I traveled the world to meet Canadians
After my second year of university study, I took a year off to see the world. It's curious that by leaving the country I met many diverse Canadians and learned more about Canada. I visited more than 20 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific.
Each time I met with a Canadian there was an instant connection, which often led to trust and friendship. Even though it was more than 25 years ago, I still remember the Canadians I met. Here are a few.
Strolling along a main street in Zurich, Switzerland I noticed his jacket, emblazoned with the name of my university, McMaster. 'Hey McMaster' I called out on a staid Swiss street. The Swiss ignored me but he turned and brightened as much as I must have. We excitedly introduced ourselves and shook hands. We almost hugged - which would not have fit in with the Swiss way of behaviour. We had lunch and he poured out to me how he missed home and was spending his money quickly so he had an excuse to go home early. He had planned on a six-month journey but after a couple of months he wanted to go home.
A couple from Quebec traveled with me for a few days. Instead of Canadian flags on their pack they proudly displayed the fleur-de-lis. They explained to me about Quebec's desire to maintain its own identity. Having lived my life in Ontario, this was news to me. I was shocked to hear about this, but I came to appreciate their feeling.
In Stockholm, Sweden, I met two Canadians - a hockey player "hopeful" from Quebec and a hockey fan from Ontario. We pigged out at a breakfast buffet at the train station restaurant. We ate so much that it was the only meal I had all day. The Winnipeg Jets, who had recently recruited several European players, were practising in town. We watched the practice especially our hero, Bobby Hull. After the practice we lined up to meet him. I remember him smiling when we blocked his passage and I proudly announced, "Bobby. Hi we are Canadians, can I have your autograph?" Even though he was rushing to catch the team bus he stopped to shake each of our hands, and autograph a postcard for me. The man was friendly, had arms like an ox, and much to my surprise my hero was much shorter than I.
They were newlyweds from Alberta. Instead of a traditional wedding, they had asked for the money to allow them to travel the world for six to twelve months. Like me they were traveling on the cheap. Strange how we continued to bump into each other in faraway lands - Bombay, India; Katmandu, Nepal and Bangkok, Thailand. Each time we met it was like greating family.
He was retired, somewhere in his sixties. I met him in Bombay while staying at the Salvation Army hostel. He was spending part of his retirement seeing the world and had just suffered a major setback. He was going to be stranded for a couple of weeks because his passport and all his money had been stolen. Yet he remained calm. He was willing to wait for replacement passport and money to continue his world trek.
In every bushel there must be one rotten apple. We met in New Delhi. We shared a room in a cheap hotel. During one of our conversations I proudly showed him my Bobby Hull autograph. During the next few days I became extremely sick with dysentery, so I spent most of the time between the bed and the toilet. I recovered and we parted to follow our individual journeys. Days later I discovered that my treasured Bobby Hull autograph was gone. What hurt most was not losing the autograph, but realizing that someone I had trusted had cheated me - and that someone was a Canadian. That really hurt.
In the twelve months that I traveled around the world I met more Canadians than any other nationality. The second place went to Australians and a distant third to Americans.
By visiting distant lands I gained a wondrous appreciation for Canada. From the Canadians I met on trains, planes, beaches, and in museums, parks, and restaurants I found many friends and proud fellow Canadians.
George Torok
Business In Motion
Friday, June 30, 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Ten Favourite Canadian Whines
(Yes, we can laugh at ourselves)
1. Complaining about the Americans.
2. Complaining about the US dollar exchange rate.
3. Complaining about the demise of the Avro Arrow.
4. Complaining about the government and the 'idiots' who voted them in.
5. Complaining about the CFL, Canadian Football League.
6. Complaining about Canadian Senators - the politicians - not the hockey team.
7. Complaining about customer service - or lack there of.
8. Complaining about their neighbour.
9. Complaining that there is nothing on TV, while we click away.
10.Complaining about the weather.
