Pizza For A Dream

Pepperoni Wins By A Landslide!

Pepperoni is voted the most popular pizza topping by over 59 percentage points over Italian sausage, the second most favorite topping. Stumble It!

Entrepreneurship and Failure

In the last couple of weeks I've started to read the regular postings from the blog, mywifequitherjob.com.  One of their most recent posts is Entrepreneurship: What Is Your Definition of Failure?  Great post that I highly recommend reading.

Try, fail, adjust, try, fail, adjust, try, fail, adjust, try, fail, adjust...try, succeed!!!

Checkout Growth Only Occurs in the Valleys of Our Lives for another post relating to failure. Stumble It!

Profiles of Success - Jens Molbak

Being active in the vending business myself, I thought this podcast was a great.  Checkout Startup Studio's podcast about Coinstar Founder Jens Molbak. Stumble It!

Read this article from the Wall Street Journal and it made me furious!!!  Checkout Eyeing Your Pension and let us know your thoughts. Stumble It!

Here's 10 of the hottest and freshest blog posts that I've come across this week.

1. The Economics of Cows

A humorous explanation of economics! What system are we currently in and what one do you think we'll be in after this next election?

2. A Simple Way to Catch Up On Your Reading

Great ideas on reading. Ties in well with my discussion of reading in The Success Habits Wheel, Part I

3. What Does It Take to Make You Subscribe to a Blog?

Some food for thought for bloggers and those who regularly read blogs. I hope my insights and inspiration rate high enough for you to take the time to subscribe to my feed and for you to become a regular participant in this site!

4. 5 Tips for Small Business During a Slow Economy 

Some considerations for those running or starting a small business during these trying economic times.

5. The Link Between Security and Complacency

Chris is probably my favorite blogger. He's the one who inspired me to start blogging. Don't necessarily agree with his worldview, but he's definitely going somewhere and it's fun to be part of his success!

6. But What is Balance Really?

You may have to scroll down the blog a bit as I wasn't able to link directly to this post.  A simple description of maintaining balance in our lives.

7. Habits of Wealthy People

Interesting read.

8. A Conversation With A Friend About His 401(k)

This post puts your 401(k) and investments in a bit of perspective.

9. How to be the Family CFO by Kim Snider

Though I haven't read this book, the review makes me want to purchase and read it at some point.  Applicable material in lieu of the last several months.

10. How to Benefit From a Recession

A short take on the recession and what to be thinking about as a small business owner.

Stumble It!

Thus far we discussed reading and listening in Success Habits Wheel, Part I and consistency of work and learning in Success Habits Wheel, Part II.  In part III I'm going to discuss the habits of association and goal setting.

ASSOCIATION

I'll never forget growing up and hearing my parents tell me to stay away for this person or that crowd because they were a bad "influence."  I've heard it said more recently that if you want to catch a cold, hang out with people who have colds.  Well, for some reason, at a certain age (I have yet to determine what exactly) we cease to heed those warnings about bad influences and associations.  We hang out with whoever we want and we "associate" with all kinds of media (tv, music, internet) that is nothing but a bad influence.  We watch any kind of movie we want without concern for the messages that are taught.  We listen to lyrics that pollute the mind.  We spend time with people who have nothing good to say and who are always trying to keep us down in order to justify their lack of success.

To be successful in your chosen endeavor, you must consciously control these associations.  You must protect your thought process and isolate yourself from those who can do nothing but hurt you.  An example in my life is my associations at work.  I used to work out of a cubicle every day and in doing so got caught up in all the gossip and negativity that thrives in most work places.  Eventually, I was allowed to telecommute and my entire world changed!  I now had the ability to shelter myself from all the "water cooler" talk and focus on what is important to get the job done.

