Yes folks it's that time of year again. Time to fill out a bracket, cross your fingers and hope your boss doesn't catch you watching the game on your computer. March Madness aka the college basketball championship tournament has begun. 68 teams will compete in one on one competition highlander style until "there can be only one." And that one will be crowned the best in the land, and looked at as the blue print for what teams want to look like and achieve for years to come. But this event unlike many others brings another element to the table, intrigue.
If you paid attention at all to college football you knew that hands down Alabama was the best team in the country. If you know the roster for the Miami Heat you know that they are the best team in pro basketball. And now that the relationship drama is behind him that Tiger Woods is once more holding the top spot in the world of golf. Some things are pretty cut and dry in the sports world. But the "big dance" offers something rarely seen in the sports world, UPSETS.
The one thing that every team in the tourney knows is that from the second it starts, that everything that they have done up to that point means NOTHING. Their record can get them the invite. It can determine where they are seeded or where they may travel to, but once the season is over and the tournament begins the tournament is all that matters. And that's why we watch. Every team has been given a gift, that gift is opportunity. What they do with it is the fun part. Some embrace it and some squander it.
Yes there is something to be said about watching a champion go out and dominate an opponent (did anyone see the BCS title game) but to see an underdog pull off the nearly impossible, that's something completely different. The opportunity to see the real life David and Goliath scenario play out before our very eyes is something that one rarely forgets. And that's what makes it so special. Not all teams are created equal, but come tip off they all have the same opportunity, WIN or go home.
It's no different than in business or in life. All one can ask for is an opportunity. What you choose to do with it is up to you.
Boss
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Find your WHY
Hello all.
This week is a very special week to most people here at Lucky 13. Like most people this week is filled with talk of the big game, the Super Bowl. While most of us here in the cheese state are die hard Packer fans, the Super Bowl is still the end all be all of sporting events. As always it will be the most watched single event of the year, and will be talked about for years to come regardless of who wins or loses. Watching all the reports and reading all the articles about the game led me to think about one thing. What did Baltimore and San Francisco do that all the other teams didn't?
The NFL is a league built around parity. At this level it's supposed to be a playing field where on any given Sunday anything can happen. I have to believe that at some point every single team set out this year to reach and win the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year. Even the teams who "realistically" didn't stand a chance talked about it and fantasized about being a part of the sports biggest stage. But in the end only two teams did what all the other teams couldn't. Why? Here's a thought regarding one of the teams.
I remember sitting on my couch watching Sportscenter when Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis announced his retirement. I turned to my friend who was there watching it with me and I remember saying "Baltimore just got into the Super Bowl." My friend one of our top account managers looked at me as if I had a third eye, and asked how could I say such a thing. I confidently told him that now the Ravens had something to play for, and that makes them a very dangerous team. Everyone wants to win, but wanting to win for someone else is a very powerful motivator. Like him or not Ray Lewis is the heart and soul of the entire Baltimore franchise. Every player there has been impacted by his play and his presence. And for the other players to be able to give back and send him out on top which is a feat that most athletes on any level will never experience, is something special. That common goal has galvanized that team to be way more than they could or should be. Since his announcement they have played like a team with purpose and focus. They do not look like the same team that half way through the season didn't know if they could make the playoffs.
The new year always brings hope of change. "New years resolutions" are always popular in January and then not so popular come February. Whats the difference? The difference is some people have something to work for. Some people have a reason beyond the goal itself, and that makes achieving the goal much more realistic. I'm sure that if your reading this you yourself had set some type of goal for yourself in 2013, I know I did. But I ask, do you have a reason big enough to achieve your goal no matter what? If not rest assured that it's not too late. There are 11 months left in 2013,and that leaves plenty of time to do what the Baltimore Ravens did and find your why.
This week is a very special week to most people here at Lucky 13. Like most people this week is filled with talk of the big game, the Super Bowl. While most of us here in the cheese state are die hard Packer fans, the Super Bowl is still the end all be all of sporting events. As always it will be the most watched single event of the year, and will be talked about for years to come regardless of who wins or loses. Watching all the reports and reading all the articles about the game led me to think about one thing. What did Baltimore and San Francisco do that all the other teams didn't?
The NFL is a league built around parity. At this level it's supposed to be a playing field where on any given Sunday anything can happen. I have to believe that at some point every single team set out this year to reach and win the Super Bowl at the beginning of the year. Even the teams who "realistically" didn't stand a chance talked about it and fantasized about being a part of the sports biggest stage. But in the end only two teams did what all the other teams couldn't. Why? Here's a thought regarding one of the teams.
