Business Lesson From Einstein

Albert Einstein is one of the most successful individuals in history. One of the easiest ways to duplicate success in our own lives, is to study successful people and determine the key ingredients to their success and then simply duplicate these strategies in our own lives.

Einstein is a great example of success and has many success principles we can learn from to duplicate success in life.

One of my favorite principles is "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"

Here is a basic example - Years ago I worked with a company that started to experience transition in business. Bottom line was the company needed to change with the need in the marketplace. They did not do that. They continued to resist change. The first 13 years I was with the company, I experienced a lot of success....the last 5 (during this time) my income dropped to 1/3 of what I had been accustomed to. I thought that if I just worked more hours and worked harder that I could compensate for it. So for 5 years I doubled the effort and time that I was putting in. Nothing changed. The reason nothing changed is that we were all doing the same things over and over again, and expecting different results. It wasn't about putting more time in and working harder. This is a pre-conditioned belief that has been ingrained in us growing up. What needed to happen was the company needed to address what wasn't working and be willing to make the changes necessary to facilitate the new marketplace. Because they were not willing to change, and kept doing everything the same as they had for the previous 20 years, 2 years after I left, the company went bankrupt.

After I left, and was able to look at that company through a different perspective, without the emotion tied to it. I was able to identify that we had indeed been living in insanity, doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. Change is necessary for growth in every aspect of life, both business and personal. If you are experiencing this type of insanity, take a look at what you have been doing over and over, and ask yourself - what needs to change in order for me to move forward towards the goals I have. This is where you must get authentic with yourself and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and be willing to take on a new way of thinking and a new way of doing. Don't be afraid of change, in life and in business, this is indeed where growth happens and will lead to your success!

In your service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

What Stops People From Becoming Entrepreneurs?

As an entrepreneur, I am always observing people and thinking about how they could put their own talents to work for themselves. It puzzles me to see so many talented people giving their time to employers that could care less about them.

I have observed many people from all different fields, posting their resumes on job boards, attempting to sell themselves and their incredible talents to an employer.....

Look at some of the phrases I have observed:

-"Given my strengths in managing day-to-day operations...."

-"Highly-skilled Senior-Level Customer Service and Relationship Manager with a wealth of experience in...."

-"Seeking a suitable position that utilizes my years of industry experience and skills, to exceed company goals...."

-"Strong leader in discovering, developing, negotiating, and managing regions, teams, and enterprise accounts...."

-"If you are looking for a leader that is an ambitious self-starter, give me a call and let's discuss how we can grow your organization...."


-Sales people explaining how they have increased sales and profits for previous employers.

-Customer service people explaining the value they bring to the table and how effective they are in resolving customer service issues

-Offers to exceed company goals and grow your organization.

-Successful managers & people with incredible leadership skills.

WHY then, are these individuals not developing their own businesses? They clearly have the skills for success. I also take the opportunity to talk to these type of individuals and ask them if they have thought of putting their skills towards starting their own business. It is absolutely shocking how few have considered, or would consider this option. Society is so conditioned that the only way to earn a living is to work for an employer. This is what is taught by educators, family, friends, the media - "get a good job".

This thinking is based on fear, limiting beliefs and past conditioning. Society is so conditioned to buy into "security", and believe they can't survive financially without a steady paycheck. When I look at these statements that employee's are making to sell themselves to an employer, it reminds me how important it is to realize the value we all have. We are all capable of utilizing our skills to build our own businesses....clearly these individuals that posted the statements above are talented, creative and valuable. Unfortunately throughout their lives they have been brainwashed to believe that the only way they can put these skills to work is to sell their lives to an employer for an hourly wage, and sacrifice their freedom of time.

I challenge everyone reading this post to really search within....make a list of all the things you are good at, have knowledge or expertise in, the things you love and are passionate about. Take the time to make this list in detail. Now, look over that list, realize how talented YOU are and ask yourself, why I am I being told what time to go to work, when to take my holidays, what clothes I must wear to work, whether I can stay home with my children if they are sick...why am I settling for the pay level I am at, waiting for a promotion, or stuck at a dead-end job with no room for growth. I would bet it is because someone, somewhere, told you this is how it is supposed to be, and of course most people around you are stuck in the same thinking, and when you are surrounded by people that think that same way, then you believe it must be true.

