Thoughts from a Sales Guy from the Farm

Retreat

2012-01-26T22:24:00.000-06:00

No I don't mean run the other way. What I do mean is it is time for the annual HTS company retreat in Kansas City. While it is a great time learning new technology even more important is seeing all the other employees (and yes they are my friends) of the other HTS locations. It is always a great learning event, but my favorite is to see everyone and find out what is going on in their lives (guess this is why I love sales so much).

Life

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-06:00

A good friend of mine lost his son to cancer at a very young age yesterday. There are few things that really make me emotionaly any more, but this one hit me hard. I never met the young man, but followed he and his family closely on Facebook and watch as someone many years younger taught me how to live life. I never saw a complaint or a why me, but I saw a life lived to the best that could be done. How many of us are living their lives and how many are just showing up? It is time to stop just showing up.
God bless you Eli.

Toys

2012-01-13T06:31:00.000-06:00

Got some new toys for Christmas and loving them! The neew IPad2 anf my Brookstone mobile keyboard make traveling easier. i have to amit I wasn't sure about upgrading to the IPad2 from my 1, but it is awesome! Technology is so cool - sorry I am a geek :)

It's raining again and I love it

2012-01-07T15:26:00.000-06:00

You know the saying when it rains it pours, well that's exactly what is happening now, and I love it. Nothing makes a person (in my mind) feel better than being busy and productive. Hopefully this is what 2012 is going to be :)

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T20:42:00.000-06:00

Saying good bye can be hard, even if it is for a year. 2011 had ups and downs, but overall will be listed in my book as a great year. Noah turned 15, Taryn turned 5 and Gabe turned 4. My wife and I are still happy together (yes she is truly my better half). I have a feeling 2012 will even be better! Take care everyone and see you on the other side!

Getting Ready

2011-12-16T02:19:00.000-06:00

Are you ready for the holidays? I really am ready this year. Shopping is basically done (there is always more that can be done) and I am ready for the big snow so we have a white Christmas. I am especially ready to spend time with my family (especially my wife and kids) and slowing down just a little. Help me recharge the battery for a day or two so I can hit it hard for 2012!

Little Things

2011-12-09T05:17:00.000-06:00

This morning when I dropped my son off at day care he stopped me before I left. Now he and I love each other, but he isn't always one to show me. He told me I had to give him 8 hugs and a kiss before I left.
Sometimes the little things make our days.
Look for the little things.

First Cold of the Year

2011-12-02T08:59:00.000-06:00

Wow I do hate colds. It clouds my mind and slows down my ability to think things through - even worst than I am usually.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

I wanted to just take a moment to say how thankful I am for my wonderful family and friends.
It has been a GREAT year!

Fun

2011-11-17T21:32:00.000-06:00

When waws the last time you had fun?
Why?
Just asking....

Slow Down

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Last night I actually took time to get on the floor and play with my kids for a while. It has been a while since I have felt like I could do that. WHAT A BUNCH OF BS THAT IS. It was awesome until my son, Gabe, nailed me in the head and I saw stars for while (guess I am out of practice on this). Later I was going to play video games with the older son, Noah, but fell a sleep (Modern Warefare 3 - hear it is awesome).
Need to remember to slow down with the family while they still want me around.
Tonight my wife has meetings so it is dad's night - can we say Buffalo Wild Wings baby!!!

4th Quarter

2011-11-03T21:40:00.001-05:00

I really thought 4th quarter was going to slow down just a little bit. Guess I was wrong.

Another Busy Week

2011-10-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

All is good - but needs to slow a little. Seems like I am running about 1,000,000 miles a minute and really can't get a focus on anything (not that focus has been a strong point of mine anyway :)). Trying to get things under control, but at the same time certainly don't want things to slow down. I always run the best when I have about 10 plates spinning in the air at one time. I like the balancing act.

SonicWALL Peak

2011-10-07T17:00:00.001-05:00

Had a great week learning about the new technologies from SonicWALL. Not only was it educational (they have a lot of stuff coming out) but it also scared the crap out of me. The best part though was talking to other solution providers on what they are seeing and doing out in the trenches. The is the best place to find that information, and to make some great friends (and meet up with old ones - Kevin and Dan).

Overall a great function and one that I will watch for next year!

New Technology

2011-09-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

Well it was time for another change. Went out and bought a Windows Mobile 7 phone (just today upgraded to Mango) to see how it worked. I am pleased to say that so far I love it. It might not have all the apps that my old Droid phone did, but I really like the interface and integration. I will keep you posted on what the future holds, but so far I think that the operating system is the best I have used.

