When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, do you just throw it away? Of course not. You change the batteries. This simple act of replacing the batteries breathes new life into the flashlight, allowing it to shine brightly once more. When a friend or acquaintance messes up or finds themselves in a dark place, do your turn your back on them? Of course not. Each of us has our unique needs -- our own kind of 'batteries'. Sometimes we each just need a 'battery change'!

Enthusiasm is contagious! The word enthusiasm is derived from the Greek words with the literal meaning of having God within or being one...

My first sales job was with the Quaker Oats Company. To introduce our new cereals, and to feature our company's support for The Junior...

In the 80's, I was hired as a sales manger and merchandise manager for an apparel company in Tampa. That's when I met Mirna, a talented...

Recently someone asked me why I'm doing a weekly blog -- at my age. And I told them: "If my weekly blogs were meant to impress you, I...

You've always heard: "The early bird gets the worm". But, like I always say, THE SECOND RAT GETS THE CHEESE! Have you ever had a great idea and then say. . . nah, someone has probably already done that? In 1816, Carl Benz applied for a patent for his “vehicle, powered by a gas engine.” In other words, He invented the automobile. But that didn't stop Henry Ford in 1903, some 87 years later, from starting Ford Motor Company. You see, Henry didn't invent the automobile, he j

After being a salesman in the apparel business over 5 years I thought I knew everything about the business so I would also open a retail...

My Secret formula for success! Ready? Better sit down for this one: Make more mistakes. I learned this lesson when I opened two ladies boutiques, and named them Oh Charlie. It didn't take too long to realize I would probably never again cross the bridge into retail. But this wasn't my first big mistake. Forty years ago, I started my own clothing line I named Avanzare, which means to go forward' in Italian. At the time It seemed like a great idea. But the only thing

I had the pleasure of meeting Scott Alexander, the author of one of my favorite motivational books: Rhino Success. Scott says there...

My first lifestyle photo shoot was with three of my favorite models: my grandmother, my great-grandmother and my mom. Standing in front...

But you cannot walk on water unless you get out of the boat! I was way out of my league when I signed up for this Dale Carnegie Public...

Leader Of The Pack Which way did they go? How many were there? I must find them. I'm their leader! In order to become the leader of...

circa 1953 I may not have been the sharpest tool in the box . . . but I was in the box! That's me, front and center in my church Sunday School Class. Always be willing to learn; then learn from the wisest and the best! Whether it's church, work, or family life, be present. That's what it takes. You can't phone in success. When I started in the apparel business, I didn't know anything about it. My lines weren't exactly the latest and greatest. But I hung in there with ent

Thirty years ago I had a bright idea: I'll start my own apparel line and call it 'Avanzare'. It's Italian. Means to go forward. One...

You don’t need another self-help book. But you could use a little encouragement. Why not get it free! Learn from a guy who has failed,...

I take great pride in my old homeplace, in Siler City NC. After high school, I could have attended Duke or Carolina, each close by. If they had invited me. But just because you go to Krispy Kreme, doesn’t make you a donut! But you might have to take the road I took: Hard work! Dedicate yourself to even the most mundane tasks. I knew my ticket to success would be my attitude. It's like hitching a ride to California in the luggage compartment of a 747. You may not be i

It's never too late to have a happy childhood! I was raised in Siler City, NC, by two of the sweetest kindest parents, who made my life...

If you always 'fit in', you will never 'stand out'! I tried to be normal once. Worst two minutes of my life! I signed up for the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking Seminar. I knew this meant I would have to speak in public. I was terrified! But I knew unless I conquered my fear, I'd be stuck! Somebody who was just as scared as I told me “fear” is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Like Aristotle said: There is only one way to avoid criticism in life. Do nothing an