Our 785+ blog articles continue to appear in high school and college newspapers, church bulletins, business newsletters, and a wide variety of business and personal blogs. We created this series of articles in hopes of exposing more of our categories to readers and subscribers who haven’t yet had the opportunity to scan our growing library of content.

The last article in this series highlighted one of our 26 content categories: “Little-known Facts about Well-known Leaders and Well-known Businesses.”

Today, I’d like to give you some idea of what you can find in the category of “Midnight Muses.” Let me explain why I made the decision to create this particular category.

This category focuses on a variety of subject matter which evolves from the innermost recesses of my mind during the most productive time of my day.

I’m a night person. Always have been. We all have a particular time of day when our mind is most productive, most creative, most active. Some people are aware of it, plan around it, and take advantage of that fact. Others are totally unaware and could care less.

My most creative time of the day usually begins just about midnight and can last anywhere from a half hour to three hours. I don’t know why. Don’t care. Never questioned it. Maybe it’s because I know, subconsciously, that I’ll have no interruptions … no phone calls, no drop-ins, no meetings, no disruptions, and few distractions. My best ideas and revelations occur at this time of night, and my office is filled with means to stimulate and/or record my thoughts … pens, pencils, markers, note paper, chalk board, white board, calculator, camera, tape recorder, computer, laptop, telephone (I leave myself messages), television, radio, CDs, DVDs, books and magazines. It’s indeed critical that I record any thoughts that I may evoke within this small window of time as I may very well not recall them the following day.

Sometimes, when I’m facing a particularly tough challenge and I have the luxury of time on my side, I’ll purposely postpone deliberation until the stroke of midnight, knowing full well that I’ll have a decisive advantage in reaching a more productive solution. The majority of my most creative ideas were formulated at this magical hour … and many of my worst. Using this category, I share a few of those more creative thoughts which may possibly educate, entertain, or even inspire you to take full advantage of your own creative offerings.

Our next installment will examine the category of “A Site for Sore Eyes.”

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.

In response to those readers and subscribers who have inquired about reprinting any of our 775+ blog articles, we provide the simple process.

Obviously, we want our articles to continue to appear in high school and college newspapers, church bulletins, business newsletters, and a wide variety of business and personal blogs. The last article in this series highlighted one of our 26 content categories: “On the Road Again.”

Today I’d like to give you some idea of what you can find in the category of “Little-known Facts about Well-known Leaders and Well-known Businesses.” Let me explain why I made the decision to create this particular category.

In my roles as a consultant, writer, keynote speaker, and seminar facilitator, I often use current and/or past examples of individuals and organizations to illustrate and/or support a variety of tips, tools, and strategies. It’s one thing to share information. In doing so, the audience might very well feel that I’m simply sharing my opinions or providing personal advice. However, in referring to individuals and organizations and how they may have utilized these strategies to achieve success, the message gains credibility and captures the attention of those involved.

However, I continue to be amazed by the number of people who are unaware of some of the most well-known people and companies in our country and how they have contributed to our growth and success. Therefore, I started creating bios to share with our clients and subscribers. Thus far, we have spotlighted the lives of the following people: Bill Gates, Peter Drucker, Lee Iacocca, Ray Kroc (McDonalds), Howard Schultz (Starbucks), Meg Whitman (eBay), Paul Harvey, Colleen Barrett (Southwest), Indra Nooyi (Pepsi), Robert Lutz (General Motors), Earl Nightengale, Warren Buffett, and Larry Page and Sergey Brin (Google).

We have also featured information on the following companies. Procter & Gamble, Two Men & a Truck, The Container Store, United Technologies Corp, UPS, ACIPCO (American Cast Iron Pipe Co.), Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, and Steve & Barry’s.

Our next installment will examine the category of “Midnight Muses.”

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.

In response to those readers and subscribers who have inquired about reprinting any of our 750+ blog articles, we provide the simple process.

Obviously, we want our articles to continue to appear in high school and college newspapers, church bulletins, business newsletters, and a wide variety of business and personal blogs. The last article in this series highlighted one of our 26 content categories: “When the Going Gets Tough.”

Today, I’d like to give you some idea of what you can find in the category of “On the Road Again.” Let me explain why I made the decision to create this particular category.

In my roles as a consultant, writer, keynote speaker, and seminar facilitator, I have the opportunity to travel all over North America serving clients from every industry and walk of life imaginable. We’ve had the privilege to work in small communities across the country as well as every major metropolis. We’ve served organizations belonging to the Fortune 500 as well as “Mom & Pop” enterprises with a total headcount of 25.

They all have one common thread that serves as an incredible learning tool—people. Size and location mean little or nothing when dealing with humanity. There’s always something to learn if you pause, look, listen and keep an open mind. We’ve learned a great many very valuable lessons over the years and made an effort to share them with others by incorporating what we’ve learned in future programs.

Fortune 500 clients have often benefited from priceless lessons gleaned from a small business in the desert of New Mexico, while many entrepreneurial start-ups have profited from knowledge we’ve shared from working with some of the most successful business names in North America. Readers and subscribers to our blog have been blessed by both.

