It an be so hard. By the time our parents get to a ‘certain age’ they have accumulated a lot of things. A lot of it can be trinkets and things of no particular value – but certainly there can be sentimental value.

But do you want to give them another ‘thing’ that they have to display on the mantlepiece in case you visit?

Or more perfume/after shave/socks/jocks.

No.

I’ve heard a lot of people grumbling today about gift vouchers. But I think they can be a great idea. Rather than being a gift that not much thought has gone into, I think you may well show that you have indeed thought about the gifts you give, and sometimes, well, they’re just not appropriate. Maybe it’s the thought that counts, but really, we all have experienced that feeling when someone gives us a gift that we really don’t like, Maybe the design of the t-shirt is something we truly never would wear, or the hat that simply doesn’t suit. Or the ‘lovely’ bowl that’s well, plain ugly.

So isn’t it better to give a gift voucher to shop or place where we can go and buy something for ourselves that we wouldn’t usually do – splurge, indulge, and feel great about it.

I think that’s a great gift to give.

So for the folks who have a computer but don’t really know how to use it … give them a gift voucher. A gift of using that computer the way it should be used. Or setting up Skype to see the family. Or arranging a video call to see the grandchildren – that is a wonderful gift.
www.thewebonwheels.com.au/Christmas-gift-vouchers

give, with love.

Cheers
Viv

I just made a small donation to Wikipedia.

Have you ever used their amazing website?

Anything you want to know – you can find the definition or explanation there.

It’s extraordinary the depth of  information they provide.

The website is a ‘wiki’. This means it is a collaboration by many users, who are able to contribute and edit the shared information. This is also a very good reason to realise that the information can sometimes be someone’s opinion or interpretation.

but even with that word of caution – you can pretty much back in the accuracy of 99% of the site.

And the kicker is… it’s all entirely free!

Why don’t you take a look – type in the term you’re interested in… elephants, microbioogy, Jupiter, electricity. You’ll be amazed.

And while you’re there, why not help them out.

If we all make a small donation, they will keep going and it will remain free.

Here’s the link to the site:   www.wikipedia.org

Here’s the link if you’d like to donate:

https://donate.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FundraiserLandingPage?uselang=en&country=AU&template=Lp-layout-default&appeal-template=Appeal-template-default&appeal=Appeal-default&form-template=Form-template-default&form-countryspecific=Form-countryspecific-control&utm_medium=sitenotice&utm_source=B11_Donate_Jimmy_AvsB&utm_campaign=C11_1114_AvsB_AU

You’ll see how easy it is to do in any language.

Our video example is just a short phrase.

Use the same site to translate a whole website if you like – type in (or paste a link) the web address, and click on Translate.

Why not give it a whirl and impress your friends! Click on the Play button – right in the middle of the screen, and the video should start to play for you.  – It’s about 3 1/2 minutes long.

(No there’s no affiliate link – I really liked the challenge last year and wanted to share)

The World’s Best Productivity Strategy – Part Two

In part one of this series, we discussed how “Saying No” is the world’s best, fastest and easiest productivity strategy, primarily because it simplifies.

You will succeed on the basis of what, where and how you say “no”. And “Saying NO” allows you to get more control over your daily life and activities–IMMEDIATELY!

For these remaining 100 days of the year, you must resolve to give “NO” the strategic resolve it deserves!

The following are fifteen simple, effective and empowering strategies that you can use to get results–IMMEDIATELY!

1. What strategies, initiatives and activities will you say “no” to?

There is great feeling, focus, empowerment, and impact when everyone agrees on paper the activities that will not be done.

Pull out a piece of paper and list all of the superfluous activities that can slow down, or prevent progress from happening altogether.

Everything is fair game and absolutely nothing is sacred in this exercise. Simply put, if it does not advance you forward, then say no!

2. What meetings will you decline or delegate?

List every meeting you have in place for the remainder of the year and determine which you will NOT be attending.

Meetings consume large chunks of productive time, most are run improperly and inefficiently, and most can be declined or delegated to someone else.

3. What relationships will you not keep?

The way you manage your relationships has an enormous  impact on your ability to perform at consistently high levels.

Identify the top three energy-draining relationships, that you are committed to saying “no” to for the next 100 days.

Then focus on creating strategies to free yourself from each of them.

4. What measurements will you ignore?

Say goodbye to all lagging indicators and ONLY pay attention to measurements related to customer satisfaction and the levers that directly drive sales, margin, operating expense and ROI.

5. What customers will you not target?

Identify your IDEAL prospect, client or customer and quit chasing every opportunity as it’s a complete waste of time and resources. Once identified, you must then articulate who you will NOT target.

