An ordinary friend has never seen you cry.
A true friend has had a wet shoulder from your tears.
An ordinary friend does not know your parents' first names.
A true friend probably has their phone number written down
as well.
An ordinary friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A true friend shows up early to help you prepare...
and stays late to help clean up.
An ordinary friend gets upset when you call late.
A true friend asks why you weren't able to call earlier.
An ordinary friend likes to listen to your problems.
A true friend likes to help you solve them.
An ordinary friend behaves like a guest and waits to be
served when he or she visits.
A true friend goes to the fridge and serves himself.
An ordinary friend thinks your friendship is over after a
quarrel.
A true friend knows that friendships get stronger after a
quarrel.
An ordinary friend always expects you to be there to help out.
A true friend is always there to help you out.
A true friend?
Someone who sticks with you when everyone else abandons you.
..................................................................
"A friend is someone I can be sincere with, someone I can
think out loud to."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
..................................................................
While walking along a beach at dawn an old man saw a boy
picking starfish up off the sand and throwing them back into
the sea. He caught up to the boy and asked him what he was doing.
The boy replied that the starfish would die if left exposed
on the sand after sunrise.
"But this beach goes on for miles," the old man said.
"There must be thousands of starfish stranded on the sand.
What difference will it make to save just a few?"
The boy looked at the starfish he was holding in his hand,
then threw it onto the surf.
"Well, for THAT starfish it makes a big difference!"
(Minnesota Literacy Council)
Another contribution from my True Friend Christian Godefroy :o)
Have a Truly Great weekend!
Your True Friend,
Jacques
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The Blue Ribbon Story
A professor was in the habit of giving his students a little
gift at the end of the school year - a blue ribbon with the
words "Who I Am Makes A Difference®" printed in gold letters
on the ribbon.
As she gave each student their ribbon she explained why she had
appreciated teaching them, and why his course had been different
because that particular student had been present.
One day it occurred to her to see what effect this little
custom would have on the community. She gave each student 3
blue ribbons instead of one, and told each of them to give one
ribbon to someone they knew who, in their opinion "made a difference."
She also told them to give the 2 other ribbons to that same
person, with instructions to hand them out to others who had
made a difference. After that the students were to come back
and report what happened.
One student who had a part-time job gave his ribbon to his boss,
a grumpy fellow who nevertheless appreciated the honor.
"I admire everything you've done," the student said to his boss.
"I think you're a creative genius and a real fair guy. Will you
allow me to pin this blue ribbon on your jacket as a sign of
my appreciation?"
The boy's boss was surprised but also pleased. "Yeah, sure,
why not?" he said.
"And will you take these 2 other ribbons," the student continued,
"and give them to someone you think makes a difference, like I did
for you? It's for a project we're doing at school."
"All right," the boss replied.
That night the boss returned home wearing the blue ribbon
on his jacket. He greeted his 14 year old son and said,
"Something strange happened to me today. One of my employees
gave me this ribbon. See what's written on it? 'Because you
make a difference.' He gave me another ribbon just like it
and told me to give it to someone who's made a difference for me,
someone who is very special and means a lot to me."
"I had a pretty hard day, but on the way home I said to myself,
'There's only one person I want to give this ribbon to.' I know
I tell you off a lot because you don't work hard enough at school,
because all you think about is going out and having fun with your
friends, because your room's always a mess... But tonight I want
to tell you that you are very very important to me. You and your
mother make all the difference in my life, and I'd like you to
accept this blue ribbon as a sign of my love. I don't tell you
I love you very often, not nearly enough, I know. But I do love
you, and I think you're a wonderful kid!"
As soon as he stopped talking his son burst into tears. His
whole body shook with sobs. His father took him in his arms and
held him close, saying, "That's okay, it's all right. Did I say something wrong?"
"No Dad." his son replied, "It's just that... I decided I was
going to kill myself. I was going to do it tomorrow. I had it
all planned out. I wanted to kill myself because I was sure you
didn't like me, even though I tried hard to be good. Now that's
all changed..."
Courtesy: My Friend Christian Godefroy
gift at the end of the school year - a blue ribbon with the
words "Who I Am Makes A Difference®" printed in gold letters
on the ribbon.
As she gave each student their ribbon she explained why she had
appreciated teaching them, and why his course had been different
because that particular student had been present.
One day it occurred to her to see what effect this little
custom would have on the community. She gave each student 3
blue ribbons instead of one, and told each of them to give one
ribbon to someone they knew who, in their opinion "made a difference."
She also told them to give the 2 other ribbons to that same
person, with instructions to hand them out to others who had
made a difference. After that the students were to come back
and report what happened.
