Summit Club Podcast

17/10/2025

Insiders,

Every Third Thursday I’ll share with you something I’ve found to be of value, whether in your business, personal, or family life. It may be a quote, a story, an observation, or an experience.

Today I’m sharing a page from a training program I did for CFO Magazine that seemed relevant to today’s challenges:

The body mirrors what the mind harbors
Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks within himself, so he is"

Your moods are created by your cognitive thoughts.
You feel the way you do right now because of your thinking

STOP:
1. Black & white thinking
2. "Yes but” thinking
3. "Telling the future"
4. “Labeling"
5. “Should" statements
6. “Catastrophizing"

Stop waiting for someone else to “Kick Your Ass” and do it yourself!

'Til the next “Third Thursday”, Be One of Not Many and Make Every Day Matter.

19/09/2025

Insiders,

Every Third Thursday I’ll share with you something I’ve found to be of value, whether in your business, personal, or family life. It may be a quote, a story, an observation, or an experience.

Today I’m sharing notes from my “lessons learned book":

Long Memory on Accomplishments,

Short Memory on Sins,

Don’t Judge Yourself by Your Worst Day!

You really should have a book of “lessons learned”. It becomes more valuable every day!

'Til the next “Third Thursday”, Be One of Not Many and Make Every Day Matter.

Rest In Peace Charlie 🙏🏼

16/09/2025

Happy Tuesday,

If you ever wondered what makes our training and consulting special, we're really all about helping you to kick your own ass?

Don’t wait too long. It might just be “Now or Never”!

Tomorrow is overrated in Ringan’s epic new spot for Jose Cuervo.

09/09/2025

Insiders,

I don’t think enough about “change”. It just seems to happen, and I try to adjust to some changes and ignore others. I wonder if there is a “best way” to deal with change? I mean, really, it’s the beginning of the second week in September and the season is changing, right around “Labor Day”, regardless of anything else going on around us. That last week of August, you could feel the change coming on, cooler evenings, even cooler mornings. You could even smell the change coming. Do we accept it? Do we hope for “Indian summer” and where did that term come from? From colonial New England in the 18th century, where settlers noticed Indians took advantage of the unseasonable warmth to prepare for the coming winter. Where did I get that from? From AI! There’s “change” happening again, with a computerized interactive “world book encyclopedia (some of us that can remember that)!

I don’t think enough about “change”. It just seems to happen and I try to adjust to some changes and ignore others. I wonder if there is a “best way” to deal with change? I mean really, it’s the beginning of the second week in September and the season is changing, right around “Labor Day” regardless of anything else going on around us. That last week of August you could feel the change coming on, cooler evenings, even cooler mornings. You could even smell the change coming. Do we accept it? Do we hope for “Indian summer” and where did that term come from? From colonial New England in the 18th century where settlers notice Indians took advantage of the unseasonable warmth to prepare for the coming winter. Where did I get that from? From AI! There’s “change” happening again, with a computerized interactive “world book encyclopedia (some of us that can remember that)!

How about these changes:

-Not that long ago “work life balance” was a good change. Now, The Wall Street Journal says it can keep you “mediocre”! Change!
-Being well read in business was an asset. You know, Jack Welch, Warren Buffet, Brent Brown, James Clear, Daniel Goleman, etc. Now, we’re told that fiction engages the emotions as well as the intellect which helps to embed information into memory (Lencioni always has a fable in his books…hmmm). Change again.
- When it comes to food, fresh is always preferred. Except now scientists have found that fermented cocoa beens left outside under leaves produces the best chocolate. Change
-Everybody thought the Dodgers $400 million superteam would win it all, maybe even 120 games! Not so fast. There’s that “change” thing again.
- More you ask? How about Ohio State Football Coach Ryan Day having his guys read “Chop Wood Carry Water: How to fall in love with the process of becoming Great!” Change.
-Last but certainly not least, remember when we were all focusing on “The Power of Positive Thinking”? Well, meet Toto Wolff, 53, CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronius Formula One racing team. He’s won eight straight team championships. How you might ask? He believes in the power of negative thinking! He also looks at his role from two dimensions: one as CEO, from the “balcony” and the second on the weekend , "I’m on the dance floor, involved in everything". He’s a glass-half-empty guy always asking “why did we win”?

By the way, Elon Musk always “plans for failure”. Says that’s how we learn. Change again.

