Photo “Late Night In The Dark” by Knud Nielsen

9 Beliefs of Remarkably Successful People

by Jeff Hagen, author, INC.com

1. Time doesn’t fill me. I fill time.

Deadlines and time frames establish parameters, but typically not in a good way. The average person who is given two weeks to complete a task will instinctively adjust his effort so it actually takes two weeks.

Forget deadlines, at least as a way to manage your activity. Tasks should only take as long as they need to take. Do everything as quickly and effectively as you can.
Then use your “free” time to get other things done just as quickly and effectively.

Average people allow time to impose its will on them; remarkable people impose their will on their time.

2. The people around me are the people I chose.

Some of your employees drive you nuts. Some of your customers are obnoxious.
Some of your friends are selfish, all-about-me jerks.

You chose them. If the people around you make you unhappy it’s not their fault. It’s your fault. They’re in your professional or personal life because you drew them to you–and you let them remain.

Think about the type of people you want to work with. Think about the types of customers you would enjoy serving. Think about the friends you want to have.

Then change what you do so you can start attracting those people.
Hardworking people want to work with hardworking people. Kind people like to associate with kind people.
Remarkable employees want to work for remarkable bosses.

Successful people are naturally drawn to successful people.

3. I have never paid my dues.

Dues aren’t paid, past tense. Dues get paid, each and every day. The only real measure of your value is the tangible contribution you make on a daily basis.

No matter what you’ve done or accomplished in the past, you’re never too good to roll up your sleeves, get dirty, and do the grunt work.  No job is ever too menial, no task ever too unskilled or boring.

Remarkably successful people never feel entitled–except to the fruits of their labor.

4. Experience is irrelevant. Accomplishments are everything.

You have “10 years in the Web design business.” Whoopee. I don’t care how long you’ve been doing what you do. Years of service indicate nothing; you could be the worst 10-year programmer in the world.

I care about what you’ve done: how many sites you’ve created, how many back-end systems you’ve installed, how many customer-specific applications you’ve developed (and what kind
… all that matters is what you’ve done.

Successful people don’t need to describe themselves using hyperbolic adjectives like passionate, innovative, driven, etc. They can just describe, hopefully in a humble way, what they’ve done.

5. Failure is something I accomplish; it doesn’t just happen to me.

Ask people why they have been successful. Their answers will be filled with personal pronouns:
I, me, and the sometimes too occasional we.

Ask them why they failed. Most will revert to childhood and instinctively distance themselves, like the kid who says, “My toy got broken…” instead of, “I broke my toy.”

They’ll say the economy tanked. They’ll say the market wasn’t ready. They’ll say their suppliers couldn’t keep up.

They’ll say it was someone or something else.

And by distancing themselves, they don’t learn from their failures.

Occasionally something completely outside your control will cause you to fail. Most of the time, though, it’s you. And that’s okay. Every successful person has failed. Numerous times. Most of them have failed a lot more often than you. That’s why they’re successful now.

Embrace every failure: Own it, learn from it, and take full responsibility
for making sure that next time, things will turn out differently.

6. Volunteers always win.

Whenever you raise your hand you wind up being asked to do more.

That’s great. Doing more is an opportunity: to learn, to impress, to gain skills, to build new relationships–to do something more than you would otherwise been able to do.

Success is based on action. The more you volunteer, the more you get to act.
Successful people step forward to create opportunities.

Remarkably successful people sprint forward.

7. As long as I’m paid well, it’s all good.

Specialization is good. Focus is good. Finding a niche is good.

Generating revenue is great.

Anything a customer will pay you a reasonable price to do–as long as it isn’t unethical, immoral,
or illegal–is something you should do.

Your customers want you to deliver outside your normal territory? If they’ll pay you for it, fine. They want you to add services you don’t normally include? If they’ll pay you for it, fine. The customer wants you to perform some relatively manual labor and you’re a high-tech shop? Shut up, roll ‘em up, do the work, and get paid.

Only do what you want to do and you might build an okay business. Be willing to do what customers want you to do and you can build a successful business.

Be willing to do even more and you can build a remarkable business.

And speaking of customers…

8. People who pay me always have the right to tell me what to do.

Get over your cocky, pretentious, I-must-be-free-to-express-my-individuality self. Be that way on your own time.

The people who pay you, whether customers or employers, earn the right to dictate what you do and how you do it–sometimes down to the last detail.

Instead of complaining, work to align what you like to do with what the people who pay you want you to do.

Then you turn issues like control and micro-management into non-issues.

9. The extra mile is a vast, unpopulated wasteland.

Everyone says they go the extra mile. Almost no one actually does. Most people who go there think, “Wait… no one else is here… why am I doing this?” and leave, never to return.

That’s why the extra mile is such a lonely place.

