Jul 16th, 2010
by Brian Cox.
As the business cogs start to turn for Million Dollar Box Truck, my business partner and I have been the participants in many rounds of the waiting game. It has become obvious to me that we went about our new venture a little bit backwards. Reasonably we thought that we should wait until it was the center of our focus, the one thing on our minds. Wrong…
Boring = Forgotten
I think that the problem with our approach was the lack of experience between the both of us. Of course we have had the training of a fine institution and lots of “case” experience. What they fail to mention is the paperwork… I would liken it to trying to run, on ice, with no skates. You’re not necessarily going backwards, but that doesn’t mean you’re moving forwards either. There are a number of filings that stand guard to a full-fledged corporation. Each filing takes a unique amount of time.
Start now or pay the price!
Although we are not always sure of our ideas, if you are at all considering a company with a little certainty be sure to start the paperwork immediately.
We are always wrapped up in “brainstorming” or the exciting parts of a potential company but someone needs to be mindful of the paperwork which is necessary to keeping the company going. It doesn’t matter how amazing your business is if it is illegal. The IRS is not a government agency I ever want to see on my doorstep.
Find a way to master the paperwork
Although it is boring, it is a requirement. Therefore decide who will be master of the paperwork and make sure that that person has their head on straight. Some tax agencies as a value statement to clients have produced a how to manual for their respective states. If it is possible find that document and read it multiple times. If they are up to date they outline the steps necessary to avoid penalties and make the most of your time.
Posted in: Small Business.
Jun 10th, 2010
by Brian Cox.
A common theme with globalization is the outsourcing of labor. Well if it’s so obvious why do people refuse to train in professions that are outsource proof? I find it most frustrating when people know what the problem is but refuse to change the way they operate. Just as corporations will become obsolete if they do not outsource, you as a resource will become obsolete if you train in a profession that will possibly be available for outsourcing.
Because there are brilliant minds all over the world it is easy to find talent that is cheaper than that of the United States. With different levels of standard of living you may be paying relatively low prices for your service but to the foreign worker you are paying top dollar.
Many people didn’t realize their jobs were outsourceable until they were obsolete. Potentially the most important part of your job might be just staying ahead of the curve. If you can reveal the movement of your job from the US to overseas you have a powerful position that allows you to train yourself in another discipline.
It would be spectacular if everyone would have the ability to pursue the trade that makes him or her most happy but it seems that with the market we are facing currently that is not a possibility. The world is becoming smaller and smaller. Everything is more convenient, faster, or more efficient. We forget about all of the people who are made obsolete from our constant evolution. We have to remember our fate is in our hands; no one will look out for your future.
Posted in: Personal Growth.
May 27th, 2010
by Brian Cox.
The force that keeps us in place on earth has a similar effect in psychology. I find that whenever I contemplate the plans of others one of two things can happen. The positive side is that I am inspired by the ambitions and plans of my colleagues. We are pulled, like gravity toward those shining stars whose ambitions and goals drive us upward to new heights. The negative is in respect to the forces or people around us who do not have lofty goals. They may not have any ill will towards you but by their sheer apathy or laziness they subconsciously make it acceptable for you to slow your progress. You can compare yourself to these two types of people, which is more likely? The one with lofty goals is hard to follow while the one with lax ambitions is much easier.
We have a whole range of people who surround us; there are those who want more and those who are willing to work for more. Obviously we all have friends who complain about their situation and there are those who take those complaints and use them to fuel their progression.
As we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Worrying about the haters in life is a waste of time, it is just jealousy. They just want what you have, which means that you must be doing something right. Although this does not equate to happiness, hopefully your success is propelling you to your ultimate goal. My advice would be to not only get drawn to the shining stars but to be a shining star.
Posted in: Life Philosophy, Personal Growth.
May 4th, 2010
by Brian Cox.
When we prioritize others ahead of our own interests what does it show? Are we being stupid or caring? Putting others first is a very human trait, we see it all around us. The true test is what we do when our own schedules are impossibly busy. Do you find time for others or defer them. We may hypothesize that we prioritize them first as an excuse to procrastinate and push our own obligations down the road. True character in friendship is finding that unique and driven person who finds time within their busy schedule to fit in the tasks you ask of them. We don’t need to repay the favor or pay them for services rendered; they are always there to help.
Finding friends with true character is obviously not an easy task but they are easy to recognize. They are always driven, surrounded by others, and man, are they busy. But ask them for help, for a minute or an hour of their time and they’re there. Whether it is the editor of your blog posts (Patrick Sargent) who always has time for a quick read or idea no matter the deadline, or your best friend or classmate ready to commiserate with you over an upcoming assignment. Those people who have built a wealth of knowledge but are still willing to share. They are down to earth and genuinely want to see you succeed. They are rare but they do exist.