Every time you raise your head above the crowd, people are going to throw tomatoes!  Don't let this get you down, but also realize that the tomato throwers can't help you get where you want to go.  Get yourself around people who have a vested interest in you and your success.  Find mentors who are willing to cheer you on and also shoot to you straight about your progress.  In my business, I've found mentors who can help me out in all facets of my life.  Some provide paid expertise (my lawyer and accountant) while others have taken interest over the years and are willing to share their feedback and insights as a friend.

GOALS

Entire books have been written on this topic, so I won't do that here.  I just want to stress the importance of setting them.  Anyone can beat the greatest archer in the world (in archery) when the archer is blindfolded!  Is it any wonder that people who don't set goals, don't hit their target?!!  While some people go way overboard with their goals and have them set for everything, I think it's important to set some goals in several areas of your life.  Some of the goal areas I focus on include: business, work, financial, spiritual, fitness, reading.  Here's some of the goals I set at the beginning of 2008:

1. Read the entire Bible
2. Get back in shape running and get to 210 pounds
3. Pay cash for a van to replace my wife's car
4. Place 50 new vending locations
5. Place 3 more (for a total of 6) Houston Highlights locations
6. Bring 50% of our graphic design work in-house
7. Purchase and move into our first house
8. Do 150% to quota for the year at work

As you can see these goals span a wide range of areas of my life and to be honest, I've done much better at some than others.  I'll give you a final assessment of how I did in 2008 at the end of the year.

My goals above are all mid-term goals (essentially 1 year or less), but setting short-term and long-term goals are also important.  Short-term goals might be goals for a day, a week, or a month.  They could be as simple as setting a goal for the number of hours you might read or the number of miles you might walk/run.  One of my weekly short-term goals is to post 6 days a week on this blog, as an example.  Long-term goals might be for a 3, 5, or 10+ year period of time.  They might be to retire by a certain age or to have your house paid off by a certain time frame.  In a future post, I'll break down long term goals and how to translate them into short and mid-term goals.
Stumble It!

Just got reading the latest blog entry from Mark Cuban titled, The Cure To Our Economic Problems .  Love him or hate him, the guy knows his stuff and has proven it with his business success.  Other than an occasional expletive, great post! Stumble It!

Just read The 'Trophy Kids Go To Work' from the Wall Street Journal.  An interesting read!  Though I think the author over generalizes a bit, I've seen this type of behavior in the pizza world.  Loyalty and lack of accountability appear to be lacking in many.  Simple courtesies like calling if you can't make it in to work appear to be lost on many of them.

What are your thoughts? Stumble It!

Saw this article last week and have to admit the picture turned my stomach a bit.  Check out

Frog pizza...get it while it's hop from Alex Peake of The UK Sun. Stumble It!

photo by Felix 42

I watched an episode of Donnie Deutsch's show, The Big Idea, on TIVO this past weekend.  Donnie had Jim Cramer of CNBC's, Mad Money, on to talk about the economy and business conditions over next several years.  It was amazing how much gloom and doom was spoken by 2 men who normally are some of the most upbeat on TV.  The reality of the recession has hit home and they spent time talking about realistic planning for businesses during tough times like today.

Eyeing Your Pension: Are 401(k)s Safe From Congressional Democrats?

Read this article from the Wall Street Journal and it made me furious!!!  Checkout Eyeing Your Pension and let us know your thoughts. Stumble It!

Here's 10 of the hottest and freshest blog posts that I've come across this week.

1. The Economics of Cows

A humorous explanation of economics! What system are we currently in and what one do you think we'll be in after this next election?

2. A Simple Way to Catch Up On Your Reading

Great ideas on reading. Ties in well with my discussion of reading in The Success Habits Wheel, Part I

3. What Does It Take to Make You Subscribe to a Blog?

Some food for thought for bloggers and those who regularly read blogs. I hope my insights and inspiration rate high enough for you to take the time to subscribe to my feed and for you to become a regular participant in this site!

4. 5 Tips for Small Business During a Slow Economy 

Some considerations for those running or starting a small business during these trying economic times.

