Motivation

Cogster / Entrepreneurship / For Businesses / Local / Motivation — No Comments
11
Jun 10

French Fries and Beer, with Mandy Sergent!

Mandy Sergent, a local yoga therapist and instructor, is one of the coolest local business owners using Cogster.com right now! She’s always posting exciting promotions and information about her hip yoga studio located in the heart of downtown Boalsburg, PA. One of my newest members, Kristina Giambra (we call her “Tia”), recently stopped by to visit Mandy and this is what Tia had to say:

“…Today, I stopped in at Mandy Sergent’s yoga studio. It’s located right in the basement of her house and when I arrived she was very cool — she made me feel so welcome. As we walked into the studio, I immediately started to feel healthy! Not only does Mandy teach yoga, but she’s also a Holistic Health Counselor. I have no idea what that means, but I do know it has something to do with teaching others how to make smarter food decisions and control portion size. Mandy told me her counseling has less to do with simply dieting to eliminate carbs and sugar – and more to do with maintaining a lifestyle of patient eating. She even said, ‘I eat french fries and drink beer like everyone else, but I also spend a great deal of time preparing my own meals and living a consistent lifestyle.’ Mandy’s customers will tell you she’s nice and thin; that says something for her health and also for her frequent yoga workouts. The studio has dimmed lighting, creating a relaxing atmosphere to perform yoga and the space provides just enough size to accommodate 9 students at one time. Most of her classes are offered in the evening to accommodate her customers’ schedules. In addition, she also offers individual sessions, by appointment. Overall, a great vibe and an impressive local operation. I highly recommend it.”

You can find out more about Mandy Sergent on Cogster.com at http://cogster.com/business/view/33. We’re a huge fan of Mandy’s and we recommend you check out her “Deals of the Week.” Plus, give her a call or stop by to see her. People like Mandy make our community a special place to live.

Cogster / Leadership / Motivation — No Comments
28
Dec 09

Gettin’ Hot in 2010

2010 is a big year for Cogster.com.  And we can’t wait!  We are so excited to spread the word about this exciting new opportunity and how Cogster can help towns prosper all across America.  The Cogster team is committed to helping local businesses raise capital and enhance marketing.

One of my favorite books is called “How to Become CEO” by Jeffrey J. Fox.  I’ve kept this book by my desk ever since I was a young US Army Officer serving at Fort Hood, Texas.  The book offers a collection of rules for rising to the top of any organization.  I have many favorites, but for 2010, my favorite vignette is number 63, titled “The Concept Doesn’t Have to be Perfect, but the Execution Does.”

Rule 63: Get Hot

So, here’s to 2010.  It’s time to get hot.  Whatever role you play in your town, focus on execution.  Just get out there and make good things happen.  And, wherever you are, Cogster can help.

Leadership / Motivation — No Comments
10
Nov 09

Motivating the Troops

As a leader, sometimes I think employees just need a little motivation. I find that the right combination of the internet and spontaneity can mix just right to provide an effective pep talk. This, in turn, makes the routine staff meetings fun, the tensions between co-workers ease, and creates a comfortable environment for introducing a new task. It’s no big secret, either — it’s just YouTube.

Some of the all-time best pep talks can be found on YouTube. My favorite, when I really need to fire up the troops, comes from Al Pacino in the movie, Any Given Sunday. Listen to the words. Watch the players’ faces as the coach speaks. Let the music pull you into that locker room.

In order to get people really fired up to move in a direction, they have to have meaning. They have to feel that they are part of something truly great. They need to know their specific role and how it fits into accomplishing the team’s goal.

There are times when movies can remind us of how we fit into our place in the world. I love this clip. Sometimes I watch it to fire myself up. And, sometimes, I even call time-out during a routine staff meeting, turn off the lights, and play this clip for my team.

Let’s all get fired up to help our local communities prosper. Cogster.com