New York City – New York – USA (by Sergey Galyonkin) 

New York City – New York – USA (by Sergey Galyonkin

💙 Mystery… on 500px by kani polat, Bodrum,……

💙 Mystery… on 500px by kani polat, Bodrum,… http://ift.tt/2cwQxzo

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3 Steps To Effective Change Management

Have you ever watched the movie Moneyball?

The lead character Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, pressed forward in his plans to re-create the Oakland A’s baseball team. He pursued this goal with a single-minded determination, stating continuously, “It’s a process, It’s a process.”

Billy understood that in deconstructing the old way of doing things, you create the potential to build a new way. The story of Billy Beane is an example of how a systematic process can change the way you play the game. Following through from beginning to end is the key.

Research from Prosci indicates that “projects with excellent change management effectiveness are six times more likely to meet or exceed project objectives.” Completing the process improves not only the bottom line. It also builds trust and maintains continuity within the organization, thus reducing chaos within the organization.

Three Steps to Create an Effective Plan for Change

Use these steps as a template to create any new plan or goal. Change introduces the opportunity for an intentional plan that keeps the process moving forward.

These three steps may seem simple, but one misstep in any part of the process fractures the flow of the work. How many times have you seen a plan fall apart because there was no follow through on the goals?

Awareness

The first step in any process for change begins with an awareness of the situation. Awareness can come in many forms: the awareness that something needs to change, an awareness that there is a problem, or even an awareness that something just does not feel right.

As Claire Hartman, President of First Community Title in Temple, TX stated, “There was something I needed to work on from a professional standpoint, but I wasn’t sure how to get there. It was also personal. I could tell something was a little broken, but I couldn’t figure out how or what it was or even conceive how to look for what it was. It was a gut feeling. I didn’t know where to go.”

Awareness generates an opening for change.

Once you have created an awareness for change, then you start to look at the broader view and the available options. I sometimes call this the fantasyland view because, now, all things are possible.

Fantasyland view equals brainstorming. You explore all the possibilities, even the ones outside of your comfort zone. If you don’t expand your awareness of opportunities and issues, then you may miss options that change the way you accomplish business for the better.

Categorize both facts, which are verifiable and expectations, which are personal/organizational beliefs of what one wishes were true. The activity of awareness moves you into the second part, which is words.

Words

Words allows you to start putting form to fantasy. Words offer a place in the process where judgments of good or bad, or right or wrong do not exist. Talk about or write out all the possibilities that began to emerge with the first step of awareness. Confirm verifiable facts versus beliefs, which may differ from person to person within the group. With words, you create a plan for what you want to do and how you want to proceed.

management words

The second phase offers individuals the opportunity to discuss ideas and encourages creativity or innovation. If the words, “We have always done it that way” are uttered in this step, then you may need to take yourself or others in the group back to the awareness stage.

Fantasyland narrows into feasible options for what you want to accomplish and how you are going to achieve these changes. You may set goals and timelines so that there is a systematic approach to the changes. You also set rules for engagement to help keep the focus on the plan, not the problems.

Actions

The third and final step offers actions. When you ask the question, “Which tells the true nature of a person or an organization, their words or actions?” almost universally, the answer is actions.

By this step, you or individuals within the organization should see renewed awareness. The goals and objectives are written out with timelines. Until awareness and words become actions, effective change cannot occur, either personally or organizationally.

Remember, it’s a process, it’s a process. The process of change management takes time and forward momentum to be effective.

management action

A misstep of any of these three steps fractures the process. Without awareness, plans reduce to a narrower view, possibly missing key options that could benefit you or the organization. When you do not discuss possible options, then you may lose valuable information that identifies what regulations or limitations impede goals, and miss new emerging ideas. Without actions, the genuine nature of individuals and organizations diminishes due to inactivity and dissonance with the words.