Building Relationship with Technology Tools

2011-09-08T15:45:00.000-05:00

Are you working on building relationships? I found a great web site that will help keep up to date and nuture those. It is Graphight and the web link is http://www.graphight.com/. I found the site after reading a blog from someone I respect a lot, Sara Grace, founder of myGreenlight (http://www.mygreenlight.com/). MyGreenlight is a site built upon relationship mastery for mutual achievement. I would recommend both of these sites for anyone truly interested in taking their relationship building skills to the next level.

Last Week

2011-08-26T08:37:00.000-05:00

Just a shout out for last week. We had an awesome turn out and a fantastic amount of donations for my sister-in-law and her family. These are the times that I am proud of being from a small town in Iowa. The turn out from friends and family were incredible, but even from complete strangers. It brings a tear to the eye.

This Weekend - if you are not busy...

2011-08-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

Join the food, fun, and friends for a spectacular fundraiser! There will be a BBQ, silent auction, and organized children events. Free will donations accepted.

Sarah (Keat) Danner was born and raised in Carroll, IA, where she resides today with her husband, John, and two young children, Emma and Caleb. Just three months after giving birth to Caleb, Sarah was diagnosed in mid-February with acute lymphocytic leukemia cancer at age 29. Sarah is currently undergoing intense chemotherapy treatments at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA and will most likely undergo a stem cell transplant following chemotherapy.

Sarah’s treatments prohibit her from attending her job as a Registered Nurse at St. Anthony’s Regional Hospital. Members of this community are holding a benefit to raise money to help lessen this huge financial burden on Sarah’s family. The money raised will help cover Sarah’s cancer treatment costs. This benefit will allow her to enjoy time with her family without worry of undue financial burden.

Burn Out

2011-08-12T04:32:00.000-05:00

What do you do when you burn out. When neither work nor home offers recharging of the battery. Yes a vacation would be nice, but not in the cards for a while. Looking for ideas...

Multitasking Part II

2011-07-28T22:00:00.000-05:00

As a follow up to an earlier blog. Multitasking is pretty standard and can be done except in one situation. If you truly are listening to me stop doing other things. Look me in the eye. At least pretend you care.
Enough said

Vacations

2011-07-22T17:00:00.000-05:00

I recently read an article (I read so much I can't remember where it was) that a large number of employees either feel that can't afford to take a vacation or will at least do work when on vacation. I think a vacation is very important - recharge the batteries and clear the mind. I also think that it isn't a bad thing to do some work when on vacation - at least for me. I think it helps me relax to know what is going on (maybe I am a control freak but don't tell anyone) and to keep up on email. I get stressed when I know my email is building up and it will be waiting for me when I get back - how can you relax with that??? I also enjoy keeping up with my enewsletters, blogs and other information while relaxing that I get emailed daily.
Just my thought - how about you?

Focus while Multitasking

2011-07-14T14:18:00.000-05:00

Can it be done? I focus on the important, but at the same time need to have other things happening at the same time - it is how I roll. Can it be done - yes I think so, and pretty well also. I will add one point - while I do this I don't dwell on the details (OK I touch on them, but usually not too much). Details are not my friend so when I need to deal with them, I need to have single focus of mind. But this isn't often.
What do you think?

Focus

2011-07-08T16:29:00.002-05:00

I guess I am making a directive to myself half way through this year. That is to FOCUS. On what you might ask - it changes. Focus on the important and the moment would be the best I could say. It is not easy for me, but think I need to make some changes.

Make a decision already.

2011-06-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

Why do people resist making decisions? Not making a decision is really making a very bad decision - it makes others make the choice for you. Enough already! Stop being afraid to fail! Life will happen to you no matter what - so why not make it the life of your choice?
Sorry had to rant today!

Busy People

2011-06-17T02:17:00.001-05:00

Do you ever notice that busy people get things done? They seems to get it done despite not really having the time to do it. They don't get political or take to long to make a decision - they just get it done and move on. It is not always the best solution - but it gets done. So the moral of the story, since we are all busy people, the next time you need help find another busy person like yourself. Things will get done even faster!

I'm the Problem

2011-06-09T17:30:00.002-05:00

As I state on my seemingly 100th conference call for the day it occurs to me - I will never get this time back. Why do we do this to ourselves? Or maybe I am the only person who has this issue, but I doubt it from feedback I am hearing. As I sat and did work when on one of them (come on we all do it, don't lie) it occurred to me that I am the problem. I need to say "no" more that I say "yes" and this isn't a bad thing. As a sales person I really don't like no - it seems very negative, but if you think about it, it really isn't. It may mean not now or I am not really interested so I don't want to waste your time and mine. At the end of the day that is really what's important isn't it - being honest and focusing on what is important. I think I will hang up on the conference call early and get some A1 priorities crossed off my list.

