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Advice Best Practices Personal Development Strategy

My Kids Love Video Games — Should I Be Concerned?

Dear Katherine: My Kids Love Video Games — Should I Be Concerned? 

Dear Katherine,

My kids love playing video games. They seem to take genuine pleasure in this activity, and while they’re occupied, I have a chance to do household chores and enjoy a little time to myself.

I know there are better hobbies out there—but if they like gaming and it gives me a bit of space, is that so wrong? Am I making a parenting mistake by letting them play?

Sincerely,

Guilty As Charged

Hey there, Guilty As Charged,

First of all, you have nothing to feel guilty about here! Check your shame at the door. We’re all human.

Gaming—and screen-time in general—is a sore spot in many parent-child relationships. It’s hard to imagine eliminating these activities because, as you said, your kids enjoy playing video games, and you enjoy having some space. Not to mention that screen-time has become an undeniable part of children’s social lives.

But of course, “too much” of anything can be a problem.

So what constitutes “too much” in terms of gaming? The answer: It depends.

Rest assured that you probably don’t have to put an end to your kids’ gaming. This kind of hobby can have a place in a healthy, well-rounded child’s life. The issue is when it becomes an addiction.

I did a webinar with Cam Adair (founder of Game Quitters, the world’s largest support platform), who once struggled with video game addiction. He dropped out of school, lied to his parents about having a job, and eventually experienced suicidal ideation. At the height of his problem, he was gaming 16 hours a day.

We talked about how one of the risk factors for full-fledged gaming addiction is using video games as a coping mechanism or a means of escape. The amount of time someone spends gaming matters much less than why they’re gaming in the first place.

Here’s a good litmus test: If your child is gaming and you ask them to stop—for dinner, homework, or something else—are they capable of easily walking away? If so, there may not be cause for concern.

If they have trouble walking away, there may not be cause for concern either.  If they are in the middle of getting to that next level at the very moment you call for them, they may just need a few more minutes! 

It’s also important to take a holistic view of your kids’ lives outside of gaming.

Are they doing well in school?

Do they have nice friends?

Are they generally kind and happy?

Do they get proper exercise and nutrition?

The answers to those questions will help you determine if playing video games is a solution for another problem—or just another activity that brings your children joy.  

If you are concerned, Game Quitters—Cam’s game addiction support community—is an excellent resource. But first, start a conversation with your kids about their gaming habits. Good old-fashioned quality time and better parent-child communication may be enough to keep them from entering unhealthy territory.

Tell your child that you want to spend time together as a family, and be sure to plan activities that excite them. Steer clear of using power and control because that is guaranteed to activate the 3Rs (retaliation, rebellion and resistance) and generate a resentment flow.

I hope this response gave you some peace of mind, Guilty As Charged. Your kids’ love for video games is likely healthy and normal.

Love and Blessings, 

Katherine

P.S.: Do you have a gut feeling that your kid’s gaming obsession is an escape from other unmet needs? Watch our free webinar and take a deeper dive to understand how to get rid of retaliation, rebellion and resistance here.

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Advice Best Practices Branding Networking Skills Strategy Women In Business

How to use the Zodiac to your Advantage.

The zodiac is for everyone. No matter race, religion, gender, age or geography. The stars are here for every human to use to their FULL and COMPLETE advantage.

How can you do that?

Astrology is tied to astronomy, so the first step is understanding that the stars and planets hanging beautifully in the sky have impact on you.

Then, here are a few simple tips: 

Appreciate the limitations of horoscopes.

Here’s why astrology gets such a bad rap. There are horoscopes aplenty online – everything from daily to weekly to monthly and are based on your Sun sign. Most people know their Sun sign, so it’s easy for people to search and connect with their solar horoscope. However, these horoscopes are severely limited.  Yes, the Sun is central to your astrology, yet it’s still only 1 of 10 planets. Plus, there’s so much awesome information in your chart – house behaviors, planetary aspects, lunar nodes, your heart’s desires, soul mate imprint, life mission destiny and arc of intimacy to name only a few. It’s your complete cosmic blueprint. Completely ignoring it is unreliable. But, you can have fun with horoscopes. I’m not saying don’t read them. I’m just saying take them in complete awareness of their limitations.

