become a millionaire. Don't worry, Congress will make the rest of America pay for it and you can travel the world on your private jet!

By Victor D Puchi, CPA

R&A CPAs

People Care

2008-11-21T05:16:00.006-07:00

So I've been pretty quiet on the blog front for quite some time. I was just recently inspired to continue by one of my staff members that said "I miss reading what your thoughts are". If one person is interested, I suspect there are more, so here I am.

In todays market place, the accounting profession is still experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals. This environment causes businesses to be extra efficient and excellent at retention if they are to compete. We've been struggling with this for years now and every day we get better at transforming our young and not so you team from takers to givers.

Last Friday we launched the annual R&A Employee Retreat. For the first time ever, we closed the office and took all employees to a resort for a day of education. The key was that the education had nothing to do with accounting but everything to do with personal development and what R&A CPAs was all about and how or why each individual makes a difference. We had a great guest speaker, Robert Van Arlen, that started the day off and really got things moving in the right direction. For eight straight hours we educated and learned like never before. Sometimes all you have to do is ask and you'll find out where the interests are and even more important you find out where you can help. People really want to do the right thing for the most part and in order to help/teach them you must listen. In this case it helped by asking away from our typical environment in a setting that was built to show we care. We learned that we have a lot of very special people that care too! Everybody there on Friday won a very special prize and we all will benefit.

If anyone out there is in need of a keynote or motivational speaker Robert Van Arlen is your guy! Check him out at www.robertvanarlen.com. I need to make sure I let you all know that I met Robert through Main Corridor, www.maincorridor.com, another great organization you should check out.

Favorites

2008-02-27T05:24:00.003-07:00

Why does it seem like everytime you get a group of new students you end up with a favorite?Does this damage your ability to teach everyone else fairly? For one thing, we are humans with feelings and so I believe its a bit natural to be "pulled" or to "pull" that special one a little closer to us. I also think we want to have a success story, so we look for that one student that is just soaking it up and try to make sure they succeed.
That may be all fine and dandy but our purpose should be to teach all of them. I was reading Tony Dungy's book and in one of the chapters he quotes his father, his greatest teacher, as saying "all students deserve an A". To me this means that every student deserves your attention and you should try to find a way to help them succeed.
It's too easy to get frustrated with those that don't "get it" right away. I have a new crew in my office as I write this and some are faster than others but I'm determined to give them all a fair shake and challenge myself to be the teacher that actually taught them something and made a difference in their lives.
As a teacher and mentor, every student should be your favorite! I guarantee you each and everyone one of them is special and they deserve the attention.

The Tough One

2008-02-17T18:23:00.004-07:00

Who is the toughest student? Think real hard.... parents know the answer....that's right, your prodigy or child is the toughest student. Why? Because the teachers are too close to the student and too emotional about how the lesson is responded to.

I have two children of my own os I speak from experience here. Now at the ages of 17 and 15, I think I've finally learned how to control my own emotional response to the most challenging yet rewarding students.

In our roles as teachers the "favorite" student should not exist. No such thing as most likely to succeed or the favorite child...it's all life and if we care about our students we will teach them what we know, regardless how difficult it may seem. Everybody matters and as teachers we are here to make sure life continues with as much wisdom as possible. When the teaching gets tough, back away and think about the role we play. Play the role and enjoy it or do yourself a favor and change roles.

Life is way too short!

The Basics

2008-02-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

Well how many times have you been frustrated after having spent so much time teaching someone something only to find out that they "just don't get it"?

I know we've all heard that not everyone learns the same way and that maybe we need to change the delivery and various similar hints. There are two components to this I would like to discuss that I believe are key to anyone's success as a teacher.

First and most important, in my book, is we must learn to listen! Don't just listen for the question but listen to learn about the person and how their brain works. We give hints about ourselves by the way we speak, the words we use and the way we try to explain things. We can even learn by watching the way someone doesn't ask questions or get involved in discussions. Learning, and hence teaching, is just as much about trust as it is about knowledge. You need to make your audience trust you in order for them to really want to listen and learn from you. Get to know them and let them get to know you....priceless.

The other component to this is making sure you don't get frustrated when the message doesn't seem to be reaching the audience. There could be numerous reasons why, some of which I just mentioned. I was reading a book on how to trade options in the stock market by Wade Cook (yes I've made some dumb decisions too) some 10 years ago and he quoted someone but I can't remember who or what the name of this book is. Anyway, the quote has remained very fresh in my mind and I find it holding true time after time after time. So here it goes, "when the student is ready, the teacher shall appear".

Look, we are in our leadership positions because we have talent and don't forget that you have done something good in order to get to where you are...don't take that away from yourself. If the person(s) you are trying to teach don't want to learn they won't, so don't beat yourself up.