As you forge through these steps toward your goals, it is important to remind yourself and others, “It’s a process. It’s a process.” The change you create by maintaining these three steps helps you and your team to become even more effective for a game-changing season.

 

The post 3 Steps To Effective Change Management appeared first on Dumb Little Man.

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A Holiday Home Near the Beach in Buenos Aires, Argentina

This house located in a beach area in Buenos Aires, Argentina was built as a holiday residence for its owners by Estudio Galera on a plot of over 1,000 m2. Its exterior, made of stone, concrete, and glass walls, hides in a lush forest that shelters and gives it privacy. Its extended outdoor areas include a swimming pool surrounded by beautiful gardens and from where we have direct access to..

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💙 Poppy on 500px by Magda Bognar, Toronto, Canada☀ ……

💙 Poppy on 500px by Magda Bognar, Toronto, Canada☀  … http://ift.tt/2djOwTP

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Learn by Example: 5 Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs

You’re reading Learn by Example: 5 Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’re enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

In business and life in general, it’s only normal to make mistakes now and again. Still, if the only lessons you learn en route are those you draw from your own mistakes, you won’t exactly be a happy camper on Planet Earth – or a thriving entrepreneur, for that matter. The good news is you don’t have to go putting your foot in all the wrong places until you’ve come up with the best choreography of entrepreneurial success: you can steal tricks from top-rated businessmen and learn by example instead. So, what items can you add to your bag of daily habits in order to hack safe and rapid entrepreneurial growth?

1. Put Your Customers First No Matter What

Entrepreneurs who rise above the curve are the ones who put their customers before profits. In an overly crowded marketplace, buyers have grown extremely sensitive to the way they’re being treated by brands, and they’ll quickly walk out of your door if they but suspect that their money, time, and personality aren’t valued. The focus on user experience over revenues is precisely the approach which earned Twitter founders Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, and Biz Stone an edge over the competition early on – and look how far they’ve come by now. The takeaway: put customer satisfaction first if you want to get your brand to attract potential users like a magnet and grow even when success seems impossible.

2. Take Every Chance and Drop Every Fear

The road to entrepreneurial stardom may be covered by thorns and slivers of broken glass, but if you don’t take to it, you should renounce hope of reaching the finish line in foreseeable future. A dose of caution and forethought is okay, but try not to overthink or overplan every step of the way in advance – and even more importantly, don’t let anyone sway your belief in success. Elon Musk is a shining example of a businessman who simply wouldn’t take ‘No’ for an answer, and it won him a hefty fortune and the title of a tech industry mogul. Musk’s secret success formula is dead simple: take risks and visualize success instead of failure, and you’ll be acing every project.

3. Go the Distance, Plus One Step Further

The early bird may not catch the worm, but the persistent one will eventually dig it out and take it home. The main difference between a successful and an average entrepreneur is the former’s ability to go the distance, and then take one step further. Although perfectionism isn’t always an asset in business, it can be an invaluable trump card up an emerging business shark’s sleeve. For instance, it’s a well-known fact that tenacity and commitment to excellence were precisely the qualities that got Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer a place in the corporate sun. The takeaway? Take to the road, make a run for the gold, and don’t stop ‘till your competitors run out of breath.

4. Come Up with a Regimented Agenda

Though little growth happens within the confines of the comfort zone, consistency is what keeps an entrepreneur’s bowling ball rolling towards the ninepins of peak business results. A clearly laid out daily agenda, with tasks and objectives listed according to priority, can help an up-and-coming businessman keep their eyes on the prize and minimize delays and dead alleys en route. Fueled founder and CEO Rameet Chawla says that a consistent schedule is key to brilliance, and she believes her priority-based lifestyle contributed to the startup’s rapid growth. If you want to avoid pitfalls and win medals fast, devise an achievable daily agenda and stick to it religiously.