Why not surround yourself with people like this? For one thing it’s hard! I’ve found one sure fire way to attract these people. Be one yourself! Find time for others and you will attract these unique souls who are so willing to participate in your success. Develop your own true character; stand out as the person who has time for others and you will become the one with true character.
Posted in: Life Philosophy.
Apr 28th, 2010
by Brian Cox.
Sometimes we get so excited, so enthralled, and so consumed that we forget that we still have to perform in the present. New ideas are intoxicating, they envelope all of our senses and appeal to our imagination. With all of these great attributes what could possibly go wrong. Many things! We can get so consumed with our fantasy of success we never make the first move or decision. Remember the “Inches” speech in Any Given Sunday?
Life is the six inches in front of your face
Embracing this tradition leads to the choices which make success possible. The epic and miniscule decisions which build momentum and progress. You may have the best goal structure ever conceived but if the construction of that structure hinders you from making moves toward the next check point or finish line what is the point? Often it isn’t the idea men who drive our success but the task oriented and organized managers that focus on the little details that push our ventures forward an inch. Many preach living in the moment, but in the business sense it is most crucial. Executing the small often tedious tasks produce some of the most powerful results. Everyone should be a contributor to the main goal or dream of an idea but each member should remain focused on the little tasks they are given to keep the wheels of progress turning.
Know when to daydream and when to perform. Everyone wants to work on the big projects, the big accounts, or the big decisions. We often undermine the actions taken minute to minute that help us fulfill our daydreams and fantasies.
Posted in: Life Philosophy, Personal Growth.
Apr 27th, 2010
by Brian Cox.
If nice weather and outdoor activities were not enough, there is also the lack of motivation facilitated by the low productivity of those around you. Unquestionably spring and summer can be some of the most distracting as well as most beautiful times of our lives. We need to find a balance between our relaxation and our ambitions. Why not start with your schedule.
I find it much easier to work while the distracting sun is preoccupied with the other side of the planet. It’s easy to focus at 1 am when no one is awake to disturb you. Too late for your liking? What about early morning? I realize that at these times our bodies are either exhausted from the day, or foggy from sleep. I support my habits by starting my work session with a workout. Physical activity is proven to provide energy. Usually it is enough to get me through my work period. I understand that not everything can be accomplished during these odd hours but if you can accomplish 3-4 hours of work at these times, that’s an extra 3-4 hours in the beautiful weather.
Obviously most people do not want to schedule meetings at these awkward hours in the early morning or late evening. Why not use the power of the Internet and schedule a remote meeting, enjoy the weather and work outside. Lets face it, connectivity is everywhere and our laptops challenge us to be productive anywhere. I’ve written while in cars, in parks, or at the hotel pool. We can accomplish everything we need to where ever we can find an Internet connection. Make your next step an adventure to find a remote Wi-Fi connection to utilize.
Summer syndrome as I affectionately call it is easily defeated by determination, but who has that? Find ways to trick yourself into working with summer instead of against it. Be happy and work effectively, embrace summer syndrome and find away to get outside for that dose of Vitamin D.
Posted in: Health and Business, Life Philosophy, Motivation.
Apr 21st, 2010
by Brian Cox.
Who are you? The inspired, problem solving task destroyer or the “what can be done today can be done tomorrow” kind of person. Although most people are categorized as one or the other, I would argue that the latter just hasn’t discovered their passion.
Exhibit A: One of my best friends is an average student; somehow he is graduating although he never seems to attend class or complete homework. Most would categorize him as a procrastinator, right? Well I believe that he is very talented but at the moment he is forced to focus on a topic, e.g. school, which is not his passion. Why would I say he is talented? Maybe he chose the wrong school but give this guy a microphone and he will sing and rap until it crumbles from the vibration of his voice. He will sit in his room alone or with friends writing hundreds, maybe thousands of versus. He knows what his true passion is.
Measure him by the work he produces for his passion, which is music, and you would see that he is “the inspired, problem solving task destroyer.”
Exhibit B: Measured by test scores he is average at best, but measured by drive and ability he is first rate. Give him a task such as an assigned paper or project and he will not complete it until it is pushed as far down the road as possible. Show him a blog that will inspire him and improve his quality of life and he will listen to one and a half hour long podcasts, or read blog posts thousands of pages long. Or impress him with a movie idea and he will run with it until his lungs collapse. He knows what his true passion is.
Life is a matter of perspective and relativity. You may be accomplishing a large list of tasks. You may be inspired and hard working, but are you working for the right reasons? Do you have a long-term goal, if I asked what your true passion is; would you have a ready answer?
