Client Success Story

Randy Bardwell, President of Native Threads

After speaking with Randy for a mere 10 minutes you get the distinct feeling that he understands the unique position he’s in to help guide our Native youth into the vast possibilities of entrepreneurship in Indian Country. “Our ancestors were the ultimate entrepreneurs. The only difference is that instead of getting rich, they got to live!” says Bardwell. “Think of how many business owners would be successful if people’s lives, their families lives more importantly, depended on building and running a solid business?” he questioned. “My Great Great Grandfather John Magee did not have the option to just quit and try something else or get a job. There were no jobs. It was survival of the fittest. It was go time and there was no other option but to succeed!”

Bardwell’s Great Great Grandfather, John Magee is credited as the “First Entrepreneur of the Temecula Valley” where his ancestral lands of the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians still reside in Southern California. Magee built the first general store in the area which served as the post office and a stop on the historical Butterfield Stage line which ran from St. Louis to San Francisco in the mid 1800s. “It’s inspiring to know that I’m following in the footsteps of my ancestors and that I’m building a legacy for my children and grand children to carry on” Bardwell continues.

It is this creation of a legacy that drives Bardwell. He refers to a famous quote by Sitting Bull that drives him, “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.” The quote reminds him constantly of what is important in this life and what keeps him on track with his core values. “As a role model to my kids and our youth as a whole, it’s a very humbling quote to live your life by.”

President of Native Threads, Randy and his team operate Indian Country’s most successful lifestyle apparel line marketed to Native people throughout the U.S. and Canada. Bardwell states, “Native Threads is more than a clothing line; Native Threads represents to our youth what is possible to accomplish when you formulate a plan, set goals and put in the work to make your dreams possible. Entrepreneurship is the future of Indian Country period. Not casinos or government grants. Our future will be carried on the backs of those Indians that step up and create businesses that can thrive for decades.”

“The foundation of any business is built on solid leadership. Solid leadership is built on numerous fronts like experience, planning, organization, vision and most of all core values.” Bardwell says.

Native Threads core values are integrity, value and the spirit of entrepreneurship. “That spirit comes in many forms and the easiest way to explain it is that we always remain open to listening and exploring new ideas to grow our business.” Bardwell states.

“Our new Native Threads shoe line is an example of how exploring our options is put to work. We had no experience in the shoe industry which means no knowledge, no contacts, nothing. So we explored the possibilities of partnering with those that have experience and we found a partner in Vox Footware that was willing to work with us in manufacturing a shoe.” Bardwell adds. “Here we are, four months later and we’re on track to an December 2010 launch of Indian Country’s first lifestyle shoe line that will be on par with the likes of industry giants DC Shoe and Vans.”

When asked about the overall direction of his company and how he has sharpened his vision for success, Bardwell cites his continuous work with the Edge of Change coaching program and Rapport Leadership International’s Master Graduate program. “No matter how effective you are as a leader there is always room for improvement or refinement of your skills.”

“I like to refer to the most effective leaders as problem solvers. Think about it…the most effective leaders are the ones who can solve the issues we face in life and business. To solve the problems we have on a daily basis we need to have the tools to do so and when you can fill that tool box with knowledge, processes and exercises to pass on to your team then you are creating a whole army of problem solvers.” Bardwell states. “Edge of Change has really helped me to sharpen my skills on a personal level that has carried into accomplishing all the goals I have set for the year. When you decide to work with Edge of Change, be prepared because you’re going to realize the power of You.”

As a dedicated member of the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians, Randy has served on his tribe’s Trust Review Board which creates tribal conservatorships for tribal members who are unable to manage their finances on their own. He is also jointly developing a business mentorship program with his tribal leadership to ensure continued entrepreneurial success among the members of his tribe.  Bardwell is a Master Graduate of Rapport Leadership International’s highly acclaimed leadership program. He also serves as a member of the National Support Committee for the Native American Rights Fund and is a past board member of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California.

For more information and to purchase Native Threads products visit www.NativeThreads.com or www.Facebook.com/NativeThreadsApparel.

We talk and hear about an individuals limiting beliefs and how that holds us back in life and in business.

What about if a company as a “whole system” has limiting beliefs?

I have been thinking about this question a lot the last few days and I want to start a conversation around this topic.

Read the questions  and join in on the conversation.
Share your thoughts, feelings and Ideas.

What happens when a company has limiting Beliefs?
How does it show up?
What are the results?
How does it effect ALL share holders? “The Executive Team, The Employees, The Clients”.
What are some of your personal and company experience with dealing with a companies limiting beliefs?

