Getting Things Done

Bud Bilanich — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:31:28 -0500

Outstanding performance is one of the keys to success that I discuss in Straight Talk for Success. If you want to become an outstanding performer, you need to do three things: 1) Stay at the top of your game by becoming a lifelong learner; 2) Set and achieve high goals; and 3) Get organized. In other words, you need to get things done.

The Power of a Handwritten Note

Bud Bilanich — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:46:12 -0500

I am working on a follow up book to Straight Talk for Success. The working title is The Official Guide to Success. I have been interviewing experts in each of the five keys to success that I discuss in Straight Talk: Self Confidence, Positive Personal Impact, Outstanding Performance, Dynamic Communication Skills and Interpersonal Competence.

Fear is the Enemy of Self Confidence

Bud Bilanich — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:40:33 -0500

I came across a great quote from Bertrand Russell the other day…

“Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.”

I agree. So does Rabbi Levi Brackman. In his new book, Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, Rabbi Brackman argues that successful people realize that fear, especially fear of the unknown, can be a huge obstacle to success. He says…

Six Tips for Building Strong Realtionships

Bud Bilanich — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:26:04 -0500

I received the inaugural issue of Self Improvement Magazine the other day. If there’s anyone who can benefit from some self improvement advice, it’s me. I was impressed with Self Improvement. I particularly liked an article by Lisa Brooks Kift called “10 Characteristics of Successful Relationships.” Interpersonal competence is one of the keys to success that I discuss in Straight Talk for Success. If you want to become an interpersonally competent person, you need to be able to build mutually beneficial, long lasting relationships with the people in your life.

Preparation Makes Up for a Lack of Talent

Bud Bilanich — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:11:56 -0500

I got the latest issue of SUCCESS Magazine the other day. As usual, it is filled with great information on what it takes to succeed in your life and career. As usual, I read it cover to cover as soon as I received it. If you’re not already a subscriber, I suggest you log on to www.success.com and do so right now.

The One Minute Coach

Bud Bilanich — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:24:39 -0500

Today I’d like to share a great new book with you: The One Minute Coach by Masha Malka. In this book, Masha addresses the reasons why people stop themselves from being outstanding performers and enjoying the success they dream of.

Outstanding performance is one of the keys to success that I discuss in Straight Talk for Success. I always tell my coaching clients “If you want to become an outstanding performer, you need to three things: 1) become a lifelong learner; 2) set and achieve high goals; and 3) get organized.”

Image Matters!

Bud Bilanich — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:56:39 -0500

I was at a great event called Amazing Woman’s Day last Saturday. What was I doing there? Let’s just say, I’m an amazing guy, so I thought I check out the amazing woman who were gathered there.

And I did meet some amazing women. Marsh Engle convened the group and did a great job of keeping the day moving forward. Letitia Wright did a live interview with me at the event that will be broadcast on her TV show, The Wright Place, later this year. I’ll keep you posted.

Barack Obama, David Axerod, David Plough and Optimism

Bud Bilanich — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:59:06 -0500

I was watching 60 Minutes last night. They did a piece on the Obama campaign featuring David Axelrod and David Plough, the campaign’s chief strategist and campaign manager. Steve Kroft asked how President Elect Obama was able to win in Indiana and North Carolina, states that have been traditional Republican strongholds. David Plough answered. The first thing he said was, “First of all, we believed we could win those states.” Then he went on to describe the ground strategy in each – lots of field offices, lots of volunteers and sophisticated information gathering and recording.

Civility and Interpersonal Competence

Bud Bilanich — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:53:39 -0500

Natalie Costanze-Chavez writes a column called Grace Notes. Last Sunday, she wrote about how one of her columns prompted quite a bit of what can only be called hate mail. Natalie stood by her words, but was upset that so many people attacked not her ideas, but her personally. She made a great point that goes to the heart

Studs Terkel and Tony Hillerman: Two Dynamic Communicators

Bud Bilanich — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:05:13 -0500

Dynamic communication is one of the keys to success that I discuss in Straight Talk for Success. If you want to become a dynamic communicator, you need to master three skills: 1) conversation; 2) writing; and 3) presenting.