A Facebook Question ...

Yesterday I posed the following question
on my Facebook page:

I have a question (especially for those who love freely offering their opinions). Between now & 2021 do you think you can earn/make at least $1,000,000? If not, why not? Who's brave enough to answer THAT?

I received several responses mostly supporting, but a couple challenging the above question, but one response moved me such that I felt compelled to share both the response and my counter-repsonse with you. The responding party - who shall remain nameless - was inspired to dig deeper! Enjoy.

The Response:

"Will I even be here 2021? But since I've had to start over, I don't think I can. But I have always wanted to write a book because I have always loved to read. Also, start-up $$ is also a factor for those who have ideas, but don't have the capital to put up front ... just my opinion. Don't be too hard on me ... lol"

My Counter-Response:
 The only thing I'm going to be hard on you about is ... EVERYTHING!

Granted, the older we get the more aware we are about our own mortality; primarily because the longer we live the more people we see die, be they friends, loved ones or both. However, what's important is to focus more on YOU LIVING than to focus on those around you who have died. Regardless of how old or young they were or how they left, the fact of the matter is that YOU ARE STILL HERE! The Law of Attraction states that you will bring into your life that which you focus most on. So what do you think you're attracting if you ask/wonder "will I even be here in 10 years?" When you die it's GAME OVER, and there will be nothing you can do about it, but until then every day you draw breath is one day more you have to move one step closer to your goals and dreams.

As for having to start over, I'm sure that once or twice in your life you've enjoyed a piece of Kentucky Fried Chicken, right? Well did you know that Colonel Sanders was well in his 70's when he sold his "11 Herbs & Spices" recipe? Do you enjoy Samuel L. Jackson's movies? Well his acting career didn't take off until he was 43!

There was a time when Donald Trump was in debt to the tune of OVER $900 MILLION DOLLARS. He is now worth well over $50 BILLION dollars. Now I'm not saying you have to produce their level of results, but those are three prime examples of how age & adversity can either be walls you climb over or allow to stop you dead in your tracks.

As for start-up capital, STOP thinking in terms of waiting for someone to give you the money & focus more on creating, developing and or improving your product or service. People - black folk especially - are always looking for that fairy god-mother or genie in the lamp to just show up & say "here's all the money you need to get started!" Well dear heart, it just don't happen that way. You can't wait for an opportunity to come to your door to say, "Okay, NOW I'm ready!" You have to get your grind on first, and if you're grinding hard enough, people will take notice & you will find yourself attracting to you the very people who can take you to the next level. People are drawn to success & that's a boat on which everyone wants to get on board.

What does the flight attendant tell you on the plane before take-off? "If there's a drop in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the above compartment. If you have a child, PUT YOUR MASK ON FIRST!" Before you can help anyone else, YOU have to be straight first. Write your book, hone your speaking skills - do whatever it is you want to do & do it with passion.

Like 50 Cent's first album is titled, "Get Rich or Die Trying" ... If you spend the next 9 years grinding & then God forbid drop dead before the 10th year, you will be remembered for your hustle and all you did until you died. If you do NOTHING and live for TWENTY years, what are people going to say? They'll say, "She was here ... Now she's gone. I'll miss her," and go on with the rest of their lives.

It doesn't matter whether you believe you will succeed or fail. YOU will choose your path & either way ... You're going to be right.

Which outcome would YOU prefer? Either way, the onus is on you & YOU ALONE to make it happen.

Now, if you feel I've been too hard on you ... GOOD that was the desired effect. Sometimes what we need is a kick in the ass, but everyone always wants the pat on the ass.

20 Jan. 11 ... Today's Thought.

BLACK PEOPLE: It is not elitist to achieve success. Having more is not elitist. Achieving more & then treating others as if they're unworthy to achieve the same is what's elitist. It's ludicrous to think that having a lot of money, a big home, a nice car, clothes & jewelry is "the white man's vision of success." Having more is always better than having little to nothing; ethnicity be damned.

GET SOME ... THEN GET MORE!

18 Jan. 2011 ... Today's Thought.

"It's amazing when you can actually feel God's hand at work. When you're grounded in your faith, life is like learning how to ride a bike. God is holding the back of the seat just like my dad did. When I said "I got it!" He let go. That's when I fell & just like my dad did, God brushed me off & held back onto the seat. You can say "I got it" all you want & he'll always be there to pick you up & hold onto the seat!" ~ HSRjr.

Why Reinvent the Wheel? ... Success Can Be Duplicated.