My mom told me there will be days like this...

2011-05-27T12:42:00.000-05:00

Today is one of those days that the mind just shuts down. It just can't handle anything too taxing (and yes this is different than normal). How do you deal with days like today? Do you try to just push through? Sometimes this works, but usually what I accomplish isn't worth too much. I try to take it easy, knowing that when I hit a good spot I will have to make up for it. I don't allow myself to feel guilty (very easy to do) and just understand that this is one of the cycles that happens (all of life is a cycle - just watch and track it). I like to do research (ok maybe just browse the net, but it sounds so professional) and read. I am going to have these days so why fight them?
How do you deal with them?

Success

2011-05-10T17:00:00.001-05:00

How do you measure success - is it a sales number or a profit goal or even an efficiency number. While all these numbers are important they are not the numbers we should be our focus. I have chased these numbers and found that they give a person happiness but only for a short time. True happiness for me comes from the clients I have (which brings me the sales, profit and everything else as a by product). How does this happen? Because my clients are not just business people, but they are my friends also.

This doesn't happen easily nor does it happen over night. I am not just trying to collect names for my Rolodex, but actually working on finding people I want to work with for a long time. I want to help them be successful and know along the way I will be successful also. It is a investment of both time and resources but it holds the best return. You might be asking why do it this way - it takes too long and is difficult. That is true but it is great waking up most mornings and looking forward to doing something you love with people you care about. It takes success to a whole new level.

What does it take to get there? Not much really just spending some quality time with your clients and listening to them. I try to talk 25% of the time and listen the rest. Usually my talking consists of questions to help get a deeper understanding of not only their business but their life. I really want to know how business is going, how their relationship with their significant other is, and their plans for their future. You really need to care because they will know when you are being fake and you will lose all credibility you earned.

Relationships take time and energy, but the rewards are incredible. I know that not only is my future bright but I will be surrounded by a plethora of great friends!

Traveling

2011-04-29T07:05:00.000-05:00

Gradine home today after another week traveling. The problem is - I love to travel. It really adds to my work load and I get even less sleep and most importantly I miss my family - but i love it. I have been asking myself why and think I know. Travel to me means learning new things (which I love to do) and something I love even more - meeting people. I love to meet new and build relationships with existing. That, to me, is what life is all about.
Well I need to get back to packing, then to the conference and then to the airport so i can get home. Have a great one!

ABC

2011-04-21T16:40:00.000-05:00

Alway Be Closing! This used to be the answer, and I guess it still could be, if you understand the game has changed. It is not about screwing the customer and getting them to sign (see http://youtu.be/y-AXTx4PcKI which is the Alex Baldwin rant in Glengarry Glen Ross) to understand. If you sell this way - you might get the steak knives :)! But as one of my heros (Jeffrey Gitomer @gitomer) wrote about in one of his Sales Caffeine enewsletters - you need to engage and undestand what is motivating your client to buy. As Jeffrey says - people don't want to be sold, they want to buy.
I recently was in Chicago at some meetings for Ingram Micro (@IngramMicroInc) and had a little time between conferences (VTN and GovEd) so thought I would do a little shopping. My wife was with me and took me to Nordstroms on East Grand Ave (@Nordstrom) . I have never been there before and wasn't looking forward to it. But they knew how to make the event almost fun and treated me like a king while doing it. Are you doing this to your clients? Do they enjoy working with you? Or is it difficult and they work with you despite how they are treated? Think about it and maybe analyze what is happens with each interaction. It is easier to keep a client then to find a new prospect.
Just something to think about.

VTN Meeting

2011-04-15T07:23:00.000-05:00

So Chicago for a full week with Ingram meetings. First it was VTN and then GovEd. Both meetings were full of great information, but more importantly connecting with people. It was great reconnecting with old friends but it was also awesome to meet new. The good things in life, to me, are the people that you meet along the way. I love to sit and hear people's story - everyone has one and they are all interesting and a great way to connect with people.

