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BLOG Business Talk Radio   November 20 2019 Transform and Empower ~ https://conta.cc/2XkQUkF                                                                                          Need immediate assistance with growing  your company, building your career or advancing your ideas? If so, you're in the right place. We've been doing this awhile. Here's what people say about us.   We're a not for profit cooperative association of business owners and we operate entirely without grants, gifts, donations, contributions or public funding. We're totally independent and proud of it. Come have breakfast Wednesday and we'll see about showing you how to be totally independent, too! This breakfast on the 20th is an open forum and you can speak freely about your ideas, wants and needs. Breakfast not convenient or you are already very well established and seek to return something to the community, connect with us here and we'll discuss possibilities and opportunities. November 13 2019 Transform and Empower ~ https://conta.cc/2NIfMOM While our corporate clients have ranged from pre-startups to the largest companies in the world and from universities to governments and from economic development groups to charities and our start-ups have won virtually every award for business growth in Houston, some nationally and some even internationally, rather than me tell you all the successful projects, processes and procedures we've transformed clients with over the years, it's far quicker for you to just tell me what it is you want to do. Come have breakfast any Wednesday and we'll see what's to be done so that you are empowered. November 6 2019 Mind Over Matter ~ https://conta.cc/2NzSB9g As a lad growing up I was taught I could do anything I "put my mind to." I learned that "where there is a will, there is a way." That "difficulties could be over-come." That "quitting is not an option." That "perseverance provides success." The list goes on and on. Where did all this come from you may ask? From my parents, my grand-parents, my uncles and aunts, my cousins, my teachers, my coaches, my band-masters. This list goes on and on, too. And of course the little voice in my head that encourages me to "figure it out" and "get it done." This is the same voice only I can hear that has me occupy my thoughts in the how to do it and not the not the doubt that it can be done. Is the little voice in your head president of your fan club, your chief supporter and supplying you with positive mental attitude? Come have breakfast with us any Wednesday and we'll see what's to be done so that your little voice knows it works for you to achieve those things you want to accomplish. Breakfast not convenient? Connect with me here. October 30 2019 Scary ~ https://conta.cc/362LM8L Scary? No, I'm not talking about Halloween. What I'm referring to is we're running out of 2019. Have you accomplished what you set out to do for the year! If so, congratulations. Good job. If not, why not? You still have several months remaining. Let's get it in gear, eh? Come have breakfast with us Wednesday and I'll share some simple secrets on what you might think of doing so that you complete your "to do list" before you run out of time. October 23 2019 Motivation ~ https://conta.cc/2pqMjR8 Some number of years ago the topic of motivation came up in a group conversation. And in particular, self-motivation.  So what motivates you?

How about creating happy customers, clients, staff and co-workers.

How about self-fulfillment and satisfaction?

How about the discovery of what's never been done before and seeing it become widely accepted and implemented?

October 16 2019 What - How - When ~ https://conta.cc/2IEDcmB

1. You've decided what it is you want to do?.

2. So, get started. No procrastination. No fear. No delays. No reasons or excuses.

3. And give yourself a schedule with tasks and time lines.

4. You've decided the "what." Next is the "how" and "when."

5. Business plans totally unnecessary, thank you.

6. Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, Henry Ford - the list goes on and on - no business plan.

7. You have a resource mix.

8. Time, Money, Ability, Contacts, Energy, Attitude, Integrity.

9. Which can you really do without?

10. (T)(M)(Ab)(C)(E)(At)(I) = Desired results. No zeros allowed.

11. Bring in additional input should you encounter doubts or delays.

12. A mentor will move you forward faster with what's to be done, knowledgeable on how to do it and motivated it get it accomplished.

13. 93% of the world's richest people have a mentor.

14. Why do you suppose that is?

October 9 2019 Quarantined ~ https://conta.cc/2o03t7Q

Scientists tell us the universe is a vast space.

More than a billion light years across and continuing to expand.

They say it's more than 13.8 billion years old and contains billions of galaxies.

They also say that about 65 million years ago, plus or minus a few hundred thousand years, a massive asteroid hit earth killing off more than 70% of the life forms and taking millions of years for our planet to recover.

<whew>

They also tell us that all the basic requirements for life generation is found in the cosmic dust that blankets the universe, leading me to think that the probability exists that there are numerous planets in the universe that didn't have the major setback our earth did.

While we may have clues and theories that earth might have had visitors in the past we have no absolute proof.

So what's the deal?

