Six Toxic Beliefs That Will Ruin Your Career

Six Toxic Beliefs That Will Ruin Your Career

Self-talk is driven by critical beliefs that you hold about yourself, and is manifested in the things that you think as you move through your day. It plays an understated but powerful role in your ability to succeed, because your beliefs can both spur you forward toward achieving your goals and hold you back. As Henry Ford said, “He who believes he can and he who believes he cannot are both correct.”

When it comes to self-talk, there are six toxic beliefs that hold people back more than any others. Be mindful of your tendencies to succumb to these beliefs, so that they don’t derail your career.

Toxic Belief #1: Perfection = Success

Human beings, by our vary nature, are fallible. When perfection is your goal, you’re always left with a nagging sense of failure, and end up spending your time lamenting what you failed to accomplish, instead of enjoying what you were able to achieve.

Toxic Belief #2: My Destiny is Predetermined

Far too many people succumb to the highly irrational idea that they are destined to succeed or fail. Make no mistake about it, your destiny is in your own hands, and blaming multiple successes or failures on forces beyond your control is nothing more than a cop out. Sometimes life will deal you difficult cards to play, and others times you’ll be holding aces. Your willingness to give your all in playing any hand you’re holding determines your ultimate success or failure in life.

Toxic Belief #3: I “Always” or “Never” Do That

There isn’t anything in life that you always or never do. You may do something a lot or not do something enough, but framing your behavior in terms of “always” or “never” is a form of self-pity. It makes you believe that you have no control of yourself and will never change. Don’t succumb to it.

Toxic Belief #4: I Succeed When Others Approve of Me

Regardless of what people think of you at any particular moment, one thing is certain⎯you’re never as good or bad as they say you are. It’s impossible to turn off your reactions to what others think of you, but you can take people’s opinions with a grain of salt. That way, no matter what people think about you, your self-worth comes only from within.

Toxic Belief #5: My Past = My Future

Repeated failures can erode your self-confidence and make it hard to believe you’ll achieve a better outcome in the future. Most of the time, these failures result from taking risks and trying to achieve something that isn’t easy. Just remember that success lies in your ability to rise in the face of failure. Anything worth achieving is going to require you to take some risks, and you can’t allow failure to stop you from believing in your ability to succeed.

Toxic Belief #6: My Emotions = Reality

If you’ve read Emotional Intelligence 2.0, you know how to take an objective look at your feelings and separate fact from fiction. If not, you might want to read it. Otherwise, your emotions will continue to skew your sense of reality, making you vulnerable to the negative self-talk that can hold you back from achieving your full potential.

If you can overcome the self-defeating beliefs above, you’ll make great strides in improving your self-talk.

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7 Essential Qualities of Great Leaders

7 Essential Qualities of Great Leaders

By Ritika Trikha

January 30, 2014

Does your office have a great leader? Whether or not you’re in a leadership position, practicing strong leadership skills can offer a huge payoff.

True leaders don’t wait for a shiny, new title to start leading. Prove that you are someone worth following, and—pretty soon—you’ll have a strong case to make when you want to move up!

We spoke with dozens of folks with decades of experience in leading teams to success. The following are seven essential habits that produce great leaders!

1. Lead and Inspire by Example Rather than Dictating

The greatest leaders are down in the trenches with you. They see how the operation works and what hurdles their team is facing. This way, you don’t end up setting unrealistic goals. If you practice what you preach, you’ll create a strong, inspirational perception at work.

2. Create a Culture of Warmth, Not Fear

According to one Wharton School of Business survey of over 3,000 professionals across all sectors, “People who worked in a culture where they were free to express affection, tenderness, caring and compassion for one another were more satisfied with their jobs, committed to the organization and accountable for their performance,” according to Sigal Barsade and Olivia O’Neill, the researchers of the study, on Harvard Business Review.

Creativity, collaboration and morale is a lot higher when your team doesn’t dread hearing your feedback.

