Monthly Archives February 2014

I believe we have different types of friends that help us deal with the world we face.  You might have an opportunity to combine a friendship but often trying to do so can cause confusion and can hurt the original friendship. Here are a just few examples (below) of the different types of friendship.

(1) EXPERIENCE FRIENDSHIP- This is a friendship that is based on a powerful experience(s) that you shared with this individual. Here is an individual that you can share memories with for a lifetime.

(2) DEPENDABLE FRIENDSHIP- Here is the person that will help you when times are tough but may not be “the nicest” to you. They may not say what you want but will do what you need.

(3) FUNNY FRIENDSHIP- We all need a good laugh once in awhile and this person somehow knows where your funny bone is located and how to stimulate it.

(4) INTEREST FRIENDSHIP- It’s great to have someone who has the same passion you do for the desires in your life.

(5) BUSINESS FRIENDSHIP- This is a friendship that is truly based on the work experiences that you go through. They are helpful in this realm but it doesn’t truly extend to your personal life.

(6) EMPATHATIC FRIENDSHIP- Here is that crying shoulder we all need once in awhile that can turn to a standing ovation as well.

I’m sure you’ve heard the old saying you can’t mix friendship and business but this isn’t necessarily the case. First of all it depends on the type of friendship (see future blog) then it depends on the parameters you place in effect (see below). Friendship and Business are a hard combination but when they work you can find true success not just in your business life but personal life as well.

1) Be clear and precise on what you expect step by step and the consequences of achieving such goals or missing them.  You might bend these achievement goals a bit but if  you bend them to far  your friendship as well might bend to the point cracks.

(2) Step of command on which decisions you will make, which they make and which you will decide together.

(3) Understand and discuss each others strengths and weaknesses and work within those boundaries.

(4) Set an exit strategy that allows either one of you to move away from the business but keep the friendship going if certain circumstances occur.

(5) Keep your word/commitment and if you’re negligent take responsibility and accept the consequences.

I believe students should be taught various points of view and therefore not be indoctrinated in one philosophy. I understand that the majority of scientist believe that Evolution is a fact but I have yet to meet one scientist who could give a first hand account. We can see through fossil records a path of evolution but if we didn’t witness it directly then I believe it is not a fact that is how we came to be. There is also much evidence supporting the theory of “Intelligent Design/Creationism” that should be carefully evaluated and tested. When people ask me what I believe is the truth I tell them that my science mind leans to evolution but my spiritual side leans to creation.   Therefore I can honestly and proudly say, I’m not sure.

I do believe though that science in general  should be based on experiments that can be proven over and over again in various conditions not based on a philosophy. Otherwise science is just another form of faith that puts it’s trust in man rather then a divine source.

Click to see a debate on Creationism vs Evolution

I have always tried to satisfy my customers needs in business but sometimes you just have to say…. “NO”! It’s one of the hardest words to say because you never know if they will say no back and you will lose a customer but it’s better to be honest then lead someone off a bridge.  Many a customer will push you to the edge by handing you guilt (like your mother) but if you don’t say no you’ll be doing their laundry as well and/or fall so far it will be hard to get up.  I recommend the gentle “no” like “I’m sorry although we’d love to help ….. ” and then recommend a supplier who might be able to help.

When I say no I allow myself to work on projects that I truly can be more successful with.  It has also enabled me to realize that although I’d love to solve the worlds problems I’m only one person and have G-D given limitations and time.  It has taken me years to use this word and often I say it way too late, but I finally realized the word “no” has given me the freedom to truly understand those limitations. “No” has enabled me to say to more success then I ever dreamed.

Dear Donald:

It’s time for you to put in your tie and run for Governor of NY.  We have got excited before when you announced your interest in running for elected office only to be disappointed when you prematurely ejected from a race. It would be a basely move to run against Cuomo since he has the press on his side but you have the resources, skills and experience needed to insure a truly competitive race.  I understand that you don’t want to be in a primary with individuals like Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino but his candidacy and many others will be extremely weak and when you enter they will eject themselves out of the race before you know it.

It’s time our state become strong with policies that make it grow like lower taxes, lower regulations and listening to all our diverse voices. Cuomo’s leadership has made us weak with policies that divide us and cause individuals and business with exciting plans to leave our state in search of greener pastures.  Our state can no longer afford to be weak we need a Governor who will build us up from the ground up. Therefore Run Trump! Run!

Sincerely

Bud