How to Get a Million in 90 Days

Starting Your Small Business - Advantages and Disadvantages of Family Business

2011-07-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here we shall discuss the different advantages and disadvantages of starting a family business.

When Family Members are Employees

When business owners look for help, they frequently look first to members of their own family. This approach yields several benefits. It keeps money in the family. The owner can transfer money to family members and claim the transfer as a deduction for income tax purposes. Further, these related employees can probably be available for as much or as little time as required. Unfortunately, relatives do not always make the best employees. They may lack the requisite skills and interest to perform required tasks.

When Family Members are Owners

Family businesses are not a new phenomenon. The very first small businesses, in pre-Industrial times, were small agricultural or craft-type concerns, in which family members were active workers. At that time, the businesses were owned and operated by the husband or father with all other family members simply doing what they were told.

As a result of the changes that have taken place over the past few hundred years, today’s family businesses have evolved far beyond the early agricultural and craft-based models. Today’s family businesses tend to be more cooperative and less dictatorial, with family members playing more active roles in the ownership and operation.

Assuming that family members have the requisite interest and skills, there are sound reasons for operating a family business. Firstly, there is an existing bond among family members that could facilitate their working together in pursuit of a common mutually beneficial goal. It is often difficult to have employees commit to specific business goals. Provided family members can agree on what they want the business to achieve, it should be fairly easy for them to commit to achieving these goals.

Secondly, family businesses make it possible to keep things in the family. Obviously, profits that are shared among family members, rather than among non family owners, will yield more income to the family. Family members might also be better at keeping secrets and maintaining confidentiality than nonfamily employees.

It is often difficult for business owners to share control with others. Fiercely independent, they sometimes find it difficult to share or delegate responsibility for making things happen and for keeping things going. In family businesses, with control shared among family members, owners do not really feel that they are giving up control.

A major benefit of family businesses is the simplification of succession planning. For small business purposes, succession planning is all about planning who will operate the business when the current owner retires or, due to poor health, cannot continue to run it. With family members actively involved in running the business, it should be a relatively smooth transition from one family owner to the next. This will benefit owners, customers, suppliers, and non family employees. Being familiar with how the business is run, relatives are unlikely to introduce disruptive practices when they assume responsibility for operating the family business.

There are also sound reasons for not starting a family business. If one or more family members has no interest in participating in the business or lacks the appropriate skills to make a worthwhile contribution, no one will benefit from this family participation.

Don’t assume that just because you are very excited about your business that your family will share this excitement. Before counting on family members’ participation in the business, make sure that they are genuinely interested and can make valuable contributions.

Also, when family members work together, there is a tendency for domestic issues to spill over into the work situation and vice versa. One of the good things about working away from home is that it helps separate home and family. If, for example, you have a dispute with your spouse or partner over something as trivial as leaving the top off the toothpaste tube, a day apart will help both of you forget about the issue. On the other hand, if you spend the day together working, the normal pressures of running a business can help escalate a nonissue into a disagreement. Ordinarily minor work annoyances, such as the printer cartridge running out of ink, can ignite into a major conflict that would otherwise have been ignored and forgotten. Domestic differences and business problems can be a very toxic combination.

Another area of concern is the difference in our relationships with family and co-workers or employees. Some people treat their family with more respect than they do co-workers. Conversely, co-workers may see the agreeable people-pleasing sides of our personalities while we reserve our ugliness and nastiness for family viewing only. This can be problematic if family members believe that employees receive more favored treatment or if employees perceive that relatives are being treated better than they are. Realistically, it is difficult to treat family members—whether owners or employees—the same as nonfamily employees.

And lastly, perhaps one of the biggest difficulties with involving family members in the business is the risk associated with putting all of your eggs in one basket. When there are serious cash flow problems, owners frequently cut back on the money that they and their family members take from the business. When this happens, the family income will be severely restricted, even temporarily suspended. If, however, family income comes from sources unrelated to the business, the consequences of a business cash flow problem will be minimized.

That pretty much covers up all you need to know and understand in the advantages and disadvantages of a family business. More info on your starting up a business here.

How Entrepreneurial Are You? - Business Mindset Assessment Test

2011-07-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Are you business minded?

Here is a Business Mindset Assessment Test. The following questions deal with your personal background, behavioural characteristics, and lifestyle patterns and how they are related to your Entrepreneurial Mindset or Business Mindset. Get a piece of paper and answer the questions by indicating these rates:

4 - Definitely Yes
3 - Probably Yes
2 - Probably No
1 - Definitely No

Part 1: Attitudes Toward Risk Taking

1. I am prepared to make sacrifices in my family life and to take a cut in pay to succeed in my own business.
2. I take risks for the thrill of it.
3. I enjoy doing something just to prove that I can.
4. I enjoy tackling a task without knowing all the potential problems.

Part 2: Personal Initiative and Discipline

5. Once I decide to do something, I will do it and nothing can stop me.
6. When I begin a task, I set clear goals and objectives for myself.
7. After a severe setback in a project, I am able to pick up the pieces and start over again.
8. I am usually able to come up with more than one way to solve a problem.
9. I believe in organizing my tasks before getting started.
10. I find myself constantly thinking up new ideas.
11. I can concentrate on one subject for extended periods of time.
12. I find unexpected energy resources as I tackle things I like.
13. I am likely to work long hours to accomplish a goal.

Part 3: General Attitudes

14. When I do a good job, I am satisfied in knowing personally that the job has been well done.
15. I like the feeling of being in charge.
16. When I think of the future, I envision myself running my own business.
17. I try to do a better job than is expected of me.
18. Personal satisfaction means more to me than having money to spend on myself.
19. I try to find the benefits in a bad situation.
20. I persist when others tell me it can’t be done.
21. I enjoy being able to make my own decisions on the job.
22. I can accept failure without admitting defeat.
23. I strive to use past mistakes as learning processes.
24. I find that answers to problems come out of nowhere.
25. I prefer to make final decisions on my own.

Sum up your scores and see this interpretation:

Above 75 Definitely Entrepreneurial
Your combination of personal background and behaviour and lifestyle patterns should give you the basis for a successful business.