I would suspect that other more advanced life forms have been monitoring earth for years and have no plans of visiting until we stop killing one another.

Me thinks we've been quarantined until we get our act together.

So what does this have to do with our Co-Op's mission to grow companies, advance careers and move new ideas forward?

Easy answer - we're making things better one person at the time and have the track record to prove it.

Come have breakfast with us any Wednesday and we'll see if what we're doing will move you in the direction you want to go to make the world a better place.

October 2 2019 Ah, but and you know ~ https://conta.cc/2lEUs30
Ever been listening to a conversation or a presentation where the speaker was continually injecting a "you know," a "but" or an "ah"?

They will say a few words, pause, then say "ah," "you know," or "but," then continue with another few words and repeat the "but," "you know" or "ah."

And while I want to be a respectful listener, my patience runs out and enough is enough! 

Here's why.

It's been my experience that those guilty of these injections are totally unconscious of them and will continue to insert the words into the conversation or presentation in the future.

Follow me on this, please?

The speaker/presenter is completely, totally, absolutely unaware of the injections.

They don't know they are doing it.

If they knew, they would stop, eh?

So, two things to correct the matter.

The easiest is when the speaker asks for questions or comments.

You'll be doing them a favor by commenting on their injections and saving future audiences the grief.

No opportunity for questions, then track down the speaker and the individual who booked them and tell them of all the junk word "clutter" they use.

Come have breakfast with us any Wednesday and we'll see if you inject junk into your conversations or presentations and if so, how it can be easily corrected.

September 25 2019 Where to??? ~ https://conta.cc/30tFDyg
Where do you want to go?

I'm not asking regarding a geographic destination.

My question is directed toward your business, career or moving a new idea forward.

It's progressing from where you are now to where you want to be in the future.

And while the future cannot be reliably predicted or controlled, it can be influenced to yield a more favorable outcome, especially when compared to doing nothing regarding any advancement you may seek.

Come have breakfast with us Wednesday and we'll talk about where you are now, where you want to go and what can be done to get you there.

Just so you know we've been doing this awhile now - since 1983.

It's not magic.

It's a proven methodology to move you forward.

Breakfast not possible because of time or location constraints?

Then give me a call or connect on Skype.

September 18 2019 Follow-up ~  https://conta.cc/2A96rcH
You're out networking and meeting new people?

Great!

And you remember to get their business card?

Another great!

And you ask them what they do or what they are interested in, yes?

Yoo hoo!

And your parting remark as you go on to meet more people is "let's keep in touch?"

Fabulous!

So what remains?

You put them in your database and do your follow-up before your head hits the pillow.

A recommended method is an email to generate hard copy for your files and theirs.

Start with something like "What a pleasure meeting you!"

Then "I look forward to learning more about you."

And end with "Should you know of someone who needs (fill in what it is you do), please think of me."

That's it.

Piece of cake.

Keep in touch by sending your newsletter or periodic updates and connect with them on social media like Facebook and LinkedIn.

Remember to include in your notes where you met them and what they might be seeking assistance with.

Come have breakfast with us Wednesday and we'll show you how to turn your contacts into clients!

September 11 2019 Getting to your "Yes" ~  https://conta.cc/34xzogu
Getting the yes!

Growing a company, building a career, or advancing a new idea you need "Yeses."

Let's talk about start-ups for a moment.

More start-ups fail because they run out of money than all other reasons combined.

Yet they typically have a viable product or service.

What they don't have is personal selling skills.

Turns out personal selling can be taught.

We're not talking social media.

We're talking face-to-face words that sell.

What's the benefit to the decision maker, for instance?

In The Co-Op we teach personal selling skills.

One of the tools we use is "The Guest Game."

First rule is you have to ask.

Second rule is you have to follow-up.

Learn how to have Guests at Chapter Meetings and you learn how to sell.

It's not magic, it's a methodology that produces a predictable and very favorable result: a "yes!"

Come have breakfast with us Wednesday and we'll show you how to get "yeses" for your project!

September 4 2019 Labor Day Edition ~ https://conta.cc/32kdFq7
Labor Day in the United States of America is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September.

It honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the development, growth, endurance, strength, security, prosperity, productivity, laws, sustainability, persistence, structure, and well-being of the country.

It is the Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend.

It is recognized as a federal holiday.

Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor.

"Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City.

In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday.

By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the United States officially celebrated Labor Day.

August 28 2019 What's best for you ~ https://conta.cc/31PZwAO
Houston is filled with "networking" groups.

