This podcast was recorded by iLearningGlobal.tv in 2008. It is 22 minutes long but I don’t think I’d change a minute of it even if I were recording anew today.

I talk about how to face tough economic times, how to build a big career even when you are starting with virtually nothing, and much more. In it you will hear my personal story and feel my enthusiasm about what is possible for YOU.

Please take the time to listen to this message and share it with others who could use a boost of motivation or confidence. I want to be a resource for you in all the ways that I can. Then drop me a note and let’s stay connected.

Here is the recording link: Click here to access the message.

All this week I’ll be guest hosting a local radio show, The Business of Life on KKZZ AM1400 in Ventura, California. This “drive-time” show belongs to Coach Ron Tunick and I’m guest hosting while he’s on vacation. You can tune in online if you are not in the area. It’s from 4pm to 6pm Pacific time and here’s the link.

The Business of Life with guest host Jim Cathcart

There is an exciting line-up of guests joining me this week.

Dr. Terry Paulson, author of The Optimism Advantage

Dr. Nido Qubein, Chairman of Great Harvest Bread & President of High Point University

Dr. Tony Alessandra, author of The Platinum Rule, Chairman of Online Assessment Center

Tony Hseih, CEO of Zappos

Nance Guilmartin, author of The Power of Pause & Healing Conversations

Jason Vanderpal, product manager for Guitar Center, former GM of Hollywood Guitar Center

Mark Sanborn, author of The Encore Effect, The Fred Factor & It Doesn’t Take A Title To Be A Leader

And, a surprise guest who called in and then agreed to stay for the hour, Scott McKain! Author of All Business is Show Business and The Collapse of Distinction.

This is “Life Skills Week” and we will be talking about specific things you can do to make your life more rewarding and productive. Please call in and listen with friends!

And when Coach gets back on June 14th, I’ll be interviewing Darren Hardy, publisher of SUCCESS magazine. Darren’s new book The Compound Effect will be the focus of our interview. Tune in!

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!

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.

On June 22 & 24, 2010 I will be speaking in Bogota’, Colombia and Santiago, Chile. The Bogota’ event will be held on June 21 & 22, while the Santiago Congress will be on June 23 & 24. My seminar is on the second day of each event.

These Marketing & Sales Congresses are being held by Seminarium International. I will be speaking for 3 hours in two 90 minute presentations. My topic is “Relationship Selling & Relationship Intelligence®”. There will be simultaneous translation into Espanol and my materials will be offered in both English & Spanish.

For details on these events and to enroll online please visit their website at this link.

http://www.seminarium.com/2010/Congresos/CMYV.pdf

I am proud to be represented by this prestigious organization and look forward to seeing you at these exciting events.

Santa Barbara, California

On May 18th, 2010 I will be speaking on Relationship Selling- Turning Contacts into Assets, from 6:45 pm to 9pm.
The event is being held by Catalyst and the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care.  These are the wonderful folks who cared for Max Martinez, the father of my daughter-in-law Sonya.

Jim Cathcart: Relationship Selling – Turning Contacts Into Assets

SPEAKER:
Jim Cathcart is the original bestselling author of “Relationship Selling,” and “The Acorn Principle.”  He is the founder of Cathcart Institute, Inc., The 101 Leaders Institute, and The Professional Speaking Institute. Cathcart is an advisor to the Schools of Business at both Pepperdine and California Lutheran Universities, and was inducted into the Professional Speaker Hall of Fame. With over 31 years of professional speaking around the world, Cathcart is one of the best known and most award-winning motivational speakers in the business. He has delivered more than 2,700 presentations to audiences around the globe! In 2007 he was listed as one of The Top 100 Minds on Personal Development by Leadership Excellence magazine. Today Cathcart is listed in the professional Speaker Hall of Fame, is a recipient of the prestigious Golden Gavel Award, has been the president of the National Speakers Association and received the Cavett Award for a lifetime of service. He has authored 14 books and scores of recorded programs, and is an executive coach to numerous high-achievers.

BENEFITTING NON-PROFIT:
The net proceeds from this event’s ticket sales benefit Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of Santa Barbara, whose mission is to “provide high quality, comprehensive home health, hospice and related services necessary to promote the health of residents, including those unable to pay.”

TUESDAY, May 18:
5:30pm VIP Reception (must RSVP online to attend reception)
6:45pm Seating for Speaker, no late admittance
University Club of Santa Barbara, 1332 Santa Barbara Street
$10 with RSVP online, $15 at the door

I’ve heard for years that we should “follow our bliss.” Never knew for sure what that meant but clearly it was similar to, “If it feels good…do it!” (The mantra of the flower child generation.) Being of that same Baby Boomer age group I certainly identify with the sentiment. But it doesn’t seem to be a good formula for generating income and paying your bills. Until you examine it further.

One of the imprinting moments for me was in 1978 when I saw Kenny Rogers on The Donahue Show (the Oprah of his day). Kenny was at the top of the charts with hit records, Tonight Show appearances and his own variety shows on TV. He had just published a new book titled “Making It With Music“.  That day Phil Donahue interviewed him about how to build a musical career and he interspersed musical performances with his interview. I told my wife Paula, “That is what I want to do!” Meaning, that I wanted to do speeches and seminars as I had been doing since 1976 but I wanted to sing and play guitar too.

A bit of background; when we got married in 1970 I was playing guitar and singing in clubs full time. I guess I was a “lounge lizard” because I played popular, folk, rock and country music at half a dozen venues around my home town, Little Rock, Arkansas. At that time my dream was to move to Nashville, get a day job to pay the bills, take music and voice lessons in the afternoons and then perform at night anywhere I could until I made my big break.

