The Ararat Connection

Trust in Our Relationships

2011-11-06T18:08:00.000-08:00

How do you build trust? I mean how can we really build trust in our relationships? What is it that makes others trust us or not?

Very interesting questions, and some tough ones too I might add.

In hosting a John Maxwell Mastermind Group, we have been studying John C. Maxwell's book called, "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership." In chapter 6 of John's book, he defines the 6th Law of Leadership called "The Law of Solid Ground."

In reviewing this law I came across a YouTube video that John did on that very law. In the video, John says that trust is composed of two things. In other words, we can gain and build the trust of others with two things and we need them both: character and competence. Competence alone is not enough, we must all have ethics/character as well. John says, "the two together is the Law of Solid Ground."

Here is the YouTube link to John's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5XwteEDckY

After you watch the video, think about the ways in which you can help others to trust you more. How is your competence? How is your character?

If you want to grow more and know more about Mastermind Groups or John Maxwell and his material, consider visiting: http://www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/danedeutsch/

Until next time, keep leading with Character 1st! Heidi Ho - Dane:)

2011-10-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

High Impact Leadership

Begins with

Investment in Self

Let me ask you a very important question. Do you make it a goal to invest in yourself?

Now, I am not talking about sports or hobbies or even how to improve you technically. What I am really asking is whether or not you are making it a goal and priority to grow yourself in regards to soft “people” skills like leadership, relationships, attitude, communications, character education, etc.

Recently, it has become clear to me that one of the reasons people may not lead well, may be a result of not leading themselves or investing time and energy in growing themselves as leaders.

Without investing in ourselves as individuals, we probably won’t be able to invest in others. Without having received anything from investing in ourselves, it stands to reason that we most likely won’t have anything to give or invest in others either. I love what John Maxwell says, “Leadership develops daily, not in a day.” That means we really need to make it our goal to invest in ourselves and grow with soft “people” skills on a daily basis so that we become stronger and better leaders who in turn are able to invest in their team, family, or organization.

So, why not start today? Find a person who can mentor you, or go to a seminar where you learn more about yourself in leadership or management, or even read a book that focuses on an interest of yours where you can invest in yourself and add value to your own life. When you do that, you will be ready and able to invest in others and add value to their lives as well.

I guarantee you that no matter what occupation you are in, your quality of life will improve and your feeling that you are leading a balanced life will improve as well. Bob Burg said it best in his successful book titled, “The Go-Giver” (visit my Go-Giver website), when he focused on the Law of Authenticity and said, “The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.” Are you ready to “gift” yourself to others? Start today to invest in yourself and you will find that not only will you be more successful and feel better about yourself, but you will add value and significance to others and serve to make them more successful as well. Invest in yourself! For more info and resources on how to get started growing and investing in your leadership training (LMDC website) or visit my John Maxwell website.

Is Character and Integrity Important When Outsourcing IT Services?

2011-05-11T04:20:00.000-07:00

People hear me talk about Character all the time, but how does it get measured? Here is one article that talks about how important character is to the workplace when customers are outsourcing, and a measurement of its impact on business.

Remember Character is a lot of things like integrity, but specifically it is easy to remember when you think about it encompassing the 6 Pillars of Character from www.charactercounts.org: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.

Here is the link to this article: http://www.echannelline.com/usa/story.cfm?item=26804

Clearly, some employers and customers are starting to realize that outsourcing people is important, but hiring the right company and/or person with Character (Fairness and Loyalty in this case) is KEY!

Stay focused on your True North and you will do well for yourself, your family, your company, and your customers.

Character and Honesty go a long way. Make it a great Day!

Google Apps - The way technology should be! Simple, low cost and Easy to use!

2011-04-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Google Apps - The way technology should be! Simple, low cost and Easy to use! Contact us today to find out how we can make life better for you with Google Apps, and save you money....we are Google Apps Resellers - www.dcsnetlink.com

You will never think of technology the same again....Life Changing....a real Game Changer!

What is Success? Have you found your purpose yet?

2011-04-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

"What is the most common question asked of me?"

2010-08-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

“ What is the most common question

asked of me on the campaign trail?”

We have less than 90 days until the November elections. Almost every day, people ask me what the most common question is that I have been asked while campaigning. The answer is: Do you support Term Limits?

