Category Archives: Blog

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Discover the One Word That Will Transform Your 2025

Featured image for One Word 2025 blog post showing the book cover 'One Word That Will Change Your Life' alongside decorative text elements including words like 'balance', 'journey', 'courage' and 'trust', with the year 2025 prominently displayed and Tom Martin Coaching logo

 

Are you tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that don’t last or creating goals that fail to stick? You’re not alone.

In this post, I’ll introduce you to a life-changing approach to goal-setting called One Word That Will Change Your Life. This simple yet powerful method can lead you to intentional living, personal growth, and measurable success in 2025.

The Struggle with Traditional Resolutions

For years, I struggled with the same frustrations many face at the start of a new year. In December 2010, while awaiting critical PET scan results and at a crossroads career-wise, I realized my usual goal-setting techniques weren’t enough. I felt overwhelmed, unfulfilled, and unsure of how to move forward.

Then I discovered the book One Word That Will Change Your Life, in which Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page introduce a revolutionary approach: choosing one word to guide your entire year. You can order the book here.

What Is the One Word Method?

The One Word 365 approach simplifies your goals and focuses your energy on a single guiding principle for the year. By choosing a meaningful word, you create a North Star that aligns your actions with your values.

For fourteen years, this method has transformed my personal and professional life. It has given me clarity and a sense of purpose like never before.

Doubtful: What Word Would Sum Up 2024 for You?

If you had to sum up your life and work experience in 2024, what would it be? Pause and reflect on the last year, and jot down the first word or phrase that comes to mind. (Don’t overthink it—go with your first instinct.)

  • _________________________ (the word that describes your last 12 months)

Got one? That’s how One Word 365 works!

This simple exercise isn’t just about looking back; it’s about paving the way forward.

  • If your 2024 word was “scattered,” imagine how “Focus” could guide you to a more productive and purposeful year.
  • If the last 365 days were “overwhelming,” think of how “Balance” could shape your priorities in 2025.

Identifying your word is just the beginning. Your 2025 word can be your compass to navigate challenges, evaluate opportunities, and keep your priorities clear.

Why One Word Works

  • Replaces scattered resolutions with focused intention
  • Creates clarity in decision-making
  • Drives meaningful, lasting change
  • Aligns daily actions with yearly goals

Take the Next Step Toward an Intentional 2025…

Download Your Free Workbook: Discover how to turn your word into actionable goals. Click here to access your personal One Word 365 guide.

Book Your Free 30-Minute Strategy Call: Let’s create an action plan to help you live out your word in 2025. Schedule your call today.

Ready for Serious Results? My 60-day executive coaching intensive will turn your word into measurable achievements. Learn more and schedule your meeting here.

Your word is waiting—let’s make 2025 your most focused and intentional year yet.

I’m rooting for you!

Tom

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60 Life Lessons in 60 Years: A Guide to Winning in Business and Thriving in Life

Winding asphalt road through low country countryside at sunrise, symbolizing the journey of life and business with 60 years of wisdom lighting the way

As someone who recently celebrated their 60th birthday, with over 40 years of business experience, 30 years as a life mentor, and a decade as an ICF certified and accredited business and life coach, I’ve learned that success in business and fulfillment in life are deeply intertwined.

Today, I’m sharing 60 invaluable lessons I’ve gathered over the years to help you win in business and thrive in life. These insights cover everything from faith and family to finances and fun, providing a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

60 Life Lessons for Business Success and Personal Fulfillment

Faith and Spirituality in Business and Life

  1. The best decisions I’ve made in life and business have occurred after spending time on my knees in prayer.
  2. Trusting God is a lot easier when you are out of options. Spiritual maturity is learning to trust God in all things.
  3. Starting the morning in prayer with an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving sets the stage for a great day.

Building Strong Relationships

  1. You were not created to do life on your own; building and nurturing relationships is a wise investment that pays huge dividends.
  2. Never stop dating your spouse and doing the things that won their heart.
  3. Presents are nice, but time with family and friends are the best gifts.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

  1. It’s ok to not yet know what your purpose in life is. It’s never ok to not be pursuing what it is.
  2. We never drift toward positive or healthy things in life.
  3. Your twenties is a time for exploration and discovery. Don’t be in a hurry to know what you’re supposed to do in life.