I remember sitting on my couch watching Sportscenter when Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis announced his retirement. I turned to my friend who was there watching it with me and I remember saying "Baltimore just got into the Super Bowl." My friend one of our top account managers looked at me as if I had a third eye, and asked how could I say such a thing. I confidently told him that now the Ravens had something to play for, and that makes them a very dangerous team. Everyone wants to win, but wanting to win for someone else is a very powerful motivator. Like him or not Ray Lewis is the heart and soul of the entire Baltimore franchise. Every player there has been impacted by his play and his presence. And for the other players to be able to give back and send him out on top which is a feat that most athletes on any level will never experience, is something special. That common goal has galvanized that team to be way more than they could or should be. Since his announcement they have played like a team with purpose and focus. They do not look like the same team that half way through the season didn't know if they could make the playoffs.
The new year always brings hope of change. "New years resolutions" are always popular in January and then not so popular come February. Whats the difference? The difference is some people have something to work for. Some people have a reason beyond the goal itself, and that makes achieving the goal much more realistic. I'm sure that if your reading this you yourself had set some type of goal for yourself in 2013, I know I did. But I ask, do you have a reason big enough to achieve your goal no matter what? If not rest assured that it's not too late. There are 11 months left in 2013,and that leaves plenty of time to do what the Baltimore Ravens did and find your why.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Christmas Is Coming!
While coming to the year end we want to sit back and think about all of the wonderful things that we have been blessed with here at Lucky 13. While looking back at the fantastic Thanksgiving posting, we find ourselves forgetting some things that are important to us here. When we were all younger we usually thought about only getting the coolest gifts, right? Now, as everyone is getting older here we take a moment to really reflect on what the meaning of Christmas is really about. What's that you ask? Obviously, everyone will have a different responses, but I think that biggest thing that is important to us is family. We here at Lucky 13 are a family. Without everyone making daily contributions, things would not run very smoothly in any company. We are truly amazed with the hard work and dedication that everyone here has to offer.
In closing, on behalf of the management and administration team here are Lucky 13 we just want to say thank you for everything that everyone brings to the table. If everyone was the same person the company would be dull. Instead, having such an amazing group of people we are truly blessed to be working with such professionals.
Happy Holiday's from our family to yours!
Reid
While coming to the year end we want to sit back and think about all of the wonderful things that we have been blessed with here at Lucky 13. While looking back at the fantastic Thanksgiving posting, we find ourselves forgetting some things that are important to us here. When we were all younger we usually thought about only getting the coolest gifts, right? Now, as everyone is getting older here we take a moment to really reflect on what the meaning of Christmas is really about. What's that you ask? Obviously, everyone will have a different responses, but I think that biggest thing that is important to us is family. We here at Lucky 13 are a family. Without everyone making daily contributions, things would not run very smoothly in any company. We are truly amazed with the hard work and dedication that everyone here has to offer.
In closing, on behalf of the management and administration team here are Lucky 13 we just want to say thank you for everything that everyone brings to the table. If everyone was the same person the company would be dull. Instead, having such an amazing group of people we are truly blessed to be working with such professionals.
Happy Holiday's from our family to yours!
Reid
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Thanksgiving Reflections
As I returned from the holiday break, I decided to actually take some time to think about all the things that I am truly thankful for. When I first started listing things, I realized that most of what I was thinking about were things that I was happy that I have. So I had to pretty much start over and really think about the things that I really and truly couldn't do without. My answer was so simple that it almost made me feel bad that it didn't hit me right away. The thing that I am the most thankful for is my office and the people working here.
When you read this, please don't think that I'm just trying to be that boss that pretentiously praises his people to look good. Anybody who actually knows me will tell you that I, of all people, am not that guy. I want to share a story that makes me humble and proud, at the same time. I feel like this is a true reflection of the quality of the team that we here at Lucky 13 have.
Every month, we at Lucky 13 take on a philanthropy to help out the local community. Clothing drives, blood drives, volunteering in various ways to a host of different local causes. Right before the holiday break, we all went over to a place that we have worked with in the past to spend a few hours making food for those less fortunate. Last year, we went over and made a lot of desserts for people, and our plan was to do the same thing this year. We contacted the home and set the day and time to return this year for our thanksgiving baking extravaganza.