50–74 Possibly Entrepreneurial
You might have the basis for succeeding in your own business. The process of preparing your business plan can help clarify your entrepreneurial orientation. If the information that you gather excites you about the prospect of running your own business, you will probably do well. On the other hand, if the prospect of running your own business scares you, think carefully about whether or not to proceed.

26–49 Probably Not Entrepreneurial
Other possibilities may be more suitable for you.

Under 25 Definitely Not Entrepreneurial
This is self-explanatory; you will probably work best as an employee.

Regardless of your score, discuss the results with your friends, primarily your family and closest friends. They may see a side of you that you do not see. Their comments, combined with your score on the assessment, will provide you with a very good indication of success in your own business.

Now that you've known the levels of your business mind now lets start that business!

Read more of the series Starting Your Small Business.

Starting Your Small Business - Full Time Job Vs. Part Time Business

2011-07-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

"Wages earn you a living - profits make you a fortune."
This post is part of an power packed information series Starting Your Small Business.

If you are interested in running your own business, but are not yet ready to make a full-time commitment, starting a part-time business is a better approach than starting a business as a hobby. The difference between a part-time business and a full-time business is the extent of the commitment. Starting a part-time business is different from running a hobby business because you commit to a part-time business whatever resources—time, energy, money, etc.—that you have available and that are necessary to get the business up and running.

Even though you are running a business on a part time basis, make sure that the rates you charge for your goods and services are comparable to those of your competitors. There are several reasons for this.
The quality of these goods and services are at least as good as or even better than your competitors’. If they weren’t, you wouldn’t even consider offering them for sale, would you? Since they are comparable, why should they be offered at a lower cost? To offer them at a lower cost might suggest that you and your business are not quite as good as the competition.

Running a part-time business is a no-lose scenario. If you start the business on a part-time basis and it becomes successful enough that you are prepared to operate it full time...congratulations! You are off and
rolling. If, however, you gave it your best shot and found out it’s not what you want to do, no problem—
you still have your regular job to fall back on.

A very good tip on part-time business:

"In a part-time business, compete on the basis of value instead of cost."

Anyone can attract business by offering lower prices. Charging competitive prices can show how
successful you might be in running your own business. If you offer deeply discounted rates, you don’t
know if clients will continue to deal with you when you start charging the rates you need to survive over
the long term. On the other hand, if you charge market rates and customers continue to come back
to you, you can expect to succeed over the long term.

Read more of the series Starting Your Small Business.

Starting Your Small Business - Goals of Small Businesses

2011-07-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

"Wages earn you a living - profits make you a fortune."
This post is part of an power packed information series Starting Your Small Business.

Businesses, large or small, exist to generate a profit for their owners. Business owners—whether shareholders in the case of large incorporated ventures or owner-operators in the case of small businesses—use these profits as a means of supporting themselves and others for whom they are responsible. Thus, the primary raison d’être for all businesses is to earn a livelihood for their respective owners.

If you already do, or think you would like to, run your own small business, you may have various reasons for choosing self-employment as a strategy for earning a living. Maybe you lost your job as a result of downsizing, reorganization, or merger, and chose running your own business as the best choice for generating an income. Perhaps you find it too confining being an employee in an organization whose way of doing things is inconsistent and even irreconcilable with yours. More independence? Higher earning capability? Whatever. Regardless of an individual’s stated reason for choosing to run a small business, the bottom line is always the same: Small businesses exist primarily to allow their owners to earn a living.

Small businesses can be—and usually are—vehicles by which their owners can experience satisfaction, recognition, and joy, things that we all need if we are to live healthy lives. In practice, this means that as well as existing to allow their owners to earn a living, small businesses also help their owners achieve personal, non financial goals. Essentially these goals represent results or desired outcomes that the individual owners would like to achieve. Examples of goals that can be achieved through running one’s own business include the following:

➤ Earning specific awards or peer recognition;
➤ Showcasing your abilities;
➤ Doing what you love doing;
➤ Making a difference in the community;
➤ Maintaining an enriching relationship with spouse and family;
➤ Meeting new people;
➤ Improving the quality of service to clients;
➤ Developing new ways of doing things.

If you currently run your own business, think about why you started it. If you are thinking about starting your own business, what goals do you hope to achieve?

And do you know why business goals very important in starting your small business? Having clear cut business goals will determine the direction of your business - from strategies to marketing plan - all will rely on your business goals.

START YOUR WAY MAKING FORTUNES!

How to Have a Life Overflowing with Abundance

2011-07-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

The Bible says, He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season… In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalms 1:3)

God all wants us to be truly rich and be abundant in all aspects of our lives! Here's another excerpt from my powerful financial mentor, Bro. Bo Sanchez, on what exactly should we do that we will have a life overflowing with abundance and reach financial freedom.

What is God telling you? That you’re the tree. And He is the stream. As long as the tree is near the stream, that tree will always bear fruit—because it has an unending supply of water.

As long as you live near the Blesser, you’ll bear fruit. Your blessings will come. You’ll work will prosper. Your success will be at hand.

Let me tell you a story. My wife loves crabs. She doesn’t eat as much today because she knows it’s not the healthiest food in the world. (It was a dark day for her when I gave my talks in Awaken The Healer In You—because I said that crabs and crustaceans were scavengers and eat toxins—and are therefore not very healthy for us.)

Once upon a time, she used to eat lots of it. She was telling me that she went with a few crab-loving friends to an Eat-All-You-Can Buffet. Their goal was to eat crabs only. They didn’t know there were other people in that buffet who had the same idea. So the moment the plate of crabs arrived on the buffet table, the crabs would be wiped out in ten seconds.

So the next time they ate there, they knew what to do. They chose the table closest to the crabs. Whenever the waiter came with a fresh plate of crabs, she and her friends would stand up and be the first in line.

They positioned themselves near the source of supply.

In life, that’s what you need to do. If you want blessing, you’ve got to live near the Blesser. Don’t wander far. Don’t walk away. Don’t live at the periphery. Go where God is and plant yourself near Him and never let go. Because God is the source of your promotion. God is the source of your health. God is the source of your wisdom. God is the source of your miracles.