Leadership and Professional Development

  1. The best mentors are those who have been mentored themselves.
  2. Being five minutes early communicates you respect someone else’s time more than your own.
  3. Ego and pride provide confidence and bravado in some circumstances but they can also be barriers that prevent people from getting to know you who you truly are.

Cultivating Gratitude and Kindness

  1. A handwritten thank you note communicates far more than just your appreciation.
  2. Kindness is contagious, be known for spreading it wherever you go.
  3. A random text or call to just let someone know you’re thinking about them and have prayed for them makes them feel special and reveals you are a good friend.

Embracing Life’s Simple Pleasures

  1. Don’t be so busy that you miss God’s handiwork on display… sunrises and sunsets occur daily, not just things to take in while on vacation.
  2. A casual dinner with friends at someone’s home is far better evening out at some busy restaurant.
  3. Impromptu slow dances in the kitchen and kisses say I love you in a language of its own.

Nurturing Relationships

  1. Never let a week go by without checking in with your spouse. A great question to ask is: “Have I done or said something which left you feeling unappreciated or didn’t convey to you how much I love you?”
  2. We were not meant to do life on our own… Hebrews 10:24-25 declares this, and I profess it’s true. Find your community… and then help each other thrive.
  3. There will be a time when you just don’t have the words to share with a friend who is experiencing heartache. But in the silence your presence will speak volumes about how much you care.

Personal Development and Self-Care

  1. It’s really true, on those days when you don’t feel like exercising, if you give it five minutes, 90% of the time you will accomplish your objective for the day.
  2. Not liking what you see in the mirror just means there is some work to do. Embrace it, create a plan to change what you see, and be willing to set aside your pride if you need some assistance.
  3. When you’re trying to determine if something should be part of your life ask, “is this ‘thing‘ hindering me or helping me become the person I want to be?” Once you have the answer… act accordingly.

Financial Wisdom and Material Possessions

  1. Many of the material things you think ‘you have to have’ will one day end up being sold at a garage sale or donated to a charity.
  2. Pursuing shortcuts and attempting to fast-track results rarely work in your favor. Put forth the effort, trust the process, and embrace the journey.

Time Management and Prioritization

  1. God’s Word teaches us to number our days. Focus on the people and things that matter most in your life and don’t dwell on naysayers or sweat the small stuff.
  2. Always have something on your calendar that you are looking forward to. And it doesn’t have to be a vacation, it can be time with a good friend.
  3. Make it a priority to spend your time doing things you enjoy, with people you enjoy, and figuring out how to do very little of what you don’t like.

Pursuing Passions and Purpose

  1. The best hobbies are ones that can be shared with others. This can be giving away what you create or doing things with people you enjoy spending time with.
  2. Cody Johnson’s lyric is spot on… if you have a dream chase it, because a dream won’t chase you back. 
  3. There will come a time when making a difference in life matters more than achieving success… the sooner this occurs the happier you will be.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

  1. Setbacks are inevitable, so when one occurs apply the five ‘R’s’ – Rest, Regroup, Recalibrate, Refocus, and then Relaunch.
  2. Losing or failing at something you try is inevitable… no one succeeds 100% of the time. But failure occurs when you don’t try or don’t apply the lessons learned.
  3. Don’t say, “One day you’ll do something’ for too long, because there will come a day when you won’t physically be able to do it.”

Fostering Trust and Integrity

  1. People will come to know who you truly are not by what you say, but by what they see you do.
  2. Honor all your commitments big and small, they build a foundation of trust and confidence that is appealing to friends and business colleagues alike.
  3. Always be kind and remember to say thank you to those serving you, they deserve it and it just might make their day.

Embracing Growth and Change

  1. Fight the urge to rush becoming who you think you are supposed to be… it takes time to discover the real you and the passion that lives within.
  2. Don’t be afraid to try new things, different experiences, and explore hobbies that interest you. Life gets pretty monotonous doing the same things year after year.
  3. Spiritual growth is a journey that never ends this side of Heaven.

Cultivating Empathy and Understanding

  1. I’ve rarely regretted giving someone the benefit of doubt, but I usually regret jumping to conclusions.
  2. A high percentage of people you meet in life have a burden they’re carrying. It may be something they’re carrying themselves or something they are helping a loved one carry. Be kind and empathetic.
  3. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt before they have earned it says a lot about you and your approach to life.