Variety is not the spice of life. Variety? You will find all the variety and spice bundled up in your passion. Finding and pursuing your true passion is the spice of life.
Posted in: Life Philosophy, Motivation, Personal Growth.
Apr 20th, 2010
by Brian Cox.
The question is efficiency. Do we work best non-stop or do breaks provide the relief we need to pursue our intellectual and business goals. The short answer is that it depends on how you’re feeling right now. Is your mind a flutter of random activity refusing to keep its focus on the task at hand? Maybe you just cannot stop reminiscing about last night or last weekend, or maybe planning next weekend. On the other spectrum is your mind destroying your to-do with ruthless efficiency. Chances are if your mind is experiencing the latter, you aren’t reading this post. You’re tactically executing the tasks that are keeping you from the freedom to enjoy the rest of your day.
But if you have found a moment to read this post maybe a few tips to help collect yourself will come in handy.
1. Lay off the coffee, Mr. Jitters. It may help you wake up but there are always diminishing returns, it might just be the force that is keeping your mind flipping channels like late night infomercials.
2. Bring a snack to work. One thing that keeps us from focusing indefinitely is hunger; it is the enemy of productivity. That growling is not only a biological function, it is a distracter. So find a healthy snack and chomp away, then get back to work.
3. Do a quick set of pushups. It sounds stupid but physical activity is a great motivator of the mind. It stimulates, awakens, and focuses your mind at the task at hand. Do them in jeans. Do them in a tie. Do them at work or home. Just do them. Can’t do a push-up? Try a sit-up or a squat!
4. Change locations. If the sunny weather outside your window prevents you from getting work done, grab a chair in a quiet spot overlooking your great office carpet, or a place with a great view of a soothing wall. Sounds boring but how can you be distracted by a wall.
5. Close those damn windows. Not the ones that provide the great view but the ones on your computer screen with the flashing banner ads and pretty girls/guys. Those extra windows, that blinking chat window and Facebook don’t add any value to the screen when you’re distracted and attempting to accomplish something. Close them and have a Zen moment of focus with your trusty companion, your computer!
Posted in: Motivation, Personal Growth.
Apr 19th, 2010
by Brian Cox.
Life is a balancing act we all attempt to master, life vs. business as well as friendship vs. relationship. We can learn a lot from an analysis of our choices. Do we betray the trust given to us or do we embrace it and remain as loyal as a German shepherd? People trust us all the time, our business partners, our significant others, and especially our friends. They always get in to our business, they always care, and they never give up on us.
These important people form the foundation of our safety net; they protect and nurse our emotions. The question is do you return the favor, do you embody someone who they seek out for a helping hand, a comforting touch or an open ear. I like to think of myself as the open ear, offering sage advice and private council.
Reputation is everything, these personality traits are important indicators of character. Remember that personal recommendations are the most powerful introductions. Word of mouth in business is the same as word of mouth in life. When a friend introduces a new person to the group it is easy to understand why we drop our guard. The more credible a business associate, friend, or confidant you are, the more easily your network of relations will expand. We all understand the importance of networking but we have to remember the most important aspect of networking is the value we provide to that network.
In many instances people come and go, we all know who has been around for the long term and they should be rewarded by our upmost devotion. We should honor their wishes and build that relationship, and when the time comes for an introduction you will be first on their list.
Posted in: Personal Growth.
Apr 14th, 2010
by Brian Cox.
Measuring the effectiveness of a worker is the business of a corporation. We are not measured by our ability or uniqueness. Only in the task we are given are we measured.
There are many great and depressing metaphors for the employee, all of which we ignore for the “American Dream.” We believe that if we work hard and long we can all have what we desire. The only problem with this is that the loyalty you share for your company, it does not reciprocate. We are all emotionally on guard especially with an economic climate such as this. I have seen this disloyalty firsthand; the problems we’ve faced are not unique lightning strikes but a disheartening commonality. What is the result of these events? We learn that changing careers frequently is normal, the job search is a part of life and we will never have the opportunity to be comfortable in a position.
Especially in this economy we are emotionally battered, new graduates have no company to call theirs and seasoned employees are turning their efforts to resume writing and job searching, something they thought they were past. Preparing for a round of layoffs or a restructuring is something all employees have lost sleep over. It is not surprising that a majority of employees are unsatisfied, unhappy and depressed. We are farming a society of drones, humans on autopilot. We are only allowed fleeting moments of happiness, those few weeks of vacation or the misused sick days. There is never a sense of freedom, freewill or lighthearted carefree mentality. We are always obligated to another, our group, our boss, or our corporation. I want to be obligated only to my family, my goals and myself.
Posted in: Motivation, Personal Growth.
