Understanding Culture
Culture is the heart of the business that pumps success throughout the organization.
The importance of Attitude is great in any organization, having the right attitude could be the builder or destroyer of any organization. Attitude could be defined as a manner of thinking that shows one's frame of mind, nature or temperament. Attitude sets the tone or feeling of the organization and must be closely observed and managed. How we want for our customers to feel when they come to our business will be controlled by how we control the attitude or our team members. It is essential to establish a culture in the organization and have all team members committed to certain principles, there are seven commitments:
1-Attitude Control: All team members must commit to control their attitude.
2-Identifying and strengthening individual weakness: The strength of the team members within an organization is their ability to identify their strength and weakness and to commit to constantly work on them.
3-Positive tough process: Before any team member can act right they must first think right.
4-Effective Communication: All team members must commit to send and receive messages through active listening.
5-High tolerance level: All team members must commit to having a high tolerance level dealing with challenges.
6-Ability to bounce back: All team members must be able to recover when they are feeling down or upset.
7-Respect for Authority: All team members must commit to respect the authority given to diverse individuals during the organization.
All organizations must have key ingredients in its culture, just as preparing a meal that have ingredients to ensure its quality, and so must the company have key ingredients for a recipe of business success. One ingredient is a cultural improvement systems, improvement must be ingrained in the hearth of the business as a culture. Other ingredient is leadership development, leadership is critical to the success of any organization, and the organization must focus on the proper development of leaders, and anyone in leadership must be committed to what the organization is trying to do. Another ingredient is team member development, the development of team members within an organization is an obligation that the organization must fulfill, and an under-developed team will lead to under-developed service for our customers. And the last ingredient is Customer Service, customer service must be put at the forefront of the business and structure the organization around the people who keep the business alive, customer service is a culture and a way of life that must be mandated in all the levels of the organization, and must understand what the customer value, and center all operations, policies, procedures, and behaviors within the organization around that value.

Understanding Value
The main question for me is what is value? and to understand that is value for each person is different, but although is different for each person it is also something common because each person consider value something that he/she is willing to pay whether it be a product or a service. When we understand what people desire then we begin to understand what people value. There are two types of values; Value added demand- the normal demand associated with the customer request to be serviced by the value stream. Non-Valued demand- The abnormal demands from the client due to inefficients or failures within the value stream, correction of mistakes, or complaints. We must have a Customer Value Committee, in order to understand what better way to understand the customer we have to ask them directly what they want, who is more equipped the customers desires than the customer itself, relations must be built with the actual people. Relations with the customers is something that must be organized and maintained throughout the year. Having a Service Team within the company can help to focus on continually focusing in identifying and maintain what the customers values and ensures these values are being properly incorporated into all service team within the value stream.

Business Fundamentals
Is always good to know the basics of anything whereof you are trying to learn, in order to built a value-centered enterprise it is important to build a foundation first. Every work place no matter what the service or product needs to have visual management tools, as we can see there are visual in all our day-to-day life, for example we see signs over the freeway where we can go to eat or exit signs, we go to a fast food restaurant and through the visuals we can order our food, or where the drive thru is located, therefore visual management tools give us instructions of what to do, how to do it, and when to do it, besides it help us to know how the job progress, and it help us to keep the place work clean with the inclusion of SAFET.
When we talk about time management I thought we were going to talk again of time management in our life but this time we are talking about the business, Process time-time to produce,
Wait time-time that the costumer has to wait since the order was placed, and Point to point time-the time it takes an item to be moved from one area to another area.
It is good to know that there is a formula for me to know how many items I need to produce on a daily basis to get to my goal, Customer demand-what I need to produce divided by Planned work time equals the pace that the operation has to move to meet the demand of the costumer, and also I can use it for an hour by hour what I need to produce.
One of the things that a company has to do is reduce its cost, because with less cost is more profit for the company, all costs can be categorized 1-Facilities,Utilities, and labor, 2-Inventory, 3-Business support, 4-Cost of goods to be sold.
There are revenue streams within the company, and the idea is to maximize as many viable streams as possible without incurring in substantial cost, cost are barriers to remove profit.
The idea is to maximize value added activities, focusing in minimizing no-value added activities; it is amazing to know that 70% to 95% is non value added activities.