Balancing Independence and Interdependence

  1. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it signifies self-awareness.
  2. When you are in the midst of challenges, fight the urge to go it alone. God has placed people in your life to guide and encourage you, seek their counsel.
  3. A mentor won’t find you; you must find your mentors. Don’t know where to look… start with someone who has already accomplished what you want to do. And see if they will share their story of how they did.

Cultivating a Positive Mindset

  1. You will rarely have a bad day when you make it a priority to make other people smile and feel good about themselves.
  2. For many people it is harder to forgive yourself than it is to forgive someone else. But freedom is found when we cultivate a forgiving heart.
  3. Make sure the people you love also know how much you believe in them.

Maintaining Perspective

  1. Life is short. The days go slow and years go fast, prioritize building relationships over building wealth.
  2. Every marriage is comprised of two imperfect people. And the sooner those imperfect people learn the value of grace and forgiveness the happier they’ll be.
  3. A house will never feel like a home without people to share it with.

Embracing Authenticity and Transparency

  1. If left to ourselves we can rationalize everything and justify almost anything. This is why we need people in our life who will tell us what we need to hear and not just what we want to hear.
  2. Transparency leads to transparency, but someone has to go first… be bold, share your story and watch what happens next.
  3. Collect pictures and create photo albums, especially the ones handed down to you. They are filled with stories that should be preserved and shared.

Living with Intention

  1. The more clearly defined your core values are, the easier it is to make decisions you won’t regret.
  2. Fight the urge to keep a scorecard in your marriage with regard to household tasks. Things will rarely be equal. So, do what you can do when you have the margin and then work together to tackle the rest.
  3. No one is guaranteed tomorrow; so, never leave an ‘I love you’ left unsaid!
  4. “Divine Appointments” and “God Winks” await us each day, we must make sure we are not so busy or self-absorbed that we miss them.

Applying These Lessons to Your Life and Business

These 60 life lessons offer a wealth of wisdom for both personal growth and professional success. As a business owner or corporate executive, integrating these insights into your daily life can lead to more meaningful relationships, better decision-making, improved work-life balance, and a deeper sense of purpose.

At Tom Martin Coaching and Consulting, I can help you apply these life lessons to achieve your goals and find fulfillment. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, enhance your leadership skills, or find more balance in your life, I’m here to guide you on your journey.

Remember, success is not just about achieving goals, but about becoming the best version of yourself in the process. By embracing these lessons, you’re taking a significant step towards winning in business and thriving in life.

Ready to transform your business and life?

Contact Tom Martin today to learn more about how these timeless lessons can help you achieve the success and fulfillment you deserve.

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Phishing Scam Targeting EIDL Loan Repayment

Attention Small Business Owners: Beware of Phishing Scam Targeting EIDL Loan Repayment

Small Business Scam Alert: Tips to Avoid EIDL Loan Repayment Scams, Tom Martin Coaching: Empowering Business Owners to prosper in business and thrive in life

Small businesses are currently under threat from a phishing scam aimed at collecting banking information and payments in exchange for a fake “SBDC Economic Injury Disaster Grant.”

This fraudulent email originates from: “apply@smallbusinessdevelopmentcenter.online” falsely claiming approval for a grant, but demanding a “tax clearance fee.” 🚨

It’s crucial to note that neither your local SBDC nor the US SBDC provides SBA grants or loans. The SBDC will never solicit your banking details or ask for payment for a grant or loan… ever!!

To safeguard your business from online threats, consider these essential tips recommended by the FTC:

✅ What to DO:

  • Obtain information regarding SBA loans directly from the official SBA website: sba.gov.
  • Seek guidance from your local UGA SBDC office if you receive a suspicious email: georgiasbdc.org/locations.

❌ What NOT to Do:

  • Pay upfront for information; all SBA grant and loan program details are freely accessible at sba.gov.
  • Provide payment in advance for a government grant or loan; no upfront payment is necessary for an SBA loan.
  • Disclose your information to unsolicited callers, emails, or texts. The SBA does not initiate contact to request information about you or your business, nor does it ask you to apply for a loan via phone, email, or text. Delete any suspicious emails or texts immediately.
  • Apply for a loan without verifying the lender’s authenticity. Only SBA-authorized lenders can offer loans, and you can verify lenders using the SBA’s tool.
  • Click on links or respond to emails or texts from unknown sources. Clicking on such links may expose your device to malware or connect you with scammers.

