Everyone is doing it backwards.

All the popular self-help books say that it's crucial to set goals... yet they've got it all discombobulated. Don't get me wrong. It's good to set goals for yourself or your organization. But that's like putting the cheese before the cracker.

What's missing? The big picture. How can you possibly know what you really need to succeed if you haven't carefully considered whether or not you really need it?

Let me put it another way: Everyone thinks that the key to developing a success strategy is to figure out "what" and "how"--when the first question everyone should ask is "WHY?"

That's the reason I developed my exciting new platform called The Puzzle Principle: Creating Long-Term Success In A Short-Term World. I want to train people to always ask "why" first--then figure out the "what" and "how." It's like putting together a big jigsaw puzzle. If I handed you a bag with a thousand puzzle pieces in it and challenged you to put it together, what's the first thing you'd say?

"Where's the box with the picture on it?"

(If you'd like information on how The Puzzle Principle can help you develop the long-range focus and value-based strategy that management gurus like Peter Drucker say are vital to building a lasting legacy for your organization or career...then call me at 866-419-MARK and set up a FREE consultation that will help you start solving those puzzles!)

Watching American Idol can be addictive--just ask the 35-40 million who tune in faithfully each week to watch some very talented singers compete for the most coveted title in the entertainment industry. But watching this mega-popular reality show has also been very instructive and motivational. Last night, something Simon said triggered this thought: You can learn a lot about leadership from American Idol.

Let's say you're like me and you're considering becoming a professional speaker. One thing most leadership experts agree on is that anyone who wants to achieve or maintain a successful career needs a coach. And boy, do I have a good one!

Jane Atkinson spent a dozen years working for a speakers' bureau. In Jane's role as an agent, she often took speakers from 0 to 80 engagements per year at very high fees. What was her secret? Her ability to choose speakers will high levels of talent (no amount of marketing can overcome a mediocre speech), combined with her marketing formula. Jane worked with them to develop focused and effective marketing materials and then implemented a consistent, long term sales and marketing strategy.

Her best advice to me? "Pick a lane. Focus on your most interesting and profitable topic. Think of it this way--you might own four or five gorgeous cars, but you should only drive one of them at a time!"

If you're interested in becoming a professional speaker, check out Jane and launch your career today!