There is no way around the immense responsibility bestowed on the new entrepreneur. It extends beyond your family, friends and associates to the wider audience of humanity. Comprehending the power and “human value” of your brand is the first step to momentous impact. What you then do with your power can change your world. The next question is: Who else’s world will you change? The living legacy of today’s entrepreneur is compassion. It is also the success template for all future innovation. The ONE and RED campaigns are excellent corporate examples. So are individuals like Catherine Rohn, founder of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, Majora Carter, founder of Green the Ghetto, and Peter Benenson, founder of Amnesty International. What are you doing in your everyday to pioneer from compassion?
Pioneering from Compassion
July 13th, 2009How My High School Teacher Inspired Me to Believe
July 5th, 2009The seed of an entrepreneurial life is a sleepless desire to live with more power and purpose than you are now—and in doing so, make the world a better place. That phrase has become weightless to most and it’s unfortunate because if we considered what it means to make an impact, one day, one activity at a time, we might comprehend the immense power we possess. A history teacher reminded me of this some time ago and I’ve tried to never take it for granted.
I was a high school senior when Mr. Winzenread took an unexpected interest in me. What he saw back then was raw, naive and undeveloped at best—but he encouraged me nonetheless and it gave wings to my heritage. It was likely my first tangible experience with the effect of everyday entrepreneurship.
Before a baseball playoff game, he approached me and said, “Glenn, I believe in you. You’re going to get a couple base hits today.” I told him I hoped so and then went out and got a couple base hits that led the team to the next round. Mr. Winzenread was there too. Again he approached me during warm-ups and said, “I believe in you, son.” I got two more hits and we traveled to the quarterfinals eight hours north. There, hanging on the locker room wall, was a huge banner that read: “Believe, Conceive, Achieve.” Mr. Winzenread approached during batting practice and said, “Son, believe, conceive, achieve.” There was a theme behind his actions and he continued to weave it the remainder of the school year.
Then a gift arrived at my parents’ home following graduation. I opened the large box and there was a note from Mr. Winzenread: “There are lots of smart people in the world but most don’t leave the box they’re in.” Beneath the note was a smaller box and inside it a ceramic rhinoceros and a second note. It read: “Take this with you wherever you go.” A few months later, during my first week at UCLA, Mr. Winzenread phoned to explain the notes and gift.
“Glenn,” he said, “You’re from a small school and you’re not as prepared as the others. They have better education, better credentials and more distinction. But you’re a rhino. Keep charging.”
He was teaching me a lesson those final months of my senior year and I’ve never forgotten it. I am powerful if I choose to be. Believing this truth is where the business of living begins. Believe in your power. Conceive how you will use it. Achieve something momentous.
Advancement of Women in Business: The New Normal
June 22nd, 2009It has been said time and time again that women have come a long way. In business we now consider this to be fact. According to Catalyst.org, nearly 51% of women are in managerial or professional occupations. More women are obtaining MBAs than ever before in history and the landscape of Corporate America has changed drastically. Yet, although major strides have been made by women in every industry – there are only 28 female CEOs in the Fortune 1000 companies.
Companies are more inclined, than ever before, to promote women knowing the benefits and profitability that entails. In a recent study by Pepperdine University, women in top positions reported beating the industry average in terms of productivity and profitability (Womenomics, 2009). It is clear that women, unequivocally, are reshaping the landscape of business. After decades of misrepresentation and isolation, it is becoming quite evident that women are redefining themselves both in and outside of the workplace. From their relationship development skills, to their emotional intelligence savvy (amongst many others innate talents), women are reintroducing the fundamental success principals back into business.
Over the past 6 weeks, I have shared my views in the media, regarding women, and how they are reinventing their relevancy in the workplace. How women, and their inherent skills / capabilities translate naturally into effective management and leadership roles. In fact, I strongly believe that women understand the concept of “earning serendipity” and the ability to see, sow, grow and share opportunity purposefully and abundantly. Here are a few bullet points that support my belief:
· Opportunity Experts (see)
Women see and seize opportunity. They see opportunity in almost everything: there neighbors, friends, family, business associates, local grocer, etc. Women have the ability to see opportunity and give their ideas life.