Stay vigilant and protect your business from potential scams by adhering to these guidelines.

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Embrace the Power of One Word 365: A Transformative Approach to Goal Setting for 2024

Thirteen years ago, I was introduced to One Word 365 when I read the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life. And to say that the book lived up to its title would be an understatement.

It wasn’t just the intriguing title that captured my curiosity, but the compelling promise within the introduction that convinced me to make the purchase:

“If we could give you one thing that would improve your life in incredible ways, would you receive it? And if this one thing was so intuitive and easy to use that you would be crazy not to try it… would you give it a shot?”

As December of 2010 rolled in, I found myself in a challenging period. The year had thrown various obstacles my way, both personally and professionally. While the dealership was thriving, my battle with Merkel Cell cancer, which had metastasized, required three surgeries and over sixty radiation treatments. The toll it took on me was undeniable.

My instinct was always to power through challenges, but cancer brought a different kind of exhaustion. That’s when “One Word” entered my life, and, reflecting on my state, I chose the theme for the upcoming year – “Pause.” Little did I know that 45 days later, I would learn of my cancer’s return for the third time, now with a stage 4 diagnosis.

For me, the word “Pause” under those circumstances became synonymous with transformation.

Since that pivotal year, I’ve introduced the concept of One Word to family, friends, and interested business and life coaching clients.

The consensus?

Adopting a One Word 365 mindset brought clarity, purpose, power, and passion. All of which served as driving forces that kept their vision alive for the next 365 days.

But how can something so seemingly simple be so effective?

The answer lies in the power of words.

Words, when used thoughtfully and intentionally, possess transformative power. They inspire, motivate, and energize. Words can heal, encourage, and turn the seemingly impossible into the possible.

The magic of the One Word 365 mindset extends its impact to the core components of life, what I like to call the Six F’s:

Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness, and Fun!

And trust me… there is a word out there waiting for you.

Are you ready to embark on the transformative journey of One Word 365 for 2024? If so, download a FREE COPY of my One Word 365 Workbook which walks you through the process of selecting a word for 2024!

one-word-365-workbook-tom-martin-coaching

Want to learn more… check out this video and discover the potential that lies within a single, powerful word.

You see, when a compelling vision is combined with a single word that describes a desired outcome with laser-like focus… transformation occurs!

Here is a link to order your own copy of One Word That Will Change Your Life book! 

 

As you can see from the image above, I’m still contemplating what my One Word 365 for 2024 will be. That’s ok, sometimes it takes time! Check back next week, and I will post my word along with why it is important to me for 2024. 

And if you need some assistance getting started with One Word 365 for 2024… let’s chat!

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024! 

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Connected is My One Word for 2023

My One Word for 2023 is Connected, Tom Martin Coaching

Happy New Year to all of you, and I truly hope 2023 is off to a great start!

As I mentioned in my previous One Word 365 post, every year I choose a word to be my theme for the year. This word serves as a focus, a north star if you will, that helps me live next twelve months intentionally and with purpose.

Initially, I thought my One Word for 2023 would be “connection” … but as I worked through the action planner and prayed over the New Year it was clear that my One Word 365 for 2023 needed to be “Connected”.

I’m developing the game plan for how I plan to Live Out my word Connected. But I can already tell it will involve some planting and pruning.

  • The pruning involves removing certain things from my life that would keep me (the looking back in the action plan reveals this) from being connected to what matters most to me in 2023.
  • The planting consists of adding new disciplines and incorporating new behaviors which allow me to be connected to the people, the organizations, and the causes that matter most to me in 2023.

But know this…

Living out your One Word is a journey!

The One Word 365 journey is much like planning a trip to a place you have never been before. You start by asking yourself questions about the things you want to experience while you’re there. And continue to ask questions the more time you spend in that place.

For me the questions I’m asking myself at the beginning of my One Word 365 journey look like this:

Who and what do I need to be connected to at a deeper level than I currently am in 2023?

