The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

7 habitsOverview
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity — principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

With a balance of theory and practical examples, this guide to personal and professional life describes seven principles of life management. Targeted toward anyone who is interested in personal change, it guides you through private victory, public victory and renewal.

Editorial Reviews
From Barnes & Noble
Despite having sold many millions of copies, Stephen Covey’s groundbreaking book remains as fresh, helpful, and important as when it was first published. Such longevity is a testament to the quality of the insights that Covey offers: Eschewing easy fixes and simple-minded formulas, his writings offers a comprehensive and highly detailed program for invigorating your career as well as other aspects of life. You won’t be able to breeze through this book (the writing is sometimes complex and involved), and you won’t be able to apply Covey’s ideas half-heartedly (the vision outlined requires serious effort to realize), but if you’re willing to do the work, you’ll reap the enormous benefits that many other readers have discovered and put into action.
From the Publisher
The late Skip LeFauve President, Saturn Corporation/General Motors Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People played a major role in the development of Saturn’s operating systems and philosophy. Our commitment to quality and to our customers has its roots in The 7 Habits.
Ken M. Radziwanowski AT&T School of Business Picture someone going through the best experience they’ve ever had in terms of training — that’s what they say. People credit the 7 Habits with changing their lives, with getting back on track personally and professionally.

Daniel Pink
“Every so often a book comes along that not only alters the lives of readers but leaves an imprint on the culture itself. The 7 Habits is one of those books.”
author of On Becoming a Leader and Still Surprised – Warren Bennis
“Covey’s masterpiece, if it hasn’t changed the world, has influenced millions of readers who can and will make our planet more peaceful and prosperous and prepared and purposeful.”
Maya Angelou
“Happily, this book has advised and encouraged us for 25 years. Now, I encourage us to be loyal and supportive for another 25 years.”
New York times bestselling author of Delivering Happiness and CEO of Zappos.com, Inc. – Tony Hsieh
“The 7 Habits encompasses timeless principles that can help guide any company toward success.”
Meg Whitman
“The 7 Habits has guided many of us on our journey through the world of business. Simple but incredibly effective. A great guide for any aspiring leader!”
Jim Collins
“No person lasts forever, but books and ideas can endure. Stephen R. Covey’s life is done, but his work is not. It continues, right here in this book as alive today as when first written.”
Arianna Huffington
“Twenty-five years after it first appeared, the wisdom of The 7 Habits is more relevant than ever. On an individual level, people are burning out, and on a collective level we are burning up the planet. So Dr. Covey’s emphasis on self-renewal and his understanding that leadership and creativity require us to tap into our own physical, mental, and spiritual resources are exactly what we need now.”
author of Unlimited Power and Awaken the Giant Within – Anthony Robbins
“Fundamentals are the key to success. Stephen Covey is a master of them. Buy his book, but most important, use it!”
Indra Nooyi
“As the seminal work of Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has influenced millions around the world to be their best selves at work and at home. It stands the test of time as one of the most important books of our time.”
author of The Key is Love: My Mother’s Wisdom, A Daughter’s Gratitude – Marie Osmond
“With all the responsibilities and demands of time, travel, work, and families placed upon us in today’s competitive world, it’s a pig plus to have Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to refer to.”
Library Journal
While Covey’s book is perhaps not as explicitly spiritual as some self-help titles, his emphasis on character and values reveals his Church of Latter-day Saints background very powerfully; interested readers may want to go on to his 8th Habit or The Leader in Me.

7 habits

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The Slight Edge: Secret to a Successful Life

Book of the Month of MAY

The Slight EdgeWhy is it that some people make dream after dream come true, while others just continue dreaming and spend their lives building dreams for someone else? One simple reason, those that are “successful” have found their SLIGHT EDGE! This book is not just another self-help, motivation tool of methods you must to learn in order to make it up the path of success. The Slight Edge simply shows you how to create powerful results from the simple daily activities of your life, by using tools that are already within you. And all you need to make that happen? Discover that “one” thing that will help you achieve that goal, realize a life-long dream or propel you up the ladder to success. Once you got it, then you will discover how your philosophy… creates your attitude… creates your actions… creates your results… creates YOUR LIFE! Plus, Jeff shares with you “the key” that will make all of the other self-help information you read, watch and hear actually work in your life!

Link

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Discount Tickets to See Dave Ramsey Live

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Wednesday, October 16th from 9am-4pm.