Now this is one powerful business strategy!

The Right Mindset for Abundance

2011-07-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

One of my best mentors in being truly rich and financial freedom is no other than the best motivational preacher - Bro. Bo Sanchez. Here's one powerful anecdote he shared on what should be the right mindset for abundance:

One morning, an Angel appears in front of you.

And the Angel says, “I’ll give you a gift. You have a choice.” The Angel hands over a scroll to you.

With trembling fingers, you open it. On the parchment, you read the following text…

Please Choose One Gift

Gift 1: Ten million pesos will appear on your lap right now.

Or…

Gift 2: You’ll learn how to earn money. On the first two years, you earn nothing. Zero. But on your third year of learning, you earn P100,000. After that, your profit increases by 20% every year.

Now tell me, what would you choose?

Believe me, it’s so tempting to choose Gift 1.

Because you can buy whatever you want.

P10M is so much more than P100,000.

But don’t be deceived.

Gift 1 is cold cash. Nothing else.

Gift 2 is wisdom, character growth, skill development, increased self-esteem, strong relationships, and yes, money too. (Let’s do the Math: If you chose Gift 2, thirty years later, you’ll be earning P23M a year. Not a bad choice, right?)

Gift 1 (P10M) can disappear in a few years. Not only that, but money without wisdom is toxic. It can kill people and break-up families.

Gift 2 will last your entire lifetime.

So friend, its easy and simple - always chose wisdom rather than money.

Remember, money is temporary - fleeting. While wisdom stays with you forever.

Finally - hanzflorentino.com - is Here!

2010-11-18T02:24:00.000-08:00

A few months after my 90-day challenge, I'm back with more life changing challenges!
And I'm sharing it all to you all here in my website..

By the way, I think I haven't told you yet,

I have quit my job!!

I am Free!!!

And nothing can stop me!

PS.
I'm giving away a FREE Newsletter - one that will move you.
"Quit Your Job in 10 Days and Live the Life YOU Wanted!"

You can read more about it here.
Subscribe to the newsletter here.

1 Day Left - The Great 7 Lessons

2010-08-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of my challenge..waaahh!!

But before I officially call to an end the 90 Day Challenge, aside from all the powerful life changing lessons and money making strategies I posted on this blog, let me share to you the Great 7 Lessons I have learned and experienced in this 90 day challenge.

1. HAVE POWERFUL GOALS

Who would have thought I would get to join this challenge and was actually able to change my life in 90 days? None! The string of events that happened before and during the challenge up to this very date still amazes me. But I wouldn't have done it without this goal - earn 1 million in 90 days.

I am a living example how powerful goals can lead a wonderfully lived life. I challenged myself to get a million in 90 days and this very goal changed my values, beliefs, and everything that it made me truly wealthy.

2. YOU ATTRACT SUCCESS

Looking back on the past 90 days, I will state one true conviction - I LET THE UNIVERSE MAKE IT HAPPEN. It was I who opened up myself to all the opportunities, all the diamonds, that lie around me and the rest was up to God's Hand - the Universe. The people that comes in time that I need them, the trials that challenged me in time I need to learn a new lesson, and the opportunities that come that connects the past opportunities is all unexplainable. How did I do it? I let the believed that the universe will give it to me.

3. IT'S ALL ABOUT YOUR LOVES

Each of us is specifically designed to do and bring in something into the world. That's what we have to really figure out - and work on it hard. We need to know what are our true loves! And simply stated our loves is something WE WOULD DIE FOR! This is your very last day on earth and there's nothing else you would do but that!

So where does money come in the picture? We need it to do our loves - at a more remarkable scale. As discovered in the challenge, my loves is to motivate and inspire people. Yup, I can do that, maybe 1 or 2 a day, but I cant reach out the other millions more. That's where money comes in.

4. CREATE A NAME FOR YOURSELF

After figuring out my loves, now I am creating a name for myself.

Remember, its not a monument, nor a building named after me, but its a something that will last and live in the hearts of people - my name. Partially, you will need this to increase your wealth but also you will need one to increase your true wealth - relationships with people. It should come a time that when someone tells your name they would automatically associate you with something significant and lasting.

5. TRUE SUCCESS IS HOLISTIC

A true millionaire succeeds in all aspects of his life: health, career, relationships, and spirituality. Fortunately, this challenge taught me this very important lesson. I have greatly improved my becoming more fit, became more efficient on my jobssssss, improved my relationship with family and dabby and of course my relationship with God.

6. GIVE YOUR WEALTH ALL AWAY

Because after a few months you can come up with the same amount you have given up. It's not the money that matters, it's what you are that matters.

Besides, you don't need material things at life's end, right? Oh I just realized that I do really need more wealth because I have so little to give away! hehehe

and the top lesson is....

7. IN THE END, STILL ITS' THE RELATIONSHIP THAT MATTERS

Let me tell you how I spent my last day of the challenge.

We had a little gathering here at our home, of course, with my mentor Kuya, and Jan his son, and Tita Glo his wife. It was one good fellowship.

Actually, we prepared for 10 people, but only them showed up! But to my surprise, what I have given reached out to more people than I expected. Aside from us here at home, two of my father's workers were given, a very supportive couple friend of my parents were given, and even the birthing home where my sister is on duty were also given.

We also had a wonderful short chat with my parents on some concerns at home. But what amazed me in the middle of our talk was how close and open we have been compared to before. I realized that all those times I have created a wall around me by creating very high expectations from them that hindered me from seeing them as they truly are. Never have we become this much closer.

Plus, I ended it with a romantic date with Dabby. With all the validations of the facts in the book Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus. The book helps so BIG TIME!

You know what? Starting this blog, as I would post in social bookmarking sites like Digg, Stumbleupon, etc. I would put this blog under the label "business". But I have noticed that in the next half of the all the posts, I started to put it under "People".

Amazing.

Ladies and Gentlemen, its all about people...about relationships.

