tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25188466233695115532024-03-13T04:02:41.494-07:00Cardinal DialogueOne Community, moving in the same direction.
http://www.arlingtonsd.com/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.comBlogger305125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-83403307789572686172016-06-09T14:11:00.000-07:002016-06-09T14:11:14.491-07:00D + 26, 298<div class="MsoNormal">
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The anniversary of DDay is the spiritual resonance of the
greatest effort ever put forth by man. </div>
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Whew, that’s heavy.
Another thing it teaches us is that years of effort go into the big days
and that after the ‘grand opening’ there are still lots of long days of hard
work.</div>
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DDay was essentially conceived on the day after Pearl Harbor
in the sense that FDR and Churchill had a teleconference in which they
determined – despite Imperial Japanese aggression – the primary focus of the
Allied war effort would be to defeat Nazi Germany.</div>
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It would take another 11 months after the DDay landings to
defeat the Wermacht and receive a surrender from second Fuhrer. </div>
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The idea came to life the second week of December, 1941; was
executed during the first week of June, 1944 and culminated just after
Cinco-de-Mayo in 1945. Flash-to-Bang: 4 1/2 years. </div>
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As this article posts, it will be the 72nd anniversary of
D+2. The worst carnage of beaches was over but the hard slog had just begun. In
two days, two million troops had been brought ashore in Normandy. The regular
units were making contact with the far-flung paratroopers. The British had
begun there encirclement of Caen, the primary city of Norman France.</div>
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99,000 air sorties were performed in support of the ground
effort, destroying half the Luftwaffe in French forward airfields.</div>
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In the channel sea one of the greatest engineering efforts
in history was undertaken: The deployment of the Mulberry Harbours. The
Mulberries were massive precast, concrete blocks (caissons) that could be
fitted, like giant LEGOs, to form harbors capable of supporting shipping
traffic until a European deepwater port could be captured from the Germans.</div>
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The Mulberries used the physics of buoyancy and were tugged
across the channel and then sunk in place. Yep, each Phoenix Caisson, up to
6,000 tons of concrete, was towed across the channel and sunk in place. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Mulberry B, at Gold Beach, was in operation for 10 months
and facilitated the disembarkation of 2.5 million men, 500,000 vehicles and 4
million tones of supplies. Truly
monumental.</div>
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Just like the events of the film <i>Saving Private Ryan</i>, D+2 reminds us that while we spend years
preparing for the big day it is often just the beginning of the hard work to
come.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-49071674940420032282016-05-13T06:30:00.001-07:002016-05-13T06:30:16.412-07:00Amazon the first $3 Trillion Company?<br />
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<img alt="Amazon Ecosystem Lock-In = PRIME + Echo + 2lemetry" class="cover-image" itemprop="image" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/jc/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAdtAAAAJGQwOTgyZmVhLTEzMjMtNDE1ZS1iNTc2LWU5MDE0MjdiYWIyNA.png" style="background: rgb(238, 238, 238); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 400px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 698px;" /></div>
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<a class="image-container" data-li-uetrk-click="img" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nordmark?trk=pulse-det-athr_prof-art_hdr" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.54902); display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 70px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle; width: 80px; zoom: 1;" title="Jon Nordmark"><img alt="Jon Nordmark" class="image" height="100" itemprop="image" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrink_100_100/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAZFAAAAJGI3YWM1MTU1LTQ0OWMtNDk0NS1iZWMwLTgxMTQ2MWFiYTIzZQ.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 40px; border: 2px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 80px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -18px; vertical-align: middle; zoom: 1;" width="100" /></a><div class="text-row break" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -8px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 471px;">
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Iterate.ai co-founder ... eBags' Chairman, former 10-yr CEO and co-founder</div>
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Amazon Ecosystem Lock-In = PRIME + Echo + 2lemetry</h1>
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<li itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ShareAction" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; zoom: 1;"><a class="share-button share-twitter" data-li-uetrk-action="share" data-li-uetrk-click="share-twtr" data-share-text="&quot;Amazon Ecosystem Lock-In = PRIME + Echo + 2lemetry&quot; by @Jon_Nordmark on @LinkedIn" data-share-type="twitter" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fpulse%2Famazon-ecosystem-lock-in-prime-echo-jon-nordmark&text=%22Amazon%20Ecosystem%20Lock-In%20%3D%20PRIME%20%2B%20Echo%20%2B%202lemetry%22%20by%20%40Jon_Nordmark%20on%20%40LinkedIn" itemprop="url" role="button" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.54902); font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="icon" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #00b5f4; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span class="label" itemprop="name" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 1px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute !important; vertical-align: baseline; width: 1px;">Share on Twitter</span></a></li>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #232629; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin-bottom: 32px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Amazon Ecosystem has now penetrated my 13-year-old's bedroom. </strong>It's scary. Keep an eye on <span class="underline" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Amazon's emerging Ecosystem</span> which involves Echo, Dash, Prime, AWS and an IoT underpinning. The IoT underpinning -- part of AWS -- will be anchored by 2lemetry.com (a platform startup Amazon recently acquired). Interacting together, this mix of products <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />and services might reshape consumer behavior in unimagined ways.</div>
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<img class="left" data-loading-tracked="true" height="172" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_400_400/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAdXAAAAJDA3MDkwYTA4LWVmY2MtNGQ2Mi1hNmYyLTA3OTZmMmMzNTAyYg.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 30px 30px 30px 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="281" />For Amazon competitors, this is not a lean-back moment. Amazon supposedly accounts for 60% of all retail revenue growth right now. All retailers need to proactively respond in untraditional ways because Amazon's growth (layered on top of its sheer size) is staggering. </div>
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Amazon's 25% growth on top of Amazon's <a href="http://www.channeladvisor.com/blog/?pn=scot/deep-dive-into-amazons-q4-results-for-sellers-whats-cool-100b-and-200b" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">$225 billion</a> annual sales (GMV) is rapidly shifting market share percentages in categories from books to apparel to electronics. Below is what the <a href="http://www.channeladvisor.com/blog/?pn=scot/deep-dive-into-amazons-q4-results-for-sellers-whats-cool-100b-and-200b" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">$225 billion</a> looks like compared to America's other largest retail websites (Walmart, Home Depot, Macy's, Best Buy, Costco, Nordstrom, etc): </div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img class="center" data-loading-tracked="true" height="228" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_800_800/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAd5AAAAJGY1NzliZGNhLWU0ZTAtNDdiMS1hYWY4LTk2MjA3OGQ2ZmViNw.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 30px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" width="640" /></strong></div>
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<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Source: </em>Fortune Article titled<em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <a href="http://fortune.com/2016/05/11/retailers-stocks/?xid=yahoo_fortune" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">In Two Charts, How Amazon Is Killing Its Traditional Competitors</a></em></li>
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But, my view is that this is not a battle of retailers. This is a battle of ECOSYSTEM versus retailer. Amazon's ecosystem is creating a growth flywheel. And this flywheel is now installed in my son's bedroom.</div>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85098); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Amazon's Echo is in my boy's bedroom <img class="left" data-loading-tracked="true" height="349" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_400_400/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAi9AAAAJGU3YjA1ZTZlLTFkNWEtNDRhZS04YzFmLTU1YjBhY2M5MDA1NA.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 30px 30px 30px 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="189" /></strong></h3>
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Yes, my 13-year-old son has Echo -- part of Amazon's ecosystem -- "living" in his bedroom. Plus, he has the Alexa (Echo) App on his iPhone. He uses Echo as his wake-up alarm. He listens to his music through Echo. He listens to Audiobooks (Audible) through Echo. He consults with Echo as he does his homework. From our bedroom, my wife and I hear our son talking to Echo about topics like Mother's Day. When my wife and I let him, he will use his Echo to turn the light bulbs, fireplace and heat on and off in our house. </div>
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By inserting itself into our daily activities, Amazon may be "becoming" a $3 trillion company. Yes, that's debatable. But, we are dealing with uncharted territory. Again, Amazon is not a retailer. It's an ECOSYSTEM.</div>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85098); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$3 trillion Ecosystem?</strong></h3>
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Now analysts are debating whether or not Amazon will be valued at <b style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$3 TRILLION</b> as a company within 10 years (<a href="http://seekingalpha.com/article/3972268-amazon-can-really-worth-3-trillion?app=1&auth_param=15epqa:1bip786:d5136626522d3d396dd553d7a19586d7&dr=1" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">read here</a>). </div>
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It's possible. Partly because it's hard to compare Amazon other companies. To me, the only other comparable is Alphabet (Google). These two companies are highly digital. They experiment to the Nth degree. They both spend about $10 billion per year on R&D. Both acquire 2 to 12 startups each year. And neither acknowledges traditional industry boundaries. They invent in areas like fulfillment, automotive, aerospace, and media. </div>
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Again, while Amazon competes with retailers, Amazon is NOT a retailer. It's not even a technology company. Amazon is an ecosystem. </div>
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It also operates with a "startup" mentality as it paves new paths with concepts like AWS. In fact, Amazon job applicants are told upfront that new employees must enjoy working in a startup environment (read <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amazons-four-pillars-letter-states-amazon-still-jon-nordmark?trk=pulse_spock-articles" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon is still a startup</a>). By deploying a $10 billion R&D budget which fuels startup pods within Amazon.com, this "$225 billion startup" is trying to build the world's first trillion dollar company by building an ecosystem. </div>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85098); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Amazon is an Ecosystem (not a Retailer)</strong></h3>
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Amazon is all encompassing. It's a Journey. It involves inputs like private label products, AWS, Echo, Dash, and <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prime</em>.</div>
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It is building multiple habit-forming touchpoints that interact with shoppers all day long -- like my son's Echo. Amazon create's <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prime </em>lock-in features ... like this photo-saving feature which comes (free) as part of <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prime</em>: </div>
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<img class="center" data-loading-tracked="true" height="400" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_800_800/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAc0AAAAJDdjYWVjYTI4LTE4NTMtNGEyYS04YTA4LTU2ZTkwMzNkZjRjYQ.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 30px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" width="479" /></div>
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With a number of "free" or "early access" features, the 40% of Americans who now use <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prime</em> are less likely to abandon Amazon: </div>
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<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Free photo storage</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2-day free shipping</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kindle "free" lending library</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Early access to My Habit deals</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Early access to Amazon Elements</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Free access to the Washington Post</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ad-free music sharing</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prime Now -- free two-hour delivery on thousands of items</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Free" Dash buttons ($4.99 credit after your first purchase) </li>
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<img class="center" data-loading-tracked="true" height="312" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_800_800/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAhoAAAAJDE0MTBhOGMzLWJkNWYtNDY3YS1iNDYxLWE4OGU4YWYzZmEyNg.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 30px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" width="640" /></div>
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As an aside, Dash supports 100 brands now: </div>
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<img class="center" data-loading-tracked="true" height="313" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_800_800/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAkbAAAAJGY1ZWRhODUwLTM1ODgtNGM3ZS1hMGZkLTAwOGIwMWM0MDYyNw.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 30px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" width="640" /></div>
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Then there are Amazon Basics and Amazon Essentials which are critical to the ecosystem. These private label products create with a different dynamic when compared to traditional retailers. With all due respect, this is not Target or Kmart because Amazon Private Labels live inside a $250,000,000,000 direct marketing powerhouse that is growing at 25% year over year. <em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prime</em> members get special incentives to buy Basics and Essentials -- which are branded as Amazon (unlike so many Private Label brands sold by other retailers). Thus, Amazon continues to build awareness at a very large scale.</div>
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<em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prime</em> members can also get a credit card which offers 5% back on Amazon.com purchases. That cash back seems high, doesn't it? </div>
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<img class="center" data-loading-tracked="true" height="192" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_800_800/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAfQAAAAJDI3Y2M1NjAxLTM1MjMtNDY4Ni1iYmQwLWI3MzNkYTdmYmZmZA.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 30px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" width="640" /></div>