Understand the cosmos.

Knowing what’s happening in the cosmos every month is really helpful to navigating your best interests on a daily or weekly basis. This is the reason I spend hours analyzing and interpreting the monthly energies and lunar cycles every month. It’s important to know what’s going on generally with tips on what to do throughout the month. Other people do this too. Find your person – the one you like, the one who speaks to you – then sign up for their monthly messages. I offer a FREE monthly forecast to help you navigate each month’s energies. Here you can sign up for my monthly forecast to be delivered to your inbox each month. 

Follow the Sun.

Here’s some fun for you. It doesn’t matter what your Sun sign is, you can lean into the solar energies every month. You just need to know the zodiac calendar and what it means. I’ve done it for you here:

Dates (ish)Sun SignMeaning
Mar 21 – Apr 19Aries – ♈Aries likes to lead. Be brave, bold and confident. Go on an adventure. Get physical. Start something new. Seek inspiration and act with enthusiasm. Get others to follow you.
Apr 20 – May 20Taurus – ♉Taurus likes stability. Take a deep breath and seek the silence of nature. Explore anything sensorial – taste, smell, touch, sight or sound. Play with animals. Find the ability to simply be.
May 21 – Jun 20Gemini – ♊Gemini likes communicating. Talk, travel, explore, learn – anything and everything. Open your mind to the wonders of the world. Read, teach, speak. Present. Debate. Solve problems, think critically. Do everything mental – literally.
Jun 21 – Jul 22Cancer – ♋Cancer likes to experience emotions. Sink into your intuition, Nurture yourself. Be affectionate, sensitive and caring. Heal yourself and your family. Go inward. Stay at home – feel safe and loved.
Jul 23 – Aug 22Leo – ♌Leo likes to be in the spotlight. Get cheery, have fun, be generous and inspire others. Be regal, kind-hearted and charming. Express yourself. Open your heart to joy. Trust and celebrate life. Delight in being alive.
Aug 23 – Sep 22Virgo – ♍Virgo likes order and neatness. Get to work. Assume your duties and responsibilities. Get organized and set a schedule for routine. Check in with your health. Analyze, research or gain a skill. Find your mentors. Be in service to the world.
Sep 23 – Oct 22Libra – ♎Libra likes balance. Collaborate, find your teammates and work together in harmony and justice. Seek balance. Discover calm through art and beauty. Make a commitment in relationship. Find your partners.
Oct 23 – Nov 21Scorpio – ♏Scorpio likes to live a secret life. Dive deeply into honest self-reflection. Pursue the mysteries of life. Confront uncomfortable topics. Tell the truth. Investigate the darker edge of your life and heal with penetrating intensity. Forgive and let go of the past.
Nov 22 – Dec 21Sagittarius – ♐Sagittarius likes meaningful experience. Socialize, communicate and explore new experience. Open your heart and mind to differing viewpoints. Travel to learn other cultures. Expand through higher learning. Broaden your philosophy of the meaning of life. Begin your quest.
Dec 22 – Jan 19Capricorn – ♑Capricorn seeks Great Work. Focus your will, assume responsibility and get to work. Go inward to know yourself to determine your true desires. Be discerning and achieve greatness. Make effort to discover your mastery.
Jan 20 – Feb 18Aquarius – ♒Aquarius likes individuality. Be original. Shake off conformity. Go your own way. Express your truth. Create your own rules and structures. Use technology. Invent. Reach for the future. Be a visionary, create and innovate.
Feb 19 – Mar 20Pisces – ♓Pisces is one with the world. Imagine. Dream. Intuit. Connection to the oneness of the Universe. Love universally. Find joy in the wonders of the world through your imagination and sensory perceptions. Be gentle with yourself.

Note: ‘Dates- ish’ as the dates may vary by a day or two. It depends on the year.  

Have fun with this. I encourage you to lean into the strength of the solar energies each month to take the most advantage of the zodiac.

For example, get stuff done during the early part of January, have so much fun in early August and delve deeply into introspection in the later part of October. The zodiac signs are more supportive of these activities due to the Sun’s entry into them at these times.