One student who had a part-time job gave his ribbon to his boss,
a grumpy fellow who nevertheless appreciated the honor.
"I admire everything you've done," the student said to his boss.
"I think you're a creative genius and a real fair guy. Will you
allow me to pin this blue ribbon on your jacket as a sign of
my appreciation?"
The boy's boss was surprised but also pleased. "Yeah, sure,
why not?" he said.
"And will you take these 2 other ribbons," the student continued,
"and give them to someone you think makes a difference, like I did
for you? It's for a project we're doing at school."
"All right," the boss replied.
That night the boss returned home wearing the blue ribbon
on his jacket. He greeted his 14 year old son and said,
"Something strange happened to me today. One of my employees
gave me this ribbon. See what's written on it? 'Because you
make a difference.' He gave me another ribbon just like it
and told me to give it to someone who's made a difference for me,
someone who is very special and means a lot to me."
"I had a pretty hard day, but on the way home I said to myself,
'There's only one person I want to give this ribbon to.' I know
I tell you off a lot because you don't work hard enough at school,
because all you think about is going out and having fun with your
friends, because your room's always a mess... But tonight I want
to tell you that you are very very important to me. You and your
mother make all the difference in my life, and I'd like you to
accept this blue ribbon as a sign of my love. I don't tell you
I love you very often, not nearly enough, I know. But I do love
you, and I think you're a wonderful kid!"
As soon as he stopped talking his son burst into tears. His
whole body shook with sobs. His father took him in his arms and
held him close, saying, "That's okay, it's all right. Did I say something wrong?"
"No Dad." his son replied, "It's just that... I decided I was
going to kill myself. I was going to do it tomorrow. I had it
all planned out. I wanted to kill myself because I was sure you
didn't like me, even though I tried hard to be good. Now that's
all changed..."
Courtesy: My Friend Christian Godefroy
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Salesman Story...
A salesman had a flat tire somewhere out in the countryside.
He opened his trunk and looked for his jack... but it wasn't
there.
"Hum, now what do I do," he thought.
Since he was stranded on a small country road on a hot summer
day, he doubted anyone would drive by to help. Seeing the
spire of a church in the distance, he decided to walk to the
nearest village and borrow a jack. It was a long way, and the
day was very hot. On the way he thought, "I hope someone in
that town has a jack they can lend me."
He walked some more, sweating profusely, and then thought,
"I know what the people around here are like. They don't take
kindly to strangers."
He walked a little further, thinking, "Since they don't
know me, I really don't thing anyone is going to lend me a jack."
And so he continued walking and imagining the worst possible
outcome to his predicament... No one in the town would be
willing to lend him a jack, people would be so suspicious
they'd even refuse to sell him one, and so on.
By the time he got to the village he was so upset he went
to the square in the middle of town and started shouting,
"All right, since that's the way you feel, you can keep your
damn jack!"
o 0 o
How often have you invented all kinds of seemingly
insurmountable obstacles and unfounded fears? Think about
it Christian, how many times have you not asked for something
because you were afraid to be refused?
Courtesy: Christian Godefroy :o)
He opened his trunk and looked for his jack... but it wasn't
there.
"Hum, now what do I do," he thought.
Since he was stranded on a small country road on a hot summer
day, he doubted anyone would drive by to help. Seeing the
spire of a church in the distance, he decided to walk to the
nearest village and borrow a jack. It was a long way, and the
day was very hot. On the way he thought, "I hope someone in
that town has a jack they can lend me."
He walked some more, sweating profusely, and then thought,
"I know what the people around here are like. They don't take
kindly to strangers."
He walked a little further, thinking, "Since they don't
know me, I really don't thing anyone is going to lend me a jack."
And so he continued walking and imagining the worst possible
outcome to his predicament... No one in the town would be
willing to lend him a jack, people would be so suspicious
they'd even refuse to sell him one, and so on.
By the time he got to the village he was so upset he went
to the square in the middle of town and started shouting,
"All right, since that's the way you feel, you can keep your
damn jack!"
o 0 o
How often have you invented all kinds of seemingly
insurmountable obstacles and unfounded fears? Think about
it Christian, how many times have you not asked for something
because you were afraid to be refused?
Courtesy: Christian Godefroy :o)
LITTLE THINGS DON't MEAN A LOT...
What is CRITICAL to understand is that your ultimate success, fulfillment and happiness will come from doing the little things that matter.
As entrepreneur and best-selling author Harvey Mackay said, “Little things don’t mean a lot. They mean everything.”
Here is a short list of 35 things you can do in less than 10 seconds that will make you a better person, enhance your self-image and improve the quality of your life.