Great Customer Service

2011-04-07T12:46:00.000-05:00

I had lunch the other day at one of my favorite restaurants (Jimmy Johns - love that place). When I went to pick up my order they had made the wrong sandwich. When I said that was OK, I would eat whatever (I was hungry and wasting away) they grabbed it and remade it quickly, with smiles on their faces. Is this what it is like at your company? Or is more time spent on finding out who messed up and placing blame? I am not saying that we shouldn't learn from our mistakes (I have learned A LOT) but what I am saying is make the customer happy and have the learning experience later. You can trust that I will be back there again (OK would have been anyway, but I am blogging about it) and believe that customer service just isn't a motto for them, it is a way of life.

Great Sales Tip

2011-03-25T16:37:00.000-05:00

I was reading one of my favorite blogger/social connectors/mentors yesterday (Keith Ferrazzi -http://www.keithferrazzi.com/about/our-story/) who I always take time to read. He had a great, no an awesome interview with Greg A. Cozine where they discussed the difference between a sales suggestion and a direction. It doesn't sound like that big of a deal, until you think about it. A suggestion allows for the client to give you an ambiguous reply, while a direction is giving them something they need to discuss with you deeper. What a small thing, but it can return a lot of value. Check out the full story at http://www.keithferrazzi.com/career/simple-sales-tip-with-a-huge-impact-on-your-closing-ratio/ and see if you don't agree!

Busy People

2011-03-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Do you notice the busier you get, the more people ask you to do things? It this crazy or what. Well I have to go with what... It seems to me the busy people get things done. Not only that but they get them done correctly the first time (they usually don't have time to redo anything) and with the most efficiency (they really don't have time to do it in the first place, so they do it the quickest way). Now it isn't always 100% done correct (OK maybe that is just me, but think there are more out there like that) but it does get done. Close that page and move on to the next.
So next time you need something done - who are you going to ask???

Cycles

2011-03-11T09:51:00.000-06:00

Do you notice how everything works in cycles. If you look hard enough you can find it. Sales is a lot like life - if you can make it through the bad cycle, the good one is right around the corner. People ask me "How long does a cycle last" and that is really dependent on you. Do you dwell on the negative or the postivie? Do you have a victim mentality or do you feel you are always in charge? On average for me a cycle lasts about a week (at least the bad ones). Just remember to keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel - change is coming (and you have to be careful because sometimes that light is a train and it will run you over if you are not careful!).

Bad Things to Good People

2011-03-03T21:13:00.000-06:00

Why does it happen? Doesn't God care? It has been a pretty rough go for the Hicks' household. There have been a lot of difficulties that have hit our extended family. The problem is that I am a very emotional person, so although we are not directly affected by them, they take quite an emotional toll on me. I think about them quite a bit and help out how we can because in the end people are really all that matter. You need to stop and help when and how you can because there may not be another time.
By the way -God does care. I view God as a loving father. I don't want bad things to happen to my children, but I can only protect so much. We, like my kids, need to make their own choices - right or wrong. All we can do is watch, help when we can, and love them just like God does to us.

Managed Services

2011-02-24T22:52:00.000-06:00

So what are you working on for managed services? Managed servers, managed workstations, managed print? If you want to stay ahead of the game - you need to think outside of the box. You want to be successful then you need to not only stay ahead of the curve, but create the curve. Don't just give what the customers want, but create the want for the customer.

Sales Day

2011-02-17T15:41:00.002-06:00

I have had many great people teach me things on sales. One of the best things I’ve learned but one of the hardest to do is “Sales is not an 8 to 5 Job”. For Salespeople the hours of 8 to 5 are all about selling, meetings with clients, external and internal, to figure out what problems need to be fixed and how we can help. Paperwork, research and other “desk work” can and should be done as much as possible before 8 and after 5. Does that mean you need to put in a 12 hour day every day? Heck no. There are days that maybe you can maybe have a 6 hour work day and you make up for it the next day. That’s what is great about being in sales – we are not expected to sit at our desk for the normal work day. As long as you get your job done and make your numbers (clients contacted and responded to, emails responded to, Connectwise updated) is what matters the most.

I would be interested in what everyone thinks on this item.

Customer Service

2011-01-20T08:23:00.000-06:00

I had to buy a new pair of dress pants last night. I decided to do something different and visited a local store that does alterations. I know that some of the mall stores can do this, but thought I would give this store a try. I had been warned that they were a little pricey, but I tell my clients in life you get what you pay for, so thought I better walk the walk. I knew I made the right decision when I walked in and there were two people who immediately asked if there was anything they could help me find. I started discussing my needs (black dress pants) and before I knew it I had 5 options to choose from. They made sure I saw all the options they had and actually helped me make my decision. I tried them on and came out and they were right there to help get the correct length (read here that for my waist size it can be difficult to find the right height - ok I am short and fat :)). Overall the experience was awesome, didn't cost me more than if I had gone to a mall store and took less than 30 minutes. It was so great that I decided to buy two pair (you can never have enough dress pants can you?).
By the way the store name? It was Moorman Clothiers in Ames, Iowa and if you are ever in the area I would highly recommend stopping by (http://www.moormanclothiers.com/).