Client Success Story

“Congratulations! You’ve Been Published.” That was the subject line of an email from my publisher. The email confirmed The Power of The Platform: Speakers on Life, a book I co-authored with powerhouse speakers Les Brown, Brian Tracy, and Jack Canfield, had officially been published. Just one month earlier I received an opportunity to be featured in the book and was thrilled when my chapter, Your Dream Won’t Find You was accepted for publication.

When I reflect on how I got here I realize, the very philosophies I practice and inspire others to live by, are the ones that made this latest accomplishment possible.

Put Goals and Dreams in Writing

In 2009, as part of a group process, I was asked to write down what major impact I would make in my life in the next twelve months. Each person was then instructed to place his/her answer in an envelope to be returned one year later. One day someone walked into my office and handed me an envelope with my name written on it. I recognized the handwriting as my own. Inside was the note I had written to myself one year earlier. One of the items listed was to become a writer and speaker. Through my book and other works, I was already on my way there. This group process was a reminder of the power of putting goals and dreams in writing.

Follow Through

This process was not the first time I had put my dreams in writing. Yet, bringing it to life meant taking action. Without taking action, my dreams are merely words on paper. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part and may seem daunting. Yet, once those first steps are made, achieving a dream becomes easier. Follow through is even more important when one is faced with obstacles. As mentioned in the Power of the Platform, learn to see obstacles as opportunities; otherwise, you will begin to make excuses instead of making action plans.

Coaching for Success

“Coaches are a tremendous resource for, not only helping you to identify your dream; they will also help you to build a roadmap to get there. Coaches will be your cheerleaders, they will hold you accountable, and they will guide you along the way.” These are words of advice from one of my recent videos. Partnering with Corinne McElroy,  Edge Of  Change as my coach is a testament to this strategy.  Among other things, Corinne led me to have a greater belief in myself and provided me with solid tactics for achieving several grand visions.

Focus on What You Want

It took time and practice for me to change my thoughts and language so my focus is placed on the outcomes I want. “Focus on what you want” is a philosophy I empower others to live by because one’s attention can easily shift from what one wants to what one doesn’t want. For example, “I don’t want to fail.” When you focus on “I don’t want…” you are focusing on your fears and you may even see the negative outcome in your mind. Instead, come from a place of empowerment, faith, and confidence.

Perhaps the biggest and most important lesson for me in achieving my dream is remembering my “why.” Remembering why I want to be a writer and speaker keeps me focused on enriching and empowering the lives of others. It is the reason I live by the Horace Mann quote, “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” My why is also a chance for me to leave a legacy of living a life for the betterment of mankind.

Click here to purchase your copy of the Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life

(Link not working? Copy and paste it in your browser: http://bit.ly/POP-SOL)

———————————————————————————————-

Christine Ferguson is a Speaker, Author, and Consultant. Christine has been an entrepreneur, manager, director, and leadership team member working with companies of all sizes – from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. By drawing upon her professional background, leadership training, and personal triumphs, Christine delivers authentic and compelling messages that inspire others to action.

Website: www.christinenferguson.com

Email: info@christinenferguson.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinenferguson

We look at balance as the idea that every area in our life needs to be in perfect harmony… We use tools like a balance wheel and mark them from 1-10 to give us a visual of what areas we would  want to work on.  That is all well and good, now I am asking you to look at balance in a little different way.

What are you saying YES to in your life and what are you saying NO to?
For every Yes, you are saying No to something and for every No, you are saying Yes to something.

Here are some examples:

• I am saying Yes to building my business and No to doubting myself
• I am saying Yes to making 3 new contacts a week and No to the fear of being rejected
• I am saying Yes to fulfillment and abundance and No to being a victim
• I am saying No to stress and feeling I have to do it all on my own and Yes to the skill of delegation

Saying NO is as powerful as your Yes’s.  At times even more powerful.

If I could hand you a KEY to balance, I truly believe this is it…  Test it out for yourself this next 30 days.

What is ONE thing you want to do or stop doing in your personal or business life?
Write that down. Now draw a line down the middle of your paper and on the top left hand side write the word YES and on the right hand side write the word NO

Like this:

For you to really accomplish this goal/result what will you have to say Yes to? And, if you say Yes to it what will you have to say No to?

Keep asking yourself this until you run out of things.

Image if you will~ if you really committed to your Yes’s and your No’s what would be different?

I DARE YOU!  “BE” committed for 30 days~ I would love to hear from you.

