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.

Marching Toward Opportunity!

My friend, Mark Maxwell, recently told me this story about our deceased and loved high school band director, Mr. David A.Wells after learning of my job loss.

When David A. Wells was looking for a job, he applied at his Alma mater and was turned down. Not willing to give-up, he applied and was hired at Lexington High School (just 7 miles south of his Alma mater). In two years, he turned the music program at Lexington High School into one of the finest in the USA.

The moral of the story:
Stay positive and make the best of the opportunities available.

David A. (as he was affectionately known) was a less abrasive version of General George Patton. David conquered his goals without hesitation or fear. He connected with students, parents, and audiences throughout his life. Mr. Wells had the clarity and vision of the short term plan to reach long term goals. I’ve never known anyone who has mastered those principles so efficiently and effectively.

Through hard work, persistence and perseverance; we succeeded. The gleam in David A’s eyes and his resounding smile was his assurance to us on exceeding his expectations. Those precious moments made all of our sweat, pain, rehearsals and time worth the effort- ten-fold.

I want to thank Mark Maxwell for his thoughtfulness and bringing me back to my roots. Sometimes, we become so caught up in the moment; we fail to realize we have been given the tools to succeed.

Opportunity surrounds us, if we choose to look and march straight ahead. We are only limited by our own fear and parameters we set against ourselves.

This is going to be a blast!

(If you want to discover The Legacy of David A. Wells, order a copy 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 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.

Flying Low?

If you want to fly low under the radar ok; but those days are numbered. Risky is the new safe. I no longer placate Industrial Age tactics, attend worthless meetings or kiss the status quo. I have a new boss and a new mission.

It doesn’t require drinking the company Kool-Aid, repeating the morning chant or evaluating myself to give someone the opportunity to critique me or pretend to have a vested interest over my career! I no longer wear a name tag, answer a phone with a scripted impersonal message or have to hear “It’s Monday already” or “Thank God, it’s Friday.”

My weekend never ends and I have the freedom to create my Art day or night. Simply unfathomable thinking for those stuck in the Industrial Age.

I’ve watched people waste their time and life by showing up. Doing time on a job that no longer inspires while sucking every last good emotion dry. Somehow, that sounds like an imprisoned life. The only hope is the next payday, weekend or vacation. I call that existing, not living.

Flying low means you’ll never know your true capabilities. It ensures you’re stuck repeating the same day as yesterday. Never knowing the impact you might have made. Like Zig Ziglar once said: “If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.”

Is that why you got out of bed today? Is your purpose to sleepwalk through life? I don’t think so. We know how easy of a trap it is to fall into daily. Wake-up!

For 100 years, people have  brainwashed us to follow the system like a herd of sheep. Taught to accept circumstances and notions that only perpetuates someone else’s gain. The gatekeeper’s tell us what the norm is and we follow. After all, if you want to stay on the island, they’ve convinced you to submit your heart, soul and money.

You can alter the flight path. Once you decide to change; the system will lose interest in you and you in it. The gatekeepers will battle with you over control and compliance. When you remain strong in the truth and it decides you can no longer be manipulated, the system will find a way to toss you aside.

It always does. Domination waits for those begging to be picked.

When I was laid-off a couple of weeks ago, I knew God was actually giving me my freedom to be able to do what HE wants me to do. He’s been preparing me for this time for decades. My “old job” was merely a way to pay bills and exist.

My new gift is to soar as high as possible in doing 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.

48Days.net- A Great Way to Connect!

One of the best decisions I made early on in my blogging career was to join the forums at 48Days.net. I discovered the forum by purchasing Dan Miller's best-selling book, “48 Days to The Work You Love”. The book guided me to Dan’s featured site- 48Days.com and it was there; I learned of 48Days.net.

When I joined several years ago, I was amazed at all the interaction and assistance while starting my own journey to the work I love. My interest was self-publishing a book and it was one of the many specialized groups in the forums. Questions were met with (free) answers from other members and it gave me a huge list of possibilities to study.

 In 2009, Kent Julian, Andy Traub and Justin Lukasavige, were exceptional with encouragement, coaching advice, technical knowledge and their own experience. Those folks were on the cutting –edge of marketing, content and media technology. Author/speaker Jeff Goins was just starting his rise to fame.

For nearly a year, I got distracted and slipped away from 48Days.net. I should have stuck around the forums and continued my education. Like a young adult, I thought I knew just enough to get by and I was wrong. In today’s world, change is the constant; so learning is an ongoing process.

