by Jim Cathcart

Imagine going to your favorite bookstore via your computer and when you select a book, you then get to browse its chapters. As you select a chapter, the author comes onto your screen in High-Definition and speaks the message directly to you in less than 10 minutes.

That is actually possible right now through Daily Success Stream (formerly iLearningGlobal.tv). The folks at Daily Success Stream have assembled over 600 of these video messages from their astoundingly large and comprehensive faculty. I have 15 video messages there in my Relationship Intelligence® Series.

I am proud to be a member of their Founding Faculty “Hall of Fame” along with:

• Dr. Tony Alessandra
• Brian Tracy
• Don Hutson
• Scott McKain
• Alex Mandossian
• Bill Bartmann
• Mark Victor Hanson
• Patricia Fripp
• Hyrum Smith
• Ivan Misner
• John Gray
• Jay Abraham
• Stephen MR Covey
• Steve Siebold
• Terry Murphy
• Shep Hyken and a dozen more

The real beauty of this magical web source is that it is the least expensive high-content training site in existence today. It is filled with Hall of Fame Professional Speakers and Best Selling Authors at their best, in short, powerful messages that you can access anytime, anywhere. The subscription is only $59.95 a month for more training than you can imagine, cancellable any time.

And, with my position as a Founding Faculty member I can provide you with a $10 a month discount just by enrolling through entering the promo code: cathcart. So, for just $49.95 a month you can scroll through hundreds of lessons on Sales, Leadership, Relationships, Life Balance, Motivation, Negotiation, Strategy, Communication, Presentation Skills, Social Media Marketing, Customer Service, Wealth Building, Attitude and much more. To enroll now and try it for a month at this discounted rate, just go to this link and remember to use the promo code: cathcart. (This site is very new so if you have any difficulty just drop me an email at jim@cathcart.com.)

Please visit this exciting site and take the tour. It is beyond anything you’ve seen before. The faculty line up alone is unique! Add to that the High-Def delivery and bite sized lessons and you have an unbeatable package!!

See you in the Daily Success Stream.

$59.95 – Regular monthly subscription price

$49.95 – with promo code: cathcart

Cancellable anytime. But why would you want to? They keep adding new faculty videos every week!

by Jim Cathcart

I’ve just posted a blog entry on www.101Leaders.com with the details of what is next for the 101 Leaders Institute. Please take the time to read it and explore the site. The post is below for your convenience.  Let us know how we can serve you in any of the ways detailed in this article.

I am strongly Optimistic about the future of the 101 Leaders Institute. As I discussed with last night’s attendees, there are many new services on the table and plans are being formulated to make this Institute a compelling good value for you! Here are some of the items that are in the works. Please let us know your suggestions and hopes so that what we create is what you will truly want. Send an email to jim@101Leaders.com.

Bi-Monthly Seminars – Daytime

In our surveys of the members and guests at the Institute events there is a clear preference for daytime programming. Though we have occasionally offered our seminars in the evening, the majority of you find it easier to attend daytime programs. In the upcoming email surveys please let us know whether you can more easily attend AM programs (9 to 12) or afternoon programs (1:30 to 3:30). Our personal prediction is that the AM will work best for you, but let us know.

We have been operating on an 8 seminar schedule in this first year. But with the inclusion of more events for you we will slightly reduce the number of stand alone seminars to 6. You’ll get even more value because of the additional events and the seminars will be easier for you to work into your schedules. Current seminar months are targeted for January, March, May, June, September and November. This allows for summer sabbaticals and holiday events without scheduling conflicts.

Thought Leaders Forums – Quarterly

To give you a special opportunity to talk with other interesting people about the bigger ideas and more compelling issues, we plan to host a series of Thought Leaders Forums each year. Our first 101 Leaders event was such a meeting, we called it The 101 Leaders Summit. It was focused on stimulating leadership development throughout the 101 Corridor specifically among the non-profit community. Guests included Civic Leaders, the Deans of the schools of business at Pepperdine & Cal Lutheran Universities, VP of Cal State U Channel Islands, Ventura County Sheriff, President of the Ventura County Community Foundation, and many more. Details are here on this website under the Summit tab.