Have fun – the stars are here for you!

As always, wishing you joy,

Kim

PS Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to receive my short weekly energetic tips

Categories
Advice Best Practices Wealth Women In Business

Building Financial Security: Simple Tips to Take Control of Your Finances and Secure Your Future

Are you worried about your financial future? Do you ever feel like you’re just barely getting by, and the idea of retirement seems like a far-off dream? You’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their finances, especially in the midst of economic uncertainty and unexpected emergencies.

But the good news is that financial security is within your reach. By following a few simple tips, you can take control of your finances and build a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones.

First, start by making saving a habit. Remember when you were a kid and your parents encouraged you to put a portion of your allowance into a piggy bank? The same principle applies today. Set aside at least 10% of your income into a savings account, and make it a regular habit. This will give you a safety net for emergencies and unexpected expenses, and help you build towards a more secure future.

Next, ditch the credit cards. Credit cards can make it easy to overspend and rack up debt, leaving you feeling trapped and uncertain about your finances. Instead, focus on buying only what you can afford with cash or your debit card. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid unnecessary debt.

Speaking of budget, make sure you have one! A budget is an essential tool for gaining financial security. By knowing exactly how much money you have coming in and going out each month, you can make informed decisions about your spending and ensure that you’re not overspending or falling into debt.

Another important step is to avoid silly risks. We all want to get rich quick, but the truth is that the most reliable way to build wealth is to do it slowly and steadily over time. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes, gambling, and other risky investments that could leave you worse off than before.

If you’re looking to save for retirement, consider putting your savings into a tax-deferred account or a Roth IRA. These types of accounts allow you to save your money and avoid taxes until you withdraw it, making it an effective way to build towards your retirement.

While you’re at it, make sure you’re not paying unnecessary taxes. Work with a good tax attorney to figure out where you can save on taxes legally, without risking any legal trouble.

Finally, invest intelligently. Making the right investments can be a great way to build wealth over time. However, it’s important to work with a professional who can guide you toward the right investments for your goals and risk tolerance.

Protecting your assets is also an essential part of gaining financial security. Make sure you have insurance for your assets, including your home, car, and life. This will give you peace of mind and help you enjoy your assets without worrying about your finances.

In short, financial security may seem like a daunting goal, but it’s within your reach. By taking these simple steps, you can take control of your finances and build a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, the freedom that comes from not having to worry about retirement and emergencies is priceless. So start building your financial security today!

For more Healthy Money Tips Listen to our PodCast  “Money 911”

Sign up for a Financial Fitness Strategy Session at Meet with Kris Miller – Financial Fitness Strategy Sessions

Go to my website https://healthymoneyhappylife.com

Email me at Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

Call me at (951) 926-4158

Categories
Advice Best Practices Management

 Can a Corporation or LLC build its own Credit? 

Starting a business can be a daunting but exciting task. There are countless things to consider before taking the plunge; from creating a plan and budget, to finding the right investors, vendors and employees. One of the most important aspects of starting a business is building your credit, which is often one of the biggest hurdles entrepreneurs face. Fortunately, corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) have the ability to build their own credit in order to access financing for their business endeavors.

Having multiple corporations or LLC’s gives you more borrowing power than if you only had one entity. Having several entities also allows you to diversify your funding sources and manage credit risks better as well as gain benefits that come with doing business with multiple lenders. For example, lower interest rates can be accessed when dealing with several creditors instead of just one. Additionally, having several corporations or LLC’s mean that you have more options when it comes to loan types such as lines of credit or term loans that best suit your purposes for different projects.

While having multiple entities may seem like a complicated structure, it does not have to be difficult when done correctly. You should work closely with an experienced team who can help set up each company in accordance with state regulations as well as recommend tax strategies that fit your individual situation. It’s also helpful to establish an ongoing relationship with lenders so they become familiar with your businesses and recognize their value; this helps build credibility which makes it easier to obtain funding when needed. Not only will this increase your chances of getting approved for loans but also provide access to more flexible terms and lower interest rates over time.