I think that is a very interesting question. Why don’t they ask about jobs, or economy, or any other of a myriad of questions that could possibly be asked? The answer is that the people who ask the question eventually also answer their own question with, “I want term limits, because I am tired of career politicians.” So, they really ask me that question to find out if I am going to be a career politician or will I be authentic and genuine and represent the people again? I have learned that people do not care what I know or what I can do for them until they know that I am someone they can trust. The way they seem to be filtering that trust is by asking the question, “Do you support Term Limits?”

The answer is: “YES, I do!” I support 2-3 terms in office. That equals 8-12 years. Statistics show that after 10 years, the majority of politicians do not create useful and productive legislation any more. To truly be a citizen legislator, term limits are necessary. For those that think voting is the way to limit terms…don’t believe it. Many of us are still complacent citizens who don’t study the candidates and don’t take the time to really educate themselves responsibly. In addition, there are advantages that an incumbent has that a challenger does not have. Voting is a right and a privilege.

So, I encourage you to get involved in some form or fashion with a candidate of your choice this voting season. Most importantly, educate yourself on the candidates and turn out to meet them personally if you can. You will be glad you did. You might even find that there are candidates that are just normal citizens like you and I, and they can be trusted.

To find out more about where I stand on issues and what the “planks” are in my senate candidate platform, please visit: http://www.daneforsenate.com/planks.asp

Come and “Run with Dane!”

Why am I running for Senate?

2010-05-29T09:08:00.001-07:00

Today, I am returning home from the 2010 Wisconsin GOP Convention. The last three days was spent networking and talking with some of the best and most conservative minds in America including: Karl Rove, Congressman Paul Ryan, Governor Tim Pawlenty, and more.

During the last three days, I listened to numerous candidates campaigning for every political race available in Wisconsin’s 2010 elections. Most of those candidates expressed why they were running for office. You know, the usual reasons and logic pervaded all of the speeches. In my mind I kept saying that I was running, because I wanted to make a difference. In fact, many of the speeches that espoused conservative values and principles I could have written and/or given. Many times recently I even did so. Yet, in my heart and mind there was something more. Somehow I knew there was something other than just wanting to make a difference, but I could not express it in words.

While waiting for my flight from Milwaukee, WI to Orlando (to spend the week with my wife, and two of my children and their families) I realized what had been missing that I couldn’t put into words. The reason I was running all of a sudden occurred to me after a stranger in the security checkpoint line asked me why I was going to Orlando. I quickly told him that my second oldest son, Moses, was being deployed to Iraq soon and most likely this would be the last time I would get to spend with him before he deployed.

Yes, that was it. I was running for the office of Senate for my family, and more importantly for my son and others like him that were sacrificing so much on the battlefield to keep our American way of life free for us. It was then that the reason I was running all of a sudden became very real. I was running for the Wisconsin Senate so that I could ensure that I was going to give him a chance to have a voice that represented “duty to country.” I was going to work for him and all of the soldiers like him. I was going to work for the children, families, companies and people of Wisconsin to offer leadership and strong moral character that would ensure we had effective leadership again in our government, leadership with ideas and work ethic that once again were steered by a moral compass. I realized that my son was soon going to be fighting in a battle zone for not only my freedom and liberty, but also for the freedom and liberty of all who call themselves Americans, and more specifically, Wisconsinites.

Just as my son will soon be fighting in Iraq under a military campaign, it would now be my duty to honor my country by fighting to win our political campaign, for his sake. I now know it is my responsibility to campaign for the senate seat and WIN so that “WE THE PEOPLE” ensure at least one more seat in government is filled by someone who will be “leading with character and common sense” to ensure our 2nd amendment rights, pro-life, traditional marriage, pro-family, and all of our rich constitutional rights and conservative values/principles.

Yes, I now know why I am running. I am running to make a difference, and it will be a “bigger” difference indeed.

Contrast is the Key Between a Statesman and a Politician

2010-02-23T03:41:00.000-08:00

I announced my candidacy to run for Wisconsin State Senate on 28 October, 2009. Since that time, I have had many people ask me why I would want to jump into the “lion’s den” and become a politician. I always answer that question the same way. I tell them I don’t. I don’t want to be a politician; I want to be a statesman. Generally, people know in their "heart of hearts" that a statesman stands above a politician. Their response is that they generally start shaking their heads up and down and saying “yes.”