Once we got there and invaded the kitchen to begin making every possible dessert that you could think of, the director of the home came out to meet us. She looked at us with a look of almost sheer panic. She informed us that the person that we had spoken with was an intern and had accidentally promoted this as a Thanksgiving meal. She had posted flyers all over the house to draw as much of a crowd for it as possible. There were, in fact, people beginning to come down to see what all we had brought / made for them. We informed the director that all we had brought to make were deserts. I offered to order in some real food or to go hit the store, to get something to make for the 25 plus people that we were now expected to feed. I was told that there was no time. That is when I was lucky enough to witness something truly spectacular.
With half of us elbow deep in brownie mix and cookie dough, something hit the kitchen that no one could have expected. Half of our guys immediately raided the pantry and fridge and figured out that there was enough stuff there to whip up a spaghetti dinner. So, with half the room still churning out desert after desert, the other half sprung into action and began tackling the actual food part of dinner. Noodles began to boil, various meats began to be thawed and cooked, and sauce began to be made (basically from scratch as cans of tomato paste were all we had to work with). Orders were barked, things were dropped, people got bumped into, but more and more began to get done. We were cleaning as fast as we were cooking, as we had limited pots and pans at our disposal. When it was all said and done, we produced a full spaghetti meal complete with meat sauce and garlic bread, for over 25 people. The people came in and began to take part in the feast as our guys were still cranking out deserts, as fast as the ones in the oven finished baking. Several people came back for seconds to validate the quality of our efforts. It took us a few extra hours, but in the end we finished off the last of the brownies and set them out to cool. The kitchen was cleaned up better than we found it, the people there were full and thankful, and we were all exhausted.
What I was so proud of was the team work that it took to pull off this amazing feat. First of all, no one complained. No one said, "Hey, that's not our problem", and no one bailed early. Every single person there blew off the plans that they had already made for later that night and committed to making this happen. It wasn't easy and it wasn't pretty, at times. But in the end we got the job done, and that's what matters. To see a group of young adults step up in mass and put the needs of others before their own was a sight to see. Even more impressive was the amount of genuine fun that we all had in the process. As the last of us were leaving, the director met us at the door, hugged us, and thanked us for saving the day. One of our guys looked at her and simply said. "Hey, that is what we do."
I could not be more proud, and thankful, to be a part of this company and to be part of what we stand for. I'm not only thankful that I get to come to work every day, with people that I truly consider to be some of my best friends, but that they are the kind of people that I can be proud to be around for who they are as individuals.
BOSS
When you read this, please don't think that I'm just trying to be that boss that pretentiously praises his people to look good. Anybody who actually knows me will tell you that I, of all people, am not that guy. I want to share a story that makes me humble and proud, at the same time. I feel like this is a true reflection of the quality of the team that we here at Lucky 13 have.
Every month, we at Lucky 13 take on a philanthropy to help out the local community. Clothing drives, blood drives, volunteering in various ways to a host of different local causes. Right before the holiday break, we all went over to a place that we have worked with in the past to spend a few hours making food for those less fortunate. Last year, we went over and made a lot of desserts for people, and our plan was to do the same thing this year. We contacted the home and set the day and time to return this year for our thanksgiving baking extravaganza.
Once we got there and invaded the kitchen to begin making every possible dessert that you could think of, the director of the home came out to meet us. She looked at us with a look of almost sheer panic. She informed us that the person that we had spoken with was an intern and had accidentally promoted this as a Thanksgiving meal. She had posted flyers all over the house to draw as much of a crowd for it as possible. There were, in fact, people beginning to come down to see what all we had brought / made for them. We informed the director that all we had brought to make were deserts. I offered to order in some real food or to go hit the store, to get something to make for the 25 plus people that we were now expected to feed. I was told that there was no time. That is when I was lucky enough to witness something truly spectacular.
With half of us elbow deep in brownie mix and cookie dough, something hit the kitchen that no one could have expected. Half of our guys immediately raided the pantry and fridge and figured out that there was enough stuff there to whip up a spaghetti dinner. So, with half the room still churning out desert after desert, the other half sprung into action and began tackling the actual food part of dinner. Noodles began to boil, various meats began to be thawed and cooked, and sauce began to be made (basically from scratch as cans of tomato paste were all we had to work with). Orders were barked, things were dropped, people got bumped into, but more and more began to get done. We were cleaning as fast as we were cooking, as we had limited pots and pans at our disposal. When it was all said and done, we produced a full spaghetti meal complete with meat sauce and garlic bread, for over 25 people. The people came in and began to take part in the feast as our guys were still cranking out deserts, as fast as the ones in the oven finished baking. Several people came back for seconds to validate the quality of our efforts. It took us a few extra hours, but in the end we finished off the last of the brownies and set them out to cool. The kitchen was cleaned up better than we found it, the people there were full and thankful, and we were all exhausted.