5. Work Hard, Play Hard, Rest, Repeat

All work and little play never made a star entrepreneur. To rise above the crowd, you’ll need to achieve – and maintain – work-life balance, and play at least as hard as you work. You can use opportunities such as business trips to let your inner child have a go at travel gadgets and board games, or design a part of the office as play area to keep motivation in check on busy work days and during slow weekend shifts. “Work hard, play hard” is the slogan Richard Branson swears by and it’s apparently worked for him like a charm, and it also opened his mind and heart, allowing him to participate in the creation of a better world on a daily basis.

As human beings, we’re creatures of habit and daily rituals give structure and substance to our lives. If you want to pull out all the stops on the quest to the Garden of Entrepreneurial Eden, arm yourself with these habits and steer your business onto the speedy and successful lane in a flash. Good luck!

You’ve read Learn by Example: 5 Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you’ve enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.

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Old State House – Boston –  Massachusetts – USA…

Old State House – Boston –  Massachusetts – USA (by worldaroundtrip

How to Sell Your Old Car for Cash

When an older car becomes useless for the owner, it may be stored in the yard or in a garage for many years until the owner decides to have it hauled away for scrap. In some cases, individuals inherit a property with a junk car on it and need to haul it away so that the property can be listed for sale.

Junk cars initially appear to be worthless, and they may even be a dangerous eyesore to have on your property. The good news is that you can easily use a junk car removal service to clear away the clutter on your property.

In addition, you may even be able to get cash for scrap cars if you know how to sell your old car properly.

Why Sell Your Car for Cash?

cash payment

If you have a junk car on your property, you essentially have two options. These are to keep the car in place or to have someone haul it away.

Keeping the car in place is not desirable because the junk car may be taking up much-needed space on your property. It is unsightly to look at, and you may wonder about the safety of having rusted metal parts and perhaps even broken glass on your property.

Hauling away the junk car is a better idea, and you can either pay to have someone junk the car for you or get cash for scrap cars. The latter is obviously a preferred option. After all, why would you pay someone to take something that still has true value?

You may be surprised by how much money you can get by simply letting the right company haul your car away for you. Knowing that you can turn your junk car into cash with ease can entice you to act quickly to remove the vehicle from your property.

Remember that paying someone to haul the vehicle away means that your clunker is going to a landfill. On the other hand, hauling your car for scrap means that the material will be recycled in some way. Selling the car for scrap is therefore a better option for the environment as well as a preferred option for your wallet.

Where Can You Sell Your Car for Cash?

After you have decided to proceed with junk car removal, you must then decide which service provider to use for the job. Some junk removal companies will charge you a small fortune for junk car removal, and you should avoid working with these companies.

While your junk car may seem worthless, the materials it is made out of have value. When you sell your car for scrap, you can easily turn the vehicle into a stack of money.

Simply look for a junk car buyer who will pay you to haul your vehicle away. You should never have to pay money to have someone haul the car away for you. All vehicles can be sold as scrap cars for cash, regardless of their age, condition, make or model. This means that selling your scrap car for cash is a viable option for you to consider.

When Should You Sell a Junk Car for Cash?

junk car

There is no better time to sell car for scrap than right now. With each passing day that the vehicle sits on your property, it is taking up space that can be better used for other things. It is creating an unpleasant eyesore on the property, and it may even pose a danger to others who live with you or who visit your property.

More than that, you may need access to the cash that selling the vehicle provides. Some scrap car buyers can travel to your property to remove the vehicle within a few days, and this means that you may be able to have cash in your hand and the car removed from your property in a short period of time.

It is easy to overlook a junk car on your property that has been sitting in place for months or years. The longer the vehicle is present, the more accustomed you are to its sight. However, whether you are cleaning up your property while preparing to move, doing spring cleaning for your own benefit or looking for great ways to get extra cash, selling the junk car and turning it into money is a wonderful idea. The first step to take is to research car buyers in your area who are willing to pick the car up and who will pay you cash on the spot for the vehicle.