So you see, you can take all the wealth I have away, keep me with my relationships, and I'll create that wealth double than what you can take away. But take my relationships and leave my wealth with me, I'll die the short today.

P.S.
You might want to ask how much I have earned.

Our Business Incubators calling card.

Here it is! More than a million worth of opportunities waiting for me.

2 Days More! - What Happened?

2010-08-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

This was supposed to be the very exciting climactic part of the challenge!!
Hanz 2 days more!!!!!!

I'm supposed to be on high, elevated, thrilled and everything! Right?

But why oh why??

I really don't know.

Did I fail the challenge that it turned out like this? Did I mess up again?
Did everything turned out to be of nothing?

I found peace. That's why.

I found direction.

I found guidance.

I have built foundation.

And I am now driving...I am now flying.

4 then 3 days Left - When the Universe Conspire

2010-08-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Still no one can comprehend how things happen lately in this 90 day challenge. When the universe conspire to feed in to you all opportunities just like the hand of God designing everything.

Everything happened for a reason. Nothing in this world is unplanned.

One example, I think I didn't share it here, remember the house and lot which is our previous house before we moved in to this ancestral home at the back of our house? One distant aunt still lives there, and I was really thinking even convincing my parents to "think with me" that she would leave the place and be back to her family?

As my aunties were here, for the funeral of Mama Ling, one of them Ate Cha, which basically owned the lot told her of her plans of developing it and having it for rent. Well, on the spot, she agreed and is willing to leave by end of the year! See?

But the latest conspiracy was the new direction my father's job is taking.

He has a small engineering services with on and off projects for the past 3 years. But just the other day, the project coordinator of the plant where they usually work was an inventor of a new oil filtration process and my dad remembering that I'm into all these internet marketing my dad offered him the opportunity to be open online! The deal was even moved to the higher level as he opted that our engineering services would be the front of all services of his invention! Plus, of the meantime, he is willing to give us as many projects in the plant!!!!

I'm so totally grateful of the everything that's happening!

But still, for me the best thing is, how our communication and relationship with my dad greatly improved. He would text me anytime and even wait till I get home! Finally, God has given us the opportunity to work on something hand in hand.

6 then 5 days Left - The 90Day Challenge Tasklist

2010-08-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest thing to do is to explain my 90 day challenge experience. I really have a trouble explaining to people how the universe conspired to create such a magical and powerful experience to once life!

To help me with this, I have created a Tasklist of everything I have done in the past 90 days. So here it is...

Read Books:
-One Minute Millionaire
-Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
-8 Secrets of the Truly Rich
-Rich Dad, Poor Dad
-The Secret
-Success Principles
-Watch Karate Kid
-Any book related to your core gift

Keep a Journal
-start a blog of your challenge

Find Your Core Gift
-talent inventory
-do something new everyday
-create a name for yourself
-find diamonds on your backyard

Develop a Healthy Body
-jogging and exercise
-serendipity walk
-fun run
-healthy diet

Trace your Financial Blueprint
-childhood experiences
-family backgrounds

Study your Networth
-develop financial literacy
-budgeting
-understand debts
-make a lof of friends

Create Wealth on the 4 Mountains
-Internet
-Business
-Real Estate
-Investments

Create your Team
-source for skills
-practice teamwork

Build Strong Relationships
-family
-romantic relationship

Get out of your comfort zone
-conquer your fears
-take risks
-trust God
-resign?

Broaden Your Network
-Strike Strike Strike
-Your own Calling card
-Boost Self Confidence
-Pay forward

Establish a name for Yourself
-build a niche
-be a superstar
-get 1,000 true fans

Work for Charity
-personal means
-through a community

Spirituality
-strengthen relationship with God
-love more!

WOW! I can't believe I've done this much in just 90 days!!

Super! Amazing God!

8 then 7 Days Left - The Irony of Financial Security

2010-07-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

Isn't it ironic that when you mention financial security - meaning safe from any unexpected financial challenges - the term is associated with this image???

Chained. Locked. Imprisoned.

I'm quite troubled to discover that I do not have enough savings for emergencies. In other words, I begin to question my financial security.

My mother had a very painstaking, highly technical and complex major surgery lately - ingrown removal. At first we thought it was just another "here-we-go-again-ingrown" problem but things got worst when her big toe started to swell badly, with flesh and liquids oozing out, plus the pain went up a notch. So we decided that this ain't just another ingrown and consulted for surgery.We estimated that all bills including surgeons fee for this operation would be around 10k. Good thing she is covered by my insurance issued by our company.

While talking things out with the whole family, everyone was just glad of the insurance. Who would have expected the turn of such events? However, thinking of it all, I came to realize that insurance or security at times matter a lot. In our company, I have a personal insurance, my dependents insurance, and I can even loan. And this thought struck my plans of resigning...my dream freedom.

For 2 years of work, I'm not that confident of my savings. My only savings was from my Prulife Investment of which I only started last April and I cannot withdraw it yet until I get 5 years. The rest are just a bunch of coins, a few bills, and GC stuck in my piggy bank. So might as well declare savings = zero.

Normally, looking at this situation I would dwell on the thought of continue moving on, believing in miracles and entrusting it all to God. However, I should also do my part. With no back-up emergency money and the fact of these inevitable things that can happen, leads me to think, maybe I should stick with the company for a while 'til I become confident on my savings...

I just realized, while typing this that I'm just too afraid that in a little time I'll be offered a promotion to a position of which if I take would mean heavier responsibilities and make it harder for me to resign.

Whew!

Well, summing it up, I still need to move on and I'll just have to. I'll continue doing on what I love as I have found out in this challenge and I'll worry that promotion when it's all in front of me. I'll make a way to earn more and fill that savings, as the saying goes...

"I'll cross the bridge when I get there..."

9 Days Left - My Very Own Website

2010-07-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

With only 9 days left, I finally have my own website...
Great Inspirational Stories

well, just my own domain of my blog inzpiro. hehehehe...
Check it out...

I finally got it through the wonderful support of my two beloved aunties - ate kathy and ate charlotte for their generous donation that paid for the domain. And of course, Jan's internet prowess for teaching me how to set it up - check out his site to earn money online.

