Leaders Aren’t Born, But Bred!

By G. L. Giddings

Companies, teams, and organizations are always "sorting for leaders"! The most effective leaders prepare for higher levels of leadership throughout their careers. Very few people will claim pure luck for their success, or being in the “right place at the right time”, or they just magically making things happen. It's said that “Luck happens when PREPARATION meets OPPORTUNITY.”

Among the most important leadership responsibilities are effective communication with your organization, setting appropriate strategic visions, inspiring engagement and action on focused priorities, and successfully leading the team through the toughest challenges. Many “so-called” leaders haven’t developed the skills necessary to successfully lead with these important responsibilities. 

Here Are (5) Critical Elements of Leadership Development:

1. Your Experiences (“What you've done in the past?” versus “What you are doing right now?”)

2. Personal Performance (You have to be in it to WIN it!)

3. Personal development (Reading a chapter of a good book a day; staying plugged into trainings, conference calls, briefings, etc.)

4. Mentoring & Coaching (Create an ACTION SYSTEM’s Training program for your team to follow; “SYSTEM” stands for “SAVING YOUR SELF TIME, ENERGY, & MONEY!”)

5. Commitment & Accountability (INSPECT what you EXPECT!)

Find leaders that “fit” your company’s personality. Get in the habit of “SORTING FOR LEADERS”, not convincing others to become one. You will find that prospects who sincerely want to be a part of your business opportunity will work towards the overall goal of the organization. You’ll have more success and less headaches in reaching your goals and dreams. TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More!

What Are You Doing To GROW Your Social Networks?

By G. L. Giddings

If you are online for any considerable amount of time, whether it be a laptop, smartphone, or PC, chances are that you are involved in some sort of SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORK. There are so many, I can't keep track of them: Twitter, Facebook, MeetUp, LinkedIn, and many others. And as much as I love to meet people on these great mediums, I sometimes get discouraged because as a small business owner, I rely on these networks to make meaningful connections that can help me online.

About a week ago, I was introduced to a network called IBOSocial. IBO stands for "Independent Business Owners" and once I registered for the free account, I began to start meeting people right away, even before I had my profile all set up and running. IBOSocial has a host of great marketing tools that you can use like a URL shortener, you can add videos, post press releases, and many other things that will take me all day to share.

It allows you to build a network of fresh leads, contacts, and great friendships that I am finding very helpful. It's definitely fast-paced and a little knowledge in "copying and pasting" will definitely go a long way as I can't keep up with the various requests I receive from the network. This is great for me because I wanted to basically meet new individuals who may be interested in my particular services. If you are looking for a way to gain additional connections for your business opportunities, small business, or just want to meet some really great individuals, then consider joining and getting a free account. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain! Have FUN with your new IBO Social Network and I will soon see you on "The Wall"!  

Get your IBO Social Network FREE account today by clicking the TOP banner on the RIGHT of this page!

G. L. Giddings is the owner of GLG and Associates, LLP and "Our Small Biz World Blog" in Southern Indiana.

Pre-Paid Legal Services Hosts 2010 International Convention, April 8-10

10th Year Event in Oklahoma Sets New Record in Associate Achievement

ADA, Okla., March 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The 2010 International Convention of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (NYSE: PPD) in Oklahoma City, April 8-10, will mark the 10th year the company has hosted its annual gathering of associates in the capital city and this year's event will recognize the highest level of associate achievement and advancement in PPD's corporate history.

During the three-day event, a record number of independent associates from throughout the U.S. and four provinces of Canada will be recognized for advancement and professional achievement.

"I wouldn't say we're recession-proof, but the fact is we've got more new ring earners (associates who have earned six-figure incomes) than at any other event in our history," said Harland Stonecipher, who founded the company back in 1972 and who remains as Chairman of the Board today. "During tough economic times, there's more need for legal work and there's certainly more need for additional income. Those two factors bode well for us and have helped us this past year."


To read the entire article, click here - http://investor.shareholder.com/ppd/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=454370

To learn more about the Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. Business Opportunity, review the 17-minute video at the bottom of this blog page. ("12.5 Million Unemployed" Video)