George Torok
Business In Motion
1. Complaining about the Americans.
2. Complaining about the US dollar exchange rate.
3. Complaining about the demise of the Avro Arrow.
4. Complaining about the government and the 'idiots' who voted them in.
5. Complaining about the CFL, Canadian Football League.
6. Complaining about Canadian Senators - the politicians - not the hockey team.
7. Complaining about customer service - or lack there of.
8. Complaining about their neighbour.
9. Complaining that there is nothing on TV, while we click away.
10.Complaining about the weather.
George Torok
Business In Motion
Monday, June 26, 2006
In Canada We Have Freedom
I was 20 years old and behind the Iron Curtain. The year was 1975. I was in the tiny village of Zomba, Hungary, the birthplace my father had left to flee to freedom nearly 30 years earlier when the Soviet Communists rolled in.
The same question came up every time I met with Hungarian students my age. 'What is it like in Canada?' My answer was always the same. 'There is more of everything in Canada. More choices and opportunities. Anyone can become anyone they want - head of a company, leader of a community or even prime minister of Canada. It is not dependant on their politics, colour or religion. And most importantly,' I would proudly add, 'We have Freedom.'
They always looked at me funny when I said that last part. Meanwhile 'western' music played in the background - Beatles, Doors or Rolling Stones - broadcast from Radio Free Europe. They seemed to miss the irony.
'What do you mean?' they asked. I answered with conviction, 'We can read about any politics we want. We can read about Hitler, Lenin, or Mao. We can choose to be a Communist, Capitalist, or Anarchist. We can say what we think - even if we badmouth our leader and we won't be shot or jailed. We can openly worship any religion we want and not be persecuted.'
They stared incredulously and silently. I never knew if they were simply being polite, afraid to speak or if they secretly coveted what I claimed as my Canadian birthright.
I always believed in my heart what I told them. But it never really hit home for me until I had the same discussion with a 18-year old girl and her father one evening while I was a guest in their home.
When I told her the part, 'We have freedom in Canada.' Her retort was, 'We have freedom in Hungary.' I pointedly responded, 'Oh Yeah, what about 1956?' She innocently responded, 'In 1956, the Hungarian people decided to remain socialist.' I will never forget those exact words. Dumb struck, I asked, 'What about the tanks?' She looked at me and responded, 'What tanks?' I turned to her father and asked, 'Are you going to say anything?" He meekly answered. "No."
In 1956 there was an armed rebellion to overthrow the Soviet controlled puppet government ruling Hungary. Soviet tanks crushed the rebellion and Hungarian blood flowed in the streets. It was a swift and cruel destruction of the Hungarian people's right to self-determination. Yet this young woman believed that there was a free choice.
It hit me like a Soviet tank; I am so lucky to live in Canada. This man was so afraid he would not dare tell his own daughter, in his own house about what happened. I was lost for words. Part of me cried and part of me thanked my lucky stars for being born in Canada..
I had never before understood the power of oppression and state controlled propaganda. Nor had I ever realized how valuable this thing called freedom that I had taken for granted could be. Now I do.
George Torok
Business In Motion
The same question came up every time I met with Hungarian students my age. 'What is it like in Canada?' My answer was always the same. 'There is more of everything in Canada. More choices and opportunities. Anyone can become anyone they want - head of a company, leader of a community or even prime minister of Canada. It is not dependant on their politics, colour or religion. And most importantly,' I would proudly add, 'We have Freedom.'
They always looked at me funny when I said that last part. Meanwhile 'western' music played in the background - Beatles, Doors or Rolling Stones - broadcast from Radio Free Europe. They seemed to miss the irony.
'What do you mean?' they asked. I answered with conviction, 'We can read about any politics we want. We can read about Hitler, Lenin, or Mao. We can choose to be a Communist, Capitalist, or Anarchist. We can say what we think - even if we badmouth our leader and we won't be shot or jailed. We can openly worship any religion we want and not be persecuted.'
They stared incredulously and silently. I never knew if they were simply being polite, afraid to speak or if they secretly coveted what I claimed as my Canadian birthright.
I always believed in my heart what I told them. But it never really hit home for me until I had the same discussion with a 18-year old girl and her father one evening while I was a guest in their home.
