Change your life by changing the way you think.

I am perfectly healthy in body, mind and spirit.

For better health, repeat this affirmation throughout the day.

Alert Einstein’s definition of insanity…

Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

I’d like to share this video with you and hope that it’s of great use to you, as it has been for me.

Enjoy!

“What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” - Napoleon Hill

What ever happened to customer service?

We’ve all experienced bad customer service at some point, now more frequently than ever.  At a restaurant, at the bank, at the ticket counter and when checking-in to a hotel.  It’s the feeling like we’re bothering the person providing the service.  You don’t like it when it’s being done to you and they (the customer) don’t like it when we do it to them.  I’ve been in the customer service industry for 15 years now and it’s for this reason that I feel obligated to share the importance of providing great customer service.  That’s the name of the game folks and your business depends on it.

We all have our days, but that alone is no reason to take it out on the customer or guest.  First - you need to understand that if it weren’t for customers you wouldn’t have a job.  Why keep a business open if no one was buying your services or products?  Second - for many businesses, word of mouth is the best form of advertisement (because it’s free) keeping in mind that bad news travels like wild fire.  People are more apt to share bad news than good news.  Third - you want customers to come back.

Now let’s break these three points down even further.

1.  Treat the customer with respect.

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.  Value the person in front of you.  After all, they are paying your salary.  There are thousands of business that offer the same service or product and when the customer decides to do business with you they deserve to be treated right.

2.  Make it a great experience.

Whether the customer goes into your business to purchase a toothbrush or get a hair-cut, the customer has already made the decision to come to you (with money their wallet).  You can add value to their purchase by making it a great experience.  A smile, showing a willingness to assist them, thanking them for their business and an invitation back will go a long way.  The guest will leave happy and tell others about your great service.  We are more inclined to listen to a good or bad recommendation given to us by a person we already trust.

3.  Build customer loyalty.

You want the customer to keep coming back.  Why give your customer’s to the competition?  We’re in a time were every other business is fighting for that same customer, so once you have him or as my boss use to say “Wrap our arms around our guests”, strive on keeping them forever.  It doesn’t hurt to smile.

Sure it’s easier said than done and for that reason I’ll be discussing how to deal with difficult customers and still deliver great customer service, in my next article (Who’s Paying You? - Part 2).  But for the time being, focus and understand these three points because repeat customers will keep your business afloat while everyone else sink.

”A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependant on us – we are dependent on him.” - unknown

God works in mysterious ways.

About a week ago, I was at my desk one morning when I received a phone call from Jennifer McAdams, a member of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).  Jennifer explained the organization’s mission, their goal and their need for help.

This year, I have the honor and pleasure of serving time at MDA’s Telethon Executive Lock-up for “Jerry’s Kids” to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  I need your help to raise the dough to bail me out of jail.  You can also pay to keep me in!   I’d like to include you and your company on my list of contributors who are helping me raise my bail.   Your donation would help MDA continue the fight against muscular dystrophy.

Here’s my web page: https://www.joinmda.org/teluchicago2009/garcia77312

What is the Muscular Dystrophy Association?
MDA is a the world’s largest non-governmental organization aimed at conquering neuromuscular diseases. In the 2006-07 fiscal year, MDA provided $37.3 million in research grants for over 400 projects around the world. They are also the world’s leader in ALS research.

What is Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular Dystrophy is a term describing a group of nine genetic, hereditary muscle diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness. In addition to providing assistance to these disease, the Muscular Dystrophy Association covers 34 other neuromuscular diseases.  To see the complete list, you can go to www.mda.org/disease.

What services does MDA provide for its clients?
MDA provides clinics locally at University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital, Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. At no cost to them, patients with neuromuscular disease are able to consult with specialists, receive financial assistance towards medical equipment and receive free flu shots annually. In addition, MDA runs a specially designed summer camp for children with neuromuscular diseases and organizes support groups throughout the Chicago-land area. MDA also strives to increase disability awareness.

The little girl in the video below is Abbey Umali, an MDA Goodwill Ambassador.

Like Abbey, there are thousands of children suffering from neuromuscular diseases.   I sincerely hope that you’ll take the opportunity to support MDA.  Please respond by the deadline date on my personal web page. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me.  On behalf of the families MDA serves, thank you!

Click here to make a contribution towards a Great cause.  Face it, we spend more on stuff we don’t use or need.

Here’s my website one more time: https://www.joinmda.org/teluchicago2009/garcia77312

P.S.  If you have trouble making your donation, please contact my “Personal Fundraising Consultant,” Tamrin, at MDA at 312-254-0632 or at tnavarro@mdausa.org and she can help you out!  Thanks!!

“Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God, and value it next to a good conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of; a blessing that money cannot buy.” - Izaak Walton

My vibrant attitude is contagious to everyone I meet.

Repeat this affirmation throughout the day.

“I’m on a mission to help as many people possible live their dreams and reach their goals.”