How do you pick the one best for you?

Of course you can always go visit them one by one to decide.

That will only take you a few years.

And then you have to go visit the new ones that were started while you were visiting the established ones.

Whew!

Sounds like a never ending process which can be made much simpler.

For instance, what's the difference between a networking group and a business development group?

Taa daa!

Easy answer: "Business!"

So you really want a business development group rather than a networking group.

And speaking of "development," wouldn't it be great to discover a group that "develops" you while providing you business and contacts and professional growth.

Something along the lines of "connect, learn, grow and prosper."®

And a group that's been around awhile (since 1983) and worked with lots of people (65,500+).

And has a successful track record of "growing companies, building careers and moving new ideas forward."®

And has a history of returning to the community, like demonstrating that entrepreneurship can be taught.

Join us for breakfast any Wednesday morning and I'll introduce you to just such a group.

August 21 2019 It's all about change ~ https://conta.cc/31JUHZV
and how well you adapt to it.

So how do you get the word out about your business or career?

Change is inevitable, adjustment is important.

For instance once upon a time to advertise your business there was a telephone directory called The Yellow Pages.

And to go out and meet other people for business development or career advancement there were chambers of commerce and various professional organizations.

There's still radio, TV and newspapers for advertising or promotion as well as fund-raising functions where you can dress up, go meet people and make contributions to a good cause.

You've no doubt noticed social media is robust and networking groups are multiplying.

Meetups abound and they're everywhere on every subject.

However, the shopping/buying experience has changed dramatically and there's still much, much more change to come.

For you to best get the word out about your company, products, services or career, come meet people face-to-face over breakfast with us any Wednesday morning.

We'll teach you how to craft a memorable introduction and get you noticed as Featured Speaker, Motivational Speaker and/or Business Showcase.

August 14 2019 Fix The Problem Not The Blame ~ https://conta.cc/2yVOUnF
Have you noticed all the finger pointing that's going on in Washington by the politicians.

These people remind me of very badly behaving, very spoiled children.

Total clowns without the makeup.

How do we get those who are "duly elected" to focus on fixing the problems and not the blame so that our country continues to be a world leader? How do we impress upon them that arguing is not a solution to even the most complex issues facing our great nation?

Come share your ideas and opinions with us at breakfast Wednesday morning.

I need not remind you that you will please leave your arguments, pointing fingers and any negative attitudes at the door.

We'll make a list of items to be fixed and send it to Washington from "we, the people."To have your issues be included, just show up on the 14th.

Fix the problem, not the blame.

August 7 2019 Windows of Opportunity ~  https://conta.cc/31jv4yQ

Opportunity presents itself.

Sometimes when you're not even looking.

So what do you do?

Choice one: ignore it.

Choice two: act on it.

Now we've met some folks who are totally, absolutely completely content with whatever they have going and any change is simply not a consideration, thank you very much!

Their life - their choice - certainly ok with us.

For those others who want to pursue an opportunity, oh boy, hooray, let's do it, eh?

We've been in this active support mode for a goodly number of years and some of the individuals we've worked with are brand names in Houston now!

Come have breakfast with us any Wednesday morning and discover how we can very effectively guide you in developing your opportunity.

Breakfast not convenient?

Then call or click to chat.

We're here for you and we love what we're doing to speed new ideas along.

July 31 2019 Aspirations ~ https://conta.cc/2SMytTG

Webster's Dictionary:  ardently desiring; strong wish; high desire.

It's a simple process to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

It's not magic and it produces a predictable result: accomplishment.

Start with the attitude that it can be done and you're going to discover how to do it.

Make sure the little voice in your head is offering positive suggestions in moving you forward and not doubts that hold you back.

Devise some action steps that you can achieve. Create an empowerment team that you can count on to offer constructive input.

Come have breakfast with us any Wednesday and discover how we can assist you in successfully fulfilling your vision for creating your future.


July 24 2019 Teamwork ~ https://conta.cc/2Y0BBMM
Team playing skills.
What are they?

Do you have them?

Are they important?

Why are they important?

In my youth I was on several teams; football, baseball, basketball.

I remember practice, practice, practice and more practice.

Yes, we won championships.

In band it was the same thing: practice, practice, practice.

We had to march right and we had to sound right.

Maybe "right" is too lame.

More like "perfect!"

Yes, we won competitions.

Now what about career?

Co-Op Associates have held positions of leadership in too many organizations to list here.

Now what about business?