"What is called 'talent' is simply a set of resources that have been combined, sequenced & practiced until they become an automatic skill. Each of us has the opportunity to develop our inner resources into talents to excel at what we love in the world." ~ Andreas & Faulkner



Have you ever noticed when someone new comes on the scene, they're always asked questions like "Who inspired you?" and "Who was it you saw that made you think 'I want to do that?'" For today's star athletes, it was the star athletes they watched when they were children. For musicians at the top of the charts today, it was those who were at the top of the charts when they were children (and some of those artists remain at the top of the charts today). Look at it like this ... might there have been a Shaquille O'Neal if he didn't have Julius "Dr. J" Irving to look up to? Might Michael Jackson have been the dancer and entertainer he was were there no James Brown?

Check this timeline out ... There would have never been groups like Boyz II Men, the Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees if it were not New Edition; and there would be no New Edition if it were not for groups like the Jackson 5 and the Temptations. There would never be a Justin Beiber if there was no Justin Timberlake; no Chris Brown or Ne-Yo were there no Usher. As a matter of fact, there would be no Justin Timberlake if there were no Usher, and I doubt any of them would be who they are if there was no Michael Jackson. Would Hip Hop stars & business moguls like Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and Dana "Queen Latifah" Owens be where they are if there was no Russell Simmons? Would Hip Hop even be what it is were it not for Russell Simmons? Would Simmons have accomplished all he has in business had he not alligned himself with and followed the likes of Donald Trump and Warren Buffet?

In his book "The Success Principles," Jack Canfield says repeatedly that "success leaves clues." What this means is, you don't have to reinvent the wheel to get to where you want to go. Like the people mentioned above, you can look up to someone and learn from them. Between magazine interviews, autobiographies, "official" biographies, and even Facebook ... you can meet some of these people and not only learn how they became the successes they are, you can also learn about the mistakes they made along the way. It's like someone giving you a map to a treasure with all or most of the pitfalls and landmines marked out.

No one succeeds on his or her own. There's someone or something they look up to. No one just comes out of the womb making up their own thing. There are basics to be learned. As human beings, we learn on different levels and thus are capable of producing results anywhere from acceptable proficiency to sheer genius. The results are based on the level of application applied to learning how to produce those particular results. In other words, anyone is capable of duplicating another person's results but they have to be willing to duplicate the degree of work and effort applied to produce those results. Now there are two reasons why this is not an absolute lock towards to success:

1. People tend to want the extraordinary results they want, but they don't want to put forth the the extraordinary work required to pull off those results.

2. We all have different circumstances, so it's not like we're following the exact same path of the person we're looking up to.

Sadly, little to nothing can be done about "#1" ... that's an individual choice. As for "#2," what you must understand is that it's not about following the exact same path as the person you're looking up to. For example, I set a goal to buy a particular car. Getting this car required me to move my money in certain directions in order to make it happen. This doesn't mean I have to tell you exactly where and exactly how I moved my money. The lesson would be in saving, investing and shifting resources in a safe and responsible manner in order to produce the desired result.
 
Here's a secret to success: Whatever it is that you want to do, find someone who has done it or is doing it and doing it well. If you can actually "Find A Way" to meet him or her, go for it. If not, see if there is some literature out about how they got to where they are. If they are successful, this should not be too difficult a task. Study them. As best you can, do what they did - make the moves they made. If they stayed up late at night studying a particular subject, then you stay up late studying that subject. If they invested their money in certain areas, (first do your research and due-diligence) and invest your money in areas that could produce good returns for you (remember you're not on an "exact" path).

Look ... If you want to play ball as well as LeBron James, remember he modeled Michael Jordan, so you'll have to work & practice as hard as they did. Something my mother always said was, "You play like you practice," so if you want to play like an all-star you have to practice like one. You don't have to reinvent the wheel ... Find a wheel and roll with it! I believe in something I first heard said by Les Brown (paraphrased), "I don't want to follow the path. I wish to go where there is no path and leave behind me a trail." I truly believe this; however, I also believe in working smarter not harder, so I realize (as should you) that before you can go where there is no path and leave behind you a trail, you have to learn something about where it is you're trying to go. You cannot go into the unknown totally ignorant. Would you go deep sea diving in the ocean if you don't even know how to swim with a snorkel? Would you jump off of a 20ft. diving board if you don't even know how to swim? However, if after first learning the basics of swimming, you stepped your game up and learned how the best deep sea or high divers did their thing, in time, you could become as good as them and then add your own spice to it and become even better.

Success can be duplicated!
Get to work!

The Power & Benefits of Effective Networking.

Andrew Morrison

I want to give a big shout of gratitude to one of MY coaches, Andrew Morrison! (right) He passed on some info to me which I passed onto my wife and out of thousands of applications submitted she was one of ONLY THREE applicants to win a mentor loan from The Thypin Oltchick Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship.