,,(Sorry, only one more). How to deal with stress and anxiety? Self-help folks have always said to rely on the individual to solve their own stress. Now Rebecca Heiss, a “Stress Physiologist” discovered by personal experience to “respond to your own anxiety by extending kindness to another person.” Change is all around us.

When was the last time you initiated change? Responded to change? Adapted to change? Refused to change? We’d love to hear your story.

Peak Performance Plus, Inc./Summit Club will be changing. I guarantee it. Give me your suggestions. I need them. Right now, I’m changing my signature block below to reflect my love of golf.

The close today is Charles Darwin who said "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”.

Dave Mason says : https://youtu.be/dvqGbuEAixk?si=Qbfj5xAyO_7oiwEO

David Bowie says: https://youtu.be/JIAUS-KlOyU?si=KYhMyBl5pEgBvB7Y

Make Every Day Matter, and Be One of Not Many!

Dave Mason performed February 7, 1975Follow us on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/TheMidnightSpecialTVShow/https://www.instagram.com/themidnightspecial...

22/08/2025

Insiders,

Every Third Thursday I’ll share with you something I’ve found to be of value, whether in your business, personal, or family life. It may be a quote, a story, an observation, or an experience.

Today I’m sharing something I saw on a church billboard:

Bad News
Time Flies

Good News
You Are The Pilot!

Yes, I know, it’s charming. It’s also so very true and in some cases critical. On August 27th 2006 at 6:07am, Comair flight 5191, a Bombardier CRJ100, was taking off in Lexington Kentucky. The “pilots” had taken off there so many times they were extremely comfortable with the flight, actually so comfortable that they took off on the wrong runway, crashed and killed 47 passengers and 3 crew.

Your life and those you love are at least if not more important to you. As your pilot:

Do you take your responsibilities seriously enough?
Do you have checklists?
Do you make sure your “passengers” are on board with you?
Are their “seat belts fastened?
Are you on the right runway and is it clear?

Sometimes in life there are no “mulligans”.

'Til the next “Third Thursday”, Be One of Not Many and make every day matter.

22/07/2025

Insiders,

Yep, well the foregone conclusion was obvious at the “clinic”. Prospecting is necessary for all businesses that want to grow. And generally, it fills two (2) requirements: replacing lost business and gaining additional business. No surprise. Seems like everyone gets that. Challenge is, not every person responsible for prospecting gets the results they want/need. Why? Either don’t do enough or don’t do it correctly, or don’t do the right prospecting.

Here’s the list of prospecting “tactics” that was discussed at the session and they all have a place:

Networking
Demonstrations/Showcases
Tours
Events
Workshops
Social Media-LinkedIn/Content Engagement
Direct Mail
Referrals/Introductions
Word of Mouth
Cold Calling/E-mailing
Telemarketing
Webinars

We also discussed information from two (2) good books that can support “effective prospecting”, "The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell and “Give and Take” by Adam Grant. Both of these authors stressed the critical “human component in relationship building" that supports effective business development.

Gladwell focuses on “connectors” (and not just people that know a lot of people but the kinds of people they know) and the principle of “six degrees of separation” for relationship building (The Law of the Few). Also, focusing on “weak ties” which he defines as “a friendly yet casual social connection” which he feels are “always more important than strong ties””!

Adam Grant its focusing on “givers and matchers” and avoiding takers and picks up on the same theme of “weak ties and dormant ties” being far more valuable in our “networks” because they are for the most part ignored! And, understand the concept of the “five minute favor” (you should be willing to do something that will take you five minutes or less for anybody to spark reciprocity!).

Look at the list above. Today there are so many resources available to “spread the word” about your products and services. However, the recurring theme on the morning of July 11th seemed to be human connections. Relationship building and sharing, teamwork, and the resulting confidence that sparks and grows effective and efficient new business development. The session was recorded and will likely become an upcoming podcast. In the meantime, we’re always forming new “Referral Networking Groups” of four (4) members each so if interested in joining one, let us know.

For now, stay focused as best you can on the possible opportunities flowing by in the business currents and avoid selling “Against the Wind”. Listen to Bob Seger and Jason Aldean explain: https://youtu.be/ORBgHdVUMMs?si=hRifKuXDsUhE_VkM
Bill

Bob Seger & Jason Aldean performing Against The Wind (Live)℗ 1980 Hideout RecordsOriginal Sound Recording:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iUUmS_lBnUSupport ...