We are either moving forward or moving backwards. There is no middle ground for success. It waits for no one. The minute we settle for mediocrity, success moves on.

 I returned in 2012 and was pleased to recognize many of the same people were still contributing and helping others. Their businesses have grown immensely over those few years. What I love about the members at 48days.net is their commitment and loyalty to those seeking advice.

Dan Miller has created a friendly caring community. Mr. Miller could charge for access to the forums and earn a generous passive income; but he understands helping others and building a tribe is a treasure of value for everyone involved. Dan is building a legacy one member at a time. 48Days.net is a jewel for those seeking change.

Since returning in 2012, I’ve been fortunate to develop friendships with newer members: Ann Musico, Caroline Gavin, Karen Putz and Jen McDonough. These ladies are successful authors, speakers, podcasters, bloggers and coaches on the verge of taking their dream to the next level.

I thank Dan Miller for his heart of gold and the members at 48Days.net for their encouragement, wisdom and knowledge. I'ts great to connect with kind people who assist anyone seeking advice. The free membership of 48Days.net is an valuable gem to finding your way!

Speaking of gems: Dan Miller and his son, Jared Angaza, have a fantastic new book out entitled: Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate. You may read my review here and order a copy 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 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- Arson to The Core

The series of arson related fires in Mansfield, Ohio between June of 2012 and January 2013 may have ended. We've had a couple of deliberate fires  involving an open structure being built and another; but those arsons don’t appear to be related to the previous series of fires.

When I last updated this story one “suspect” was being sent to prison on a previous burglary charge and the other “suspect” was being held pending charges. While both suspects were being held; arsons #48 and #49 were committed on the same evening. Neither man was formerly charged. The local newspaper hasn’t released any further information.

The FEMA Grant (of $2.1 million dollars) was accepted by the City of Mansfield to compensate the hiring of 15 firefighters for two years. One would assume the grant money was used (11 Firefighters were hired) based on it wouldn’t come back to embarrass the city. It wouldn’t look good if the culprits were connected to an inside conspiracy group to win the grant.

I still believe the fires were/are somehow tied to an organization, group or someone(s) seeking a job. When I spoke to someone in the know of the situation I was told: “You better watch out, you’re going to upset the Good Ole’ Boys Club.” That doesn’t bother me. I have a security system.

Many organizations in Mansfield are intertwined with cronyism, so anything is possible.

I suspect the usual pattern will unfold of never hearing another word about the arson cases. It will be as if it never happened. Grant money will somehow be sought to tear down the burnt-out homes and buildings; so some will benefit. Sometime down the road a favor will be repaid here and there.

After I questioned why officials hadn’t attempted to have community meetings with the neighborhoods affected by the acts of arsons; the Firefighters Union announced the plan. I don’t recall seeing anything further mentioned concerning neighborhood meetings. The Union offered an additional $1,000.00 reward to the original $5,000.00 reward and no one spoke-up.

We’ve become historically accustomed to this scenario. In Mansfield, Ohio it’s accepted fear by the citizens and the same bullying behavior from those with power. The names may have changed over time but the game is the same vein of corruption.

Comedian Bill Cosby once referred to our city as “Little Chicago” after driving up Main Street on his way to a performance at our local theater. While we no longer have our Main Street lined with bars, the city is surrounded by the decay of empty storefronts and boarded-up homes. Chicago actually burned to the ground in 1871 and many citizens in Richland County feel lighting a fire would be an improvement.

The gist of their message is not to burn homes or property; what they truly seek is to rid our community of its corruption. When you have the magnitude of 49 acts of arson in 6 months, it’s a matter of following the money.  Ironically, that never seems to happen!

  Note: I originally wrote this blog 5 days before posting the story and (surprise) the money is available to tear down homes. Interestingly, St. Peters Parish area (including the Glessner Avenue area) is mentioned. It appears some organizations may want the houses razed to purchase the land cheaply and possibly expand? Stay tuned.

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.

Guest Post: Finding your Purpose!

I am delighted to be able to have my friend, Mary Martin, as a guest writer today. Mary has written regular blogs for The Mansfield News Journal, Montgomery Advertiser,The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspapers online at Cleveland.com and Bloggers.com.