If you are willing to step out of your conditioned thinking, your comfort zone, and entertain a new way of thinking, you will learn that there are other options available to you, if you have an open mind. There is something that you can do for yourself with the interests/skills/training/knowledge you have acquired. Stop selling yourself short....realize there is an entrepreneurial idea within you that you are fully capable of being successful with! If you don't know where to start....if you have the desire, but just need a solid business model you can follow, contact me directly...I assist individuals in setting up their own "business in a box". Either way, I wish you the best in unleashing the entrepreneur that is within you, just waiting to come out!

In your service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050
http://www.BeHome2.ca

Tremendous VALUE Baby Boomers Bring To The Business World

I just read an excellent article in Forbes Magazine about middle age and the brain. It is being discovered and proven scientifically, that as baby boomers, we are definitely getting smarter. This generation is more experienced than ever and there is actually something to be said about "older and wiser".

Why is this important? There are more individuals in this age range than any time in history. People are living longer and there is a huge amount of people in this particular age group due to the baby boomer generation. This also represents a bigger population of individuals that are still in the work world and have often been written off as "too old for the job".

Most people have been conditioned to believe that mid life means we have "mid-life crisis" and "empty nest syndrome", "lose our memory", "can't see close up without reading glasses", etc, and other derogatory terms that cast a negative attitude towards aging. Although our close up vision is more challenging, it isn't something that stops us-we just pick up a pair of reading glasses!!!! During this age, we are more knowledgeable, more experienced, more committed, more responsible, have more credibility, contacts and resources than we ever had in our younger years.

This month I am celebrating my 51st birthday. The photo above is on my 50th birthday...... when I was growing up, 50 was thought to be old! That is still believed by many, and some of the people that believe it, are people in this age category. Unfortunately many "buy into" the conditioning they have been fed....they are their own worst enemy - they are often the people that wonder why no one will hire them "at their age" after being downsized. I feel the best I have ever felt in my life. I have more energy, I am more experienced, I am stronger, fitter, healthier and happier than I have ever been. My mind is clearer, sharper and more focused than it has ever been. I have a wealth of ideas swirling through my brain, non stop. I see so much potential, and possibility, when other's see doom and gloom. Of course there are individuals that will tell you the opposite. They have "accepted" the negative brainwashing that has been cast throughout the years, and "bought into" what other's have "taught them" about what it is supposed to be like at this stage of life, and they "live into" that conditioned belief.

At any age of life, we have a choice. We have a choice to buy into what the masses are programmed to believe by society, the media, the educational system, the corporate world, etc. , and, there are many individuals that "buy into" this conditioned thinking that limit's our potential.

At any age, we can believe we are limited, or we can look to people that are achieving what we want to achieve and simply follow their actions to duplicate the results in our own lives. Want to be a fit baby boomer - find a fit baby boomer - learn what they do (eating habits, fitness routine, etc) and start doing what they do. Want to be successful financially - find a financially successful baby boomer and learn what they do - (are they self employed, what kind of work do they do, what kind of investments do they make, what kind of people do they associate with) - start doing what they do. Have you been downsized - STOP playing the victim! Use your past experience and go out and create your own business - use the incredible experience you have gained....tap into your passions and find something you can do for yourself!

I have a close friend that loves photography. She has some brilliant ideas and takes beautiful pictures. All her life she has been working a job. Now, in her 50's, she is taking more pictures, following her passion and just loving her hobby, and is starting to gain exposure and recognition for her work. This is how successful businesses often get off the ground. People just doing more of what they really love, and combining their passion and experience. This is exactly how many successful entrepreneurs are born....they end up running a thriving business and are able to leave the restraints of being an employee.

One thing I can recommend that has made a massive difference in my own life is to work on yourself - through personal development. Read books, attend seminars, listen to CD's, learn from other successful people. Stimulate your brain! The more you work on your "thinking" the more you increase your results in absolutely every area of your life. We have SO much to offer society at this age - whether it is the knowledge we offer an employer, or branching out to start your own business, or devoting time to a charity - this knowledge we have gathered throughout years of real, hands on experience is what it takes for an individual to go out and create their own business. Don't limit yourself to working for employers who have bought into the conditioning of hiring younger people. Why be at the effect of this negative programming? Go out and do something for yourself! Take control of your life, realize how much value you have, follow your passions, live into your potential! Take a stand for changing the negative "label" that has been placed on baby boomers by being the EXAMPLE that people can follow. Be a clear demonstration of the VALUE that we have and the wealth of experience and knowledge we offer.

In Your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Integrity In Business

Is integrity important in business? Seems like a silly question, however, a subject that many really don't grasp the importance of. What does integrity mean? The Wiki answer is this: Keeping your integrity would be keeping your good name or maintaining your respectable character.