5. The Link Between Security and Complacency

Chris is probably my favorite blogger. He's the one who inspired me to start blogging. Don't necessarily agree with his worldview, but he's definitely going somewhere and it's fun to be part of his success!

6. But What is Balance Really?

You may have to scroll down the blog a bit as I wasn't able to link directly to this post.  A simple description of maintaining balance in our lives.

7. Habits of Wealthy People

Interesting read.

8. A Conversation With A Friend About His 401(k)

This post puts your 401(k) and investments in a bit of perspective.

9. How to be the Family CFO by Kim Snider

Though I haven't read this book, the review makes me want to purchase and read it at some point.  Applicable material in lieu of the last several months.

10. How to Benefit From a Recession

A short take on the recession and what to be thinking about as a small business owner.

Stumble It!

Thus far we discussed reading and listening in Success Habits Wheel, Part I and consistency of work and learning in Success Habits Wheel, Part II.  In part III I'm going to discuss the habits of association and goal setting.

ASSOCIATION

I'll never forget growing up and hearing my parents tell me to stay away for this person or that crowd because they were a bad "influence."  I've heard it said more recently that if you want to catch a cold, hang out with people who have colds.  Well, for some reason, at a certain age (I have yet to determine what exactly) we cease to heed those warnings about bad influences and associations.  We hang out with whoever we want and we "associate" with all kinds of media (tv, music, internet) that is nothing but a bad influence.  We watch any kind of movie we want without concern for the messages that are taught.  We listen to lyrics that pollute the mind.  We spend time with people who have nothing good to say and who are always trying to keep us down in order to justify their lack of success.

To be successful in your chosen endeavor, you must consciously control these associations.  You must protect your thought process and isolate yourself from those who can do nothing but hurt you.  An example in my life is my associations at work.  I used to work out of a cubicle every day and in doing so got caught up in all the gossip and negativity that thrives in most work places.  Eventually, I was allowed to telecommute and my entire world changed!  I now had the ability to shelter myself from all the "water cooler" talk and focus on what is important to get the job done.

Every time you raise your head above the crowd, people are going to throw tomatoes!  Don't let this get you down, but also realize that the tomato throwers can't help you get where you want to go.  Get yourself around people who have a vested interest in you and your success.  Find mentors who are willing to cheer you on and also shoot to you straight about your progress.  In my business, I've found mentors who can help me out in all facets of my life.  Some provide paid expertise (my lawyer and accountant) while others have taken interest over the years and are willing to share their feedback and insights as a friend.

GOALS

Entire books have been written on this topic, so I won't do that here.  I just want to stress the importance of setting them.  Anyone can beat the greatest archer in the world (in archery) when the archer is blindfolded!  Is it any wonder that people who don't set goals, don't hit their target?!!  While some people go way overboard with their goals and have them set for everything, I think it's important to set some goals in several areas of your life.  Some of the goal areas I focus on include: business, work, financial, spiritual, fitness, reading.  Here's some of the goals I set at the beginning of 2008:

1. Read the entire Bible
2. Get back in shape running and get to 210 pounds
3. Pay cash for a van to replace my wife's car
4. Place 50 new vending locations
5. Place 3 more (for a total of 6) Houston Highlights locations
6. Bring 50% of our graphic design work in-house
7. Purchase and move into our first house
8. Do 150% to quota for the year at work

As you can see these goals span a wide range of areas of my life and to be honest, I've done much better at some than others.  I'll give you a final assessment of how I did in 2008 at the end of the year.

My goals above are all mid-term goals (essentially 1 year or less), but setting short-term and long-term goals are also important.  Short-term goals might be goals for a day, a week, or a month.  They could be as simple as setting a goal for the number of hours you might read or the number of miles you might walk/run.  One of my weekly short-term goals is to post 6 days a week on this blog, as an example.  Long-term goals might be for a 3, 5, or 10+ year period of time.  They might be to retire by a certain age or to have your house paid off by a certain time frame.  In a future post, I'll break down long term goals and how to translate them into short and mid-term goals.
Stumble It!

