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Friday, November 30, 2007

Quote of the Day


"When the opportunity comes,
it's too late to prepare."

- John C. Maxwell

Envision your opportunities and dreams today and prepare for them as if they'll knock on your door tomorrow.
posted by JK1 at 8:10 AM | 0 comments | add a comment

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech 2005

Watch this video. It's 14 minutes well spent.

posted by JK1 at 8:39 AM | 3 comments | add a comment

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Are you grateful?

How annoying is it when you hold open a door for someone and they blow right past you without even a "thank you" or a gesture of gratitude? I mean you do it just because you're nice, and you're not really looking for anything in return, but inside you still long for some small acknowledgement of your generosity. And when they whiz right on by you gabbing on their cell phone, completely oblivious that the world really doesn't revolve around them, you get this empty feeling of wondering why you just opened the door for them. The truth is we don't like it when people are ungrateful.

During this holiday season, I want to make sure that I'm not the one whizzing by those around me that have shown me favor and kindness. I want to take a moment to let you know that you mean the world to me. And I would like to say thank you especially to:
  1. God - I am nothing without you, thank you for giving me life and a reason to live it.
  2. My wife - My closest friend, you challenge and inspire me everyday to be the man I'm supposed to be. You go 1000% to be the most amazing wife and mother anyone could ever ask for.
  3. My son - You make me smile everyday. I am so blessed to have you in my life.
  4. My parents - You have been my rock and foundation. Thank you for believing in me.
  5. My siblings - There is no one on the planet that could ever replace you. Your friendship is priceless (and I'm sorry for all the nasty things I said about you when I was younger).
  6. My in-laws - You gave me the most precious gift in the world, your daughter. Thank you.
  7. My friends - You know who you are. I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life.

Quote of the Day
An ungrateful man is like a hog under a tree eating acorns, but never looking up to see where they come from.
- Timothy Dexter

posted by JK1 at 9:07 AM | 0 comments | add a comment

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

A Diamond in the Rough

Every now and then, the world is exposed to someone with an extraordinary talent, someone who is uniquely special. Yet before these people were "somebody," they were "nobody" until someone else found them and said, "Hey, buddy, you've got some talent!" Well, here’s a video of a guy where this very thing happened. Let me just say, you can't judge a book by its cover....

posted by JK1 at 11:13 AM | 0 comments | add a comment

Monday, November 19, 2007

The O Candle

A few months ago, Dona and I decided to crack our ol' comfort zone and turn one of our lazy hobbies into a fun, little business venture. Since then, we've been holding our breath and staying terrifically busy making and selling our all-natural, soy candles. These candles, called The O Candle, come in an array of savory aromas and are contained in classic, brushed silver tins. We haven't made millions yet, but we've been having a blast and making a lot of great memories! (On a side note, I cannot recommend enough finding a hobby that you and your spouse can enjoy together.) If you want to find out more about our candles and learn why soy candles are sooooooo much better than the paraffin junk candles you buy at the Yankee Shmankee Candle store, go to www.theOcandle.com.

posted by JK1 at 1:03 PM | 0 comments | add a comment

Thursday, November 15, 2007

How to Make $500 in 3 Months Online

A few months ago, I endeavored to test the Internet’s money-making potential to see if there were real opportunities out there that would be easy and……free. After just a few months, I can say that my research proved to be worthwhile. I made roughly over $500 in about a 3 month span doing very simple things on the Internet – and the best part is – I didn’t pay one red cent to do it.