An honorable mention goes to my "big Sis" Cathleen Williams, Esq. (below) because I met Andrew through her. As a matter of fact I was able to facilitate the necessary introductions in order for Cathleen to host her first booksigning and release party for her book, "Single Mother the NEW Father Volume 1: Sports" at the Hue-Man Book Store in Harlem, NY. (on Saturday - Jan. 22nd - Mark your calendars!).

This is networking at it finest!

Food for thought ... This is the power of networking at work. It's not about getting hook-ups for yourself. You meet people and then meet the people they know. Networking really pays off - not when you meet someone who can do something for you, but when you can connect one person in need of a particular product or service with another person who can provide that product or service.

If you meet someone who can hook you up - you kind of owe them a favor in return; however, if you can connect one person in need with another person who can provide, then you have TWO people who are grateful TO YOU and they'll be likely to help you if and when they can.



Having two people willing to help you is a whole lot better than having to owe any one person!

There's a book that I just finished reading that I highly recommend to anyone looking to step up their networking game ... Especially for my African American and Latino brothers and sisters. The name of the book is "Success Runs in Our Race" by George C. Fraser. (right)

This book is replete with examples, exercises, and resources to teach anyone how to begin or improve their networking skills. If your business involves talking to and meeting new people, you will be doing yourself a disservice by not purchasing it! If you are really determined to improve the quality of your life, and perhaps even more, your business - then this is the book you need to have in your hands.

"It is vital that you overcome negative thinking, not only for your career but also for your personal growth & happiness. You can't stand back and be scenery for other people's lives. You have to become engaged in life and take life on." G.C. Fraser

I honestly don't know where to begin to go about explaining how beneficial networking has been for me personally in improving my "people skills," as well as professionally in improving my business and providing me opportunities to meet and learn directly from some really great people. So what I'm going to do is just give you a few examples below:

Les Brown
"The Motivator" 

When I met Cathleen on Facebook, I saw she personally interviewed one of my motivational mentors, Les Brown. Meeting him was one of my life's goals - especially after I decided to become a professional speaker, so I immediately accepted her friend request because in my mind I said to myself ...
"This woman is going to be the one who introduces you to Les Brown."
A little over a year later, she facilitated that introduction.

 Claudia Jordan
"Model, Actress, Radio &TV Personality"

I also met this beautiful woman on Facebook. After a few conversations, I began listening to her radio show, "The Claudia Jordan Show" on Jamie Foxx's "Foxxhole Radio" channel on Sirius/XM Satellite radio. I soon became a welcomed regular caller & known for always providing a logical twist to the topics being discussed, she dubbed me "The Deep Brotha." When I told her I had written a book ("FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY!") she invited me out to Los Angeles to sit in on her show as a live guest and promote my book (the first time I ever flew 1st Class!).



Marvin Towler
"Martial Artist, Fitness Expert & Entrepreneur"

Yet another person whom I met on Facebook, who has become very much a good friend. Originally from New Jersey but living in California, Marvin and I became friends after he viewed a few of my video blogs. Late last summer, when he returned to New Jersey to visit his family after many years of living out west, he made it a point to see me - first just to actually meet up in person, and then a surprising second time in October - the day before my birthday - to show his support at my "Motiv-ACTIONal" seminar & booksigning at the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem, NY. Marvin also played a part in my meeting the man below ...

Jack Canfield
"America's Success Coach" & Co-Author of the
"Chicken Soup for the Soul" Book Series

Through his books and seminars all over the country, this man has helped millions of people all over the world take stock in themselves and improve their lives. When I read his book "The Success Principles," I was getting fired up because he had put to paper many of the ideas and ways in which I had been living my life. When I went to see him at a seminar he was giving in Boston; I introduced myself to him, showed him a copy of my book and said, "Mr. Canfield, my name is Harold Reed. I believe you have one of these from Marvin Towler." He smiled and said, "Yes, yes I knew you looked familiar and Marvin told me to look forward to meeting you." Because I was seated in the V.I.P. section, I was able to have lunch with him and have a few minutes of direct one-on-one time with him.
(When was the last time you had lunch and could casually converse with
a multi-millionare businessman in your line of work?)



If you'll notice, the common thread with all of the above people is that I met them either directly or indirectly via Facebook. While many of people use this medium to play games and have fun, I actually use it as a means to meet new people - people who over the years have become clients, colleagues and customers.

In the end, I guess I'm no different than the rest of the people on Facebook. I'm just "having fun" at playing a "different" game. I'm playing the "Networking Game" and ...

I'M PLAYING TO WIN!

Just in Case You Missed My Interview Last Night!