Finally, make decisions on segments of your customers that deserve “VIP” treatment.

6. What competitors will you not follow?

Way too much time is lost by following and focusing on too many competitors and so-called guru’s. Identify the top three and immediately remove yourself from all of the other email distribution lists, blogs and other related communications.

7. What websites will you not visit?

Web sites are like magnets and vampires, as they draw you in and suck away productive time. Pull up your list of favorites, delete most of them and keep only the ones of greatest value. You must institute a “No Surfing” policy and stick to it.

8. What money will you not spend?

Put yourself on a fiscal diet as every dollar spent should be thought of as an investment towards greater operating income — even petty cash. With this in mind, what things, or even entire budget categories, will you not spend?

9. What trips will you not make?

It’s hard to deny the power of ‘showing up’ in person as great things happen when you show up and interact with customers and colleagues. Nonetheless, trips consume massive gobs of time and money.

Therefore, consider how you can use technology to replace trips, and only travel when it can make a big impact towards your primary goals.

10. What foods will you not eat?

Reaching the next level of performance and productivity begins with how you manage energy. It’s disturbing to see the immense amount of human and corporate potential squandered due to the misuse of energy.

Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, negativity, sarcasm, unfocused goals and strategies are all contributing factors to energy loss. Focus in on your nutritional intake and exercise by eliminating any food, or drink that compromises your energy levels.

11. What excuses will you not engage in?

Excuses drain energy, time, production and profits. Have a brutally honest conversation with yourself and determine the excuses or behaviors that you must do away with. I’m aware that it’s easier said than done, but you will NOT be able to achieve your true potential by fighting for and repeating useless behavior.

12. What will you not say?

Develop the habit of saying NOTHING that does not move the ‘agenda’ forward or uplift others. Speak ONLY of the solution, and waste not a second on the problem or blame.

You will save a lot of time and mental energy which can be directed towards more useful activities.

13. What thoughts will you not entertain?

Remember that which does not move you towards your goal, takes you away from it. Therefore remove those thoughts that are limiting, defeating or downright negative and consciously choose to replace them with thoughts of abundance, optimism, and positivity. Don’t tolerate negative thoughts or conversations from yourself or others.

14. What television shows will you not view?

If there was ever a time hog that needed to be slaughtered, television tops the list.  In even a moderate TV-watching household, it’s simply amazing how many hours are spent in front of the box. The solution–go cold turkey!

15. What will you no longer tolerate from yourself or others?

Saying “no” and meaning it is the easiest word for setting a limit, holding firm to boundaries, and being clear about what you will or will not do.

Identify the standards you wish to measure your life by and refuse to lower or negotiate at any time, nor for any reason.

No is a tool Use the veto power of “No” regularly and with conviction as it’s a powerful strategic weapon that you can use to maximize your results in the final 100 days of this year.

YES, YES, YES

Let’s now focus on what you should say “yes” to. How does greater wealth, health and happiness sound to you?

Say the word–yes, and give me the next 100 days and I’ll turn you into an unstoppable powerhouse!

Beginning September 22nd, I’m going to be releasing The 100 Day Finish Strong Challenge at www.100DayChallenge.com

It’s going to be a wild ride, and I’ll be IN YOUR FACE every step of the way for 100 straight days until I help you achieve every goal you want to achieve!

Say the word–yes, and I’ll teach you about commitment and absolute accountability. I’ll prove to you that you can deliver results that are in a word–astounding.

There’s no more goofing around… no more stalling, delaying, or “starting on Monday”. The train is leaving on September 22nd with or without you.

To get on the pre-registration list and to learn more about this exciting program, please visit:

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=O9bAw&m=3idDziI6ywy4Ayj&b=QqT_ufwRpwW2ggfFxKMcLg

Everything Counts!

Gary Ryan Blair

P.S. Visit today and pick up your FRE*E Goal Setting Toolkit http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=O9bAw&m=3idDziI6ywy4Ayj&b=QqT_ufwRpwW2ggfFxKMcLg

You are welcome to pass this message along!

I received this seemingly lovely email from Anne today.The whole story at below, but essentially it’s a lovely heart-warming story about a dog who saved close to 1,000 lives leading them to safety from one of the Towers on 9/11.

When I read it I had a tear in my eye.

Then I got to thinking… Really?

Why haven’t I heard about this? Then of course I realised… there was no story, at least that I know of.