So, the fact that I use the term “statesman” versus politician really resonates with people and here is why I believe that it does:

1. A statesman represents the voice of the people, and a politician represents their own voice.

2. A statesman promotes legislation that serves people, a politician promotes their own person.

3. A statesman is a servant, a politician believes others serve them.

4. A statesman does the work of the people for a time, a politician works to build a career.

5. A statesman is promoted by the people, a politician promotes their own agenda.

6. A statesman builds legislation for the good of the people, a politician plays politics.

7. A statesman thinks of a country’s interests, while a “politician” thinks of his/her own interest.

8. A statesman operates from principles and values, a politician operates from selfishness and greed.

So, a statesman stands in stark contrast to a politician. I aspire to be a great statesman who can wisely and expertly manage the political process and role, but remain true to the values and principles of character that made this country the great and powerful nation that it is today. Contrast is the key between the statesman and the politician.

So Connected, but So Disconnected!

2009-12-19T07:36:00.000-08:00

It is amazing to look around and realize that so many people are connected to the Internet and to each other because of applications (i.e.- email, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc.), and mobile devices these days. Yet, with all those connections that should help us build and grow relationships, we realize that at the same time we are all so very disconnected. What a contrast!

One of my professors in the technology field sent me this link to a free e-book by Seth Godin. It really speaks to the fact that we are all so connected and yet, so disconnected. Here is the link to Seth's e-book entitled "What Matters Now." http://sethgodin.typepad.com/files/what-matters-now-1.pdf

In addition, with all of the presentations and speaking engagements I have been pivileged to deliver lately, I want to share with you a link to a Michael Josephson poem on YouTube called "What Will Matter." I have shared this poem in the past in one of my LMDC monthly emails which you can sign up for at: http://lmdc.dcsnetlink.com/. Here is the link to Michael's poem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Lm_U9yEP0

Again, I encourage you to take time to reflect during this holiday season. Think about what really matters and to whom you matter. You can make a difference in your own life and the lives of those around you that you influence. Enjoy....Merry Christmas!

Heidi Ho.....Dane

"Blind Spots in Our Lives"

2009-10-31T04:03:00.000-07:00

"Blind Spots"

Next week, I will be in Orlando, Florida teaming with one of my mentors, friend and colleague, Lee Ellis. We will be co-presenting a seminar titled, "Character in Motion: Character is evidenced by Leadership Behavior."

Lee also wrote a book called "Leading Talents, Leading Teams." Because he and I are teaming on this seminar, I thought it would be fun to blog on a piece of work Lee did by sharing a part of what he wrote in Chapter 3 of his book is titled, ” Objectivity: Seeing Reality”.

Of course, each of us is very objective about our own lives right? Everyone else has a problem with their character or behavior, correct? Lee says, “Objective: Of course we are. NOT!” To be a strong leader of character, what is really vital to our success is that we be objective and have an accurate view of ourselves. Lee reminds us that without objectivity we are missing an extremely important factor in our ability to process decision-making information accurately. Without objectivity, Lee argues, we may lack credibility. And without credibility of course, no leader can gain the trust of their followers or those they influence.

So, how do we determine how we should see ourselves? One of the first steps is to realize that as Lee puts it, “Our self-view distorts the lens through which we view others.” Lee points out that our brains are rarely accurate in developing opinions and decisions of others. The reasons for that are many, but primarily it is because of what Lee calls “filters” that we are limited in our objectiveness. Our experiences for instance, form a type of filter that removes a piece of reality from what we are processing. Once a filter is in place, we are prone to bad judgments that can result in bad decisions.

So, if we are not objective about ourselves,” our self-view also distorts the lens through which we view others.” That distorted view is what Lee calls “blind spots.” Some people are so blind to some of their struggles (weaknesses) that they even deny their existence. Do you know what your strengths and struggles are? Furthermore, are you aware of blind spots in your life? Regardless, whether we acknowledge them or not, we all do have blind spots.