In here you find great inspirational materials from stories, videos, talks of motivational speakers, e-books, filipino inspirational materials, and a whole lot more.

This will be my mini library or resource as I venture out preaching and boosting my career as a motivational speaker.

And of course, monetizing this site would also be part. I still have to review the keyword phrases here, set up affiliate products from clickbank and from amazon.

But who would have thought I would end up with this?

10 days Left - Mastering the Art of Selling

2010-07-28T23:11:00.000-07:00

There's no other way but to sell!

I was asked by a good friend of mine to help her out on training her sales people, being part of jewelry merchandising, on one big topic: selling. Fortunately, at the time she approached me I was reading Zig Ziglar's book, "The Secrets of Closing the Sale." And so without hesitation I jumped in and said yes, I will make the module, and yes, I will give the seminar.

But then, I asked myself, will they believe in me? I am about to teach people who have been in the selling profession for decades and I have just jumped in 8 months ago. And mostly, my job is managing and working out strategies to make the departments more effective, its not my main job to talk to people, persuade, and close a sale. I do assist some though, but I'm more of a problem solver! And so, I have no choice....

There's no other way but to sell!

And so I took the challenge, and will sell the most difficult to sell items on my floor: the very expensive Chinese Figurine Porcelains! I've done my research already, googled all about feng shui, but still will go dumb when customers ask me the translations! So far, I have sold none, and the chances of selling are quite blurry noticing that only about 1 customer a day dares to take a look at those items. And so I devised a different strategy.

This time, I will do something I'm very good at: training people. And so I decided to train one of my furniture personnel, the one with the longest tenure among the rest, Renan.

One our first day, after an hour of questioning, lecture, and observation, by the end of our shift he had sold around Php 60,495. The following day, at Php 44,505. Far from his last week sales of Php 3k, 7k, and the highest of Php17k. How?

Figure out his passion.

I was really delighted that it was selling.

"Sell not because its your work, but sell because you love to sell."

Which he optimistically absorbed.

"Sell not because its your quota, but sell because you want to help people."

I always believe that starting with the right mindset and perspective, the best foundation on selling, sales quota will follow.

You see? These things are only found on the first chapters of the book, what more if I reach the later chapters?

12 then 11 days Left - The Ocean of Miracles

2010-07-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

With my previous post on opportunities collide you might see how things have been over and above me lately. How on earth will I manage to do all those??

Yes, I mention to do it stage by stage right? Exactly. But then again, how will I do it stage by stage? What next? Which one first? How about all the obstacles?

One Word:

Miracles

I have a confession to make. Yep, I was a seminarian for over 6 years and honestly, it came to a point that I became so used to all the spirituality thingy that I became so immune. Maybe because I was too influenced by my being a psychology major that my spirituality rating dropped. Prayed a lot less, slept during the mass, and talked more of religion less.

At lost, that's when I found the teaching of Bo Sanchez. He taught me how to be spiritual in a material world by being simply being practical. Yup, its very possible to be close to God by not praying too much and too long and not overly talking about religion and the bible.

Yet, again Bo has enlightened me big time when I read his article You Are Surrounded By and Ocean of Miracles - the clear point: do what you have to do and God will do the rest. Simple.

I am a worrier, that's for sure. I was used to tell people that I was born pessimist. I worry about things going wrong. But however, in this 90 day challenge, I have learned to soften up and take big risks. But still the burden of a "what if" future worries me a lot especially that I have taken so much opportunities now. And so all the "how" and "what ifs" starts to drive me crazy. But now, here's my answer...

"Just do what I am supposed to do everyday, stage by stage, then God will do the rest."

Let me share you one miracle:

I read Bo's article exactly at the right time when I needed it most.

14 then 13 Days Left - When Opportunities Collide

2010-07-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Is it me attracting this wave of opportunities or is it because I have just been so blind before?

Opportunities have been slapping at me hard lately, lots of them!

From the rise of The Business Incubators with all its marketing opportunities waiting to be picked from three major clients, my soon to launch online business with my new partner Joanna, the release of the new set of Tapout shirts following the Xsem Shirts, the gig - or shall I say talk - waiting to be signed up by me, the Millionaire Stories ebook waiting to be worked on, the Way of the Shepherd waiting to be ministered, the Sales Seminar I am cramming up to write, my team members to be trained, people in need willing to be mentored, the Kerygma Feast that keeps my fingers itchy to play the guitar, the houses that need to be assessed then bought, my mom's cooking business that needs to be marketed and the construction/engineering services of my father that needs to be profiled then marketed....waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh...

But I was consoled hearing the words of Kuya...
take it stage by stage...

Life has never been this better.

18 then 15 days Left - The Eulogy That was Never Given

2010-07-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

My grandmother, Mama Ling, finally arrived here in Cebu for she wished that here should be her final resting place. So for the past 3 days we held a wake in our chapel where I slept over for the night thinking that for the last time I am able to sleep near her for she used to sleep beside me all my elementary days.

I was asked to deliver a eulogy on the day of our funeral but however the ceremony was continuous that I never got the chance to give it. So might as well share it here...

The 8 Lessons I Learned from the Best Grandmother in the World: Mama Ling

1. Love Your Dogs

Of all the people in the house, its only Mama Ling who gives great attention to our dogs especially Keisha our "outdoor" poodle. She was the only one who remembered to give great care to Kiesha, giving her bathes and comb, for the wonderful years of service in our family. I'm sure our Lord also would grant Mama Ling the goodness of eternal life after how she had served Him through serving her family.

2. Never Settle for Less
Mama Ling together with Papa Mimi has lived in the US for quite some time already. And so they often send us "balikbayan boxes" or stuffs to her families here in the Philippines including my relatives. And Mama Ling is always the one looking for NEW things for us. She would often us ask us what's new or what's in and she would do her best to provide us with that without us having to ask. She always sees to it that we, our families and relatives, deserve more. Improve and improve never settle for less.