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Amazon's name is everywhere. And all these benefits are interwoven -- along the Amazon technically-connected Journey.</div>
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The technical part of IoT is likely to play a big role in the marketing and messaging aspects of the Amazon ecosystem -- the Amazon Journey. Which brings us to AWS and 2lemetry.</div>
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<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">IoT helps complete the Journey</strong></h3>
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Amazon quietly acquired 2lemetry.com (an IoT platform). It is now folded into AWS. Extending the AWS tentacles more deeply into the everyday lives of shoppers.</div>
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<img class="center" data-loading-tracked="true" height="495" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_800_800/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAeqAAAAJDViNDJhYzk1LWU2NGItNDk4MS1iMWJmLTQzYjc3ZGI5YzQzZQ.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 30px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" width="640" /></div>
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The ecosystem continues to unfold. Kindle. Third Party Merchants. FBA. Amazon Basics. Dash. Echo. 2lemetry. This AWS/2Lemetry business has big banks wondering if AWS will become bigger than Amazon.com itself.</div>
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<img class="center" data-loading-tracked="true" height="466" src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/shrinknp_800_800/AAEAAQAAAAAAAAgYAAAAJDYxZWFlMmI0LTZhZGUtNDI2Ny1iMWFmLWNjYTExNGYyY2Q5OA.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: inherit; margin: 30px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;" width="640" /></div>
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If this Deutshe Bank prediction happens, what will Amazon do to product pricing on Amazon.com? That might be on of the big questions we face in the next five years.</div>
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We can't sit back and watch this unfold. We need to proactively respond and build our businesses differently than we've behaved in the past. </div>
<h3 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85098); font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Strategic Responses</strong></h3>
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As Amazon ZIGS, find new ways to ZAG. </div>
<ol style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 35px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Think ExO. </strong>ExO = Exponential Organization. Build an organization that is modular, quickly incorporating third parties into your ecosystem on an as beneficial basis. Diversity of people and thinking (outside parties) and modularity are important aspects of corporate survivability these days. See<a href="http://www.iteratestudio.com/realities_and_risks_related_to_the_speed_of_digital_innovation" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Corporate Survival</a>.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Add more alliances to your ecosystem.</strong> Do this wherever two non-competing companies can help each other. eBags has made smart moves on this front by positioning itself inside the travel world -- as a Switzerland of travel -- and as a category authority on <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ebags-joins-forces-iot-pioneer-130000991.html" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Connected Travel Gear</a>. </li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Leverage startups.</strong> </strong> In my mind, it is vital to "keep up" by embracing the $100 billion R&D startup world. That's how much money is invested in startups each year. That doesn't include the ones that are bootstrapped. 76% of the 360 technology startups acquired in 2012 had no professional funding, so keep your eyes and ears on non-VC-backed companies which have a reduced PR exposure. <a href="http://www.iterate.ai/" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Iterate.ai</a> is built to help you find them and add them to your own customized Collections of Startups.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Build your own IoT products and platform.</strong> Build connected products. But more imporantly build platforms, and interconnected ecosystems. Not just products. <a href="http://www.iteratestudio.com/" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Iterate Studio</a> has helped brands do this in Energy and in Consumer Products, like with eBags.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pay attention to the up-n-comers.</strong> Watch for early threats. And find ways to partner with small up-n-comers. This is the day of hyper-adoption. When a startup catches on, it grows at unprecedented rates. This can be a threat to you, or an opportunity. Forrester's James McQuivey on<a href="http://blogs.forrester.com/category/hyperadoption" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Hyperadoption</a>.</li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Help out Amazon look-a-likes. </strong>Embrace startups that look like the Amazon winners. Instead of selling Echo, help the Echo lookalike from the startup world. Embrace the Dash lookalike. Retailers need to embrace them as insurance policies against Echo and Dash. <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Join hands with other retailers and partners to create your own unique Ecosystem. It should differentiate your services and help you compete with Amazon's Ecosystem.</strong></li>
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<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Welcome to the Amazon Ecosystem -- or should we say, ECHOsystem.</div>
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===========</div>
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By Jon Nordmark, <a href="http://www.iterate.ai/" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Iterate.ai</a> and <a href="http://www.ebags.com/" rel="nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8c68cb; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">eBags</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amazon-ecosystem-lock-in-prime-echo-jon-nordmark?trk=eml-b2_content_ecosystem_digest-hero-14-null&midToken=AQFswbuIR2IQIQ&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=2kKrWCCefA67g1">https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amazon-ecosystem-lock-in-prime-echo-jon-nordmark?trk=eml-b2_content_ecosystem_digest-hero-14-null&midToken=AQFswbuIR2IQIQ&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=2kKrWCCefA67g1</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-85102968131538293242015-12-19T15:35:00.000-08:002015-12-19T15:35:45.525-08:00Easy Peasy Last Minute Gift Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Are you like me? Waiting Until the last minute to buy your wife a Christmas Gift?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here is a quick 7 step video on making Christmas Gift Basket, sourced 100% in Arlington,SD.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Check out the video:</span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ssOeZh-3Vmw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ssOeZh-3Vmw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/ssOeZh-3Vmw">https://youtu.be/ssOeZh-3Vmw</a></div>
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This basket came in at about $280, but it can be anything you want it to be.</div>
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<u>Sources:</u></div>
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Bits of Yesterday</div>
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Flower's by Betsy</div>
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Prairie Porch</div>
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Arlington Chiropractic</div>
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Cardinal Tap</div>
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Schmidty's</div>
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Pheasant Diner</div>
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1481 Grille</div>
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Plagman's Hardware and Food Center</div>
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Handimart</div>
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Bunker Auto</div>
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Don't have time to put a basket together?</div>
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Pick up some <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/202702809928325/">Arlington Area <b>Chamber</b> of Commerce</a> <b>Bucks</b> at CorTrust Bank on Main Street. Available anytime, for any denomination, accepted everywhere!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-47295647314968824192015-11-21T07:14:00.002-08:002015-11-21T07:14:39.447-08:00Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Is Islamophobia a Reality in the U.S.?Published on Nov 19, 2015<br /><br /><br />Author and activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali says she doesn't buy into the major worries about Islamophobia. Ali's latest book is "Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now" (<a href="http://goo.gl/EHJEIr">http://goo.gl/EHJEIr</a>).<br /><br />Read more at BigThink.com: <a href="http://bigthink.com/videos/ayaan-hirsi-ali-on-islamophobia-in-the-west">http://bigthink.com/videos/ayaan-hirs...</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GteiHCL7gC4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GteiHCL7gC4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/GteiHCL7gC4">https://youtu.be/GteiHCL7gC4</a></div>
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<br /><br />In the United States of America, I see that Muslims as individuals, as organizations, as a community are present everywhere. If anything there's more listening to them than less of listening to them. I want to juxtapose that with the plight of Christians and Jews and Atheists and ex-Muslims and gays in the Muslim world. I'm not talking about the war-torn places; I'm talking about the places where there is order and the way Muslim societies respond to that. And if I were a vocal Muslim individual or a vocal Muslim organization, I would use my energy to highlight what we as Muslims, those of us who were brought within Islam in our own countries are doing to Christians and various sects of women and Jews and all that. So, I have to be quite honest with you, I don't buy much of this whole victim thing...<br /><br />...Then there's another metric. In places where people are oppressed and persecuted, people don't go there. Christians are fleeing Muslim countries. Muslims are flocking to originally Christian countries. I'm not a Christian. I'm not religious in the least. I'm an atheist. But it's a mere observation. So I think in a way these organizations are playing not only non-Muslim Americans, but they're also playing the Muslim communities that they target to make them feel that they're victims of some illusion, some form of persecution that they are not in order to band them together and then manipulate them. And it's up to us to investigate these things...<br /><br />...I think we need to have this sort of honest conversation with them instead of indulging that I am a victim of. But obviously they're hiding and this is what we're seeing in our own society that all kinds of segments of people in our society feel that they are a victim of this or a victim of that in the freest society in the world. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're victimized in America, goodness me, how would you have survived the rest of the world?</span><br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/q2s_n6St1OI">https://youtu.be/q2s_n6St1OI</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-4777757238708025642015-11-18T15:12:00.001-08:002015-11-18T15:12:03.517-08:00What makes a hero?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Hhk4N9A0oCA/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hhk4N9A0oCA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<a href="https://youtu.be/Hhk4N9A0oCA">https://youtu.be/Hhk4N9A0oCA</a><br />
<br /><br /><br /><br />Published on Dec 4, 2012<br /><br /><br />View full lesson: <a href="http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-makes-a-hero-matthew-winkler">http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-makes-...</a><br /><br />What trials unite not only Harry Potter or Frodo Baggins but many of literature's most interesting heroes? And what do ordinary people have in common with these literary heroes? Matthew Winkler takes us step-by-step through the crucial events that make or break a hero.<br /><br />Lesson by Matthew Winkler, animation by Kirill Yeretsky.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-34240279642013305052015-11-12T12:59:00.001-08:002015-11-12T13:00:46.041-08:00Dakotafire - Empowering YouthHot of the presses!<br />
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Arlington Builds on its Relationships<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYGoW_DbqFSJgmpVU2MIPutiG9j_etDzonXijQdFVNtHrwR9Jq0ItqlV9E079dY02__I4WED2hwrO5Aa2l0ryMKpfnfW958tLM2OJTgNWcThjv-Qj8KVayzDCR-1B0CZjA_5VhKQJv_9u/s1600/IMG_20151112_144036478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYGoW_DbqFSJgmpVU2MIPutiG9j_etDzonXijQdFVNtHrwR9Jq0ItqlV9E079dY02__I4WED2hwrO5Aa2l0ryMKpfnfW958tLM2OJTgNWcThjv-Qj8KVayzDCR-1B0CZjA_5VhKQJv_9u/s640/IMG_20151112_144036478.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look for the print copy in your mail or postal box tomorrow! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3d_6PkXqodVjQJQeAaGGHV2kYF2Ll5074JEa0Ic41DOgqMPln_KTT60QBsV3_c7dyEtCI3znrte7jtoeR0prTV-SCz1skaZWkbw3fdesZGNvGcmmYycLc7W1jrayTM_SUXeTk8Lb6Uen/s1600/IMG_20151112_144120701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3d_6PkXqodVjQJQeAaGGHV2kYF2Ll5074JEa0Ic41DOgqMPln_KTT60QBsV3_c7dyEtCI3znrte7jtoeR0prTV-SCz1skaZWkbw3fdesZGNvGcmmYycLc7W1jrayTM_SUXeTk8Lb6Uen/s640/IMG_20151112_144120701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Digital copies and more info can be found at <a href="http://www.dakotafire.net/">www.dakotafire.net</a> .<br />
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Stop by the office to get a sneak peek....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-4761187209473074032015-11-11T06:57:00.001-08:002015-11-11T06:57:30.476-08:00Happy Veterans Day!Thank you for your service.<br />
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<img src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b5/bc/5f/b5bc5fae5549a3eae4ddb1e2d4f8c9f7.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-79173476379260293902015-11-09T08:36:00.003-08:002015-11-09T08:36:31.389-08:00#MyVetBiz - About Office of Veterans Business Development<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTOS4WUVEAI73-q.png" /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Office of Veterans Business Development’s (OVBD) mission is to maximize the availability, applicability and usability of small business programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members, and their dependents or survivors. OVBD is SBA’s liaison with the veterans business community; provides policy analysis and reporting; and is as an Ombudsman for veteran entrepreneurs. OVBD has a number of programs and services to assist aspiring and existing veteran entrepreneurs such as training, counseling and mentorship, and oversight of Federal procurement programs for Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.<br /><br /><br />SOUTH DAKOTA's #MyVetBiz Officer:<br /> <br />Chuck Hughes<br />2329 North Career Avenue, Suite 105<br />Sioux Falls, SD 57107<br />Tel: (605) 330-4243 EXT. 31<br />Fax: (605) 330-4215<div>
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Office of Veterans Business Development</h2>
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Aspiring and Existing Veteran Entrepreneurship Training</h3>
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<li class="list-field-first"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/160511" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Operation Boots to Business: From Service to Startup ">Operation Boots to Business: From Service to Startup</a></li>
<li><a class="ext" href="http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities">Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities</a></li>
