Forge Ahead.
An entrepreneur, business owner, manager should always be looking at ways to improve their product or service. As I was brainstorming recently on product development, and how to align the core services and value your company offers to your prospects, a thought crossed my mind that just made sense:
Product based companies and service based companies are really one in the same.
Life is so fun because it’s never static. We are always changing course. This way and that. Hopefully we have identified the ideal direction we should be headed. This blog has been back and forth some, but now is headed a new direction.
The real intent and purpose of Progress Forge is to explore something great: how life and what keeps us busy (usually work and business and relationships), connect together to make us who we are, or better yet we make it shape who we are.
Some of the core elements that affect our outlook on life and the way we respond center around: productivity, communication, and leadership (or lack thereof).
Progress Forge is also taking the place of my once personal blog at MarkMathson.com. Some of the topics didn’t fit there and felt like a different “venue” were more appropriate. Not to mention Progress Forge gives me a platform I can build on, which is exciting in itself.
(Photo credit: Old Bermuda)
Sometimes it is just unavoidable, you will have to speak publicly in front of an audience at some point in your life. It could be a group of close friends giving a toast, or large group presenting a topic you are an expert at. The situations are as wide as the ocean, but its almost a guarantee.
So, you’d rather die than to get up in front of an audience? Here are non-traditional three ways to help you build the confidence you need to get up in front of that audience!
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I recall those trucker style hats that have the adjustable bands on the back. As a little youngster playing tee ball, I thought those bands were awesome. If only life wasn’t like those bands, where everything had a one size fits all approach.
Not everything has the cool adjustable band like those hats, but one element does: communication. Mastering the art of communication is a life long challenge, and one that no one masters completely, because there is too much to be learned.
You communicate daily with those around you. People you like and get along with, and people you have a hard time being around, but are forced to deal with. Luckily communication skills are flexible and can be tweaked to any situation, no matter how grim. Mastering the art of being flexible is the key, as that is the ticket to success in academia, career and life.
“Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Never pity yourself. Be a hard master to yourself – and be lenient to everybody else.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Success in life often hinges on two key elements: your ability to push yourself to greatness, and to exceed the expectations of others. Being a champion takes effort. The payoff is wonderful and builds your personal brand and repertoire.
Whether you are in an academic setting, professional setting, or life situation, there are certain expectations. We have expectations of our own. We expect the sun to rise and the sun to set. Sometimes our expectations are exceed by an awesome sunset or sunrise.
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