2011 A Look Back

2011 A Look Back

2011 was a remarkable year for the Diversity Networking Group. We started out the year with low expectations but a huge mandate to see our organization grow and grow it did in deed. January we were still meeting at Beanos Bar and Grill, who had so graciously allowed us to meet within their facilities. It was a great local for us to cut our teeth on but we believed that things would change. This change would necessitate a move to a new place. 

As I spoke to the handful of folks who attended our first quarter of the year meetings, we were planning on having an Expo at the Sante Fe Station Hotel and Casino. This would prove to be a learning experience that I would never want to repeat again. 

During that first half of the year, we were pleased to host some of the local dignitaries from the political as well as the religious fields. Once again the stage was being set for the branding of the organization. We had encouraged all of our members to be at all of these meetings because they would learn things that no one else in the networking realm was being exposed to and those words were prophetic.

In late May the decision was made to move the group to our current location at Panera Bread. It was a huge emotional as well as tactical move. Ties had to be cut with Beanos and new friendships had to be made with Leslie and the new digs. There were still emotional baggage associated with being in a smaller space but once we made the move, it was "Don't look back, full steam ahead."

This move would prove to be the best that we ever made. The new location brought in a whole new membership. We began to grow from day 1. In additon to the new members came a new focus on where we would go as an organization. There was a renewed emphasis on "What more could we provide to our Family". 

By September we were in full momentum. The morning sessions were awesome. Chatter, fun, networking, referrals all of this was happening within that short hour window as we met and special guest speakers like you wouldn't believe. This was getting good. We had to formalize this thing (DNG) before it got totally out of control.

October DNG1 began formally accepting dues. The news was received with encouragement and we too were encouraged. But with much trust from our new members came the challenge to produce. We brought in the heavy-weights of the speaking world. Hedges, Bailey (listed among the top 25 speakers in the country) .

November DNG2 was launched at the Marie Callenders location. The new group was electric and within the first month it already had a core group of people who had committed to being a happy healthy networking group. 

December welcomed our Second Annual DNG Christmas Party. Were as the first Christmas Party sported a respectable 8 people, this gathering garnered well over 50 people!!! I almost cried at the sight of how much we had grown. We truly have been blessed with some great folks that I love and cherish. At times I pinch myself in disbelief.

At the close of 2011, we sit on the doorstep of something remarkable. I haven't mentioned any names in this lookback not because I've forgotten names but because there are so many people involved in the success of DNG to this point that it would do them all an injustice to try and convey the gratitude that I and the "Lovely Mrs Ray" truly feel. We want to tell all of those people who have become a part of the founding and continued growth of DNG that we thank you all for the hours and hours of attendance, participation and prayers that you have extended to your group.

In 2012 we look forward to even more value-filled projects, class, parties and events. With all of us doing our collective parts we can look to an even better 2012. Our hope is that you will all make suggestions, comments and above all compliments on what we hope will be the networking group of choice in the Las Vegas valley.

Once again, on behalf of the DNG Executive Committee and the "Lovely Mrs Ray" and I thank you for 2011 and we will see you soon in 2012. 

Sherman 

Customer Service

Launching any new business has its share of ups and downs. There's the money thing and of course office space, not to mention the logistics of when and whom you are going to have lunch with. Yes having your own business, especially in this day and economy can be a real challenge.

Many of us have the same problems and they can all be rooted in a common place. I call this place the "lack o customer service-itis" Or in other words, we put the all mighty buck before we put the customer and their wishes. Now don't get me wrong, if you aren't in business to make money then you are neglecting a fundamental reason for getting up before any human being should, worrying about every little incident like it were the Tienanmen Square uprising and going to bed way too late, on most days. No making money is a pivotal part of being the captain of your own ship but it isn't the bottom line.