<li><a class="ext" href="http://www.whitman.syr.edu/vwise/" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)">Women Veterans Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/14157" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="e200 Native America ">e200 Native America</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/14378" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Business Counseling & Training">Business Counseling & Training</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/14156" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Native American Veteran’s Outreach Initiative">Native American Veteran’s Outreach Initiative</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/1321091" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Boots to Business -B2B-2014-01 Program Office">Boots to Business -B2B-2014-01 Program Office</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/758162" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="OVBD Grant Documents">OVBD Grant Documents</a></li>
<li class="list-field-last"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/1321091" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="B2B-2014-01 Questions and Answers">B2B-2014-01 Questions and Answers</a></li>
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OVBD Resources</h3>
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<li class="list-field-first"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/content/sba-veteran-pledge-initiative" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="SBA Veteran Pledge Initiative">SBA Veteran Pledge Initiative</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/430011" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Boots to Business Training Material Request">Boots to Business Training Material Request</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/47731" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Veterans Business Development Officers">Veterans Business Development Officers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://map0.sba.gov:8000/gis/veterans/index.html" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="NEW: Find Veterans Program Locations">NEW: Find Veterans Program Locations</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/362341" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Veterans Business Outreach Centers">Veterans Business Outreach Centers</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/14745" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Veterans and Military Families">Veterans and Military Families</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/14372" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Interagency Task Force">Interagency Task Force</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/14397" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Advisory Committee">Advisory Committee</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/370491" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="The First Interagency Task Force on Veterans Business Development - November 2012">The First Interagency Task Force on Veterans Business Development - November 2012</a></li>
<li class="list-field-last"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/14374" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Office of Veterans Business Development | Resources">Office of Veterans Business Development | Resources</a></li>
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Additional SBA Programs/Resources</h3>
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<li class="list-field-first"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/14807" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (MREIDL) ">Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (MREIDL)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-business-loans/disaster-loans" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Disaster Assistance">Disaster Assistance</a></li>
<li class="list-field-last"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/gcclassroom" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="SBA's Government Contracting Classroom">SBA's Government Contracting Classroom</a></li>
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Resource Partners</h3>
<ul class="list-field" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">
<li class="list-field-first"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/362341" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Veterans Business Outreach Centers">Veterans Business Outreach Centers</a></li>
<li><a class="ext" href="http://www.scorepinellas.org/" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="SCORE">SCORE</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/wbo" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Women's Business Centers">Women's Business Centers</a></li>
<li class="list-field-last"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/osbdc" style="color: #2b7b95; font-family: 'Roboto Slab', serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;" title="Small Business Development Centers">Small Business Development Centers</a></li>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Open Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources">https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-42084649666872220132015-11-09T08:05:00.000-08:002015-11-09T08:05:15.246-08:0017 Things Real Leaders Never Say<br /><u>Avoid using these sayings when addressing your teammates in any work environment.</u><br /><br /><img alt="Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey listens to a III Corps senior leader speak during a town hall forum held at Palmer Theater on Fort Hood, June 19, 2015." src="http://49m47r1ce5b927clot3yajgk.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/19352199426_ca8ce0b0ec_k-840x420.jpg" /><br />When poor leaders make it into the general and flag officer ranks, it can really be destructive to the military profession and unit effectiveness. It’s no different in the civilian world where people are even less likely to point out that the emperor has no clothes for fear of losing their job. Below are 17 sayings from senior leaders demonstrating poor leadership that I overheard as an aide-de-camp for three well-known <a href="https://taskandpurpose.com/21-habits-of-successful-military-generals-from-someone-who-knows-firsthand/">successful generals</a>. People who habitually say these things or act in this manner can send organizations hurtling in the wrong direction unless there was a very strong team of soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and junior officers to keep the unit on track despite their failing commander.<div>
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1. “The last guy really sucked.”<br /><br /><br />Some people have turned blaming “the last guy” for their organization’s failures into a modus operandi for their entire career. The last guy may have been horrible. The last boss might even tell the new leader just how horrible. But real leaders never, ever, waste their time badmouthing the last guy. This is probably the number one sign of a poor leader who is trying to distract people from their inability to solve problems. It’s such a common defect that naïve people consider it a great excuse to use to get out of solving a tough issue. If you are in charge, then own the problems no matter who created them. It’s likely the problems existed before “the last guy” too. Your primary task as a leader is to own the problems, develop solutions, and then carry out your team’s plan.<br /><br />2. “I don’t like any of these plans; I will figure it out myself.”<br /><br />Some bosses make people feel like they are wasting their breath when they give an opinion (one the boss asked for). They feel they have learned all there is to know and seen everything in life. These are extremely dangerous people because they somehow suspend reality, thinking that nothing new is going to ever happen. To avoid this habit, you should close your mouth and listen actively to your teammates. Avoid asking for ideas from your team if you aren’t willing to listen to them.<br /><br />3. “Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.”<br /><br />There is always the chest-beating, loud-mouth tough guy in war movies, but in reality, it’s a boss few want to follow. These types of leaders are usually making up for their lack of competence by overtalking their abilities. Great leaders are often quiet professionals like the special operations operator character at the end of “Black Hawk Down” running out of the city with the Rangers or the two other operators who volunteered to stay with the wounded pilots. In the movie, they are based on several quiet and humble guys who people did and do follow because they recognize real warrior-leaders. One of my most humbling days in the Army was having the son of one of those fallen operators serve in my unit. Let your actions speak for you instead of your resume and ego. Your people can see right through you if you can only talk a good game, and they don’t want to be like you.<br /><br />4. “I guess you all are smarter than me now?”<br /><br />Some people lose their mind when they receive criticism. They take everything personally. These are tough superiors to serve because it keeps everyone on pins and needles and silences great ideas. Good ideas and decisions are not just for leaders. If your people are trying to tell you that a decision was not wise or is hurting the organization, you might want to re-examine it. You may be right, but getting a second opinion is not a sign of weakness.<br /><br />5. “Why are you working on that? I need you to finish this now!”<br /><br />For these people, everything is a rush job and every day the to-do list changes. When leaders change priorities every day with no rhyme or reason, teams get confused and question the boss’s ability to think strategically or follow a plan. If your priorities change because your boss has directed it, then let your people know that the mission has changed. Then lead that change beside your people instead of trying to yell from behind.<br /><br />6. “Damn it, let me show you how to do that!”<br /><br />Every leader falls victim to this at some point even when they know better. You can realize that you are getting too involved in the details by reading your people’s body language and watching a decrease in their initiative. Give your people a clear task and let them do it. It might not be exactly how you would do it, but they can’t grow if you don’t let them try, fail, and improve. If it’s a critical task, then tell people that up front. If you are the only expert at the task, lead the team, and learn how to do it correctly together.<br /><br />7. “I’m leaving now; don’t burn this place down before I get back.”<br /><br />The person who assigns lots of work and expects other people to work 12-hour days while they regularly work eight is easy to spot. They usually complain when employees ask for time off. You can expect people on your team to take turns having a long day now and then. If you stay overtime with each of them every day, you will burn out. So don’t assign everyone a 12-hour day every day if you aren’t sticking around. As a way to avoid appearing “checked out,” pick some critical tasks every week that you will stay late or come in early to take part in. Your people will see you are just as willing as they are to work hard when needed.<br /><br />8. “I am holding this place together, despite the hand I was dealt.”<br /><br />The boss who always touts his own great record even though he had to do all the work is a real jerk. Always give credit to your team and let others take care of your applause, if it’s warranted. Never seek credit for something your team did just because you were leading that team. Your bosses will know if you are a good leader based on numerous factors. Telling them how great you are isn’t one of them.<br /><br />9. “Don’t interrupt me, unless it’s really important.”<br /><br />If people don’t like to talk to the boss, it might be because they make people feel like crap every time they approach. Leaders get interrupted a lot because important things keep occurring. Accept it and stop what you are doing, turn away from your computer, and really listen to your people. You will teach them what good leadership looks like. This is similar to the leader who won’t talk to people they consider beneath them from other teams. Don’t send someone’s goodwill ambassador to talk to your junior woodchuck until you know what they want. It might be a decision only you can make.<br /><br />10. “How many people do I have to fire to get some good help?”<br /><br />Some bosses email angry, burn bridges on roads they must drive daily, or get rid of people too quickly. Sometimes the guy you think is the worst person will turn out to be exactly the person you need in your most dire hour as a leader. There are some that need to be fired, but take your time and try to help them improve unless there is an ethical issue.<br /><br />11. “You guys are making me look bad.”<br /><br />There is always the person who the boss thinks is a great leader, but they are hated by their teammates. Don’t be that guy. Support your boss’s mission by setting the conditions for your team that allow them to excel. Never beat your people down to build yourself up.<br /><br />12. “It’s good to be the king.”<br /><br />Don’t wave your job perks in front of your team because you think you’re special. A better approach is to take turns bringing one of your people with you when you are about to enjoy something fun or exciting that comes along with the position you are holding. Use your benefits to inspire others to rise and not to show them that rank has its privileges.<br /><br />13. “Are you questioning my authority/intelligence?”<br /><br />Some people suck at taking questions. If your most common reflex is to attack the questioner, then you might not be making very good decisions. Ask someone you admire for advice if this keeps happening to you. Don’t get paranoid and start thinking everyone is trying to box you into a decision you don’t want to make.<br /><br />14. “Our boss is an idiot, but we can succeed despite him.”<br /><br />This is another classic leadership failure that poor performers use. You don’t inspire your organization by telling them senior leadership sucks, but you can save the day. Even if your boss is an idiot, just don’t do it. You might think it, but don’t say it because it will ruin the larger team.<br /><br />15. “Didn’t anyone see me walk in?”<br /><br />The best leaders always ensure that they aren’t interrupting the team’s work when they stop by. The worst leaders expect a “dog and pony show” every time they pop their head in to “see how the boys are doing.” Just be a quiet observer and you can measure progress. If your people have to stop, clean up, dress up, or otherwise deviate from their important work, you are the problem. Have a light footprint.<br /><br />16. “So there I was…”<br /><br />Some leaders actually ask their close staff to ensure they get badges or awards for valor or combat for “not-so daring” feats on the battlefield. If you read the excerpts of some World War II paratrooper and armor generals’ citations for valor, you will see that they were literally up front engaged in direct fire with the enemy. Today’s senior leadersdon’t often find themselves in that position. Your job as a leader is to ensure your teammates are rewarded for their hard work. Don’t worry about your personal awards because rewarding the true warriors on the front lines is your highest honor.<br /><br />17. “We can make up that lost time.”<br /><br />There is always the “miracle worker” who thinks they can create more time. If you wait around for a flawless plan before starting to solve a problem, you will never start. Know when you have an 85% solution that you can start immediately and refine along the way. You can never recover lost time.<br /><br />Some leaders are just unprepared to lead because they haven’t been properly trained. Nobody is born understanding the intricacies of leadership. Others are confident they can lead well because they know they are great. This is the most dangerous type of “leader” as they live in a bubble that keeps them from taking a close look at themselves or their teams. Yet others just can’t pull off leadership at the high level because they have reached their full potential or have so many character flaws that no amount of training can save them.<br /><br />Luckily few leaders will end up saying all of these things, though surely some have tried. But, every one of us can be guilty of some of these because leading people is difficult and circumstances are ever-changing. Do your best and constantly look at yourself through the eyes of your peers, bosses, and teammates. If you keep an eye on yourself and ask someone you trust to honestly tell you when you are slipping, you can improve as a leader. If you cannot improve as a leader, then at every level you move up, you will damage another organization.<div>