I recently observed two very well know individuals, that I had previously had a lot of respect for, have an online battle of words against each other. They were both in the same industry and had a falling out of some sort. As I observed their conduct and how they were handling their personal situation, (which should have been private) - I went from having respect for both, to being disgusted by both. They both cut each other up, throwing accusations and attempted to make themselves look like the expert and the guru. They both sent personal emails to their entire email list, and published websites cutting each other up. They looked like a pair of 2 year olds that didn't get their own way. Why is it that people think they can or should use the internet to voice their battles? It actually did the opposite for me....I lost all respect for both and now do not believe a word either of them have to say. I can't believe in someone that is teaching a topic of ethics and good business practice, (which is their claimed expertise) that is blatently destroying a former colleagues reputation. Because of their public quarrel, they have just destroyed their own reputation. Isn't that interesting.....they were attempting to make each other look discredited, but by doing so in such an unprofessional way, they actually discredited themselves!

Integrity is something I believe every individual should develop and understand. People have a right to their own opinion and their own choices. However, it is no ones right to publicly destroy another human beings reputation because of their difference in opinion or direction. Someone of true integrity can respect differences in opinion and walk their own path without feeling a need to destroy someone else's path.

There is a rule of abundance in the universe. We live in a very abundant world...there is not a limit to success or opportunity. There is enough for everyone. We do not have to do business in a way that destructive to other people's path. It is a big world and with technology today, we truly have the opportunity to do business worldwide. Technology is a great thing, if you use it properly and not to destroy another human being.

I challenge every single business owner to really understand the importance of this concept - it doesn't matter what type of business you are in...from running an ice cream stand to an international business....find your own niche, be of service, be of integrity, open your arms wide and give everything you can to your client base - this is how you build a successful business - NOT by getting out your sword and slaying the competition, in an attempt to build your own interests! Stand on your own two feet and promote what YOU bring to the table. If you can't do that, and can only build a business by throwing rocks at the competition, it is time to take a serious look at what value you provide.

Yes, integrity in business is important....but it is a concept that we have all learned as children, if we just stop and think - treat other people like you would want to be treated!

In your service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Does Personal Development Lead To Success Outside of Business?

I have learned from my study of personal development, that you can't make an improvement in one area of life, without it spilling over and giving you better results in another area.

I want to share an experience I had over the last couple of days, that on the surface seems to have nothing to do with business success. I have been going to a gym for over a year now, attending a 1 hour yoga class, 5-6 days/week. Every few months, the routine is changed and a whole new set of moves and music is released. This is wonderful because it allows you to work different muscle groups and get a better overall workout. I am always excited to see what we are going to tackle next! This is new release week at the gym. When I experienced the new release yesterday, that one hour class felt like ten...I watched every minute of the clock, hating all the new moves we were following along with. Since I attend the class at least 5 days/week, the thought of doing this routine for a minimum of 25 more classes was enough to make me want to quit going for the next 2 months, if I wasn't so committed to my personal fitness. I just couldn't imagine doing this particular routine every day for the next 5 weeks!

So with a strong personal opinion of this particular class and how much I was not enjoying it, I pondered how I could get through it. Now before I developed the thinking skills I have through our Polaris product line, I would have just given up....waited a couple of months and then went back when they changed the routine again - if, I could have gotten re-motivated. Who would that have served? I would have gotten out of shape, put on weight, not felt as healthy...etc., etc.

I am SO grateful I have learned to observe my own thoughts and make powerful decisions that lead me towards my goals. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was not giving up on my fitness commitment. I simply had to find a way around it! I made a conscious decision to go back today and put some of the other moves into the routine that I did like. I followed along, and when it came to each specific routine that I didn't want to do, I just improvised and put my own move in, instead. I had a totally different experience than I did yesterday, doing the same class! I looked up at one point and the class was almost over....I hadn't even noticed the time, it had flown by!

This was such a great reminder to me of how powerful our thoughts are, and how we can CHOOSE to react, or take action in the direction of where we are going. One of the things I am most grateful for, is how I have learned to observe my own thoughts from a different perspective. I have become solution oriented. I have learned that there is always a way, even if you can't see it in the moment. I have learned to focus on the end result, and not give in to obstacles. I have learned to ask myself better questions that do lead to a solution. I have learned to take control of my life and I realize that I am in the driver's seat and taking my life in the direction I want to go.

These are all things I have learned as a result of immersing myself in personal development. It isn't just about having more business success. What we learn serves us in every area of our lives, and allows us to become more successful in absolutely everything we do! The more we choose to work on ourselves, our mindset, the more we create possibilities to live into our full human potential!