Next, we want to determine the most pressing big issues that are or will be affecting you so that we can design events that allow you to discuss and explore issues with the other leaders, business owners and influential people throughout the Corridor. Topics will vary and each event will be at an upscale venue worthy of the occasion.

Discussion Salons – Parlor Events

Since 2002 I have been hosting a series of Parlor Discussions at Sherwood Country Club. These are living room setting, open discussions in a casual atmosphere, among up to 30 participants, usually from 5:30 to 7:30pm so that dinner plans can still be made afterwards. I’ve invited a fascinating line-up of guests to join these “Salons”. Guests have included: Astronauts, Philosophers, Authors, Psychologists, Business Leaders, Comedians, Musicians, Entertainers, Civic Leaders, Writers, Motivational Experts, and Law Professors. Topics are presented by the guest for a few minutes and then I facilitate an open discussion involving everyone. All agree that these are inspiring, refreshing and fascinating. These opportunities to get up close and personal with the guests provide a substantial value to all who attend. Many join us for a group dinner after the event, to continue the dialogue.

By incorporating the Discussion Salons into the 101 Leaders mix, we will allow those who cannot attend the daytime seminars to still have access to our featured speakers and to gain even more direct input from them.

Mentor Sessions – 1 on 1 time

Over my 34 years as a professional speaker and author I’ve had many requests for one to one meetings. People often say, “I need an occasional dose of Cathcart optimism and objectivity.” So we schedule a private lunch or breakfast meeting or go for a hike to get some quiet time. This allows us to focus on what is important to you. Whether it’s just reassuring you that you are on the right path, or giving you a wake-up call/reality check to see what you’re missing, this can be immensely valuable. My goal is to be accessible to you in the ways that matter the most to you. So if you want to have me simply guide you as you think out loud. I’m happy to make time to do that. These meetings are priced affordably and scheduled flexibly so that it becomes the power boost you need when you need it.

In-Company Training

Last month I was in Macau, China conducting a seminar for a global client. Three weeks ago I was in San Diego and Atlanta for speeches and seminars. Next month I’ll be conducting Leadership Forums for thousands of people in Santiago, Chile and Bogota’, Colombia. Yet, I’m happiest when I can conduct the training here in the 101 Corridor.

Sure, I’d love to be the keynote speaker for your meeting in Acapulco or Rome, but I’m also thrilled to be able to drive across town and conduct training programs for you right here. Why pay the travel expenses to ship someone in from across the globe when you can access me or other world-class experts through the 101 Leaders Institute?

On Leadership, Sales, Presentation Skills, Communication or Marketing Strategies, Innovation, Customer Loyalty, Performance Improvement, or Entrepreneurship, we have a world-class faculty. All of our faculty are one or all of the following: Hall of Fame Professional Speakers “CPAEs”, bestselling Authors, or international experts in a particular discipline. Let us become your go-to resource for the top speakers and experts you need. When I’m bringing in one of our faculty for our events, let’s schedule an event for your organization while they are here! Many of you have hired these folks in the past without any of the cost saving benefits we can provide to you.

Online Video Training – 24/7

Many of you are already subscribers to iLearningGlobal.tv, or TSTN (The Success Training Network), or have been subscribers to Crestcom International, or The People’s Network -The Success Channel. These and other networks have offered my programs via television or internet connection. Now Savvy Media, Inc. out of Phoenix, is providing over 600 online video programs, each in a 6 to 10 minute format, so that you can access the best experts and their best advice via your laptop, iPad or cell phone anywhere in the world. Imagine having High Definition, instant access to specifically the training you need. This is like having each individual chapter of the best selling business books available via video of the author delivering it directly to you. What a great way to open a meeting or discussion with your coworkers!