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Jason Howk is a retired South Asia Foreign Area Officer who specializes in Afghanistan, leadership/mentorship/coaching, strategy, Islam, U.S. foreign policy and various Defense, Intelligence, and Diplomacy topics. He also served in the Army as an enlisted Infantry Paratrooper and Engineer officer from 1991-2015. Follow Jason Criss Howk on Twitter <a class="tpAuthorShortDescriptionTwitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/jason_c_howk" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #058dc7; text-decoration: none; transition: all, 0.4s;" target="_blank" title="@jason_c_howk">@jason_c_howk</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-16131138565269511372015-11-06T07:40:00.005-08:002015-11-06T07:40:47.057-08:00Building Mental And Physical Strength: My Day Training With the Army ReserveNovember 5, 2015<section class="entry" style="font-stretch: normal;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="dd_start" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; clear: both; float: left; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<img alt="Krista Stryker Army training" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-15230" height="1061" src="http://www.12minuteathlete.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/army-training-day.png" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); border: 0px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 3px; vertical-align: bottom;" width="1400" /></div>
<br /><br />This post is sponsored by the U.S. Army Reserve<br /><br />When I think of the U.S. Army Reserve, I think of some of the fittest people on earth.<br /><br />Striving to be the world’s best and most versatile team, the Army Reserve Soldiers train incrediblyhard both mentally and physically and are continuously learning and adapting to an always changing world. Bringing together their diverse skills and backgrounds, they rely on teamwork, courage, and strong leadership skills to be able to rise to any challenge at any time.<br /><br />So I was more than a little curious (and intimidated) when I was invited recently to train with the Army Reserve as part of their partnership with <a href="http://www.toughmudder.com/">Tough Mudder</a>.<br /><br />If you’ve never heard of it before, Tough Mudder is an obstacle course designed to test your physical and mental strength with infamous challenges like the Ring of Fire (where you literally have to jump through a ring of fire) and the Dead Ringer (where the goal is to sideways climb along a series of ascending and descending pegs while high up in the air). Yet unlike most races, Tough Mudder is a team-oriented course focused on the premise that individuals are stronger both mentally and physically as a team—which is exactly why it’s such an awesome matchup with the Army Reserve.<br /><br />So in partnership with the <a href="http://www.goarmyreserve.com/">Army Reserve</a>, I’m excited to bring you a play-by-play of my day training at the Army Physical Fitness School in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Here is a super honest breakdown of my experience, including my shortcomings as well as successes:<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Part 1: Tactical Athlete Assessment Part #1</span></section><section class="entry" style="font-stretch: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></section><section class="entry" style="font-stretch: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Read the complete article at: <a href="http://www.12minuteathlete.com/army-reserve/">http://www.12minuteathlete.com/army-reserve/</a></span></section>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-17743927560455193802015-11-05T11:48:00.000-08:002015-11-05T11:48:08.862-08:00#MyVetBiz - Veterans Day discounts<br /><img alt=" Veterans Day discounts" src="http://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/files/styles/scalecrop628x376/public/legion/web-content/11032015_vetdeals_p1.jpg?itok=DEYYu_WQ" /><br />The following discounts have been confirmed by military.com for 2015, through either a press release or direct communication with the company. Visit the most up-to-date list <a href="http://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Keep in mind that most businesses require proof of military service, which can include a VA Universal Access Card, military ID, DD-214, VSO card (groups like the VFW, DAV, AmVets, MOAA, FRA and The American Legion); some businesses will accept a picture of the veteran in uniform.<br /><br />Note: Not all franchise locations participate in their national chain's Veterans Day programs – be sure to contact your nearest establishment, via phone or Web, to make sure they are participating.<br /><br />2015 Veterans Day Restaurant Offerings:<br /><br />Applebee’s – Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Bar Louie – Nov. 10-11, veterans and active military personnel get a free meal up to a $12 value.<br /><br />Bob Evans – Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast from a select menu on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Bonanza Steakhouses – Active-duty and retired military get a free buffet on Nov. 11, 4 p.m. to close.<br /><br />Cattlemens – Active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free small sirloin steak dinner on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Cheeseburger in Paradise – Active and retired military personnel receive a complimentary burger with fries on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Chili’s – Veterans and active military servicemembers get a free entrée from a limited menu on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Denny’s – Active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations.<br /><br />Friendly’s – Veterans and active military get a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from a limited menu on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Golden Corral – Golden Corral Restaurants' Military Appreciation Night free dinner will be available on Nov. 11 from 5-9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and reserves are all welcome.<br /><br />IHOP – Participating IHOP restaurants offer veterans and active-duty military free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11<br /><br />Krystal – Active and retired military receive a free Krystal chicken or sausage biscuit from 6-11 a.m. on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Little Caesars – Veterans and active military members receive a free $5 Lunch Combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 11.<br /><br />McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – On Nov. 8, participating McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants will offer a complimentary entrée to veterans from a special menu.<br /><br />Max & Erma's – On Nov. 11, participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering veterans and active military personnel a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo meal.<br /><br />Menchie's – All active and retired military personnel will receive a free 6-ounce frozen yogurt on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Mission BBQ – Veterans and active-duty military get a free sandwich and a slice of cake on Nov. 11.<br /><br />On the Border – Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo” menu on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Orange Leaf – Veterans and active-duty military get a free cup of froyo on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Pondrosa Steakhouse – Active-duty and retired military get a free buffet on Nov. 11, 4 p.m. to close.<br /><br />Red Hot & Blue – Veterans receive a free entrée with the purchase of a second entrée Nov. 9-11. Coupon required.<br /><br />Rock and Brews – Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary pulled pork sandwich with a side choice throughout the day on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill – Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill is offering a choice between complimentary hummus served with grilled herb flatbread or garlic cheese bread on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Shoney's – Shoney's will offer a free All-American Burger to veterans and active-duty servicemembers on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Spaghetti Warehouse – From Nov. 9-11, buy one entrée and get the second entrée free. Coupon required.<br /><br />Texas Roadhouse – Locations nationwide will offer veterans a free lunch on Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Offer is good for active-duty, retired or former U.S. military.<br /><br />Uno Pizzeria & Grill – Veterans and active military get a free entrée or individual pizza with an entrée or pizza purchase of equal or greater value on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Village Inn – Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast on Nov. 11 from a select menu at participating locations. Village Inn is also providing a “Thank you For Your Service” card valid for 20 percent off on the next visit.<br /><br />Wienerschnitzel – Veterans and active-duty military receive a free chili dog and a small Pepsi on Nov. 11.<br /><br />2015 Veterans Day Travel and Recreation Discounts:<br /><br />9/11 Memorial and Museum – Veterans will receive free museum admission from Nov. 7-11.<br /><br />Army Corp of Engineers Recreation Areas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day-use fees for veterans, active and reserve-component servicemembers, and their families at USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Colonial Williamsburg – Active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans and their direct dependents receive free Colonial Williamsburg admission for Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 6–11).<br /><br />Harley-Davidson Museum – The Harley-Davidson Museum is offering free admission to active military, veterans and their families on Nov. 7, 8 and 11 in honor of Veterans Day.<br /><br />Killington Resort – Active-duty, retired and honorably discharged members of the military receive a complimentary lift ticket on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Knott’s Berry Farm – Knott's Berry Farm is offering free admission for veterans and active-duty military personnel and one guest, as well as six additional tickets for a discounted price, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 20.<br /><br />Mariners’ Museum – Military members receive a special $5 admission price on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Meineke Car Care Centers – On Nov. 11, veterans are encouraged to visit participating Meineke locations for a free basic oil change.<br /><br />National Parks – On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, veterans will have access to over 100 national parks requiring entrance fees for free.<br /><br />National Veterans Day Run – The National Veterans Day Run on Nov. 11 offers veterans and active-duty military a reduced-rate entry into the race, as well as discounted rates to their spouses and children between 13 and 18.<br /><br />Westgate Resorts – Starting Nov. 11, the first 2,500 eligible servicemembers who complete an online military appreciation form will receive a complimentary three-day, two-night vacation. Veterans who don’t qualify are eligible for a 25 percent discount. Visit westgateresorts.com for the survey.<br /><br />UFC GYM – Veterans and active-duty military, as well as their families, get free total gym access from Nov. 11-15 at participating UFC GYMs. UFC GYM is also offering a special basic training-themed Daily Ultimate Training class on Nov. 14.<br /><br />World of Coca-Cola – Active-duty, reserves and retirees get free admission year-round, and Nov. 5-15, members of the armed forces may also purchase up to four half-price general admission tickets for their friends and family.<br /><br />2015 Veterans Day Retailer Offerings:<br /><br />Alfred Angelo – Military brides get a free wedding gown on Veterans Day. An appointment to the store must be made for Nov. 11 to qualify.<br /><br />Alimond Studio – Veterans and active-duty servicemembers get a free headshot at Alimond Studio on Saturday, Nov. 7. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Leesburg, Va.<br /><br />Bellhops – The moving company is offering free moving labor for veterans from Nov. 13 to Dec. 15. Veterans must call on Veterans Day to schedule an appointment.<br /><br />Brides Across America – Brides Across America holds a wedding gown giveaway in partnership with bridal salons across the country in November to honor Veterans Day. Qualifying brides register to attend the event at a participating bridal salon by completing the registration form and paying a $20 fee. Once verified, you will be assisted in finding a gown from the selection.<br /><br />Cardiac Life – For the month of November, Cardiac Life is offering veterans $15 CPR courses.<br /><br />Carhartt’s – Active-duty and retired military servicemembers who present a military ID at one of Carhartt’s 21 company-owned stores will receive a complimentary exclusive hat, while supplies last.<br /><br />Enterprise Car Sales – Active U.S. military members, veterans and their dependents get a Firestone Prepaid Maintenance Package with the purchase of any Enterprise vehicle during the month of November.<br /><br />Firestone Complete Auto Care – Nov. 8-15, veterans and active-duty personnel receive an additional 10 percent off the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.<br /><br />Grace for Vets – Car washes from around the world who join this program offer free car washes to veterans and servicemembers on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Great Clips – On Nov. 11, customers who come in for a service can get a free haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also receive a free haircut or get the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.<br /><br />Home Depot – Home Depot offers a 10 percent discount to all veterans on Nov. 11. Home Depot offers the 10 percent discount year-round to active-duty and retirees.<br /><br />Little Bra Company – Save 15 percent during the month of November on all regular-priced merchandise at the Little Bra Company when you shop online.<br /><br />Lowe's – All veterans receive a 10 percent discount on Nov. 11. The offer is available in stores only.<br /><br />Rack Room Shoes – Military personnel and their dependents get a 10 percent discount off entire purchase on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.<br /><br />Sleep Number– From now until Nov. 15, active and veteran military members will receive exclusive discounts on Sleep Number products. Save up to $700 on select Sleep Number mattress sets.<br /><br />Steve Madden – Steve Madden offers everyone 20 percent off the entire purchase, and servicemembers receive an additional 10 percent off on Nov. 11.<br /><br />Tires Plus – Between Nov. 8-15, veterans and active-duty personnel receive an additional 10 percent off the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.<br /><br />Wheel Works – Between Nov. 8-15, veterans and active-duty personnel receive an additional 10 percent off the lowest advertised price of any automotive service.<br /><br />- See more at: <a href="http://www.legion.org/veteransday/230356/make-day-veterans-day-discounts#sthash.kS967YCO.dpuf">http://www.legion.org/veteransday/230356/make-day-veterans-day-discounts#sthash.kS967YCO.dpuf</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-72154170326076041412015-11-05T08:19:00.000-08:002015-11-05T08:19:00.359-08:00Thank you for your military service — now here are 9 reasons why I won't hire you<br />
<img alt="army soldiers veterans formation" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/52c77785eab8eac6220e77cc-480/army-soldiers-veterans-formation.jpg" /><br />
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So, you’ve decided to hang up the uniform after years of distinguished service to our great nation. You’ve attended a few transition classes and have your interview suit and shiny new resume as you <a href="http://www.careerattraction.com/6-actions-you-must-take-now-to-ensure-a-successful-post-military-career/">make the leap into the civilian world</a>.<br />
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You feel confident, because you’ve seen your colleagues leave the uniform on Friday and come to work the following Monday in a suit and tie making twice as much salary. You storm the job boards and job fairs. Never mind that although you’ve drafted a plan of action and milestones (POA&M) for every significant evolution of your military career, some of you have invested the least amount of time and effort into your own <a href="http://www.orioninternational.com/jobseekers_TC_Timeline.aspx">transition POA&M</a>.<br />
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Those of us in the hiring and recruiting business know firsthand that not all veterans are created equal, and, sometimes, it’s a great business decision to hire a military professional into our companies. Often, though, many don’t. Why? Because you’re just not the right fit. A more impressive candidate captured our attention, or maybe, through no fault of your own, we found someone internally or received a referral from one of our own employees.<br />
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The irony is that many veterans and servicemembers have the skills and experience to make the cut, or even get the second interview, but blow it. As a <a href="http://www.orioninternational.com/nco-snco-transition-assistance/">military candidate recruiter</a>, I see consistent themes in why military professionals don’t get the job. Many may blame the new Transition GPS, their branch of service’s career center or even the employers themselves, but here are the top real reasons why you’ll never get hired:</div>
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1. You Can’t (or Won’t) Accept That You’re Starting Over<br />