1. Make it a point to say the words ”I love you” to the people in your home every single day.
2. Offer a friendly authentic smile- a great smile radiates warmth, puts people at ease and makes you likable.
3. Make comfortable eye contact- your eyes send messages; establishing and maintaining eye contact with people demonstrates confidence, respect, and genuine interest.
4. Use someone’s name – everyone likes to hear and see his or her name.
5. Acknowledge people- smile and say hi to the people around you.
6. Express your appreciation- say “thank you” to everyone who does something for you even if they are paid to do it.
7. Be unselfish and put others first- it could be as simple as holding the door open for someone.
8. Offer a word of encouragement- sometimes this is all a person needs to build confidence and take the next big step. This is big!
9. Accept responsibility when you are wrong- it’s the sign of a person with character.
10. Be friendly- it lifts the attitude of others and is the #1 factor in being likable.
11. Maintain a positive mental attitude- your attitude is a choice and that choice is 100% within your control.
12. Be kind and considerate- to people you know as well as strangers.
13. Be like a dog and be the first to greet people- it helps new people entering the room feel more comfortable and demonstrates your interest in them.
14. Offer people you meet a warm greeting- this will set the tone for the entire encounter.
15. Say "please"- make it a habit to use the word please EVERY TIME you ask someone to do something for you even if they are paid to do it.
16. Get up and walk into the other room to speak to someone, rather than yelling.
17. Put the toilet seat down.
18. Turn your head and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
19. Improve your body posture- poor posture is an indication of low self-esteem.
20. Say goodbye- make a good last impression.
21. Offer a proper handshake- a good, firm handshake demonstrates confidence and makes a good impression.
22. Give someone a hug- a hug is a sign that you really care for the other person.
23. Proof your email, text or post- this is an important component of portraying a professional online brand.
24. Click the LIKE button on someone’s Facebook post- it’s an easy way to demonstrate interest.
25. Turn off your phone in meetings- even though your phone may not make sounds, your eyes and attention will be diverted from the other people in attendance and your lack of attention demonstrates disrespect and disinterest.
26. Repeat your phone number twice when leaving a voicemail- speaking slowly and repeating your phone number will make you stand out and considerate.
27. When scheduling appointments use the other person’s time zone- this avoids misunderstandings or missed opportunities.
28. Speak with life and energy in your voice- no one likes to be around people who are “dead, dull and lifeless.”
29. Walk with a bounce in your step- it’s evidence of an energetic attitude that ultimately leads to success.
30. Turn off the notifications that are bugging those around you.
31. Write things down- it prevents you from forgetting things that are important.
32. Say something positive to others about another person- reverse gossip.
33. Congratulate your opponent- good sportsmanship is evidence of leadership and self-confidence.
34. Be proactive and introduce yourself to people whom you have never met.
35. Look for the good in others and tell them what you see- you have the ability to bring out the best in people, especially when they may not know it themselves.
As you can see, each of these tips is easy to do. They don’t require any formal education or financial investment. We can begin to incorporate them into our lives this very minute. All we need is to be conscious of them and be willing to take 10 seconds to do them.
-----
This is the middle of the 4th of July week: contribute to and upgrade America!
Your Friend,
Jacques
As entrepreneur and best-selling author Harvey Mackay said, “Little things don’t mean a lot. They mean everything.”
Here is a short list of 35 things you can do in less than 10 seconds that will make you a better person, enhance your self-image and improve the quality of your life.
1. Make it a point to say the words ”I love you” to the people in your home every single day.
2. Offer a friendly authentic smile- a great smile radiates warmth, puts people at ease and makes you likable.
3. Make comfortable eye contact- your eyes send messages; establishing and maintaining eye contact with people demonstrates confidence, respect, and genuine interest.
4. Use someone’s name – everyone likes to hear and see his or her name.
5. Acknowledge people- smile and say hi to the people around you.
6. Express your appreciation- say “thank you” to everyone who does something for you even if they are paid to do it.
7. Be unselfish and put others first- it could be as simple as holding the door open for someone.
8. Offer a word of encouragement- sometimes this is all a person needs to build confidence and take the next big step. This is big!
9. Accept responsibility when you are wrong- it’s the sign of a person with character.
10. Be friendly- it lifts the attitude of others and is the #1 factor in being likable.
11. Maintain a positive mental attitude- your attitude is a choice and that choice is 100% within your control.
12. Be kind and considerate- to people you know as well as strangers.
13. Be like a dog and be the first to greet people- it helps new people entering the room feel more comfortable and demonstrates your interest in them.