For awhile, I simply knew her as “hug momma” which was taken from her website, Hug Momma- a Collection of Stories. As our professional relationship grew, I discovered she has a passion to make a difference. Mary is a prolific story writer, strong in her faith, passionate about politics, and a devoted Wife and Mother. Mary has inspired me with her stories, support and friendship.

Mary Martin is an artist. She is currently working on her first book and creating a new website focusing on politics and news. Mary is likely my most loyal follower, judging by her comments and number of visits. She is also the only person brave enough to hit the “follow button” on my website. I am honored to call Mary a friend.

Please give a special warm welcome to Mary Martin and feel free to comment and follow Mary on her website and her journey to success!

Jim Carver

Finding your Purpose

I can’t tell you how many books I have purchased, or motivational tapes I have watched, or sermons I have sat through in the quest to answer the craving question, “What is My Purpose.” I can begin by naming the ones off the top of my head by talented well known speakers, followed by the ones I checked out from the library, the ones I did workbooks for, I can spot those sporadically stashed on the book shelf, and finally, I can check my audio book collection and find a few there, as well. I, my friends, am a well studied purpose seeker.

I’ve held at least three professional licenses, had several full of adrenalin bursts into promising careers each fizzling into unfulfilling monotony. I was like a little girl who had slid down the big slide with hands waving in excitement only to land hard at the bottom with a mouth full of sand. Full of disappointment, I’d ask myself what happened, and why didn’t I see this wipeout coming. I questioned if there was some flaw in me that was keeping me from achieving what most healthy people do. Was I a quitter, or perhaps just not the person I credit myself to be? In utter defeat, I would ask God, “Why?” and reason with Him that if I knew my purpose I could better serve Him.

Over and over people would ask me, “Well, what do you like to do?” and “What do you feel the most fulfilled doing?” I would draw a blank. The pace of raising my family offered little indulgent time, and with my past ventures not panning out, I had no confidence to take further risks. Others would encourage me to, “Keep going, you will find it eventually.” Those words were difficult to swallow, because to me it meant, “Continue to fail.”

Often, the simplest answers are the right ones. For me, this has proven true to the “what is my purpose” question. TRUST GOD. Every failure, every success, every book I read, person I met, every topic I studied has not been wasted. Every experience was forming a foundation of purpose. Like neatly stacked bricks and mortar, every day was part of building who God has created me to be. I couldn’t see it at the time, but with surrender and a determination to trust God and serve Him today, with whatever I have today, has freed me from the burden of needing to achieve greatness.

You have given me today, Lord, what would You like to do? Perhaps write a blog.

 IN His service – Mary Martin  http://hugmomma.com

 

The Mask of Toxicity

Have you ever worked for a toxic workplace? It’s usually apparent by noticing the employees tension upon entering the hallowed halls. Sometimes, an entire industry shares the same atmosphere. It’s a cold vibe that exists when an organization is built upon profit and greed.

Sadly, the style permeated from the top-down is the root of the problem. The Industrial Age was loaded with organizations seeking greater power and control in the workplace. The management style was effective to increase profits for years. In the last few years it has become the downfall of many organizations.

Years ago, employees (and children) revolted by forming Unions. This buffer was needed due to factories hiring cheap child labor. The Unions helped to establish laws to prevent children from being hired and safety regulations. In those days, it was common for children to lose fingers, toes and limbs, resulting in entire family incomes being lost.

We’ve come a long way from those days, but we have so much more work to do!

A majority of toxic workplaces have their own compassionate mission statement, but how they operate has nothing to do with that philosophy. When greed overtakes a business, it’s the beginning of the end- individually and collectively as an organization. The narcissistic style of management sooner or later catches up with organizations bent on sucking the life out of their own companies and employees.

Corruption is a by-product of greed. It undermines the best companies and destroys from within. When leadership focuses solely on profit it usually turns a cheek to everything else. The status quo is all that matters.

Money spent on advertizing is wasted on the snowball of public opinion. Invariably, one bad decision is followed by another. Denial is a powerful and dangerous imposter for those seeking justification. Yet, she is all they have to seek approval.

The tension and stress associated with being trapped in this toxic environment isn’t worth the sacrifice. The headaches, anxiety, ulcers and fear associated with working in this type of situation aren’t worth paying the price for a paycheck. Most experts recommend seeking employment elsewhere. I must agree.

You deserve better. Life is too short to spend in a toxic workplace. Trust me.

 You’ll be glad to remove the mask of toxicity.

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.