My complete Relationship Intelligence® and Relationship Selling series of programs are on line in bite sized lessons.

Let me know if you’d like more details on this video series. It can be accessed via very affordable subscription so that you get all the resources and can navigate it as you wish. jim@101Leaders.com

Personal Coaching

When you need someone in your corner to guide you through a transition or show you the options please give me a call. One of the most satisfying things I’ve done over these decades of speaking and training is personal coaching. I can be your part time mentor and expert guide. If you need assistance or perspective in goal setting, achieving a breakthrough, getting your enthusiasm back, dealing with career challenges, rethinking your strategies, or just developing a growth plan, I’m your guy. This can also be offered for small teams in a series of casual sessions.

Special Events

There is no limit to what we could do under the 101 Leaders Institute mix of events and services. As great ideas emerge and fun options are available, I’ll bring them to you. Please let us know what you’d like to see and if you have a special offer we’d love to hear of it. Sponsorships, discounted special offers, showcase opportunities, and more are there for you. If it furthers the purpose of advancing the leadership abilities of the 101 Corridor, then let us know.

At each of our events we have special give away drawings, and sponsorships, so if you’d like to support this cause and draw some attention to your firm, let us know.

Next Event! June 15, 2010 Seminar on: Relationship Intelligence® featuring Jim Cathcart. 9am to noon.

Yep, I’m the next speaker! We have brought in seven national experts for you so far and I’ve been flying off to other places to conduct training there. Now it’s time for me to bring it home. I’ll be showing you the insights of my last several years of research into Professional Relationships. Building upon my published works of Relationship Strategies (with Tony Alessandra), The Acorn Principle (published by St. Martin’s Press) and Relationship Selling (my international bestseller), I’ve discovered how to convert connections into Assets as never before. With the use of Social Media, savvy networking, intentionality, and strategy you can find resources you didn’t realize you had. You can also eliminate many of the frustrations most people experience with relationships. Come join me on the morning of June 15th at the next 101 Prosperity Series seminar and let’s discover how you can get more from every relationship. This will be a daytime seminar at the beautiful Westlake Village Inn.

Watch your email for news and please respond to our survey inquiries promptly. Thank you for supporting the 101 Leaders Institute.

by Jim Cathcart

I had the privilege of being interviewed by Audley Stephenson of Hard Court Lessons. The basketball theme makes this a very interesting site for exploring Leadership & Self Motivation. Take some time to listen to this session that revolves around my concept “The Acorn Principle.” I think you’ll enjoy the message and meeting Audley as well.

by Jim Cathcart

My colleague Ed Oakley, author of Enlightened Leadership, interviewed me on the subject of my upcoming book “Relationship Intelligence®”. The video of this interview is just under 15 minutes long and posted on Ed’s site for easy access.

Here is the link to the video: Relationship Intelligence®

This would be a good video to show at an upcoming business meeting or to distribute via email to your team before your next discussion about sales, marketing or customer retention.

The message is focused on how All Relationships are, or could be, Assets.

Have your colleagues view it on their own time and then talk with you about the key points. Now is also a good time for you to use this message in your personal life. Think about this:

• Your life consists of many relationships
• The quality of those relationships determines the quality of your life experience
• By becoming more Conscious, Intentional and Focused on giving value to others you will draw more rewards, benefits and opportunities to yourself
• Now is a GREAT time to “Up-Serve” those with whom you are connected
• Look for ways to GIVE value to everyone in your world

Have fun with this and when I can help, please contact me. I’m eager to bring you more value every week.

by Jim Cathcart

Ground Zero in New York City

In the afternoon of 9-11-2001, while still reeling from the shocking tragedies of that morning, I wrote the message posted below. Today, 9-11-2009, we have a different set of challenges and fears but once again, I assert that we must come together in a spirit of unison to address, remove and solve the problems plaguing us.

Today’s challenges include a large number of our own political leaders who appear to be driving our country off a cliff. They are rapidly passing legislation and implementing policies and systems far beyond their elected authority to do so. And when they leave office with a comfy pension we and our children will be required to pay their debts.

