We have a very simple purpose at IRONMEN – To encourage and equip men to become a positive impact for Jesus, at home, at work, and in the community. God’s Word clearly demonstrates that He did not intend for us to live independently, but interdependently by connecting with one another. Our hearts confirm this need for us to encourage one another and to challenge one another.

Study In Philippians, Part Eight: Dealing with Stress

Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Today Chuck Roberts led us through our study in Philippians.

Major sources of stress

1. Financial problems
2. Workplace stress
3. Personal relationships
4. Health
5. Irritants

Take the Holmes and Rahe Stress Test to measure your stress level in the last 12 months (take test)

Being an early Christian was stressful. Followers of Jesus were a minority. Family and friends didn't understand them. There were business, relational, and social consequences. Similar stress may occur today being a Christian.

Dealing with stress:

• Men have a "fight or flight" tendency, while women "tend and befriend" (nest, spend time with others). Men could benefit from this.
• Happiness comes and goes, Joy resides within us through our relationship with Jesus.
• Prayer/meditation. If you are having trouble with prayer, get in a room with two chairs. Imagine God was sitting in other chair and talk to Him.
• Create time daily to invest time nurturing your spiritual life.

Questions for consideration:

1. What was your score in the Holmes Rahe test?
2. Prior to taking the test, how stressed would you have said you are?
3. How will you change your coping behavior to deal with your stress?

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Ironmen Ecuador mission trip is June 22-29.

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

It has been said there's a thin line between love and hate, winning and losing, bravery and stupidity, genius and insanity... After over twenty years studying and teaching the pathways to personal potential, I am convinced:

There's a thin line between the person you are and the person you can be.

The person you can be lies just below the surface of who you are now. Reaching your full potential may at times feel unrealizable. The pressures of every day life may leave little time and energy for becoming the person you know you can be but aren't quite yet. Bad habits, regrets, and feelings of failure add extra weight on an already heavy load. Even moderate success and superficial achievement can become obstacles to your true greatness.

Self improvement programs can be cumbersome at best. They offer formulas and fixes, strategies and solutions, lotions and potions. I have participated in hundreds of them. I have delivered thousands of seminars, workshops, and trainings. They all work and none of them work. What's the difference? What's the magic bullet? What's the one thing? WHAT'S THE THIN LINE?

"Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person." -Albert Einstein

Being interested in your personal potential is not enough. Wishing is not enough. Hoping is not enough. Talking about it won't do it. The best training programs in the world can't do it for you. Prayer is a great start. But without crossing the thin line, you will never reach your personal potential.

"Commitment is the thin line between the person you are and the person you can be." -Doug Grady

Who are you committed to be? This is the most powerful commitment you will ever make. Consciously choose the person you intend to become.

• Who are you at your best?
• What qualities are you committed to develop?
• What will you let go of?
• Who are you committed to serve?

"It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody." -Bob Dylan

Few achieve greatness. None without commitment. The power of commitment is available to you right now. Commitment loves. Commitment finds a way to win. Commitment is brave. Commitment manifests genius. Commitment is the thin line between who you are and who you can be.

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." -Vince Lombardi

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The Ripple Effect

Are you ready to jump into the fire?

I built a huge campfire on a very cold morning while on a recent camping trip with my Dad, G. David Alexander.  The fire was awesome, its radiant glow warmed up the entire area.  While I sat there enjoying it, I noticed an ember fall out of the pit.  It burned brightly and warmly for some time and then it started to diminish, grew cold and grey and eventually turned black.  So, I flipped it back into the fire and guess what?  It immediately started to burn brightly again. The most successful people I know never grow cold, they are radiant successful and connected.  What about the embers or people that fall out of the fire?  Many networkers, business people and entrepreneurs practice scorched earth networking instead of keeping their referral fires burning.

My Dad G. David Alexander

So what exactly is scorched earth networking?  It’s when you build a network only for your own benefit.  These people are the ones that you run from when you see them out and about.  Why?  Because you know they are going to try to sell you on their latest big idea.   These are also the people who are only interested in meaningful conversation about themselves.

To build referrals, you build a network to support, nurture, and energize each other.  It is a two way street.

I ran into a BNI member recently who shared his current successes.  His success in these economic times is impressive, especially considering he is a home inspector.  He shared with me that he has made $68,000.00 in income related to referrals he has received.  I asked him how he did it and he said, “I am committed to the people in my chapter and my network.”  I will share more on the commitment thing later.

Now, let’s get back to the ember.  To create a successful referral marketing plan, you have to stay involved, connected and committed to the people in your network.  Many, if not most, people jump into new projects, groups, training programs or marketing campaigns expecting immediate results.  Sometimes that happens, but more often it happens over time.