That’s also why the extra mile is a place filled with opportunities.

Be early. Stay late. Make the extra phone call. Send the extra email. Do the extra research. Help a customer unload or unpack a shipment. Don’t wait to be asked; offer. Don’t just tell employees what to do–show them what to do and work beside them.

Every time you do something, think of one extra thing you can do
especially if other people aren’t doing that one thing. Sure, it’s hard.

But that’s what will make you different.

And over time, that’s what will make you incredibly successful.

Jeff Haden has written more than 30 non-fiction books, including four Business and Investing titles that reached #1 on Amazon’s bestseller list.    Click here to review more insightful articles by Jeff Haden.

Sensational Events is a distinct full-service event planning and production company that creates one-of-a-kind experiences for discerning individuals and companies. Based in sunny Arizona, our event planning team serves Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson and surrounding areas. Since 2001, Sensational Events has been a leader in the industry by focusing on experience and innovation, not formula and routine.
Our event planning team provides turn-key personalized coordination in all its divisions;
parties, mitzvahs, corporate, weddings and destination events.

We invite you to contact us today to see how we can turn your event into a SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE!
Call 602-696-4646 or email us at events@sensationalevents.com.

STRENGTH. RESOLVE. SACRIFICE.

It was a beautiful cool day on Sunday, May 27, 2012 as Arizonans came together to ride as one in the
2nd Annual Memorial Day Ride & Concert presented by Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln. With this being the first year adding the concert to the event, we are very proud to be able to donate $3,750 to support the Patriot Guard Riders AZ Chapter and the American Legion Riders 138 Legacy Fund.

WHAT IS MEMORIAL DAY?
The day itself is the reminder of strength, resolve and sacrifice that our armed forces manifest in life and in death defending this nation. Why it must continue to be so should be in the hearts of all citizens who benefit from the protections afforded us by those who assume great risks as members of our military.

To honor Memorial Day more than 375 bikers showed up with flags on their motorcycles and lined the parking lot and onto the street at Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson. Registration had to kick into gear an hour and a half early due to all the bikers who wanted to sign up. The main stop to the National Memorial Cemetery was both emotional and moving. After regrouping the Patriot Guard Riders escorted the group across town to the Concert and After Party at Dillon’s at the Wildlife World Zoo where approximately 500 – 600 listened and danced to a great performance by Western Bred band and enjoyed BBQ by Dillon’s.

Sensational Events is proud to be the event producer for the past two years on this event and thanks you for your support in honoring our fallen American heroes. This annual event can only grow stronger with the communities support – won’t you join us next year?

Thanks to Harley Bonham Photography who shot some amazing photos of the entire day from ride registration to dancing at the after party plus created this montage.

THANKS TO OUR “ALL AMERICAN” COMMUNITY SPONSORS

Thank you to our loyal and trusted sponsors who are the backbone of this team and care enough about our troops to make a difference and get involved.

SAVE THE DATE

Sensational Events is a distinct full-service event planning and production company that creates one-of-a-kind experiences for discerning individuals and companies. Based in sunny Arizona, our event planning team serves Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson and surrounding areas. Since 2001, Sensational Events has been a leader in the industry by focusing on experience and innovation, not formula and routine.
Our event planning team provides turn-key personalized coordination in all its divisions;
parties, mitzvahs, corporate, weddings and destination events.

We invite you to contact us today to see how we can turn your event into a SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE!
Call 602-696-4646 or email us at events@sensationalevents.com.

No matter what your religious preference is, holding true to your beliefs makes us who we are.
I feel…”it’s when we show up for the happy, celebratory occasions that make lasting memories.”

The outside patio is transformed with white drape and portofino lighting.

The Slate family along with their friends mark the rite of Amanda’s passage into adulthood at her Bat Mitzvah ceremony and celebration! As you can see from the video the event was overflowing with love and laughter! Photo montage by Harley Bonham Photography

The upstairs is spacious with wood flooring and beautiful views.

CONCEPT
Club Amanda
“A Bat Mitzvah Celebration”

INVITATION
Modern and PINK. Invitation custom designed by Kim McDowell, The Event Essentials.

ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Timbo is one of my favorite DJ’s!  He’s not only a DJ, he’s the entertainment energy bunny.

STYLE
Hot pink glitter dots add the necessary sparkle to top all the guest tables. Adult tables showcased an elegant touch with a platinum lamour bottom linen. Teen tables had a pop of purple color to match the scattered pink and purple candies. Linens by Southwick Linens.

DÉCOR
To create a more private and intimate feel, white drape was added along with beautiful pink satin tie-backs. The walls were washed with a warm pink-purple glow which helps create great ambiance and stellar pictures. The tables glowed with many floating candles in clear glass cylinders which sat on top of pink gel beads. The attention to detail is what brings me back to hiring Corinne Carr, owner of Creative Occasions, event after event.