Below is my overview of 25 online companies/programs that rewards you with cash and/or prizes. Some are worth your time and some aren’t, but I will let you decide that. I’ve also listed how much I’ve actually made with each company. As you can see, you won’t get rich (as some will lead you to believe), but they may very well give you a little extra gas money.
  • Clear Voice Surveys - $20
    Take surveys, redeem earnings for cash
  • Creations Rewards - $70
    Take surveys, sign-up for free offers, redeem points for cash or prizes
  • Deal Barbie Pays - $40
    Take surveys, sign-up for free offers, redeem earnings for cash
  • Greenfield Online - $36
    Take surveys, redeem earnings for cash
    If you want to join Greenfield Online, send me an email and I’ll send you an invitation.
  • Harris Poll - $10
    Take surveys, redeem points for prizes
  • Knowledge Networks - $ 50
    Take surveys, redeem points for cash
    Knowledge Networks picks you, you don’t pick them. Through a random selection process, you might receive a letter in the mail inviting you to join. Unfortunately, you can’t just go to their site and sign up with them.
  • Lightspeed Consumer Panel - $30
    Take surveys, redeem points for cash
  • My Points - $30
    Take surveys, sign-up for free offers, redeem earnings for cash
    If you want to join My Points, send me an email and I’ll send you an invitation.
  • My Survey - $50
    Take surveys, redeem points for cash
  • Opinion Outpost - $38
    Take surveys, redeem points for cash
    If you want to join Opinion Outpost, send me an email and I’ll send you an invitation.
  • Opinion Square - $15
    Take surveys, redeem points for gift cards/prizes
    If you want to join Opinion Square, send me an email and I’ll send you an invitation.
  • PineCone Research - $50
    Take surveys, get cash
    You can only sign up with PineCone Research through their banner ads that they post on various websites throughout the year. If you ever see one of their ads, sign up.
  • Survey Savvy - $19
    Take surveys, get cash
  • Synovate - $10
    Take surveys, earn points, redeem for cash
    If you want to join Synovate, send me an email and I’ll send you an invitation.
  • Your2Cents - $12
    Take surveys, redeem earnings for cash
  • ZoomPanel – N/A
    Take surveys, redeem points for prizes
    If you want to join ZoomPanel, send me an email and I’ll send you an invitation.
  • Ebay - $50
    Sell your unwanted items around the house, get cash

Below are a few companies which I did not earn anything from during the 3 month period, however, that does not mean they are a waste of time. Some of them are great sites, but take longer to reach payout.

  • Adbux - $0
    View pay-per-click ads or register for free offers, redeem earnings for cash
  • ClixSense - $0
    View pay-per-click ads, redeem earnings for cash
  • Fusion Cash - $0
    Register for free offers, redeem earnings for cash
  • Inbox Dollars - $0
    Take surveys, sign-up for free offers, read emails, redeem earnings for cash
  • Panda Research - $0
    Take surveys, register for free offers, redeem earning for cash
    If you want to join Panda Research, send me an email and I’ll send you an invitation.
  • Surveys - $0
    Take surveys, get cash
  • Tik Tik Cash - $0
    Take surveys, read emails, sign-up for free offers, read emails, redeem earnings for cash
    If you want to join Tik Tik Cash, send me an email and I’ll send you an invitation.
  • Valued Opinions - $0
    Take surveys, redeem earnings for cash
    The way to join Valued Opinions is through invitation or through one of their affiliates. Sorry, I can’t remember how I joined.
posted by JK1 at 1:10 PM | 0 comments | add a comment

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

How to Tell a Real Offer from a Scam

How many times have you been sitting at a red light and you see a sign that states, “Make $1000 a week! Call ###-###-####”? For a brief moment you probably wonder if, by slim chance, the sign might be true. Could you actually get rich if you just called that number? Naaaaaah. By the time the light turns green, your inner skeptic has you convinced it’s a silly hoax.

And then you’ve got those Internet “Get-Rich” programs (aka. scams) that assure you that you’ll make millions in 30 days or less. Are these fake, too? They must be. After all, making money can’t be that easy.

Well, your intuition is probably right. Making gobs of money is not "that" easy and anything that's worthwhile will require some effort. Nevertheless, there are legitimate money-making opportunities on the Internet that actually can and do work in your favor. In fact, I am going to show you just a few web programs that have ACTUALLY worked for me, and by that I mean, actually paid me moolah – real, green money.

But first, how do you determine the real offers from the scams? The truth is lots of web and email offers are designed to COST you money – not make it – so you have to be careful. At the website About.com, I found some helpful information on how to tell a real offer from a scam:
  • Find out how you’ll be paid. Some ‘jobs’ get you to work for nothing. For example, you post ads on internet bulletin boards, but you don’t earn anything until someone signs up. If that doesn’t happen, you’re out of luck.
  • If an offer guarantees you’ll get rich quick, leave it alone. Anything that sounds too good to be true is a financial trap.
  • They ask you to send money. Legitimate employers don't charge fees to hire you. They also don’t sell you information, software or kits to get you started.
  • Let someone else read the offer. Some scams are hard to detect. For example, you might receive a detailed contract that asks for banking information so your check can be direct deposited, but once they get your info, they drain your account and disappear. So let someone else take a second look at it.
These are just a few red flags to look for when attempting to make some extra cash from the Internet. They key is - remember, you’re wanting to make money, not spend it – when a company is asking for your credit card # or Social Security #, you’re almost always setting yourself up for a BIG disappointment. If you're in doubt, do your research. I can't emphasize that enough. If the offer sounds a little fishy, it probably is.