To answer those questions, we have to be brutally honest with ourselves and realize that we need to be objective in seeing reality in our own lives. If we acknowledge that we all have some type of “blind spot” in our lives that distorts and/or filters how we interpret others, that may be the best step toward becoming a more whole person who can be a stronger leader, and whose character can influence others to trust them. Lee also says that a lack of objectivity can cause unrealistic expectations, because when we expect someone to respond or behave in one way and they don’t, that expectation can lead to disappointment, hurt feelings, and anger.

To sum up the chapter, Lee says that, “Awareness is the way, and courage is the entrance fee to gain an objective viewpoint.” Are you willing to learn what your blind spots are? I encourage you to take an objective look at who you really are so that you can objectively view others around you. By doing that you will have made great progress in your development as a leader and your growth as a person of character.

Until next time, keep "Leading with Character First!" Heidi Ho - Dane

The Art of Getting Along

2009-10-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

This is a quote from John C. Maxwell's Daily Reader:

"Sooner or later, a man, if he is wise, discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take. He learns that it doesn't pay to be a too-sensitive soul, that he should let some things go over his head like water off a duck's back. He learns that he who loses his temper usually loses out, that all men have burnt toast for breakfast now and then, and that he shouldn't take the other fellow's grouch too seriously....He learns that most others are as ambitious as he is, that they have brains as good or better, that hard work, not cleverness, is the secret to success. He learns that no man ever gets to first base alone, and that it is only through cooperative effort that we move on to better things. He realizes (in short) that the "art of getting along" depends about 98 percent on his own behavior toward others." - Anonymous

Leading with Character First

2009-10-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Leading with Character First is not always easy. To live a life of Character is one of the toughest challenges we all face today in our society and culture. However, the rewards far outweigh any downside. I encourage you to study a book or go to a seminar or conference on character and/or leadership in the near future.

Challenge yourself to be a better leader and a better follower, because only then can you really align people, passions and positions for maximum performance. Speaking of seminars, Lee Ellis and I are teaming up to present a seminar in Orlando in the near future. Imagine the student presenting with the Master. I am very humbled to be working with Lee, who was my Vice Commandant in the United States Air Force Squadron Officer School where we spent 3 intensive months training on leadership and followership. I am also excited to introduce Lee to my peer group at Heartland Technologies, a group of 240 IT companies throughout the United States, Canada, and England.

Our seminar will focus on the fact that the character of an individual is evidenced by that person’s leadership behavior. Here is the title and description:

“Character in Motion.”

The main theme is that “Character is Evidenced through Leadership Behavior.” Ask yourself, “What is the cost to business and the bottom line if we don’t grow as a leader and lead that growth with character? If we don’t grow as a leader, we will not be consistent in who we want to be, and regardless of our technical skills, people will see the real character of who we are through our behavior. We are all operating in our natural behavior so much so, that our values get ignored. The presentation will be focused on how we can reconnect to those values and demonstrate character growth through behavior development.

Aligning People, Passions, and Positions for Maximum Performance

2009-10-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

In Lee Ellis’ book called “Leading Talents, Leading Teams," Lee explores Specific Talents as strengths and struggles. It is interesting that Lee uses the word “struggles” for weaknesses. I think that alone speaks volumes about the fact that a weakness is not dynamic and presupposes we are not doing anything or can’t do anything about it. The word struggles has a meaning that reflects a dynamic change and wrestling match if you will, that is going on in a constant way. That is what life is about don’t you think? It is a constant growing experience. We are all in different struggles in this life. Noone is perfect and we are all still growing.

Lee’s Chapter 2 title is called: “STRUGGLES: The Dark Side of Talents.”
Besides our strengths the dark side of talents deals with the struggles we all have with our weaknesses. So, Lee points out that each of our talents is a two-sided coin. Lee even makes it clear that for each strength we have there is likely a corresponding struggle as well. Examples he uses are:

Strengths/Struggles
-Meticulous, thorough/May be too picky
-Prepare carefully/May lack spontaneity
-Persistent/Tend to be inflexible

Lee then goes on to use a real life example and historical character in Winston Churchill. He quotes a biography of Winston Churchill’s when he became the First Lord of the Admiralty. You see Winston Churchill had a great many leadership qualities that prepared him for his inevitable rise to be one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known. However, what we don’t hear all the time is that Churchill’s struggles were just his strengths in exaggerated form as Lee points out: Dash became rashness. Assuredness became cocksureness, etc.

