According to Michael Quinion of http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-sti4.htm “This expression dates back to the sixteenth century and has turned up in all sorts of different formulations down the centuries. The original was to have an oar in every man’s boat, meaning to be involved in every man’s business affairs. Variations include he’ll have an oar in everything, he will put in his oar, and don’t put your oar in.”

Having at least one oar on each side of a boat (or business) will keep it moving in the required direction. While allowances have to be made for currents and weather conditions on the water so it is in business, allowances need to be made for business trends and economic conditions.

The two oars for any business should represent:

Ownership                 Opportunity                   
Awareness                 Attitude
Responsibility             Respect

When these attributes are incorporated in any business activity the result is one of success and going the distance.

It would appear in today’s connection age we are connected to many people and involved in their networking affairs. I assert rowing your boat (or business) takes at least two oars. The more people you have with oars the more power there is to create momentum for your boat (or business).

Ask any oarsman/oarsperson and they will tell you it is the start that takes the most effort with rowing. The more oars in the water the greater the energy generated to shift the boat (or business) forwards, or backwards.

Let social networking be where you stick your oar to go the distance in today’s business world.

Follow the “5 Tips set for your brand’s online success” by Linda Coles of Blue Banana at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUYkvb8I2b8 and you are well on the way.

Good luck sticking your oar where it is wanted with Social Networking.

Paul Meyer is a Keynote Speaker and Author who is actively involved with Social Networking for his business. He serves as an Assistant Director with his wife Rosemary for BNI New Zealand in the South/East Auckland area.

Why? Why? Why? It seems so logical to be able to recognize something that should or shouldn’t be done and then do it or not do it. There is lies the challenge – human beings have a range of emotions to deal with and manage or control beyond simple logic. Below are a few reasons why we might not do what we know we should.

Fear of failure. This is one of the strongest emotions known to human beings. In many cases people will not only begin, they will behave toward the opposite end of the spectrum just so it won’t even appear that they were ever even remotely interested in improvement. No one likes to fail – it can be a brutal emotional battle, but those who wish to thrive and succeed must feel that fear and then take positive action anyway. Recognize that there is no failure in failing; there is only failure in not trying.

Fear of success. This seems a bit contradictory, but it is a very real emotion and plays out in a host of different ways. Some people fear what success might bring into their life. They may have to change friends, they may have to change careers, leave a relationship, move to a new area or give up long held beliefs or habits. Others may fear the responsibilities which might come with that success or may be worried that if they achieve a high level now that will become the new norm or standard and aren’t sure they want to keep working that hard. Still others may worry that success will lead them into unchartered waters where they may be outside of the skills they have already perfected or the competencies they have already acquired. Keeping the proper perspective is key to a life that will always have some ups and downs, but will be on a steady upward trajectory.

Fear of loss of control. Some continue on an unhealthy or unproductive path because they feel that if they commit to a path they will lose their identity and become a drone to some system. Life really is about choices and everyone has choices, even if the only choice you have is to choose your response to a situation, you have a choice – and that provides you with all the control you need.

And therein lies the answer to each of these emotional challenges and fears – choice. If you are on a path that is not leading where you want to go, if you are continually asking yourself, “why do I do that?” You need to stop and truly, honestly ask yourself why you are doing it! And don’t be content with your first answer. Dig deeper. Use the Wizard of Oz approach (remember the “We’re off to see the Wizard” song – Because, because, because, because, because…) Ask yourself “because questions” and you will get to the heart of your behavioral issues. For example, I do this because X, and I do that because Y, and I do that because Z, And I do that because A and I do that because B – at about that point you will start to get to the real issues which drive behaviour.

Understanding why you do what you do, especially when you know what you know is a vital first step toward taking control, making wise choices and creating the future you truly desire.

This is a sample of material you can have access to through iLearningGlobal.
As I’m delighted to be on Ivan Misner’s iLearningGlobal Team here in New Zealand thought you may like a sample of the EDGE Expert Directed Guided Education. These Personal Development, Financial Education, and Business Skills Training are easily available on-demand from industry-leading professionals. Please visit www.iLearningGlobalNewZealand.com for more or feel free to contact me as BNI’s Master Reseller in New Zealand.

Keep smiling

Paul

by Stephen Conway and Paul Meyer

The Naked Career is a book from New Zealand that provides a structured format for exploring your career path. The book provides a number of activities to be completed by the reader. Additionally, the book illustrates a step-by-step process for examining the many facets of the career journey. Not only does it get the reader to reflect on their career ambitions, but provides action steps for taking control of the process.

The most interesting aspect of the book is the author’s ability to refocus the reader from getting a job to following their passion. This approach creates a stronger buy-in to the concepts presented. As the book indicates, if we become more aware of what our passions are, the greater the likelihood to remain motivated to follow a career path that leads us in that direction. More specifically, our passions lead to happiness.

This book is an inspiration and takes a fresh perspective in career development. This career manager will help readers to ‘think outside the box’ to follow their passion. Consider investing in this book so that you can get a well-rounded perspective on your career direction. Whether you’re unemployed or looking for a new career, the Naked Career may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Authors Synopsis:
The Naked Career, a handbook born in NZ out of worldwide experience offers a fresh perspective on career or work choice. It is a breakthrough guide to finding a career that will shape a rewarding life journey. Easy to read and suitable for any age, race, culture or stage of life. The book covers the full career life cycle so that you can maximize your potential through both good and difficult economic times. Business people and employees will find tips that integrate personal development with work success. The unemployed, those unsure whether they are in the right job and younger people will use it as a self direction finder and effective job hunting tool. It is a great resource when you need inspiration or are facing new challenges.

Source: http://www.socialnetworkaudit.com/article02.php

December 2009

Dan explained how we have now passed from the information age and moved into the connection age. This has indeed affected books sales as many are now buying e-books rather than the traditional hard cover book. However books are here to stay according to his presentation as they are still kept and put on shelves. They are also excellent tools of trade for public speakers, to whom he was addressing.

He pointed out that social networking has always been with us, it is just that today we have widened the circle. In fact it is worldwide now with the Internet and other technologies. He pointed out working these networks to your advantage is becoming an increasingly important tool for business networking. 

As an author to any one who may have a goal to publish a book, I certainly found Dan’s wisdom and experience invaluable to build a writing career. He has a wealth of resources for writers and publishers at his web site http://ParaPublishing.com and very interestingly he is also an expert on writing books on parachuting.

To reinforce his passion he recently (February 2009) parachuted down to the North Pole, to be on top of the world. An outstanding achievement for a man at his station in life.

So do stay on top of your world and keep up with the connection age!

Paul Meyer

Assistant Director BNI East and South Auckland, NZ

Author of The Naked Career  

Sharing the occassion were Paul & Rosemary Meyer Assistant Directors BNI South/East Auckland.

Hayden Duncan welcomed everyone to the event.  He was also the auctioneer for the live auction which took place during the course of the evening and there was a silent auction as well.  Both auctions were a lot of fun to be part of. Prior to dinner being served, guests were treated to music from The Phantom of the Opera performed by Julia Booth, Ian Campbell and Greg Neil City of Sails Piano Trio. Entertainment by Famous Fish continued throughout the evening and then after dinner it was on to dancing. the night away.  This event was an awesome experience to be part of and an evening which was certainly unforgettable.