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imagesThe event will take place at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

Use coupon code KCBA (not case sensitive) $99 General Admission (Regular Price is $149) with no service fees.

shake Also available: “VIP+Business Lunch” event passes. Business leaders will have the opportunity to enjoy front row seating and a catered lunch with Dave and Jon for just $169.00! Enter Coupon Code KCBA VIP in the appropriate box when ordering VIP/Business Lunch event passes. (Requires a separate transaction.)
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Take the Next Step in Your Business Career

Here’s your opportunity to learn from master businessmen and creative leaders. Dave Ramsey and his team will present the principles that have guided Dave’s organization for nearly two decades. Slowly and steadily, Dave has built his company to over 300 team members, each of whom is dedicated to the mission and values of the organization.

If you study and gradually implement these lessons, you’ll not only reach your small-business and leadership goals, but you will also transform your business into a place where people love to work!
EntreLeadership 1-Day

Throughout this one-day experience, you will learn directly from Dave Ramsey as he teaches five critical lessons. This is a great way to not only increase your potential as a leader, but also to impact your team and take them to the next level.
Speakers

dave_avatarDave Ramsey

Based on his #1 New York Times Best Seller, EntreLeadership, Dave Ramsey will share how to become the kind of leader people want to follow, how to set big goals, and make the tough decisions to reach them.

john acuffJon Acuff

The only constant in business is change. New York Times Bestselling author Jon Acuff will show you how to lead your team through storms, global competition, social media expansion, and more.

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ADVERTISE at the City Amateur Golf Tournament Tee Signs

AMATEUR GOLF TOURNAMENT

SATURDAY & SUNDAY JULY 27th & 28th, 2013

Sundale Country Club

Tee Card Advertising

exchange Club LogoYour business can advertise in the largest amateur golf tournament in Kern County for a donation to the Bakersfield Exchange Club of $50.00. Each year this event attracts approximately 150 local golfers and many fans from throughout the Southern California area. Your tee sign will be placed on one of the tee- off areas both days of the tournament all day.

golfYour donation will be used to support the Exchange Club’s various programs including: Child Abuse Prevention, Youth of the Year awards, Search for Talent contest and the Freedom Shrines that are placed in the local schools and public buildings and the Flags of Honor.

If you would like to sponsor a tee, complete the form below and send or email a business card or any other form that is suitable for reprinting. Your sponsorship will be useful advertising and you will in the meantime help support a good cause.

  • For more information,
  • Larry Hiestand, Exchange Club Treasurer
  • 661-327-2071
  • larry@confidentialbkpg.com

Exchange Club meets every 3rd Tuesday at 12:15 at The Bistro. If you are interested in becoming a member, please join us for lunch.

We thank you in advance for your kind consideration and, of course, your support!

Click Here for the Sponsorship Form

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Navigating health care reform what every company needs to know – Free seminars

We’re dedicated to being a healthcare reform resources and providing you with tools to help you navigate through all the current and upcoming changes in healthcare insurance. The Lynn company and Shinault  Baker & Company have partnered to provide our clients with a series of complementary educational seminars.

 Navigating health care reform what every company needs to know is one of the series of seminars geared towards business owners presented by Justin Reagan Shinault  Baker & Company CPA and Troy Burden, Lynn company, licensed agents and health insurance professional.

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This seminar will provide a better understanding of:

  • What is going on – how the game has changed
  • what you need to know how to comply
  • healthcare reform timeline

specific topics to be covered

  • MLR  rebates
  • summary of benefits
  • Pay or Play
  • W-2 reporting
  • California Health Exchange

When and Where
Wednesday December 5th 2012
Stockdale Country Club
7001 Stockdale Hwy
Bakersfield, CA
SEATING IS LIMITED TO 50 ATTENDEES

Click Here to Register

If you have any questions, or wish to be placed on the waiting list for our next seminar please feel free to email dale@lynncompany.com or call 661-873-2200 Ext 200

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Midas support for Honor Flight Kern County

Thank you to all who have helped support Honor Flight Kern County. We are in the final week, raising money to support our veterans. Come in between know & Saturday November 10th and get the Midas Touch Maintenance Package done for $29.99 of which $5.00 for each one completed will be donated to Honor Flight Kern County. Help us show our appreciation to our veterans for what they have done for our Country! Package includes: Up to 5 quarts standard grade oil, oil filter, tire rotation, visual brake inspection and courtesy check. Additional oil, synthetic and diesel oil available at additional cost. ONLY AVAILABLE AT MIDAS BAKERSFIELD!