So, we learn that we all have strengths and struggles, but to grow as a leader and a good follower, it takes constant study and work to improve on both accounts. How are you doing in growing your leadership skills? More importantly, do you recognize your struggles and work to overcome and/or improve them? Are you focused on growing yourself to be a better person of character?

I hope this blog moment helps you to step back and really evaluate who you are, who is following you, who are your co-workers, where you are going, and who might be following you. Many struggles are associated with character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. So, remember to always work on “Leading with Character First.”

A Corrupt Government is Impossible!

2009-09-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have heard it said many times recently on the TV, radio, and elsewhere..."our government is corrupt. "

Well, I do not happen to believe that type of thinking. To say the government is corrupt creates an aire of anxiety and depression, even helplessness which results in a realization that we can't do anything about the government as a whole. It is just too big an elephant to even eat one bite at a time.

However, I think the problem can be broken down to a much simpler form than that, and one where we can really make a difference in our government and in our personal lives. Our government is made up of people and each of those people may be good or corrupt in their morals and character as the case may be. However, the government itself is not. The government is nothing aside from the people that serve in it and that it serves.

So, next time you hear someone say that the government is corrupt, please remind them that the government is made up of people, and people can change for the good. Today, more people are waking up to the fact that it is not the government that is corrupt, but corrupt people that operate within the government. More people are also reawakening to the fact that an individual's character is the most important attribute we each possess, and therefore we each need to work on developing and maintaining better character all the time. That way we really can help develop better character for ourselves, our families, and our government. With each person living better character we can stay on the moral and ethical track to deliver a better quality of life for everyone in the United States.

In the US Air Force we used to have a common saying that went like this: "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." That can only happen when a person's character is drunk with what is perceived as power. That is one reason our Founding Fathers created three branches of government. They wanted to make sure that checks and balances were in place to ensure that no person or persons could operate with corruption within our government.

Today, we face a very difficult time in the United States. I believe there is a way to bring us back to our "roots" if you will...and that is through Character Education. Please visit www.charactercounts.org for more information. Here you will find a network of people and organizations that are dedicated to the education and maintenance of "character education" throughout our country. Leaders must lead with Character First! Heidi Ho-

"Leading Talents, Leading Teams"

2009-08-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

"Leading Talents, Leading Teams" - Aligning People, Passions, and Positions for Maximum Performance by Lee Ellis

I want to focus on a book by Lee Ellis (a friend, colleague, and mentor) called "Leading Talents, Leading Teams." Specifically, I want to focus on Section 1 titled, "Individual Differences." This section introduces talents, and explains their importance and why we have so much difficulty in being objective about ourselves and others...whether on the job or outside the workplace. Lee has taught me that we really can learn how to better understand our selves and others to optimize our performances on the job or in our personal lives.

According to Lee, talents focus teams on maximum performance, and are the keys to organizational and personal success. However, too many times we mismatch the talents of a person on our team and that causes problems for everyone. Over the years, I have had experiences where the person I thought had the talent for a particular job failed at that job miserably. I wish I had known then what I know now about talents and matching personalities/behaviors with those talents. I would have saved myself and the team member a lot of time and misery by refocusing not only the talent, but ensuring that the person I was putting into that job had the right personality and behavior for the job as well. That is what Lee means when he says "Aligning People, Passions, and Positions for Maximum Performance."
Think about it, if you have ever had to hire someone...wasn't that experience like a guessing game? You do the interviews and check the references, but you never really know if that person will be a match for your position or team based on the behavior after you hire them. So, "Leading Talents, Leading Teams" is all about understanding the 16 personality types that all of us can be tested for. By understanding that personality type and the talents of each of us and those we work with, we can really say that we are aligned for maximum performance.

So, wouldn't it be nice to find out what kind of personality you are? By using Lee's book you can do just that, plus you also receive a Right Path 4 assessment for free. After that, the next time you are looking at hiring someone, you will have an opportunity to test them as well and find out if you are both a match for each other and/or your team. What a wonderful tool!

You can purchase Lee's book at any bookstore or online book seller, but you can also go to our LMDC website (http://lmdc.dcsnetlink.com/) and click on the "Featured Books" link (on the right-hand side of the web page) that is highlighted with an image of the" Leading Talents, Leading Teams" book.