18/07/2025

Insiders,

Every Third Thursday I’ll share with you something I’ve found to be of value, whether in your business, personal, or family life. It may be a quote, a story, an observation, or an experience.

Today I’m sharing a couple of Jordan Peterson’s “Rules for Life, an antidote to chaos"

Rule Number 3
Make Friends With People Than Want the Best for You

Rule Number 4
Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday,
Not to Who Someone Else is Today

'Til the next “Third Thursday”, Be One of Not Many and make every day matter.

26/06/2025

Insiders,

Couple of observations to share. Not really random, but each of the thoughts came to me while coaching, training, or consulting in the last week or so. Here’s hoping they provide some insight within your world.

Stuck in “quicksand”: Ever have the experience of dealing with a customer or client, work associate, direct report, or supervisor that agrees to a request or suggestion but never finds the “right time” to deliver? It's a struggle to find a “work around” right? It’s really a situation requiring them to a “behavioral change” ugh. Well, since people don’t really change much (anybody married or in a serious relationship knows that) but they can adapt for the right reason. The “reason" might be a “pain” that’s created by not dealing with the issue, or it might be that they’re an “urgency/crisis junkie” with a habit (addiction) of only dealing with emergencies (if it isn’t one yet they wait until it is)! They might look at it as how they establish their value. Anyway, most often you do it yourself when you get tired of waiting. More complicated if it’s a customer, client, or prospect for sure.

If it’s a “work environment” challenge I think you’re stuck with repetition, reinforcement, reminders, or its just “The Way it Is” as described by Bruce Hornsby in his song.
Give it a listen: https://youtu.be/cOeKidp-iWo?si=1T-mDNGlO8IhEEN_

Now if it’s a sales situation that’s challenging you I have a different suggestion. All salespeople should know, whether “rookies" or experienced “senior wolves” the lyrics from an older song that gives you guidance in those frustrating scenarios. Ready? The Gambler by Kenny Rogers. You know, the one that says “know when to hold them and know when to fold them, know when to walk away and know when to run, you never count your money when you’re sitting at the table (or waiting for a PO) they’ll be time enough for countin when the dealing’s done. Check it our as a reminder: https://youtu.be/7hx4gdlfamo?si=uQ4M7nM6cwE3OJkj

That’s it boys and girls. Just a thought or two and a couple suggestions. Remember, look for “evites” or emails about upcoming “events” pointing to Showcases and Coach’s Corners and even more important,

Be One of Not Many and Make Every Day Matter!

REMASTERED IN HD!Official Music Video for The Gambler performed by Kenny Rogers.Follow Kenny Twitter: https://twitter.com/_kennyrogersFacebook: https://www.f...

25/06/2025

Insiders,

This past Friday, Ashley Murray of Peak Performance Plus conducted a showcase called, "Brand Your Way to Better Hires”. The participants from the “Insiders” group of business professionals included a business owner actively seeking talent, a business owner not currently hiring but thinking strategically about their brand, a recent job seeker navigating today's market, and a life coach looking to expand their network and understanding.

What emerged from our conversation was something that neither Bill nor I fully anticipated—the discussion kept circling back to one fundamental truth: culture is everything.

It's a deceptively simple question, but it proved to be a sticking point as to how to define the answer. When you’re running a small company, you need to know what you aren’t. We know we're not corporate. We know we're more personal, more agile, more connected. But when it comes to the show and tell of that culture: defining it, owning it, and then translating it into something that attracts the right talent, that's where many of us get stuck.

As Amy Valentine, Mindset and Leadership Coach, so perfectly put it (and I'm paraphrasing): "You take yourself everywhere you go."

Your culture may already be there- it's the natural result of who you are.

Pete Kinney, who recently was exploring new opportunities (and nailed one: Congrats!), shared an insight that we think every business owner needs to hear:

"The most compelling job postings aren't the ones that start with a long list of requirements—they're the ones that clearly convey why someone would want to be part of the team. In today's market, and especially at this stage in my career, culture and team dynamics matter most."

This hit differently coming from someone who recently landed a job. Pete's experience reinforced what our shared market research showed: candidates, today's job seekers, are looking beyond salary and benefits.

They want to understand the why behind your company and the how of your daily operations.

Once you name it, then you can frame it.