When I am training people, I usually ask, “How many of you could run a marathon this weekend if I registered you?”  Very few hands go up.   I then ask, “If the building was on fire could you run outside?”  Every hand goes up.  In this example, it’s not about the running.   They can all run. It’s about the training, discipline and accountability to prepare.  Accountability is all about staying in the fire.  We might not like it at times; it might get hot and uncomfortable, but it will produce results.

Let’s go back to that immediate success idea.  Often times when people start achieving success with their team, they think that it’s time to do it on their own again.  Remember what happens when that ember falls out of the fire pit?

Let’s talk about three steps to keep you in the fire:

1.  Plug into a group of like-minded people.  If you need referrals, find a successful networking group.  If you are growing your business, plug into a group coaching program.  If you want to give back to your community, join a civic organization.  If you are into self-development, join a self-development program or mastermind group.  Remember commitment, any of these require it.  If you plug in and really commit, you will be rewarded by becoming a credible expert.

2.  Form an accountability group and keep track of each other’s success and progress.  Five frogs are sitting on a log and four decide to jump off.  How many are left?  One? Nope, all five are still on the log.   Deciding and committing are two different things.  I believe in the power of others to help keep you in the fire.

3. Find others whom you can pull into the fire.   If you want more clients, connect to people who can connect you to more clients.  Does anyone come to mind with whom you would love to connect?  Maybe you even envy their success or client list.  Ask them to meet you for a cup of coffee, tea or whatever THEY like.  What’s the worst thing that can happen?  They could say no, but if they say yes, then help them with something they need.

I believe one of the most powerful strategies that we can use to keep the referral fire burning bright is to spend as much of our time as possible helping other people achieve their goals.  What comes around goes around, right?

Happy Networking,

David

"If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want."
Zig Ziglar

Rich is the Chief Catalyst at International Business Fuel and Shifu at Rou Long Ma Taijiquan.

David is the Executive Director of BNI in Georgia and North Carolina and the Chief Networking Officer of  High Achievers.

It's hard to believe I have known Dan Lier for over 18 years. It was April 1994 when I decided to leave the insurance business and begin working in the personal and professional development industry. I drove my car from Southern California to Miami, FL and began promoting Brian Tracy seminars. My two roommates were Peter Montoya and Dan Lier. We began friendships that have lasted almost two decades.

Dan is one of the most charismatic, dynamic people I have ever known. Back in the day I modeled his certainty when communicating one-on-one or to large audiences. Through the years he has been a peer, a sounding board, and a coach for me.

Four things I have learned from Dan:

• Think BIG and take massive action
• Certainty separates the good from the great
• When facing a crisis, take a long-term perspective
• Make progress every day

Now for the official bio... Known as "America’s Coach", Dan is a best selling author, executive coach, business consultant and former top speaker with Tony Robbins. With over two decades of experience and 3,500 customized presentations, along with coverage by The Today Show and Inside Edition, Dan’s track record speaks for itself. His TV show “Your True Potential,” has inspired millions of people to take their life and business to the next level. From a former college basketball player on two national championship teams to a top performing sales producer, Dan knows what it takes to win.

Check out my interview with Dan on blogtalkradio.

By the way, three of Dan's trainings from his popular audio series The 10 Minute Coach are unlocked in your High Achievers intro membership: A Winning Attitude, Goal Setting and Vision and Success Mindset. Not a member yet? Plug in!

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The Ripple Effect

Years before I led my first seminar, wrote my first song, or typed my first blog I penned this in my journal (it is more or less a paraphrasing of a famous Goethe quote):

"When you proceed confidently in the direction you want to go, a path will unfold itself." -Doug Grady

Becoming a trusted authority is an exciting journey- you never know quite where it will take you. Wherever you are on your path, here are some thoughts on proceeding confidently.

"See yourself as you want to be." -Brian Tracy

Vision. Before you can effectively position in someone else's mind that you are a trusted authority, you must first position it in your own mind.

• How do you see yourself? Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses.
• How do others see you? Compare your list to the feedback of others. How do your clients see you? Your peers? Your friends? Ask a few trusted people how they see you- your strengths and weaknesses. Give them permission to be brutally honest.
• How do you want to be seen? Begin to see yourself as a trusted authority. What type of companies would you ideally like to work with? What would your ideal work day consist of? What activities would you consistently like to engage in?

Vision is critical, but it is just a beginning. In order to make your vision a reality, work on your...

Character. Think of a person you consider to be a trusted authority. Resist the urge to evaluate what they do. Instead consider who they are.

"Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming." -Jim Rohn

What are the characteristics you would use to describe this person? Strive to strengthen these characteristics in yourself. Focus daily on the person you intend to become. Allow the character of this person to dictate your:

Strategy. What activities would you consistently engage in if you were a trusted authority? There are many to choose from.