Your Coach and Partner,
Corinne McElroy

Client Success Story:

When I was asked to write about my success story, I had to stop for a moment and think about my success. It started with a very scary first step.

It was the first snow of the season and my puppy, Marvin, sat on my bed and watched snow flake after snowflake fall from the sky. His little head would bob up and down as he focused on one flake at a time as it fell. I watched him study this spectacle for twenty minutes. During those twenty minutes a story was created.

My family and I talked and laughed about the little story for about a year. It wasn’t until  my husband came back from a writer’s retreat that he insisted I write the story and send it to an editor. So with fear and apprehension I did write the story and found an editor… and they liked the story!

Well, several steps later and another year, I finally could hold my first book in my hands. I savored the moment; I examined the cover, felt how smooth it was and took a deep breath and said to myself, “You did it, you really did it!” I cannot express the feeling I had holding my book for the first time.

There were times that I did not believe that this moment would come. There were times that I didn’t believe in my abilities or myself. There were days that I literally felt like every step I took forward, I took ten steps backwards. At the moment I held my book, all those steps, processes, and frustrations melted away. I was seeing, and feeling, my goal come to life.

One day while visiting with a few friends, I received a very unexpected reward. I was encouraged by their interest and excitement that I had actually written and published a children’s book. I had a copy of my book, Marvin Discovers Snow, as I stood and listened to a friend read my book aloud, I was in awe at the expression on the listener’s faces and the face of the reader. They were truly delighted to be listening to the story. What I didn’t expect was the feeling of satisfaction, of accomplishment, I was excited by the expression each person had. I didn’t even think that just a simple expression could bring such an award. I enjoyed watching the audience and listening to the reader more that I enjoy reading my own stories aloud. When I started this journey to become a children’s author, I knew that I would feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as I read the story to groups of children and their parents. What I didn’t expect was the enjoyment of hearing my story being read by a friend. This was truly the unexpected reward of becoming a children’s author.

Whether you are an aspiring author or just want to lose some weight. It doesn’t matter what your goal or dream is, what matters is that you take your first step today! Surround yourself with a support group; research the next steps that are required to take you to your goal. Continue forward and learn from the challenges, seek out opportunities to attaining your goals and most of all believe in yourself.

Here’s to success in all your goals and dreams!   

Click Here To Purchase A Signed Copy of the Book
Kathryn Kessler
Children’s Author

Kathryn completed and published her book
during her 4 month Mastery Group Coaching
Program.   What is your dream?

None of us are immune from having to solve problems with others in our life.  Sometimes the solutions come easy, while other times we have to work a little harder to communicate our perspective, listen to the perspectives of others, and work to toward a mutual resolution.

Good communication is the best way to keep problems from interfering with your important relationships.  Here are 5 tips to ensure that your problem resolving communications begin and end with all parties feeling respected and satisfied:

1.    Have a positive expectancy.  Approach the situation with an attitude that all parties are on the same team and want to come to a mutual agreement where everyone feels satisfied.  By coming to the conversation with a positive expectancy, it will reflect in your attitude and your words, and the other person will sense your cooperative demeanor.

2.    Start the discussion in a positive way. Choose to make a positive start by speaking for yourself and not blaming the other person.  Use “I” statements, and phrase the problem in such as way as to invite solutions and cooperation.

3.   Use the empathetic sounding back techniques.  By restating and affirming what the person has said, you are letting the person know that they have been heard and understood.

Here are the two empathetic sounding back techniques:

·   Paraphrasing:  Paraphrasing is simply restating back to the listener in your own words what you have heard them say.  This serves several purposes.  It shows the person that you are speaking to that you are engaged and paying attention to  what they have said.  It also gives you the opportunity to clear up anything you do not understand, or they can correct a misunderstanding.

·    Encourage and Affirm: As we learned earlier, one of the greatest gifts you can give someone is the purity of your attention.  Couple that with affirming statements and encouragement without judgment, and that leads to a strong connection with that person.

Encourage them with simple techniques like nodding your head, smiling, and making short comments such as ‘yes’, and ‘I see’.  Also, affirm them by saying ‘It sounds like you are frustrated because you feel you do all of the work and no one appreciates it.’  Affirming does not mean you agree, it just means you are affirming that you have heard what they said.