They said there was a medal, so I was going to check that, then I thought “no!”   Save time – go straight to Hoax Slayer and see if it is a true email. Here is the site:  www.hoax-slayer.com 

I clicked on the true emails link first, hoping it was a wonderful true story. Scanned down the list – no mention of Daisy. So, with heavier fingers, typed in Daisy 9/11 and clicked Search – sure enough – the results showed – a hoax emai..

Here is the link to the page where Brett explains about this email. http://www.hoax-slayer.com/daisy-dog-wtc.shtml

I simply don’t understand these people. Somehow they derive some perverse pleasure from knowing people will send these emails on to someone, and all these emails help to clog up cyberspace. What is in it for them???? Except for the fact that they know they’re mischievous… too much time on their hands, I suspect.

As I’ve often said:  why can’t they use their genius for good? If they spent the same amount of time doing something worthwhile, or something good for someone else, we’d all be a lot better off.

So, if a message seems a little suspect, or if you’d simply like to verify something is true before you hit the Forward button, please visit one of these sites. www.hoax-slayer.com   www.snopes.com   or  http://urbanlegends.about.com/ 

BELOW IS WHAT THE EMAIL LOOKS LIKE:

All the best,

Viv

HOAX EMAIL – Daisy

James Crane worked on the 101st floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center .. He is blind so he has a golden retriever named Daisy.

After the plane hit 20 stories below, James knew that he was doomed, so he let Daisy go, out of an act of love. She darted away into the darkened hallway.

Choking on the fumes of the jet fuel and the smoke James was just waiting to die. About 30 minutes later, Daisy comes back along with James’ boss, who Daisy just happened to pick up on floor 112.

On her first run of the building, she leads James, James’ boss, and about 300 more people out of the doomed building.
But she wasn’t through yet, she knew there were others who were trapped. So, highly against James’ wishes she ran back in the building.

On her second run, she saved 392 lives. Again she went back in. During this run, the building collapses. James hears about this and falls on his knees into tears.
Against all known odds, Daisy makes it out alive, but this time she is carried by a firefighter. “She led us right to the people, before she got injured” the fireman explained.

Her final run saved another 273 lives. She suffered acute smoke inhalation, severe burns on all four paws, and a broken leg, but she saved 967 lives. Daisy is the first civilian Canine to win the Medal of Honor of New York City.

I hope you enjoyed this story. As a animal lover I thought it was terrific.

As we remember 9/11, here is a remembrance that will touch your heart.

For instance – you glance at a clock  -  it says:   11:11

You look down at the odometer  -  it is just about to tick over a nice round number – for instance mine
is on 19,985 – so soon it will be ticking over the 20,000 k mark.

I’ve also seen on there 12321 and 14441, some numbers are just nice to look at.

What about the numbers that occur in the dates of this year?

Did you know:

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens
once every 823 years.

This year we’re going to experience four unusual dates.

1/1/11, 11/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/11/11 and that’s not all…

Take the last two digits of the year in which you were born – now add
the age you will be this year,

The results will be 111 for everyone in whole world. This is the year of
the Money!!!

Personally my current age is the same number as the house where I grew up.

Oh and what do you know!?… yesterday, my odometer ticked over 20,000:

Now all this number talk isn’t really important. I just wanted to remind you that numbers are integrated into our lives  - and that includes our computers!!! All the information comes to us courtesy of ones and zeros. And if a one or zero isn’t where it’s supposed to be, well then things go wrong.

So next time something doesn’t work quite right with your computer – blame a number! Remember, it’s not always you .

Cheers for now!

Viv

We have:

• WOW News
• Online Shopping Vouchers
• and our bit of humour – How To Start A Fight

You will just need to click on the link below, and the newsletter will display on your screen.

Enjoy!

Newsletter 2011 July.pub

Sesame Street breaks it down from Wonderful Creative on Vimeo.

There will be the usual hype around the release of the new iPad.

But boy, am I excited.

It will have the long awaited cameras in it – front and rear-facing.

And this is what I’ve been waiting five years for…

Video calling on iPad 2

Video conferencing, made easy and comfortable. The possibilities for The Web on Wheels, are truly amazing. We will finally be able to roll out the services we’ve been getting ready for years.

Bringing the Internet to You! We usually come with our laptop, which is great – and it’s a bigger screen, than the iPad.

But with the iPad being such a beautiful piece of equipment, it feels SOOO GOOD to hold, and use – the improvement with the new model with make it even more impressive.

The iPad 2 will be a full 33% thinner than the original model – it’s hard to believe they can fit more features into a smaller unit. Fast graphics mean that what we see on the screen will be even more beautiful – and imagine seeing your loved on one this gorgeous screen – cradling that person – it’s almost like being there!

So I for one – well one million – can’t wait for the release date here in Australia – March 25.