3. Exercise! Take Good Care of Your Health

No one beats how mindful Mama Ling is to everybody's health even she is thousands of miles away from us. She always reminds us to take good care of our health. Telling my mother to pick the right kind of food, my father to get a move on and exercise, and for my sister to eat..a lot!

Why give so much concern of health?

The one thing I still cannot comprehend was the fact that My Mama Ling suffered and died from a sickness she didn't do to herself. She had a rare hereditary cyst on her kidney that made it malfunction so she has to go on dialysis 3 times a week for the past 4 years. So for 4 years, 3 times a week, a long and thick needle is being plunged to her arm left and right or to any part of the body with a good vain for her dialysis.

And about 2 years ago cancer cells were found in her lungs that was described to be caused by too much exposure to firecracker powder around their place during her younger years. So she had to undergo a painful chemotherapy through a tablet that would often bring her nausea, sleeplessness, heaviness, skin irritation, and hard breathing.

You cannot just imagine her suffering! Unlike most of us where we get sick due to unhealthy habits hers was something she was innocent of. And she does not deserve it!!! The only gratitude I could get from this was that she shared a similar suffering with our Lord. "Thy will be done."

4. Never Ever Give Up!

All her colorful and dozens of medications, the unwarned strikes of her sicknesses had never stopped Mama Ling. The only complain we heard from her was that she was already so tired but she never gave up. She could have had given up easily, stop helping herself, but she chose not to. Why?

5. Have Powerful Goals

Studies show that most elderly people tend not to look to the future, there is nothing to look forward to. But Mama Ling was different. She always has something to look forward to and hers was to come back to the Philippines and attend the college graduation of my sister next March 2011. This is very rare for a dying person, but this thought helped her survive. She had to carry the weight of the suffering, she has to fight a losing battle so she can spare some money to send for my sister's schooling. Her goals was simple but that kept her forward...on and on and on.

6. In the End, it's Always the Family that Matters

All her life, Mama Ling lived it all for her family. If there is one word above "mother" then she would be it. No person had showed me the value and importance of a family. Normally, at the later years, people would often sit back relax and enjoy their retirement but Mama Ling was the opposite she chose to continue serving her family while suffering silently her sickness. She might have not became successful in a career or in wealth but her true wealth was found in the family she had brought up through the years. The success of us all in our different fields was all because of one loving mother who never failed us once.

7. Love 'till It Hurts No More

Now the hurt is gone and Mama Ling found her peace.

Mama Ling loved us all and showed it to us even as our distance hurts her so much and more the pain she carried in her sicknesses. No distance can stop her love, no cancer can stop her love, no problem can stop her love, and no pain can stop her love. She has transformed the most painful of all innocent sufferings into the most wonderful form of love. Mama Ling has loved us all...day by day...year after year...till it hurts no more.

------

I promise to live by these lessons.
And live my dream sharing her story.

20 then 19 Days Left - Stop Pursuing Succes, Attract Success!

2010-07-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Attracting Success!!

The past 2 days has been quite fast, jam packed and oh so inspiring! Just a little flashback...

I told you about my boss whom I'm helping out to sort things out on how she manages people, well we can't see change right that instant. But you know what keeps me going is the fact that she's very much interested on learning especially from the book , The Way of the Shepherd. And I am happy with that! I'm excited when she reaches the crucial part on dealing with difficult sheeps and leaving a mark on your sheep.

Speaking about that leaving a mark. I am currently coaching one department supervisor I have whom I am eying to be my successor. My main goal is to have as many duplicates as I can in the company. And one of our latest lessons is "How to Leave a Mark to Your People." She is a leader that gives a damn about her people and that's what I like about her. My other supervisors do but she has this deep level of connection to her team. So our aim is to make it official that she be branded as the supervisor who looks after each and every one of her members...deeply.

So for the first time in years, I asked her to call out each of her member one by one and drown them with compliments and positive feedback. The results are amazing. Never had she been so fulfilled, her people felt elated, and she never thought she would hear good things from them. It's that simple. Now, trust is built, morale soars high, sales will follow! hahaha!

By the way, around 80% of them during their interview asked her, "Natakdan na kang Sir Hanz Ms.?" "Has Sir Hanz got in to you Ms.?"

Absolutely. That's my mark.

And about a friend who asked help on her career through YM, she's now back on track. We have been exchanging emails helping her sort and weigh options before she decides. I helped her open her eyes of what she found herself in to, and lift her from the unnecessary pressures of family and people. Because in the end, its all about her. There's nothing wrong with having 3 jobs in 2 years! That means she is searching, and she's different from stubborn people stuck in companies they hate for the rest of their lives! Seek and you shall find!

And so, I pointed out to her that this is the best time to fix everything, know her goals, her purpose and which path to take. And she's doing her homework just fine!

Also this afternoon, it's official that I'm mentoring another supervisor of our company. After lending her the book 8 Secrets of the Truly Rich she wants to do something next but don't know how. And that's what we're doing now.

I'm just wowed by her interest she really spent time to look for me in my area. You could see that need in a person by looking at her eyes, and she needs help. And I'll do all my best to help her out!

Our main goal first is to improve her self-confidence as she wished and level up her leadership skills. Actually we can do those 2 together. My first assignment for her is to get to know her team one by one - Know Your Sheep. And my second one is that she should read books - feed her mind with the wisdom of the world. I'll surely keep you posted on this.

By the way, she has became my business partner too! She agreed that she'd work on as researcher for my pending ebook - Stories Millionaires Read. I just love how God works magically!

Another magical thing! My aunt is now in the Philippines, with the wake of my grandmother, and you know what, she's now my business partner! What? Real Estate!!!

Her story runs great with her success in real estate 3 years ago. How? Self help. She was only reading books and attending seminars about it. This was also one reason everything flunked when the US had economic crises around 2008 where she lost "Dong, you cannot imagine how much". I told her, "Te, one lesson learned is to have a team or a mentor in business venture." If only someone had told her! She said, "I was just too late to learn." But I blurted out, "No, you were a year early!"

We promised to talk more about it some time after the wake. But our set-up would be she'd help me out investing here in the Philippines. I can't believe how magical God's Universe is when I attract things!