The bottom line to each and every business is to be the best that you can be to the people that you are performing a service for. In a biblical sense, you are doing everything as unto your Maker. Every time you do a job you are making your God smile. That's why you take the extra effort to make sure what you do is right. That is why you don't leave early and you put everything back the way it was when you got there.


The reason for you to do all of this isn't so you can make a buck, even though making a buck is terrific. But any old fool can make a fast buck. Pimps, prostitutes and drug dealers do it everyday and alot of it. You Mr. Businessman are no Pimp, prostitute or Drug Dealer. You represent something so much bigger than that and that's why you are so proud at the end of the day to say that you own your own business. It is a reflection of you and what you believe in. So stand proud at your accomplishments. Be prideful of your people that you've trained to do the very same thing that you expect of yourself, only the very best. In the end it isn't about the all mighty dollar to you. It is about Customer Service. In doing so you reflect the Maker who made you.

Learning Something Everyday

I've been a career student all of my life. Since I was able to discern that there was more out there than what I already knew, I have been in a constant search to develop myself academically and spiritually. To this end, I make it a policy to at least end the day knowing that I have learned something new.

Now learning something new everyday can take on many forms. I can read a book, see a TV show, watch an event in progress and glean something from it but whatever form the learning comes from, I end the day a little bit richer.

Today I learned that I need regular emotional rest. If I don't I can become pretty grumpy and take out my emotional drain on whomever is around me. That didn't take me very long to see that this is an area in my life that needs to be tamed.

My encouragement to all of my readers is that they do the same thing. Take advantage of life's simplest situations and learn from it. There is a lesson in every facet of life. Don't allow a moment to pass you by without learning valuable lessons that will be used down the line..

Seeing the Silver Lining

Finding the Silver Lining in every situation can be a wonderful exercise in breaking from the pack. Let's face it, most people see the glass half empty rather than half full. They see the dirt in the forrest rather than the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Today, rather than spend all of your precious breath worrying about how terrible your lot is in life, why not see the silver lining that is inside each and every situation you come up against daily.

When you begin to adopt an attitude of gratitude about everything and refuse to allow your natural tendency to be pessimistic enter into your day you will find that your energy is renewed. You'll also begin to attract around you like-minded people who too want to see the world differently.When you begin to look for the silver lining, surprisingly, you will find the silver lining that has always been there. People will start to treat you better, the food will taste better. You job or business will begin to take on a new hue when you start to say to yourself that everything is gonna be all right. You will begin to become more creative because all of those negative thoughts that used to take up residence in your head have been replaced with the God-given creative mind that you had when you were a kid.

You were built for creativity and to enjoy all that is out in creation. Creation in all of its beauty was meant for you to enjoy. Together, your creativity and  creations beauty were meant to work in harmony to produce a symphony of beauty. Like Picasso and Micheangelo before you, your god-given talent will begin to manifest itself in truly amazing ways.

Take it from me. The people who created raspberry tea and cocoa crispies weren't allowing the fears of life, lack of resources and opposition stop them. They saw nothing but possibilities ahead of them. That is what drove the greats to invent the automobile, V8 Juice and Paper Plates. The Silver lining is what Steve Jobs saw which propelled him into pursuing the PC and it can be the same for you.

Here are some tips to help you see the silver lining in each and every situation.

1) Start with a mental picture of happy good thoughts
2) When you sense anything really try and experience it.
3) Don't be in a rush to sense things, take your time.
4) Thank God for everything, good or bad.
5) Get plenty of rest.
6) Try and remember your dreams (They hold the key to many underlying thoughts
7) Borrow yours or someone elses kids crayons and color on a weekly basis.
8) Don't be a know-it-all. Accept others input.
9) Watch less news

-Sherman Ray

Sherman Ray is the founder and President of  the Diversity Networking Group. He is also an author and motivational speaker. As a leadership development coach Sherman has been involved in many projects and teams throughout the U.S. and Asia.