We need leaders whom we will hold accountable for real solutions, not just symbolic strategies with no proven ability to produce good results. We need to elect new leaders, demand more responsibility and integrity from those who serve us, and revive the spirit of self-reliance and Americanism. We need people whose personal and professional track records are worthy of admiration. People about whom we can say to our children, “Be like them.”

We must forget race, color, religion, gender, age or political party as we look at each other. We must also consider all of our hyphenated self descriptions (“xyz-american”) to be obsolete, permanently. Those that keep race alive as an issue must be ignored and discouraged. When the audience walks away the speakers stop ranting.

We are either American or we are not. E Pluribus Unum, Out of Many…ONE. When we become Americans the other identities are no longer important. It is our Americanism we must honor, grow and protect.

On this day when so many died at the hands of the enemies of Freedom, I urge you to honor their sacrifices and distinguish their legacies by returning the dignity and pride of being an American. Do this by behaving responsibly, speaking up against corruption and injustice and keeping this country free from government oppression and foreign agression.

by Jim Cathcart
I just returned from a delightful speaking tour in Caracas, Venezuela. El Nacional, the newspaper, brought me in to headline their “Foros El Nacional” World Leadership Forum. They’ve hosted this annual event to bring the business community together to hear top speakers from around the world.

I opened the conference with a 3 hour seminar on Re-Thinking Leadership for a New Era. My focus was reconsidering our approach to dealing with the new economic and political realities as we seek to make our organizations successful.

There were about 800 business leaders in attendance from all industries. They gave me a generous standing ovation at the end and treated me like a rock star, asking for autographs and posing for photos. I did six radio interviews and one video interview. A special joy for me was getting to play the guitar and sing rock n roll songs on stage during the time when people were returning from the morning break. They were singing along with me and enjoying the music as much as I was.

The event was held at the beautiful four star Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites in Caracas.

Another keynoter was Dr. John Gray, author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. He, too, received a standing ovation and offered tremendous value in his speech. John and I are booked on 3 separate programs together this spring: Irvine, CA, Caracas, VZ, and Las Vegas, NV. What a coincidence! It is fun getting to know this insightful man.
The final speaker was Carlitos Paez, a man who survived the airplane crash in the Andes in the 1970s that led to the books and movie “Alive!” His story of survival and courage inspired and moved us all. What a testament to the power of the human spirit. He’s a charming and intelligent man who has a heart as big as a mountain.

I truly enjoyed my first visit to Venezuela.
To my sponsors at El Nacional and the staff at the Eurobuilding Hotel & Suites, and to my host Santiago Zapata of Hi-Cue Speakers (based in Bogota’, Columbia) I offer my sincere gratitude for a wonderful experience and all of their great support. A special thank you goes to Carolina Angel of Hi-Cue for all of her help.

For those who speak Espanol, here’s an unrelated but valuable resource.
Below is the video of a seminar I produced a few years ago through Crestcom International which they translated into Espanol for their subscribers. If you enjoy this program you may enroll in a full training course called “Bulletproof Manager” through Crestcom in cities around the world, each in their local language.
Spanish description: Jim Cathcart Como hacer crecer su Liderazgo? Uno de los retos mas dificiles que presentan los lideres es la autoevaluacion, en este video encontrara las herramientas para conocerce a si mismo.

by Jim Cathcart

Who ever spread the word that is was OK to hold bad meetings?

Well, someone did, because I’ve attended 100 bad meetings to every one that I enjoyed. How about you? Here is what usually happens:

The 8am meeting arrives and “Chair” is still arranging tables or setting out supplies, or refreshments. A couple of other attendees come in, talking on cell phones, grab a coffee and sit down while still finishing “other” work. They start to skim the handouts and a few more folks arrive. Nobody has begun the meeting yet so casual conversation flourishes for a while.

