Above the Call of Duty

John Gebhardt’s wife, Mindy, said that this little girl’s entire family was executed. The insurgents intended to execute the little girl also, and shot her in the head…but they failed to kill her. She was cared for in John’s hospital and is healing up, but continues to cry and moan. The nurses said John is the only one who seems to calm her down, so John has spent the last four nights holding her while they both slept in that chair. The girl is coming along with her healing.

He is a real Star of the war, and represents what America is trying to do.

This, my friends, is worth sharing. Go for it!! You’ll never see things like this in the news. Please keep this going. Nothing will happen if you don’t, but the American public needs to see pictures like this and needs to realize that what we’re doing over there is making a difference. Even if it is just one little girl at a time.

When your customer calls – will you be there?
When your client has a critical need – will you be able to fulfill their request?
The situation may not be as grave or as threatening as war – but it could mean the life or death of their business.

Sometimes, to project and protect your brand – you must allow your most valued asset to rise above the normal call of duty.

Particularly for the small and medium size business owner – this formula will hold true.

Stronger relationships equals a stronger brand

Ever wonder why some brands seem to continue to flourish over time – how they have the ability to fight off the ebbs and flows and the ups and downs of economic cycles. I submit to you, it’s all about relationships – all about trust.

They are successful, because they have found the ability to nourish and sustain trustful, engaging and contagious alliances with their customers and suppliers. They have learned how to get the most out of the supply chain and how to effectively deliver the service and products that their clients demand.

To sum it all up – it’s all about listening to the desires and expectations of those who are critical in your businesses success. If you help them win – they will help you win, as well.

Again the formula is: the stronger the relationship, the stronger the brand.

Protect and project your most valued asset, by fostering solid alliances and relationships with your base.

Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed some of the most notable brands in the sports world, take hits – meaning they lost championships or events to the most unlikely competitors.

It just goes to show that even winners, sometimes come in second.

Take Tiger Woods, Serena Williams and Roger Federer – three phenomenal sports figures from the Golf, and Tennis worlds – who most recently suffered losses not perceived as likely. Do they now give up, and turn in the towel, or do they go back to their venues of reflection and continue to work on their craft.

I submit to you, the latter will occur – because in order to be number one in any endeavor – you must first be pushed towards excellence – so that the best part of your craft is presented more often than your opponents.

Anyone that is successful, knows how to always strive to bring their best to the table – thereby increasing the potential outcome of success.

Project your most valued asset – the inherent value and power of your name.

The United States of America

A recognizable and revered brand is our nation – the U.S.A. as called by some.

She stands for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Inalienable rights and freedoms, not known in many parts of the world. Yet with all of our privileges, it appears that we as Americans are devaluing the true spirit of our brand, through our uncivil and disrespectful acts of separatism, racism, and selfish pursuits of greed.

In just eight short years, since the tragic experience of 911 – where we saw countless numbers of Americans, turning to GOD for counsel and solace – we find ourselves acting as silent terrorist.

What must the rest of the world think about us – when we show so much civil disrespect for our leadership – sparing no amount of false integrity, in order to gain some temporal measure of political gain, at the expense of privileges rightly due to all Americans.

America’s most valued assets, are her people – all of her people. The haves and the have nots – for how can we lead the rest of the world, when we can’t show leadership within our own borders.

Wake up America – protect and project all of your most valued assets. All are worthy of respect – remember that ingenuity and creativity, can come from the least as well as from those who possess the most.

There are some brands that are strictly off limits – meaning if you attempt to adopt this brand, you need to bring something significant and not ordinary to the table. Because if you do, you will be perceived as imitation only.

The first brand that comes to mind, is the brand – “MJ”

Just look at this talented roster, and ponder if there is something more than magic for those who adopt this brand. Of course we know – magic has nothing to do with it – just like odds: The successes of these individuals is all about preparation and determination.

Here’s my list – feel free to add yours:

Michael Jackson
Michael Jordon
Magic Johnson
Michael Johnson

And not only have they succeeded in their principal craft – they also where able to be winners in areas, outside of their comfort zones.

Basically, a strong, compelling and engaging brand, is someone that wears the heart of a champion – in any area of their life.

Look deep in your heart, and discover the roots of your most valued asset – the inherent power of your name.