Today's Thought ... 4 Jan 2011

William Shakespear once wrote: "Neither a borrower nor a lender be."

This has become my mantra with regards to my personal library. I do not believe in "borrowing" books, nor do I believe in "lending" them out. If I borrow them, they're not mine and I will have to give them back. Conversely, if I lend them out there stands the chance that they might not be returned.

I once read that one of the things that separates the rich from the poor is that the rich maintain personal libraries. Is this an absolute science? I cannot personally say that it is; however, what I can say is that I have been in the homes of some very well off people and I have been in the homes of some not so well off people. Those who were well off had bookcases stocked from top to bottom, whereas those not so well off barely had anything more than the latest tabloid or entertainment rag on their coffee table.

In the movie, "Barbershop," comedian Cedric the Entertainer said that the barbershop was the "poor man's country club." Having spent many a Saturday in the barber shop I readily concur. In the spirit of this analogy, I would go so far as to say that with all of the retail book outlets available, the library has become the "poor man's bookstore." The library is still a tremendous place of value, for it contains maony books, records, and documents that you cannot buy at Barnes & Noble; however, when it comes to obtaining those books that you would read to improve your mind, your life ... your over all condition ... I would strongly urge you to scrape together what you can and BUY your books.

Build your library as you would a castle. Every book is a brick. Build for the future. Build and teach your children how to build as well. Who knows what kind of wealth your great grandchildren will amass based on the books you buy & build with today.

Today's Thought ... 3 Jan 2011

Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day the Lord has made - Let us rejoice & be glad in it!"

But my question is, after all the singing and dancing are done, what are you going to do to make the day really matter? What are you going to accomplish? Yes the Lord gave you today, but there's no guarantee he's going to give you tomorrow. MAKE TODAY COUNT for more than a song & dance!

Get Your Autographed Copy TODAY!!

I'm not going to mince words ... I wrote a book that not only changed my life, but is changing the lives of many others.

My book, "FIND A WAY TO MAKE A WAY! You're Either Part of the Problem or You're Part of the Solution" was self published in `07, signed to a publishing deal in `08, & re-released as a 2nd edition in `09. In 2010, I did book signings & seminars at the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem (largest African American owned bookstore in the U.S.), and at Barnes & Noble!

If you as an adult are looking for a boost to help you re-focus and get back on track to the destiny you want for yourself - or you know someone in need of that boost, or if you have teenagers to whom you want to give some extra tools as they perpare for college and life away from Mommy & Daddy, then MY BOOK is what you want to have in hand.

For an autographed copy, go to the website below & click on the "Products" tab

God Bless,

H.S. Reed, Jr.
http://www.hrjrenterprises.com/

It's 2011 ... Let's NOT Do it Again!

Every year we set out to fulfill "New Year's Resolutions," and every year we tend to "full-fail" at "resolving" those things we set out to do at the beginning of the year. One of the main reasons this is so is because we make a big production about the resolutions we're making, but we do not apply the same amount of attention to taking consistent action throughout the year.

This year, I have not made one single "resolution." This year, I'm setting goals. I'm setting weight loss & fitness goals, professional goals, personal goals, and family goals.

The reason why I'm making an issue of this is simple. I have observed that it's a part of human nature to just "go with the flow" and conform. We just got through celebrating the most expensive exercise in conformity a week ago (YES ... I am talking about Christmas). Every spends all year crying broke, but yet & still every December, the mall parking lots are all filled to capacity! So after Christmas, what do people do? They start talking about their "New Year's Resolutions" and what they're going to give up - smoking, over-eating ... whatever. Well, I'm not buying it ... I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!

The only way we're going to achieve our goals - or for those of you who wish to hold on to your "resolutions," is for us to be held accountable to them. You don't have to share your goals or resolutions with the world - in fact, I recommend you don't & I'll explain why in a second. Anyway, find yourself an "Accountability Partner" - someone in whom you can confide and will challenge you only so far as to help you stay on your course.

Now the reason why I say it's not necessarily good or wise to share your goals with the world (or maybe even on your Facebook page), is because not everyone is out to support you. Many people ... even people who deem close to you will use your goals to taunt you. When you hit those inevitable valleys, these will be the people who will talk you out of your goals and resolutions by saying things like "Well, you shoulda' known you was gonna break down and eat some McDonald's - HELL - I knew you were gonna do it!"

Look, the reason we make these resoultions is because we want to change our lives for the better. To do this is to be successful. If you really want to be successful in fulfilling your resolutions, then you most change your patterns. So ... like I have done, do away with your resolutions; set goals, and find yourselves an "Accountability Partner." Recognize that you're only conforming with the norm just waiting to full-fail those resolutions.

In 2011 ... Let's NOT Do it Again!