Finally, around 8:15 Chair decides that the stragglers won’t be there soon enough to continue waiting for them so he/she says, “Let’s get started.” Nobody responds. Chair is now seated and looking pleadingly at the others. Slowly they take their seats, still talking but quieter now.

Chair says, “Before we get started, I have some ‘housekeeping’ announcements.” And proceeds to speak to a group that is not yet paying attention. One of the group asks, “When are we going to get things going? I have another meeting to go to.” Another seizes the opportunity and says, “I’m also going to have to leave early.”

“OK, but this is an important agenda, so stay as long as you can.” says Chair. “Now, first on the list is Cecilia’s report. Cele.” She picks up a stack of paper and hands it around the table. Then begins a dry overview of the obvious with a few valuable extras mentioned in monotone. Others are fidgeting and looking over the papers, thinking “I’ve got the papers, who needs a report?” Cecelia proceeds but feels ignored. Noone asks any questions about her report.

On it goes in a similar fashion. Then Jay comes in late. He sneaks (in full view of everyone) over to the coffee table, gets a cup and then approaches Elena and whispers “Is this seat taken?” As he sits down everyone in the room is watching him. No real reason, it’s just that he was moving. The meeting continues as if he weren’t there and everyone feels uncomfortable.

As all had suspected the meeting runs over time because a few discussions expanded beyond their time frames. Also, the “brainstorming” discussion on one project didn’t produce any new ideas but it reminded people of some other unresolved issues that “needed” to be added to the agenda.

ENOUGH! So far, am I describing your experiences too? Haven’t you been there in meetings large and small where the collective waste of valuable time and talent was staggering? Well, I’m here to tell you that there is a better way, and it’s not all that hard either. Here are some guidelines that might make a difference for you.

1. If you don’t have to meet, then don’t. Just call or email or text them the news.
2. When you meet, show up before the scheduled start time. Get your coffee before the event.
3. Start on time, even if only one other person showed up. The stragglers will not respect your time until you do!
4. Do NOT say “Before we begin”. If you are speaking then you have begun! Just start communicating.
5. Open with a smile and a bold greeting, “GOOD Morning!”
6. Move quickly from one item to the next.
7. Ask: what do we need to know? what do we need to do? what help do we need? then…next!
8. Don’t ever go to a meeting just to get energy. BRING energy! Enter the room enthusiastically, take initiative, greet others, ask questions, offer suggestions, go get an extra chair, etc.
9. Do not try to “sneak” while in front of everyone. If you are late, just say, “Good morning, sorry I’m late.” Then sit down.
10. If you are the Chair then pause when a tardy participant arrives and say, “Good morning Bill, we are talking about xxxxxx.” Then continue with your comments.
11. If you are making a report, don’t just say it, SELL it! Give people a reason to hear what you’ve got to say. Show them why they should care about it.
12. Be a great listener. I’m a member of the National Speakers Association (3,000+ professional speakers) and it turns out that they are some of the best listeners on earth. Be the same, look at the speaker, encourage them, ask questions, and offer support.

by Jim Cathcart

mage above: Space shuttle Endeavour and the STS-126 crew land at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. after completing a mission to the International Space Station. Credit: NASA TV

About an hour ago I was sitting at my desk when I felt something crash into our house. Paula called out, “Jim are you OK?” I looked outside to discover our neighbors standing in the street excitedly looking skyward. Paula joined me and we rushed out to see what it was.
My neighbor Ron announced, “It was a sonic boom. The Space Shuttle just re-entered the atmosphere and it’s headed for a landing in the desert.”
I ran to get our binoculars and the four of us stood in awe as the Shuttle and its chase plane flew over our home. It was still glowing red from the heat of re-entry.
Quite a sight to see.

Many years ago I had a penthouse office in a 13-story building in Tulsa, Oklahoma and one day I looked out the window as a huge 747 flew by at my eye-level with the Space Shuttle attached to its top. What a sight! It was less than two miles away from me and was being ferried by piggy-back to the maintenance facilities in Tulsa. Wow! Who could imagine putting a huge Shuttle on the back of an already huge airplane?