• Study. Great students become trusted authorities. Have you ever noticed that trusted authorities commonly quote other trusted authorities? Go out of your way to be around trusted authorities. Take them out to lunch and pay for it. Ask questions and listen. Buy their books, listen to their audio programs, invest in their trainings.
• Write blogs, write articles, write a book.
• Video blog.
• Lead seminars.
• Validation. You think you're great- wonderful. Who else says so? Collect written validation from satisfied customers and peers in your field. When it comes to testimonials, consider the source- not all are created equal. Seek endorsements from known and respected entities. Don't expect busy people to come up with a unique testimonial for you- always be prepared with an draft for their modification and approval.
• Contribute. Be a consistent contributor to groups and organizations in your field. Comment on others peoples' blogs. Provide testimonials and endorsements for people you believe in. Volunteer for causes you believe in.

Do you have a question on becoming a trusted authority? Is there a strategy you are using to be effective? Please share it with us in the comments section.

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We have a very simple purpose at IRONMEN – To encourage and equip men to become a positive impact for Jesus, at home, at work, and in the community. God’s Word clearly demonstrates that He did not intend for us to live independently, but interdependently by connecting with one another. Our hearts confirm this need for us to encourage one another and to challenge one another.

Study In Philippians, Part Seven: Press On

Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Today Bryan Dunagan led us in our study of Philippians.

Paul often used the analogy of a race to describe being a Christian. Drive and perseverance can lead to destruction if misdirected. Direct your drive toward serving God.

Redefine what it means to "win"

• Remember what we are striving for
• Winning alone is called losing
• We win through weakness: when we are weak, God is strong
• None of us have finished the race

"Life is difficult." -M. Scott Peck

"Let this especially be the common aim of all... neither to give way having once begun nor faint in trouble, nor to say: we have live in the disciple a long time; but rather as through making a beginning daily let us increase our earnestness." -Athanasius

Questions for consideration

1. How can looking back distract us from running the Christian race?
2. What is behind you that you need to forget in order to strain toward the things ahead?
3. What lesser goals have sidetracked you from working toward your real purpose?
4. What are you presently doing that could be described as "straining toward heaven'?

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Ironmen Ecuador mission trip is June 22-29.

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Welcome to the Referral Fire Blog, formerly the Referral Fire Newsletter.  

Only read if you want to create a team that sends you more referrals!!!

Doing It All Yourself Sucks, Doesn't It?

A while ago I heard an analogy comparing salespeople to fighters. It caught my attention as a martial artist, though I am sure that many of you can identify with this thought process. How many of us can relate to slugging it out, digging down deep, taking one more shot and the list goes on and on. There are countless analogies between sports and business. Both endeavors require hard work, persistence, dedication and skill. Just as in sports, there can be two approaches to this game we call business. We can approach the game individually or we can decide to make it a team sport.

Which way do you think will get you further faster?

OK, we all said teamwork, right?  Now, how do we develop teamwork to market our business? What does teamwork even look like in marketing? No matter what our profession is, we are all in sales.  A doctor sellss patients on his ability to treat them, a lawyer sells people on his ability to provide legal advice. We believe all salespeople are fighters!  

Isn't an army a team of fighters?  Lets create a Referral Army.

This picture illustrates one of the greatest teams of fighters ever forged, the Spartans of ancient Greece.

Can you see the power in  fighting together as a team to  win more sales and business? Imagine being part a group of individuals who have committed to work together to market their businesses, understanding that the more they help others get business through referrals, the more business they will get in return. Imagine this group meets weekly with the express purpose of generating business for each other. Imagine that this group holds each individual accountable to the commitment of generating referrals for the others in the group. Imagine this group strategizing on who they can refer in a group setting.

Does this sound like a group that would help you fill your pipeline?

The great news is that you can be a part of a group like this.  A major part of working with a team is knowing your vision(read a little about it).  Building teams is a huge part of achieving success. Start building your referral marketing team today.

How do you build a “Referral Army” like we are suggesting?

1.  Start with your existing network. Who is sending you referrals? Work with individuals that you already know, like, and trust.  Figure out how to help them.  The most successful people we know actively work to help people in there network.  They do this daily which builds huge credibility.

2.  Commit to help each other get business.  Get together and bring your contact database.  Let your referral partners describe their ideal client and see if you have any introductions you can make.  This is using a powerful strategy to grow your referral partners' businesses and they will likely reciprocate. Light each others Referral Fire.

3.  Consciously look for other teammates to build your networking army larger and stronger.  Building your network is about both quantity and quality.  You have to develop quality referral sources to grow your business, but you need to meet lots of people to find those that have the time, commitment, database and desire to help you reach your goals.

Remember Toghther We Each Achieve More (TEAM)

Thanks,

Rich

Rich is the Chief Catalyst at International Business Fuel and Shifu at Rou Long Ma Taijiquan.

