Unique isn’t Scriptable!

One of the ideas of the Industrial Age was the use of scripts. Phone scripts, greeting scripts and even answers to common questions became scripted. If there was a way to standardize any form of communication it was scripted and required in the employee manual. I hate scripts.

The company first got the idea of a phone script from an employee who brought it to the attention of the management, who proceeded to think he was a boy genius for copying the idea from various other industries. Soon, this employee grew in popularity and he recommended the use of scripts to other management. They implemented his ideas eventually throughout the business.Years later, the company featured constant scripted messages on the computers.

Ironically, the employee who brought forth the idea of using scripts never practiced what he preached. Meanwhile, the brainwashing continues.

The main reason I dislike using scripts is it dehumanizes the ability of the employee to be genuine. Listening to someone ramble through a script is phony, insincere and nobody cares for it. Why not allow employees the opportunity to be creative or dazzle their customers? A scripted response isn’t genuine and it adds no value to your business.

When an organization uses scripts they are cutting corners towards mediocrity. A script can be memorized by anyone. It sends the message your business is trapped in the old Industrial Age mode of operation. We don’t want mindless robots, we want to see, hear and feel your passion.

When I hear someone reply with a script, it tells me you believe your employees are just numbers and the customers are stuck hearing their ambivalent monotone voice. It’s easy to assume something works when so many businesses do exactly the same thing. The problem is not one of those business distinguishes themselves by following a script.

Wouldn’t you rather stand-out?

Unique isn’t scriptable.

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.

Are You an Artist?

My friends, Michael Michalski and Stephen Rager create Art. So does author Jeff Goins. Grant Peelle is also living his dream has an artist.

Some of these folks have been creating their Art or years. Stephen Rager gets up every day at 5:00 a.m. to start his project before going to work. Michael Michalski has been creating his own music for years and loves it. Jeff Goins is an up-and-coming author, speaker and blogger, while Grant Peelle produced an award-winning documentary.

Every day, these folks have a common thread to make a difference through their Art. Whether it’s a part-time or a full-time operation, these artists are on the cutting-edge daily. It’s what motivates them and allows their talent and gifts to shine. While some may take their work for granted, those of us in the trenches understand the vulnerability and risk.

They know out of every 30 people, 29 will say they’re wasting their time. Those folks know rejection and failure will happen. They wear their hearts on their sleeve and brave the pain. Because pain and failure are their friends too! It’s understood the path they chose is tough.

Artists also know it only requires one idea, song, book or movie to breakthrough. Perseverance and shipping a product are what gives them the courage to stand-out. Despite success or failure, they understand tomorrow is a new day. It’s another chance to begin again.

Artists don’t float through life settling for the status quo or approval. That’s not Art, it’s a job. No these gentlemen push the boundaries from their soul. It’s not a choice, it’s a duty.

Artists understand their passion to make a difference and touch someone else’s heart and soul! Deep down inside they’d have it no other way. It’s why they exist and what makes them unique!

Are You an Artist?

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.

Dreamer Wanted- Apply Here!

Dreamer Wanted

1.   Creative Artist with a Passion to Succeed.

2.   Someone tired of Fitting-In.

3.   An Individual who Resigned from the Status Quo.

4.   A person who doesn’t require a Map or Manual to function.

5.   Dislikes Meetings as much or more than we do.

6.   Makes Mistakes, while Doing the Work.

7.   Realizes Fear has no role in the Workplace.

8.   Fosters encouragement, excitement, and lives your own Dream.

 

9.   Someone who Stands-up for Truth and Honesty.

   10. Focuses on doing Something Meaningful that Matters!

Dreamer Wanted is my manifesto to create Art and make some noise. It’s what the common man would call a job description, but I call it my dream. It’s why I do my best work alone, by myself; to share with you. It revokes what we gave up to seek employment and gives us the freedom to find our calling and live our dreams!

Each one of us is born with the innate ability to dream and make a difference in the world.  It isn’t until we reach a certain age and others begin to tell us a different story; we begin to believe otherwise. This is why I am writing this blog. Because you no longer have to live someone else’s dream.