Okay, okay, as promised, I said I would outline some online programs that have worked for me, and I will be true to my word and post them on here…………tomorrow.
posted by JK1 at 9:16 AM | 1 comments | add a comment

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

You think you've got it bad....


This cartoon is hilarious, but it's also a great illustration of how our life isn't always as bad as it seems. It's funny how we can complain about some of the most insignificant, petty things like "having nothing in our closet to wear" or "the pain and suffering we endure because of high gas prices," while there are others in the world who literally have no clothes, no food, no shelter, let alone a vehicle to actually put gas in. Chances are we have it really good and don't even realize it.

This Thanksgiving season, I think it would be good if we stopped for a moment and took an account of our lives and looked at the things that we should be thankful for - the fact that, yes, we do have the ability and opportunity to go through a McDonald's drive-thru whenever we like and fill our stomachs with pleasurable food, the fact that our children actually get to take a hot bath before bedtime and snuggle in their warm beds, the fact that we can chill out on our comfy couch, in our heated home, on a chilly Saturday afternoon, feasting on Cool Ranch Doritos and a box of frozen Ho-Ho's, watching a college football game on our 32” HDTV. I mean, think about it. Most of us have it made. Even if we only have two nickels to rub together, we're still far better off than the majority of the population on earth.

We must not forget that there are others out there who have it waaaaaaay worse than us, and that when we complain, we only show just how foolish and inconsiderate we really are. So stop the grumbling! Instead of complaining, develop a habit of voicing your gratefulness -- say things like, "I know I don't have a brand new, designer shirt to wear, but thank you, Lord, that I do have clothes." An attitude like this will resonate and shine through your demeanor and people will see the grace and gratitude in which you live your life.

And even if you do really have it “that” bad, consider the fact that a lot of times your struggle is only a means to making you a stronger, better person. In every pain and trial, there is a purpose behind it. So don’t ruin what God is intending for your good by sabotaging it with your selfish pride and whiny attitude. Endure the process. Live gracefully and valiantly through your hardships and be mindful that somebody else might need to feel your strength and see your smile.
posted by JK1 at 8:50 AM | 0 comments | add a comment

Friday, November 9, 2007

Maxwell's Keys to Success

In my recent post, I mentioned a comment from John Maxwell, a profound leadership expert and renown author. According to Maxwell, there are four key qualities to being highly successful, and they are:

1. RELATIONSHIPS
Firstly, people who are highly successful are good at building relationships and have a way of getting along with people. Good relationship skills are the foundation of both leadership and success. Successful people relate emotionally, spiritually and intellectually with others. Both in the workplace and in their homes, people need to understand and practice the hammer principle: "never use a hammer to swat a fly off someone's forehead." In other words, don't overreact.

2. EQUIP
The second quality of highly successful people is that they equip, train and develop people. Successful people understand that for their success to compound, it must include others. They must have the ability to gain buy-in. One is too small a number to achieve greatness.

3. ATTITUDE
The third quality is attitude. Successful people have an uncommon attitude, especially about adversity. It's not that they have fewer problems than less successful people; they just have the tenacity to work through obstacles and problems. Maxwell says that "attitude is not everything, but it is the main thing – the difference maker. However, a great attitude cannot make up for incompetence.

4. LEADERSHIP
Fourth, successful people are good leaders. They have a vision, and they understand that leadership is about influence – not title or position. "People can lead wherever they are in the organization," he said. "They can lead up, across and down."
posted by JK1 at 1:05 PM | 1 comments | add a comment

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Friends don't let friends have low-interest savings accounts

Every now and then, I like to throw things on here that might be beneficial to the readers. My latest cool tip comes from ING DIRECT bank. Right now they are offering an interest rate on their savings account of 4.30% For those of you who don't know any better, that's outstanding for a standard savings account (in fact, 9 times the national average). With most banks, you're lucky if you get a quarter of a percent. What's nice, too, is that you don't have to have a kajillion dollars to open an account - you can open one up for just $1.

But -- there's even better news -- they are offering a promotion right now. If you open a savings account with at least $250, they'll deposit $25 into your account. That's pretty sweet if you ask me. To open an account, go to http://www.ingdirect.com/ and enter the following reference code: CK923/hkdchvbga (you have to use this code to get the $25). The deadline for the promotion is January 31, 2008.

***By the way, I took advantage of this promotion already and can vouch for the $25 gift -- they really do give it to you, no strings attached.
posted by JK1 at 8:39 AM | 2 comments | add a comment

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

The End of Carnegie

For the past month, I've shared over 25 excerpts from the Dale Carnegie book, How to Win Friends & Influence People. Hopefully, these powerful insights have challenged your thinking and helped you, in some way, just as they have helped countless others, in improving your ability to relate and work with others.