David is the Executive Director of BNI in Georgia and North Carolina and the Chief Networking Officer of  High Achievers.

If you have ever called my voicemail and listened to the words, "Make it a great day!" then you have been touched by Joel Weldon (I got that from him).

I will never forget the first time Joel spoke for High Achievers. It was 2003 in California. He ran up on stage, put a huge smile on his face, and just stood there for almost a minute. What a way to start a talk! He was funny, enthusiastic, and tailored his talk specifically to our members. Joel is also master story teller. A story he told us a man name Willie has impacted the way I interact with my clients to this day.

"Success comes in cans, not cannots." -Joel Weldon

For 30 years, Joel Weldon has been sought after as an Idea Consultant and seminar leader by many of the world's leading organizations and businesses. A former construction worker with no formal education, Joel turned down a full scholarship because he thought he "wasn't smart enough to go to college." But a few years later his life completely changed. He discovered amazing talents and abilities he never knew he had, and he became a prime example of the power of one idea to transform your life!

Doug with Joel and Judy Weldon

"It's not what happens to you , it's how you respond! It's all up to you! Control the controllables! Forget the excuses, and take ACTION!" -Joel Weldon

Joel's full length seminar, Extraordinary Selling- Using The Willie Factor, is unlocked in week one of your High Achievers intro membership. Not a member yet? What are you waiting for?

Start your membership

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buy The Ripple Effect book

We have a very simple purpose at IRONMEN – To encourage and equip men to become a positive impact for Jesus, at home, at work, and in the community. God’s Word clearly demonstrates that He did not intend for us to live independently, but interdependently by connecting with one another. Our hearts confirm this need for us to encourage one another and to challenge one another.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Study in Philippians, Part Six: Rejoice And Respond

Philippians 3:1-11 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith inChrist—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Today Steve Cesari led us in our study in Philippians.

When dealing with "CRAP," How do we rejoice and respond instead of react and reject?

We all deal with C-R-A-P

C- Criticism

R- Rejection

A- Angry People

P- Pressure

Before becoming a Christian Paul was self-righteous. He obeyed laws and persecuted Christians. He gave up righteousness of his own to be righteous for Christ.

self-righteous (definition): convinced of ones own righteousness especially in contrast to with the actions and beliefs of others; narrow-minded and moralistic

righteous (definition): acting in accord with divine or moral law, free from guilt or sin; morally right or justifiable

We are saved by faith alone. Faith:

• eliminates the pride of human effort
• exalts what God has done, not what people do
• admits that we can't keep the law or measure up to God's standards- we need help.
• based on a relationship with God, not performance for God

God loves me despite who I am.

We cannot stay where we are and go with God- we must leave something behind.

Questions for consideration:

1. Describe the most joyful day of your life- what made it so joyful? What factors under your control prevent you from being joyful all the time?
2. Where do you find yourself in pursuit of doing the right things versus being in the right relationship with Christ?
3. Where do you need to begin to transition from react and reject to rejoice and respond at home, at work, and in the community?

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Peachtree missions Ecuador trip is June 22-29.

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Success Ahead

Welcome to the Referral Fire Blog, formerly the Referral Fire Newsletter.  

PLEASE Only read if you want more referrals!!!

A mentor of mine once said if you are going to be a leader you have to stop chopping down trees. I was not clear on exactly what he meant. He continued on, saying that leaders put down the ax, climb the tree and use vision to point their team in the right direction.

Over the years I have learned the importance of pointing my team in the right direction. Your vision allows you to point your network in the right direction as well.

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might just get there." -Yogi Berra

So what does this quote have to do with Referral Marketing? Everything. If you don’t have the vision, direction and discipline to know where you are going how will you train your network to help you get there? Clearly stating your vision is the first step to inspiring people to refer you. So take a moment and think about what really drives you, what pulls you through the difficult days. How do you want to change the world? Make that your vision. Share it with your network so they are inspired to help you achieve it.

Our vision for this blog is to give you weekly action items and thought provoking ideas to “Fire Up Your Referrals”. If you want more referrals for your business, you are in the right place. We are excited to launch the Referral Fire Blog. We thank the thousands of Referral Fire Newsletter subscribers for continuing to ask that we bring the newsletter back as a blog.

Our blog will be more informative than ever. We will help you clear through all the referral marketing information out there and give you the tools to grow your business. We have over 100 articles ready to share with you and we are creating more all the time. Our blog will have two authors as well as guest authors from time to time. The main authors are Richard Martin, the original author of the Referral Fire newsletter and David Alexander, bestselling author of Networking Like a Pro. Join us in embracing a lifestyle of high achievement!

A little about Rich. He is the Chief Catalyst at International Business Fuel and Shifu at Rou Long Ma Taijiquan.