Keep growing and leading yourself and your teams with Character First! Heidi Ho-

How Many Things Are We Missing?

2009-06-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Perception....something to think about...How many things are we missing as we go about our daily life and business?

The following is a short version of an actual article written on a social networking experiment conducted by The Washington Post and Joshua Bell. The entire article written by the Washington Post can be found at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later: the violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.
45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.... How many other things are we missing?

Celebrate Your Successes

2009-05-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

I want to share with you a little thing we call "celebrating success."

It's really important that we celebrate the successes of our team members in our companies and even in our homes and/or personal lives. Many times we all just go through the day and we don't really recognize people for some of the tough accomplishments and really excellent work that they have completed. So like today at DCS Netlink, we celebrated one of our team member’s really great accomplishments! What happened was that this team member had been working on someone's computer the day before, and had been able to restore the email that the customer had accidentally deleted. Now, the interesting part is that the e-mail had not been saved nor was a copy of it on the server, so there appeared not to be any method of being able to get the mail back that had been deleted permanently. But, this technician was able to find a way. So with authenticity and genuineness we gathered the team together, we rang our cowbell, and we celebrated his success!

I want to encourage you to think about how you too can celebrate successes using a cowbell or a “pat on the back” for someone doing a really good thing or job. Sometimes it can be just small things, its just very important that we actually take time to celebrate the successes of others and our team members. Especially in this economy, its important to have a good attitude and sometimes we have to act our way into a good attitude, and the best way to do that is to encourage someone else so that they feel better and can act their way into a better attitude as well. Focusing on others and their well-being is the job of a great leader.

Until next time, keep leading with character first..

Chance Favors a Prepared Mind

2009-02-21T07:01:00.001-08:00

Louis Pasteur once said, "Chance favors a prepared mind."

If that statement is true, and I believe it is, then we need to do all we can to make sure we prepare our minds, our families, and our companies for any chance or opportunity that might come along. This is especially true for the work and play that we do on the Internet today, especially in light of our current economic situation.

It is a fact that the Intenet shrinks the global community and brings opportunities that previously could not have been imagined. However, with the global community being smaller and all the responsibilities that go along with that, there is also an inherent risk in collaborating and doing business on the Internet as well.

To help combat the threats, risks, and vulnerabilities on the Internet today, it is very important that we all "team" together to educate and strengthen one another so that we can continue to take advantage of the power of the Internet and not get impacted in a negative way. We oftentimes tell our customers that when they team with us, they actually become part of our Virtual Security Community (VSC).

In order to grow our VSC, we host an annual event called InterSec (short for Internet Security). It is a great event to network and learn all the geeky stuff, but more importantly, we focus on the fact that the weakest link in security is what I call the Human Factor. Yes, the Human Factor is indeed the weakest link. Most folks would then say that means we need more knowledge or more education on firewalls, anti-virus, etc.

That is not necessarily true. In reality, it may very well be the Character and Soft "People" Skills that make us humans the weakest link in security. Think about our economy right now. Most of the problems that have ensued have been due to greed and corporate corruption. Throwing money at the economic issues to solve them does no better than hardening your firewalls, anti-virus, security policies and procedures, etc. if the people we have working for us have Character and Soft Skill weaknesses. The whole problem and challenge must begin in the "heart."

If you want to learn more about interSec 2009, VSC, Character, and Soft "People" Skills, consider visiting:
http://htg.itsuccessmentor.com/dcs/

Until next time, keep leading with Character First! Heidi Ho-

Are You Going to Finish Strong?

2009-02-14T13:53:00.000-08:00

Are You Going to Finish Strong?

In the past, I have shared the "The Go-Giver" philosophy as a alternative method of living our lives. You can learn more about The Go-Giver at http://www.thegogiver.com/.

The Go-Giver philosophy is even more apropo today as we see numerous things happening to us as individuals, our economy and even our culture: layoffs, deaths of mature companies, banking turmoil, integrity issues, breakdowns in trust between many entities, and much more. Sometimes lately it has just been plain tough to keep getting up when you are knocked down....and today, maybe more often than in the past, we may each be experiencing some of those tough hard knocks.

