Friday, May 13, 2011

Giving Back

A recent announcement by ActionCOACH outlines a new initiative that will reward veterans for the service they have rendered with the opportunity to join our community and reintegrate into society. This move reinforces one of the 14 Points of Culture that ActionCOACH proudly upholds:

Abundance
I am an abundant person, I deserve my abundance and I am easily able to both give and receive it. I allow abundance in all areas of my life by respecting my own self worth and that of all others. I am rewarded to the level that I create abundance for others and I accept that abundance only shows up in my life to the level at which I show up.

In a recent conversation with an old friend, we discussed the importance and desirability of "giving back." This particular friend had a series of great opportunities that rewarded him with substantial material wealth and prosperity. Up until this point he had led a good life and was able to achieve many worthwhile goals. But the realization had hit him that it was time to give back. I was impressed as we discussed ways and means to invest in the people and world around us to better the legacy that we would leave one day for others to carry on.

The emphasis that ActionCOACH places on "World Abundance" is one of the many reasons I am proud to be a part of this community. Don't spend all your days picking the roses this world has to offer - plant some of your own. You can experience the joy of giving in no other way.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A World Without Facebook

I had my first dose of social media education when I undertook training to become an ActionCOACH, and have since learned a lot about the power of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other giant social media engines. For those of you that still wonder if a Facebook page is a good investment, take a look at the infographic that Soshable posted. Suddenly it becomes painfully clear that social media is a huge part of our everyday lives.

The impact of social media hit home to me the day I connected with an old friend. We hadn't seen or spoken to each other in several years, but connected on Facebook and began exchanging messages. The result was an opportunity to meet in person and catch up. It was a real pleasure - life has taken us down different roads, but the values and knowledge that brought us together initially are still the same. We enjoyed great conversation and discussed our varying experiences in the business world and in our personal lives. One end result was two people that are better people for having known and interacted with each other. That is what social media is all about.

Today, more than ever, we have the opportunity to seek these rewarding relationships on a global basis. Whether you are simply looking for conversation, seeking advice, or wanting friendship; whether you are campaigning for a cause, broadening your customer base, or expanding the reach of your advertising; whether you are researching new ideas, products or methods: whatever demographic you belong to, social media has something to offer. Take the opportunity to expand your opportunities, and log on.