Be proud, be productive, you are the reason this country is so successful!

K.I.S.S. or Don't Tell

2008-01-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know that this is ancient but one of the reasons it's out there is because it is SO true. I'm always amazed by how much more lessons "stick" when its delivered in a simple manner versus a complex manner. If we could always reduce our message to the simplest form all of us would be much better teachers. On of the goals of teachers should be to Keep It Simple Stupid or we shouldn't deliver the message until we can.

I was in a meeting the other day observing one of my managers explain a needed task to a 1 month employee. The task was to replicate a spreadsheet from an example he had. He wanted to make sure all formulas were correct so he had found a printed example for them to follow...simple enough right? Wrong, I listened to a technical explanation for 20 minutes that included the history of the enterprise's structure, ownership relationships and the reference of multiple income tax codes and state laws and interpretations that had my head spinning and I've been doing this work for 22 years. Remember I'm a CPA, the tax law can get pretty hairy!

After my manager realized that he had just about made himself dizzy, I jumped in and asked "So what part of this project do you want her to do, create the spreadsheet?". Low and behold his answer was a simple "yes" and off she went happy as a lark and did a great job. Why do we think we need to show the world how smart we are? Was that truly the intent of my manager? Was any of that information of value or interest to the new employee? Was it to impress the employee? In this particular case the manager was in need of some help and all he needed was someone that could create a spreadsheet for him. Why not explain that he needed help and that even though she wasn't even in his department he would sure appreciate her being a team player and giving him a hand with a spreadsheet? Now there's a lesson worth teaching...help people when they ask if you can.

Enjoy your day and KISS, we'll all be better off!

Clear Message

2008-01-15T04:39:00.001-07:00

Well that sure was a long break....I recommend not catching the flu if you want to be productive....ouch!

So right after I posted my first blog "Teach to Win" I started getting comments about the real ability to teach someone how to win. It didn't take long for me to realize that I hadn't been clear enough in my original message.

I'm not sure if you can teach someone how to win and that isn't what I intended to communicate. My message is that if you teach people what you know then they get ahead (win) and you fulfill what I believe is each and everyone of our obligations to society (educating). So when you teach someone you fulfill that obligation and that is winning in life, hence the title "Teach to Win".

You see, I believe that everyone has something of value to teach someone else but we never know when or what that might be. Those of us that can look at our lives and feel like we've done "OK" and have a sense of accomplishment probably have actually achieved quite a bit. Whether you have graduated top of your class, reached middle management, raised a family, become a politician or started and run your own business you have experienced many things and struggled through things that thousands of others that follow that path will undoubtedly struggle with and experience too. Why not share your struggles and experiences with them so that they need not struggle as hard? Isn't that what you wished would have happened to you? Maybe it did happen to you, so return the favor! If so, then you too believe in Teach to Win and I thank you and so does your fellow man.

I hope my message is clear now. I want to share my experiences as a business owner, a husband, a father and a student.

Please give me your thoughts and share your wealth of knowledge with us all.

Value the Human Element

2008-01-02T05:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning and Happy New Year to everyone!

I'm grateful I've reached the stage of my life where I'm not my worst enemy on New Year's Eve! Some might think I'm old and boring now but I think I finally got tired of missing the first day of every year and realized I had a lot more to do with my life....boring shmoring I say.

Yes, back to the reason I started this. People. Yes people. I want to make sure that business owners, managers, leaders and anyone else that is in a position to work with people understands that the most valuable part of their business is the PEOPLE that work for them or work with them. It amazes me how many times the focus turns to the product or service being produced and the people actually producing get treated as second class citizens.

Those that become extremely successful have learned how to teach, motivate, care, and mentor their people. It is just way too easy to tell the difference between a product that was created with care AND knowledge and one that was created only with knowledge. In the professional services arena, just ask the person that received the service. If they really had a really good experience the response will be something like "...is a great person and they seem to care....". What's the single largest reason businesses loose customers...PERCEIVED INDIFFERENCE. Well who do you think makes the difference...the PEOPLE they deal with.

Please please please, everyone that manages, mentors, teaches, educates or trains people, remember to treat those you work with farily, with dignity and respect. Take your time with them, let them know you care about them. Put your arm around them every once and awhile, give them a pat on the back and explain to them why they are to do what you ask of them. They are your biggest fans and supporters, just give them the chance to prove it to you and thank them when they do....your and their successes will explode.

Lou Holtz gave a great motivational speach yesterday to the football players of a bowl game that he wasn't even coaching. It's no wonder the man was a huge success....he definitely gets it, I only hope that through my daily actions and this blog more of us get it and that all of us live more enriched lives because of it...Happy New Year!