Ultimately, understanding how corporations and LLC’s work together will give you an advantage when seeking funding for business endeavors; having multiple entities gives you more borrowing power while also providing added financial flexibility through different loan types and terms offered by various lenders. Working closely with experienced advisors who understand both corporate structures as well as financing options can help ensure success in leveraging all available resources in order to build strong foundations for long-term success in business ventures.

Schedule a call today with one of my experts http://www.calendly.com/stephan-sr-strategist or call my office for a complimentary consultation at 775-384-8124. 

 Much Success, 

Scott L. Arden, CEO Controllers, Ltd www.controllersltd.com 

Categories
Best Practices Culture Uncategorized Women In Business

What are your children actually listening to?  Who? Inner voices? Outer voices? Both?

Control. Do you feel yourself longing for it lately?
When life feels uncertain, we often respond by grasping for control in any way possible.

You hyperfocus on cleaning up the house.

You micromanage a project at work.

You criticize your spouse for the way they do…just about anything.
And you try to get your kid to “behave.”

The belief that we should control our children, that they need to act according to our wishes, usually comes from a deep-seated belief passed down from our own childhood. And when our kids don’t do what we think they should do, we take it personally:

They’re driving ME crazy.
They’re making ME frustrated.
They’re not listening to ME.
We’re tuned into how our kids make us feel, but what about them?

If they’re not listening to you, who are they listening to? What are they listening to? Why can’t they just do as they’re told?!?

The answer is that (just like us and everyone else) they’re listening to something inside themselves.  Watch this trailer for that Pixar movieInside Out?

Have they been silencing that sarcastic voice inside all day at school and they just can’t do it anymore?


Have they buried their own feelings so they can follow orders at school and now have they collapsed into high emotion because they can’t dismiss themselves a minute longer?

Chances are that they never learned the skill to get “bigger than what’s bugging them.” They don’t have a clue how to be connected with their feelings and be present to them in a way that communicates complete self acceptance of what is there. Not identified with them or overcome by them, and just as importantly not numb to them or oblivious to them and their inner world either!

Rumi, the Persian poet born 807 years ago expressed it so well in his poem The Guest House.

As an adult with tons of training I am still mindful to be with the feelings that arise and be attending to them like a visitor or a guest passing through. No matter what is arising internally I am interested and curious! I don’t identify with it as who I Am.  The skill of Being With makes all the difference.

Once we are centered in the sense of self that is bigger than identification with any one part of us we can turn toward all of it and hear how it is feeling from it’s perspective and how it wants us to behave without giving the reins over to that part and behaving how it wants us to!

Granted, if we are merged with that part, and in essence we have collapsed into it, we may be:

  • throwing a temper tantrum
    • riding a scooter through the house, or
    • sneaking out after curfew.

I’m suggesting you support your child to have the awareness of their inner world, to cultivate “getting bigger than what’s bugging them,” so that they can be with all the parts of themselves just as they are,with total self acceptance AND also without letting that part decide their behaviors.


With this knowledge you can see how they are separate from you.  How they are navigating the outer voices in their world and their inner voices.  When your child says “no” to you, they’re saying “yes” to something inside themselves. Get curious about what they are saying “yes” to inside of themselves.

Developing a sense of self is important for your kid. You want to raise a confident adult who’s able to advocate for what they need. But without the right guidance, you’ll probably default to judging what inconveniences you, and to control your child’s behavior, under the false pretense that they made you feel the way you do – which is of course ridiculous – no one makes us feel.

Every parent I’ve worked with has made the mistake of trying to control their child in some way. But you can change your behavior and transform your relationship. (And incidentally, your child will probably start listening to you more often!)

Love and blessings,

Katherine

P.S. Looking for a little mid-week guidance with your conscious parenting journey? We have good news! Our resident pediatrician, Dr. Lauren Fulkerson, and I have returned with Tuesday Tips in our private Facebook group! Last Tuesday we discussed the recent influx in school shootings – what can parents do to protect their kids.

Categories
Growth Marketing Operations Uncategorized

WATCH: The Rise of “Clipping Agencies”

Wait, What are Clipping Agencies?

Clipping agencies are companies that provide services related to media monitoring and clipping.

