Torok Library New Articles

George Torok Library: New Articles

What's new on the Torok Article Library?


Fire alarm rings during your presentation

What do you do when the fire alarm rings during your presentation? I've witnessed this disaster happen to two other speakers and this week it was my turn. It's a lot easier to think logically about it after it is over. It might never happen to you - but perhaps you should be prepared for the fire alarm to ring during your presentation. About eight minutes into my breakfast presentation to the local chamber of commerce at a fancy restaurant the fire alarm rang. The alarm was annoyingly loud so naturally I stopped speaking and... read the rest...



Mastermind Group Mistakes

I was recently invited to become part of a mastermind group. It's not the first time but this one was the quickest disaster. One meeting and it burst into pieces. There are several lessons in that disaster from which you can learn when forming your own mastermind group. We should learn from our own pain and especially from the pain of others. I believe that a mastermind group can be very productive. I know that from others who have been members of long time productive mastermind groups. And I have taken part in groups that are variations of mastermind groups and I was surprised at what happend this time ... read the rest



Business Lessons from Las Vegas

If you haven't been to Las Vegas recently - you should visit soon. When you visit take good notes. Don't judge - pay attention. Las Vegas offers a powerful business model. Las Vegas is a place to learn how to run your business. It has been called the sin city. But the real lessons of Vegas are not about sin or gambling. It's about how to run a successful business. Consider these important business lessons that ... read the rest ...


Why Did This Motor Cycle Dealer go Bankrupt?

My motorcycle dealer is bankrupt. The notice in the paper screamed that message and announced the two-day bankruptcy sale. By "my" dealer I mean the one where I bought my motorcycle. Naturally I was unhappy to read that news because now I would have to look elsewhere for motorcycle service. My bike is a Suzuki and Cycle City was the only Suzuki dealer in Burlington ... read the rest ...


George Torok
Business Speaker
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The Night Before Christmas

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

by Clement Clarke Mooreor Henry Livingston



'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;



The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,



When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.



The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,



With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.



More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!



To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"



As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,



With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.


He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.



His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;



The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.


He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;



He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;



He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,


"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."


The Night before Christmas -- Story read to you
Locate Real Christmas Tree Farms near you
More Christmas stories and Words to Christmas Songs
More on who wrote story

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I enjoyed reading this story when I was a child.

I enjoyed even more reading it aloud to my three children when they were small.


George Torok

Are you safe

Zero Million Articles

Zero Million Articles

My articles are published on Zero Million Articles. It is an article site. Enjoy these articles.

Secrets from David Copperfield
David Copperfield - live at the MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas! You might be fascinated to know what I discovered behind the curtain. I was lucky enough to assist him with one segment of his show. Of course I was sworn to secrecy and cannot reveal the magic behind that trick.


Keeping your business alive
As long as you eat and breathe you will stay alive. But is that really living? In a crisis that may be enough. If your business is in crisis - deal with it. But the secret to keeping your business alive is growth. That is the litmus test of keeping your business alive. Look at nature.


Systems for Success
What does it take to succeed? How many times have you asked that question of yourself and others? You may have heard many different answers. I have found one thing that successful people have in common. They use systems.


Marketing is a long term investment
"Dig your well before you're thirsty" is the title of a wonderful book by Harvey Mackay. It is smart advice for investing your money, "Save your money before you need it", or growing your business, "Market today for tomorrow". When times are tough some businesses stop marketing. They reason, 'No one is buying so why should I advertise?' The other time some businesses stop marketing is when they are selling like crazy. Again they figure - 'I can't handle any more business right now so why promote?'


Creating, Recognizing & Measuring Value
Price is what you pay - value is what you get. Warren Buffett, Chairman of Berkshire Securities
Deliver value that your customers recognize, appreciate and reward. If you want your customers to value what you offer - you must demonstrate that you value them. Value implies trust so start by building trust. Always under-promise and over-deliver. Be known for keeping your promise and then some. Be honest. Never promise what you cannot deliver.
Don't confuse value with cost.


How can you build more profitable relationships?
You build relationships over time. They are easier to destroy than to build.
Stay in contact by various means. Do more than merely show up at the regular networking meeting. Meet for coffee or lunch once in awhile. Make a phone call, send an email and mail a postcard. Different means of contact makes the relationship stronger and more memorable.


Networking or Sweatworking
Yes, I believe that networking works. Yes, I can give you examples of how networking helped boost my career and my business. No, networking is not a quick fix. Yes, networking can be frustrating – even when you are doing the right things. It’s more frustrating when you are doing the wrong things, and even more frustrating when you are not sure if you are doing the right things.