What are the things, and maybe even people, that I need to be dis-“connected” from in 2023? 

I will use personal, business, and spiritual goals and objectives as a guide to help discern what these are.

  • But I can already say technology is on my list. At certain levels and in certain cases technology is a great mechanism to do more and achieve much. But technology can also be an impediment that distracts attention, derails momentum, and can lead to isolation.

Speaking of isolation…

A high percentage of people these days are experiencing feelings of isolation, loneliness, and a lack of authentic community. And there are not any societal, cultural, or economic barriers to these feelings.

This can especially be true with business owners who hesitate to bring problems home to their spouses. They don’t want to share concerns with employees who look to them to have all the answers. And high percentage are hesitant to talk to fellow business owners when facing challenges for fear they may lose the respect of their peers.

Another question I’m asking is, how can I facilitate business owners being connected with each other?

  • Something that would end isolation, and open the door to conversation and collaboration in meaningful ways.

Giving Back…

Another area of personal interest and something I’m involved with and serve in, is men’s ministry.

At the church level, I have served as a Re:New mentor. This involves meeting with guys who are in the midst of a crisis, be it life, career, or faith. Or it can men on the other side of the crisis with questions about how faith and God factored into what they just experienced. I’ve also served as a small group leader for men’s groups and with my wife in couples’ groups.

At the faith-based organizational level, I serve on the board of One Thing Ministries. One Thing Ministries operates One Thing for Men, a weekly men’s group Bible study. We meet on Fridays in Alpharetta Georgia but we have a global reach with the One Thing for Men YouTube channel and the sharing of all our Bibles study resources.

A question I’ve been wrestling with is, why are those doing men’s ministry around Atlanta not “connected”? 

  • There would seem to be great value in being connected as brothers in Christ to facilitate the exchanging of ideas, possibly sharing or co-opting of resources, cross promoting each others events, and a host of other things. 
  • And if there already is some association, do I just not know about it? Is this something I might want to be connected to? Or is this something that should be created? I don’t know but check back and I share what I learn during the year.

Ultimately, for me in 2023…

Being connected is about relationships!

It’s about investing my time going deeper into the meaningful relationships I’m blessed to have. And it also about investing my energy serving in and creating environments where relationship can develop and thrive.

How about you?

What is your One Word 365 for 2023?

Leave your One Word in the comments and feel free to share why this word is your focus for the upcoming year!

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One Word 365 for 2023

One Word 365 for 2023 image with picture of book cover to One Word That Will Change Your Life - Tom Martin Coaching

Twelve years ago, I read the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life, and to say that the book lived up to its title would be an understatement.

I think is it was the title that captured my curiosity. But it was the promise within the introduction that compelled me to purchase the book:

If we could give you one thing that would improve your life in incredible ways, would you receive it?

If this one thing was so intuitive and easy to use that you would be crazy not to try it, would you give it a shot?

It was December 2010 and I found myself in a bit of a funk. The year had been filled with challenges, both personal and professional.

The dealership was having a great year, but battling a rare form of cancer that had metastasized, three surgeries, and over sixty radiation treatments had certainly taken its tool.

My nature was to power through obstacles and challenges when they appeared in my life or arose in my career. So, when cancer was introduced into my world, I took the same approach. But in doing so, I was exhausted.

So, after reading One Word, and considering my current state of exhaustion, the one word theme I chose for the upcoming year was “Pause”.  But little did I know, some 45 days later I would find out my cancer had returned for a third time, with a stage 4 diagnosis.

The word “Pause” for me, that year, under those circumstances, was transformation!

Since then, I’ve shared One Word with family, friends, and in my coaching practice. And most would say that by adopting a One Word 365 mindset, they found clarity, purpose, power, and passion. All of which were driving forces that kept the vision alive for the next 365 days. 

How does something that sounds so simple, work so effectively?

Words are powerful!

When words are used thoughtfully and intentionally, they have the power. They can inspire, motivate, and energize. Words can heal, encourage, and make what seems impossible… possible.

The simple power of the One Word 365 mindset impacts the key components in your life. Something I refer to as the Six F’s: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness, and Fun! 

There is a word out there for you!

If you’re ready to get started with One Word 365 for 2023… watch out this video!