When I told her the part, 'We have freedom in Canada.' Her retort was, 'We have freedom in Hungary.' I pointedly responded, 'Oh Yeah, what about 1956?' She innocently responded, 'In 1956, the Hungarian people decided to remain socialist.' I will never forget those exact words. Dumb struck, I asked, 'What about the tanks?' She looked at me and responded, 'What tanks?' I turned to her father and asked, 'Are you going to say anything?" He meekly answered. "No."
In 1956 there was an armed rebellion to overthrow the Soviet controlled puppet government ruling Hungary. Soviet tanks crushed the rebellion and Hungarian blood flowed in the streets. It was a swift and cruel destruction of the Hungarian people's right to self-determination. Yet this young woman believed that there was a free choice.
It hit me like a Soviet tank; I am so lucky to live in Canada. This man was so afraid he would not dare tell his own daughter, in his own house about what happened. I was lost for words. Part of me cried and part of me thanked my lucky stars for being born in Canada..
I had never before understood the power of oppression and state controlled propaganda. Nor had I ever realized how valuable this thing called freedom that I had taken for granted could be. Now I do.
George Torok
Business In Motion
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Open Sesame: I'm from Canada
Washington DC, the seat of the government of the United States of America.
I was overwhelmed by the importance of this city and it's inhabitants. A strange place to realize the power of being Canadian.
Attending a convention, I arrived a few days early to enjoy the city and make some business contacts. As a professional speaker I thought I would just drop in to say hello to some of the association offices. There are over 1,000 in Washington and many of them hire speakers for their conferences and seminars.
Not sure of my schedule I did not prearrange meetings nor in most cases even have a contact name. I showed the limousine driver the list of addresses and told him to drive. I was surprised to discover that you could not simply walk into an office building in Washington. Each lobby was guarded by a security guard that screened all visitors. And even if I could sneak by the front desk there were no index boards in the lobby to tell me which floor my prospect was on.
The first two stops I had a contact name to gain entrance. But on the next stop I walked up to the guard and was stymied when he asked me, "Who are you here to see?" I stammered, "I don't know, but I am from Canada." Suddenly his face lit up, "From Canada? Let me find someone to see you." He placed a phone call and moments later someone appeared to greet me and introduce me around. "This is George Torok and he is visiting from Canada." Wow, I felt like royalty. I used this same introduction for the rest of the day and it worked like a charm every time.
At the end of the day I felt pretty good about myself, about Washington and about being Canadian.
George Torok
Business In Motion
I was overwhelmed by the importance of this city and it's inhabitants. A strange place to realize the power of being Canadian.
Attending a convention, I arrived a few days early to enjoy the city and make some business contacts. As a professional speaker I thought I would just drop in to say hello to some of the association offices. There are over 1,000 in Washington and many of them hire speakers for their conferences and seminars.
Not sure of my schedule I did not prearrange meetings nor in most cases even have a contact name. I showed the limousine driver the list of addresses and told him to drive. I was surprised to discover that you could not simply walk into an office building in Washington. Each lobby was guarded by a security guard that screened all visitors. And even if I could sneak by the front desk there were no index boards in the lobby to tell me which floor my prospect was on.
The first two stops I had a contact name to gain entrance. But on the next stop I walked up to the guard and was stymied when he asked me, "Who are you here to see?" I stammered, "I don't know, but I am from Canada." Suddenly his face lit up, "From Canada? Let me find someone to see you." He placed a phone call and moments later someone appeared to greet me and introduce me around. "This is George Torok and he is visiting from Canada." Wow, I felt like royalty. I used this same introduction for the rest of the day and it worked like a charm every time.
At the end of the day I felt pretty good about myself, about Washington and about being Canadian.
George Torok
Business In Motion
Monday, June 19, 2006
CANADA DAY
On June 12, I began a series of posts celebrating Canada Day. You will find more entrancing information about Canada in the next posts leading up to Canada Day.
Be sure to visit regularly.
George Torok
Business In Motion
Be sure to visit regularly.