Co-Op Associates have won virtually every award for business growth in Houston, some nationally and some even internationally.

Do you have to have team playing skills?

You betcha if you want satisfaction and success!

And do you practice?

Of course you do.

Right?

Want to learn more about team playing skills and perfect practice producing perfect results?

Come have breakfast with us Wednesday and see team playing in action.

July 17 2019 Houston's Greatest Energy Resource ~ https://conta.cc/2NRBP9m
We describe "success" as having fun, making money and doing good!

Our clients do what they love and are well paid for it.

Their passion is demonstrated in the results they produce which makes for very happy customers!

Our special thanks to all the Houston Entrepreneurlal Heroes who came out for the celebration lunch at Gallery Furniture last week.

These are the people who are responsible for organizations that keep Houston, Texas "The Entrepreneurial Capital of the World!"

What's next for you or your business, career, company or organization?

Make it something worthy of you and should you need assistance, join us for breakfast Wednesday to meet some of the exceptional people we're working with.

July 10 2019 Making It Happen ~ https://conta.cc/2JnWoG3
You've heard there are three types of people:

1) Those that make things happen.

2) Those who watch things happen.

3) Those that say "what happened?"

Should you be in that top tier, let's get you booked as the Featured Speaker at one of our meetings so you can share those skills with a receptive audience.

In the event you're not that top level, come have lunch with us this Wednesday and we'll get you started on the path of motivating, inspiring and leading others into changes that make them happier and the world a better place to live, work and play.

Alas, should you be that bottom rung, we'll introduce you into the political world, where you will be surrounded by people who will gleefully point out what's happening from their very biased and selective point of view.

July 3 2019 Virtual World ~ https://conta.cc/2Nk9B6E

Do you remember days gone by when:

You wanted to buy something, you went to a store?

You wanted a hot meal you didn't prepare yourself, you went to a restaurant?

You needed information, you went to a library?

These days, whatever you want is only a click away.

Business incubation, career development and mentoring also just a click away.

If you want it, click it!

June 26 2019 Hope vs. Faith ~ https://conta.cc/2RoGb5X
Over the years we've been asked many times: "What is it you do?"

Our direct response is: "We grow companies, build careers and advance ideas.

"Most often the next question is: "How do you do that?"

And while the first question (the what) has an easy answer the second question (the how) is not so easy.

You see each person, idea and situation is different.

One size does not fit all.

And an effective development methodology is determined by the resources, attributes and aptitude of the person we're working with.

As pioneers in the incubator industry we discovered an accurate way to take the individual from where they were at the moment to where they wanted to be in the future.

We had our clients abandon "hope," for instance, and substitute "faith" instead.

Think about those two words for just a moment.

What's the difference between hope and faith?

If you had to select one or the other to work with, which would you choose?

Come share your thoughts with us any Wednesday morning at breakfast.

June 19 2019 Entrepreneurship ~ https://conta.cc/2IbIUg2
You've noticed that some people have the amazing capability of turning defeat into victory.

And of overcoming any and all obstacles in their path to victory.

It's interesting to me that sometimes our government seems to miss such simple facts that are so obvious and compelling.

Take "entrepreneurship" for instance.

Entrepreneurship is absolutely, totally, completely color-blind and gender neutral.

Yet there are those who continually say that being a minority or female or gay requires special set-asides because these people are disadvantaged.

What!?!

Why?

Glad you asked!

So they can go get tax-payer money to set up special programs to "help" these "disadvantaged" business owners. 

Have you any idea, by the way, of how much these people actually pay themselves for their "noble" cause.

Wow! 

You'll find it shocking! 

Talk about "gaming the system!" 

And the largest such group in the United States, originally funded on a temporary basis to ease those negatively impacted in the great recession to become self-employed has no oversight leadership to monitor top level salaries.

Now I'm not talking about such groups as SCORE, who are essentially volunteers and don't draw a salary.

And I am speaking out about those other groups who set up charity programs (AKA programs funded by tax dollars) for those who don't want or need charity.

Let's talk about women business owners, for instance.

We surveyed thousands of women business owners and women business owners-to-be before setting up our Womens Business Center Incubator (first in the United States).

These thousands of women we talked with gave us their priorities in a very clear manner: "a level playing field" and  "a hand up."

They emphatically did not want a "hand-out" or "charity."

They did not consider themselves disadvantaged and in the process of forming their own companies began starting businesses at a faster rate than men.