The other day my wife was discussing with a friend, my recent award on Bloggers.com as one of the Editor Picks of the Day. I’ve written 128 posts of The Rust Belt Chronicles (my blog) on Bloggers.com since June of 2012. Millions of bloggers post on the site, so the recognition is an honor to me and her. The other persons reply was: “Yea, well blogging doesn’t make money.”

In and of itself blogging may not make money right now, but the point is to network and build a tribe of followers. Subsequently, launch a business or movement and the website is this author’s platform. I don’t feel it is my responsibility to educate someone on social media who has no interest and follows the mindset of “yesteryear.” I’d rather focus on helping someone who wants to know and cares.

The other day, I ran across a blog by Terry Hadaway. He definitely gets it. Terry’s writing is top-notch with clarity and eloquence. Who knows maybe Terry and I will end-up on the same stage someday, write a book together or just become friends. Either way, it’s exciting to find someone who understands the pitfalls of the Industrial Age and the trapping of the minds involved.

So tune-out or remove yourself from those attempting to sabotage your dreams. Here’s a secret of being successful: When you are just about to turn the corner and reach a new plateau, the naysayers will jump out of nowhere to bash your work and distinguish your flame- if you allow it.

Every good battle has a moment of uncertainty, the brief question of resolve. It’s the nanosecond that attempts to separate your passion and cause; just keep your eye on the purpose and charge full-steam ahead!

That’s the battle we face every day to live our dreams!

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.

Failing, Losing and Winning

We don’t encourage people to be creative. Rarely, do we ask people to do something meaningful.

We spend far more time telling folks:

·        No- you can’t.

·        You have no experience.

·        Somebody else has already done it.

·       Nobody's ever done it.

·        You don’t have the money, education or time.

·        It won’t work.

·        You better get permission.

·        I’d talk with a lawyer first.

And the ultimate sabotage responses:

·        You’ll fail.

·        You’ll never make it.

·        You’ll go broke and starve.

·        You won’t be able to survive.

·        You’ll die.

How often do we say- “That’s a great idea, I think you should go for it?”

That’s what I thought.

We shoot someone’s hope, dream and possible future down quickly. If everyone followed our own fearful advice, there’d be no electricity, surgeons, automobiles, medicine, clean water or technical device to read this blog.

Somehow, I believe we can do better. We allow fear to keep us from doing the very things we need to do. Persuading others through our own inadequacies and lack of insight to do nothing ensures we never step out of our comfort zone, make progress or change the world.

Failing is a far better gift than doing nothing.

Losing is a lesson in improvement.

And winning is the opportunity to start over again!

Don’t listen to the advice of naysayer’s, family members or best friends. Live your dreams. Seek out those who encourage your goals. Surround yourself with positive people who transcend hope, imagination and fuel your passion to persist with excellence.

 We’ve only got today and it’s our chance to do-

 Something Meaningful that Matters!

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.

The Quest of a Writer!

Yesterday, I failed to post a blog. I really didn’t have anything gnawing at my soul to deliver to you, but as the night wore on- I was torn by not producing an article. The inability to create a little magic for a night made me feel like something was missing. Call it guilt or laziness, but it was anything except- a night of relaxation.

For me, it was another moment of realizing I am a writer.

It’s my love, journey and a quiet time to reflect, think or share. The chance to discover what determines how actions, relationships and ideas determine our reactions.

Searching to discover what’s behind the daily messages or noise by dissecting the moment and seeking truth. It’s about the moment of breaking down obstacles, underscoring lessons learned and engaging in tribulations with my readers. Writing is the opportunity to help others by giving back, educating and sharing hope, inspiration and insight.

This is what I love to do and my purpose for being here!

I am a writer, certainly not the best or worse. Better yet, I am a writer who cares and wants to make a difference. Sometimes reaching out where others will fail to venture. This is my calling, my passion to serve by attempting to do something meaningful and hopefully make a difference.

I hope it’s a legacy others follow. The quest to make an impact in people’s lives.

It is simply my gift to 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.

The Difference Makers!



Photo courtesy of: Silicone Prairie News.