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Let’s suppose that immediately after graduating from college or high school, I went to work for one of the well-known defense contractors. During the course of my 20+ year career at that company, I was very successful and promoted to the position of Program Manager, frequently working with the military. However, I’m now at that point in my career where there isn’t any opportunity for further advancement, or I’m simply weary of the industry.<br />
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I’m now in my late 30s or early 40s and decide it’s time to leave the company to pursue a different career. I’ve worked with the military my entire adult life, so I decide I want to join its ranks. Because of my previous experience with managing multimillion dollar budgets and hundreds of personnel, I feel I’m the equivalent of a Commanding Officer or Senior Enlisted Leader. When I talk to a recruiter about my level of entry, what would they tell me?<br />
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The cold dose of reality is that despite all of my experience, I’d have no idea what the organizational culture is like in the military. I’d be set up for failure if someone allowed me to don the collar devices and step into a command position. On day one, something as basic as sending an email to a flag officer could go very sour very quickly. This is because even though I may have transferable skill sets, I lack the knowledge of industry norms and protocol experience to succeed.<br />
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A senior military professional transitioning into the private sector faces the same dynamic. The transition is a bit easier within the Department of Defense and Federal arenas, but you’re starting anew. It’s imperative that you understand this. As a result, you should seek ways to learn the organizational structures of potential employers many months before you’ll be entering the job market.<br />
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Just as I would have been far better informed had I spoken to a military recruiter before I left my civilian job, so should you be similarly informed before entering your last year of service. Use recruiters, headhunters, employment counselors, hiring managers, etc. to gain intelligence and information so you can be pragmatic in your expectations and planning. Also, <a href="http://www.acp-usa.org/">getting a mentor</a> who has successfully navigated into the private or government sector and is also a veteran will provide invaluable insight from a perspective you’ll be able to relate to.</div>
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2. You Believe You’re Unique (Just Like Every Other Transitioning Person That Day)<br />
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Each and every day, <a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=67784">200 to 300 service members exit the military</a>. This number will only increase as the nation’s wars come to an end and forces continue to draw down. In 2012, an average of 470,000 resumes were posted on Monster each week. Essentially, for every job opening in the U.S., there are roughly 187 qualified and unqualified job applicants.<br />
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This is the challenge you face in relying on job boards as your sole method of getting a job. I suggest you think of hitting the “apply” button as being similar to walking down to the local convenience store and buying a lottery ticket, then deciding to not do anything else (or continue buying lottery tickets) until they call your number.<br />
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Are job boards still relevant? Yes. However, it’s best to post your resume to a <a href="http://www.thehrisworld.com/how-using-a-niche-job-board-increases-your-prospects/">niche job board</a> that aligns with your background or industry — and make sure your resume is targeted specifically for the jobs you apply to.</div>
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3. Your Resume Is Longer Than the CEO of Our Company’s (or Shorter Than a Recent College Graduate’s)<br />
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A long resume doesn’t impress me at all. Even worse, a resume that has neither definition nor clarity is guaranteed to be placed in the trash. I’m probably going to look at it for <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669531/how-to-redesign-your-resume-for-a-recruiter-s-6-second-attention-span">six seconds, tops</a>.<br />
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Your resume should be a windshield document. That is, it should reflect the positions you’re going towards. (<a href="http://ctt.ec/0_7xK">Click here</a> to tweet this thought.) It shouldn’t be a rearview mirror which simply lists all of the duties you performed. It should contain keywords, which websites such as <a href="http://www.wordle.net/">Wordle</a> and <a href="http://www.tagcrowd.com/">TagCrowd</a> can help you identify in both job announcements and your resume. This is because your resume will most likely be filtered by Applicant Tracking Software before it even gets to a human resources screener.<br />
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And, while I appreciate that you volunteered to clean up a highway or had some collateral duties in addition to your main assignments, I’m looking for candidates who have years of matching relevant experience, the right job titles and are in the same industry. Most importantly, I’m not looking for a “jack of all trades”; if I were, the job posting would have said so.<br />
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How do you craft a resume that’s forward-looking? Find about 15 to 20 job announcements that match up with your ideal target job title. Incorporate their language into your resume and make it contextual by inserting your metrics. Review each bullet point you’ve chosen to use by asking yourself if it demonstrates a problem you solved or action you took and the results that were accomplished. The actual length of your resume? It depends on your audience. Seek out current or former employees at the companies you’ve identified in your target list and ask them what their company’s preference is.</div>
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4. You Didn’t Proofread Your Resume<br />
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I would be a millionaire if I got 10 bucks for every time I come across a candidate who’s an “experienced manger.” There isn’t any substitute for attention to detail here. Don’t trust spellcheck, and don’t rely solely on your own review. Have your resume reviewed and critiqued free of charge by as many eyes as possible. The trained professionals at your Fleet and Family Support Centers, Army ACAP, and Airman & Family Readiness Centers are the best resource to catch those mistakes before I do.<br />
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After getting your resume reviewed for spelling and substance, take it to the local university’s English department and have it critiqued for proper grammar. Seem a bit excessive? Well, if I see misspellings and poor grammar on your resume, what will I expect from you if I need you to communicate with my clients?</div>
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5. You Don’t Have a LinkedIn Profile (Or, Even Worse, It’s Not Complete)<br />
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In a 2012 <a href="http://mcnak.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/jobvite_socialprofileshelpkffinal33-1.png">Jobvite survey</a>, 89% of hiring decision-makers and recruiters reported using social media sites such as LinkedIn to find their candidates. If this is the case, shouldn’t you have a profile already?<br />
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Your knowledge of managing your online presence lets me know how proficient you are in using technology to communicate. It also allows me to see your skills, even if they’re nascent. If you have an incomplete profile, it may communicate that you might also expect me to complete your work for you.<br />
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Take the time and get your LinkedIn profile set up right. There are lots of <a href="http://socialmediatoday.com/socialbarrel/1860756/ace-linkedin-these-17-profile-must-haves-infographic">places</a> and <a href="http://www.orioninternational.com/nco-snco-transition-assistance/webinar/linkedin-for-military-professionals.aspx">resources available online</a> to get help at no cost, so there isn’t any excuse for not having one. Additionally, a complete LinkedIn profile allows you to take advantage of LinkedIn Labs’ <a href="http://resume.linkedinlabs.com/">Resume Builder</a> to automatically generate 11 different resume styles based on your LinkedIn profile. Talk about a time saver!</div>
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6. You Think Social Media Is For Kids or Sharing War Stories<br />
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If you think social media is a huge waste of time and doesn’t offer real value, watch this <a href="http://youtu.be/5mid8p4A6Eg">video</a>.<br />
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The reality is that two out of three job seekers will get their next job using social media. What does that mean to you? It translates to lesser-qualified people using technology to their advantage to get hired. They know how to use each of the social networking sites to the maximum extent in their transition action plans. If you think Twitter is of little use to a job seeker or professional, your competition will be happy to land the job you want because <a href="http://www.glassdoor.com/blog/find-job-twitter-part-1/?goback=%2Eamf_3970041_40746553%2Egde_3970041_member_5803948571707322372#%21">they’re using it and you aren’t</a>.</div>
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7. You Didn’t Prepare For The Interview<br />
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During the course of your military career, you’ve conducted countless boards and interviews. It seems to make sense that you should have no problem interviewing. After all, you did pretty well in your transition class mock interviews, didn’t you?<br />
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Wrong approach. I’ve seen instances where the most junior servicemembers outperformed a much more seasoned military leader because of one simple strategy: practice, practice, practice. Practice with someone who regularly hires or who has hired people at your level recently.<br />
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Why do you need to practice? Because you need to be able to be conversational, convey energy and yet let me know you’re aware of what my business is, who my competitors are and even who I am. Did you go to the company’s website to see if we have a Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter page? Did we make the news recently? <a href="https://news.google.com/">Google News</a> is a great way to find this out.<br />
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I want you to distinguish yourself from the regular job seeker. I want to know you’re as passionate about my company and what we do as I am, not just out to get a paycheck and benefits. Make sure you have a set of questions that I <a href="http://anthony-graziano.tumblr.com/post/25388828321/the-20-questions-you-need-to-ask-in-a-job-interview">haven’t heard before</a>, and when we’re about to finish the interview, ask for the job. Don’t worry; I’m not going to be offended, because I want to see that fire in your belly. Just don’t overdo it by saying something presumptuous such as, “So… when do I start?”</div>
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8. You Wrote a Thank You Note (But Only to Say Thank You)<br />
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Sending a thank you note is something that sets you apart from the competitors also vying for this position. And while it’s appreciated and infinitely better than sending nothing at all, don’t just send the note to say thank you; use it to tell me how much passion you have for my company and the job. Remind me of those things that excited you during our interview and, if there were any areas you looked vulnerable in, ease my concerns.</div>
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9. You Don’t Know What You Want to Do<br />
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When asked what you want to do, the worst possible answer you can give is, “I don’t know” or “anything.” You have to be able say specifically what types of positions you’re interested in and how you can add value to them. If you don’t, you’re essentially saying, “Invest lots of time and money in me, and maybe it will help me figure out if I want to do something else.”<br />
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If you have no clue where to start, start by looking at colleagues with backgrounds similar to yours who have recently transitioned. Which industries are they in? What companies are they working for? Where are they living? What job titles do they have now? The LinkedIn Labs <a href="http://veterans.linkedinlabs.com/">Veterans App</a> is a great tool to help with this. Be sure to check it out. Start volunteering to gain professional experience and seek out internships long before you sign your DD214.<br />
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Employers want to feel secure in knowing that you’ll last and that they can depend on you in your new work environment. Doing an internship or volunteering will help both the employer and you determine if a position is a good fit. Additionally, due to the flood of resumes that come in for each job posting, applicants who have volunteered or performed internships will stand out well ahead of the others.<br />
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Military professionals, especially senior ones, have a lot to offer our country when they hang up the uniform. The <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces">President and American companies are working hard</a> to ensure that servicemembers and veterans have well-paying jobs with opportunities to advance. However, no one is ever guaranteed a job, and the more senior you are, the more challenging the transition can be in terms of education, credentials, certification and relevant industry experience required. Having a powerful network is essential and can open doors for you. That said, your comrades, friends and family can generally get you to the door, but it remains up to you to be fully prepared when the door is opened.</div>
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<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hiring-veterans-tips-2014-1">http://www.businessinsider.com/hiring-veterans-tips-2014-1</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-17055056324879046052015-11-04T08:09:00.001-08:002015-11-04T08:09:14.715-08:00#MyVetBiz - What is V-WISE?<img src="http://whitman.syr.edu/vwise/Images/headerA.jpg" /><br />
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<br /><br />V-WISE is committed to women Veterans by providing them the tools to become successful entrepreneurs.<br /><br />Our goal is to integrate their leadership, integrity, focus<br />and drive into a premier educational training program taught by accomplished entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship educators from across the United States.<br /><br />V-WISE enables women Veterans to find their passion and to learn the business-savvy skills to turn their ideas or businesses into a growth ventures. V-WISE recognizes entrepreneurship an important part of economic growth across the country and this program is the key for women Veterans to truly pursue their dreams and to make them a reality<div>
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<br />About V-WISE<br /><br />V-WISE is a three-phase program<br /><br />PHASE 1: What’s first?<br />A 15-day online learning experience designed to teach participants the "language of business," how to understand opportunity recognition as it relates to growing a sustainable venture, and present actionable strategies related to new venture creation.<br /><br />PHASE 2: Ready, Set, Goal!<br />The conference phase of the V-WISE experience, is a three-day training offered to cohorts of 200 women at locations across the country. The conference includes more than 20 distinct modules of training, designed for both new business owners and to support the needs of existing ventures. Delegates are exposed to successful entrepreneurs, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and leaders in government. Upon completion of this phase participants will receive 2.7 continuing education units (documentation required). <br /><br /><br />PHASE 3: Keep Moving…<br />Following the conference, graduates are connected to ongoing support and community-building opportunities focused on small business creation and growth. This resource network includes both SBA-provided supportive services (Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women's Business Centers (WBCs), Veterans' Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) offices) as well as services provided by the IVMF and other IVMF partners to include American Corporate Partners (ACP), BoeFly, and Kiva Zip.<div>