Back @ It

2011-01-03T09:57:00.002-06:00

Tis the time to hit the road running again. I love the holidays (time with family, spending time at home and eating :)) but it is time to get working again. I guess it is easy to say that when you love what you do. Can you say it, and if not what are you doing working where you do???

Enough with the fog

2010-12-30T09:54:00.000-06:00

and I don't mean in my mind. It has been foggy here for about the last three days. It is gloomy and dreary and just crappy out. This does have an affect on us (OK at least me) after while. I like rainy days, snowy days and sunny days - but I need the changes. If get too much of one I get out of wack (doesn't take much). Oh well just needed to vent.

Motivation

2010-12-29T09:09:00.000-06:00

My wife and I were having a discussion yesterday on how hard it is to stay motivated this time of the year. It is like that every day for sales. It is easy to let things slide, wait till tomorrow and rest today or even just do the fun things and postpone the difficult (things most people are doing this time of year). In fact in sales you do need to do these things every ONCE in a WHILE, but certainly not the norm. Sales is not rocket science, it is built upon cycles. You need to recognize which cycle you are in and ride it. Some days are the lay low and some days are the hit it hard, but never ride the cycle longer than you should. Burn out internally or no sales will happen if you do.

Technology is AWESOME!!!

2010-12-28T08:48:00.000-06:00

OK so for Christmas I got and gave some new technology (I know if you know me that will surprise you :) ). I got a headset to pair with my IPad (Steve the S9s are awesome!) so that I can listen to my music or watch NetFlix (again thanks Steve!) without bothering (or waking) the family. I gave my son Noah a XBox with Kinect (OK Kevin this thing rocks!). Noah is at his mom's the rest of the week so I can't customize it too much (it is his) but what I have done so far is it rocks! I love technology!!!

Great Christmas

2010-12-27T08:58:00.000-06:00

So the week was awesome (and more to come). I love spending time with the family (although the kids do drive me a little crazy) and helping them play with their new toys. Also enjoy a little extra time with my better half just being able to talk. The thing is - were you ready to come back to work? I love time with the family but I really enjoy my work also. I look forward to coming back and talking to the great people I work with and for (clients in some people's world). Do you love what you do and who you do it with? If not, why are you still there???

New Phone

2010-12-22T09:47:00.000-06:00

So I am really wanting a new phone (I do love my technology). I have been waiting for a Windows mobile 7 phone, but am getting a lot of feedback on trying a Droid. What do you think? I haven't been a huge Google fan up to this point, but someone (OK it was Steve) told me it would be good to try other technologies rather than just Microsoft (OK I do have my Apple IPad also). That is a really good thought. Thanks for the input Steve - now I have more thinking to do...

2010-12-21T07:37:00.001-06:00

noah gets first step of braces today - just in time for holidays!

Christmas Week

2010-12-20T09:39:00.000-06:00

So what are your plans this week? Just sit back and enjoy the week of Christmas. While I recommend spending time remembering what this holiday is about, and spending time with friends and family (the life blood of a good life) I really recommend putting the pedal to the metal. This is the time when most of our clients and prospects are spending lots of time in the office - perfect time to call or stop by. Don't slow down now - it is time to build for 2011!

The Game

2010-12-17T15:41:00.000-06:00

Anyone else see life as a game? I was trying to explain this to Noah, my 14 year old son. It is not so much a win/lose situation but more of a situation where you need to figure the rules out as you go. Also you better have fun with it, or it could destroy you. I don't think he gets it yet, he says life is so unfair. I told him it is fair once you play by the rules that are set for that day. You have to love confusing the kids :)

2010-12-15T13:36:00.001-06:00

lunch @ olde main with a great client/friend - good times

Mr. Schmooze

2010-12-13T10:56:00.000-06:00

Have you read this book yet? I LOVE IT. It is in my top 5 books. I have been trying to convince my son that book smarts will get you only so far, so am having him read it also. I think it is one of those books to share and to read at least yearly.
Check it out.

2010-12-11T18:59:00.001-06:00

gabe and taryn's first movie at the theater - tandled. went well but came out to a blizzard

2010-12-10T11:27:00.001-06:00

what a beautiful day!