All of these things are manifestations how God and His universe would conspire to help us if we help ourselves by helping others. People who need help and guidance come to me, and people whom I need help and guidance come to me as well! This is because I am in focus, I have a goal, I have a team, I have a mission, I have a dream, and its God's dream too, and He will in all His power help me Get it!

21 Days Left - Busy Inspiring People and It's Magical!

2010-07-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

I cannot write a full length post right now, I'm helping a friend decide and take on the next step in her career....through ym.

I cannot believe this, why?

Because I am attracting people who's been struggling deep inside for days trying to figure out their lives doing something they don't love. And vwahlah, God has this mysterious power of putting people in need right in my way. Like with my friend now, she was happy that she sent me simple, "musta hanz!?" and I shared to her what she needs, she got more than enough! The same with the test facilitator, and my manager - made the impossible possible! God too has this way of putting people to help me, like Kuya Anthony, how I stumbled on Jim Rohn's talks, and Gary's Do What You Love video.

It's magical!

22 Days Left - Making the Impossible, Possible

2010-07-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

One of the best life discovery is when you realize that the seemingly impossible, is really possible.

That's what happened.

I never thought God would give me an opportunity to take on the-most-feared-strong-despised-blamed-tiger-but-people-never-knew-they-were-wrong manager of our company. At her discouraging time, God invited me, "Hanz, this is your time, inspire her, let me do my work through you!"

I did hesitate. At first I was afraid, I was petrified. (lyrics?) It's like trying to motivate a wall to move. But hey, I won't lose anything. And so what I did, I barged into their conversation as she was trying to express her dismay and simply offered her to read the book "The Way of The Shepherd". And I was amazed that she accepted it.

You see. When I started working there, I was at times disappointed of how she manages things. It was like trying to make life miserable for us. She was this type who really sticked to the rules, no matter what! She also has this look - the same look I have that made one applicant exclaimed at me, "Sir, hadlok jud ko nimo.", "Sir, I'm really afraid of you."

But being my immediate superior, as I get to spend more time with her than any other supervisor of my level, I came to understand her thinking and her ways. Her weakness that drove people nuts was also her strength that made her good on her job.

We continued with our conversation. She finally exclaimed that she would resign. I offered her the book with the goal in mind that if only she would combine her way of strict monitoring and the principles of leadership found in the book she will become one great leader.

I also found out that one of her "loves" was to audit! No wonder! I asked her as an assignment to figure out her loves - core gifts and figure out too her goals - in detail. I explained that this is the first step we should do before just exclaiming to resign.

I can't wait to get back to her answers. I'll be texting her Feel Great qoutes too. I also challenged her to finish the book in one sitting. I can't wait.

By the way, you know what was the seemingly impossible that became possible? She called out...
"Hanz, my new advisor"

23 Days Left - The Most Powerful Question

2010-07-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

I had one of the most powerful days of my life after hearing a powerful inspiring story and powerfully inspiring three people with that story and it powerfully changed their lives at that instant and with the help of this powerful gripping question...

What if this is your last day on earth? What will you do?

Powerful right?

The story was that of Kuya Anthony Dy, one of the lives we'd include in our upcoming best-selling book, who was a tangled up in serious drug addiction for 8 years and now is a man with a powerful mission of helping out the less fortunate. And that was the same question he asked himself that lead him to have a great dream aligned to God's dream.

After our interview, I was literally pumped up that I shared that same question and a background of the man behind that question to two of my teamleaders during lunch. Typically, their answer would be...

"Spend time with my family and arranged things before I depart"

But I sprang back,

"Yeah Yeah, but you see, that would only take, say 2 hours of your time, what would you do in the next 22 hours?"

Silence. A looooooooooooooooong silence. "Tell me when you will have your answer."

"Sure sir, we'll get back to you when we'll have an answer."

Later that afternoon, I was asked to take an IQ exam as a requirement for promotion. I was really planning to fail it, promotion was an option I wouldn't consider yet. However, I decided to just enjoy it learning from my race story, but I ended up inspiring the test facilitator with her exclamation of "Kuya, I will resign!"

How?

With that powerful question.

What if this is your last day on earth? What will you do?

Plus, with Gary Vaynerchuk's powerful "There is no reason to do sh*t you hate" and do what you love and living your dream, Jim Rohn's increasing your market value, and my version of it - out of the rat race. My aim was to present to her that she is MORE than she think she could be. That simple. But in the end, it's all up to her.

I was really fulfilled but my rat-race job stopped me because I still need to make some rat-race reports. However, at the back of my head leaving the exam room I asked myself...

"What if this is my last day on earth? What will my do?

"Doing just that."

24 Days Left - I Wish Everyday is My Day Off

2010-07-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

There's always that sense of fulfillment I get in my day-off. There's no more wonderful thing than being able to work hard on myself than on my job! Where at the end of the day, your productivity goes back to you. That's what life ought to be right?

Aside from finishing all the layout of the proposed designs for the feel great shirts, worked on the stories for the best-selling book, and finalized for a new small biusiness I'm working out right now, here's one remarkable thing that happened - and it has something to do with my parents.

I realized, that if only I get to spend enough time with them I can guide them or help them out of this hole they got themselves into.

I spent the whole morning at home and both of them are pretty busy with all the preparations for my grandmothers burial and I was able to witness how their typical day would be. And so I striked at every chance I could get to strike at them!

Strike 1. They had petty quarrels over money.

My father has this inclination of seeking out fast solutions to problems without thinking harder, plus added with a louder voice and irritation, they would have petty quarrels with my mother. Often my mom - afraid of his high blood pressure - conceded and there goes money not spent smartly. And so what I did was to interrupt their argument showed them a good solution that shut them up looking at each other.

Strike 2. My Mom's Mistake

My mother has this tendency to be quite extra talkative especially in relaying information. Well, we had this history with misunderstandings with our relatives - unfortunately, they often see us wrong. And so I took the chance to tell her straight that she should be careful in "adding colors" into information. Tendency is your "blue" might not be the "blue" of the one your relaying information to. I told her to stick with the details - the details the other party needs. And she too must be careful to whom she's talking to with colors because people have this great talent to do wonderful masterpieces from only one information.