3. Maximize Time Efficiently by Avoiding Unproductive Busyness

Great leaders are wary of “unproductive busyness,” according to a 10-year study by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton. Shuttling from one meeting to another without actually making any innovative waves.

These researchers studied the habits of managers at big corporations, like Sony, LG Electronics and Lufthansa. “Fully 90 percent of managers squander their time in all sorts of ineffective activities,” the researchers wrote on Harvard Business Review (HBR). Yikes!

For further insight on maximizing time effectively, save this link to the full HBR article for a rainy day. It’s a lengthy read but definitely worth it for those of you dedicated to becoming great leaders.

4. Recognize Top Performers

The best way to reward and keep top performers motivated is to recognize them. Money is great, but, sometimes, “more than money, people want to be appreciated for their value and expertise. A word from the boss indicating her appreciation and esteem is more valuable than any amount of cash,” says Bob Mason, leadership development expert with over 35 years of leadership experience.

Make them feel valued. Give credit where it’s due. This will help build trust between you and your team. It also helps to really get to know your colleagues to understand what motivates them.

“Also, though it might seem counter-intuitive, a new challenge is often a great form of recognition because it shows the boss has confidence in that person's ability to accomplish even more,” Mason says.

5. Establish a Clear Vision and Communicate it Well

Your vision should be consistent in every goal and achievement you make.

“Great leaders set direction with their senior team or other leaders (tapping into their perspective and position) and then communicate that direction with passion and commitment, helping those responsible for executing understand where they fit, and how they fit,” says Christine Chopyak, strategy and management consultant of Alchemy: The Art of Transforming Business.

6. Listen with Intent and Respect

“Great leaders are present. They give all their associates 100 percent attention so that it feels like that associate is the only person in the room,” says Patrick Malone, senior partner of The PAR Group.

This means putting away your smartphone, making effective eye contact and making others feel heard.


It’s also important to “demonstrate respect for all other points of view. Respect doesn’t mean agree but rather simply respect other’s right to a different point of view than their own at this moment in time,” Malone says.

7. Avoid the Perfectionist Trap

One of the biggest downfalls of great leaders is an inability to trust the team to carry out their vision. This is particularly common among perfectionists. The old saying “if you want anything done right, you have to do it yourself” comes to mind.

But this is exactly the kind of mentality that can burn you out and limit your team’s success. You can’t do everything.

“The key to delegation is identifying the strengths of your team, and capitalizing on them. Find out what each team member enjoys doing most. Chances are if they find that task more enjoyable, they will likely put more thought and effort behind it,” says Tanya Prive of Forbes.

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Most Commonly Missed Tax Deductions

What Are the Most Commonly Missed Tax Deductions

 From charitable giving to job-hunting costs — even items that aren't really tax deductions but can save you money like reinvested dividends — we look at ways to save money on taxes.

Despite the fact that our tax dollars are used to pay for the local, state and federal services we need and enjoy, few Americans actively enjoy writing a check to Uncle Sam come April 15. Well, there are a number of ways that you can save money on taxes. Here we explain six commonly missed tax deductions and credits and three other strategies that could help to lighten your tax burden.

First, it’s important to understand the difference between tax deductions and tax credits. A tax deduction reduces the amount of income that is subject to tax. For example, a taxpayer with $50,000 in income and $500 in qualified business expenses could reduce the amount of her income subject to tax to $49,500. A tax credit, in contrast, reduces the total amount of tax owed. For example, a taxpayer with a $1,200 liability who is eligible for a $600 mortgage tax credit would have her tax liability reduced to $600.

It’s also important to understand that deductions are only available to taxpayers who itemize their returns. The IRS offers every taxpayer a standard deduction. In 2011, single filers could deduct $5,800; married filers $11,600; and heads of household $8,500. If your total qualifying expenses (deductions of the kind listed below) exceed the standard deduction, it makes sense to itemize your return. A taxpayer taking the standard deduction may still receive tax credits.