Well, that’s really the question isn’t it?
Who could imagine?

The entire concept of space flight, or just flight for that matter, started in someone’s imagination.
Everything we experience from zip lock bags to magnetic resonance imaging began in someone’s imagination. Then an important thing happened…someone decided to make the idea into a reality.
That’s when things started to change. When the idea gained the power of a person’s commitment to make it happen.

I’m awed by the amount of intellectual work and physical work required to create and operate the Space Shuttle. Not sure I can even concieve of how much energy and thought that required. But I sure do appreciate it. The discoveries that have sprung from our exploration of space are profound and legion. Most people don’t realize the value we are getting from these missions, but believe me they will be paying off for generations to come.

Every day you and I have ideas for making things better. We say, “Why don’t they just do xxxxx?” Often we see solutions that others do not. I say it is time for us to stop just having thoughts and start communicating them where they can make a difference.
So, the next time you see a solution, stop to ask yourself, “Who is involved with things like this? How could I communicate this idea to them? (Without worrying about being paid for it or getting credit.)”
Through the unselfish sharing of valuable insights you just may open some doors for yourself and others to make this world a much better place.

We have no shortage of ideas. We simply don’t communicate them well enough.
Let me know when I can help you help others make a difference.
www.cathcart.com

By Jim Cathcart

Once on a plane my seatmate asked what I did for a living. When I told him I was a motivational speaker he replied, “I don’t believe in motivation because it doesn’t last.” The flight attendant standing nearby said, “Neither does a bath but it’s still a good idea now and then.”

Of course motivation doesn’t last. Nor does eating, emotion, exercise or scores of other things. But they still have value for us.
Motivation needs to be intelligently done. It’s not about just generating energy around an idea or getting “pumped up” about something. Motivation is about acting on motives.

Motive + Action = Motivation

Simple motivation is merely generating enthusiasm. It is occasionally useful and effective but hardly lasting or of strategic value. Intelligent Motivation, on the other hand, is determining what is important, identifying what action is needed and doing what is necessary to generate and sustain that action.
Our new Cathcart Institute, inc. by-line is:
Intelligent Motivation
for a Challenging World.

At a recent convention I attended the cocktail reception the night before my keynote speech. Upon learning that I was the next morning’s speaker a man challenged me with this request, “Since you’re our ‘Motivational Speaker’ how about motivating me?” I smiled and asked, “To do what?” He replied, “I don’t know, just motivate me.” I playfully replied, “I could do that but then I’d have to bill you.” Then I went on to point out that without a clear Motive there can be no motivation.
We must have something worthwhile to act toward and we need to be careful and intentional in selecting our targets. I teach people how to determine what matters to them and how to identify ways to get themselves to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done even when they don’t feel like doing it and to still do it very well.
Allow me to repeat that: Self-Motivation is when people Get themselves to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done whether they feel like it or not and still do it very well.
Let’s agree that if a person is not “motivated” to do good work then they probably won’t do it. And if a person has no self-driven motive for excellent performance then they will have to be continually motivated by others. Motivation is absolutely essential to the success of any endeavor. We’ve trivialized it for far too long. It matters and it is urgent, not optional.
In a business where there isn’t much self-motivation the leaders can never rest because they are the only ones holding things together. Conversely, where the people have been taught how to become and stay motivated the leaders can loosen their grip on supervision and focus on the highest payoff activities for their own talents. The more self-motivated your people become the easier it will be to lead them.
Let’s also be intelligent about identifying which goals to pursue and our motives for doing so. Then let’s select the best actions to take and the strategies for sustaining those actions.

Intelligent Motivation(tm):
is determining what is important,
identifying what action is needed and
doing what is necessary to generate and
sustain that action. 

When you or your team need some Intelligent Motivation please give us a call, we’d love to work with you.
www.cathcart.com
800 222 4883