14. Offer people you meet a warm greeting- this will set the tone for the entire encounter.
15. Say "please"- make it a habit to use the word please EVERY TIME you ask someone to do something for you even if they are paid to do it.
16. Get up and walk into the other room to speak to someone, rather than yelling.
17. Put the toilet seat down.
18. Turn your head and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
19. Improve your body posture- poor posture is an indication of low self-esteem.
20. Say goodbye- make a good last impression.
21. Offer a proper handshake- a good, firm handshake demonstrates confidence and makes a good impression.
22. Give someone a hug- a hug is a sign that you really care for the other person.
23. Proof your email, text or post- this is an important component of portraying a professional online brand.
24. Click the LIKE button on someone’s Facebook post- it’s an easy way to demonstrate interest.
25. Turn off your phone in meetings- even though your phone may not make sounds, your eyes and attention will be diverted from the other people in attendance and your lack of attention demonstrates disrespect and disinterest.
26. Repeat your phone number twice when leaving a voicemail- speaking slowly and repeating your phone number will make you stand out and considerate.
27. When scheduling appointments use the other person’s time zone- this avoids misunderstandings or missed opportunities.
28. Speak with life and energy in your voice- no one likes to be around people who are “dead, dull and lifeless.”
29. Walk with a bounce in your step- it’s evidence of an energetic attitude that ultimately leads to success.
30. Turn off the notifications that are bugging those around you.
31. Write things down- it prevents you from forgetting things that are important.
32. Say something positive to others about another person- reverse gossip.
33. Congratulate your opponent- good sportsmanship is evidence of leadership and self-confidence.
34. Be proactive and introduce yourself to people whom you have never met.
35. Look for the good in others and tell them what you see- you have the ability to bring out the best in people, especially when they may not know it themselves.
As you can see, each of these tips is easy to do. They don’t require any formal education or financial investment. We can begin to incorporate them into our lives this very minute. All we need is to be conscious of them and be willing to take 10 seconds to do them.
-----
This is the middle of the 4th of July week: contribute to and upgrade America!
Your Friend,
Jacques
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Make Your Customers Feel Important
By: Brian Tracy
Listening is the Key
Listening builds self-esteem. It has been said that, "Rapt attention is the highest form of flattery." When you listen intently to another person and it is clear that you genuinely care about what that other person is saying, his or her self-esteem goes up. His or her feeling of personal value increases. He or she feels more worthwhile and important as a human being. You can actually make another person feel terrific about himself or herself by listening in a warm, genuine, caring way to everything he or she has to say.
Pay Close Attention
When a man and a woman go out for the first time, they spend an inordinate amount of time talking and listening to each other. They look into each other's eyes and hang on every word. They are each fascinated by the personality of the other. The more each listens to the other, the more positive and happy each of them feel and the stronger becomes the bonds of affection between them.
Focus 100% On the Other Person
The opposite of listening is ignoring. You always listen to that which you most value. You always ignore that which you devalue. The fastest way to turn a person off, to hurt their feelings and make them feel slighted and angry is to simply ignore what they are saying or interrupt them in the middle of a thought. Ignoring or interrupting is the equivalent of an emotional slap in the face. Men especially have to be careful about their natural desire to make a remark or an observation in the middle of a conversation. This can often cause the sales conversation to come to a grinding halt.
Action Exercises
First, take every opportunity to make the other person feel important by listening attentively to what he or she says.
Second, avoid interrupting the other person by slowing down and pausing for a few moments after he or she has stopped speaking.
-----
JACQUES' COMMENT:
Brian Tracy clearly shared a potent, yet easy to learn by practicing the precious "art" and "science" of sincerely, attentively LISTENING!
My Congratulations and Thanks for this!
Listening is the Key
Listening builds self-esteem. It has been said that, "Rapt attention is the highest form of flattery." When you listen intently to another person and it is clear that you genuinely care about what that other person is saying, his or her self-esteem goes up. His or her feeling of personal value increases. He or she feels more worthwhile and important as a human being. You can actually make another person feel terrific about himself or herself by listening in a warm, genuine, caring way to everything he or she has to say.
Pay Close Attention
When a man and a woman go out for the first time, they spend an inordinate amount of time talking and listening to each other. They look into each other's eyes and hang on every word. They are each fascinated by the personality of the other. The more each listens to the other, the more positive and happy each of them feel and the stronger becomes the bonds of affection between them.
