Does it Matter?

So many days, I have questioned if I am making a difference. Is staying awake half the night seeking clarity, thought, and silence to produce art worth it? Is the money spent on books and searching information to improve viewership worth it?

Does it matter?

Photo used courtesy of: Leeks.

The lack of comments within my blogs, often make me wonder.

Today was an unusual day. I was made aware of my responsibilities towards my readers and friends. Tonight, I realized the impact on people’s lives I made through my experiences of creating a friendship with one of my former band mates and one of my blog readers.

We often don’t get the opportunity or time for people to understand our nature, personality or core values. Sadly, most people are so busy in their daily lives; we all become lost in the noise and shuffle. Daily schedules, families, chores, and work permits us little time for ourselves or to reflect on the most important things in our lives.

I can’t tell you how good it feels to receive positive feedback from people. To know people understand where your heart is and respect you is something I cherish.
 
I couldn’t be happier knowing that despite the fact I am writing late into the night for two years; I am making a difference in some people’s lives and all those little victories eventually leads to a larger scale of followers, known as a tribe.
 
People are reading my blogs. I am slowly growing my business. I’d much rather build slow. Slow I can handle. When we rush- we tend to look for results quickly. When the desired results aren’t fulfilled, we become discouraged or quit. For me, it’s more like crash and burn.
 
But today was different.

It was my wake-up call to responsibility, an opportunity to feel I am a part of something special, that I started, and someone cares.

It was my time to reflect on something meaningful- that does matter!
 

I want to thank both individuals for inspiring me.

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.

Are You a Cog in the Wheel?

The Cog in the Wheel

A week-long series by a local paper concerning poverty has led me to observe and re-iterate a few things.

1.     The Rust Belt built its core foundation on manufacturing.

2.     The manufacturing era has been over for some time.

3.     People have not been able to grasp the concept of line #2.

4.      Consequently, many of the people lack the tools necessary to be productive in this environment.

Boomtown

Years ago, cheap labor was the solution to a factory owner’s success. Many of those people were from Olive Hill, Kentucky and moved to Mansfield, Ohio. Working hard to be a “cog in the wheel” meant receiving a decent paycheck and retiring comfortably.  

Performing a repetitive task quickly and effectively was all that mattered. Increasing employee’s pay and marketting to the massest  permitted the factory owners to sell more products resulting into expanding production facilities and increase in revenues.

Corporations and unions maintained the status quo and continued to protect their own best interest. Everyone profited for decades.

Greed

We bought into all the marketing ideas to purchase stuff that wasn’t necessary. Employees never realized they were being slowly duped by buying into the overall concept of the manufacturing era.

We kept up with the status quo going deeper in debt to appear rich. We lived beyond our means mortgaging our future.

Greed within- unions, employees, corporations and government opened the doors to cheaper labor- overseas. Suddenly mass jobs disappeared. Debt replaced our ability to live comfortably. The global economy slowly replaced the need of the local economy.

The global recession, bailouts, and national debt deepened our concern for stability.

The Rust Belt Era

Mansfield, Ohio suffers the same fate as any “rust belt city”. Civic leaders failed to plan ahead and were unable to fill the void with a new industry. Former factory workers continued to long for the “good old days”. They’re gone!

We will never see a large factory open with hundreds of jobs paying $100,000 a year with overtime in our lifetime. The premise has always been about cheaper labor. Once your job is written down in a manual someone else, somewhere else- will do it cheaper.

Where do we go from here?

While attending school is a viable option, many people with college degrees are unable to find work in their chosen field.

Photo used courtesy of: Ralph Bijker.

The trick in today’s workplace environment is to find a void and fill it with a passion and sincere desire to be successful. Merely being a “cog in the wheel” guarantees failure. Multiple skill sets will be needed to standout and be unique. Discovering available options allows you to “get in the game”.

Eliminating and avoiding debt is paramount for surviving and succeeding in the years ahead.

Being able to provide a service or a need at a higher quality verses the mass produced goods from overseas is the best option for success in this new economy!

The question is- when will we as a community and individually decide to become a free agent and move past yesteryear?

Only then- will we begin to prosper again!

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.

The Narcissistic Style of Management

Corporations and businesses have an obligation to serve their customers and employees. We’ve seen managers who mistakenly abuse their authority as a gesture of their passion for the organization and are often rewarded for their aggressive style of manner.