Organize Your life-Time
Time is the most important factor that I need to organize in my life, having a personal business and trying to accomplish that the business is successful if I am not careful it could consume all of my time, therefore organizing my time is my personal goal. I like the statement how the CD started by giving us a definition of time, the ability to use the element of time to accomplish our goals, only that small statement is a great statement the ability to use the time to accomplish what I need to do during the day, week, even during the month. If is something that we all have is time, we all have 24 hours during the day but how that time is utilized is the most important.
There were so many statements made that made a lot sense to me, but there was one that is still in my mind, "The more time you have the more time you waste" I can say that for fact as an individual that work out of my house I should have a lot of time but sometimes I do not know where the time went by. Also to learn the different values of life is wonderful and that are fixed time and variable time and both of them are related to the differents values of life and all could be scheduled.

Organize Your Life (Money & Cash Mgnt)

After looking at the video on money and cash management, I thought that it was a very good approach, being able to have structure when it comes to your finances. You go to work to make money to survive in this life, and it is very essential how you manage the money you make. Balancing a check book is just a part of the equation, it also takes structure, discipline, consistency, as well as being aware of what your goals are in life, and what type of spending habits you have. The approach, and the tools used in this video could very well help anyone manage their finances, from a wealthy business person to a everyday 9 to 5 working individual. No matter how much money you make, remember its not how much you make, but how much you keep! The cash in cash out system, is one of the best systems I have seen for managing your money, and pay with purpose is an excellent way to eliminate debt. You know we would all like to be debt free, and this way it can be done without spending a lot of money using one of those debt free companies that never work. If you have the courage, and the determination to use this systems, it could take your financial stability to new heights in your life. I plan to begin using this system right away, keep track of my progress, take a look at my financial situation now, and compare it a year from now after using this system. This was just outstanding! ( Ken S.)

Organize Your Life-Money In order to organize your money I star thinking how you go back to the first CD personal awareness, and then discipline, knowing that you have to be aware of yourself on how you spent your money. There are some basic principles: 1-The power of structure- focus bank accounts where I can Have a Survival account (spending account), a project spending account (projects around the house), General spending account (let's have fun account), and a Savings account (long terms funds), the money has to be separated with purpose and focus in a systematic approach. I really like the principle of cost reduction because with the same money you are able to eliminate debt and keep more money, but all has to do with discipline, to stay with the plan that I have planned. Is not what we make but is about how much wee keep.

Organize Your Mind & Space:
I took this to heart.....I've purchased a heavy-duty shredder and have gotten so much accomplished. The debris has shown me that I don't take care of myself in the same way I take care of my clients. Invigorating!

Organize Your Money:
As with the last session, I've become much more mindful of every single expense. Brought to the forefront of my mind was all of my frivolity with regard to my business and personal finances.

Positive Relationships:
Powerful! This CD has made me even more introspective. It has made me realize how important each relationship is; familial or professional.

Discipline:
It takes courage to look at one's self; the good, the bad, the ugly. But, It takes even more courage to change that which we thought unchangeable.

Positive Thinking

Each of us have the power to change the way we think. And the way to think is positive thoughts. Often I hear people make the excuse as stated on the CD, I can't help the way I am. When indeed we all have that choice. We must also understand the cause of our negative thoughts. To create a success business we must be able to be a positive thinker. We must not let others influence us with their negative thoughts. Although, you might not be aware that others are influencing your thought process. You must be aware, how others influence you. You must believe in yourself to be positive. Thinking positive you invest in yourself, and you unlock your potential.
On this CD I enjoyed the explanation of the right and left side of the brain and the seven ways of intelligence.

Personal Awareness

This CD was awesome! It makes you stop and think about the fact that your emotions plays a large part in your success both personally and professionally. Not being aware of how your emotions can affect you when making decisions can make you lose control over your life and business.
A consistent pattern of thinking produce consistent results. You want to always think positive thoughts. The values that I bring to the table as a person are the values that I bring to the business. Not only are you a CEO of your business but also of your life. You can not be a CEO from 9 to 5 and shut down after 5. Before being introduce to You are A CEO, I had never consider it that way. The presentation of the CD's are so soothing.