I have decided to try to be an encourager during this blog and share with you a video of someone who truly knows what it is like to fall down and have to work hard at getting up again. Don't give up. We don't realize how great we truly may have it. The most important point is to ask ourselves the question, "Am I going to finish strong?"

As my Mom and Dad always say, "the Sun will shine again tomorrow." That also reminds me
of what Rev. Robert Schuller said, "Tough times never last, tough people do."

Again, it is important to focus on the real question we should be asking ourselves, "Are we going
to finish strong?" In the game of life, it does make a difference how you finish. No matter what the world tells us, you can see the results of greed, corruption, selfishness, etc. all around. Just look at our sports heroes, the leaders in our government, etc. How people "run the race" does
make a difference.

It is my hope that through this story of humility, and "Living Example," more people will act as
living examples to those around them, even if it means that they may not receive anything in
return. The GOLDEN RULE still rules best!

If you want to know more about The Go-Giver, please visit http://www.thegogiver.com. You will find me listed as a walking ambassador. Why not commit yourself to being a walking ambassador for others as well?

I want to thank one of my HTG 15 team members, Roger for this video blessing.

Let's encourage each other and "Keep getting up!" Finish Strong!

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqantZJ6WwM

Until next month....Keep Leading with Character First...and be a Living Example of
The Go-Giver!

Heidi Ho-

Sports Hero and Mentor Disappoints

2009-02-05T00:29:00.000-08:00

Our Society today clearly puts too much emphasis on success. We make heroes out of sports figures that excel, but then we expect them to be perfect in every way. The latest news report focuses on Michael Phelps who is undoubtedly the greatest swimmer and Olympian in history.

With all the accolades and success he has had, it is difficult to understand why he would risk all of that to smoke some "dope." Noone may really know. Perhaps it was peer pressure. Maybe he was lonely....many "idols" in the sports world comment on the fact that they were famous and very popular, but very lonely and wanted more than anything to belong. No matter the reasoning, the fact that Michael smoked pot was unmistakeable since it was caught on camera.

The gymnastics athletes we coach were very disappointed and were able to clearly outline which of several pillars of character in the Character Counts program Michael violated in smoking pot. These athletes, even though gymnasts and not swimmers, were greatly disappointed.

However, the silver lining (if it can be found in this) is that Michael did not lie or try to cover up this incident. He took responsibility for his own actions, and apologized. He even promised not to let that happen again. He did the right thing, but as we all know, actions speak louder than words. So, we will see what the future holds for this bright star...but one thing is clear....Character does Count more today than ever....and Michael did show some character in admitting fault. I am hopeful that Michael will go on from here and become a great leader by example in character and life.

Visit http://www.charactercounts.org/ for more information on the 6 Pillars of Character.

Until next time...keep leading with Character First...Heidi Ho.

Internet Security and Life

2009-02-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

With the two upcoming InterSec 2009 Seminars in Rice Lake and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, I want to let you know that there will be more to these conferences than Internet Security discussions and presentations. Yes, there will be some "geeky" stuff, but I and our Team at DCS Netlink have always been about our techy work while at the same time remembering constantly that life is more than techy, geeky "stuff." Testimonials from InterSec 2008 really help to focus in on the fact that we have three main goals with our Internet Security Conferences:1. Internet Security and inviting others to join our Virtual Security Team (VST) to help us keep America secure both now and in the future.2. Secondly, it is about bringing together people and companies that realize their line of work is what makes their living, but as the saying goes..."we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Several of our speakers will be presenting and helping our attendees to learn better how to create that balance between their personal lives and their businesses. Last year, I spoke on "Leading Your Teams from Success to Significance." Afterwards, many told me that they understood now why they had chosen to come...even some that had no interest or understanding of techy, geeky, security stuff. So, Life Skills will be a major priority and that is the most significant difference between our conference than other security conferences.3. The 3rd reason for this conference is to get people together and help them realize that together they can do more than as an individual and/or one company. There is so much value each person has to share with each other. It is more blessed to give than to receive...many attendees and presenters know this law of the universe and will be sharing how to get connected with others and not concern themselves with the "worldly" mentality that says "get all you can get."
Finally, I want to let you know that we will be having several very special speakers and "Life Coaches" as I call them sharing with us. One of them is Guy Doud. Guy was my mentor while I was growing up. We were in Boy Scouts together and he helped me to understand the real value of living for others. Guy is also, as I understand it, the most popular speaker ever on the James Dobson Focus on the Family Radio show. So, don't miss this opportunity to hear Guy let you know why it is important to be a "Moulder of Dreams." Guy wrote a book with that title some years after he became the 1986 National Teacher of the Year under President Ronald Reagan. Consider joining us during this conference...it will make a difference in your security posture on the Internet, your business, your family, and your life. To learn more about Guy visit: http://www.guydoud.com.- Heidi Ho