Brief History Lesson: How the Narcissistic Boss was Born

Here in the Rust Belt, this type of narcissistic behavior is an ongoing problem. The poor behavior started in the factories. Over the years the need for a secondary class of workers fueled the manipulation of minds, status and the lowering of workers expectations. Thus the herd was formed.

But who is going to make sure the workers stay within our parameters and build widgets every day? The schools had teachers to instruct, the factory needed this type of person with far more authority. Someone who could create fear and increase the flow of widgets was desired. The Boss was created.

Somehow the race with competition and greed upped the ante. Enter the narcissistic boss!

Narcissistic Style of Management

Individuals who display cut-throat acts of superiority towards employees cause an incredible amount of psychological and mental harm to morale and emotions. Organizations that see this as a positive strength are ensuring a poor work performance, bad reputation, financial loss and their eventual demise.

If you somehow offend or disagree with this type of person, their quest turns into a personal vendetta for the good of the company. Narcissists receive it as a form of rejection and you will pay dearly. After all, a narcissist is never wrong; they are perfect. If you don’t believe me, just ask one.

The company mantra, dogma, slogan or mission statement is merely a desperate attempt at lip service at this point. The fact is: Nobody’s buying what you’re putting out as truth.

Starts at the Top

Companies hire aggressive people knowing that individual will control the workers and create fear to motivate their staff. This must change. Businesses are seeking the wrong behavioral role model to lead.

Eventually thousands or millions of dollars will be spent on surveys, consultants, meetings and marketing to seek improvement. Entire projects will be created or gutted, perhaps redesign the flow of business or even rebuild. (Just think what might have been accomplished financially instead of throwing money away.)

The Dog made me do it!

No different than an alcoholic denying the real problem for the root of their misery. It’s a top-down problem. When was the last time your organization looked in the mirror?

My Argument

We should be weeding out individuals with narcissistic tendencies, not seeking to hire, promote and reward selfish behaviorisms.

Hitler found it easier to start a war than to become an art student in Vienna.

Ideas to Create a Healthy Work Environment

·        Have a social and moral obligation to follow the “Golden Rule.”

·        It’s not about you, it’s about everyone.

·        When you’re wrong admit it. Being humble is good.

·        Your responsibility is to lead and serve, not seek and destroy.

·        Your mission is to inspire people, instead of creating fear and distrust.

Anything less is unacceptable!

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.

President Obama visits The Rust Belt

Note: I generally abstain from political related blogs. I couldn’t resist with this one.

Last week, I had the misfortune of having both of my vehicles causing distress and breaking down several days apart. My car was already out of commission and my truck was the only option to drive.

On our journey to downtown Mansfield, Ohio; we suddenly heard a clanging sound. I figured my tail pipe had disconnected and was dragging on the ground. Upon reaching our destination on North Main Street we discovered it wasn’t the tail pipe, but the rusted muffler dragging on the pavement.

The ride up Main Street was quite nerve wracking on this particular day because the truck has a slight gas tank leak not far from the muffler. As we all know- sparks and gas are ignitable. Not a particular good problem to have.

After inspecting the situation, my wife entered the Squirrels Den to purchase some chocolate-covered buckeye candy. President Obama had visited the little chocolate shop nearly a week ago after giving a campaign speech on the town square.
  

The President spent a half-hour inside the Squirrels Den; chatting, posing for photos, and signing autographs while tasting and purchasing chocolates for the First Lady and their daughters.

The shop was still excited about their special visit and the owner, LeDonna Secrist and her staff had several stories and photos to share with us.

While my wife picked out the sweet stuff, I inquired to the owner if she had any string to temporary keep the muffler from dragging on the pavement. The owner produced a bag of bungee cords. I took a couple of cords and was able to secure the muffler for our ride home.

LeDonna refused to allow me to pay her for the cords, instead requesting “I pray for her” and return the favor by helping someone else out.

I want to publicly thank LeDonna Secrist for her kind act of graciousness.

During the chat regarding President Obama’s visit, the clerk noted many people giving negative comments. She encountered the same negative situation when she discussed seeing George W. Bush nearly eight years ago at the Renaissance Theater in Mansfield, Ohio.

She noted that she was always taught to respect the office regardless of the party tied to the helm.