Strike 3. Techniques and Strategies

There has been a lot of challenges in the preparations for the burial especially with the life plan and the providing funeral service. It's pretty obvious they're making more money with our loss and we just want to have a fair share on this. And so while on the phone negotiating I showed my parents what words can they use - number figures, "You are the only one who can help us" expectation technique, and offering win-win deals - to catch favor from the other side. And yup, it worked just fine!

This made me want to resign even more! Hahaha!

If only I could be with them more, we could really work bigger things out. This is such a motivating experience. I realized my parents have hope! They can get out of this hole and they just need some guidance - tough guidance. If I was able to inspire other people and move them to action,
why not with my parents?

25 Days Left - The BIG Dilemma

2010-07-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

"I am dying to resign!!!"

I cannot contain the opportunities that lay in front of me lately these days. The turn of events within the last days of the 90-day challenge have opened promising doors ahead and I so want to step my foot in all of them. Finally I would be out of the rat race, BUT there is a very big BUT! I still do not have enough financial stability to support my family. You see, I'm the only income earner in the family. So I'm in a pretty deep dilemma lately.

Just last night, I stumbled on this powerful, rocking video of Gary Vaynerchuk: Do What You Love (No Excuses!). Here it is:

And you know what? this video sorted out things in my head. Here are my insights:

There is no reason to do sh*t you hate

Exactly. Hear Hear. This is why I won't resign just yet. Yep, I love my work, I just hate the fact that I'm working for somebody else!! I know, I'll be missing a lot of opportunities while I'm working there. If you could only see the mess on my to-do list in this laptop's sticky notes. With the book, businesses, LOJ, my internet plans, and all its waaaay to tempting to get out. But, like what I've posted, I'm exploiting my work to train myself to become a motivational speaker and coach. (I recently discovered how my writing skills have improved, never did anyone refused on my proposal letters lately!)

You need to hustle!

However, a few seconds ago, I made a decision to do double time on this. I have to learn as fast as I can on all these. My major project is to duplicate myself in the workplace, nurture leaders with my mindset, just by then will I resign. And because of this...

Legacy is greater than currency

This is what I am mainly after-my core desire. Duplicate. Leave a mark on all my team members. A name for myself.

But thinking practically, how could I support my family if I cut off my income, as what Gary said..

You don't get money for doing what you love...I lost a sh*tload of money for doing what I love

He maybe right, but with the us GEMs - Group of Enlightened Millionaires - we'll prove him wrong. At this stage of my life he may be right, but as you can see, he said something that encourages me...

Patience...Small niches...can grow Crazy...if he's patient enough.. he's gonna be huge!

I know I'm gonna be huge. I'm sure about that! I may only have a handful of fans, but they're my fans now. I just need to tell myself over and over again, if I'll focus on earning fast cash to make my exit out of the rat race, I might just lose the cash fast! I haven't even fully established my millionaire mind as shown in my attitude during the night race, see?

All I need to do right now is do small but powerful steps one at a time in this journey.

And still enjoying every step of it.

26 Days Left - I Ran 10K for About an Hour and I Messed Up!

2010-07-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I was so hesitant to run the Energizer Night Race after what loss had come into our family with Mama Ling gone. But I asked myself, if Mama Ling is to be asked he'd surely want me to run. I know how much she wanted me to "exercise" after seeing how big I have become since she came last January. Too bad, she'd didn't have the chance to see how much I have improved with my body.

And so I moved forward and join the race - to conquer myself, overcome my grief and celebrate life!

With me were Jan, Kuya, and Kuya Lee and it was one amazing experience! Whew!We registered with the 10 kilometer ran for it was only the last slot available aside from the 3k and 5k. And it was so worth it, aside from the free head lights from energizer. Cool!

So fast forward, yup I finished the raise in about an hour something. I wasn't able to see the clock for I was eyeing the finish line! I was ahead of the three with Kuya Lee following me, and Kuya then Jan.

So where did I mess up????

It was when Kuya asked us two questions.

Did you enjoy the race?

Ummmmm...I finished the race...hihihihi

Did you have any new bright ideas?

Ummmmmm...10..9..8..(smile)..4..3..2..1

This was where I messed up.

Life is not all about finishing the race, it's about enjoying the race!

And so I realized how the REAL (and at this moment- the now OLD) Hanz took auto-pilot during the race. My basic instinct towards things like this was to finish it to the best I can no matter what! For me it was a competition. Tell you, I never stopped nor slowed down during the entire race. I didn't stop because I know I would be very tired if I stopped or slowed down. I was only looking forward to finishing the race. And nothing else. While I was running I was really able to remember Paulo Coelho's story in the book The Alchemist,

“The Secret of Happiness lies in looking at all the wonders of the world and never forgetting the two drops of oil in the spoon.”

Read the full story here.

This "instict" of mine was deeply rooted in my academe world, purely motivated to be on top. I was like a horse in a calesa, or a typical rat-race employee who does only what he's told to do. All the time, in running, my goal was to simply finish the race without stopping. And so when I finished the race, I felt the same feeling I got during graduation,
" Oh yes, you finished the race, so what?"

And upon realizing this I begin to smile. Yup, I messed up a race, but I learned one lung-tearing-knee-binding-foot-killing life experience I will never learn anywhere else...

Life is not all about finishing the race, it's about enjoying the race!

NB. You know how Jan and Kuya enjoyed the race? They had fun every step of the way, interviewing racers, Jan endorsing out names, Hurling URLS, looking for gorgeously inspiring racers, speeding up then walking, eating snickers, and came up with one BIG idea they haven't told me yet! Now that's the REAL race!

27 Days Left - My Grief

2010-07-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

July 8, 2010 my dearest grandmother, Mama Ling, passed away. I have a lot of things going on my head, and I am grieving so badly. This is the first time in my life someone so close to me has passed away. I want to write something about her, but I will not for now...I still don't have the strength, I couldn't stop the tears...but soon I will tell the world how that one person made my life...It's story everybody should know...