They offer services such as content curation, press clipping, reputation management, online news tracking, and more. They use a variety of tools and platforms to track news, monitor brand mentions, and compile data into useful reports.

Clipping agencies are often used by businesses and organizations to track their online presence and reputation.

What is leading to the rise of clipping agencies?

The rise of clipping agencies is being driven by the increasing number of online platforms and sources of information.

With the proliferation of social media channels, news outlets, and online forums, it is becoming increasingly difficult for businesses to keep track of all the conversations happening online. Clipping agencies can help businesses monitor and track this data, allowing them to stay up-to-date and react to changes quickly.

Additionally, with the rise of digital marketing, clipping agencies can help businesses measure the success of their campaigns and track customer sentiment.

In a recent episode with Gary Vee, Gary Vaynerchuck talks about the rise of clipping agencies and digital marketing trends for 2023.

WATCH:

For more information visit tylerhayzlett.com

Categories
Advice Best Practices Capital Leadership

HABITS ARE NECESSARY FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS, AND THEY CAN ALSO LIMIT YOUR SUCCESS WITH SELF-DESTRUCTIVE PATTERNS

Habits and practices may prevent you from achieving your goals.

Habits make us who we are, how we respond to the world, how we act in front of others, and how we think. And that’s not always a bad thing.

The importance of habits cannot be overstated. Why some habits/ patterns are needed:

You don’t have to concentrate on how to drive your car, so you can be on the lookout for danger while driving. You don’t have to think about how to walk, so you can focus on where you are going.

However, habits can also limit your success by keeping you stuck in self-destructive patterns.

More than likely, if you wish to achieve higher levels of success, you will need to drop some habits you have established up to this point.

Therefore, if you want to accomplish something that requires you to perform at a higher level, I strongly encourage you to drop these bad habits that aren’t serving you and develop new ones that align with what you want.

Do you have any habits that prevent you from achieving your goals?

Ask yourself these questions and be honest:

  • Are you late frequently?
  • Do you forget to return phone calls?
  • Do you stay up late and don’t get enough sleep?
  • Are you prone to breaking your promises?
  • Do you spend money that you don’t have?
  • If all your habits were productive, how would your life be?
  • If you ate healthy foods, exercised regularly, and slept enough.
  • How about saving money, avoiding credit cards, and paying cash for everything?
  • What if you overcame your fears and began networking with people in your field instead of procrastinating?
  • To stay on track to achieving your goals, how about creating a detailed plan broken down into monthly, weekly, and daily objectives?

Changing your habits may not be as hard as one thinks:

  • Make a list of all the habits that keep you from being productive or could negatively affect your future.
  • Choose better, more productive success habits and create a system to support them.

Follow these tips to make sure you follow through on your new habits:

  • Put up signs (yes, signs) to remind yourself to follow through.
  • Stay focused on your new habit with a partner. Talk to your partner five minutes a day, or every few days, to stay on track. 
  • Create consequences for failing to maintain your new habit. (Maybe a monetary amount, slightly painful,  for each offense to a charity.

The “no exceptions rule” is perhaps one of the most powerful ways to stay on track.

People don’t suddenly start living perfect lives overnight, and their habits play a significant role in enabling them to create the lives they want. It is up to you to decide whether to develop habits that lead you to create your ideal life or keep you anchored to your current circumstances.

Decide, commit, and watch your new life unfold. What are your thoughts?

For more Healthy Money Tips Listen to our PodCast “Money 911”

Meet with Kris Miller – Financial Fitness Strategy Sessions

https://healthymoneyhappylife.com/

Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

(951) 926-4158

Categories
Best Practices Personal Development Technology

THE CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS OF A FINANCIAL DIGNITY ISSUE WITH A MUST HAVE PLANNING

“Getting up, Getting over, and Getting on. I want to show you how in under 10 minutes, you can be Getting On with… Financial Dignity. I will attempt to combine over 40 yrs experience helping others to achieve fiscal health upon divorce.