You see, when a compelling vision is combined with a single word that describes a desired outcome with laser-like focus… transformation occurs!

Here is a link to order your copy of One Word That Will Change Your Life! 

A list of the words Tom Martin has selected over the years to kick off the New Year as part of One Word 365.

As you can see from the image above, I’m still working through the One Word process of deciding what my One Word 365 for 2023 will be. But check back next week, and I will post my word here along with the reasons why “this word” is important to me for 2023. 

And remember, if you need some assistance getting started with One Word 365 for 2023… let’s chat!

Wishing you a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2023! 

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Information and Resources to Help Small Business Owners Navigate COVID-19

small-business-resources-covid-19

In an effort to support business owners, here is the latest news about COVID-19 as it pertains to small business and I’ve included an updated list of resources. So, how does the US Small Business Association (SBA) define a small business…

A Small Business Is Defined As:

Depending on your industry, a small business could be defined as a business with a maximum of 250 employees or a maximum of 1,500 employees. They’re privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships that have less revenue than larger businesses.

For those of you in Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp announced yesterday that Georgia has received an official statewide disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This declaration will provide assistance in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to impacted small businesses in all 159 counties in Georgia.

This opens the door for small businesses and nonprofits in Georgia to now apply for economic injury disaster recovery loans.  The loan can be up to $2 million per business to assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19. 

The application is now live, and Georgia small business owners can go directly to the SBA for assistance and to access the application.

Not in Georgia… no worries, use this link for information and the application for every state that has received the disaster declaration from the SBA.

Required Documents for SBA for EIDL loans: 

  1. Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Statements for 2019 and 2020 on annual basis and year to date basis.
  2. Tax returns from the past 3 years, both personal and business 

Loans are available for small business and non-profit organizations. While terms will be established on a case-by-case basis, many will have a thirty-year repayment term with first payments not due for up to twelve months. Businesses should expect to provide a tax transcript, financial statements, and a profit and loss statement. Interest rates will range from 2.75% to 3.75%.

In addition to the above, I suggest you reach out to your lending institution to see if relief programs are being offered during this time: delaying payments; interest only payments.  

To learn more about the EIDL program:

sba-small-business-roundtable-covid19

Join Small Business Roundtable with SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and CEOs of the leading small business organizations. They will discuss the needs of small business owners during the economic fallout resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Friday, March 20th, 2020 at 2:30 pm ET

Click Here to RSVP

****This Just In****

(1:15PM March 20th) At this time, due to some last minute scheduling issues, we are working to reschedule this webinar for another day and time. Our goal is to have something next week. Timing might be better as we expect to know more about the next round of legislation.

empty-office-space-working-from-home-small-business

This is something every business owner should ask their staff who are working from home, before moving into the meeting agenda of the call. Discover what it is here. 

Learn How to Manage a Manage a Work-From-Home

  • TODAY – March 20: Learn from nationally recognized experts on How to Manage a Work-From-Home Workforce Teleconference with a FREE webinar. This resource is open to any business in the region and is hosted by Council for Quality Growth in partnership with Forsyth County Chamber. Register here.
  • Next Week: Georgia Commute Options is hosting a Telework Webinar Series to share information about managing objectives and deliverables while teleworking, collaborating through technology, supporting good working habits and more.

IRS Tax Relief information

The IRS has established a special section of the agency’s website focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by this coronavirus. Their page will be updated as new information is available.  

Guidance for Businesses and Employers with Regard to COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For updates from CDC, please see the following:

Well that’s it for now… 

But please leave a comment with any information and resources that you’ve found useful as you’ve navigated the COVID-19. And don’t forget to support the local small businesses in your area any way you can.

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Is Everyone Working From Home?

man-at-desk-on-computer-working-from-home-tom-martin-coaching

Say goodbye to business as usual, most if not all your staff could be working from home as a result of Covid-19.

Do you think your company is ready?

With more people than ever working from home due to the coronavirus outbreak, business owners’ leadership skills will be put to the test.

Maybe the better question is… are you ready?

Be mindful of what it is because what you say will set the tone and they will follow your lead when they are talking with customers, clients, and colleagues. 

With that being the case and so much at stake, it’s time to get personal!

Simply ask, “how are you doing?”

