Who Pumps the Pumper

Everyday's a challenge in these difficult economic times.  No more so then when dealing with the people you work with....especially when you are the business leader.   You're expected to keep your team "pumped up," motivated, and inspired.    It can be very demanding because your employees are watching you for clues about what you really think.   Any inconsistencies will be discovered.  So how do you pump yourself up?  

A very close friend suggested I start meditating first thing in the morning.   "Start the day right," he counseled.  Focus on the day ahead, all that you will accomplish, all that you look forward to, and all that you are thankful for.   He even gave me a book... The Monk Who Sold his Ferrari.    I didn't expect much, but I started meditating first thing in the morning.   And I must admit, it's made a big difference.   I'm excited to start each day and take on whatever challenges I may encounter.   

Give it a try and let me know what you think.   Best.  Brian.

Advice from a 94 year old business legend

Another great article...http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/26/BUPL178GN8.DTL&hw=Shorenstein&sn=001&sc=1000

Great Article on the Sales Profession

Love this article about the sales profession by Ben Stein in yesterday's New York Times. Here's the link.  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/business/26every.html

Welcome!

Well here goes!  My foray into blogging.    Now when I see an article that grabs me, I'll post it here.   When I want to write about something I believe is important, you'll see it here.   I'm looking forward to generating comments and creating a dialogue about the ever changing business issues that confront us.   

First some general observations.   Notwithstanding the current economic environment, I'm an optimist.   Yes things are tough right now, but the disruption is creating unique opportunities for those people and companies that can see beyond the next several months.   This is a time to try to leap frog the competition.  Look at things differently...and pounce!   

By way of background, I started my career as a corporate and securities lawyer but quickly knew I wanted to move out of the law and into business.   I've had a varied and exciting career that's allowed me to learn and grow every step of the way.   

I started my business career as a member of the senior management team of a diversified consumer finance and retail business that catered to the Hispanic community.   We had a great run culminating in taking the company public.   I then spent almost a decade at the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies in various roles including, Chief Marketing Officer (yes a lawyer can become a CMO), and President of the company's highly successful financial services division.   I was then asked to turn around a global software company as the organization's CEO.  Far and away my most challenging experience - but also the most satisfying because of the great people I worked with and the fact we were able to successfully sell the company.    

Throughout my journey I've learned some key lessons: 

1.  People are your most important asset - yet too many organizations treat people like chattel.

2.  Anything is possible as long as you believe it - attitude does matter.

3.  It's all in the details - there is no quick route to success, you have to work hard.

Let me know what you think about this Blog.  I look forward to exchanging ideas with you.   

All the best.  Brian Cohen.