Archive for the ‘Robert's Post’ Category

Radio Interview August 20

Tuesday, August 19th, 2008

I love Radio and on Wednesday August 20th, I will be live with Clarissa Burt.  It is the Voice America Network, one of the largest internet radio broadcasts.  Here is the link http://www.modavox.com/boombox_va/burt/.  You can call in and ask questions, so please do.  The topic will be about the Journey of Being an Entrepreneur.  You know me–I’m going to throw in some fun stuff.  Tune in!

Interview: Celebrity-Bashing Websites

Monday, August 18th, 2008

Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 19th, Fox News will air their interview with me regarding “Celebrity-Bashing Websites”. I decided to take this angle of communication to help listeners understand that the choices we make impact us for a long time. There are so many web sites these days that relish bashing people, and I want people to realize the effect that has on the celebrities and themselves. Watch Fox News, or visit their website at www.foxnews.com for the interview with Robert Van Arlen.

Update on Events

Monday, August 18th, 2008

I haven’t been so great at keeping everyone up to date on all my travels and events, so here’s a quick run down on what I’ve been up to this month…

Wednesday, August 6th:  The Jobing.com Job Fair held at the University of Phoenix Stadium

Comments about the Event:

On Wednesday, August 6th, I had the opportunity to speak to about 70 HR professionals at the Jobing.com job fair held at the University of Phoenix Stadium. These folks were gearing up for over 10,000 expected attendees. My message was to help them focus on finding superstars and being more strategic in the HR process.  Today’s economy requires that HR professionals build and utilize their network to help their organizations grow.  No longer can they be just administrators. 

Saturday, August 9th: Global Spectrum manages the University of Phoenix Stadium where the NFL team Arizona Cardinals play. This employee rally was intended to inspire employees to provide an excellent service experience to every patron of their facility.

Comments about the Event:

This event was off the hook! Global Spectrum is a company that gets it. I felt like a rock star on the huge stage in the University of Phoenix Stadium. This group was one of the most responsive groups I’ve ever encountered.  If only customer service could be measured by volume. These employees know how to jam to the beat of service! 

Friday, August 9th:  The Premier of the Infomercial – Mind Boost in Minutes  

Comments about the Event:

Mind Boost In Minutes is Hot! A few weeks ago I was asked to participate as an expert for an infomercial product that literally improves your mind, focus ability, recall capability and more.  I learned how to correctly pronounce the term “Nero plasticity”. A few days ago, we all got the opportunity to preview the commercial, which will be airing nationally beginning August 19th. Our mind is the most powerful instrument we have, and now we have a way to improve it. Go to www.mindboostinminutes.com. The founders of Mind Boost also decided to promote my book, Focused Synergy as an up sale. That’s huge!

Monday, August 11th:  The Nightly Igniter’s meeting

Comments about the Event:

You never know who you will be able to help, but if you’re conscious of it, magical things can happen. My weekly Igniters meetings are always unbelievable. It’s interesting to see what comes out of them, as it is our goal to network with the purpose of helping each other and also find ways to help our community. A few years ago, I was booked to speak at a conference in Philly. Fast forward 5 years later, the client that booked me kept up with my speaking engagement and came to hear me speak locally. Little did I know that as she sat in the front row listening to me, she was battling cancer. As it turns out, she was planning to visit her family for the last time and then return to Phoenix. Unfortunately she was unable to travel back due to her deteriorating health. I decided to help fulfill a request and ask my Igniters if they would assist in helping sending her son and her best friend back for a visit. They agreed to help. Thank you to all Igniters–the great folks that contributed yet have never even met this woman. This weekend a son will see his mom because of you.

Igniters Network Testimonial

Friday, August 15th, 2008

Check out this quick video clip from my Igniters Network. Thanks for the kind words!

One Degree of Separation

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

Social media has closed the gap. No more separation with Myspace, YouTube, Linked-In, Twitter, Facebook, FastPitch, Pulse, Plaxo, Ning and a host of others that keep us communicating with close friends, new friends, business contacts and “wannabe” friends. It’s freaking crazy, but it works. If you know what you’re doing, you can grow business, find relationships, learn new things and expand your horizons in ways you can’t imagine. The only thing I can tell you is your anonymity is gone, but it’s worth it if you can learn to maneuver through the quagmire of social media. I love it, and for my friends that specialize in teaching others how to take advantage of this world at World Webinar Network, thanks. Yes that’s,  www.worldwebinarnetwork.com.

