SCALES: the Key to Mastery!

music-104607_150Six months ago I took my flute out of the closet. It’s been with me since I was 12, but hadn’t been played for nearly 25 years. I was amazed at how much I remembered. Sure my technique was rusty and I fatigued easily, but it was encouraging to be able to play it at all!

I started lessons. I started practicing. And along the way amazing things have happened. Research shows that it takes 10,000 hours to become world class at something. At this stage of my life I don’t have 10,000 hours to devote to playing the flute! But I have one hour a day. And so here is the interesting question. What can I do in one hour a day to maximize my time? After all there is so much to learn.

My teacher, who is amazing I might add, gave me a practice schedule. 75% of my time is spent practicing scales and tone studies. While that may sound boring to you, what I discovered is that in every piece of music I want to play there are scales. And in every piece of music I want to play beautifully I must create beautiful sounds. Once I realized that, I began to love to practice scales and tone studies. In fact sometimes my hour is over and I haven’t gotten to the music!

In six months my progress is amazing. My technique has returned to where it was as a music student at Indiana University, and the sound….I have gained to much control of the instrument that when I play I can play from my heart. I can play what I feel. After all what is music but feeling which we express freely when we trust our technique.

I could end on that note and this blog would be all about me, and my flute. But the point I want to make is that in everyone’s work (or play), there is the equivalent to what scales are to a musician. Something that requires constant improvement in order to get more from your endeavor. It doesn’t matter if the thing you want to improve is related to work, an avocation, a sport, or a hobby. Finding the “scales” for that endeavor, and then allocating the majority of your “practice” time to that activity, will guarantee you get most for your time and effort.

 Enjoy your “scales”!!

A New Way to Network: Master Networks – WarriorTalk Podcast with Dave Jenks

Master-Networks-Logo

Networking has been part of society and commerce since the earliest written records of civilization.  The basics always remain the same:  people gather together, share their services and build their relationships.

Master Networks, a company based in Rochester, Minnesota, is now playing this proven game in a new and innovative way. For them, the regular gathering of local entrepreneurs and business owners is not just about doing business and sharing referrals with each other.  It is also about helping members grow powerful, profitable ventures.

In this episode of WarriorTalk, Dave Jenks talks about this new networking model and why it really impresses him.  You might even find that this is a business opportunity for YOU!

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The Truth about Keller Williams Realty – WarriorTalk with Dave Jenks

kwIn 1996, after 15 years as a leader in the real estate industry (with Century 21 and Prudential), Dave joined Keller Williams and teamed up with Gary Keller and Mo Anderson . Over the next 12 years the company grew from 2,000 agents to over 72,000. Now that Dave has been away from KWRI for over 4 years, he wants to share the real “truth” about the company – the inside story.

In this Warrior Talk podcast, Dave goes behind the numbers and the growth to talk about things that most real estate industry players don’t realize about KW.  His many decades of work in real estate franchising and the research he did in co-authoring a series of best selling books, including MREA, MREI and SHIFT give him a unique perspective on what makes the company tick.

Whether you are with Keller Williams or not, you will find Dave’s comments revealing and intriguing.

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An Apology To My Grandchildren… WarriorTalk Podcast with Dave Jenks

Dave Jenks

Dave Jenks

This is one of the most heartfelt messages Dave Jenks has ever delivered.

Beyond all the talk about “fiscal cliffs” and government finances, Dave feels that his generation has something it needs to admit to and apologize for. It needs to be honest with its children and grandchildren. It needs to say:  ”We are truly sorry we’ve put you in this position. Help us get it corrected.”

In his bestselling book, Tom Brokaw called it the “greatest generation” – the Americans who lived through the Great Depression and were victorious in World War II.  Dave Jenks calls his post-war baby boomers the “greediest generation!”

In this session of Warrior Talk, he invites the members of his children’s and grandchildren’s generations to take charge and correct the problems his generation has created. And, he’s clear about what it will take and how to do it.

In just sixteen short minutes you will experience an inspiring message. A message that you will want to pass on to all the young people you care about.

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Dealing with Addiction: A Real Personal Perspective – WarriorTalk with Dave Jenks

adA study in 2004 said that more than two-thirds of American families have been touched by addiction — either with alcohol or drugs.