George Torok
Business In Motion
THE YUKON SPIRIT: Nurturing Entrepreneurs
What defines the entrepreneurial spirit? Drive, focus, innovation, can-do attitude, self-determination and the desire to be different. If you demonstrate these qualities you might be an entrepreneurial spirit. It doesn't matter whether you run your own business or if you work for someone else.
What creates the entrepreneurial spirit? Are you born with it or is it determined by your environment? I believe it is both. The environment can help to nurture the spirit within you. The perfect environment to nurture that spirit is the Yukon Territory of Canada.
The Yukon is a breathtaking land of extremes and hardy spirit to match. Winter temperatures range from -60C to summer days in the thirties. Winter days shorten to five hours of sunlight while the mid summer sun shines for almost 24 hours a day. You will find Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan and Canada's westernmost city - Whitehorse. Chinook Salmon swim 2,000 miles up the Yukon River to spawn. The worlds toughest dog sled race, The Yukon Quest, runs 1,000 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon each year. It is a grueling 10 day contest of 'musher' and dog team against the elements and most importantly against one's self. The mushers face their own limits, self doubts and often wild hallucinations due to fatigue and lack of sleep.
These are extreme conditions that would tax the mettle of entrepreneurs everywhere. Entrepreneurs explore their own limits, and face self doubts and lack of sleep in their business. Business conditions and cash flow can swing from one extreme to the other. Like the mushers a successful entrepreneur needs to focus, prepare, and plan. Then be ready to flex as conditions or opportunities demand.
A woman won the Feb 2000 race for the first time in its 17 year history. The entrepreneur of the new millennium is more likely to be a woman. They are staking out new ground in the workplace, as corporate CEO's and in small business.
The once mighty mining industry has fallen. Old strengths can become future weaknesses. The new force is the entrepreneur. A rapidly growing part of the new business is destination tourism. The Yukon is a beauty to visit and experience. Be sure to mark the Yukon on your list of places you must visit soon.
The new entrepreneurs are not just in tourism. They include builders, jewelers, artists, brewers, authors and Internet specialists. The Yukon is the perfect incubator for the entrepreneurial spirit. Plan your journey; focus your efforts and mush!
© George Torok is co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing. He speaks across North America, including the Yukon on how entrepreneurs can market themselves with greater success. You can reach him at 800-304-1861. For more information about his programs visit www.Torok.com
Business in Motion
What creates the entrepreneurial spirit? Are you born with it or is it determined by your environment? I believe it is both. The environment can help to nurture the spirit within you. The perfect environment to nurture that spirit is the Yukon Territory of Canada.
The Yukon is a breathtaking land of extremes and hardy spirit to match. Winter temperatures range from -60C to summer days in the thirties. Winter days shorten to five hours of sunlight while the mid summer sun shines for almost 24 hours a day. You will find Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan and Canada's westernmost city - Whitehorse. Chinook Salmon swim 2,000 miles up the Yukon River to spawn. The worlds toughest dog sled race, The Yukon Quest, runs 1,000 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon each year. It is a grueling 10 day contest of 'musher' and dog team against the elements and most importantly against one's self. The mushers face their own limits, self doubts and often wild hallucinations due to fatigue and lack of sleep.
These are extreme conditions that would tax the mettle of entrepreneurs everywhere. Entrepreneurs explore their own limits, and face self doubts and lack of sleep in their business. Business conditions and cash flow can swing from one extreme to the other. Like the mushers a successful entrepreneur needs to focus, prepare, and plan. Then be ready to flex as conditions or opportunities demand.
A woman won the Feb 2000 race for the first time in its 17 year history. The entrepreneur of the new millennium is more likely to be a woman. They are staking out new ground in the workplace, as corporate CEO's and in small business.
The once mighty mining industry has fallen. Old strengths can become future weaknesses. The new force is the entrepreneur. A rapidly growing part of the new business is destination tourism. The Yukon is a beauty to visit and experience. Be sure to mark the Yukon on your list of places you must visit soon.
The new entrepreneurs are not just in tourism. They include builders, jewelers, artists, brewers, authors and Internet specialists. The Yukon is the perfect incubator for the entrepreneurial spirit. Plan your journey; focus your efforts and mush!