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<a href="http://whitman.syr.edu/vwise/">http://whitman.syr.edu/vwise/</a><br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-20635342671817832542015-11-03T07:43:00.003-08:002015-11-03T07:44:34.577-08:00#MyVetBiz - Boots to Business Reboot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 - 8:30am</div>
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Pierre American Legion</div>
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520 S. PIERRE STREET</div>
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Pierre, SD 57501</div>
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United States</div>
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See map: <a href="http://maps.google.com/?q=44.364757+-100.356079+%28520+S.+PIERRE+STREET%2C+Pierre%2C+SD%2C+57501%2C+us%29">Google Maps</a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VMuv9IYEe6Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VMuv9IYEe6Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/VMuv9IYEe6Y">https://youtu.be/VMuv9IYEe6Y</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About Boots to Business Reboot</span></div>
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Boots to Business Reboot is a two-step entrepreneurship training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration through a public private partnership with the Institute of Veterans and Military Families, the Marcus Foundation and First Data Corporation. This course is open to Veterans of all eras (Servicemembers, including members of the National Guard and Reserves) and their spouses. The curriculum provides assistance to those interested in exploring business ownership or other self-employment opportunities by leading them through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and providing foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan. In addition, participants are introduced to SBA resources available to access start-up capital, technical assistance and contracting opportunities.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Two Step Program</span><br />
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The Introduction to Entrepreneurship Course- Step one is the Introduction to Entrepreneurship course for those interested in learning more about the opportunities and challenges of business ownership. This course is instructed by the SBA and its partners who are skilled business advisors. Participants learn business basics and techniques for evaluating the feasibility of their business concepts.<br />
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Foundations of Entrepreneurship Eight-Week Course- Step two is the eight-week online Foundations of Entrepreneurship course instructed by a consortium of professors and practitioners led by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. By dedicating a minimum of 10 hours per week to connected and independent study, participants work through the fundamentals of developing an actionable business plan.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Innovative Delivery & Partnership</span><br />
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To deliver Boots to Business Reboot and support Veterans and military spouses, SBA collaborates with its resource partners (Veterans Business Outreach Centers, Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers and SCORE). SBA also partners with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University on program curriculum development, course material and instruction. Beyond Boots to Business Reboot, SBA's network of partners offer continued training and technical assistance, with an emphasis on access to capital and federal contracting opportunities.<br />
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SBA and its partners ensure that every Veteran and military spouse has the resources they need in their local communities to start and operate small businesses, achieve post-service career success, and strengthen the Nation's economy.<br />
Boots to Business Reboot Resources<br />
<a href="https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/B2B_Reboot_Fact_Sheet.pdf">Boots to Business Reboot Fact Sheet</a><a href="https://get.adobe.com/reader/"><img src="https://www.sba.gov/sites/all/themes/smallbizd7/images/pdf-icon-red.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/spotlight">https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/spotlight</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-14206792891449989962015-11-02T08:21:00.003-08:002015-11-02T08:21:38.046-08:00Veterans Small Business Week November 2-6, 2015<br />
<a href="https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-initiatives/veterans-small-business-week">https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-initiatives/veterans-small-business-week</a><br />
<img alt="SBA Initiatives" src="https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Starting-a-business-section/vsbw.png" /><br />
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SBA empowers veterans, active duty service members, Guard and Reserve members and military spouses through entrepreneurial training and education programs, business technical assistance counseling, special access to capital programs and federal procurement training and access to opportunities.</div>
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Join the conversation at <a class="ext" href="http://www.twitter.com/hashtag/MyVetBiz" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">#MyVetBiz </a>to share veteran stories, encourage community members to highlight local veteran-owned businesses in their community, and show gratitude and support to veterans and their families.<br /> </div>
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<strong>Entrepreneurial Training and Education:</strong></div>
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<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Event: </strong><a href="https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Marriott_VetFran_Event_Flyer_FINAL.pdf" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">Connecting Veteran-Owned Small Businesses to Corporate Supply Chains and Franchising Opportunities</a><a alt="Download Adobe Reader to read this link content" class="acrobatLink" href="https://get.adobe.com/reader/" id="acrobatlink0" style="color: #293f7c; display: inline-block; height: 16px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" target="_blank" title="Link to PDF plugin"><img alt="Download Adobe Reader to read this link content" class="filefield-icon field-icon-application-pdf" src="https://www.sba.gov/sites/all/themes/smallbizd7/images/pdf-icon-red.png" style="border: 0px;" /></a></li>
<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/160511" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">Boots to Business </a></li>
<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/spotlight" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">Boots to Business: Reboot</a></li>
<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a class="ext" href="http://www.whitman.syr.edu/vwise/" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship)</a></li>
<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a class="ext" href="http://whitman.syr.edu/ebv/" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">EBV (Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities)</a></li>
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<strong>Business Technical Assistance:</strong></div>
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<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/362341" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">Veterans Business Outreach Centers</a></li>
<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/47731" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">Veteran Business Development Officers</a><br /> </li>
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<strong>Access to Capital</strong></div>
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<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/lender_notices/5000-1354.pdf" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">SBA Veterans Advantage</a><a alt="Download Adobe Reader to read this link content" class="acrobatLink" href="https://get.adobe.com/reader/" id="acrobatlink1" style="color: #293f7c; display: inline-block; height: 16px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" target="_blank" title="Link to PDF plugin"><img alt="Download Adobe Reader to read this link content" class="filefield-icon field-icon-application-pdf" src="https://www.sba.gov/sites/all/themes/smallbizd7/images/pdf-icon-red.png" style="border: 0px;" /></a></li>
<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/content/sba-veteran-pledge-initiative" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">Lenders Pledge Initiative</a></li>
<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ovbd/resources/14807" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">MREIDL</a><br /> </li>
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<strong>Federal Procurement</strong></div>
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<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a class="ext" href="http://www.montgomerycountychamber.com/foundation/veteran-institute-procurement/" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">Veterans Institute for Procurement (VIP)</a></li>
<li style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px 15px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.sba.gov/sdvosb" style="color: #293f7c; text-decoration: none;">Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Program</a></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-72779158853263862222015-10-31T10:21:00.001-07:002015-10-31T10:25:05.084-07:00The clues for the Halloween Photo Scavenger Hunt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuB778HDpkj4PFns2WT5Lee4f71A7NQ_8_6yykKIc2gzn2bzQ_mj4zigKBUv3C-NwgoqeY1_oeSYDwN0BAZECo1rqEFY6OVW53FsmM7JE-GKkGnvsxaYt-rPZmhKf86HtMH3vT_neNPy3/s1600/Hauntingly-Halloween-Scavenger-Hunt-List-not-just-for-kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuB778HDpkj4PFns2WT5Lee4f71A7NQ_8_6yykKIc2gzn2bzQ_mj4zigKBUv3C-NwgoqeY1_oeSYDwN0BAZECo1rqEFY6OVW53FsmM7JE-GKkGnvsxaYt-rPZmhKf86HtMH3vT_neNPy3/s1600/Hauntingly-Halloween-Scavenger-Hunt-List-not-just-for-kids.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.05pt;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> (REMEMBER BE
CREATIVE!)</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.05pt;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></span><br /><br />1. Find the Cardinal Mascot (Someone is dressed as the mascot and will be around town)<br /> 2. “Nay-Nay” on Main Street (Get as many people you can find to join your group)<br /> 3. Spookiest House<br /> 4. Jump in the biggest pile of leaves<br /> 5. Most people in one Picture <br />6. What’s your favorite thing to do in Arlington?<br /> 7. Picture with your Favorite Teacher<br /> 8. Biggest Pumpkin<br /> 9. House that gives out best treats<br /> 10. Swinging good time<br /> 11. Take a video of your best slasher movie impression<br /> 12. Take a photo of your group holding a penny, with Penny Rinderneck<br /><b> 13. ***Follow @carddialogue on Twitter for this clue! </b><br /> 14. Largest Human Pyramid<br /> 15. Picture of a Famous Landmark in Arlington<br /> 16. Video of group eating most random food items<br /> 17. A picture of group by Welcome to Arlington Sign<br /> 18. Children of the Corn<br /> 19. Oldest Person (with age) in town and youngest person<br /> 20. Spice it up….<br /><b> 21. ***Follow @carddialogue on Twitter for this clue! </b><br /> RULES-<br /> All members of your group must be in at least 1 picture.<br /><br /><br /> All pictures and videos must be uploaded to the Arlington Area of Chamber Commerce's group by MIDNIGHT! <br /><br /><br />Groups of 3-5. <br /><br /><br />Must be in Halloween Costume. <br /><br /><br />Nothing illegal or immoral! <br /><br /><br />No photoshopping or sharing of pictures. <br /> WINNERS-Decided on CREATIVIT, Completion of all 21 clues.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> HAVE A FUN HALLOWEEN!!!!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-72828355239840560832015-10-30T10:53:00.000-07:002015-10-30T10:53:05.739-07:00Halloween Photo Scavenger Hunt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYHdjrGeYRqkyzY1h_mofaeugoZbu-cyEZWYoourh6wF_KT4dqB7jWscD_2kgIDjd8feydWGGW0ArpwI98L2ouZR9TaY-GjFnTArByq49u8TAz_HWRGwiWQclmoA4FZdqLcGikffRlzGm/s1600/Hauntingly-Halloween-Scavenger-Hunt-List-not-just-for-kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYHdjrGeYRqkyzY1h_mofaeugoZbu-cyEZWYoourh6wF_KT4dqB7jWscD_2kgIDjd8feydWGGW0ArpwI98L2ouZR9TaY-GjFnTArByq49u8TAz_HWRGwiWQclmoA4FZdqLcGikffRlzGm/s1600/Hauntingly-Halloween-Scavenger-Hunt-List-not-just-for-kids.jpg" /></a></div>
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Clues will be posted tomorrow by noon.<br />
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Visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/202702809928325/">Arlington Area Chamber</a> to register your team and keep on top of the competition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0PhwH1gMERvW1RHlmJFG_H_avVixzaUjVqSte0AskMf5MzM8OS_1NLKgXsczohJ_pYbJeJ_NqrTfq9DhVdceAL2R6jvtpOoCqFhPHnLYP7ZnkKd56GX_vaEYw0VvUASqd3eV0gdYjwEI/s1600/Scavenger+Rules.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0PhwH1gMERvW1RHlmJFG_H_avVixzaUjVqSte0AskMf5MzM8OS_1NLKgXsczohJ_pYbJeJ_NqrTfq9DhVdceAL2R6jvtpOoCqFhPHnLYP7ZnkKd56GX_vaEYw0VvUASqd3eV0gdYjwEI/s1600/Scavenger+Rules.png" /></a></div>
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<img src="http://www.crossfitlakecharles.com/wp-content/themes/CFLC/img/twitterHalloween.png" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/carddialogue">@cardialogue</a> on Twitter for 3 secret extra clues!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-4881318082743111742015-10-27T08:26:00.000-07:002015-10-27T08:26:00.351-07:00The first 20 hours -- how to learn anything | Josh Kaufman | TEDxCSU<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/5MgBikgcWnY">https://youtu.be/5MgBikgcWnY</a></div>
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Published on Mar 14, 2013<br /><br /><br />Never miss a talk! SUBSCRIBE to the TEDx channel: <a href="http://bit.ly/1FAg8hB">http://bit.ly/1FAg8hB</a><br /><br />Josh Kaufman is the author of the #1 international bestseller, 'The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business', as well as the upcoming book 'The First 20 Hours: Mastering the Toughest Part of Learning Anything.' Josh specializes in teaching people from all walks of life how to master practical knowledge and skills. In his talk, he shares how having his first child inspired him to approach learning in a whole new way. <br /><br />In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-21134930876245975762015-10-26T08:33:00.003-07:002015-10-26T08:33:30.143-07:00Taking Action in an Uncertain and Hack-Focused World<img alt="The Art of Manliness" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhC3UX4nPksdAYujG2XSa-V8W1q9KURDfQmHe2lUVksUQSYh0qmYyhPJMocUXHqLlwcakSeGl1wyGVU0PFxvKQvf2TTpw43DDdcnx_mbmSKD7XYgA5ZpSTKCyrAZOp7TQm64sguKPZUbVsYTiBNGH0-5ujdoUmIPlkFylY98pdsQgwUySbeIQ=s0-d-e1-ft" /><br /><u><a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2015/10/24/podcast-149-taking-action-in-an-uncertain-and-hack-focused-world/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheArtOfManliness+%28The+Art+of+Manliness%29">AoM</a></u><div>