 

Several days ago, I wrote a blog about the apparent political choices inducing a negative outcome between government, employers and employees. The day after the election some companies began to introduce massive layoffs and/ or the reduction of full-time jobs with benefits. I failed to cover some obvious positive possibilities during that blog due to time constraints. So let’s talk about the upside to another seemingly down-economy.

The best time to start your own business is now

The corporate uncertainty has created a seam within industries. Some corporations cease performing specific functions for consumers due to overall costs. Perhaps you know of a simple way to streamline one of those lost services and can start your own business by offering a solution without the overhead or added cost. The idea doesn’t have to be original, it just needs to provide income and grow.

Hours cut, remember that business idea you had? 

You have the window of opportunity to attempt to make it happen. Use your free time creatively and work up a business plan to start your own business. Keep it simple and effective. Focus on specific ways to bring your product or services to market, and then do the additional research as required.

Some other tips:

·        Seek advice from those with a positive knowledge of experience. Don’t waste your time or energy discussing your plan with people who failed, family members who don’t understand or friends who don’t really care. This is the recipe for failure! While they may have good intentions this will produce nothing worth the time or effort.

·        Seek out those in online forums or send emails direct to someone who has professionally succeeded. You’d be surprised how many people will respond with helpful information. Virtually every function necessary to run a business is freely available through the Internet. Study the choices- some are free; others are costly.  

·        Attend business seminars or ask questions of others in small business or local entrepreneurs. Again, helpful advice is at your fingertips. It’s not like you’re asking for secret ingredients!

·        Some small businesses or agencies provide locations (space) to run your operation. Perhaps you need a kitchen setup or a small room for machinery. Spaces can be leased and sometimes grants are available to fund those startups. If not, maybe lease a small building and start your own business leasing space.

I was discovered many choices and sources available when I decided to author and self-publish my book. I studied options and researched the choices extensively to find a suitable situation.

One of the simple pleasures in life is building something and doing the work required to allow the process to mature. Becoming an entrepreneur or starting a small business isn’t something you do from beginning to end in one afternoon. But, it doesn’t require a degree or years of work either to start.

The quality of the people you seek information from and your own passion are the difference makers.

While being laid-off or having your hours reduced can be psychologically or cash crippling, it gives us that one opportunity we’ve possibly never had- to live our dream and do something meaningful!

When the economy is suffering for some, new roads become available.

Don’t allow a scheme to pigeon-hole you into sleep, depression or suicide.

Find your passion or dream, start living and feeling alive.

That’s all we really need! 

I’d love to hear your comments, views or ideas. Feel free to contact me with your questions!

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.

The Door is Open!

Photo courtesy of: mRio.

 

Many of the things we could achieve in our lives are within our grasp today.

We no longer need permission from a higher authority to begin.

Recognition by the fraternity, a degree or license isn’t necessary.

The door is open!

Find your passion, spread the idea and build your tribe.

Do what you’ve always dreamed or talked about.

Give it your best shot.

Just do 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.

Making a Ruckus and Turning Pro

Photo courtesy of: Kjunstorm.

“The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire.”
― Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
 

You can tell when you are making an impact. The ruckus usually begins after the truth is discovered and the curtain is slowly opened.

Instead of well-wishers, the only noise will be whispers of denial. As the focus expands and the message spreads, the whispers become a loud roar of threats and the attempt to ruin your credibility begins. When the sound is deafening you've hit the motherlode. The risk is great and the reward is huge.

Most fold their cards and go home.

The battle has now reached the tipping point.

Those with the guts, patience and passion push through it.

You've discovered the meaning of turning pro.                                                      

Suddenly, the story becomes about the war, odds, obstacles and the effort. Everyone has an opinion and the rouse begins.You’re a minuscule hero of sorts.

The Giant has been defeated.

You understand success.

And now it’s time to choose another battle and make a difference again.

This is a true warrior!  

What have you done to overcome a battle and be successful? Do you fight for just causes to help others? Or do you just surrender to fear? I’d love to hear your comments and thoughts.

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/

Planting the Seeds of Success in Your Life?