Our category “On the Road Again” is a collection of observances and knowledge gained through our travels over the years. In these stories you’ll find humor, creativity, sadness and glory. You’ll learn a great deal from sources you may otherwise never have encountered. We have a number of clients who regularly reprint these articles to share with their entire staff population. So sit back, relax, and use us as your passport as we get back “On The Road Again”!

Our next installment will examine the category of “Little-known Facts about Well-known Leaders and Well-known Businesses.”

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.

A few weeks ago, I responded to those readers and subscribers who have inquired about reprinting any of our 750+ blog articles. Obviously, we want our articles to continue to appear in high school and college newspapers, church bulletins, business newsletters, and a wide variety of business and personal blogs. Last week’s article highlighted one of our 26 content categories: “Need a Lift?”

Today, I’d like to give you some idea of what you can find in the category of “When the Going Gets Tough.” Let me explain why I made the decision to create this particular category.

Everyone has a bad day from time to time. Some more than others. Going through challenging times—be they a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks—can be devastating and debilitating. During those situations, we sometimes get the feeling that we’re very much alone, that no else has ever experienced such unfortunate times, and that no one could possibly know what we’re going through. In reality, there’s very little chance that your situation is unique. Many others have experienced the same challenges, maybe even worse.

In times like these, there is much to be learned and benefitted by knowing that others have experienced, survived, and moved on to great success from the very challenge you’re currently facing. This category offers a wide variety of examples of those who have done just that. They give you not only hope for yourself and the future but actual examples of strategies you may find helpful.

Each of these scenarios also provide you with an opportunity to share and discuss interesting topics with family, friends and business associates. If nothing else, we can all benefit from learning how so many others have discovered how to cope with the many chaotic challenges confronting us in today’s environment. Who knows, you may even shed a tear or discover a smile where once there was a frown.

Our next installment will examine the category of “On the Road Again.”

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.

Last week, I responded to those readers and subscribers who have inquired about reprinting any of our 750+ blog articles. Obviously, we want our articles to continue to appear in high school and college newspapers, church bulletins, business newsletters, and a wide variety of business and personal blogs. That article not only explained the reprint process but also highlighted one of our 26 content categories: “Generational Gems for Future Leaders.”

Today, I’d like to give you some idea of what you can find in the category of “Need a Lift?” which currently offers close to 50 different articles. Let me explain why I made the decision to create this particular category.

In my personal role as a consultant, keynote speaker and trainer, it is imperative that I read a great deal of material daily in the form of books, magazines, newspapers, and web sites. I also watch a lot of TV and listen to the radio whenever possible.

Needless to say, that means I come into contact with an enormous number of very negative news stories. I fully understand that. Negativity sells. However, being exposed to it in heavy doses can take its toll. It can cause you to become a cynic, lose your enthusiasm and positive attitude, and cause you to soon expect the worst of any situation. Exposure to the daily news, in any form, can be extremely damaging to your mental and emotional health. The list goes on and on, but regardless of the subject matter: No good news!

Thus, for all of us who might “Need a Lift” from time to time, to brighten our day … to balance the negativity of daily strife … or just to appreciate the fact that there are good people and good things happening every day somewhere … we focus this category on good news articles. Our goal here is to bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye or a little inspiration to your day. Some of the articles may even restore a little faith in the human race.

Our next installment will examine the category of “When the Going Gets Tough.”

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.

We’re often asked by readers and subscribers if they can reprint an article they’ve found among the 750+ offerings they’ve found on our blog and our newsletter. Obviously, we’re more than happy to have any of our material passed on to others and are proud to have had our material shared in high school and college newspapers, church bulletins, business newsletters, and a wide variety of business and personal blogs.

We ask only that you print the:

• article in its entirety;
• byline of the writer;
• information about the writer, which is available at the end of each article; and
• contact information, including our toll-free phone number in the U.S. (800-886-2MAX) and link to our website http://www.AchieveMax.com or the specific article.

Over several years, our blog has rapidly expanded to include 25 separate content categories. Due to continued inquiries concerning that content, we have decided to highlight each category in a new 26th blog category in hopes of educating our readers and encouraging further exploration.

Every few weeks, we’ll explain a new category and delve into the currently available content. We’re going to start this week with “Generational Gems for Future Leaders,” one of our most popular categories among current readers and subscribers.

Generational Gems for Future Leaders

I’ve always been very passionate concerning the responsibility we have to make certain future generations have access to the wonderful lessons, anecdotes, allegories, parables, analogies, and narratives we’ve experienced and enjoyed over the decades. Anyone in business for any substantial length of time has had the benefit and privilege to hear words of wisdom from some of the greatest leaders, writers, consultants, speakers and authors in the world.

The responsibility is now ours to pass on these “gems” to a new generation of future leaders who will certainly need any and all tools they can find to attain the success they pursue. Far too many of us avoid repeating this knowledge for fear it’s nothing more than repetition or may not apply in today’s culture. That will certainly be decided by those who hear it. This wisdom has existed for ages, and I feel certain it will continue to inspire if we all do our part to pass it on.

Therefore, we’ve decided to share much of the wisdom that has passed the test of time and inspired generations of those engaged in the pursuit of business and personal success. At this time, we currently have 65 articles in this category.

We certainly can’t afford to allow these Generational Gems to die. Check them out and share them with members of today’s generation … whether it be family, friends or staff.

Our next installment will examine the category of Need a Lift?

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.