Does Social Media Work

I know you've probably read countless articles on how if you follow 7 simple rules that you can build a social media dynasty. You know the articles, written by people who have never ever done anything other than write about how simple it is to do the impossible with Facebook or Twitter. Well I have built a pretty successful organization and it has all been done using only Facebook. Let me tell you how we did it.

About a year ago we decided to organize a group and wanted to know how to do it, so we did all of our research via Facebook. You can find almost anything you want about people who have gone before you by just typing in a search on the subject. After doing our premliminary work of finding out how to do the project, we formed a presence on Facebook and started to contact people. If you are like most of us this won't be an easy thing to do but it is a must. You must start to contact people. During the early days I would just contact the most famous person I could, friend them and then check out their friendslist. Going through their list I would friend a few of their friends. After that I would join in on their conversations and build a reputation as someone who was interesting.

During that time I started a Youtube account. I would try and post a new video article once or twice a week until people started to talk about me. Most of my thoughts surrounded my interest in business and helping other people recognize their strengths. People I didn't even know would start to talk about how optimistic I was. This set the stage for our main organization.

When we started our networking group we did everything via the internet. We tried to contact people, market and inform our members via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Slowly but surely people started to take interest what we were doing. Whenever we would have a meeting, we would post it online. Whenever we had something to say to each other, we would prominently post it on Facebook or Twitter. When I had an insight on a business related subject, you could be sure that I would video it via Youtube. I would post when and where the meetings and events via the message boards in our local area. This was utilizing Social Media like a machine.

Then I got a little crazy. I started to contact city officials via Facebook. Maybe I was just at the right place at the right time but everytime I would friend one of these folks and ask them if they would like to be a special guest speaker, they would say yes. This would set the tone for our group as one that specialized in getting big name speakers. This ability to attract these highend speakers still exists to this day. Our latest guest speaker makes an incredible amount of money for a single speaking engagement. We were able to get him... you guessed it, through Facebook.

Our group has now grown to 90 online and two local groups in our city and we are contacting people all over America, from California to Florida to join our network as charter members. All of this has been done via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. So does Social Media work? Oh yeah...just ask our members. They are the richer for the existence of the internet and the ability of our being able to communicate via, Social Media.

Hearing "You've Got the Job"

Recently our Interior Design firm was contacted by a prospective client about giving them a bid on some design work for their office. I was really surprised because 1) How did they get our phone number 2) Why would they choose a small firm like ours for their rather larger business. But not being one to look a gift horse in the mouth I didn't question the offer, instead we went to work preparing all that we needed.
Our office for the next few days was all abuzz with putting together colors, fabrics, styles, lights, prints, I mean we went all out. Our objective was to give them the very best that we could in the shortest amount of time possible. You see we were up against at least 2 other firms in a climate where it is as cut throat as can be. Designers were undercutting and doing all kinds of things just to get work. This would be no different. It was a large job and everyone wanted it.

I tend to be a worrywart when it comes to getting things done on time. I want it all to be ready 2 days before hand and if it isn't you can tell. I get irritable and short with everyone. No one gets a day off for any reason. Lunch is done in house and you better not call in sick. This is serious business. We are potentiall going to make more money than we have ever made to this date and if something is to hinder this project it aint gonna be us.

We worked the entire weekend and much of the next week to complete some preliminary drawings, color-boards and tile samples. It was time to present the package to the client representative and we had everything ready the night before. As Linda and I drove to the meeting we prayed for two things to be done. 1) That the client would ooh and ahh 2) That there would be an immediate response to our presentation. We ended the prayer with a confident AMEN and proceded to the meeting. At the end the representative said, "Where's the contracts, let's sign right now".

