So you have 25,000 followers on Twitter and 5,000 “friends” on Facebook. Who cares? It is about connecting, and not just for the sake of making a buck. Success in business is about making an impact and connecting from the soul. I’m shocked how many entrepreneurs in my small business coaching practice miss this essential point. Watch this video for the skills you need to be a SOULful networker (including a tip from the great Larry Benet) and take your business and your life to a high altitude.

When I left the US Navy in September of 2008, I walked away from a childhood dream.

Ever since I was a kid, all I wanted to was to fly in the Blue Angels. At the age of 16, I was at an air show in Boise, Idaho and I was invited to go “backstage” with the Blues after one of their demonstrations. The lead pilot, Commander Gil Rud, made it a point to come straight up to me and thank me for being at his show.

He thanked me.

Why would he thank me? After all, I was the kid that grew up hearing from seemingly every person in my life that I was “not cut out for flying”, that my dream of becoming a Naval Aviator was a fantasy, and that I should be “more realistic” in my desires for my life.

But Commander Rud changed that. For four minutes, he talked directly to me. Didn’t look way for one second. Listened to me, soaked in my enthusiasm, and told me that one day I’d wear the Wings of Gold that only Naval Aviators earn.

And he was right.

I tell you this story because that short conversation was more than just a “pump up” speech. It was more than an autograph session and a way to get closer to a hero. It provided so much more.

It provided hope. It provided inspiration. It set the example.

When I flew to air shows, or even stopped to pump gas after a long day of flying, I would sometimes get asked by mothers and fathers if I would say hello to their sons or daughters. Those kids, they’d say, “dream of growing up to fly just like you do”. It was the best part of my job.

Today, I take my message of mission accomplishment and use it as a vehicle to help people feel like I felt that spring afternoon of my 16th year. My mission these days is to turn four minutes into millions. Not just in money; but in dreams. And I don’t mean dreams in some sort of “woo-woo” sense. I mean your TRUE calling–your mission.

I hope you take the opportunities in life to be inspired by people you look to for such energy. I hope that you take the opportunities to inspire others. You have that ability every single day just by deciding to be excellent in all you do. And when you do, you set the tone for the future of not only the people you touch, but also the tone you set for yourself.

Inspire someone or be inspired by someone today. The four minutes you spend doing so can turn into millions.

~JT

When entrepreneurs first start out in business, they are full of hope and open to possibility. I love this phase of the entrepreneurial pursuit! It is one of the reasons I got into small business coaching in the first place; to help new entrepreneurs get started on the right foot. Whether you are beginning your journey or are a seasoned business pro looking to begin a new venture, check out this video. I share some insight from my business consulting services and offer a free strategy session as well!

A big part of small business coaching involves helping entrepreneurs and start-ups define their mission and construct a solid strategy for accomplishing that mission. But one of the most important things any leader can do–in life and in business–is take a stand for what they believe in. Whether it be your company’s mission statement or the core values of life, having the guts and the backbone to stand up for what you believe in can and should be a guiding principle to how you do business. Check out this short video on the importance of standing up for what you believe and learn a key tenet of success that I reenforce in my business consulting services.

I look forward to your comments!
~JT

Are you single or engaged? Entrepreneurs, your success in business has little to do with your relationship status EXCEPT as it applies to your relationship with your clients and customers. A big part of small business coaching is helping entrepreneurs connect at the heart-level with their customers. Check out this short video to learn some strategies I employ in my business consulting services.