Hi Todd - I REALLY agree with your post today. I think over time as we get older and wiser we learn to pick our battles and only follow through with the battles that can really make a difference no matter if its personal or professional. Using this platform helps to keep the mindset that you do care what people think, don't want to offend someone, but maintain your values and moral compass. I am looking forward to your next video and can't wait to share it ! Have a great day ! Vicki

Hi Vicki- You are right about choosing the right battles to pick. One of my philosophies is that I am going to turn off enough people without trying, I sure better not do the things I KNOW have the potential of turning them off.

The weather has been so windy here on beach I have not recorded a new video. The waves on are huge and the water is stirred up. I hope to shoot one in the next couple days. I will let you know as soon as it's done!

Thanks for all your ongoing support!

Todd-

Thanks and I completely agree. I believe that even in offline social settings we should be careful to have conversation that is not work related. I went to dinner with friends on Friday and there were a few times where I was asked questions about work related issues and I kept the responses short and respectful. When I am out in a social setting the last thing I want to talk about is work. Thanks to Little Things Matter I am paying more attention to the details of my life.

I am very protective of all of my online and offline interactions to keep from offending anyone. It actually does offend me when people use bad language in conversation and especially on their online posts. I will always delete or hide them.

Thank you! ~Shawna

Shawna- We are definitely on the same page on all accounts. It really is all about the little things. :-) Thanks for your support and comments!

This is food for thought. In the environment I grew up it used to be funny to say something and throw in a loaded word or 2 for punch line. It took me a while to realize that the rest of the world does not work that way and others do not think it is funny and in many cases take offense quickly. The easy position was thinking that people are very judgmental (true) but still stepping out and observing from the distance how others act was a good exercise to readjust my ways. I used to be very shy and passive and when finally opened my mouth I would come out as blunt and over direct.
One of the reasons I have committed to being here every day is because of the teachings and guidance that I can certainly use.
Leaving a comment is the commitment to myself so I am forced to participate and adjust my tone perhaps I will finally learn how to mingle with more confidence. It is an extra complication to do it in a different culture because there are few things that I just do not get in my core (or others misinterpret) but the extra challenge should be worth it. Should not it?
Sorry for getting lengthy this time.

Ernesto- Look at you go! I remember your first comment was one line and now it's several paragraphs. I am glad you are getting more comfortable in communicating through these comments.

One of the key things you said was "observing from the distance how others act." It is amazing how much can be learned by watching others.

I admire the growth you are going through and your desire to get better each day. Keep up the great work! You are the man!

Hi Todd,

I've also been working on my attitude and being more careful with my choice of words and actions, this alone has helped me to be more open to how others may perceive things.

I know we can't please everyone, but it does make me feel better knowing that at least I've tried!

I noticed the post you made on FB about NOT using your personal Facebook page to market your products, services or business, received quite a few responses!! I watched the same video with Gary Vaynerchuk, which I also posted on my FB Wall, in hopes that some will see the message and understand that what they are doing is consistently turning people off.

I realize that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that post, that day, on your wall, that's all that was, Opinions!! One thing I've learned from the book I read "Three Feet From Gold" is that "opinions are usually based on ignorance or shall we say lack of knowledge". Don't worry I'm not saying this to insult anyone I'm just sharing how this has helped me to become less emotionally attached by the opinions of others. The book also mentions to "seek counsel not opinions then pass it on"! This is what I do Todd, I seek counsel from you because you are an expert in your field, and then I pass on what I've learned from you by tweeting and sharing your posts with others so they too can learn and apply your teachings to better their personal and business life. I know that you respect our opinions and are open to listening. Heck (that's not a swear word Todd!) we even get the privilege of a response back from you, how great is that?

You're right Todd, what could we possibly gain by turning off or offending our friends and our colleagues!

When I first started my business I read something that has helped me change the way I respond to others and that is "People will forget what you say, and they will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

Have a fabulous Day Todd!!!

Dana Prieur

Dana- I love this quote "People will forget what you say, and they will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

When I use it, who should I give credit to?

I appreciate who you are and I am proud of the effort you are putting into getting better every day. There are very few people who are intentional about getting better each day. The fact that you are, will leap-frog you over your competitors. I am excited to be able to watch you progress personally and professionally.

Here are my thoughts on the comments people left. I would bet not one of the people who felt it was acceptable to market their products or business through their personal FB profile have been on Facebook 6 months. I think for most of the people who have been on FB for at least 6 months, they have picked up on the culture and know it is not a culture that wants people pitching them their stuff.

The funny thing is I am just trying to help.

Good Morning,

Thank you Todd, it's so wonderful starting my day with you. I appreciate your encouragement, and just so you know, you are helping!!

It's funny when I share what I've learned from your lessons with others, people ask me, "so who is Todd Smith?" I had a good friend call me yesterday to let me know that she now starts her day with you too!

I love that quote above too, I use it often. The person to give credit to is Maya Angelou.

Make it a great day!

Dana

Hi Dana- Thanks for your note and for all you are doing to help me promote this blog. I hope you have a great weekend. Todd

Good morning Todd, I just listened to your latest episode on "Playing the Odds". This is so very true. Not only do we define our selves by what we say, we show our character as well. This I strongly believe, is what determines our success with an individual or with our potential clients and team members as to who we are. Leading through a positve example, is the only way and may help one who is not awhere of their actions to think about what they say before speaking. I believe that in this way we can help each other become more loving and productive individuals without being in judgement of them. thanks again, Donna Brewer

Donna- Thanks for your contribution. I appreciate you taking your time to share you insights and thoughts on these posts.