· Networking Professionals (sow)
Women are masters of navigation, and putting their ideas to the test is their gift. They do this through networking. They follow-up and make sure they sow their seeds of ideas in the most fertile networking ground.
· Relationship Specialists (grow)
Women are specialists at cultivating relationships that are purposeful, genuine and meaningful. They focus on growing healthy – long-lasting relationships. They don’t quit, until they make things work. Women focus on creating and sustaining momentum.
· Natural Givers (share)
Women seek to give to others, but also to their communities. Why do you think most non-profits are run by women? Why are women, incredible parents? They are inherently gifted to serve as managers and leaders (especially in today’s changing workplace). Women strive to Make Opportunity Matter!
These are my views regarding the advancement of women in business. I encourage you to cultivate your ideas and share your harvest of knowledge / wisdom regarding this topic with The Thresher Community at www.ThresherOnline.com.
Have a Great Week! Keep Seeing, Sowing, Growing and Sharing Opportunities to Cultivate Your Harvest of Good Fortune!
Is This Time to Give Back?
May 10th, 2009This is the a recent post from my friend Adlai Wertman on the Huffington Post. Please take a moment to read it and share it.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adlai-wertman/is-this-the-best-time-to_b_196194.html
Do You Have a G.A.M.E. Plan?
March 23rd, 2009Hi,
Like you, I too am tired of all the bad news. That’s why I ignore it and focus on my G.A.M.E plan. You see, I first experienced a good dose of hardship 5 years ago, when I was blind-sided. But I am grateful for that experience because it made be become more tuned-in to my unique skills and talents – both personally and professionally. I had a choice to make, conform to others – or HAVE GAME!
As you think about how you fit in the new world – think of how you plan on reinventing yourself. What is the new definition of your personal/professional identity . Think about your G.A.M.E. plan and how you will remain loyal to it. It may be the most powerful plan you have ever executed. If you are honest with yourself, you will see the results. And once when you do, you will wonder why you never did this before.
Here you go!
[After your have mourned and have given yourself permission to accept reality]:
Grateful
Be grateful for having a second chance. That you have unique skills, family, friends and the opportunity to rebuild yourself like never before.
No one likes to hear that you are a victim. We are all victims. Dwelling in sorrow, anger, or just being critical or negative will just drive a further wedge between you and your friends as well as being the difference between success and failure.
Go make a difference today. Get off your butt and do something. Good Fortune only comes to those who are open to it. Don’t shut the door by being a victim.
[When you are Grateful it Rebuilds] Attitude:
Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude. Reassess your environment (in and outside of the workplace) . Your friends, associates: The Leaders, Lifters, Loafers, Leeches.
BONUS: Authentic. Be yourself. When you have “game” you must Trust Your Brand. Believe in yourself and your core qualities, and passions as a human-being. Where can you add-value and make a difference in business and society.
[Attitude Ignites] Momentum
We are in crisis because we lost momentum – because we lost focus of what made our country great. People became greedy & dishonest to maintain / sustain momentum (ie. Bernard Madoff). We were blind-sided because these tactics lacked values, honor and were produced artificially, not organically. You must continually see, sow, grow and share opportunities in order to create and sustain momentum.
[Momentum is Sustained with..] Entrepreneurial mindset
Entrepreneurship isn’t just a business term anymore, it’s a way of life: To forge ahead today, we must all live with an entrepreneurial mindset. Learning to drive our lives as if we own them. Being entrepreneurial is being a serendipiter. Being an entrepreneur requires one to be socially conscious at all times. Social consciousness inspires the highest level of innovation.
Having “G.A.M.E.“– is UNCOMMONLY COMMON SENSE…
Simply put, it’s disciplining yourself to take action – doing those things that most people won’t do and then sustaining the discipline to maintain your unique competitive advantage in the market
The secret sauce of these concepts are in my book, Earning Serendipity.
Never stop having G.A.M.E!!