Focus 100% On the Other Person
The opposite of listening is ignoring. You always listen to that which you most value. You always ignore that which you devalue. The fastest way to turn a person off, to hurt their feelings and make them feel slighted and angry is to simply ignore what they are saying or interrupt them in the middle of a thought. Ignoring or interrupting is the equivalent of an emotional slap in the face. Men especially have to be careful about their natural desire to make a remark or an observation in the middle of a conversation. This can often cause the sales conversation to come to a grinding halt.
Action Exercises
First, take every opportunity to make the other person feel important by listening attentively to what he or she says.
Second, avoid interrupting the other person by slowing down and pausing for a few moments after he or she has stopped speaking.
-----
JACQUES' COMMENT:
Brian Tracy clearly shared a potent, yet easy to learn by practicing the precious "art" and "science" of sincerely, attentively LISTENING!
My Congratulations and Thanks for this!
Dreams Into Realities...
"Dreams never hurt anybody if he keeps working right behind the dream to make as much of it become real as he can."
- Frank Woolworth, Entrepreneur
"Wisdom is knowing what to do; virtue is doing it."
- David Jordan, scientist
"Courage is rarely reckless or foolish. Courage usually involves a highly realistic estimate of the odds that must be faced."
- Margaret Truman, author
"A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power."
- Brian Tracy, Author
"Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."
- Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. president
- Frank Woolworth, Entrepreneur
"Wisdom is knowing what to do; virtue is doing it."
- David Jordan, scientist
"Courage is rarely reckless or foolish. Courage usually involves a highly realistic estimate of the odds that must be faced."
- Margaret Truman, author
"A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power."
- Brian Tracy, Author
"Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing."
- Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. president
Friday, July 2, 2010
Bad luck or good luck, who can say?
There once was very poor man living in a village who had a
very fine horse. So fine, in fact, that the lord of the castle
wanted to buy it. But the old man always refused.
"To me this horse is not merely an animal. He's a friend.
How could I sell you my friend?"
One morning he went to the stable and found his horse gone.
All the villagers said, "We told you! You should have sold
your horse. Now he's been stolen instead. What terrible luck."
"Bad luck or good luck," the old man said. "Who can say?"
Everyone laughed at him. But 15 days later the horse returned,
followed by a whole herd of wild horses. He had escaped from the
stable, courted a young mare, and returned with the rest of
the herd following behind!
"What luck!" the villagers cried.
The old man and his son began training the wild horses. But
a week later the man's son broke his leg trying to train one of
the horses.
"Bad luck," said his friends. "What are you going to do now
without your son to help you? You who are already so poor."
"Bad luck, good luck, who can say?" the old man replied.
A few days later an army belonging to the lord of the land
passed through the village and forced all the young men to become
soldiers. All... except the old man's son, because of his broken
leg.
"How lucky you are," the villagers cried. "All our children
are gone to war, but you've been able to keep your son. Our sons
will probably be killed..."
The old man replied, "Bad luck, good luck... who can say?"
The future comes to us in bits and pieces. We never know what
lies in store for us. But if you always maintain a positive
attitude the doors of chance remain open, and you will be a
happier person.
-----
Courtesy: Christian Godefroy
"Luck is the sense to recognize an opportunity and the ability to take advantage of it."
- Samuel Goldwyn, entertainment executive
very fine horse. So fine, in fact, that the lord of the castle
wanted to buy it. But the old man always refused.
"To me this horse is not merely an animal. He's a friend.
How could I sell you my friend?"
One morning he went to the stable and found his horse gone.
All the villagers said, "We told you! You should have sold
your horse. Now he's been stolen instead. What terrible luck."
"Bad luck or good luck," the old man said. "Who can say?"
Everyone laughed at him. But 15 days later the horse returned,
followed by a whole herd of wild horses. He had escaped from the
stable, courted a young mare, and returned with the rest of
the herd following behind!
"What luck!" the villagers cried.
The old man and his son began training the wild horses. But
a week later the man's son broke his leg trying to train one of
the horses.
"Bad luck," said his friends. "What are you going to do now
without your son to help you? You who are already so poor."
"Bad luck, good luck, who can say?" the old man replied.
A few days later an army belonging to the lord of the land
passed through the village and forced all the young men to become
soldiers. All... except the old man's son, because of his broken
leg.
"How lucky you are," the villagers cried. "All our children
are gone to war, but you've been able to keep your son. Our sons
will probably be killed..."
The old man replied, "Bad luck, good luck... who can say?"
The future comes to us in bits and pieces. We never know what
lies in store for us. But if you always maintain a positive
attitude the doors of chance remain open, and you will be a
happier person.
-----
Courtesy: Christian Godefroy
"Luck is the sense to recognize an opportunity and the ability to take advantage of it."
- Samuel Goldwyn, entertainment executive
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