So many folks are struggling with finances these days. I like listening to Dave Ramsey and Clark Howard on how I can save money; I think they do a great job. But my absolute favorite speaker/writer on personal success is Larry Winget. He tells us what we don’t want to hear. Anyway, my Great Idea this week is to go buy one of his books. They will make you laugh, think, and find new ways to be a better parent, spouse, and business person. Go to his website and buy all of his stuff. And, by all means, follow him on Facebook and Twitter or watch for him on TV; he’s on Fox all the time and other places.

Since a lot of professional speakers also follow me here, I bought a copy of the presentation he made at the National Speakers Association convention in July titled Building a Breakout Brand; it was “lights out.” Buy it here.

One of my goals is to have Larry Winget speak at my GROW! Event; I hope to get this done some time in the near future.

PS – Don’t forget the October 4th webinar with Joe Calloway. He’ll be sharing his ideas for Success-Minded Entrepreneurs. Sign up today!

I believe in Social Media. I don’t think it’s something you should spend tons and tons of time on but I do see value now and in the future of participating in it. In fact, I’ve learned a lot about it and have an Intern from the University of Dayton, Vince Torchia, whose sole responsibility is our Social Media Efforts.

Here’s a column and a video from USA Today that is very well done and offers up some great ideas on how to implement and improve your use of one of the Social Media venues, Facebook. Enjoy.

There is still time to sign up for Joe Calloway’s October 4th Webinar titled Ideas for Success-Minded Entrepreneurs. Sign up today. Joe was such a hit at this year’s GROW! Event that you won’t want to miss this webinar. We also have a few spots left for the October 21st Grunder Field Trip in Dayton. Come and see what makes Grunder Landscaping Company one of the Midwest’s best landscaping companies. Sign up now.

Here’s a photo of my team in one of our Core Values meetings.

We meet every quarter and have lunch and discuss the examples each of us has seen that support our Core Values. It’s a quick hour, at the most, that always helps us see what’s really important.

It’s hard when you are busy to see the value in meetings. It’s even harder to have the discipline to do them. But, your Core Values, the behaviors that make up the culture of your company, are the foundation to your success.

Here’s a copy of our Core Values:

1. Quality. We must do everything the best possible way. We are completely committed to high standards in all aspects of our business. We will:

• Use the best materials and continually enhance our offerings.
• Hire the best team and develop new leaders through mentoring and training.
• Provide the best service and continually look for opportunities to improve.
• Commit to the safest work environment with no compromises and continual vigilance.

2. Leadership. We are a leader in our industry and our community and therefore dedicated to being the best in all that we do. As a leader we will:

• Deliver high standards in quality and service.
• Be good environmental stewards.
• Act with integrity and professionalism with our employees, clients, vendors and peers.
• Maintain an image that supports our mission.

3. Teamwork. We strive to work together with our clients, vendors, team members, and the entire community by:

• Showing respect to all.
• Supporting cooperation.
• Adapting to the ever-changing work environment.
• Providing effective communication to all.

4. Profitability. The efficient use of labor and materials results in a profitable company. Being profitable enables us to:

• Reinvest in new equipment, processes, facilities, and people to help us grow.
• Provide for growth and opportunities for our team.
• Help our team provide for themselves and their families.
• Give back to the community.

If you need help or want to learn more about how you identify your firm’s Core Values, call us; I’d be happy to discuss the various options we have to help you move your firm forward.

Two weeks ago I encouraged you to take a little time with your families before school started. The immediate response to that great idea was so impressive that we sent out more than five books and we finally had to cut off the number of photos we saved from the responses.

As this is the last summer hurrah, I hope you are all spending some down time with your families this weekend. We all know how quickly the children and grandchildren grow up; let’s not waste any of that time.

So if you didn’t get some of that earlier family time, my idea for this week is to plan something for the next weekend coming up. Or go home from work early and surprise your family. Do something out of your ordinary routine to show your family how much you love and appreciate them.

We wanted to acknowledge the people who sent in the early photos. It looks as if everyone was having fun. So here they are:

The Brogan children waiting to board a flight with their parents for a Colorado vacation! John, Atlanta, GA “It’s my son Evan and I heading out on a go-carting adventure on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.” Nate, Peoria, IL “I have attached a picture of our family’s latest project-canning peaches. We get together on an afternoon-Dad always does the technical end-we cut and peel. It is work, but provides an enjoyable time with family and great food all winter. Dad is a teacher, so our summers growing up were filled with gardening and canning together.” Philip, Lewis Center, OH “Picture of myself, and my brother and sister from today’s lunch after church. My sister turned 25 yesterday and is a 3rd year medical school student!” John, Houston, TX “Here is a pic of a Port Aransas beach trip 2 weeks ago with my son Wes. Trying to get in a little fun time before school. He started school last week.” Todd, Austin, TX “On Friday night, I took my grandson to Dierkes Lake north of Twin Falls and we caught this stringer of Bluegill, took them home and grilled them for dinner.  School starts today, so this was our last days of summer fishing trip. Cool, huh?” Dave, Twin Falls, ID “My wife and I just spent a week at the lake and a day at the zoo… a night at the hotel and then a day at Nickolodean Universe at Mall of America. They had a blast… so this falls more in line with your great idea from last week. ….but please don’t share the picture… my wife would KILL me!” Randy, St. Joseph, MN (Randy, we can all relate to that so, Mrs. Randy, we respect your privacy.) “Afternoon with Sahra and Nash at the legion park. Our second child is due on Oct. 20th.” Adam, Columbia, IL “We’ve been working a lot of Saturdays. Realizing the summer is almost over, we attempted to head up to the beach; however, after breakfast with my little builders, bad weather was coming in so we had to turn around, but luckily found a hobby farm called ‘Round the Bend’ with a petting zoo. They had a great time, and I enjoyed the quality time.” Kyle, Concord, Ontario, Canada “My husband and I own a small lawncare business and have for 21 years. It is only him and one more helper. He likes to be on site with every job. We have a 13-year-old and our family has always come first with both of us. My husband tries to only work 4 days a week and he enjoys the other three with us. Here is a photo of our favorite hobby. We ride ATVs on the weekends.” Shelley & Allen, Rome, GA “Well I did it! I had a half day of fun with my kids. My husband wasn’t able to get away with us but it was huge that I did this with our kids. We played loud music and laughed all the way to the outlet mall and everyone was happy with their new shoes and a few other items for school.” Christy, Richmond, VA Dirk didn’t send a photo because his e-mail auto reply explained it all: “I will be at kids camp with my son the week of August 22.” Dirk, Byron Center, MI