Two parts “the problems and some solutions for today and tomorrow. It has been said that “two can live as cheaply as one” what we have now for many is:  One will now live more expensively than two. What we have is a loss of economy of scale. We now have two residences, two separate health policies, and sets of everything from autos to flatware. Additionally, we lose multi-car insurance discounts; the list continues. These problems are on top of our country’s dismal economic future.

 A few years back, I heard this story. A couple went for a walk in the woods and deviated somewhat from the trail, where they happened upon an old wishing well. Intrigued, the wife went first tossing in a coin, and she made a wish and walked away. As she walked away, she heard a splash and turned. The husband was gone, she gasped, “Oh my god, I can’t believe it works.”

Another story this one is not funny: a man and a woman both earn the same income, have the same job titles, and have the same amount in their 401(k)s. Both work for progressive companies that treat different sexes equally; everything is identical. Who gets the bigger monthly pension check- the male? Why? Longevity women usually live longer and will collect for a more extended period. (Same reason men pay more than women for life insurance- they die sooner).

Must change all legal six must-have documents, inc beneficiary forms 401(k), etc. company and personally owned life insurance*

  1. Will
  2. Power of Attorney for financial
  3. Power of Attorney for healthcare  
  4. HIPAA release
  5. Medical directive
  6. Retirement plan beneficiaries

PICTURE

For future planning: 

Idea one: A 50-50 split may leave the women short when splitting assets. You must factor in retirement assets differently. (Ask how much these dollars will produce in income future) and most importantly. It would be best if you planned more safely for these assets much differently than when married.

Idea Two: Reduce taxes. It sounds basic, but we need to do three things:

  • Reduce current taxes
  • Plan future taxes 
  • Now for the critical part plan to use the tax saving to bolster your savings and retirement income. In others, words use Uncle Sam’s money for you. A big issue is avoiding and reducing taxes on your S.S. benefits.  

Idea Three:   Understand Social Security benefits, how, when, and on whom to collect. You can collect on an ex-spouse (if married for ten years). Did you know you can collect on both? They can be staggered in certain circumstances:  the Ex first, then your own, or you first, then the ex. It would be best if you planned to maximize this income, and the laws are complex.

Idea Four: use the “Old Age Roth,” which will ensure your later years are spent living with dignity and not relying on others. 

Idea Five: You must provide a lifetime income stream that CANOT be outlived.

Idea Six: use the Dollar Multiplier in everything you do. Get three dollars in value for every dollar. Like getting low or no cost Long term care coverage attached to a retirement plan or life insurance.

 

For more Healthy Money Tips Listen to our PodCast “Money 911”

Meet with Kris Miller – Financial Fitness Strategy Sessions

https://healthymoneyhappylife.com/

Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

(951) 926-4158

Categories
Best Practices Personal Development Skills

The Productivity Paradox: How Chasing Two Rabbits Can Sabotage Your Success

Multitasking works to get things done slowly and with poor quality. You may disagree. Many times during the day, you may feel overwhelmed. So you decide to kick it up by multitasking, so you feel like you’ve been productive but really have little nothing to show for it. The answer is not trying to spin more plates on sticks at one time; the answer is slowing down, narrowing focus, and completing one thing at a time.

It’s time to introduce you to the lesser-known, more successful cousin of multitasking: Monotasking.  Just work at a steady pace, keep your plate full, and keep chipping away.  The crazy thing is—you’ll probably get there just as fast, if not faster. Here are some basics to get you started.

We are taking on jobs and responsibilities while saying yes to everything, leaving you with the massive task of getting everything done. If you could see yourself as you multitask, you would be shocked at what you see: missed items, uncompleted pieces, and shoddy quality. However, what we see through our eyes as we are in the middle of things, we miss how ineffectual we are. Besides, we are not making progress, constantly switching from one activity to another without completing the first.

Studies show it can take anywhere from 11 to 23 minutes or longer to find your focus after an interruption or task switch. So what is the solution to multitasking?

The solution is simple – do the opposite, just Monotask and produce better results. How to start Monotasking with two simple steps.

First, write it down and get the tasks out of your head. The old-school paper works best.

Do a second pass and put things into categories if you want. But the only thing that matters is that it’s on the list, and nothing is in your head.