Networking: Five myths and realities
Networking has gotten a bad name. Ever visit one of those networking events? You’re told, "Arrive with a pocketful of business cards and don’t leave until they’re all gone."
Do you get so desperate to escape that you stuff the free gift box with a fistful of your cards and take off? Myth #1: You must give your card to everyone in the room.


George Torok
Host of Business in Motion
Canadian Business Speaker

Holiday Business Etiquette

HOLIDAY BUSINESS ETIQUETTE:

RULES TO LIVE BY (AND SOME NOT TO...)
by Roz Usheroff

The holiday season is upon us and office parties are afoot. Before you celebrate the festivities, there's an unwritten code of conduct that applies to this time of year. We are always on stage when we socialize. Your savvy in knowing how to put your best foot forward -- and not in your mouth -- will showcase the best of who you are. Here's how to get through it without making a faux pas in front of significant people in your life, and how it will set you apart from others.
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The Pratfall

Do: Be careful of the year-end bravado that can lead to disaster. Senior management pays attention to how people handle themselves at corporate events. They might not know your name,but they will remember your face. On the surface, the office party seems to be a well-deserved opportunity to let your hair down with colleagues. However, you may pay dearly for this the morning after and not be able to repair a tarnished reputation if you misbehave.

Don't: Take this opportunity to complain about your work, your boss, or the advancement you think you are entitled to. Don't paint a target for someone to hang on your back.
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Remember that first impressions count and linger... read the rest of this article here

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Roz Usheroff infuses her clients with the strategies and insights necessary to understand the dynamics and subtleties of professional communication, how to make a lasting impact in the marketplace, the art of leadership, and business protocol. Let her share this expertise with you.

Learn more about Roz Usheroff and her programs.

Leadership in Tough Times

Leadership in Tough Times

By Peter Urs Bender


The economy is slowing. All you hear are the cries of economists, businessmen, and governments moaning that things aren't good, and aren't going to get better anytime soon. In spite of, or perhaps because of that, I have had a greater request for management consulting jobs in the last few months than ever before.

If you're "leading from within" the first thing you should ask yourself is: "What is a Tough Time?" The answer is that's it's a perception. What you see is what you get…and all the predictions and projections of the experts often become self-fulfilling prophecies because they are creating the "perception" that things are "tough". But are they really that bad?

If the economy is bad, we say it's a recession.If we lose our job, it's a depression. Everything is relative yet someone, somewhere is always worse off.

Imagine, for instance, you lived thousands of years ago. You're working hard on the farm and suddenly the Mongols appear on your doorstep. They destroy your crops, abduct your women, and kill your family members. That's a Tough Time made even worse by the fact that innocents are dying in the onslaught. In some places in the world, such as the Middle East, Africa, and even parts of Europe, it's still pretty bad.


That isn't happening here in Canada, but it does seem as if we're going through Tough Times. I'm not making light of it. But realize that a Tough Time is "as we see it". We we feel is real. Welcome to reality.


In my book Leadership From Within I say there are five elements to leadership. They're important for your self-fulfillment in the best of times, but in bad times it's even more important to do a reality check. Not only be tell yourself "things could always be worse", but try to maintain a positive attitude. In the past I used to tell my consulting clients not to associate with a negative people. Today, I tell them to run away from them.


Here are the five elements you need to work on.

Know yourself
In good times you do what helps you develop your potential-in Tough Times we have to do what helps to pay the bills. You might need to work overtime without charging your company for it to keep your job. You might take on extra projects at home that formerly you did on company time. You might have to help your company reduce expenses (fly economy, not business class; schedule a few visits together; cut down on business lunches), and you might have to reduce personal expenses at home. You will do whatever you must to keep afloat.


Have a vision
In Tough Times it's of crucial importance to have a positive vision of what will happen later. It's important in good times, too, but when the going gets rough it's imperative to look beyond the immediate mess. Remember, Tough Times won't last. Things always change. Those who most successfully rise above their current difficulties are those who can see things positively, even in a negative time. Here is where religious believers can have an advantage over non-believers. They see their leaders suffering but not breaking. They are inspired by forward-looking visions. Studies also show that people who keep a positive attitude also tend to have less mental and emotional problems, less physical sickness, and better all-round health.


Take Risks
In good times you can take risks fairly easily, knowing you mostly always have a fallback position. In Tough Times, don't take large financial risks if you can't afford them. The risks you take should be those which will position you to capitalize on them when times get better. If you're in the management planning area, don't hesitate to take on extra work in the execution of tasks. If you are in inside sales, put on a hat and knock on doors for your company in new markets. Look for additional things you can do to benefit your company. When things improve, your efforts will be remembered (we hope!).