Just got reading the latest blog entry from Mark Cuban titled, The Cure To Our Economic Problems .  Love him or hate him, the guy knows his stuff and has proven it with his business success.  Other than an occasional expletive, great post! Stumble It!

Just read The 'Trophy Kids Go To Work' from the Wall Street Journal.  An interesting read!  Though I think the author over generalizes a bit, I've seen this type of behavior in the pizza world.  Loyalty and lack of accountability appear to be lacking in many.  Simple courtesies like calling if you can't make it in to work appear to be lost on many of them.

What are your thoughts? Stumble It!

Saw this article last week and have to admit the picture turned my stomach a bit.  Check out

Frog pizza...get it while it's hop from Alex Peake of The UK Sun. Stumble It!

photo by Felix 42

I watched an episode of Donnie Deutsch's show, The Big Idea, on TIVO this past weekend.  Donnie had Jim Cramer of CNBC's, Mad Money, on to talk about the economy and business conditions over next several years.  It was amazing how much gloom and doom was spoken by 2 men who normally are some of the most upbeat on TV.  The reality of the recession has hit home and they spent time talking about realistic planning for businesses during tough times like today.

Delivered Hot and Fresh! Pizza's Top 10 Blog Posts of the Week (Oct 20-24, 2008)

Here's 10 of the hottest and freshest blog posts that I've come across this week.

1. The Economics of Cows

A humorous explanation of economics! What system are we currently in and what one do you think we'll be in after this next election?

2. A Simple Way to Catch Up On Your Reading

Great ideas on reading. Ties in well with my discussion of reading in The Success Habits Wheel, Part I

3. What Does It Take to Make You Subscribe to a Blog?

Some food for thought for bloggers and those who regularly read blogs. I hope my insights and inspiration rate high enough for you to take the time to subscribe to my feed and for you to become a regular participant in this site!

4. 5 Tips for Small Business During a Slow Economy 

Some considerations for those running or starting a small business during these trying economic times.

5. The Link Between Security and Complacency

Chris is probably my favorite blogger. He's the one who inspired me to start blogging. Don't necessarily agree with his worldview, but he's definitely going somewhere and it's fun to be part of his success!

6. But What is Balance Really?

You may have to scroll down the blog a bit as I wasn't able to link directly to this post.  A simple description of maintaining balance in our lives.

7. Habits of Wealthy People

Interesting read.

8. A Conversation With A Friend About His 401(k)

This post puts your 401(k) and investments in a bit of perspective.

9. How to be the Family CFO by Kim Snider

Though I haven't read this book, the review makes me want to purchase and read it at some point.  Applicable material in lieu of the last several months.

10. How to Benefit From a Recession

A short take on the recession and what to be thinking about as a small business owner.

Stumble It!

The Success Habits Wheel, Part III

Thus far we discussed reading and listening in Success Habits Wheel, Part I and consistency of work and learning in Success Habits Wheel, Part II.  In part III I'm going to discuss the habits of association and goal setting.

ASSOCIATION

I'll never forget growing up and hearing my parents tell me to stay away for this person or that crowd because they were a bad "influence."  I've heard it said more recently that if you want to catch a cold, hang out with people who have colds.  Well, for some reason, at a certain age (I have yet to determine what exactly) we cease to heed those warnings about bad influences and associations.  We hang out with whoever we want and we "associate" with all kinds of media (tv, music, internet) that is nothing but a bad influence.  We watch any kind of movie we want without concern for the messages that are taught.  We listen to lyrics that pollute the mind.  We spend time with people who have nothing good to say and who are always trying to keep us down in order to justify their lack of success.