I got a call from my younger brother today, telling me that he was moved by “The Strangest Secret In The World” (the post just below this one). We chatted for a bit and before hanging-up he asked, “What’s with 5 Steps For a Flat Stomach“, I reminded him of what I wrote on “Off To a Good Start” - I’m on a mission to help as many people possible live their dreams and reach their goals - hence the purpose of this blog.  On this blog I will be discussing different topics on each facet of our lives, posting motivational, inspirational and music videos to assist with reaching these dreams and goals.  It’s my way of giving back for the abundance in my life.  So without further ado..

Here are 5 ways to improve your credit score:

1.  Pay your bills on time.

Delinquent payments can have a major negative impact on your score and the longer you pay your bills on time, the better your score. For example, someone with an average credit rating of 707 can raise their score by as much as 20 points by paying all their bills on time for one month.

2.  Keep balances low on credit cards.

High outstanding debt can affect your score. Maxing out your credit cards could lower your average score by as much as 70 points.

3.  Don’t open a number of new credit cards that you don’t need.

New accounts will lower your average account age, which could actually lower your score by up to 10 points.

4.  Have credit cards - but manage them responsibly.

In general, having credit cards and installment loans (and making timely payments) will raise your score. Someone with no credit cards, for example, tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsibly.

5.  Closing an account doesn’t make it go away.

A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be factored into the score.

Remember, It Takes Time

It can be frustrating, but working to establish or improve your credit history takes time. There isn’t an overnight solution, so you have to approach this as a long-term goal. If you’re just beginning to establish credit for the first time, take things slow and begin by opening a few small accounts. With these initial accounts, make sure you use the credit wisely and develop sound habits. It won’t be long and you’ll be on your way to building a great credit history.

If you already have a credit history but it has been damaged by something mentioned above, don’t worry. While you won’t be able to increase your score 200 points in the span of a a couple months, following the suggestions above will put you on the right track to begin increasing your score.  But whatever the situation, it is important to monitor Your FICO® score & Equifax credit report.

Earl Nightingale talks about the strangest secret in the world; the key to success and the key to failure.

Sit back, relax and just listen.

1.  Start Today.

When it comes to getting a flat tummy, you’ll need an attitude adjustment: Fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and other healthy foods are what you need to fuel your body to get through the day, run that extra mile, and lift those extra weights! What it comes down to is - get back to basics; eat more fresh wholesome foods, eat less junk food, drink less sugary drinks and be active! But try not to be obsessive about eating strictly healthy foods, you have to give yourself a treat now and then to stay focused.  The hardest part is starting, so stop procrastinating and make it happen!

2.  Cook at Home.

Now this is how to get a flat stomach fast - Eat less take outs, junk foods and start cooking more to get rid of belly fat - the more you do it, the better you will become at it and the more healthier you will be.  Studies show people who eat at home frequently are more likely to stick with the weight loss plan than restaurant goers.  The best way to get into cooking is, look for easy to use recipes from books, magazines and websites.  And ask friends for their healthy meal ideas.

3.  Hydrate.

One other way to lose belly fat is to drink plenty of water - this is an old one but a GOOD one.  Not only does it flush out the bad toxins from your body, it’s calorie free. So cut down on the sodas, the diet sodas and the booze - and drink more H2O.

4.  Run.

Time to ‘Huff and Puff’ with the best cardio workout: the Interval Method. Start out at an easy pace for 90 seconds (about 40% of your maximum effort), then increase your speed to the fastest pace you can maintain for 30 seconds (about 95% of your maximum)- that’s one interval.  Repeat 5 times, for a total 6 intervals.  It is short but intense, and the best part is - it will save you time away from home or work.  Unlike traditional aerobic exercise, it will keep your body burning fat at a higher rate for hours after you are finished.  You can do this in the park or on a treadmill, but if you are packing more than 20 extra pounds, opt for an exercise bike to minimize the stress on your knees.

5.  Hit The Weights.

Get into strength training, three times a week - not only does it strengthen your bones, it controls body fat.  Muscle burns more calories than fat at rest, thereby increasing your resting metabolic rate.  So the more muscle you build through weight training, the more calories you burn, minimizing the amount of fat that is available to deposit.

- Working the entire body creates balance. Working just the abs will result in an imbalance and may lead to over-use, under-use or injury of certain muscles.

- Working the entire body will add more lean muscle.  Women need to add lean, toned muscle to their body.  They should not be afraid of bulking up or looking like men.  The more muscle we have, the more calories we burn.  Each pound of muscle burns 35-50 calories per day.

Apply these 5 tips for a flat stomach and get ready for results.  Genetics play a role in the over all appearance of your stomach, but just about everyone can benefit from a reduction in body fat.  The simplest way to a tight mid-section is to make a lifestyle change.  Dieting is a quick fix that usually results in frustration and weight gain.  Learn to achieve optimal health by applying positive habits.

Watch this video and think again.

If you never failed, you never lived.