Six Commonly Missed Tax Deductions And Credits

1. Child and dependent care credit– If you pay child care expenses for children under age 13 so that you can work or go to school, you may be eligible for a credit of 20-35 percent of those expenses, up to $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more children. Depending on your income, if you pay $6,000 in child care costs per year for two or more children you could end up with a credit of about $2,000. To note, the credit is nonrefundable, meaning that it can reduce your income tax liability to zero; after that, any additional credit is lost.

2. Mortgage tax credit – This is not a commonly missed tax credit (in fact, it’s one of the most popular), but it’s worth mentioning here because it is typically one of the most significant tax credits for most taxpayers. Of the 40 million American taxpayers that take advantage of the mortgage tax credit, the average savings is $600 per year.

3. Home office deduction – Whether you are self-employed or an employee, if you use a portion of your home for business, you may be able to take a home office deduction. Expenses to consider include rent or mortgage, utilities and homeowners or renters insurance. Generally, the amount you may be able to deduct is a function of the percentage of your home used for business.

4. Business expenses for the self-employed – If you are self-employed, in addition to the home office deduction (if you work at home), you may be able to deduct other business-related expenses, including the cost of equipment (computer, printer, etc.), office furniture, office supplies, phone and internet (if they’re dedicated to your business), marketing expenses and travel (including auto expenses for travel to and from business meetings).

5. Job hunting and job-related expenses – If you spent more than two percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2012 on expenses related to a job search, you can deduct those expenses from your total income. You can also deduct a variety of miscellaneous job-related expenses, including professional memberships, journal subscriptions and the cost to purchase uniforms and keep them clean.

6. State sales or income tax deduction – If you itemize your deductions, you can choose to deduct either the state and local income taxes you paid or state and local sales taxes. Most taxpayers typically find that deducting income taxes yields a larger tax break, but if you made a big purchase (such as a car), it is worthwhile to see if deducting sales tax will yield you a bigger break.

Three Other Ways To Save Money On Taxes

1. Max out your retirement contributions – One of the best ways to save money on taxes is to contribute as much as the IRS allows to tax-deferred retirement plans like a 401(k), traditional IRA or SEP IRA. Not only does maxing out your contributions allow you to potentially reduce your tax liability (income used to invest in qualified plans is not taxed), but it also sets you up for a financially sound retirement. With certain exceptions, for 2013 the IRS allows a full deduction of IRA contributions up to $5,500 and of qualifying employer retirement plans (such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s) up to $17,500.

2. Take full advantage of a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) – A flexible spending account is a place to save pre-tax income (up to a certain limit) that you can use for qualified medical expenses. Funds left in the FSA at the end of the year are forfeited (use it or lose it). A health savings account serves the same purpose (a place to put non-taxed income to spend on healthcare) but functions a bit differently: you can keep funds in the HSA indefinitely, but the account must be coupled with a high-deductible health plan. Regardless of whether you choose a FSA or HSA, you can reap significant tax advantages. A married couple with income of $80,000, for example, could shave $500 off their tax bill by contributing $2,000 to a FSA or HSA.

3. Donate to charity – If you itemize your taxes, you can deduct donations to qualified charities (up to a limit, generally 50 percent of your adjusted gross income). When thinking about donations you’ve made, include gifts of cash and noncash donations like clothing, household items, vehicles, food, etc. You can also include out-of-pocket expenses you incur doing charitable work, such as mileage to and from a location where you volunteer.

By taking advantage of all of the tax credits and deductions you are be eligible for and the other ways to save money on taxes, you could shave a tidy sum off your April 15 tax bill.

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The next public outrage may be coming! - Five Years Later

Public Policy

The next public outrage may be coming!

(Originalally authored May 2008 By: John Burdin)

In the Public Sector many of the same issues that private sector entities have are present. They include but are not limited to a proper execution of policies and procedures to employer/employee relations which yield the desired results .

