Are You Connecting with People?



Two weeks ago, I found myself unemployed. Laid-off, as in job eliminated. Nearly 32 years at the same organization and I was tossed to the curb. The same organization laid-off my wife 6 months ago, after nearly 33 years of service.

It was an interesting month. Our health insurance expired in February and I just learned my knee buckling is actually due to a rare bone disease. What else could go wrong? Oh yea, let’s not forget our debt.

Most people drowning in debt would be stressed out. Panic would be the normal agenda. Granted, the day I was informed of the bad news my head was spinning at times. But the relief to finally have the freedom to develop my own business overshadows debt at the moment.

In a way it seems like a gift. The push to do what I’ve always wanted and the courage do so with no excuse. I knew the moment I was axed- that day would change my life. I’ve been dreaming about being able to work on my own terms for some time.

We have options and we have a plan. Some might work, some won’t. It gives me the chance to do what many would like too, but few do. Many people loose interest after a setback or a few months of attempting a business start-up. I’m the guy who doesn’t quit, once I decide to start.

That’s why I know I will be successful.

 I’ve got the kind advice and friendship from folks at Dan Miller’s 48Days.net and one of the finest financial counselors from Dave Ramsey’s own personal team in Nashville to assist us. With the help of The Good Lord above and the driven passion to succeed- we will be successful.

Fortune has also smiled on my development of new friends. I am amazed at how many of my friends have written books and have their own businesses. These entrepreneurs are quality individuals who are in it for the long-tail, not fly-by-night results. Most importantly, they really do care about their clients, customers and associates.

Through networking, slowly creating a tribe, a guest post and sharing the truth with my readers; I am now seeing a surge in growth. My website traffic nearly doubled in January! I must be doing something meaningful.

 Connecting with people gives us options we never knew existed. By connectiong and building relationships, doors open that previousely were closed. We no longer have to seek permission or wait our turn. The old barriers are crumbling.

Thank you- to my mentors, friends and readers!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Why Blog?

I started to blog after realizing the power of networking with others through social media. I figured it could benefit my forthcoming book sales and it was fun. I soon discovered blogging was therapeutic and perhaps I could inspire someone, somewhere. I had no idea what it could lead to at the time.

Blogging has given me the confidence to express my thoughts, feelings and life. It has allowed me to enter a theater of new friends and re-unite old friendships. I’ve been fortunate to have established professional relationships with other writers. The short-term benefits have been fantastic and the long-term unknown and exciting.

I didn’t ask permission or wait to be chosen. I took the initiative because I must. It is my destiny, future and the only way to make an impact. It’s what I do best with conviction and passion. My vehicle, voice and decision to be all- I can be.

It’s what I look forward to every day. The opportunity to reach-out to other people and make a difference is special. Whether my blog is a rant, review or interview, it’s something I am proud to share with you. Not everyone will agree with my view, but that’s ok.

I am here to open your eyes to a better way, explore some possibilities and distinguish right from wrong. I explain what makes some things tick and why they’re good or bad. Other times, I build people up or call a duck, a duck. It’s who I am.

My blog is despised by some and a blessing for others. I write about what some only whisper, speak in hushed tones or are too fearful to confront. Writing often inspires me to conquer fear and bring the truth to light. This mission is what I stand for and is responsible for inspiring my audience.

I approach writing stories like a child first seeing the Christmas gifts under the tree. Hopefully, my words, stories and insight will resonate with you as much. At the very least, my wish is to do “something meaningful that matters” for you!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Mansfield, Ohio- Watch it Burn?

One of the problems of living in a small city is the lack of people networking. Sharing appears to be a protected behavior pattern. Being open to new ideas is regarded as a loss of control or power. Businesses and people somehow feel it is safer to keep the binders on and the plan is a repeated daily ritual.

What better way to thwart progress than to refuse to ask questions, share and listen?

How can you expect change when the community is being managed like it’s the Cold War?

We lost the ability to compete by keeping competition out. The grand effort to control financial personal interests and creating wealth among the few kept us locked in a time capsule. Instead of growth we have decay, poverty and crime. Our negative reputation precedes us in all we do. Is it any wonder we are unable to attract new businesses?

“Do it in Mansfield”

Our city is an eyesore of slum landlords and boarded up homes. We average an arson case every 3.2 days in downtown Mansfield, Ohio. As of today, we’ve had 42 arsons committed since June. A $5,000.00 reward has been offered, however; not one tip or lead has surfaced.

Why has no one reported or unveiled any information? Why isn’t the city working to have town meetings with the residents to increase surveillance and attract information?

 Many people feel it is part of an inside job or are some of these vacant houses, drug houses and the neighbors are tired of dealing with the threat? Superstition is on the rise. The likelyhood of several arsonists is probable.

Is a new safety tax ballot levy in the works next year? It does beg the question.

New Development Area?

One of the areas of several fires has been designated for some new community development. Grant money has recently been donated by the State of Ohio to tear down old debilitated structures and demolition has finally begun. Is someone speeding up the process by torching those vacant homes and buildings?

The lack of seeking Federal assistance in investigating the arsons has many people scratching their heads. The situation is clearly out of hand!

Perhaps we can add a new moniker to our name. Our nickname is “The Fun Center of Ohio.” Sadly, we are becoming known as”The Arson Center of Ohio?”

It might be wise to beef up the investigative process before a firefighter, squatter or innocent family is killed. It’s shocking someone hasn’t lost their life.

Party Like it’s 1959

We live in a world connected by the Internet. Yet we continue to act like its 1959.

The problem we suffer began decades ago, our businessmen locked competition out, politicians serenaded themselves by taking trips to merry old England and ignored the need to grow and replace the loss of manufacturing and jobs.

 Instead of fining slum landlords and earning considerable income, the homes and property were allowed to deteriorate. The city of Mansfield nearly went broke and the few, proud and unconnected prospered. There has to be a better way!

Heck, even stumbling upon something to bring hope could accidentally happen. But the law of averages doesn’t live in this town. It checked out decades ago.

Who will Step-Up?

Isn’t it time we do something promising to change the future?

Do we stand back and watch it burn?

It’s tough to connect the dots when you live in an unconnected environment.

Or is it?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Sharks and Dolphins and the Sea of Success!

When you start changing your life and heading towards success- be prepared to fend off sharks!

 Sharks are people who smell blood when anyone attempts to rise above them.  Sharks prefer you swim below their level. When they sense you are near success, they circle and eventually attack their prey.

I have witnessed this several times since I began writing my first book. First, the sharks didn’t believe I would follow through. Once they realized I was serious, a few initiated attacks. I believe the sharks felt I would take the bait. Perhaps, the sharks hoped I would react and give up? Maybe, I would be intimidated enough to go back to my predictable life? Not this time. Not anymore.

One way to prevent shark attacks is to hang with the dolphins. Dolphins are people within your network that support you and keep sharks at bay. When surrounded by dolphins, you benefit from the safety net of numbers. So, rise above the water and swim with the dolphins!



Photo used by kind permission of: jurvetson.

Warning- Once sharks finally realize the hunt is over; they usually attempt to get close to you and appear to provide support.

Don’t be fooled a shark is still a shark!

Until We Meet Again,

Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells-The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”

Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.