Once it’s written out, you can organize it how you like. Color-code tasks and arrange them from big to small, by category or time needed. Once you know everything is listed, you will feel calmer because the list has an end.

Instead of multitasking, do one thing—for as long as you want or until it is finished. Just work at a steady pace, keep your plate full, and keep chipping away. You’ll find that this new pace is far more sustainable and productive. 

Should you start with the easiest or the hardest? It depends on you. One: by starting with the easiest possible items, you can get a bunch done quickly and build momentum. The other is to attack the most challenging first. Once completed, you’ll feel like you can conquer anything, just like coasting downhill on a bike. Either way, you can’t go wrong by working steadily one task at a time. Slow but effective work every time.

For more Healthy Money Tips Listen to our PodCast “Money 911”

Sign up for a Financial Fitness Strategy Session at Meet with Kris Miller – Financial Fitness Strategy Sessions

Go to my website https://healthymoneyhappylife.com/

Email me at Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

Call me or text (951) 926-4158

Categories
Best Practices Personal Development Skills

MICHAEL MAGLIANO Personal Brand Origin Story

I struck out.

It was 2008. The biggest recession to hit Chicago in decades. Everyone in sales struck out. I had only been an industrial broker for a few years, this business takes time to build, and my wife and I were expecting our 2nd daughter. My salary was full commission and the market tanked; I mean everything went to zero. Nada.

Growing up a Cubs fan, I got used to losing, but nothing prepared me for this.

I called in Uncle Lou. I’ve been calling in Uncle Lou for business advice since I was 16. After our conversation, I made two of the most humbling decisions of my life. First, I accepted Uncle Wally’s generous loan. Yes, I paid him back. Then I returned to Lou Malnati’s delivering pizzas. The same job I had in high school, the one my neighbor and her friend (who later became my beautiful wife) secured for me.

These were lean, tough years.

Which is why when I got hired again as an industrial broker at Cushman and Wakefield, over 14 years ago, I was determined to employ a long-term strategy for success. It’s similar to how I approach baseball, a game my grandpa and dad taught me as a child, and I continued to play well into my thirties. I keep the focus on building quality relationships and delivering value regardless of if a sale is on the line. Then when sales do come in – the singles, doubles, triples, and homeruns – they are all treated with same vigor because I know this game is won over many innings, over many years.

Or even generations which is often the case for many family run manufacturing businesses.

I especially like these clients because hard work and loyalty are at the core of their ethics. Plus, I was born with the gift of gab, inherited from my dad a retired postmaster, so I enjoy building rapport within various family dynamics.  My own Italian family is like how comedian Sebastian Maniscalco describes his in that company skit, pre-wireless days, where folks are on the ready with Entenmann cakes and Sanka to welcome in visitors. Imagine that – no phone call, no notice, just a knock on the door – and my grandparents loved it. In fact, we all did. Our Sunday family dinners often had random company at the table. Food was the way my grandmother showed love, she even once dropped off a lasagna to help ensure I got a college internship at 670AM The Score. It kills me I’m such a poor excuse for an Italian. I developed too many allergies as an adult to enjoy these meals. I am even allergic to pizza, c’mon, now that’s ironic.

I take extreme pride in being an honest resource to my clients, one they can rely on to mitigate multi-million-dollar risk.

Moving a manufacturing plant is strenuous with so many considerations to factor in, it gets overwhelming fast. It’s a pleasure navigating clients through this process, step-by-step like a partner customizing a real estate plan they can trust. Frequently, this means I play the ultimate connector, making service provider recommendations and calling on team members when their expertise is needed. What I love about baseball, unlike other fast paced, individually high-scoring games, is you need all nine players to show up and work together to win. Our sales strategy at Cushman and Wakefield works the same, and we prioritize fun and family.

As a dad of three girls, it’s my absolute privilege to be at their events and active in their lives. My motto to them is to be true to yourself at work and at home. Which is why at the end of every baseball season, I chuckle thinking about my grandfather who lived 96 years as an avid Cubs fan, but not long enough to celebrate their 2016 World Series championship. Sometimes being true to yourself also means striking out. That is when quality relationships matter the most. Strive to make it count.