SHOW those messy brainstorming sessions, the pivots, the way ideas are made. This allows the prospective hire to capture the essence of your organization.

It's moving from "we're like a family" (which tells us nothing) to "when someone has a crazy idea at 3 PM, we're the kind of place where by 5 PM we've figured out if it's worth trying" (which tells the prospect everything).

The opportunity is enormous. In a market where talent has choices, the companies that can clearly communicate not just what they do, but how they do it and why someone would want to be part of it, will win.

A huge thank you to Amy, Pete, and all our Friday participants for such a thoughtful discussion. If you're interested in exploring how to better define, articulate and leverage your company culture, or if you want to join our next showcase, reach out. These conversations are always better when we have diverse business pros in the room and answers are always more effective from "the summit!

Bill & Ashley

23/05/2025

Insiders,

As promised, this is the “follow-up” to the Insider from last week focusing on the media’s “state of work” potential doom and gloom forecast.

In summary, employee discontent, increase in resume posting, burnout, lack of engagement, feelings of job insecurity etc., might be the state of the business marketplace. The question posed last week was “what to do”? If we believe the “media” is wrong (certainly not unfounded), we do nothing and “keep on keeping on”. If we feel there’s a chance the media is right, what can we do? Here are some suggestions from me and some fellow insiders, and they seem to follow the combination of some different thoughts, and the bottom line may be "the media” may have provided you with the motivation you need to take a serious look at “where you are and where you’re going” career wise.

Stephen Covey’s first of seven habits, “Be Proactive”
Take a few minutes and evaluate your job. Plusses and minuses is it a “good fit” for you?
Look around you. Do people seem happy, fulfilled?
What do you really want from your future?
Talk to who you report to about how the business is doing.
Is your “job” satisfying?
Are your expectations realistic?
Stay or go? (For now or for “the longer run”)
?
Take a look at your “foundation”
Is your future built “on rock or sand”?
Do you have what it takes to “win” where you are?
What’s your self confidence look like?
Did you get where you are by luck or talent?
Does this “job” support your goals?

The list could go on, but the real “take away” just might be to go through some type of “self assessment” like this on some regular basis, whether once a year or when significant “challenges” present themselves such as changes in your marketplace, ownership, compensation, promotion opportunities, management/leadership, job description, "work location”. Try to be objective, and never when you’re emotionally stressed.
I think the above “exercise” is good for all of us from time to time, no matter what triggers it. It’s really sometimes as simple as asking yourself “do I love what I do and what I’ve become?”.

As a sales trainer and coach, the one book I find best for “salespeople” (almost everyone is selling every day: their ideas, actions, opinions) is Robert Early Johnson’s “Kick Your Own Ass”. Great quote from his book is “your raise becomes effective when you do!” Or as Dave Sandler always said “you’re making exactly what you think you’re worth. If you thought you were worth more, you’d be making it”.

Thanks for participating and special thanks to those that submitted suggestions. To put an exclamation point on the above, do what you need to do and listen to Fleetwood Mac say “Go Your Own Way”!!

Copyright Disclaimer:Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, t...

22/05/2025

Thanks for the great testimonial!😍

20/05/2025

Insiders,

One of the thoughts that came out of our “Referral Networking Group” classes is how little salespeople sometimes know about the prospect they want to sell. So, here’s the “Secret” we uncovered:

Many sellers don’t know enough about how their customer or prospect buys
I know that’s partially some of the "power of qualifying”
The forgotten (or never known) element is the power of knowing their “Style”
Prospects and customers have a "style or personality” that affects how they buy
The best way to grasp “style” is to start by knowing/remembering your own!
Then with some limited study and awareness you will be able to identify their style and how they buy!
People buy “from people just like them”. If you know their style you can adapt!
There is no substitute for effective bonding and rapport!

Bottom line, selling smart means adjusting your style to match your prospect or customer’s style.

We have exclusively sold DISC Style Assessments by Target Training for over 25 years and there’s none better. We’re offering 20% off this spring so for $195 you’ll learn (in some cases relearn, as yours may have adjusted) 52 pages of what makes you “tick”. Sell Smarter, and tailor your approach to your prospect/customer's “style” and leave the “one size fits all” competition in the dust. Remember people buy from people!

Time for a change? "It’s the time of the season” https://youtu.be/wG5R7vyu-mA?si=-wAOCORCemtVpnur

Be one of not many and make every day matter.