Listen, ask questions, be aware of concerns, worries, or fears. And you will have multiple people on the call, give everyone the opportunity to answer that question.

Communicate You Care

The very fact you asked shows you care and it reinforces the relationship you have with them and the team.

Remember, for many of them this is new to them. They are worried about how all this will work which adds to all the other concerns they have about how the coronavirus outbreak will impact their family and life.

I guaranty that everyone will be far more receptive to everything you have to say after you’ve inquired about how they are doing.

Ok, now your turn…

  • What are your thoughts, recommendations, and suggestions.
  • What are some of the things you plan to do in your business?
  • What will you say to your employees as your company navigates the all the unknown surrounding Covid-19 and its impact in the marketplace?

Leave a comment below so we can learn together and lead well in our community…

Here are 5 Things Business Owners can be doing which will have a positive impact on their employees, with their customers, and in their community! Lead Well…

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What To Do When You Do Not Know What To Do

Three Practical Things You Can Do Today

what-to-do-when-you-do-not-know-what-to-do-tom-martin-coaching

Out of the blue, I received a call from someone in the financial services industry that I had that referred clients over the years. Her business expertise was in an area beyond the scope of work I did with my clients. And while we had collaborated on clients, we had never talked about her business beyond the services she provided to business owners.

The voicemail indicated she wanted to run something by me. But when we spoke, I quickly realized she was at the crossroads with a business decision and she didn’t know what to do.

Many times the coaching conversations I have with business owners concern decisions they had made at a point in their life when they didn’t know what to do.

Seeking advice or counsel is the wise thing to do

But either by design or default or because of ego or pride, entrepreneurs and business owners tend to go it alone. Sometimes the results are good and often not as good as they had sought objective feedback or utilized someone as a sounding board.

And while I won’t go into the details of the call, here is a decision-making model I used to help her get a better idea of what to do when she truly didn’t know what to do.

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. – Charles Swindoll

 

Be Inquisitive – research potential solutions

tom-martin-coaching-be-inquisitive

• Search the internet – articles, books, blogs, podcasts, videos

• Ask friends, family, neighbors, or business associates if they know someone you should talk to who is familiar with the decision you are contemplating

 

 

Be Open – seek counsel

tom-martin-coaching-be-open-to-counsel• Being inquisitive is getting ideas about potential solutions.

• Getting counsel is tapping into the wisdom of someone who has perspective about the decision you have to make.

• And if you can’t find someone with first-hand knowledge of the situation, review your notes from all the conversations you had with people you trust (mentors, advisors, friends, spouse) to see where there is a consensus. And when there is, move on to the next step. Just make sure the people you’re talking to will not only tell you what they think but also what you need to hear.

 

Be Still – ponder, meditate, or pray

tom-martin-coaching-be-still• Evaluate everything you learned from being inquisitive and review the advice shared by counsel.

• Compare the advice shared by counsel.

• Stay still until you know what to do. Remember, no one knows for you…only you know for you!

 

A few final thoughts about moving forward after you make a decision about what to do:

KNOW THIS

Waiting to make a perfect decision means you’ll never make any decision! – Tom Martin

DO THIS

Forget about the ultimate outcome. Just focus on taking one step in the direction of the thing you decided to do.  – Tom Martin

REMEMBER THIS

Clarity comes when you move toward your destination and correct along the way.  – Michael Hyatt

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Living Full Out

Radio Show Guest Appearance

I had a great time appearing with Nancy Solari on her nationally syndicated radio show, Living Full Out!tom-martin-coaching-living-full-out-radio

 

My Living Full Out episode, When You Believe You Can Overcome Limitations as You Live Full Out, originally aired on February 10th. Nancy and I discussed overcoming adversity and finding hope in the most challenging of circumstances. Plus we talked about the life lessons I’ve learned from battling merkel cell cancer three times and how this was a catalyst for me to leave the automotive industry and become a certified executive coach.

You can listen to the Living Full Out show using the Spreaker Audio player below. And you will find my two segments with Nancy starting at the 15-minute mark of the show. 

            

I share my story to share the life lessons I’ve learned along the way and even offer hope. You are not alone, and feel free to reach out with questions. You can learn more about my cancer journey on my blog and also in the Huffington Post feature, Voices of Strength – Stories of Survival.