They objected, vigorously, when individuals or organizations said they needed charity to get started or be successful. 

Methinks those organizations out there still "gaming" the system, having no oversight controls or monitoring should be shut-down. 

And let's get them to publish their salaries, all the way to the top, since it's "public funding" and you'll see what I mean. 

We see chambers of commerce, networking groups and other self-funded organizations doing just fine, thank you, in developing Houston small businesses. 

If and when you ever decide you want to start a business please heed this suggestion: make sure whomever you may be speaking with seeking advice has hand-on business ownership experience.

Also be aware the most progressive organizations have the convenience of you connecting via phone, chat or Skype for business assistance or career guidance.

Have you thoughts or opinions?

Come share them any Wednesday morning at breakfast.
 
June 12 2019 Pondering? ~ https://conta.cc/2QPWo3L
Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!

Oh my!

So many considerations.

So much to ponder.

So many options, alternatives and possibilities.

You can think the situation to death!

Or, you can stop thinking and start doing!

Uh huh - just do it!

And if it doesn't work the first time, you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and proceed with the knowledge you've gained!

Still stuck?

Get yourself a mentor.

Want to know more?

Come have breakfast any Wednesday morning.

June 5 2019 Politics, good or bad? ~  https://conta.cc/2EHrhCA

Many years ago, I was taught the duty and privilege of voting.
I think it was during the 6th grade.

Grammar School is what that used to be called - grades 1 to 6.

I have no idea what that's called now, just as I have no idea of what's going on within our political system.

It appears to me that there is a lot of name calling, high intensity arguments and varying levels of facts in this system these days.

I don't recall this from previous years in elected representatives responsible to move our nation forward.

I do, however, recall a conversation I had with my father, God rest his soul.

My dad was career military and his term regarding politicians was "a necessary evil."

These days I'm wondering how necessary, why evil and what can be done about it?

Our focus remains on growing companies, building careers and advancing ideas.

We are independent and self-funded, operating entirely without gifts, grants, donations, contributions or the whims and disagreements of tax funding.

Have some opinions?

Come share them over breakfast any Wednesday morning.

May 29 2019 About Investors ~ https://conta.cc/2HMSepc
Should you be considering obtaining an investment for your startup idea, please remember the 6 "P"s the investor will be evaluating. 
They are:

How well do you understand and operate at risk?

As you may know, some people are totally, absolutely, completely risk averse.

If it's not a sure thing they avoid it entirely.

These types of people are not bad, wrong or deficient.

They just, by nature, avoid risks.

Others like the excitement of venturing into the unknown, especially if they have the opportunity to do something previously undiscovered.

They thrive on making these discoveries, achieving new things, and accomplishing what's never been done before.

Should you be a risk taker, come have breakfast with us any Wednesday and share your vision of a creation.

Many others have.

April 17 2019 Creating Success ~ https://conta.cc/2UtkGW5
You don't need anyone's permission to be successful!

It's your life.

Live it so you're having fun, making money and doing good.

Make sure that little voice in your head (that only you can hear) keeps you focused on the "what" you want to do and the "how" to do it.

Please remember that little voice works for you and not the other way around.

Give yourself some goals, targets, aspirations or ambitions to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

Believe in yourself and your abilities to achieve your future.

Keep a positive mental attitude.

Never give up and make your accomplishments worthy of you.

Should your interests involve growing a company, building a career or advancing an idea, come have breakfast with us any Wednesday.

April 10 2019 Time is Money ~ https://conta.cc/2Ke4pjs
Some say it's all about time.
60 seconds to the minute.

60 minutes to the hour.


24 hours to the day.

7 days to the week.

Time is fixed.

Just for fun, go lookup all the quotes about time.

What we do with it, ah, not so fixed, eh?

Here's my take on it.

You decide how to pass through your time.

Your life.

Your choices.

Enjoy! And should your interests involve growing a company, building a career or advancing an idea, come have breakfast with us any Wednesday.

Chances are excellent that we can show you how to use your time having fun and making money in the process.

April 3 2019 What's Your Target? ~ https://conta.cc/2JKcJqC

What is it you want to accomplish?

Does it keep changing?

Kinda like a moving target, eh?

Let's see if we can make it more stationary.

And let's have it consist of such things as financial freedom doing something you love that there is a excellent demand for.

Some very simple rules to follow.

First you decide "what."

Then you decide "how."

We've been assisting people in this process for years now.

Let's see if it would also work for you. Come have breakfast with us Wednesday and share your target.



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