4.   Use open ended questions to invite solutions to the problem. For example, say “What part of your work can other people help you with?” Or “What sorts of things can we do that will make you feel appreciated?” Questions like these are a positive and productive way to solve problems.
Open ended questions are a very powerful way to look at different perspectives and explore various options and solutions.  They allow the person you are talking with to process through their thoughts and emotions until a solution appears.  And when the solution appears and they have solved their problem in their own mind, they “own it.” It will completely change their thinking.

5.   Treat each other with respect and kindness.  Remember that respect is critical at all times.  This is especially important when problems raise emotions.

Practicing these tips will help you to resolve all types of conflict in a very productive way—by just listening, being empathetic and asking questions!

Wishing you the best always
Corinne McElroy

Client Guess Post:

By Joseph P. Leverich, CPA

Bookstores are full of books on leadership.  Some have quirky titles like “Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun,” while others are more serious.  However, few are actually written by successful business owners. Most owners and managers learn leadership skills through trial and error, essentially known as “leadership by fire,” a reference to the fiery furnaces of Hell!

Many company managers start from humble beginnings in companies with only a handful of employees.  With lots of hard work, investment and good luck, the business grows, expands and presents leadership opportunities.

Formalized training in leadership is rare.  You likely learned your leadership skills from experience, observation and jumping into jobs and positions with management responsibilities.

The challenge businesses face is how to effectively grow and develop leaders. Not all employees have the desire and skills to be promoted to supervisor, manager and then leader. Title, length of employment, education and experience alone does not make a leader.

The mystery of good leadership is being able to define it, and identify and teach the necessary skill set.  You cannot simply hope for future leaders.  An investment in time, money and energy is required. As a leader of a top company, you need to decide if it is simply too risky to wait and see which employees will grow into leaders.

Clearly defining effective leadership and its qualities and standards is challenging.  A colloquial phrase often heard is, “I will know it when I see it,” but that does not give future leaders much direction.

Schools in leadership training are a different phenomenon.  General Electric has had a corporate training center in Crotonville, New York since the mid-1950s, and the different military branches are highly recognized for their famous academies.  However, few businesses have the resources to build their own exclusive program, and yet, every business struggles to develop its management team to the highest level.

Studies look at top businesses to determine what differentiates leaders in an industry group and what they are doing to continue to build their success.  The results continually point to development of leadership skills at all levels.  A recent study of leading companies considered to be top leaders in their respective industries showed the following:

·         Revenue growth, innovation and talent management are the three major business challenges.

·         Foremost entities are investing in leadership development by supporting organizational change, building a mindset and culture of innovation and helping leaders implement strategies to communicate vision and values. Businesses must do more than adapt to changed business conditions.

·         Successful businesses are employing leadership development; coaching, mentoring, leader training, action learning and succession planning are seen as the most powerful tools for success.

·         The least effective practice is the traditional “top-down, follow long enough and you too will develop” method.  This method is unpredictable, expensive, and at the very least, survivors have gaps in their leadership ability.

·         Businesses succeed in development the more their business strategy is incorporated in day-to-day activities.

·         The CEO and executive team are most likely to contribute as mentors and give input about desired program impact to ensure the connection between leader development and the utilization in the business for desired results.

·         The most successful companies focus on individual development within a framework for the desired outcome. An overall plan to follow with specific training is needed to develop skills.

The most successful entities in this study recognized that they and their developing executives still face challenges connecting leadership training with business results.  They also found it to be critical to take the time to develop leadership plans.  These companies avoid wasting time and expense with no targeted outcome.  The days of hoping and wishing for success are long gone.

The leadership plan should be unique to the needs of the company.  Nonetheless, recognized tools that any company can use to their benefit include decision making, delegation and supervision, accountability for company initiatives, learning negation skills and development of personal skills.

The U.S. Navy, known for discipline and training, recognized that its senior officers and Admiral Candidates were not sufficiently prepared.  To address this issue, the Executive Learning Office was created.  The Navy, looking for the top one percent of roughly 3,000 Captains to be considered for promotion to Admiral, wants officers who are leaders.  This new training program has helped the Navy demonstrate superior leadership resulting in many national and international positions for its graduates.  Graduates are widely regarded as those who rise above their functional areas and act decisively on big-picture issues.

By creating a leadership plan, working on developing skills needed for your business and focusing on individual growth and development, you can grow your leaders for the continued future success of your business.

Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch said, “If change is happening on the outside faster than on the inside, the end is in sight.”  Staying ahead in this business climate requires your foremost focus and attention.  It is now time to develop leaders in your company.

Joseph P. Leverich, CPA, is managing partner and President of the Leverich Group, a Salt Lake-based CPA and management consulting firm.  E-mail your comments and questions to jleverich@leverich.com or phone (801) 364-4949.