DDoS attack boots Kyrgyzstan from net

2009-01-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

DDoS attack boots Kyrgyzstan from net

Posted on January 30th, 2009 by DCS Edit

The fact that another entire country can be knocked off of the Internet just re-enforces the fact that cyber security goes deeper than just the “little” homeuser. See the article below for more info on the latest cyber attack against an entire country.

By Dan Goodin in San Francisco • Get more from this author
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/28/kyrgyzstan_knocked_offline/

Posted in Security, 28th January 2009 19:57 GMT
“The central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan was effectively knocked offline for more than a week by a Russian cybermilitia that continues to flood the country’s internet providers with crippling data attacks, a security expert said.
The attacks, which began on January 18, bear the signature of pro-Russian nationalists believed to have launched similar cyber assaults on the republic of Georgia in August, said Don Jackson, a researcher with Atlanta-based security provider SecureWorks. The attacks on Kyrgyzstan were so potent that most net traffic in and out of the country was completely blocked during the first seven days.”
This is another good reason for people and companies to come together and share how we can strengthen and protect ourselves better from cyber threats today.

Visit http://intersec.dcsnetlink.com to learn more and register for this important Internet Security Seminar.

China Has Penetrated Key US Databases:SANS Director

2009-01-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

Posted on 27th, January 2009

At InterSec 2008, Sami Saydjari (CEO Cyber Defense Agency) opened the conference explaining the real threat in cyberspace. You can read more about what SANS Institute Director of Research Alan Paller told SCMagazineUS.com at:

http://www.scmagazineus.com/China-has-penetrated-key-US-databases-SANS-director/article/104338/

Biggest Ever Credit Card Data Breach

2009-01-27T18:24:00.000-08:00

Biggest ever credit card data breach
Posted on January 27th, 2009 by DCS
A major reason that DCS Netlink is hosting InterSec 2009 is that breaches are happening everyday and in ever increasing frequency. The bad guys are getting “badder” while the good guys are trying to make a living. Read below about one of the most recent breaches….consider coming to InterSec 2009…it may just change the way you think and act on the Internet.

Computer World - Jaikumar Vijayan reports:
A data breach disclosed [Tuesday] by Heartland Payment Systems may well displace TJX Companies’ January 2007 breach in the record books as the largest ever involving payment data with potentially over 100 million cards being compromised.
Heartland, a N.J.-based provider of credit and debit card processing services said that unknown intruders had broken into its systems sometime last year and planted malicious software to steal card data carried on the company’s networks. The company, which is among the largest payment processors in the country, claimed to have discovered the intrusion only last week … Given that Heartland processes more than 100 million card transactions per month, it is very possible that the number of compromised credit and debit cards is at least that much.
http://blogs.computerworld.com/biggest_ever_credit_card_data_breach

InterSec 2009 -“SECURITY IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS"

2009-01-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

InterSec 2009
Posted on January 26th, 2009 by DCS
DCS Netlink has partnered with Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) and Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) to host the annual InterSec 2009 Internet Security Conference.
Indianhead Region – WITC Conference Center, Rice Lake, WI February 12 & 13, 2009
Chippewa Valley Region – Ramada Conference Center, Eau Claire, WIFebruary 26 & 27, 2009
The conferences are designed to cover a broad range of mobility and Internet security topics, as well as the challenges facing the government, business owners, managers, and IT personnel.
“SECURITY IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS.”
Security and industry experts will speak and demonstrate how, in an ever increasing mobile world, we can network, use the Internet, and keep DATA secure while doing business.
Register online at: http://intersec.dcsnetlink.com or call DCS Netlink at: 715-236-7424 for more information .