Organize Your Life (Mind and Space)
Mind- When we thing about organizing our life it star at our mind, it is good to know that there is no such thing that a person is un-organized, but a person have un-organized behavior and as an un-organized behavior that could be train and can be changed and the cure is getting organized. There are some signs that a person have un-organized behavior when a person is always late, missing assignments and so for. There is a saying that I like and that is "You have to make time to organize your life or life will organize you" in others words the person is not in control of his own life but life tell him what he must do all the time, if we learn to organize the world is in ours hands, and the best thing is to start small.
Space- I can see that organizing space is one of the most important parts because there is so many areas that I can improve starting with the garage, closet, office, doors, pantry, and much more areas that need to be organized, always is difficult to trash items that I think I need but now I know that if in doubt is better to trash the item. I also like the S.A.F.E.T that means,
Separate what is necessary
Arrange in order, if in doubt thrash it.
Finish, with inspection, clean.
Everyone should understand the rules.
Test, constantly check if the system is working.
We must know is the purpose of the space and the capacity, as some areas are beyond the capacity for the purpose that they were created.

ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE (MIND & SPACE)

After watching this DVD, I found out that you have the power to be in control, to organize your life, and not let your life organize you. We go through life thinking that we have to live by this invisible time table, never having enough time to accomplish the things that we want, but this video has shown me that we are actually the ones in control of this time table, and by having it organized, we can have time for whatever we want, to accomplish the goals we set in life. As long as we set realistic goals within the course of a day. I know for me, that if my office is cluttered, that's how I tend to think, can't get any one thing completed. Another problem is where to start, and when. You even have to plan for this. I never thought about setting goals, then taking them one small step at a time. As was said " You will never become successful if you can't see yourself achieving success; nevertheless you must always consider that what you see may not be realistic or what is best for you." This tape has definitely made me set a goal for myself, and I can see it. That is to complete the You Are A CEO Club #2 course. I have set myself some time aside each week to complete each section and it feels good, every time I log in to blog on a completed section. It also motivates me to want to do more. I also realize that I need to organize my thoughts, and schedule my time to accomplish my goals. Once again this session, just like the others, has been outstanding. Watch out, it's being organized from here on out for me! (Ken S.)

Discipline

This CD was very good! I've alway's thought of myself as a discipline person in the way I was raised and having a military background. After listening to this CD, discipline also requires "flexibilty" and willingness to change for the good and to be firm for the better of the company and employees. Being committed, having a consistancy and control will create a positive atmosphere in your company. This is something I would definitely like to have more of. This CD lets you know that its possible.

Positive Relationships

After listening to the CD on positive relationships (twice), to have a positive relationship with employees and business assoctates you deal with on a daily bases is so vital to the success of any company and this must start with the CEO. The service you provide and the product you produce will create a positive relationship with any company you deal with. Listening to this CD just confirms that if you work hard enough at this you will reap the benefits.

DISCIPLINE

The act of controlling the human will to achieve a specific purpose while maintaining a balance and demonstrating the courage to overcome any obstacle that seek to derail you from your goal. This definition of discipline, is a very strong, and powerful statement. Controlling ones will, is gonna take personal awareness, positive thinking, and positive relationships. Finding out that we are not born with discipline, but it is something that we must learn, and be consistent with in order to to be successful in our life and business. When you think how a person was raised, and what type of discipline they received from their parents, and this not only being discipline for correction, but what type of discipline patterns did your parents have that you noticed, such as paying bills, keeping a job, higher learning efforts, being on time, exercising, going to church, respect for others, and how did this affect you in growing up to be an adult. Did we pattern ourselves after the discipline behavior that we were exposed to? A child is a product of his or her environment, but we know that after listening to this CD, that undisciplined behavior can be changed, by being taught. If we take full responsibility of our behavior, and acknowledge our failures and shortcomings, this would lead to a positive disciplined behavior pattern, which would put us on the right road to becoming the CEO of our life, and our business. Listening to this CD has made me become more focused on the areas in my life where I need to be more disciplined, and has given me the ability to start doing it today, right now, not tomorrow! This has been a very positive, and awakening experience for me. Once again I enjoyed this CD (Ken S.)