© George Torok is co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing. He speaks across North America, including the Yukon on how entrepreneurs can market themselves with greater success. You can reach him at 800-304-1861. For more information about his programs visit www.Torok.com
Business in Motion
Friday, June 16, 2006
NEGOTIATION SKILLS
Interview with Kelley Robertson, Negotiations Expert
Is the ability to negotiate a natural talent or can it be taught?
Negotiating is a skill which means that it can be taught. There are several types of negotiation and one that virtually everyone can benefit from is sales negotiation. This applies to people who sell goods and services, corporate buyers who make purchases for their company, as well as consumers who buy products from retailers and businesses.
What do the best negotiators do better?
There are a variety of things. The most important is that they don’t resort to discounting the price of their products or services immediately. Instead, they work at establishing the value of their offering and demonstrate why someone should buy from them. They usually look for creative alternatives and they seldom resist the opportunity to negotiate. I knew one business person who negotiated any time the opportunity presented itself. This helped him become more confident as a consumer which improved his ability when his customers wanted to negotiate with him.
Why are some people afraid to negotiate?
From a sales perspective, many people are afraid to lose the sale. From a buyer perspective, people are concerned with appearing cheap or losing face. Plus, the majority of people have never learned how to negotiate effectively so they resist it. And, if they don’t practise regularly, they won’t develop their skills.
When should we negotiate?
Most people negotiate when they make a major purchase like a car, appliances, or house. However, I think we should negotiate every time we have the opportunity. I know people who have negotiated better prices for their groceries, paint, shoes, and clothes.
How does culture impact negotiation?
North Americans are relatively new when it comes to negotiation, although many other cultures like Asians negotiate everything, everyday. As a result, they have much more experience and can be more effective negotiators.
What does it take to be a good negotiator?
There are a variety of factors. They include the ability to be patient, to look for creative solutions, to keep your ego in check, and to maintain the mental ability to walk away from any deal that doesn’t make sense.
Tell us about your next negotiating program
I have a tele-seminar series starting on June 21st. It consists of 4 separate modules:
1) General Principles
2) Fatal Negotiating Mistakes
3) Negotiating Tactics and Counter-Tactics
4) Negotiating Price and Handling Concessions
Each module is one hour in length and they are scheduled 2 weeks apart. Participants will learn virtually everything they need to know to negotiate more effectively and the key advantage with this program is that they don’t have to take a lot of time away from the office. If their schedule conflicts with some of the days and times, it’s also available on CD. You can get details at my website:
www.RobertsonTrainingGroup.com/tele-workshops.html
George Torok
Business in Motion
Thursday, June 15, 2006
My Favourite Places in Canada
1. Niagara Falls, Ontario
I was born there. The falls are spectacular in summer and in winter - day and night.
2. Ottawa, Ontario
The nation's capital is lovely to behold in both winter and summer. The canals, tulips, museums, parliament buildings.
3. Kingston, Ontario
Old Fort Henry is pleasing in it's design, symmetry and history. The downtown is engaging and peaceful.
4. Quebec, Quebec
Even better than New York, New York - they named it twice. The Chateau, the boardwalk and the old town are European in their charm and splendor.
5. Elora, Ontario
A picturesque village on the Grand River, alongside the Elora gorge, with limestone buildings, next door to the Scottish enchantment of Fergus, close to the Mennonites of Elmira and the German flavour of Kitchener.
6. Hamilton, Ontario
Steeltown, Canada. Most either hate it or love it. I grew up there - I love it. The 'mountain', the industry, the one way streets and the university.
7. Montreal, Quebec
A cosmopolitan yet 'European' city in it's character. I remember Expo 67, the rubber-tired subway and the French "je ne sais quois" style.
8. Banff, Alberta
A magical town in a beautiful setting, with hot springs, mountains, and wildlife. It reminds me of Nepal.
9. Whitehorse, Yukon
Breathtaking. This must be the Canada that many Europeans envision. A city of only 20,000 people in an extreme climate and geography. Everyone I met wanted to be there.
10. Charlottetown, PEI
What a treat it must be to live in this city, the birthplace of Canada on this postcard perfect island.