At JWB Interest we often focus on productivity in the work place, and how this will benefit everyone involved. Management strategies and techniques that are effective, stimulating and consistent with the mission and authority established. Behavioral attitudes and influences are generally improved in a positive manner.

In recent years, an area of tremendous interest and is of great concern to both governmental entities, and the electorate are budgetary constraints. How do provided services, taxes, employees and the bodies elected to deal with these issues, make decisions that are in everyone’s best interest?

In the past, with revenues not generally the problem they have become today, almost all governmental bodies seemed to spend everything they were budgeted. This was, and still is the best way to receive additional funding in the next physical year. As revenues grew, expenditures grew and few governmental bodies wanted to make plans for a “rainy day fund” or plan for a reduction in revenues. One primary reason is that the governmental budgeting process is a static program. There is little or no planning for changes in the future including changes in revenue, expenses and equally important – changes in human behavior.

Now that most municipal, county and state governmental bodies revenues are dramatically reduced, they have become painted into a box. Salaries, benefits and retirement programs are now out of control and becoming more scrutinized. No one wants to lay-off or terminate employees or reduce benefits. So, the only alternative is to increase taxes and or user fees (a tax). This is too often and improperly characterized as the only alternative unless “we want to lay-off teachers, police and firefighters”. This may be partially true, but the reality is that most governmental entities at all levels are still over staffed.

The current situation is not being met with approval by the electorate. Hence the next big populous outrage is on our door step.

Voters are going to rail against public employees, and the bodies that control the policies which dictate provided services and taxes.

As an elected official, administrator or manager, wouldn’t you like for the employees who work for you to come to work every day with a great attitude, and free from the “slings and arrows” that are coming, sooner rather than later. Wouldn’t you like for your employees to be looked on as productive pieces of a governmental work force, rather than an excuse for higher taxes. Wouldn’t it be a great thing to have the electorate heap praises on your decisions instead of insults and seek retribution?

There are some reasonable and remarkably simple answers and alternatives to many of these issues that will not only solve much of the current and impending problem, but at the same time regain the public trust in our governmental bodies, and how they conduct business.

If followed, these policies will greatly improve employee efficiencies and productivity, give all employees a greater since of purpose and create a dramatically improved relationship between community and government.

JWB Interest will answer your questions! We will make recommendations about how to recreate your governmental workforce into a force that creates benefits for everyone.

Now we are five years later and where is the change ?????

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How is your business doing these days?

How is your business doing these days?

Are you having success and moving in the right direction, or like many business owners – still not sure and not sure where to go from here.  Contact us today and let us help you with Management Practices, Marketing Strategies and Business Communications. There are additional areas we may assist you with, but these three can make the difference in improving your business results or being static, and wondering where to look next.

Even if you believe that your business is doing well, there is nothing like a fresh set of eyes to give you unfiltered feedback about your current position in your market.

Contact us today so we may make your business our business.

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Using Online Payment Services