6919 White Lane Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 661-398-0921
3723 Auburn St Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 661-873-8212

http://bbng.lavasquare.com/members/midas-auto-service/

 

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Chamber Expo

Our group will have a booth at the Bakersfield Chamber Expo on Thursday October 25th 2012.
The booth will represent the group as a whole and some members will be featured.
All featured members will get:

  • Your Logo on the Banner
  • Your Company Name & Phone Number on the Banner
  • Your Business Cards, Tri-Folds, Flyers on the Table
  • Time in the booth (4pm to 8pm) at least 1hr.

Total Investment is $40.00 Per Company
Please fill in the form below

[contact-form-7 id=”481″ title=”Chamber Request”]

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Honor Flight Kern County Bakersfield

Midas of Bakersfield is hosting a special Fundraiser this weekend September 7th & 8th 2012.  Midas Bakersfield will donate 10% of Our Revenues to support this worthy cause.  So please come on in and help support Honor Flight Kern County.  Walk-in welcome Reservations recommended

Midas has two locations open to server you.
6919 White Lane Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 661-398-0921
3723 Auburn St Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 661-873-8212

 

The Future of Honor Flight… Help Us Meet Our Goal.

The future looks bright for our country’s World War II veterans. In February of 2006, Earl and Jeff combined efforts and co-founded Honor Flight Network. The leaders of various flying programs, and others interested in starting similar projects in their own regions, attended a summit in Washington, D.C. with over 100 people in attendance. Now a network of participating programs is in place to assist our senior heroes. Resources are pooled, experience is shared and alliances are formed throughout America to get World War II veterans to their precious memorial safely.

Honor Flight Network has established an aggressive goal. Through the end of 2011 we transported more than 81,000 WWII veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial.. The program presently has 117 hubs in 40 states. Due to the senior age of our heroes, and the prediction that we are losing approximately 900 of them daily, we are committed to do all within our power to make their dream a reality. Our current focus will remain on World War II veterans and those veterans from any war who have a terminal illness. However, our vision goes beyond World War II.

Honoring All Our Veterans.

In the future, Honor Flight Network will also pay tribute to America’s other heroes who served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, followed by veterans of more current wars. They, too, have given so much and it’s time we show them that their efforts are not forgotten. Honor Flight Network has learned a lot over these last four years and one point that stands out is that our veteran heroes aren’t asking for recognition. It is our position that they deserve it. Our program is just a small token of our appreciation for those that gave so much.

Please help us continue to make their dream of visiting THEIR memorial, a reality.
HONOR FLIGHT NETWORK — our way of saying to all our veterans — one more TOUR with HONOR.

http://www.honorflight.org
Honor Flight Kern County
Flying from: BFL (Meadows Field Airport, Bakersfield)
Lili Marsh 661-324-6561
Carolann Wooton 661-322-9199

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Meeting Notes 8 21 2012

*|fname|* here are the notes from todays meeting.

Introductions/Commercials – We will now recognize the business that is being generated within the group during our commercial. Be prepared to talk about a lead you have given, a thank you for business you have received, and or a One-on-One you have scheduled.

Proto-Type Directory – Kyle has created a BBNG pamphlet. Please let Kyle know if your information is correct or if you would like any changes to your area.

Member Spot Light – Marti Barajas of Service Master

Service Master’s Bakersfield location has been around for 45 years. The current owners took over the franchise 4 years ago.
They have just established a construction department
They have many commercial and residential services that might surprise you including carpet cleaning, emergency board up, packing and storage of home contents during rebuilding.

This week’s Cash Mob member will be MaryAnn’s County/Carriages – post MaryAnn’s Services on your Facebook page, book a “Pub Craw” Carriage, book a kids party. Tell all your friends about how awesome MaryAnn’s County is.

Here are 3 Post for Facebook:

Got a kids event coming? Try the petting zoo at MaryAnns Country
http://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnsCountry 661-589-4435

Lost a Love one I recommend MaryAnns Country for the peaceful healing of her white dove release http://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnsCountry 661-589-4435

Lear to ride a horse the right way. MaryAnns Country provided Ridding Lessons
http://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnsCountry 661-589-4435

As of right now, we only have 16 likes of our BBNG Facebook page. Please goto facebook.com/1bbng and like our page. Once all of our members like our page, we can then go into all of our member’s pages and like their pages as well

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Events:

Chamber Mixer and the P-Club this Thursday
KCBA Mixer tonight at We Do Your Doo – 4300 Stine Road
20/30 Club Family Sponsorship for 2012 Christmas

PS Just got a letter in the mail from Bakersfield Business Network’s Attorney claiming the BBNG is too similar to BBN. My challenge this week for everyone is to think of another name for the group Let me know your ideas next Tuesday

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Tips for a Powerful Elevator Speech

When someone asks what you or your organization does, are you prepared with an on-message, concise explanation?  If not, you may be missing countless opportunities to establish and reinforce brand awareness.