11. Toronto, Ontario
Hamilton raised, it is difficult for me to admit that Toronto is an amazing city. There is much I dislike; yet I like - the museums, restaurants, entertainment, diverse cultures, old buildings, landmarks, excitement, ...
George Torok
Business in Motion
I was born there. The falls are spectacular in summer and in winter - day and night.
2. Ottawa, Ontario
The nation's capital is lovely to behold in both winter and summer. The canals, tulips, museums, parliament buildings.
3. Kingston, Ontario
Old Fort Henry is pleasing in it's design, symmetry and history. The downtown is engaging and peaceful.
4. Quebec, Quebec
Even better than New York, New York - they named it twice. The Chateau, the boardwalk and the old town are European in their charm and splendor.
5. Elora, Ontario
A picturesque village on the Grand River, alongside the Elora gorge, with limestone buildings, next door to the Scottish enchantment of Fergus, close to the Mennonites of Elmira and the German flavour of Kitchener.
6. Hamilton, Ontario
Steeltown, Canada. Most either hate it or love it. I grew up there - I love it. The 'mountain', the industry, the one way streets and the university.
7. Montreal, Quebec
A cosmopolitan yet 'European' city in it's character. I remember Expo 67, the rubber-tired subway and the French "je ne sais quois" style.
8. Banff, Alberta
A magical town in a beautiful setting, with hot springs, mountains, and wildlife. It reminds me of Nepal.
9. Whitehorse, Yukon
Breathtaking. This must be the Canada that many Europeans envision. A city of only 20,000 people in an extreme climate and geography. Everyone I met wanted to be there.
10. Charlottetown, PEI
What a treat it must be to live in this city, the birthplace of Canada on this postcard perfect island.
11. Toronto, Ontario
Hamilton raised, it is difficult for me to admit that Toronto is an amazing city. There is much I dislike; yet I like - the museums, restaurants, entertainment, diverse cultures, old buildings, landmarks, excitement, ...
George Torok
Business in Motion
Monday, June 12, 2006
CELEBRATE CANADA DAY
How to recognize a Canadian in a crowd
1. Bump into a Canadian in a crowded room and they say 'sorry'.
2. They can tell you exactly where they were when Paul Henderson scored his goal in the 1972 Canada-Russia hockey series.
3. They cry when you mention Terry Fox.
4. They don't understand patriotism.
5. They understand regional disparities.
6. They don't know what they are - but they are sure glad they are not American.
7. They don't think a Canadian is any good until they make it in the USA.
8. They believe that Canada is the best country - but they cannot explain why.
9. They appreciate good Canadian food like hamburgs, pizza, egg rolls, buffalo wings, tortillas, perogies...
10. When they are told to wait in line - they do!
George Torok
Business in Motion
Friday, June 09, 2006
Questions
As an interviewer I have learned the power of questions. And yes, there are dumb questions. But more importantly there are smart questions.Smart questions are those that move people in the direction that you want them to move without appearing manipulative. Here are some examples:
To get short answers ask closed questions – that lead to yes or no answers.
To gain insights ask why…
To learn details ask how…
To simplify say “in simple terms…”
To guide say “if you were talking to …”
To control ask “what 3 things…?”
Another way to control is to state multiple choice questions.
And, after you ask a question – shut up and listen. This is the toughest part but most important skill to master.
George Torok
Business in Motion
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Canadian Quotations
John Robert Colombo, the great Canadian Gatherer released his latest book – The Penguin Dictionary of Popular Canadian Quotations.
It contains over 4,000 quotations by Canadians and about Canada.
In this book you will find these quotations from George Torok:
Management
Anyone can manage when things go right; it takes a leader to take charge when things to wrong.
Markets & Marketing
Selling is immediate. It is short term. Marketing is everything else you do that makes it easier to sell. Marketing is long term.
Meetings
If I were King of the World, there would be fewer meetings, and every meeting would be shorter. There are three types of meetings – boring, complete waste of time and postponed.
MotivationThere are only two types of motivation: fear and desire. Your greatest fear or desire always wins.