I must agree with her. Hate is a terrible fear to spread. How often do you get to meet the man who represents the most powerful free nation in the world?

We should be praying for our leaders.

I understand many people are passionate towards their political party, America and their views. But there is a vast difference between hate and passion.  Let’s not confuse the two emotions.

I am surprised by the lack of respect Republicans and Democrats openly display towards each other in political advertisement and speeches.

The party process and news media have created an “us versus them” mentality which serves to divide Americans by keeping us distracted. It allows those in charge from dealing with the real issues that need to be addressed.

To me, the political party game has only given us the choice of the speed of robbing Peter to pay Paul and the negative results.

It’s the political system (Democrats and Republicans), I have lost faith in.

Politicians must understand they are elected to serve the people, instead of catering to lobbyists.

We should demand accountability, integrity and honesty from all elected officials.

Let’s stop the hate and focus on the opportunity to create change that really 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 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.

Added Value = Passion and Wisdom

I could tell you that my Rust Belt Chronicles Blog was written to give you added value. You’ve all have heard and read that cliché. It’s a power phrase tossed throughout discussions, meetings, websites, blogs and promotional events. It’s been misused often and sadly where is the value?

When used in terms of making money it is a metaphor, referring to “icing on the cake. “ It may be added value to the business but in this twist of terminology it’s really not adding value to the customer. Somehow, many have taken a term of relevance and replaced it with a sad interpretation of greed, while offering only mediocrity.

I want to build the Rust Belt Chronicles Blog into something more meaningful. The thoughts and purpose of this blog is to express my concern, offer hope and change lives. By challenging the status quo and creating a movement to make a difference in how we are treated in our work environment and how we think is part of my reason for being here.

Too often, we have been brainwashed into negative thinking, self-doubt and fear by those who were suppose to lead us. Corporations, businesses and management forgot we (the employees) are their customers too, not merely slaves for wages.

The Rust Belt Chronicles Blog is also for those who are jobless, laid-off, in-debt, confused about their future or where to look for help. It really doesn’t matter where you live- We all live in Detroit. The industrial age is ending and the good paying factory jobs of longevity are a thing of the past.

Some of you were older workers let go, pushed to the curb and are having a tough time finding a new career. I am here for you. Another entire segment of the population doesn’t know where their skills fit in this new revolution called work.

I want you to have more than a job. I want to help you reach your goals by inspiring and motivating you to become what you’ve always wanted to be. I want to help you discover and build your passion. If I only help a few people every blog I write is worth it. If hundreds of people are inspired, I am truly blessed.

Photo used courtesy of: ana_ng.

Call me a modern day Roy Rogers- where (hopefully) the good guys win. Call me Robin Hood or the guy that fixed Humpty Dumpty.

Just know I care and want to make a difference!

Wisdom Meets Passion

Author and America’s finest life coach Dan Miller and his son, Jarad Angaza have co-written a new book to be released August 28^th entitled- Wisdom Meets Passion: When Generations Collide and Collaborate. You can be a part of some special bonus gifts by purchasing the book. Read about it here.

Dan Miller is the best-selling author of No More Dreaded Monday’s and 48 Days to the Work You Love. Dan Miller also has two websites with loads of community assistance, classes and podcasts at 48days.com and 48days.net.  Jarad Angaza is the president and co-founder of KEZA, an ethical fashion label in East Africa.

Dan and Jared have discovered their passions and lead fulfilled lives.

You can too! 

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.

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.

The Rust Belt Chronicles: Start your own Revolution

The Rust Belt Chronicles: Start your own Revolution: Corporations have an obligation to their customers and employees. Once the objective becomes the core process without considering both ent...

Start your own Revolution

Corporations have an obligation to their customers and employees. Once the objective becomes the core process without considering both entities the result can be a deluge of reckless abandon with adverse public reaction.

Businesses who fail to support those under their own umbrella lose credibility. Banking on the short term memories of everyone involved and expecting to save face isn’t a smart idea in today’s era of social media presence. The long-term results can be catastrophic financially in terms of clients and the lost of trust by the public.

Sometimes, it’s better to lose a few arguments than to be perceived as greedy.



Matt and Katie Fisher

Matt Fisher simply blogged about the treatment of a claim with Progressive Insurance and their reported stance in trial proceedings in regard to Nationwide Insurance and the defendant involving his sister, Katie  and her tragic death in 2010.