Organize or Die!

Tuesday, August 5th, 2008

This week was just as good a time as any to get organized. It amazes me how much stuff I collect in such a short period of time. If I were looking for a job or starting a company, all this personal clutter would have a significant impact on my ability to focus.  In today’s competitive environment you have to be organized in every aspect of your life. My roles and responsibilities are increasing, not decreasing, and the more time I can spend on learning new things versus trying to find something lost in the jungle of stuff is time well spent. What a relief to have it cleaned out…I recommend this to everyone!

What Should I Say?

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

Over the next few weeks, I will have the opportunity to speak to hundreds of HR professionals whose role is to hire and train staff for organizations of all shapes and sizes. I wonder what I should say. What can I say to inspire individuals that have to deal with budget and personnel cuts, higher fuel costs and sluggish real estate? What should I say to those that are on the front lines of hearing the stresses of change and how it affects their staff, families and friends?

What do you think? I’d love to hear from you.

Excelling in a Tough Job Market

Friday, July 18th, 2008

The job market has changed once again with numerous individuals scrambling to find work, let alone something that they might be passionate about. Last week I gave a speech to 75 individuals who found themselves in a period of change. I was moved by their confidence and desire to take advantage of the opportunity to do something different. Challenging times bring about frustration to some and new horizons to others. It’s all about how you look at it. 

The most important thing for you to do in a downturn economy is to quantify your value to the organization. You must appear valuable to your employer, and who knows your value better than you? If you can’t quantify it, how can someone else?

Doing Something Good Can Travel a World Away

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

 

One year ago today I started a networking group of a different kind. The purpose of the group is not only to make connections but to do something good in the community. The group has achieved goals that have exceeded my expectations. I want to share in my blog one of the most compelling stories related to making a difference I have heard in a long time. The story is true, but I have eliminated the name of the individual for obvious reasons. 

 

Robert, I am a relatively new member of the Igniters Group. The more I think of the concept the more I appreciate what the group is contributing on an individual and group basis. 

 

I’m currently working as a government contractor in Afghanistan. I’m part of a small team that travels around Afghanistan teaching the officers of the Afghan Army and National Police critical thinking skills and analytical processes to assist them in protecting themselves against the Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgency. I’ve spent time in Kabul, Khost and Gardez.

 

So why am I writing you and the group? It’s to say that there are millions of people who live in conditions beyond belief. I’ve seen poverty, children and adults sleeping on the streets of Kabul, women attempting to educate themselves and become leaders in a society where they are fighting everyday to just be recognized as human beings. I can go on and on. It gives me an opportunity to ignite someone everyday and I live with that mantra.

 

I realize that the group cannot touch everyone, but I believe we should never give up and always try to ignite someone every day.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to meet some of the greatest people on the planet. Please tell everyone hello and that I appreciate each of them.

 

A Positive Attitude Requires Work

Thursday, June 26th, 2008

A change in your attitude can change your life.   

During my speeches, I often refer to individuals as draggers, supporters and igniters. There is one thing that is true in life–positive-minded individuals get more out of life. Every day you have the choice of being pessimistic, realistic, or optimistic. In the simplest view, draggers are predominantly pessimists, supporters are realists, and igniters carry a greater sense of optimism.   

Since we are human, we have the ability to float from one group to another, but the key is to know where you are and how it is impacting your ability to achieve what you desire. A positive attitude can lower the negative energy during challenging times. To maintain a positive attitude, you must be committed to your spiritual, mental and physical actions. Your spiritual energy is fueled by your faith and desire for spiritual growth. Your mental energy is fueled by your quest for knowledge. Your physical energy is fueled by a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. It is much easier being negative, because you don’t have to do anything. You don’t have to be aware of anything around you. You don’t have to care about your health, and you don’t even need to have faith. Living life selfishly and finding something to complain about is the result of a negative attitude.   

Stop complaining and start living. Life is too short, and a positive attitude will help you get the most out of it!