Staying Focused

2010-12-07T08:54:00.000-06:00

Why is it that focus is lost in December? Is it the holidays, the shopping or just needing to rest a little from a long year? Doesn't matter. Now is the time to keep going and get the plan done. It sucks - I certainly don't like doing it either, but my kids like to eat and want that new toy under the tree. I am also making plans for next year. If you don't have a plan how the hell do you expect to get where you are going? Just had to vent, now you can go back to your day.
Have a great one!

Sales

2010-12-06T08:27:00.000-06:00

I saw a Dilbert cartoon a while ago where Dilbert was put into the sales department. While calling on a prospect he figures out that if you merge sales and talk you get stalk. Pretty funny stuff. Got me thinking though. I also see if you merge sales and talk you can get tales - as in stories. Do you use story telling to help your client understand how your offering will help them? It is the best tool out there!

2010-11-29T11:26:00.001-06:00

preschool pickup time

2010-11-18T11:37:00.001-06:00

Christmas shopping day - half done already :)!

2010-11-11T10:48:00.001-06:00

working in st joe office

2010-11-01T11:19:00.001-05:00

picking up taryn at preschool

2010-10-22T11:21:00.001-05:00

day off - cleaning and spending time with noah. picking up taryn right now

2010-10-19T04:56:00.001-05:00

on way to kc - very early morning

2010-10-19T04:55:00.001-05:00

on the way to kc

2010-10-18T11:24:00.001-05:00

preschool pick up time!

2010-10-17T17:17:00.001-05:00

picking up noah - ready for him to be home

2010-10-16T14:23:00.001-05:00

@ valley west mall's playland

2010-10-15T13:39:00.001-05:00

lunch @ cayanne's with a client

2010-10-13T18:56:00.001-05:00

on way to training in st cloud

2010-10-13T18:55:00.001-05:00

on my way to training in st cloud

2010-10-11T06:16:00.001-05:00

up early to go to itec

2010-10-10T17:33:00.003-05:00

hickory park for dinner - we derserve it, right

2010-10-10T17:33:00.001-05:00

off to pumpkin patch - wrong to need ac on in bthe car

2010-10-06T21:07:00.001-05:00

home - great meetings with vtn but looking forward to seeing wife and family

2010-10-06T13:34:00.001-05:00

at the airport ready to come home to the family :)

2010-10-05T10:31:00.001-05:00

supermassive by sonicwall meeting - scared as hell now from new internet security issues

Travel Day

2010-10-04T16:59:00.000-05:00

Have not had lots of time lately but right now am flying over Nevada on my way to San Francisco to spend a few days at a conference. Traveling is a double edge sword for me. I love to do (love to visit other areas, meet new people, see new things) but I really miss my family a lot. I love my family and really enjoy the time I have with them (I know that relatively soon they will be gone so need to make the best of what I have). I also enjoy my wife, who also happens to be my best friend (pretty luck that way). Hope everyone has this problem, compared to some years ago it is pretty good.

2010-10-04T12:19:00.001-05:00

HP wants to connect everything with a digital heartbeat - love that term

2010-10-04T10:33:00.001-05:00

day 1 @ VTN and lots of info already

2010-10-03T14:13:00.001-05:00

in SF for a couple of days - miss the family already

2010-09-27T19:13:00.001-05:00

a good game and a great win!

2010-09-27T17:31:00.001-05:00

gilbert football!!

Vacation

2010-09-13T06:20:00.001-05:00

Time to get back at it. Do you love your job? Like it? Hate it?
Why and what are you going to do about it? Do you really want to do
something day after day for years that you don't enjoy? That's called
a slow death, find something you love to do and go for it (but keep
your current job till you find it - you need to pay bills and be
productive - a lot of people don't seem to think about this point).
Once you find it enjoy and do the best you can!

Rain Rain Go Away

2010-09-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

Like Ron White says, "When life gives you lemons, find someone that life gave Vodka and have a party". Last night we got another 4 inches of rain (if you didn't hear about the flooding we had about 3 weeks ago - go Bing it, it was amazing). So with water in the basement again and more rain on the way what should I do. Well most people are complaining and whining about it. Myself, I think I will celebrate. My grass was looking rather brown - this way I can get more excercise by mowing (Noah has football and can't do it with his schedule). Also with the new puppy this washes away the "bio" deposits in the back yard so I don't have to worry about them. Lastly - I really do like storms. I love lightening and thunder and some (key work is some) rain. So I guess I will just enjoy what I can, and screw the rest!