Elevator Speeches are an important tool in the life of most business people. It doesn’t matter if you are a Photographer, Insurance Agent or any other type of business person, you need a powerful Elevator Speech (ES) to extend and support your personal brand.

An elevator speech is a brief description of your organization—who you are, what you do and why it matters — delivered in the time it would take to move between floors in an elevator.

An effective elevator speech should leave your audience wanting more, while answering the essential questions about your organization.

What you say and how you say it are equal parts to delivering an Elevator Speech that will either cause people to take notice of you or go to sleep.

Here are some Tips to help you create a great powerful elevator speech.

Keep it Short and Sweet.  This Elevator Speech should be no longer than 30 seconds

It has to roll off your tongue. You need to write it down and practice it so it becomes second nature to you. This will support a confident appearance when you say it

You have to believe it. If you develop an ES that embarrasses you or causes you to cringe, you either need to beef up your confidence or change what you’re saying about yourself.

Smile. It’s hard not to love people who smile. It communicates warmth and confidence. You come across as engaging and someone people would like to know more about.

Incorporate a positioning statement. Why should someone care about you, your organization or endeavor? When possible, leverage an emotional connection.

Include a distinctive. For example were you the first or only one to do something? Perhaps you are the largest or oldest. These distinctive s help set you apart and provide credibility.

Remove jargon from your Elevator Speech. Check to see that you are using simple, conversational words. Simplicity is the key. Your Elevator Speech is what you say to everyone. Everyone is either a potential client or knows of a potential client. Everyone needs to understand what you’re saying in layman’s terms.

Remember it’s all about them, not you. Hence check to see that you only mention “I” once. The one time you can use it is at the beginning when you say, “I work with target market.”

Don’t forget the basics. Who does your organization/endeavor benefit? How does your organization benefit someone?

Shut up. Once you’ve delivered your ES, stop yourself from saying anything else. I know this is a tough one, but people often blather on, which deflates the impact of your ES. When you stop talking, it will also prompt the person you are introducing yourself to to ask about you or introduce themselves. Both results are great.

Leave them wanting more. A great test of a powerful ES is if they ask you about what you’ve just said. Go have fun with this. Next time you attend a professional meeting, say your ES, shut up and see what happens.

Have a few ES’s in your toolkit. ES’s are not one size fits all. You will discover that your audience will be a determining factor in what specific message you want to convey. Once you have your primary ES, think through the various groups of people you are likely to use it with. This will help you decide what needs to get tweaked to make it just right for that group of people.

Finish with an ‘ask’. If applicable, be sure to close by saying what others can do to get involved and incorporate a website address where people can get more information.

Test, tweak, test, tweak, test, tweak, and test your Elevator Speech. Test for the verbal responses like, “Tell me more” “Wow that sounds really interesting.” Also test for non-verbal responses. Is the person opening their eyes, looking at you more intently or leaning towards you? You will know and feel when you have a powerful Elevator speech.

Bonus Tip: can your elevator speech answer the “so what?” question before it’s asked? When you deliver your elevator pitch, most people will unconsciously be saying “so what?” Answer it for them. For example, instead of “XYZ company makes your grass grow slower,” try “XYZ company makes your grass grow slower so you don’t have to mow it as often.” See how the “so what?” is answered in the speech?

Your Elevator Speech is among the first things you do that will form an impression with others. You want it to be just like you – professional and well delivered.

Here’s another tool to get you started. Just fill in the blanks to start working on your elevator speech.

[YOUR COMPANY NAME] helps [TYPE OF CUSTOMER YOU SERVE MOST] to [BENEFIT/VALUE YOU DELIVER]. Unlike other companies that provide similar solutions, [YOUR COMPANY] [DIFFERENTIATION – HOW YOU DO IT DIFFERENT – THIS IS WHERE YOU ANSWER THE “SO WHAT?”].

 

This information was derived from several sources:

  • http://blog.journalistics.com/2011/elevator-speech/
  • http://www.careerealism.com/elevator-speech-tips/
  • http://www.salesconversation.com/issue2.html

 

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