I am noticing that a lot of conversations with friends and clients are around the topic of boundaries, creating and establishing them.

One woman came to her coaching session very frustrated.. She is a CEO of a large financial company.  Her frustration was as she steps into the office first thing in the morning her team starts bombarding her with questions and problems.

I asked her… how does this affect you.?
Her response…  I get upset, I yell at them, tell them to go figure it out themselves and at times even slam my office door.

I asked her… how does this impact the team?
Her response… My staff doesn’t believe I really care about them or what they are working on, that I am more important then they are, and they think I am a total bitch.

“OUCH”

I asked her… what do you need from your team?
She came up with that she really only needed 15 minutes to put down her purse, get a cup of coffee and take a breath before she took on the tasks of her work day.

Most of us have never been taught how to handle or create boundaries.  All we know is we are having an emotional reaction of some kind to something.

So how do we move  from effect to cause?

There is a trust factor that comes into play here.  Sharing our needs with others then trusting  they will respect, honor and understand.
If we do not share with others what our boundaries are we can not expect them to understand when they have crossed them and why we are upset.

How about you… What boundaries are you needing to establish and share with others?

Share your thoughts in the comments below…

Wishing you the best always,
Corinne McElroy

1. You have to be certain your non-verbal cues match what you are saying. Most of the time this is natural. You smile when you are happy, slump down when you are not.  There may be times when you wish to show a different message than what you are feeling. You may feel nervous, and wish to show confidence. Take a deep breath, straighten your shoulders, and raise your head up. Put yourself in the “pose” that means confidence to you. You will feel more confident! Your posture even sends a message to your mind!

2.  Think about what your body is doing in certain situations. How are you sitting? Does your posture send the message of attentiveness? When talking to someone are you looking at the person you are conversing with? Remember, whatever message your body is sending will trump your words. Is your body telling the other person in this conversation that you aren’t interested, or that you are, that you do not care, or you really do? You have the conscious choice to decide what message you want to send, and it starts with your body.

3.  Nervous habits can send a different message than what you intend. The problem with these habits is that most people do not realize they do them. Distracting habits can include touching your face often, jangling coins in your pockets, or use of “word whiskers” like saying “um” in every pause when you speak. Certain habits convey certain meanings and these can be distracting and take away from the effectiveness of your communication.
For instance, if your posture is slumped over or if you touch your face, that reflects that you are not confident or approachable, and that you are feeling uneasy.

4.  Practice making appropriate gestures at important points you are making. If you want to ensure your message is understood, use gestures that enhance your message when you speak.  Reinforcing your points with appropriate gestures increases the effectiveness of your message.

5. Pay attention to your emotions. We all have had times in our lives when our emotions have “gotten the best of us”, and usually not in healthy, productive communication.  When emotions take over, they will be what the other person will pay attention to, not what you are saying. Then communication breaks down, and miscommunication happen.  If necessary take a few deep breaths, count to 10 (it really works!), or take a time out if necessary.

Communication is the key to success is all our roles.   If you would like more information sign up for the free report on Communication. You will also receive 6 free training audios..
Also,  sign up for the free communications tele -seminar on April 21
www.edgeofchange.com/communication

Wishing you the best,
Corinne McElroy
541-344-8639

I was working with a client yesterday and she said to me.  Corinne you just do not understand, it is really lonely at the top.

I asked her why she felt lonely?

As she explained to me all the reasons I could hear the heaviness and burden she was feeling.

At times being a business owner it feels like we have to do everything all by ourselves.  We carry the heavy weight of making sure that everything is being done from the marketing, sales, employees to taking care of the clients.

We also get to take a look at how we are setting ourselves up to be lonely.

How are you showing up as a leader?

Do you allow others to feel they are a part of your team?  Do you share with your employees  your vision and goals for the company and ask them for ideas on how to make them a reality?

Sharing the vision, goals and strategies with  your employees, your team, allows them to understand how important their part is in the success of the company and there fore the success for themselves.

Do you speak to your family and ask them for their input and help?

This will help with the balance in your life and your business in so many ways by bringing in the people that love you to let them understand what you are working on and why.

Do you have peer groups, master mind groups and networking groups you are part of?

Having others that understand the challenges you are going through as a business owner and will share resources are powerful.

You do not have to do it all alone.   Be willing to reach out and ask for assistance.  Allow others to be part of the dream!

If you need any help check out www.edgeofchange.com/groupcoaching