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<u>Show Highlights</u><br />How studying philosophy made Kyle a better businessman<br />Why you should never forget to play the long game with your business<br />How to transition from starting something to maintaining it for the long haul<br />Why managers are just as important as the start-up entrepreneur<br />Why passion and motivation follow action<br />How planning can get in the way of taking action (but why it’s still important to plan)<br />Why you should develop systems instead of goals<br />How to create a more antifragile life<br />Why you should be taking more small bets<br />How to tell when you or a company have run out of good ideas<br />And much more!<br /><br />For more tips on entrepreneurship, ecommerce, and getting a startup off the ground, be sure to check out <a href="http://redirectingat.com/?id=54126X1301668&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstartupbros.com%2F&sref=rss">StartUp Bros</a>!<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/229646826&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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<a href="https://soundcloud.com/artofmanliness/149-thriving-in-uncertainty-with-kyle-eschenroeder">https://soundcloud.com/artofmanliness/149-thriving-in-uncertainty-with-kyle-eschenroeder</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-35332323670319695042015-10-23T07:14:00.002-07:002015-10-23T07:17:11.406-07:0016 Ways To Avoid Becoming The New York Times’ Modern Man<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;"><img alt="16 Ways To Avoid Becoming The New York Times’ Modern Man" class="js_annotatable-image cursor-crosshair" data-asset-url="http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--PNSDf5qw--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/1476953384689741125.jpg" data-chomp-id="1476953384689741125" data-format="jpg" src="http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--PNSDf5qw--/c_scale,fl_progressive,q_80,w_800/1476953384689741125.jpg" data-original-src="https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/1476953384689741125.jpg" height="450" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; cursor: crosshair !important; display: block; height: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="800" /></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><br /></span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">“The modern man cries…often,” reads Brian Lombardi’s puzzling, unintentionally satirical profile of what’s become of many male adults these days. A bunch of people told me I should write a response, so here you go.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">For all you girls out there, something you may not be aware of (but probably are) is that us guys spend a lot of time trying to figure out what our role is in the world. Be patient with us. Early on, there’s a lot of hormones wrapped up in it, which combine with stupidity to make us beholden to portrayals of manhood in popular culture. As they become adults, men want to be Bruce Willis in “Die Hard” or Ryan Gosling in “Drive.” As we get a little older, going down guns blazing begins to sound a little less romantic and trying to establish control and power over our own, realistic lives takes priority. That’s sorta where I see </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/02/fashion/mens-style/27-ways-to-be-a-modern-man.html?_r=0" style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">Lombardi’s piece</a><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"> directed; at guys who have moved on from wanting to be an action hero to wanting to be Thomas Crown. But you’re never going to get there by making melon balls.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">Who am I to be writing this? Well, as embarrassing as it is to think about, people seem to be under the impression that the little life I’ve built for myself is pretty “manly.” Right now, I’m tapping away on my Macbook Air inside a blind way up in the mountains. There’s a bow propped in front of me and a bear trail about 30 yards away. I’ve already got about 100lbs of meat this trip, which I field dressed myself, packed out of the woods with an <a href="http://gizmodo.com/two-ex-army-rangers-believe-flip-flops-and-sarongs-will-1687822266" style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">Army Ranger buddy</a>, butchered and, last night, turned about 70lbs of it into tasty sausage. I’ll eat a bunch of that myself, my dogs have already had their share, and I’ll give away a bunch too.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">When I bag this bear, I’ll have enough meat in my chest freezer that I shouldn’t have to buy any at the store for at least six months. And that’s with the BBQ I’ll throw and the stuff I’ll give away.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">I cry sometimes too, but usually that’s because I read a story about a dog dying.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Healthy: </u>This is the foundation for everything else. Exerting control over your own world starts with controlling your own body.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Strong:</u> And making your body as powerful as possible. This isn’t about bicep curls or shredded abs, it’s about the ability to pick up heavy things, resist injury and physically bend the world to your will.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Self-Sufficient:</u> There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from other people. That can actually be a tough lesson to learn for some of us. But, there is no more satisfying feeling than being able to take care of things yourself. Broken car? Broken body parts? Broken drain? Learn how to fix them yourself, then have the confidence to do so.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Willing To Learn:</u> Accept a challenge and rise to the occasion. Achieving that isn’t a case of fictional, movie-style preternatural or innate ability, it’s picking up a book, teaching yourself new skills, then practicing them for many, many hours. That can often involve being bad at something and making mistakes; accept that as part of the process.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Helpful:</u> We are privileged to be of healthy mind and body and to have the ability to bend the world to our will. Privilege comes with responsibility. See someone in a broken down car? It’s your responsibility as a capable person to stop and help them. Even if they’re not a pretty girl. Is someone having a harder time in life than you are? You should seek to help them too.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Daring: </u>You know t<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_Dares_Wins" style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">he motto of the SAS</a>. Without risk, there can be no reward. Don’t be foolish, but don’t be a coward either. Your body heals and your ego will too.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Reasoned:</u> Make up your own mind about things from a position of knowledge. Just because the whole Internet is upset about something doesn’t mean you should be too. Don’t let others dictate your opinion or actions, learn about stuff yourself and make up your own damn mind.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Kind:</u> Love animals. Love other people. Love nature. Be nicer to them than you would be to yourself.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Forceful: </u>You should have the ability to tell someone “no,” mean it, and get your way. This isn’t a metaphorical thing, the ability to swiftly and decisively apply violence to a problem often makes that problem go away before you need to do just that. Use this ability sparingly, but don’t be afraid to use it either.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Selfless:</u> Put the needs of others first. The prototypical example is giving a girl your jacket if she’s cold. But extend that approach to the rest of your life. I like guns and fast motorcycles and stuff like that as much as the next guy, but cast my vote based on what’s good for the country, not what’s good for me.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Persistent: </u>Create a goal, then work towards it relentlessly until you achieve it.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Responsible:</u> The ability to do or achieve powerful stuff can often come at the expense of putting others at risk. Don’t do that. Don’t drive fast on a road with other traffic. Don’t let career success harm other people or the world around you.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Creative:</u> Come up with ideas. Make those ideas a reality. Do stuff differently. I like making furniture. It’s not the best stuff out there and I had a set of shelves collapse the other day, but it is immensely satisfying to craft something unique with your own hands.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Useful:</u> What value do you offer to other people? Is it something intangible or is it something hard and real? Figure out what your use is and own it. Be The Man at work, for whatever your niche is. Offer your friends something beyond friendship. Empower those around you to gain from your presence.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Curious:</u> Ask people questions. Explore their motivations. Surround yourself with people who think differently than you and do stuff you don’t. Seek out new experiences and learn from them.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><u>Be Humble</u> There’s always going to be someone bigger, tougher, better or faster than you are. Either now, or coming up in your shadow. Staying humble won’t just make you more palatable to other people, but it will allow you to identify flaws in yourself and address them too.</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">What would you add?</span><span style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">Top photo: </span><a href="http://www.chrisbrinleejr.com/" style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">Chris “Manly Man” Brinlee Jr.</a>IndefinitelyWild is a new publication about adventure travel in the outdoors, the vehicles and gear that get us there and the people we meet along the way. Follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/indefinitelywild" style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; overflow: hidden; position: relative;">Facebook</a>.<br />
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Read the entire Article, unedited: <a href="http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/16-ways-to-avoid-becoming-the-new-york-times-modern-ma-1736979217">http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/16-ways-to-avoid-becoming-the-new-york-times-modern-ma-1736979217</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-7060188093332260012015-10-22T05:54:00.000-07:002015-10-22T05:54:00.078-07:00American Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;">When girls join forces, we're a force to be reckoned with. That's why we're uniting girls and inviting them to make a pledge for all girls everywhere. Watch to see what it means to be All for Girl, and Girl for All.</span><br />
<br style="color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;">Subscribe to American Girl: </span><a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://bit.ly/1WzqIwH" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #167ac6; cursor: pointer; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/1WzqIwH">http://bit.ly/1WzqIwH</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">10 Ways to Celebrate 'Back to the Future' Day</span><br />
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by KEITH WAGSTAFF<br />
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Just How Much Did 'Back to the Future' Get Right about October 2015? 2:19<br />
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Get ready for at least 1.21 gigawatts of fun. In "Back to the Future Part II," Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel to the future ... all the way to October 21, 2015. Well, we don't have flying cars yet, but that doesn't mean we can't have a good time by celebrating what has become known as Back to the Future Day.<br />
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Watch the movies at home: For the month of October, Amazon Prime members<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00439KW1Q/ref=pd_cbs__1">will be able to stream </a>all three "Back to the Future" movies for free. Movies are best watched with a fully hydrated pie from Pizza Hut, which, of course, appeared in the second movie as part of a product placement deal.<br />
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For those who want a higher resolution experience, Universal recently released a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Back-Future-Anniversary-Trilogy-Blu-ray/dp/B00198X0UO">30th anniversary Blu-ray set</a>.<br />
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Go to the theater: The movie is traveling back to the theater in many cities across the country. Sadly, it won't be playing in hologram form like "Jaws 19."<br />
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Take a vacation to "Hill Valley": Reston, Virginia! It's a Washington, D.C., suburb that, well, doesn't really have anything to do with the "Back to the Future" movies. Visitors on October 21, however, will find themselves in Marty McFly's hometown of Hill Valley.<br />
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The temporary name change comes thanks to the Washington West International Film Festival, which will air a 30th anniversary screening of "Back to the Future Part II" with actor Christopher Lloyd and screenwriter Bob Gale in attendance.<br />
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Related: <a href="http://www.today.com/money/back-future-part-ii-writer-talks-about-2015-predictions-1D80410566">"Back to the Future Part II" Writer Bob Gale Talks About His 2015 Predictions</a><br />
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Play some video games: In October, "<a href="http://halfbrick.com/our-games/jetpack-joyride/">Jetpack Joyride</a>" players are able able to play with a special "Back to the Future" theme for free. Next month, it will cost $9.99, so get to it fast —unless you have some kind of time machine that lets you travel into the past.<br />
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Ride a hoverboard: OK, so the cool Hendo and<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/lexus-takes-wraps-its-mysterious-slide-hoverboard-n404201"> Lexus hoverboards</a> that went viral aren't available for purchase. But you can do some rad finger flips with this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0100WOBA2?psc=1">tiny replica ($29.99)</a> that actually hovers (just barely!) in the air.<a href="http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2015_42/1265586/boxset_887ecbe2a2ae0c214b8b4234378ba6f5.nbcnews-ux-2880-1000.jpg"><img src="http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2015_42/1265586/boxset_887ecbe2a2ae0c214b8b4234378ba6f5.nbcnews-ux-600-480.jpg" /></a><br />
Mondo<br />
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Listen to the soundtrack: What "Back to the Future" fan doesn't love composer Alan Silvestri's classic score? Now it's available in a $105 vinyl box set that includes music from all three movies and some pretty sweet album art.<br />
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Drink a Pepsi Perfect: There is nothing like cracking open a Pepsi Perfect while confronting Griff Tannen at the Cafe 80's. On Wednesday, 6,500 lucky people will be able to order the limited-edition bottle on <a href="http://www.pepsi.com/en-us/featured/the-future-is-now-2">Pepsi's website</a>. You can also buy one for<a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xpepsi+back+to+the+futur.TRS0&_nkw=pepsi+back+to+the+future&_sacat=0"> more than $200 on eBay </a>from somebody who received one at New York Comic Con.<br />
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Take a look behind the scenes: Super fans can watch a documentary about the making of the films called "<a href="http://backintimefilm.com/">Back in Time</a>," featuring interviews with Michael J. Fox, Robert Zemeckis, Steven Spielberg and more. The movie will be released digitally on October 21.<br />
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Watch the Cubs in the playoffs: In the "Back to the Future Part II," the Chicago Cubs win the 2015 World Series. Back then, it seemed far-fetched. Now the team is facing off against the Mets in a series that will determine who goes on to compete for the whole enchilada.<br />
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Wednesday's game just so happens to take place at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Hopefully that means a lot of people will be dressed up in their best Marty McFly gear.<br />
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Time travel: This can be accomplished by listening to "Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News over and over again until you become delirious and think you have actually traveled back to 1985. <br />
