I was watching a sermon online and the Speaker, who used to be a Pastor but was called into the marketplace, stated that there were three categories of Mankind:

1. those who cannot be changed
2. those who are changeable
3. those who are called to make change!

I thought this statement was quite profound as I have found myself in all of those categories in my life. I recently interviewed for positions and although I felt the interviews went well, I picked out a few statements that I had made that really spoke of a “unchangeable” mindset. My success in life has always been when I was humble enough to change and then think of ways to spearhead changes that help people and business grow.

What a great reminder this morning that our focus should not be on how we have always done things (not changing) but on being open to change and to lead in change.

I hope this encourages you this week.

Kind Regards,

Larry J Clark

I was thinking today about how I have added extra income to our stream in good and bad times and wanted to share with you what has worked for me.

The best way to source extra income is to use your influence. What does this mean? Use the contacts and relationships you have established to refer them to complimentary services that they can use. Here is a recent example that was proposed to me:

A Mortgage Brokerage Company asked me to refer anyone that I knew that was looking to refinance or for a new mortgage. They said they would pay me at least $250.00 just for sending someone to them and they write a mortgage. I think everyone knows someone who needs a mortgage or is refinancing, so why not contact a Mortgage Broker and see if they will sign a referral agreement with you. Yes, please have a written agreement not a verbal one!

A Realtor friend also knows I know allot of people and will give me a “gift” for a client that uses him. This can be cash or I suggest a gift card to your favorite store or restaurant. Gift cards are not taxable as income here in Canada (no gifts are usually) and this is a way that you can go for dinner or buy something without using your own money.

Here’s a big one for you. I have heard this past week, no kidding, two Companies I had dealings with that have merged and partnered with competitors to share costs and the market. Even a couple of years ago this would be unheard of. Why not contact Companies you know and see who their competitors are and see if you can broker a partnership between the two for a fee? How about just introducing them for referral fee and let them work something out? This will take some work but hey, nothing ventured nothing gained and could be quite a nice pay day for you.

I understand you are not all in business but I am confident that we all have imagination and contacts that can lead to a generation of income even in this economy.

To your future,

Larry J Clark

I have decided after some contemplation (not very much really) that Facebook and I must part. I found it addictive and time consuming. I know that people mean well by posting their ‘life’ experiences and photo’s, but there can be a danger of obsession of knowing what everyone else is doing and not concentrating on what you should be doing. Anyway, I found it like that and even a bit “gossipy” in some areas.

There are also stories out there of adding people loosely to your friends list without really knowing them. I have never done that and I apologize to those I have not added, but I am very selective as to who I added to Facebook. Maybe it’s that Police background in me, but I am confident there are people who really don’t care about you or your life, they are just curious. Nothing really wrong with this I guess, but it is not for me. There are also inherit dangers from not so nice people as well trying to gain your personal information.

Anyway, this is not meant to offend anybody but is a decision I feel is right for me. You can always contact me (you all know how) and I will post often on my blog. I will stick to Linkedin for my business contacts and be more of a ‘one on one’ friend to people and family.

Kind Regards,

Larry