Another one of my favorite authors, John Maxwell, once said, "People who are highly successful are good at building relationships and have a way of getting along with people. " He went on to say, "Good relationship skills are the foundation of both leadership and success. Successful people relate emotionally, spiritually and intellectually with others."
posted by JK1 at 9:00 AM | 0 comments | add a comment

Make the fault seem easy to correct

Don't emphasize the mistakes. Do the opposite. Praise the things the person does right and minimize the errors. Tell your child, your spouse, or your employee that he or she is stupid or dumb at a certain thing, has no gift for it, and is doing it all wrong, and you have destroyed almost every incentive to try to improve. But use the opposite technique - be liberal with your encouragement, make the thing seem easy to do, let the other person know that you have faith in his ability to do it, that he has an undeveloped flair for it - and he will practice until the dawn comes in the window in order to excel.

*Compilation taken from "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie
posted by JK1 at 8:27 AM | 0 comments | add a comment

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Give a dog a good name

The average person can be led readily if you have his or her respect and if you show that you respect that person for some kind of ability. If you want to improve a person in a certain respect, act as though that particular trait were already one of his or her outstanding characteristics. And it might be well to assume and state openly that other people have the virtue you want them to develop. Give them a fine reputation to live up to, and they will make prodigious efforts rather than see you disillusioned. Give a dog a bad name and you may as well hang him. But give him a good name - and see what happens.

*Compilation taken from "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie
posted by JK1 at 8:15 PM | 1 comments | add a comment

Monday, November 5, 2007

How to spur people on to success

Why, I wonder, don't we use the same common sense when trying to change people that we use when trying to change dogs? Why don't we use meat instead of a whip? Why don't we use praise instead of condemnation? Let us praise even the slightest improvement. That inspires the other person to keep on improving. If you single out a specific accomplishment, rather than just making general flattering remarks, praise will become much more meaningful to the person to whom it was given. Everybody likes to be praised, but when praise is specific, it comes across as sincere - not something the other person may be saying just to make one feel good.

*Compilation taken from "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie

posted by JK1 at 9:43 PM | 0 comments | add a comment

Friday, November 2, 2007

Noah's Ark Party

As a super cool and safe alternative to celebrating Halloween, Dona put on a Noah's Ark party for the kids at the church on Wednesday. All the kids were to dress up as animals or something pertaining to the Noah's ark story --- however, we did end up with one Power Ranger..... hmmm.... I was later told that Power Rangers were actually included in the New King James Version of the Bible. Anyway, Dona was rain (that's a cloud, not a giant molar growing out her head) and Dalyn was a lion (a big thanks to my mom for making his outfit on the fly last weekend).












(I have no idea where he gets this from.)


Dalyn for President in 2048!

posted by JK1 at 2:39 PM | 0 comments | add a comment

Let the other man save his face

Letting one save face! How vitally important that is! And how few of us ever stop to think of it! We ride roughshod over the feelings of others, getting our own way, finding fault, issuing threats, criticizing a child or an employee in front of others, without even considering the hurt to the other person's pride. Whereas a few minutes thought, a considerate word or two, a genuine understanding of the other person's attitude, would go so far toward alleviating the sting! Even if we are right and the other person is definitely wrong, we only destroy ego by causing someone to lose face. The legendary French aviation pioneer and author Antoine de Saint-Exupery wrote: " I have no right to say or do anything that diminishes a man in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him, but what he thinks of himself. Hurting a man in his dignity is a crime."

*Compilation taken from "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie
posted by JK1 at 2:31 PM | 0 comments | add a comment

Thursday, November 1, 2007

No one likes to take orders

You might consider this . . . Do you think that would work? What do you think of . . .? Maybe if we were to phase it this way it would be better.

Always give people the opportunity to do things themselves, never tell someone, let them do it, let them learn from their mistakes. A technique like that makes it easy for a person to correct errors. A technique like that saves a person's pride and gives him or her a feeling of importance. It encourages cooperation instead of rebellion. Resentment caused by a brash order may last a long time - even if the order was given to correct an obviously bad situation. Asking questions not only makes an order more palatable; it often stimulates the creativity of the persons whom you ask. People are more likely to accept an order if they have had a part in the decision that caused the order to be issued.

*Compilation taken from "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie
posted by JK1 at 2:50 PM | 0 comments | add a comment
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