CUISINE
Catering by Ciao Baby Catering.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Harley Bonham Photography

Sensational Events is a distinct full-service event planning and production company that creates one-of-a-kind experiences for discerning individuals and companies. Based in sunny Arizona, our event planning team serves Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson and surrounding areas. Since 2001, Sensational Events has been a leader in the industry by focusing on experience and innovation, not formula and routine.
Our event planning team provides turn-key personalized coordination in all its divisions;
parties, mitzvahs, corporate, weddings and destination events.

We invite you to contact us today to see how we can turn your event into a SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE!
Call 602-696-4646 or email us at events@sensationalevents.com.

Working on a family event the stakes are even higher!

A little family background: I’m considered a part of “old Phoenix.” My family has been here for more than 40 years originally from Skokie, Illinois. I have three sisters, one older and two younger (Liz is the youngest). I feel very fortunate to have my parents alive and well, and to be close with my sisters, their husbands, my nieces and nephews.

I run my business with my clients in mind as if I am helping family. Their events, whether a mitzvah, charity event or corporate meeting, are important to me. I want to make sure that they feel protected- that their expectations have not only been met but exceeded. I am proud to present my clients with choices from a carefully selected group of vendors to make their events have a unique WOW factor (and anyone who knows how carefully I select my wine knows how selective I am with my vendors!).

CONCEPT
Bat Mitzvah – Celebrating a Milestone

Bar/Bat Mitzvah means “son/daughter of the commandment. A Jewish boy automatically becomes a Bar Mitzvah on the day after he reaches the age of 13 years and a girl the day after she turns 12 years.

INVITATION
Pink and sparkles define the look and feel of my niece and bat mitzvah, Isabel Safrin.
Sensational Events carries the finest invitation books including letterpress.

STYLE/VENUE
With a venue like Myst you have style built right in.  The club theme attracts young adults with its great intelligent lighting and special effects, and a cool atmosphere. For the adults just add elegant décor pieces like the light up tables and feather lamps, and a fully stock bar with great spirits.
Venue by Evening Entertainment Group.  Décor by Creative Occasions.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Cheswick Photography – Tom and Francine Cheswick

Sensational Events is a distinct full-service event planning and production company that creates one-of-a-kind experiences for discerning individuals and companies. Based in sunny Arizona, our event planning team serves Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson and surrounding areas. Since 2001, Sensational Events has been a leader in the industry by focusing on experience and innovation, not formula and routine.
Our event planning team provides turn-key personalized coordination in all its divisions;
parties, mitzvahs, corporate, weddings and destination events.

We invite you to contact us today to see how we can turn your event into a SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE!
Call 602-696-4646 or email us at events@sensationalevents.com.

Here’s the scoop on CardMunch…

CardMunch is a FREE IPhone app via LinkedIn that turns business cards into contacts.

Here’s how easy and smart this program is.
Step: 1 Take a picture with the app and a business card is converted to a contact automatically.
Step 2:  Add contacts to your iPhone address book:
* Click the ‘Edit’ button in the contact list
* For each contact press the Arrow button to Add to iPhone
Step 3: Add your contact to your LinkedIn connections
*It will also show you the contacts LinkedIn profile information and the connections you have in common.

ABOUT CARDMUNCH

REAL HUMANS, NOT COMPUTERS
Every business card you submit is transcribed, edited and reviewed by multiple workers to guarantee accuracy. Their workers even crop the company logos from business cards! Because it’s typed by humans you will want to verify the information. I actually caught a couple errors so double check for accuracy before tossing the card.

SYNCED CONTACTS
Never lose a contact again! CardMunch backs up and syncs all your contacts to your web account and phone. You can log in to any phone and recover all your contacts.

LIMITS
There are no limits to the number of business cards you can add to CardMunch.

PRICING
FREE! I know I couldn’t believe it either but I’ve uploading more than 100 cards (yes, I know I was a bit behind in updating my new business friends) and have had no request for money. From the research online LinkedIn but the company which was charging a fee and did away with that and now plans on keeping this as a free service connected through their company.

I enjoy sharing great “finds” like this so if you find it useful too – pass it on!

Sensational Events is a distinct full-service event planning and production company that creates one-of-a-kind experiences for discerning individuals and companies. Based in sunny Arizona, our event planning team serves Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tucson and surrounding areas. Since 2001, Sensational Events has been a leader in the industry by focusing on experience and innovation, not formula and routine.
Our event planning team provides turn-key personalized coordination in all its divisions;
parties, mitzvahs, corporate, weddings and destination events.

We invite you to contact us today to see how we can turn your event into a SENSATIONAL EXPERIENCE!
Call 602-696-4646 or email us at events@sensationalevents.com.