Another Big Day

2010-08-31T07:56:00.000-05:00

A worry at the Hicks household the last day or two is what do to with Kinnick during the day. Now most people would say - he is a dog, he will be fine, but we treat him like we do our kids (OK it is called spoiling them). Yesterday our day care provider, who happens to love dogs, suggested she could keep him during the day. So as of today we have three kids in day care - two human and one furry. Dropping him off went very well, he was very excited (note tail wagging here) and running from child to child to sniff them. Time will tell if this was a good move, but as of now I am at least not worried that he is by himself.

Addition to the Hicks Clan

2010-08-30T14:57:00.000-05:00

Well we did it this weekend - we got a dog. At the end of the day it is good for the kids to learn responsibility and the damn thing is cute. There are so many great times I can remember with the dogs I had growing up (I grew up on a farm, come on we had a new one almost every year). I hope to share those great memories with my kids (along with the chores of feeding and picking up poop). It will be tough (last night's sleep, or lack of it, shows that) but in the long run will be a great move by the Hicks family.

Another Day

2010-08-27T06:23:00.001-05:00

Wow yesterday started off as a good day and ended on a bad one.
Politics (office) take up a lot of resources and burn me out. Why do
we deal with it? Because I love people... So guess I will put on my
big boy pants, put a smile on my face and enjoy a great day. So
please either join me or get the hell out of my way.

Comfort Zone

2010-08-23T06:31:00.001-05:00

A great weekend in the books! Do you try different things and get out
of your comfort zone? My wife and I went to a party at a friends
house that we would know no one at. It made us (yes me also) nervous
since we did not know anyone. Ended up we did know a few people and
had a fun time (left Noah at home with the kids so couldn't be gone
too long). When is the last time you went out of your comfort zone -
it is good for you!

Making the Home a Happy Place

2010-08-17T16:11:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have one of those days that everything seems to need you to make the decision? How about a week / month / year like that? I have had a few days in a row but my wife is having a year like that. It sucks both life and happiness out of a person. Am considering what to do to make her have a smile. I usually buy her flowers (about every other month and guys it is worth it, and do it for no reason - they don't expect it and the love it). Any ideas? I think I need something new.

A Little Fun

2010-08-16T10:32:00.000-05:00

I went to the Iowa State Fair yesterday (haven't gone in a long time and it is always good to get back to eat food on a stick - basically anything you want). Had a great time with the wife and oldest (it was Noah's birthday gift to go see Jeff Dunham) and really enjoyed the day. The link below is for the guy who opened for Jeff (Brian Haner) who I thought was funny as hell (and had a pretty good message). Hope you enjoy as much as I did!

Looking Back

2010-08-13T06:23:00.001-05:00

Wow has it really been 14 years. I can't beleive it. It seems just like yesterday (ok no it doesn't but 14 seems too long). I am not one to look to the past and dwell on it, but zometimes you need to remember. My oldest (who is now a freshman in high school) was born. Kids are the greatest thing to happen to you while being the most difficult. They teach as much as you teach them. They are grown before yu know it. I took today off to do something with him (golf is out unless you can play it under water) but he did mention wings at Hooters!

Noah and His Ark

2010-08-12T08:22:00.001-05:00

Luckily my oldest son's name is Noah because we might need to build an Ark soon. With most roads closed yesterday in town and the water shut off it is certainly trying. Water to do? Well as Ron White says "when life gives you lemons find someone that life gave Vodka and have a party". Life is too short to sweat the small stuff and at the end of the day isn't everything the small stuff? My family is great, house is fine and we have food to eat. Really what problems do I have???

Enough with the Rain

2010-08-11T07:59:00.000-05:00

OK so we live in Iowa - the weather here is not always the best. For the last three days (feels like a month) it has rained a lot (over 9 inches is what I am told) and is hot (heat index is over 100). Enough already. I am tired of tearing my carpeting up in the basement due to water. I am tired of people scared to do things they should (or are paid to do) because of the floods (or chance of them), and most of all I am tired (my kids don't sleep well with the storms).
I know that the weather is not horribly exciting to discuss (unless you are a farmer and since I grew up on a farm I still consider myself a "farm boy") but things have to change quickly.
Now that my rant is over you can go back to your life - there is not much we can do about it anyway. Sometimes you just need to blow off some steam though.

Last Night

2010-08-09T10:50:00.001-05:00

Last night I was not in the best mood. Just one of those days. You know what changed it? A good old fashion squirt gun fight with the kids (ok I had the hose - I am the dad after all). Getting really wet while running around was just what I needed. Hearing the laughs and giggles from my kids (and we did get Christina involved in the end) was music to my ears. Sometimes it is the simple things that are the most precious - don't miss them!