After listening to the CD about Discipline, it let me see that in order for a CEO to have success must have Discipline Behavior, in all the examples shown I can see the results of no having discipline in our life. As said in the CD discipline behavior is something that I can learn if I have the discipline to sit down and listen to the different CDs, I learn about the attributes that also show our spirit:
Self-Discipline, commitment, consistence, and Control.
Perseverance, to press through regardless of the obstacle.
Initiative, no to wait to be told.
Respect, given, earn, and general, it must star with ourselves.
Integrity, conscious about what is right or wrong, believing in what you are saying.
Team Work, being able to work with others, and let others do in what they are better for the benefit of the team.
These characteristic must be demonstrated daily, it was also defined as the act of control the human will. The lack discipline behavior can bring consequences negatives; also we could receive discipline for what we believe. Finally Discipline behavior is the fruit of being in control.

This week I listened to the CD of Positive Relationship, I think I listened the CD 4 times and each time I listened I leaned more, but just the star I liked the example that Mr. Parker gave us in the beginning of the CD about those animals and how they get close when it get cold but no to close so they do not harm themselves, I tough about how right that illustration was, all relations have a beginning but how that relation is build, and what is base on is important from the very beginning and how to maintain it is critical, what kind of deposits or withdrawal am doing to maintain that relationship is important. Sometimes not all relations are healthy and the need to cut a bad relation is critical so it will not affect the positives relations is important, I tough about in the business that I am involved sometimes cutting a negative relation can cost me money but in order to fill good about us and the rest of the positive relations it is necessary to cut this relation and doing it with integrity. I will like to know more about DISC, I know that we all have a little of each, and to know which one is more predominant in our life is critical because you go back to the first lesson of Personal Awareness.

Positive Relationships

Thinking about Positive Relationships, this is a very important subject, which effects every human being that there is. From the time you are born, until the time you die your life is affected with some type of relationship, and it doesn't necessarily have to be personal. In your marriage, your family, your education, your friends, your job, and your business, you will have some type of relationship, whether positive or negative. There are all kinds of relationships that are not personal that has impact on ones life. For example, I would say that it is important to have a positive relationship with your creditors, what I mean by this is keeping your bills paid, and paying them on time, keeps a positive relationship, where they don't call and harass you with a lot of negative energy, which could impact your emotions, and literally derail you from being an effective CEO of your life. I think when you examine the relationships in your life to see if they are positive or negative, if there is a person in your life when you are around them, and they tend to always make you feel drained when dealing with them, I would red flag this as a negative relationship, no matter who they are, for example your family. Sometimes we tend to put our immediate family in a exempt state, and bear with them no matter what. But I think we ought to apply the same rule to them as well for ending a negative relationship. This type of negative relationship could also affect your ability to be an effective CEO of your life. In closing, as was stated on the CD, we must have the courage to make stands in our lives, and end any negative relationship which affects our ability to become a positive, and effective CEO of our lives, and our businesses. (Ken S.)

As I Read,,,,

Encouraged, Determined, Willing, Positive, and Undefeated just to name a few.

As I read all of your blogs (in which I have commented on a few) all I could think of was, this is working. Our lives are changing, we're in this together, we're determined to change. Our unwavering pursuit of Perfection and Excellence is what is keeping us striving.

Recap -We first started becoming aware of who we are, why we respond to things the way the do (whether our response is communicated verbally or non-verbally, we're still communicated nevertheless) why we think the way that we do, our emotions and how our ability to control them or our inability can have positive or adverse effects on our goals. How positive thinking comes from a positive mind set, which comes from displaying positive behaviors, which takes place on the inside first.

Then as I read more of your blogs, I saw that this group as a secret, invisible but visible UNITY taking place. Everyone is pulling for one another, asking thought provoking questions, opening up, letting go, moving forward as Julie Parker said, getting a bit off track but never defeated, from Deborah C. Learning the true keys to success from Vince B, I'm going to do my best from Pam, and committed from Marquita.

Looking ahead, what I see happening is all of you, no matter what, you are determined to gain the knowledge (Be Personally Aware, Think Positive, Surround Yourself around people that assist you in reaching your goals) and the tools (Being Disciplined), implementing the systems (Organizing your lives in a systematic approach, with continuous improvement all along the way) learning what it takes to be successful in Business, whether you own a business or you are the business, which will ULTIMATELY allow you to be the CHIEF EXECUTING OFFICER OF YOUR LIVES.

Success is on the horizon, keep pushing, keep seeking, keep denying, change for the better is yours. It's happening and I'm looking forward to seeing the end result, CHAMPIONS!!