What I was so proud of was the team work that it took to pull off this amazing feat. First of all, no one complained. No one said, "Hey, that's not our problem", and no one bailed early. Every single person there blew off the plans that they had already made for later that night and committed to making this happen. It wasn't easy and it wasn't pretty, at times. But in the end we got the job done, and that's what matters. To see a group of young adults step up in mass and put the needs of others before their own was a sight to see. Even more impressive was the amount of genuine fun that we all had in the process. As the last of us were leaving, the director met us at the door, hugged us, and thanked us for saving the day. One of our guys looked at her and simply said. "Hey, that is what we do."
I could not be more proud, and thankful, to be a part of this company and to be part of what we stand for. I'm not only thankful that I get to come to work every day, with people that I truly consider to be some of my best friends, but that they are the kind of people that I can be proud to be around for who they are as individuals.
BOSS
Friday, September 14, 2012
Lessons Sports Can Teach us
Last night as I was watching the Packers / Bears game I was reminded of a very valuable lesson. I would like to take some time to share that lesson with you and how it came to be that I was reminded of it.
Every Thursday evening the members of Lucky 13 Consulting, inc. go out to do something fun. We call this weekly ritual Team Night as it is designed to help all of us to come together as a team. As a company we live by the motto "Work Hard--Play Hard". This Thursday was no different from any other. After work we hurried over to a local establishment to grab something to eat and drink and of course to watch the Packers/Bears game. After a few rounds of trivia to pass the time the game was finally about to begin.
Before I go into the details of last nights game I feel it's important to back track and mention that the Packers had lost their opening game to the 49'rs. Packer fans everywhere seemed to be disgusted by the loss and I had heard several "Die Hard Packer Fans" start the doomsday talk of how bad the team was going to be and what was wrong with the defense.... etc etc etc. You could feel the nervous tension at the restaurant before the game started as many of the Packer faithful were questioning whether or not the Pack could win (especially when 30 minutes before kickoff it was announced that one of the Packers top wide receiver would have to sit out due to injury).
The game started off as a defensive struggle for both sides. Neither team seemed like it was going to take control of the game until the Packers faked a field goal and scored a touchdown just before halftime. The second half of the game saw the Packers open up the lead and hold on for a very convincing win. Packer fans rejoiced and cheered and it seemed as if all was right with the world.
The lesson that I was reminded of last night watching the game was quite simply this. All you need is an OPPORTUNITY. Whether it's sports, business, or just life in general all you need is that one shot to do something great. Last night I saw a 0-1 team beat a 1-0 team convincingly. I'd love to say that the packers are just that much better but in reality that's not the case. Both teams are full of all pro players that will have great years and careers. But what I saw last night was the Packers take control of that game and play like it was their one and only game of the year.
(what I'm about to say is in no way directed at the bears or their players, it is just an example)
That's the difference between Winners and Losers. When given an opportunity WINNERS take hold of it and don't let go until they have achieved what ever level of greatness they desire. They Cherish their opportunity to shine and place that moment above all else until that moment is gone. LOSERS see an opportunity as just another moment. They are content to watch it roll on by, or hope that someone else will step in to determine the outcome.
In business (and life) we all have opportunities to shine. Some will, some won't, & some don't care either way. So when that next opportunity comes your way don't let it pass you by. Grab a hold of it for everything you're worth and make sure you give it your all. Because in the end you never know what will be the moment you look back on as the moment that defined you as an athlete, an entrepreneur, or a person !
Every Thursday evening the members of Lucky 13 Consulting, inc. go out to do something fun. We call this weekly ritual Team Night as it is designed to help all of us to come together as a team. As a company we live by the motto "Work Hard--Play Hard". This Thursday was no different from any other. After work we hurried over to a local establishment to grab something to eat and drink and of course to watch the Packers/Bears game. After a few rounds of trivia to pass the time the game was finally about to begin.