The story went viral throughout social media.

The insurance had the prior opportunity to correct their stance and save the reputation of their brand. Simply paying $75,000.00 would have been much cheaper than dealing with the fallout. Trust is why we purchase insurance to provide a source of security in case of accidents, dismemberment and death.

Trust is the heart of any business.

As much as the publicity hurt Progressive, can you imagine the buzz if a competing insurance company with no financial ties wrote a $75,000.00 check to Matt Fisher? The amount of trust and positive marketing would speak volumes for a competitor’s ethics, morals and sales.

In today’s viral universe, it could’ve easily happened.

Three days after Matt Fisher posted the blog (which was also blogged by Seth Godin) Progressive Insurance announced a decision to reach a settlement for “tens of thousands of more dollars.”

We now have the ability to change the world through the use of social media. Permission, money or lawyers are no longer required. A voice resonating of honor, reason and right has given us power which was never before available to us, no matter where we are located. That voice is social media.

Start your own revolution 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^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.

The Blog heard 'round the World!

I have a passion for writing. I don’t have to depend on anyone but myself. If I don’t like what I’ve written I can use the backspace key to delete it. I don’t need anyone’s approval or disapproval. My life is that simple.

Photo by: Search Engine People Blog.

My stories can be inspiring or merely average. The subject can be anything I choose or something simply to motivate others. The time it takes me to write a story or blog can range from minutes, hours, or days.

Sometimes one blog can be broken down to two or three different stories. I know it’s time to write a book when my creative writing reaches this threshold.

This is one of the advantages of writing nearly 300 blogs. A writer tends to improve by repetition. The journey begins when you decide to write.

My Rust Belt Chronicles Blog is currently being read throughout the USA, Russia, Germany, South America, France, Netherlands and Latvia. Despite losing my local newspaper as a source of a third of my readership for August is on a trend to top July’s statistics. The power of the Internet is truly amazing.

Photo by: Woodleywonderworks

To be able to address people throughout the globe is an incredible experience. I am grateful to all my readers for allowing me a chance to present my views and be a small part of your day!

 Life gives us the opportunity to do something special or unique.

Each day is another chance to turn your dream into reality.

Thank you for following: The Rust Belt Chronicles.

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.

Why? The question we should always ask.

Photo used courtesy of: Good Eye Might.

I was always the kid who went where he was told not to go. The curiosity of “why” was all I needed. As you can imagine my experiences have multiplied throughout my life. I’ve been a bit daring, risky and walked to the edge.

The quest to understand behaviors and thinking processes have consumed my thoughts over my years of existence. Sometimes I’ve been burned, hurt or rewarded for my desire to understand people, places and things. I’ve fallen over the edge many times and somehow bounced back. Some folks never do.

But there isn’t much I wouldn’t change or do differently.

My journey has given me the ability to understand both sides of many issues. It has allowed me to look fear in the eyes and forge ahead. It has given me the ability to see and feel people’s closed minded thoughts, emotions and fears.

I understand why the masses just follow the rules and others choose to become a linchpin. It has given me the ability to engage people from a different perspective.

Most of all, curiosity increased my ability to follow a different drummer.

It’s a walk on the side of no turning back and taking chances.

I can look outside the box and embrace the moment.

Because, the only thing that really matters is: “Why.”

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.

Closure- A New Walk Begins!

Sometimes, it’s best to cut line and let the fight go. Move on and move forward. Set your sights and ambitions on new goals. Let go of the mental prison and know closure can be a win of itself.

Closure gives us the opportunity to reach new boundaries .It’s a winning feeling of exhilaration. A new door opens and an old door closes.



Photo used courtesy of: Ian Sane.

It’s the peace we sought. The battle is over; the struggle between good and evil has been resolved. The fear is over. The anxiety and stress no longer controls us.

Closure is freedom. It’s the movement of our spirit from a protective mode to a wide open horizon of possibilities. A chance to pursue our dreams and realize the sky is the limit.

Closure is God’s grace... The gates are open and a new era begins.

It’s time to do something meaningful. Do something you’ve always wanted to do. Scale a mountain, run a race or make the world a better place.

Don’t look back and don’t look down. We can’t afford to go back to that place.

A new path awaits you.

 Go.

This is your time.

Your destiny awaits 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!

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/
www.successthroughmusic.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.