Addiction comes in many different forms and is unique to each person.  But when you get down to the details, much of it is the same:  habits that can be dangerous and harm someone’s life.

Dave Jenks knows this personally.  In 1999, he stood up in front of a group of people and said “I’m Dave, and I’m an alcoholic.”

From that moment, Dave went through a transformation.  A transformation that helped to get his life back on track.  A transformation that he shares in this edition of WarriorTalk; one of the most heartfelt and honest discussions we’ve ever had.

If you suffer from an addiction or know someone that does, we created this for you.

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The Truth about Planning: WarriorTalk Podcast with Dave Jenks

The scariest thing for an entrepreneur to face.

The scariest thing for an entrepreneur to face.

For entrepreneurs, the new year is a blank page.  They know that what they write on that blank sheet – their goals and plans – will determine what happens. So the task is both exciting and daunting.

In this Warrior Talk, Dave shares the truths he has learned about fully engaging in this magical process.  First, he will explain why it is so hard to do.  Then, he will reveal why it works and how to get it done.

Of the five entrepreneurial skills that Dave identifies in his audio book, this is the first and most important.  He calls it “missioning” and it involves visioning, goal setting and planning. Those who master it build great ventures.  Those that don’t, won’t.

Invest the 15 minutes it will take to listen to this important message.  Pass it on to those who are in your venture and to those who desire to be high-achievers.

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Understanding the Fiscal Cliff – WarriorTalk Podcast with Dave Jenks

It’s the latest buzz word everyone is talking about.  It’s the focus of news broadcasts and talk shows – now that the elections are over and the politicians actually have to get something done.

What we’re talking about is, of course, the “fiscal cliff.”

But, what IS this fiscal cliff?  Everyone seems to have different facts and different opinions.  There seems to be so much hype and confusion.  What is actually going on, how did it happen and what really matters?

In this edition of WarriorTalk, Dave Jenks goes over the facts and tells you what we REALLY need to know.  What is important? How does it effect us?  What does it mean for entrepreneurs? And, more importantly, what can we DO about it?

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Understanding Obamacare and the US National Health Business – WarriorTalk Podcast with Dave Jenks

Now that the 2012 election is over and we know who has won, we ask the question “What now?”  Where do we go from here?

Dave Jenks is clear and informed about one major issue: the implementation of the national healthcare program, now called Obamacare .  Over the last year, since its passing, Dave has spent hours studying the bill and investigating its implications.  What he has learned isn’t always discussed on national news programs.  His views on this program may surprise you. And, its implications for entrepreneurs are important to understand.

In this edition of WarriorTalk, Dave shares what he has learned and what it means for us as entrepreneurs.  It has to do with much more than healthcare for Americans: it has to do with the economic health of the country and the preservation of its freedoms.

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The Art of Selling – WarriorTalk Podcast with Dave Jenks

Entrepreneurs and leaders are expected to influence other people – to get them onboard and committed to the venture. To create buy-in.  When we think about leadership ability, we might miss the fact that it is just a higher form of “sales.” To be an effective entrepreneur you must be able to sell.

In this edition of WarriorTalk, Dave shares his personal path of discovery about the art of selling. He explains what it is, why it is important and how anyone can learn it.

In a clear, concise and direct message, Dave teaches us how to sell – our products, our services, our ventures, our goals and ourselves.  He reveals how just a few simple skills helped him become a successful teacher, author and leader. Listen, learn and use this wisdom for yourself.

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It’s Always About The Money – WarriorTalk Podcast with Dave Jenks

In the sub title of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent, the book our own Dave Jenks co-authored, they say “It’s not about the money.”

But is that always true?

Recently, Dave was heard saying the OPPOSITE of this statement.  So, which is it Dave? Tell us what you really believe!

So he did – in this session of Warrior Talk.  You may be surprised by his answers.

Here’s a hint: he says that many people don’t understand the money side of business.  Sometimes, they even say that “the money doesn’t really matter to me.”  But, Dave shows us why it ALWAYS matters; even when it’s NOT your purpose or the primary mission of your business.  This is also true for not-for-profit ventures.

In the brief few minutes of this podcast, you will come to a deeper understanding of why “it is always about the money.” And, how to make that truth work for you.

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