Late at night, I usually find myself blogging. It seems to be the quietest time to write. No noise or distractions; just a laptop, Microsoft Word and myself.

Some nights when I have no idea of my blog topic, I actually write my best blogs. I am amazed at the quality of some of those posts.  Other nights, I spend hours writing a blog and the views are dismal.  My writing doesn’t mean much without your following or input.

 I don’t stay up half the night to feed my ego or to appear in an online paper, forum or to become an overnight sensation.

 I write to inspire others and remind us of our capabilities. I write to give people hope, inspiration and ideas. I instruct others in how to be successful and live their dreams. I share my growth to give back to others. I write because I care about you!

I cannot think of a better way to do something meaning that matters!

I wasted too many years being a spectator in life. Following rules, other people’s agenda and spinning my wheels thinking it would someday payoff. The truth is it was a complete waste of valuable time. The blind leading the sheep down the same path daily, never arriving at a worthy destination.

Life is too short to be driven on a one-way, dead-end street. Success doesn’t follow that course. The fuel of success starts with courage and passion. The road to success is sometimes built upon failures, learning from our mistakes to create a smooth ride by way of perseverance.

My writings may take you down a different path. I occasionally call out an injustice or explain hidden criteria. That path won’t always be comfortable or easy. You may not agree with me or like me. 

My hope- is my message plants a seed.

When the time is right- even a small seed will grow!

Are you planting the seeds of success in your life?

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.

Who Builds The Road to Success?

"You can have everything you want in life, if you will just help enough other people get what they want"- Zig Ziglar 

I've noticed in discussions concerning being successful, one of the obstacles often shared is the attempt to diminish the desire of someone from becoming successful.

It’s a roadblock between taking the leap and doing what you did yesterday. The belief in your desire is an advantage towards climbing the steps to success.

Yet, we let one opinion or more dissuade us and prevent us from becoming what we were meant to be. We have given others the power to approve our present and future. Why?

Whatever happened to “the little engine that could?”

Why don’t friends and family  share our enthusiasms, dreams and ideas? 

10 Reasons- Why others don’t support our ideas:  

1.     Fear

2.     Lack of Interest (their lack of interest)

3.     Risk

4.     Change

5.     Envy

6.     Competition

7.     Jealousy

8.     Growth

9.     Financial Gain (for them or us)

10. Lack of Knowledge (their lack of knowledge)

```

Whose Got Your Back?

All ten reasons are beneficial to our growth as a person. The educational and personal experience substantially offset the risks of most ideas. Even failing helps us to grow and improve ourselves.

Risk has always offered a larger reward. Doing something scarce drastically increases income. Competition pushes us to excel and succeed. It separates us from the pack and quantifies goals.

Fear keeps us from moving forward and people know how vulnerable we are to fear. Does the fear represent someone being worried about our relationship changing? Who owns the fear- you or them?

Some folks just don’t want someone to accomplish something they can't. Perhaps the people you are seeking approval from believe they are higher up the social ladder. If you often seek their advice, this could be the case.

People like the comfort of feeling they are in control. The truth is- only if we choose to relinquish our control. Giving someone else the power to alter or decide our finances, life or career is unwise.

Do we value an opinion because it is in our best interests or theirs? Is our decision based on their income or wealth? Do they share any common knowledge or perhaps the topic isn't interesting to them?

It’s nice to have peers, family or others onboard; unfortunately don’t be surprised if there is a lack support or if the first problem you encounter-the negativity jolts like a sonic boom from those closest to you.

No Permission Required

While I was writing my first book I kept it low-key until I was nearly done. I didn’t want opinions or distractions. I found support from people within the industry to be the most positive influence. This gave me the opportunity to develop friendships with people I barely knew and in some cases were total strangers.

Being able to standout and be a lynchpin requires effort, passion and perseverance. The journey begins within you.

"You don't have to be great to start, but you do you have to start to be great"- Zig Ziglar

 I hope you reach a decision on your own dreams, desires and destiny. Take charge of your own life. You’ve waited too long for permission. It’s not necessary. Not anymore.

Grant yourself the power and start today!

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<sup>rd</sup> 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.