Positive Thinking

Positive thinking in today's time is really a challenge! We're surrounded by so much negative things on television, radio and things that we see just going to the mall. Mr. Parker and
Mr. Fulton defined so much in the CD about TWO brains; SEVEN intelligences and FOUR brain waves. Gee! I felt I was in a college class; this was awesome. I'm so happy to learn all the wonderful ways they're teaching us to be sure our "business is running great!"

Positive Thinking & Personal Awareness....

The Positive Thinking disc was astounding! I've some knowledge on brain function, but excluded it's functions beyond the tangible. Business has picked up already!

The Personal Awareness disc was enlightening. I couldn't begin to articulate the impression made by this series thus far.

Positive Thinking

Once again, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Fulton delivered a very powerful, and informative discussion. To find out that no matter who we are, we are intelligent in some area, it just takes finding out what area we are intelligent in. I never gave much thought about the functioning of the brain, that there are seven ways to be intelligent, and that you can maximize your brains ability. That our thought pattern is directly linked to how we feel, how we behave, and the decisions we make. That there are a lot of influences that impact our thinking. This makes us a product of our environment, and if we change our environment, then we change our thinking pattern, would you say? We can only think on what we have been exposed to. We are born with a sense of what is right and wrong, with the ability to choose. You don't have to teach a small child to lie, ask them if they did something wrong, the first thing they will say is no. Their conscience has to be taught right from wrong. I really enjoyed listening to this CD, I think I listened to it about four times. I never knew that the right side of the brain controlled the left side of the body, and the left side controlled the right. That the left side is analytical, and the right is the artistic side. I would like to maximize my brain, to be a positive thinker, always maintaining a thought pattern that strives for excellence, having the ability to always overcome any negative thoughts that come up, no matter how big or small. Being able to always make the best decisions in my life and business. This is a very POSITIVE CD. (Ken S.)

After listening the CD of Positive Thinking, I was very excited to learn about how the brain works and how it controls different parts of the body, and also how much impact it has how I act or react, I was playing with my wife and I told her that she use more her right side of the brain and I use more of the left and that make us one brain, after I explain to her what that meant we star laughing about it, also just to know that there are more than one kind of intelligence it make you feel that the things that I feel that I am less intelligent are some of the areas that I can improve. To know that there are four different stays of the brain let me see in what mode I am when I do different things and when I don’t do certain things it let me know what mode my brain is, besides how I take care of mi brains by eating right, have enough rest, and exercising make mi brain to be sharp when I most need it. It really open my eyes that is not only important to have time management but also to have life management where I can even schedule different things just for fun besides my daily work, and last but no least what kind of deposits I make to my brain that is what I will remember, and the opposite of positive thinking is negative thinking and if I do not control positive thinking I will be trap by negative thoughts, and both have fruits. Again as I said the last time I really enjoyed this topic.

The Personal Awareness CD was very thought-provoking! It’s made me realize the importance of finding out more about myself - what I value, what thought patterns do I have, what drives my emotions, why I act and react the way that I do…wow, a lot of things to think about! Now I know why Mr. Parker says it will take courage to look at your life and to be honest with yourself. I got a lot out of the discussion and will be doing a lot of self exploration. I also had a chance to go to the Personal Awareness I class last Thursday night and it was an added bonus and definitely worth it. The focus was on value, thought patterns. emotional patterns and emotional intelligence. We did a couple of interesting activities which I liked because I’m a visual learner and it helped me to see the connection between values and decision a little more clearer. I’m also looking forward to the Personal Awareness II class that’s coming up this Thursday as we begin to talk about Personal Truth…I can’t wait!

Is Positive always "Positive?"

This is a very good question for everyone to consider. Remember, a positive relationship has to do with the outcome that relationship produces. So, to have a positive relationship does not always mean that these people are your best friends; nor does it always feel good, is fun, or make you happy. Rather, a true positive relationship has to do with the fruit of the relationship. Though someone may tell you the truth (even when it hurts), though all relationships have challenges (the relationship crossroads), though a positive relationship takes hard work (Initiating, Building and Maintaining); it is always positive if you are meeting your goals while maintaining your integrity. A Positive Relationship will encourage you and support you in accomplishing your goals as well as you reciprocating that encouragement and support for others in achieving their goals. The key is to find out what you relate to with others, establish the parameters of the relationship, and build and maintain your relationships based on what you all relate to. So, the relationships you are involved with, are they positive or negative?