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<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/10-ways-celebrate-back-future-day-n444721">http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/10-ways-celebrate-back-future-day-n444721</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/October212015BTTF">https://www.facebook.com/October212015BTTF</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-53108748515130279932015-10-21T06:09:00.003-07:002015-10-21T06:09:43.112-07:00Adding Steps<br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #ededed; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; width: 600px;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 9px 18px;" valign="top">By: Steven Pressfield | Oct 21, 2015 01:54 am<a href="http://stevenpressfield.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f0034a6dd187b930d2aa7774c&id=dcfcb54dd4&e=23dedc879b">Read in browser »</a><br /><br />This post goes out with thanks to Derick Tsai, who taught me a type of Resistance I had never thought of (or at least had never given a name to.)<br /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhGXfZEXkQgwyuC5Gt48tLO0EidInJ5nhX3LiQTAZPfToFov6a0XdXs3QmCUcNQkK78g2q5VpF1xewqHCFk7nGl1dTOQd_6V7EJNBs0WPbPbbnxnaJ4yJspy7tFoNeiN0GS5UVy8CJv1jcEOF21KHiOQCJjjW5FRqkgCGk_X-NXRiumilM=s0-d-e1-ft" /><br /><br />Usain Bolt. Resistance is always strongest at the finish line.<br /><br /><br /><br />Derick had been working for months on two big projects of his own. He was getting really close to the finish of both, when all of a sudden job offers started coming in. He was offered a teaching post. A movie wanted him to come on board. Two other plum positions opened up, begging him to join.<br /><br />Guess what happened to his two big projects.<br /><br />A month later Derick and I were talking. “I let ‘em both drop,” he said, cursing himself. “Then I realized what I was doing. I was adding steps between almost-finished and actually-finished.”<br /><br />I thought, “Wow, that’s a new one. Adding steps. I love it.”<br /><br />Isn’t it strange, too, how the universe steps in to screw us up? The rule of thumb for the finish of projects is, “Resistance is always strongest at the finish line.” Somehow that diabolical force can even produce job offers and “opportunities” at just the right time to knock us off course.<br /><br />The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this type of thing happened to me too. Or I should say, “I let it happen.” I accepted a research position once that I had no interest in. I’ve signed up for movies that had nothing to do with my vision for myself. Right at the finish of Something Big of my own. Arrrgggh.<br /><br />My first literary agent, many years ago, was a gentleman named Bart Fles. Bart was over ninety when he started representing me and very wise in the ways of the lit biz. He used to ask me, as I approached the end of a manuscript, “How close are you to finishing?”<br /><br />“Close, Bart. I’m really close.”<br /><br />“Close is good enough,” Bart would say. “Give it to me now.”<br /><br />I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but now I see how wise Bart was. He knew from decades of representing crazy writers (and what writer is not crazy?) that, as they neared the finish line, they’d inevitably begin tweaking and retweaking, doodling and noodling, and, in Derick Tsai’s phrase, adding steps.<br /><br />Delivering late could be fatal. That perfect editor that Bart had been priming for months … she might move to another job, acquire a book similar to ours, get married and take off on her honeymoon. Anything could happen. We could torpedo the whole submission.<br /><br />How much better, Bart knew, to get a manuscript in to an editor (even if it wasn’t 100% perfect) on October 20, when the publishing business was still functioning, than on December 10th, when everyone in the business had mentally checked out for the Holidays.<br /><br />To be clear, I’m not lobbying for turning in sloppy work. When we ship, we better ship a product that works. But there’s a big difference between pro-level and super-duper-perfect.<br /><br />Perfect can wait.<br /><br />Added steps can wait.<br /><br />Take a lesson from Derick and don’t let Resistance trick you.<br /><br />When you’re close, push hard and get it done.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"><a href="http://www.stevenpressfield.com/2015/10/adding-steps/?mc_cid=16d14cb93b&mc_eid=23dedc879b">http://www.stevenpressfield.com/2015/10/adding-steps/?mc_cid=16d14cb93b&mc_eid=23dedc879b</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-38770431213490645962015-10-20T13:53:00.003-07:002015-10-20T13:53:29.933-07:00The Power of belief -- mindset and success <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
| Eduardo Briceno | TEDxManhattanBeach</div>
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Published on Nov 18, 2012<br /><br /><br />The way we understand our intelligence and abilities deeply impacts our success. Based on social science research and real life examples, Eduardo Briceño articulates how mindset, or the understanding of intelligence and abilities, is key. When students or adults see their abilities as fixed, whether they think they're naturals or just not built for a certain domain, they avoid challenge and lose interest when things get hard. Conversely, when they understand that abilities are developed, they more readily adopt learning-oriented behaviors such as deliberate practice and grit that enable them to achieve their goals. But this belief is itself malleable, and there are clear actions we can all take to establish a growth mindset and enable success for our children, our peers and ourselves. <br /><br />Eduardo Briceño is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mindset Works (<a href="http://www.mindsetworks.com/">http://www.mindsetworks.com</a>), an organization that helps schools and other organizations cultivate a growth mindset culture. The growth mindset was discovered by Stanford professor and Mindset Works co-founder Carol Dweck, Ph.D., and is described in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (<a href="http://www.mindsetonline.com/">http://www.mindsetonline.com</a>). Mindset Works offers Brainology, an innovative blended learning program to teach a growth mindset to students, teachers and schools, as well as teacher professional development and tools (<a href="http://www.mindsetworks.com/brainology/">http://www.mindsetworks.com/brainology/</a>).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08363835685560703055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2518846623369511553.post-78670981156323157252015-10-19T07:30:00.002-07:002015-10-19T07:30:52.608-07:00Manvotional: The Essential Qualities of Leadership<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #f8f3ea; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; width: 500px;"><tbody></tbody></table>
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<br /><br /><br />Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2015/01/11/wwii-workout-week-the-importance-of-physical-fitness/">FM 21-20</a>, an Army field manual from 1946 that outlines the physical training program used by GIs during WWII. While the section is obviously directed at the leadership qualities that should be developed by the program’s fitness instructors, all of it can be applied to leaders in any situation. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever read a better distillation and summation of the essential qualities of leadership anywhere. <br />Section I. LEADERSHIP<br />THE LEADER<br /><br />The success or failure of the physical training program depends upon the quality of its leadership. The best results in a conditioning program can be obtained only if men are motivated to extend themselves completely in strenuous physical activities and to make every effort to perform all exercises in the prescribed form. Only the best leadership can inspire men to cooperate to this extent. For these reasons only the best qualified men in the unit should be selected to conduct instruction in physical training.<br />ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES<br /><br />a. The most essential quality of the physical training leader is the possession of abounding energy and enthusiasm. Physical training activities, if they are to be successful, must be carried on in a continuously snappy, vigorous manner. Whether or not they are depends upon the leader. The men invariably reflect his attitude whether it be enthusiastic or apathetic.<br /><br />b. The enthusiasm of the leader springs from the realization of the importance of his mission. He must be inspired by the thought that what he does every minute of every day may mean the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield, and between life and death of some of the men with whom he is working.<br /><br />c. The instructor must have complete mastery of his subject matter. Not only must he be able to explain and demonstrate all activities but he must know the best methods of presenting and conducting them. Mastery of subject matter is the first step in developing confidence, assurance and poise. The well-prepared, confident leader gains the respect and cooperation of the men at the outset. The unprepared, hesitant instructor loses the confidence and respect of his men almost immediately.<br /><br />d. Successful leadership in physical training requires that the instructor understand human nature. He must appreciate the individual physical and mental differences of the men with whom he is working. He must learn to know his group as individuals and he must be quick to recognize the signs which indicate their reactions to his instruction. The better he understands his men, and the more he can see the physical training program from their point of view, the more his instruction will succeed.<br /><br />e. No instructor can be successful unless he has the confidence of his men. He gains their confidence by commanding their respect. He wins their respect by his sincerity, his integrity, determination, his sense of justice, his energy, self-confidence, and force of character.<br /><br />f. The personal appearance and physical qualifications of the instructor are related to his effectiveness as a leader. He should exemplify the things he is seeking to teach. It is a great advantage if the leader himself can do all and more than he asks of his men. He must be physically fit because physical training leadership is so strenuous that considerable strength, endurance, coordination and agility are essential prerequisites for successful work.<br />MOTIVATION<br /><br />A successful physical training program requires the full cooperation of all the men. Physical training activities must be done accurately and intensively if they are to be of value. It is a simple matter to malinger if an individual chooses to do so. Since it is impossible to force troops to exercise properly every effort must be made to motivate them to do so. The most successful methods of motivation are indicated below:<br /><br />a. All soldiers must be “sold” upon the necessity of being in excellent physical condition. The leader must convince the men that a high level of physical fitness will give them a much better chance to survive in combat situations. When troops realize that their efforts are an investment in their own personal welfare it is not difficult to secure their wholehearted cooperation.<br /><br />b. One of the best methods of motivating participation in the more formal physical training activities is to combine them with athletics. <a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2015/01/12/wwii-workout-week-conditioning-exercises/">Conditioning exercises</a>, <a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2015/01/15/wwii-workout-week-guerrilla-exercises/">guerrilla exercises</a>, <a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2015/01/16/wwii-workout-week-running-and-grass-drills/">grass drills</a>, <a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2015/01/13/wwii-workout-week-log-exercises/">log exercises</a>, and running are activities about which soldiers are not particularly enthusiastic, but they will engage in them conscientiously and vigorously if they are followed by stimulating, competitive sports and games. Even though men realize the value of the purely conditioning activities they need the additional incentive to continue to put forth their full efforts over a long period of time.<br /><br />c. To introduce competition into the more formal conditioning activities is desirable. Groups may compete against each other to determine which performs the exercises with the best form, or which executes the most repetitions of the exercises in a definite period of time.<br /><br />d. Commanding officers themselves may provide one of the best incentives by participating in the physical training program. When troops feel that their commanders believe in physical conditioning to the extent that they themselves regularly engage in the activities, they are motivated to greater effort. In addition, troops invariably develop a greater esprit de corps and respect for their officers.<br /><br />e. The use of the cumulative count motivates participation in conditioning exercises. When men know how many repetitions of each exercise they have done they are challenged to equal or exceed it on succeeding days. The cumulative count thus serves as a self-testing device by which men compete against their own previous performances.<br /><br />f. The frequent use of the men as assistant leaders serves as an incentive to many of them. They work hard for this honor and they usually respond well to the responsibilities. The use of mass cadence is also very helpful in making the men feel a part of the program.<br /><br />g. Another method of motivation is <a href="http://www.artofmanliness.com/2011/09/12/are-you-as-fit-as-a-world-war-ii-gi/">physical efficiency testing</a>. Many men are powerfully motivated to improve their condition when physical liabilities are revealed to them by the testing program. Others feel challenged by the tests and strive to improve their score on the next one. Men compete against each other to show the greatest improvement. Some commanding officers offer incentives to those men with the best records. Others deny certain privileges to those men who have test scores considerably below the average. All of these devices serve to stimulate interest and participation in the physical training program.<br /><br />h. There is no more effective method of obtaining the energetic, wholehearted participation of the men in the physical training program than by providing skilled leadership. A leader who is admired and respected by his men has no difficulty in securing their cooperation. The good leader informs his men of the value of the different activities and the reasons for their inclusion in the program. He treats his men with consideration and does not impose unreasonable physical demands upon them. If men are exercised too violently, they become so stiff and sore that they look upon the next physical training period with apprehension. The men develop an antagonistic attitude toward the instructor and the program, and instead of cooperating they will malinger at every opportunity.<br />LEADERSHIP TECHNIQUES<br /><br />a. Unless the instructor experiences all the exercises himself, he cannot appreciate how arduous they are, what movements are most strenuous and difficult, where the errors of performance are likely to occur, and what the proper cadence should be.<br /><br />b. The instructor must commend good performance as quickly as he censures bad. Most men respond well to deserved praise. Whenever an individual performs an activity with exceptionally good form or results, it is a good idea to ask him to demonstrate it before the group. It is particularly important that the leader praise the less skillful performers when the occasion merits. The instructor must be able to distinguish between poor performance caused by lack of ability or aptitude on the part of the soldier and poor performance caused by indifference or lack of effort. He should treat the first with patience and understanding, the latter with firmness; he must never apply sarcasm and ridicule. The judicious exercise of a sense of humor is often helpful.<br /><br />c. To carry on an effective daily program, leaders will find it necessary to prepare a detailed outline of the daily activities. Even the most experienced leaders find it helpful to review the materials to be covered. No instructor should refer to notes or to a card during the course of the physical training period. He should memorize them. Every instructor must be thoroughly prepared before he is given the responsibility of a group.<br /><br />d. The heavy demand upon the physical training instructor’s voice can be lightened by using assistant instructors to count cadence. Mass cadence will achieve the same result.<br /><br />e. The men should never be kept too long in one position, especially a constrained one. No exercise should ever be performed a greater number of times than can be accomplished without loss of proper form. The instructor must be uncompromising in regard to the form in which all conditioning exercises are executed. Even slight deviations from the proper form will greatly reduce the value of the exercise.<br /><br />f. Long explanations should be avoided. As a rule, it should be necessary to give a full explanation of new exercises only. The most essential features of an exercise should be explained first. Details may be added later. Too many details at one time are more likely to confuse the men than to assist them. All minor corrections should be made to the entire class while the exercise is in progress (for example, “heads up,” “knees straight”). If necessary, this direction may be followed by the name of the man who is particularly at fault. If a man requires special attention, he should be given separate instruction by one of the assistant leaders to avoid wasting the time of the remainder of the group.<br /><br />g. Instructors should employ a positive rather than a negative approach in making corrections and giving demonstrations. It is much more effective to say “keep your knees straight” than “don’t bend your knees.” It is always better to demonstrate correct rather than incorrect form of an exercise or activity.<br /><br />h. Instructors must create among their men the desire to be fit. A very effective method of accomplishing this is to explain to them the reason and military value of the physical training activities. When troops understand the necessity for being fit and the reasons for what they are doing, they will want to be fit. Such an attitude is essential to a successful program.<br /><br /><div>
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