Before I go into the details of last nights game I feel it's important to back track and mention that the Packers had lost their opening game to the 49'rs. Packer fans everywhere seemed to be disgusted by the loss and I had heard several "Die Hard Packer Fans" start the doomsday talk of how bad the team was going to be and what was wrong with the defense.... etc etc etc. You could feel the nervous tension at the restaurant before the game started as many of the Packer faithful were questioning whether or not the Pack could win (especially when 30 minutes before kickoff it was announced that one of the Packers top wide receiver would have to sit out due to injury).
The game started off as a defensive struggle for both sides. Neither team seemed like it was going to take control of the game until the Packers faked a field goal and scored a touchdown just before halftime. The second half of the game saw the Packers open up the lead and hold on for a very convincing win. Packer fans rejoiced and cheered and it seemed as if all was right with the world.
The lesson that I was reminded of last night watching the game was quite simply this. All you need is an OPPORTUNITY. Whether it's sports, business, or just life in general all you need is that one shot to do something great. Last night I saw a 0-1 team beat a 1-0 team convincingly. I'd love to say that the packers are just that much better but in reality that's not the case. Both teams are full of all pro players that will have great years and careers. But what I saw last night was the Packers take control of that game and play like it was their one and only game of the year.
(what I'm about to say is in no way directed at the bears or their players, it is just an example)
That's the difference between Winners and Losers. When given an opportunity WINNERS take hold of it and don't let go until they have achieved what ever level of greatness they desire. They Cherish their opportunity to shine and place that moment above all else until that moment is gone. LOSERS see an opportunity as just another moment. They are content to watch it roll on by, or hope that someone else will step in to determine the outcome.
In business (and life) we all have opportunities to shine. Some will, some won't, & some don't care either way. So when that next opportunity comes your way don't let it pass you by. Grab a hold of it for everything you're worth and make sure you give it your all. Because in the end you never know what will be the moment you look back on as the moment that defined you as an athlete, an entrepreneur, or a person !
Friday, August 3, 2012
From the Boss:
This week saw the one year anniversary of Lucky 13 Consulting. I wanted to take some time to personally say thank you to all of those who helped make our first year in business a successful one. We were able to achieve several of our goals and we look forward to setting new ones and accomplishing them throughout the next 12 months.
First off a BIG thank you to our client Quill for providing us with lots of support from their end. And for the opportunity to be one of the few offices allowed to pilot a campaign for their sister company Medical Arts Press.
A HUGE thanks to our top notch administrative staff. We certainly wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the hard work that you have put in every single day to help our company grow and run smoothly. And for having to put up with me in the office every day.
To all the reps working tirelessly in the field every day. You guys are the life blood of the company and it's true heart and soul. I am so proud of every single one of you for achieving all that you have over the last 12 months. Watching all of you grow and develop has inspired me to become a better leader to make sure that Lucky 13 keeps providing you with the same opportunity that I have been blessed with. Being constantly surrounded by sharp motivated people has helped me to grow a lot personally over the course of this year. And I know that it's because of all of you that I am able to look back on this last year with pride and thankfulness. I know from years of experience that what we do isn't the easiest thing in the world. But as much of you already know "the juice is worth the squeeze!"
So here's to a great first year and to an even better follow up.
John
This week saw the one year anniversary of Lucky 13 Consulting. I wanted to take some time to personally say thank you to all of those who helped make our first year in business a successful one. We were able to achieve several of our goals and we look forward to setting new ones and accomplishing them throughout the next 12 months.
First off a BIG thank you to our client Quill for providing us with lots of support from their end. And for the opportunity to be one of the few offices allowed to pilot a campaign for their sister company Medical Arts Press.
A HUGE thanks to our top notch administrative staff. We certainly wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the hard work that you have put in every single day to help our company grow and run smoothly. And for having to put up with me in the office every day.
To all the reps working tirelessly in the field every day. You guys are the life blood of the company and it's true heart and soul. I am so proud of every single one of you for achieving all that you have over the last 12 months. Watching all of you grow and develop has inspired me to become a better leader to make sure that Lucky 13 keeps providing you with the same opportunity that I have been blessed with. Being constantly surrounded by sharp motivated people has helped me to grow a lot personally over the course of this year. And I know that it's because of all of you that I am able to look back on this last year with pride and thankfulness. I know from years of experience that what we do isn't the easiest thing in the world. But as much of you already know "the juice is worth the squeeze!"
So here's to a great first year and to an even better follow up.
John
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Top Leader
Congratulations Thomas Young! Your hard work is paying off. Keep it up!
Top Leader « Lucky 13 Consulting
Top Leader « Lucky 13 Consulting
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