In Your Service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Is There A Connection Between Positive Thought & Infinite Possibilities?

We live in a very abundant world - a world FULL of Infinite Possibilities! I find very often though, people are so busy just "surviving" they can't see the possibilities around them.

Why is this? When it is so evident to many of us that there are so many possibilities, why do so many people struggle and barely survive? I believe it is a result of the past conditioning, and limitations that so many of us have grown up with. Do any of these sound familiar to you?

-don't get your hopes up
-if it sounds too good to be true it probably is
-there's got to be something fishy about that
-save for a rainy day
-it won't last forever
-money doesn't grow on trees

I could go on and on, but that is far too depressing! These are the types of things that many of us heard growing up. Depending on your network of co-workers, family and friends - people you spend most of your time with - some of you may still be hearing these type of phrases (and hundreds of others) and actually believe them - because, you don't know any different.

That type of thinking is what is stopping you from living an extraordinary life - a life FULL of infinite possibilities. Limited beliefs of what you are capable of, past conditioning, thinking in terms of survival, rather than how abundant this world is, and how capable YOU are of achieving anything you desire - these thoughts are holding you back from living into your greatness, your full potential of infinite possibility!

But, you can CHANGE your thoughts. You CAN reprogram your thinking and eliminate the doubts, fears, anxiety or limitations you have had in the past. However, you must WANT to change your thinking and you must work at it. Our brains will believe anything we say to ourselves - good or bad. And it is 100% your CHOICE what you put into your brain.

What Steps Can You Take:

-Turn off your TV
-Stop reading the negativity in the news
-Surround yourself with positive people
-Study personal development, learn, grow, read, attend seminars, journal, expand your mind, challenge your current thinking.

Look at the limiting beliefs that you personally have right now, and ask yourself - "what benefit does it provide me to believe this statement"? When you really look at this, you will find these statements are not serving you, they are holding you back. It is then your choice to continue on this path of self limitation, or to create a new path.

When you change your thoughts - you change your life. Positive thoughts give off positive energy, that will allow you to see the infinite possibilities that are all around you, and be able to take advantage of them! It is almost like a rebirth - a new opportunity, a second chance. The thoughts that you plant in your mind are the "seeds". The more you water these "seeds" of positive thought, the more they will take root and bear the fruit (or results) that you desire. When you understand this principle, it is so simple to stand above the crowd and reach for the stars...those infinite possibilities!

In your service,

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050

Successful Entrepreneurs INSPIRE Others!

I am inspired when I witness other people's greatness! Many times in life, we do not realize how much inspiration we can be to other people, some that we do not even know, simply by living into our own potential.

There is a business in my area that is extremely successful. For the purpose of this article, I am simply going to name the business owner "Joe" (which is not his real name) Joe has recently expanded and added a new line of product. Seems like a normal business activity, right? Here is the amazing part. The product line that Joe has recently added, is something that is experiencing very bad press currently. Joe, not only added the product line, he built a new facility to store the product, hired new staff and is moving forward with his goal, despite the naysayers and bad press. He is one of the most successful business owners in the area, and is focused on achieving a huge increase in his business, despite outside circumstances.

This comes at a time, when other business owners that are carrying the same product, are cutting back and playing it safe. They are unsure of the outcome, so they are doing what many in life are conditioned to do - buy into fear.

Joe is a big thinker. Joe has a goal. He is moving forward 100% full steam ahead with his goal, despite what may be perceived to be happening around him. He has blinders on, and is only focused on where he is "going". He has customers lining up, he has a full staff of employees that are moving forward with him. He is successful. Joe is an example that inspires others!

Joe doesn't know me. He is not attempting to inspire me. I have never even spoken to him, and don't know what he looks like. Yesterday, I was at Joe's business facility, and because of his incredible vision, tenacity, and focus, I witnessed a busy, thriving business. You would never know there was any challenge to overcome, because Joe is only focused on the outcome, focused on where he is going.

This was a great reminder to me that successful entrepreneurs do not get sidetracked. They decide what they want, and then play full out. They are not sitting on the "sidelines", waiting for this or that to happen so that they can be successful. They do not let challenges get in the way of their dreams. They decide what needs to be done, and then simply do it. They don't buy into excuses. They move forward and find, create or invent new ways of creating the end result they want, despite any challenge that may come up.

In Your Service

Debbie Ruston
1-800-576-2917 or
1-519-342-4050