That plan didn’t even get off the ground before a new opportunity opened up. I joined the Jaycees (The Junior Chamber of Commerce) and became immensely active as a volunteer, chapter leader and committee member. Within two years I had won statewide awards for my works and was hired by the national headquarters to be in charge of Leadership Training for the 356,000 members in the USA. My music took a back seat as my world opened up and I was having a great time as a speaker, trainer and author.

But the desire to sing and perform still lingered. I played at parties and for my family but not much else…for almost thirty years!!! I could still play and did a passable job on the songs that I knew but, Man!, to take an entire generation off from performing is just begging for a “wish I had” later on. I’ve never been one to spend energy on what I “coulda, woulda, shoulda” done. So, let’s fast forward to the current era.

A few years ago our friends John & Len Dwight announced that they were hosting a “Hot August Night” party and asked if I’d bring my guitar. That’s all it took to let my genie out of the bottle again. I started practicing the Neil Diamond song that contains that lyric; Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show. As I played that song it led me to others and so I kept my guitar on a stand near my desk for convenience. The ease of access caused me to play more often and today, a few years later, I find myself playing every day. I’ve not only recaptured the joy of playing but I’ve also gotten MUCH better at guitar.

I’ve even found ways to tastefully include a song or two in some of my speeches and seminars. Some clients have asked me to do a complete performance of singalong Rock n Roll for their attendees. And boy is it fun! I’m having the time of my life. I recently performed in Macau, China at the Venetian Resort for a convention where I was the keynote speaker. Last year I performed in Phoenix, Dallas, San Diego and New York City. On Thursday of this week I’m hosting an event called “Sherwood Unplugged” at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California. It is an open mike acoustic guitar event complete with dinner, bars and lots of guitars. Guitar Center, Hollywood is providing a display of high-end guitars for a “Guitar Petting Zoo” and some rental guitars for us to play onstage. This four hour event will be the closest to a regular concert that I’ve done in years.

But is it profitable?

That’s the real question, if I follow my bliss and continue to pursue performing, can I make enough money at it to justify the time and energy required? The answer is Yes. One recent speech booking with a Nashville-based client mistakenly added an hour to my scheduled presentation and published the schedule with the error in it. As we talked about what to do with that extra hour I suggested we do a Jam Session with me on guitar and everyone singing along on their favorite tunes. The client jumped at the suggestion and now I’ll be performing as part of my paid engagement. It is more fun for me, more fun for the audience and I’m finding a number of ways to use the guitar to enhance some of my speeches.

So, what is your bliss? What gives you great joy but hasn’t yet shown you how to make money at it? Now might be a good time to start adding it to your life in little ways. Let the opportunities evolve as you pursue your happiness. We never know what the path will look like until we begin to travel it. If you could be doing more of one specific thing, what would that be? Do it now!

If you’d like to hear one of my songs, go to iTunes and look up “Riding Free” by Jim Cathcart.

Music>Rock>Jim Cathcart (it was #7 on the list when I last looked it up. Scroll down to find it)

You can also purchase it (for $1) from my Online Store here at Cathcart.com.

Follow this link to the magazine so that you can read this and many other inspiring articles.

You will also find an assortment of videos streaming free from their site. One of them is my presentation on TSTN network addressing The Purpose of Selling. Take a few minutes and view it, then if you think it will have value in your next meeting play this short message for your team and discuss what it means for all of you to connect more strongly with your customers and prospects.

I look forward to staying connected with you and providing much future value through all of these media.

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.

The 101 Leaders Institute “Prosperity Seminar Series” featured Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE on January 23, 2010 at the beautiful Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California. Her topic was Presentation Skills and she Wowed the audience, as expected!

The amazing Miss Fripp not only taught, but also practiced the techniques and strategies that have allowed her to reach the absolute top of the field of professional speaking. She is:

• Past President of the National Speakers Association and its first female president,
• a Certified Speaking Professional, CSP
• an inductee into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame, CPAE
• a Cavett Award winner
• a regular presenter on many of the most prestigious programs in the country
• and a speech & sales presentation trainer to celebrities, politicians, and corporate executives around the world.
• She has delivered thousands of speeches in every conceivable setting over a speaking career that spans more than thirty years.

Some of her key points, as remembered by the attendees, include:

Focus on what the audience will get, not on what you will tell them.

Reduce your “I” count, talk about them not about you.

Structure Frees you, it doesn’t “freeze” you. Organize your information into a logical flow.

Use your technology, don’t let it use you. Learn how to use PowerPoint and your other tools well.

The packed audience was engaged from beginning to end of this 3 hour program. Host Jim Cathcart, president of the 101 Leaders Institute and also a past president of the National Speakers Association, said, “I’ve known Patricia Fripp for over 30 years and, of the thousands of speakers I know NOBODY is a more dedicated student of their craft than Patricia. She is amazingly dedicated to learning: story telling, script writing, speech craft, stage techniques, choreography, voice control, writing techniques, comedy, acting and performance. There is no better presentation skills coach on Earth! And I defy you to prove me wrong.”

Fripp & Cathcart with Bob Hope's chief comedy writer, author Gene Perrett

Attendees at the Prosperity Seminar (the 4th in the 7 event annual series) included; screenwriters, business owners, executives, attorneys, CPAs, entrepreneurs, comedy writers, radio personalities, authors, professional speakers, consultants, civic leaders, students, hoteliers, and club managers.

The next seminar is scheduled for February 25th at Westlake Village Inn. The featured speaker is Don Hutson, coauthor of The One Minute Entrepreneur, one of the nation’s leading sales trainers. His topic is “Selling Value over Price”.

To enroll in the next seminar or the series of seven seminars click here.
Enroll Now!