3 Things We Should Learn in This Recession

With great challenges there are often great lessons, and this recession is no exception.

1. It rains on the just and the unjust. When the world's marketplace is in major flux, we all feel the impact. So don't beat yourself up over challenging times you may be facing in your career or personal finances. Make up your mind to find the opportunities in this moment, protect what is rightfully yours, and develop a new strategy if necessary to move forward. Those that will succeed will have the talent or willingness to develop their existing talent, the character to endure the right way without looking for shortcuts, and the wisdom to make critical adjustments wherever necessary to thrive in a changing world.


2.Take a snapshot of the changing national and global social-economic landscape Do an inventory of your talents and interest, see if you can match a strategic need of people or organizations with your unique personal genius. These times are going to open up new opportunities for innovative thinking, technology, and services for someone, why not you?

3. Hard times have a way of recalibrating our priorities to what matters most. Is it really all about the money, power, and prestige or is there something else more important in life that you need to give more attention to? Whether it is family and loved ones you need to spend more time with, self-preservation strategies such as taking better care of yourself in your eating, exercise and spiritual development, or simply taking a little more time to appreciate the more simple things in life.


KRW

The Value of Your Good Name!

I am excited that so many students and young professionals are striving to start their own businesses, have their sights on the top executive suites in business, government, and other industries. But like the old-timers in my hometown of Princeton, NJ used to tell me, one of the most important qualities you can ever have as a successful professional is a Good Name.

Many professionals today have more degrees than a thermometer from some of the world's most prestigious universities, hold influential positions in business and government, live in exclusive neighborhoods, drive luxury cars, have all the new techie toys and whistles, etc., etc., but none of these should ever be confused with having a Good Name.

The world has a lot of so called "business stars," but often few live up to the hype, and many rarely deliver more than smooth "business speak" and a well sculpted image, in part why our economy is in the shape it is in today, too many drank that Kool Aid!

Former NFL Coach Herman Edwards may have put it best. In a recent television interview Coach Edwards shared how as a boy his father once told him, "Son I don't have a lot to give you but a good name, what you do with it is up to you."

Do you have a Good Name, or "Credibility Capital" with the people around you? The world has enough slick professionals and today people and organizations are looking for real leadership, innovation, and results. As you move forward to make your way in this great time of opportunity and change presented in this new economy, take a moment, and make sure you are doing everything you can to develop and maintain your Good Name.

KRW

Michael Jackson had a Professional Edge

As we all take a moment and reflect on the greatest entertainment performer of our time Michael Jackson, let us also remember the professional and business genius of the man.

Michael found his "personal genius" and developed it to be without question the best that ever was in his industry. He took what he had and maximized it to the fullest.

Michael didn't allow the "establishment" of his time to limit or define him, and broke many barriers of racial and social stereotypes to reach his audience. He didn't take "no" for an answer.

Michael continually reinvented himself and his product to match the evolving needs and demographics of his globally diverse fan base.

Michael was a perfectionist, a hard worker, and relentlessly strived for new standards of performance excellence.

As a professional, Michael continuously sought after and surrounded himself with the very best talent and producers in his industry.

Michael, even with his super star status, was reportedly a very kind and approachable individual.

Michael had the ability to take challenges and turn them around for powerful new material and branding opportunities.

Michael knew the power of business ownership, evident in the his strategic decision to purchase some of the world's most prestigious catalogues of music that will continue to grow in value benefiting his family and estate long after his passing.

We could go on, but the next time you hear Michael was just a singer and dancer, you may want to think again. The world is full of great singers and dancers, but Michael was so much more and that is why he is and will always be the King of Pop.

KRW