 

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The Top 5 Boat Shows In The US

Are you a boat enthusiast? Do you know the best US boat shows?

Boat shows are held all over the country and give boat owners and enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the latest boat designs and models. These events also allow companies to showcase the newest technology and software in marine electronics, accessories, gifts and apparel.

We compiled a list of the best in the country. In this post, we will show you 5 of the best boat shows in the US that you should be marking on your calendar.

Atlanta Boat Show: Atlanta, Ga
January 12-15

atlanta boat show
Via scoopotp

This is one you can’t miss in downtown Atlanta. It has been around for more than 50 years and includes everything from sport cruisers to fishing boats to houseboats. There are seminars and courses for everyone as well as a sailing simulator, Kid Zone, and an interactive learning center.

The fourth-generation Miss GEICO catamaran will make an appearance as well. For the James Bond fans, there will be a working replica of the iconic Lotus Esprit submarine car from 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me!

You will surely have a great time in this boat show as you will learn about so many things in one place. It will surely be a feast to the eyes.

Miami International Boat Show: Miami, Fl
February 16-20

miami international boat show
Via greatlakesscuttlebutt

Known as one of the greatest boat shows in the world, the Miami International Boat Show is one of Florida’s largest events.There are over 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors offering everything from boats, apparel and more. There are powerboating classes running from one hour to three hours, basic and advanced docking skills and so much more.

You can also compare and try before you buy! Expanded demo docks and sea trials allow you to compare and talk with dealers to ensure you are making the right decision. So if you are ever planning to buy a boat, this boat show is one that you certainly should visit because you will get all the chance that you need to discover which boat is best suited for you.

World Championship Cardboard Boat Races: Herber Springs, AR
Late July

world championship cardboard boat races
Via pinterest

Held in Herber Springs, Arkansas, the World Championship Cardboard Boat Race puts contestants’ creativity and boat building skills to the test. Adults and children race on a 200 yard course.

Over the last 26 years, there have been entries such as USS battleships, trains, rockets and even the Starship Enterprise. They also have an array of activities that include food eating contests, tug of war and the famous Cardboard Boat Demolition Derby.

This is surely a different kind of boat show because you will get to see the creativity of each team. You will also be entertained by the varied themes and designs they are able to come up with. This boat show is one to watch!

Newport International Boat Show: Newport, Rhode Island
September 14-17,2017

newport international boat show
Via boattalk

Occupying 13 acres of Newport Harbor, this show allows you to enjoy everything the “City By The Sea” has to offer! You will be able to experience the debuts of a full range of powerboats and sailboats and attend educational seminars presented by the top professionals in their field.

The festivities do not end when the sun goes down. You can walk down the cobblestone streets, shop in the variety of specialty boutiques, and eat at some of the top rated restaurants in New England.

The boat show is not the only highlight here as you can discover the place on your own, starting with the gastronomical adventures you can have.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Late October

fort lauderdale international boat show
Via showmanagement

Set in the “Yachting Capital of the World”, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat show is a South Florida staple. For over 50 years, it is also the largest boat show in the world.

From yacht builders and designers to rare exotic cars, the show is the the place to see and be seen. Over 18 different kinds of vessels including sportfishers, high performance catamarans and unbelieveable super yachts all displayed in six different locations and worth over a billion dollars. There will certainly a boat that is fit for you in this boat show as it caters to almost all kinds of boats for every kind of purpose.

Don’t miss out on these amazing events. Do your research, take your pick of these US boat shows, and bring a fellow boat enthusiast with you!

 

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ADE Architecture Extensively Refurbishes a Home in London, England

House Four by ADE Architecture (4)

When many people think of modern housing, their minds often go to brand new buildings that have only just been constructed. On the contrary, however, some of our favourite contemporary homes have actually already been standing for generations and have simply been recently refurbished. We’re huge fans of any design and decor scheme that makes an otherwise outdated building into something modern but comfortable. That’s exactly the story with House..

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