Oh crap...we didn't bring a contract. I told them that I would have one drawn up and ready by noon. Linda said that we had an appointment and that it wouldn't be until the next morning. Arghhhh....The client said OK let's do this right now and they wanted to start immediately. They asked if they could keep all of the presentation materials to show the principles of the company. (Something that we said we wouldn't do) Of course, since they said that we were hired, we left the boards and samples.
We left and smiled all the way to the car. As we drove away Linda kept asking, "Did we get the job, did we really get the job"? I told her yes, we had a verbal committment by the representative and as far as I was concerned this was a done deal. The next few days would prove to the be the longest ones of our short careers.

I prepared the paperwork within the next hour and called back the representative to have her sign the docs. She was unavailable at the time. One hour passed, then two, three and then four hours. Nothing came back to us. Had we really gotten the job? If so, then why didn't they at least call us back when we left a message? We had a friend come over that afternoon. We shared what had happened that morning. We told her that we still hadn't signed any contracts but that we felt we had a committment. Her face bore the look of doubt. So did Linda's. She thought that we had been dooped and that our drawings were being used by the client to move forward with their remodel without us.
The next morning, the same thing, nothing. I left another message. I even almost went down to the project to see if I could find out some news for myself. This was getting crazy. Why hadn't they called us back.

The shadows of doubt began to creep into my usually optimistic head by now. There just had to be some logical reason for the no call no show. I kept an upbeat exterior but under the surface I was shaking. Now just a few days before we had been thanking Jesus for the provision of this project. We had put out the fleece and God had shownup in a bigtime way. He had proved that he could move mountains in our personal lives. Now a few days later, doubt, disappointment and sadness had crept in. What were we to believe? Would we believe the promises of a Loving God or the doubt-filled ramblings of our own minds?
It was two days later and all of the sudden my phone rang. It was the company representative and she sounded tired. She said that she got my messages but that she was in another facility working on another project. She assured me that not only did we have the job, "AS IS" but that they had another facility that they wanted us to take a look at. This time it wouldn't just be part of the entire building but it would be the entire building.

We set a time for us to meet with the principles the following week and not only that but that we had much more time to prepare the finished product. I was so overjoyd that my most dreaded thoughts were unfounded that all I could do was say, "Thank You Jesus".

Passing Off The Baton

Try to take stock of where you are now in life in relationship to where you are going is an experience we all should enjoy at least every six months. In our case it is something that I think about every week. You see, we've been on this rollercoaster of achievements the past number of years and if you don't keep looking and rechecking where you are now in relationship to where you want to be in the future, I can tell you now, you can get lost in the shuffle.

Linda and I find ourselves in an enviable position. We have spent many years working at project after project as leadership development and team building workers. In our experience, we find that at the end of every project you spend the later half of it looking for your successor. I know many of you are probably thinking, "These two are just looking for an excuse to move on". Well, nothing could be farther from the truth. We don't look forward to moving away from our friends, who we've established great relationships with over the past number of months and in some cases years. We don't like moving to another place. It isn't pleasant doing any of those things. But God has different ideas for us. So as obedient slaves we do what the Master says.

What do you do though when you feel that the Lord is calling you to move on and there isn't a replacement for you? Let me tell you, we've built a firm foundation in our current project. It would continue to move forward even if we left tomorrow. We couldn't stop it now, even if we tried. So we figure that it is time for us to get moving on to another thing. Oh no, no one is willing to step up to the plate and make the committment that it takes to take our foundation and make a great work out of it.

Well, there may be an answer to this dilema. And I can tell you it is just that. Now don't get me wrong, I love my peeps, relationships, meetings, achievements, all of that stuff but it really becomes a dilema when you know that these folks need and deserve so much more. If someone would come in and knowing what they are doing, take our clay and make it into a masterpiece. They would know exactly what to do with what we've already started.
But as I said, NO TAKERS.

So, this is what we are forced to do. We are going to do the best we can until we are moved out of the way. No more am I going to look for someone to replace me. As a matter fact, if someone does come a callin then I am gonna push them off to the dise and let them know that there is no room at the Inn. So watchout all you aspiring Jr. Execs. my position is officially off the list as available.