Communicate
Talk nicely to yourself. Talk positively about the things you accomplish and will accomplish in the company and in your life. Don't bitch and complain about Tough Times. Tell yourself and others to enjoy what they have now…if could be worse. The economy might go down, but it's not exactly as if you're on the Titanic, though it might sometimes feel like it. If you have an option, ask yourself which you would prefer: to be where your are now, or in the greatest luxury liner ever built, in a first-class suite with all the trimmings, on the night of April 14, 1912.


Check your progress and results
In good times it's important to set benchmarks and check your results against them. In Tough Times it's even more important. Keep your personal financial books in order as much as possible. Pay your bills on time. If you can't, send regular partial payments. Look after your health. Take care of it. After all, when your body kicks out, you're done. By keeping a positive outlook you'll probably be able to keep at bay the things that can drag others down. But there are no absolute guarantees. Even if you follow all the leadership strategies I've outlined here, things still might turn out sour. Life isn't fair! That's life!


Peter Urs Bender is a well known Canadian management consultant, and author of three best-selling books: Leadership From Within, Secrets of Power Presentations, and Secrets of Power Marketing. His fourth book, Secrets of Face-to-Face Communication, is now in bookstores.

Visit http://www.peterursbender.com/

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My dear friend and mentor Peter Urs Bender died in March 2005 - long before our current economic crisis yet his words seem so appropriate for us today.

What does that tell you? That this isn't the first time we face a crisis nor the worst. Suck it up and look for the opportunities folks. It might be cliche - but it's true - when the going gets tough the tough gets going.


George Torok
Motivational Business Speaker
Canadian Business Speaker

Mastermind Group Mistakes

Mastermind Group Mistakes

I was recently invited to become part of a mastermind group. It’s not the first time but this one was the quickest disaster. One meeting and it burst into pieces. There are several lessons in that disaster that you can learn from when forming your own mastermind group. We should learn from our own pain and especially from the pain of others.

Think and Grow Rich
I believe that a mastermind group can be very productive. I know that from others who have been members of long time productive mastermind groups. And I have taken part in groups that are variations of mastermind groups. The concept of mastermind groups was discussed by Napoleon Hill in his classic book, Think and Grow Rich.

My definition of a mastermind group is “a group of like minded people being brutally honest and supportive of each other to help each other grow”.

There is a lot in that statement. The most important part is the purpose – to help each other grow.

And that’s the first mistake. If you are not focused on how you will help the others you are a parasite. And the others will notice you sucking instead of offering. A vampire will quickly kill a mastermind group. And vampires are masters of disguise. They are good at seducing you and hiding their fangs until the blood bite.

That’s the first test. Is the group dedicated to helping each other or preying on each other? Watch out for the preying mantis that gently pressures you to do a deal with him.

Be Brutally Honest
Can you be both “Brutally honest and supportive”? Yes. Brutal means being direct in your questioning and answers to the group. Brutal means making the most effective use of time. Brutal does not mean being unkind. It would be unkind to lie. It would be unkind to waste time. It would be unkind to say what the group wants to hear instead of telling them what they need to hear. You are not part of a mastermind group to be a sycophant. That’s the role of your staff.

Brutally honest means pointing out the moose on the table that others are side stepping. Brutally honest means questioning suspicious sounding claims. Brutally honest means the openness to express questions, doubts and concerns to the group with the full participation of the group.

Brutally honest means separating issues from individuals. If I question what you said – that doesn’t mean I don’t respect you. Oh – I can respect you without liking you. Liking might take longer. If I was upset by what you said – that means that your words upset me. That doesn’t mean that I think less of you as an individual. I can be impressed by what you have done and disappointed by what you have just said. Can you deal with that?

What does “like minded people” mean? This is another important question in forming your Master Mind Group. You don’t need to be identical but you need to have enough in common to function as an effective group. And you need to have enough significant differences to add value to each other.


Important Questions
Perhaps this is a good way to start. Ask these questions of each other and note the commonalities and differences. Use a flip chart if it makes it easier.

What are your values?
What are your strengths?
What is your style?
What are your fears?
What are your goals?
What obstacles are you facing?
What are you proud of?
What can you offer the group?
What do you want from the group?

Then list the things you have in common and the unique things that each adds to the master mind group.

Deal or no deal
Then decide as a group if you have the synergy to continue or remove redundancies. Be brutal. Be honest and be productive.


George Torok
Radio Show Host of Buisiness in Motion
Canadian Business Speaker
Business Author & Writer