Talent
You might be tempted to think that talent rules. The problem with talent is that it runs hot and cold. Talent is inconsistent that way. If you have no talent but you have a system you will always start with poor results. But with a system you will be consistent and improve over time. It may be frustrating and slow at first, but you will grow.
John Robert Colombo is known as the Master Gatherer for his innumerable publications devoted to Canada. He has written, translated or edited over 180 books including anthologies of literature, collections of humour, books of science fiction, studies of the paranormal and biographical sketches. A graduate of the University of Toronto, John Robert Colombo is the recipient of the Harbourfront Festival Prize as well as a D. Litt. (h.c.) from York University. He is an Esteemed Knight of Mark Twain and a member of both the Order of Cyril and Methodious (first class) and the Order of Canada.
George Torok
Business in Motion
It contains over 4,000 quotations by Canadians and about Canada.
In this book you will find these quotations from George Torok:
Management
Anyone can manage when things go right; it takes a leader to take charge when things to wrong.
Markets & Marketing
Selling is immediate. It is short term. Marketing is everything else you do that makes it easier to sell. Marketing is long term.
Meetings
If I were King of the World, there would be fewer meetings, and every meeting would be shorter. There are three types of meetings – boring, complete waste of time and postponed.
MotivationThere are only two types of motivation: fear and desire. Your greatest fear or desire always wins.
Talent
You might be tempted to think that talent rules. The problem with talent is that it runs hot and cold. Talent is inconsistent that way. If you have no talent but you have a system you will always start with poor results. But with a system you will be consistent and improve over time. It may be frustrating and slow at first, but you will grow.
John Robert Colombo is known as the Master Gatherer for his innumerable publications devoted to Canada. He has written, translated or edited over 180 books including anthologies of literature, collections of humour, books of science fiction, studies of the paranormal and biographical sketches. A graduate of the University of Toronto, John Robert Colombo is the recipient of the Harbourfront Festival Prize as well as a D. Litt. (h.c.) from York University. He is an Esteemed Knight of Mark Twain and a member of both the Order of Cyril and Methodious (first class) and the Order of Canada.
George Torok
Business in Motion
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Entrepreneur Map
Direction and forward motion is the sign of an entrepreneur.
An entrepreneur picks a direction then moves in that direction.
Most often they have not figured out the little details. And often they discover the details as they move forward. So naturally they make lots of mistakes as they move and that is perfectly okay. The worst mistake would be to wait and figure out all the details before they move. That might be too late.
After my second year in university I decided to travel around the world: a bold vision. And a ridiculous and dangerous plan according to many who attempted to advise me.
My plan was simple. I would head east until I returned home and I would be home within a year.
That was my plan. Simple and measurable.
And sure I had a list of places I wanted to see. No one place on that list made my journey, but collectively they all did.
One year later I returned home. I had visited all the places on my list and then some. I have traveled through 22 countries, five continents and across three oceans.
My plan was simple – head east, be home within one year and experience as much of the world as I could.
That is how an entrepreneur thinks - clear goals, simple plans and measurable results. You will encounter some unknowns along the way to be decided by the overall plan.
George Torok
World Traveler
An entrepreneur picks a direction then moves in that direction.
Most often they have not figured out the little details. And often they discover the details as they move forward. So naturally they make lots of mistakes as they move and that is perfectly okay. The worst mistake would be to wait and figure out all the details before they move. That might be too late.
After my second year in university I decided to travel around the world: a bold vision. And a ridiculous and dangerous plan according to many who attempted to advise me.
My plan was simple. I would head east until I returned home and I would be home within a year.
That was my plan. Simple and measurable.
And sure I had a list of places I wanted to see. No one place on that list made my journey, but collectively they all did.
One year later I returned home. I had visited all the places on my list and then some. I have traveled through 22 countries, five continents and across three oceans.
My plan was simple – head east, be home within one year and experience as much of the world as I could.
That is how an entrepreneur thinks - clear goals, simple plans and measurable results. You will encounter some unknowns along the way to be decided by the overall plan.
George Torok
World Traveler
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)