Integrated Life

2010-08-05T11:37:00.000-05:00

For a long time I tried to run a balanced life with work and family. What did I find - there is no such thing! Now I am working on a integrated life. Work and family don't happen at certain hours of the day. They happen all the time! I am getting better at integrating everything but it takes prioritizing what's important at that time. Honesty and focus are necessary to make this work but so far things seem to be working well. I will keep you posted.

Your Day

2010-08-03T14:07:00.000-05:00

Hat is important to you? Can you prove it? I was reading a blog yesterday (can't remember which) that said look how you spend your 24 hours and that will show you what truly is important. OK so here is my pretty typical day:
5:30 - 7:30 = getting ready and spending time with family talking about the day (ok I usually do watch the Weather Channel while getting ready)
7:30 - 5:30 = work (yes I do work it isn't just all golf and games :))
5:30 - 9:30 = time with the family (usually playing but maybe a little TV)
9:30 - 11:00 = maybe a little more work and also talking time with the wife

So what doe this show? Well I work a lot (cause I love what I do) and I also spend a lot of time with the family (TV viewing doesn't count in my book). I feel like this is a pretty good mix in my life. What does yours look like?

Email - part 2

2010-08-02T12:01:00.001-05:00

Life is what happens to you when you are reading email. I think this is my new mantra. I have found that life goes on, even when I am not reading my email every minute. Actually, sometimes, things get corrected before I even get involved now. Maybe I am not needed as much as I thought. Guess this gives me time to get out there and network. I love being out from behind my desk!

Email

2010-07-29T09:38:00.000-05:00

I have had a lot of discussions lately with friends and my wife in regards to email. When did we become the slave to it, instead of it being a communication medium? How many of us are constantly watching it and dealing with items the minute they drop into our inbox? I have been like that in the past and am tired of it. My new (well OK have been only doing this for one day but will let you know how it is going) way of doing things is as follows:
1. I have Outlook open, but not on my screen at all times. I will focus on what I am doing and check it every so often, but it won't be in front of me.
2. I will stop thinking I need to respond immediately and set the new framework that if you need me right away - pick up the phone (thanks Larry).
3. I will pick up the phone and talk to my clients more often. Email is great for details, but should replace a phone call or, even better yet, a personal meeting.
4. I have set my phone to check for email every 15 minutes during work hours and every 60 after hours (OK I set work hours as 5 am to 6 pm).
What do you think? I would be interested in finding out.

Late Night

2010-07-28T06:35:00.000-05:00

Wow a late night last night for my wife, Christina. After being gone
on vacation last week the work on her desk just kept building. She
was up past midnight, and is not close to being caught up. Tonight
might have to be another night of it (dad is not nearly as good as mom
when kids get tired) but I try to help her stayed as focused as
possible. I use to keep track of this sort of stuff but I know that
you never get ahead doing that (learned that from reading The Go Giver
- great read if you haven't done that yet). Give this concept a try
if you keep score - it is quite the freeing feeling!

What is your day like?

2010-07-27T06:51:00.001-05:00

So I am back after a week and guess what - not too overwhelmed. A
few email during vacation with a phone call or two and everything is
running fine. Is this what you are like, or are you needed all the
time? I would rather have the process in place for the tasks do I can
work on the relationships - bring it on.

Back to Work

2010-07-26T06:25:00.001-05:00

So vacation is over and now it is back to work. While it is sad to
think about on one hand (waking up to an alarm clock is one thing) I
look forward to getting back at it - I miss it. Can you say that? If
not find something you can say that about - life is too short!

Day 3 = Fishing

2010-07-22T21:34:00.001-05:00

Well day 3 is in the books, and so am I, well almost. We left Dubuque and travelled the hour south to the farm. What beautiful landscape - I had forgotten. We got to the farm and played for a while (four wheeler, mule and golf cart were out) before we headed to the neighbors pond for a little fishing (one hour and 2 fish). I forget how peaceful the farm is and miss it sometimes, but think it too would get old. Oh well, overall another fabulous day with the family!

Day 3

2010-07-21T21:46:00.001-05:00

Well day 3 is in done and I seem to be more tired than when the vacation started. Museums and water parks (oh yeah and a 13, 3 and 2 year old) will do that to you. It is amazing that reading your email only 2 times a day (when no one is looking) you can stillbe productive. How does that happen? I thought you needed to watch email all the time. Guess this is one more thing i didn't understand correctly. Oh well i am sure it won't be the last :)