Jobless But Not Hopeless
March 21st, 2009The following are some tips for those that are unemployed and are searching for work:
My name is Glenn Llopis and I am widely known as the opportunity expert and will be releasing my new book, Earning Serendipity – 4 skills to creating and sustaining good fortune your work, in May 2009. As I listen to the jobless / job search needs of your guest and viewers, I have a few recommendations:
1. Start a Small Group:
a. You are not alone and sharing your concerns with others is a good first step to getting back on your feet
b. Show some leadership. This can also be used when you interview. Leadership, responsibility and accountability are important tools to showcase
2. Employers are also Uncertain:
a. Showcasing your unique skills and how they can add-value to a company’s mission statement is critical.
b. Remember that employers want people that can deliver results and help them save money while doing it.
3. Trust Your Brand
a. Your resume is not enough. You must take the time to reinvent/redefine yourself before you start looking for your next job.
b. Don’t be desperate. Remember, you only have 1 chance to make a great impression.
c. Be honest with yourself and your capabilities. You will stand out more when you truly learn to trust yourself and what you are capable of offering an employer
d. Learning how to sell yourself is Critical. Ask your friends, former employers and associates how they experience your brand.
4. Approach a Job Like an Entrepreneur
a. Being an entrepreneur is a mindset that everyone must have (in business and life).
b. Employers want to hire people how are not just doers but thinker’s. Those that can make sound decisions.
c. Also, create your own job description based upon your needs assessment of the company. Do you homework
d. Be Smart – step back in responsibility to move forward. Generate results to move up the ladder. Role up your sleeves and prove yourself.
BE POSITIVE AND HOPEFUL. Be genuine, authentic and real. Make Opportunity Matter!
Legacy and Family: Why Legacy Matters!
February 20th, 2009When I think about Legacy, I think about my father, Frank Llopis. His legacy was all about “making opportunity matter.” This defined his life and he taught his family the value of such thinking. But my father didn’t live his life to leave a “legacy”. Why – because my Dad always thought about the well-being of others first. This is what fueled him and his happiness. This is also what has fueled me and my life. You see, my father is also my hero. He and my mother are my best friends. My parents taught me so many things – that were counter intuitive to my generation’s way of thinking. While I struggled with it at times, their learnings have been the most rewarding of my life. But what my father actually did; was make me realize that in the end, it’s all about people. My Dad is the master of simplifying concepts to their lowest common denominator. He just wanted to make sure that I understood people well enough to thrive in a world of unjust greed and temperament. My Dad just wanted me to live a life that was rid of regret; fueled by purpose and passion – for the betterment of others. According to my father, this is what would allow me to lead a life of happiness.
This is what my Dad has it for himself. He is now 93. He has lived a life fueled by purpose and passion – with no regrets. But more importantly, he has lived a life that ALWAYS fueled happiness in others. Though my Dad has not lived his life to leave a legacy – he has taught me the importance of telling others of about his purposeful legacy. In May, 2009, I will be launching my first book titled, Earning Serendipity -4 Skills for Creating and Sustaining Good Fortune in Your Work. This book represents my life as a business person but through the wisdom passed down from my Father. Earning Serendipity is a book that teaches readers about the importance of “making opportunity matter” – just like my Dad taught me. But it wasn’t until I was writing this book did I fully realize the impact my father has had on me. That his life’s lessons have served as the most valuable tools to help me achieve success in business and everyday life. More importantly, my Dad’s lessons served to help me most during times of adversity. Ironically enough, I now know why. My father learned these lessons – through the eyes of a victim of communism and Castro’s Revolution.
My mission is to leave a legacy for others: To teach the importance of “making opportunity matter”. Did you know that most people try to leave a mark? This is self promotion at its finest. But to leave a legacy is to spread good fortune for the betterment of others. Thank you Dad – for teaching me “why legacy matters.”
Corporate Entrepreneurship
February 17th, 2009Corporate Entrepreneurship is a trend that is emerging in enterprise. Review my Video link (above) and provide me with your thoughts.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Have a great day!