Online payment services allow business and consumers to exchange money electronically over the Internet. With an online payment service, your business can receive payment from virtually any customer with an email account.
     Advantages: Online payment services can either replace or supplement your decision to accept credit and debit cards. Opening an online payment account is often faster and easier than setting up a Merchant Account (which is required to accept credit and debit card payments). Online payment accounts typically incur smaller fees than a traditional Merchant Account, which can have a big impact on businesses with many small transactions. From a customer-service perspective, it's beneficial to have multiple payment options available. Online payment services are also quite user-friendly and can simplify the payment process by storing customer card information or billing customers at a later date.
     Disadvantages:   As with all payment methods, online payment services have their drawbacks. Most of these services redirect customers to a payment service website to complete a transaction. Being forced to leave your business's website can be confusing for customers - especially those new to online shopping - and could make them abandon a purchase they may have otherwise made.  Your business may not get enough value out of offering both an online payment service and accepting card payments. On the other hand, limited payment options may turn some customers away. Finding the right balance of payment options is something that is unique for every business.
     There are also security concerns.  Major providers of online payment services (for example, PayPal or Bill Me Later) have developed features like two-factor authentication to help businesses enhance e-commerce security. Two-factor authentication requires businesses to enter a six-digit code in addition to their password, making third-party scams rare. As e-commerce becomes more popular, security features will continue to evolve. Be sure to research service provider plans for the most current security technology.
     For the most part, online payment services require a “virtual shopping cart” which allows businesses to accept orders on multiple products from their website. A shopping cart can calculate the total, tax, and shipping costs of an order, in addition to collecting customer account and shipping information.
Some online payment service providers offer free shopping cart services to businesses. If your online payment service does not provide a free, secure shopping cart option, third-party shopping cart services can be used.  I will suggest a couple of the more popular options for example as follows.
     PayPal is an online service that enables businesses to accept payments from any customer with an email address and credit card or checking account. PayPal is a popular option for businesses with many small transactions and businesses that do not directly process card payments.
     When a customer decides to make a purchase on your business's website via PayPal, they simply click the button that will redirect them to the PayPal website. New PayPal customers will complete a one-time, free registration to receive an account number. 
Bill Me Later is an online payment service that allows consumers to "buy now, pay later." Customers are billed for the purchase after several weeks and can then choose to pay either online or through the mail.  When a customer decides to make a purchase using a "Bill Me Later" option, they are prompted for their birth date and the last four digits of their Social Security number. With this information, the customer is quickly approved or denied through a credit check. If approved, the transaction is completed through a process similar to a credit card transaction. 
     Planning and managing your business strategies can be complex.  If you need help with this or other aspects of your business, contact:

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JWB Interest, LLC  2012 All Rights Reserve

Make Your Home Office Professional

Any special advice on how to do this "professionally"?

     The "Golden Rule" –treat others as you would want them to treat you – is a must for small businesses. You want to provide the highest quality service and responsiveness because that’s what you expect when you buy a product or service.
     The largely casual setting of a home office is no exception. Even if you work out of a spare bedroom and wear shorts while you work, you want clients to perceive you as a first-class operation. That means making sure you have the resources and approach to your business as good as your competitors in that shiny office downtown.
Here are some ways to make your home office as professional as possible:
     Get connected. Make sure your computer has the processing speed and capacity to meet your business needs. You cannot be efficient or provide fast answers if your system is slow and constantly crashing. The same goes for your Internet access. Faster modems and phone lines may cost a little more, but the added expense will be more than offset by the time saved waiting for web pages and long documents to download.
     Open the lines of communication. Consider having three separate phone lines – home, office and fax. Also install voice mail. Clients should never experience the frustration of getting a busy signal when trying to reach you or send a fax. If you receive another call while speaking on the business line, the caller can still leave a message. If you have call waiting, make sure you disable it if you expect the call to be lengthy. That persistent double click will be disrupting to you, the person you’re speaking with, and the third party trying to reach you.
     Create a "real" office. Set up your home office professionally. Make it quite, comfortable and organized. Place what you use most close to you. Use bright colors or dark colors, face away from the window or toward the window – in short, whatever works best for you and helps you to concentrate.
     Send it in style. Design your company’s letterhead either yourself or with the assistance of a professional designer. Use it for all business correspondence. It may be worthwhile to rent a Post Office Box for your incoming mail. Home street addresses don’t always convey the look of a professional organization.
     Stay informed. Keep on top of all the latest trends in your business, as well as in your client’s fields. Join your trade association and subscribe to all the key magazines that cover your industry. These resources offer advice and information as well as discounts on business expenses. Also, join the local Chamber of Commerce and attend their monthly breakfast/networking sessions – a good way to stay in touch with the business world in general.
     Self control. Now that you are on your own, it is easy to fall into a poor work pattern. Working from your home takes a lot of discipline. First, separate work time from personal time. Set hours for your workday and stick to them. After hours don’t sneak into the office to get work done unless you are up against a deadline. Likewise don’t sneak out to run errands during business hours. Think of time away from the office during the workday as money lost.

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