Personal Awareness

The Personal Awareness CD, is a very powerful tool to make one take a look at him or herself. Mr. Parker, and Mr. Fulton did an outstanding job of covering various subjects pertaining to ones self awareness. As I listened to the CD I began to ask myself, who are you, and how do you perceive you? As they began to talk about being emotionally mature, I asked myself, am I emotionally mature, do I lead my life by emotions, experience, whats factual, or by rational. When does a man or a women reach total maturity in their life. You can be mature in one area, but child like in another, how do you know? Would you base it on important decisions made in your life, that affects you and all involved in your life? Depending on the outcome of those decisions, would this prove total maturity? Was those decisions made based on your emotions, your experience, what was fact, or by what was rational. Can a man or a women, lead a company or their own life responsibly without being totally mature, or is there even such a thing as total maturity, what do you think? When I am out in the world dealing with people, I tend to show a more serious side, and this is how people perceive that I am all the time, very serious. But in actuality, when I am at home behind close doors, I am always kidding around. I find that this is another way that helps me relieve the days pressures of life. Would you say that this makes me less mature, or is this a functioning mechanism, to help control my life, with the serious perception being a defense for me to conduct my life and business. Where does perception play into maturity? Just a thought. The CD really got my juices flowing, considering an abundance of questions. I really enjoyed it. (Ken S.)

I think the personal Awareness CD was very good. It has really made me consider my emotions and thought patterns which governs my behavior/attitude. What I got most from the CD is the importance to stay positive no matter what the circumstance are when you have no control of them, because it will affect other people.

Personal Awareness

Upon listening to the Personal Awareness CD it's almost mind boggling and yet so deep. Just as you may think you know yourself and are honest with oneself this CD opens up a new area of exploring yourself. It causes you to really look deep and examine your actions and why certain emotions and behaviors are triggered. After listening to the CD I want to begin to consider my responses to people and situations and not to soley rely on past experiences.

Personal Awareness

Just completing this first CD was already a WOW! experience for me learning the importance of understanding yourself. Also, I've never heard the meaning of the word VALUE so greatly defined; I had to rewind the CD several times it sounded so good! Learning how your emotions can have an affect on your business and personal life has given me another meanful guide to being a successful CEO is to Control Emotional Onsets.

After finishing the session with Personal Awareness, it let me see that in order to improve I have to understand more about myself, what do I consider as value in my life and in my business, what kind of thoughts patterns do I have whether positive or negatives, just as an example I know that I can do anything that I put my mind into it therefore sometimes I leave things to do at the last minute because I know that I will be able to finish at any time, but just listening to Personal Awareness session it let me know that this thought patter has to change because it lead me to the next topic that is emotional patterns, since I feel that I can do it at anytime also it make me feel guilty because I know that after I finish a project I could have done a better Job. I also enjoy the part about being able to think how is my grow concerning emotions, I know I feel very secure about myself but sometimes that could be a problem because I forget about people around me and that is something to consider about the feelings of the people around. There is so much to write about this topic that I am not sure how much am I suppose to write, but I enjoyed very much.

Before there can be Self-Improvement, there must first be Personal Awareness!

Welcome to the CEO Executive Club! I am positive that once you go through the You Are a CEO Platinum Business Suite you will find that the tools and information will fortify you with the knowledge and power to become the CEO of your life. The You Are a CEO Program starts with the necessary life skills you will need to take full control of your personal life as well as your career and financial status. After all, how could you have success in your career, or in life, if you do not know who you are? This is why we start the You Are a CEO Program with Personal Awareness. As stated in the title, you cannot experience Self-Improvement until you have experienced Personal Awareness. The five core elements of Personal Awareness are Value, Thought Patterns, Emotional Patterns, Self-Esteem, and Respect. If you understand these core elements, then positive change and improvement is inevitable! After listening to the Executive Audio Book on Personal Awareness you will have the insight you need to blaze a path of self-improvement on your way towards maximum success in your career and in your life. I look forward to hearing from my fellow CEO’s after listening to CD one from the Executive Audio Book on Personal Awareness. Remember, the question is not are you a CEO; rather, the question is how is your business running?