To be successful in your chosen endeavor, you must consciously control these associations.  You must protect your thought process and isolate yourself from those who can do nothing but hurt you.  An example in my life is my associations at work.  I used to work out of a cubicle every day and in doing so got caught up in all the gossip and negativity that thrives in most work places.  Eventually, I was allowed to telecommute and my entire world changed!  I now had the ability to shelter myself from all the "water cooler" talk and focus on what is important to get the job done.

Every time you raise your head above the crowd, people are going to throw tomatoes!  Don't let this get you down, but also realize that the tomato throwers can't help you get where you want to go.  Get yourself around people who have a vested interest in you and your success.  Find mentors who are willing to cheer you on and also shoot to you straight about your progress.  In my business, I've found mentors who can help me out in all facets of my life.  Some provide paid expertise (my lawyer and accountant) while others have taken interest over the years and are willing to share their feedback and insights as a friend.

GOALS

Entire books have been written on this topic, so I won't do that here.  I just want to stress the importance of setting them.  Anyone can beat the greatest archer in the world (in archery) when the archer is blindfolded!  Is it any wonder that people who don't set goals, don't hit their target?!!  While some people go way overboard with their goals and have them set for everything, I think it's important to set some goals in several areas of your life.  Some of the goal areas I focus on include: business, work, financial, spiritual, fitness, reading.  Here's some of the goals I set at the beginning of 2008:

1. Read the entire Bible
2. Get back in shape running and get to 210 pounds
3. Pay cash for a van to replace my wife's car
4. Place 50 new vending locations
5. Place 3 more (for a total of 6) Houston Highlights locations
6. Bring 50% of our graphic design work in-house
7. Purchase and move into our first house
8. Do 150% to quota for the year at work

As you can see these goals span a wide range of areas of my life and to be honest, I've done much better at some than others.  I'll give you a final assessment of how I did in 2008 at the end of the year.

My goals above are all mid-term goals (essentially 1 year or less), but setting short-term and long-term goals are also important.  Short-term goals might be goals for a day, a week, or a month.  They could be as simple as setting a goal for the number of hours you might read or the number of miles you might walk/run.  One of my weekly short-term goals is to post 6 days a week on this blog, as an example.  Long-term goals might be for a 3, 5, or 10+ year period of time.  They might be to retire by a certain age or to have your house paid off by a certain time frame.  In a future post, I'll break down long term goals and how to translate them into short and mid-term goals.
Stumble It!

Just got reading the latest blog entry from Mark Cuban titled, The Cure To Our Economic Problems .  Love him or hate him, the guy knows his stuff and has proven it with his business success.  Other than an occasional expletive, great post! Stumble It!

Just read The 'Trophy Kids Go To Work' from the Wall Street Journal.  An interesting read!  Though I think the author over generalizes a bit, I've seen this type of behavior in the pizza world.  Loyalty and lack of accountability appear to be lacking in many.  Simple courtesies like calling if you can't make it in to work appear to be lost on many of them.

What are your thoughts? Stumble It!

Saw this article last week and have to admit the picture turned my stomach a bit.  Check out

Frog pizza...get it while it's hop from Alex Peake of The UK Sun. Stumble It!

photo by Felix 42

I watched an episode of Donnie Deutsch's show, The Big Idea, on TIVO this past weekend.  Donnie had Jim Cramer of CNBC's, Mad Money, on to talk about the economy and business conditions over next several years.  It was amazing how much gloom and doom was spoken by 2 men who normally are some of the most upbeat on TV.  The reality of the recession has hit home and they spent time talking about realistic planning for businesses during tough times like today.

"The cure to our economic problems is the Entrepreneurial Spirit of All Americans"

Just got reading the latest blog entry from Mark Cuban titled, The Cure To Our Economic Problems .  Love him or hate him, the guy knows his stuff and has proven it with his business success.  Other than an occasional expletive, great post! Stumble It!

Interesting Article About "Trophy Kids"

Just read The 'Trophy Kids Go To Work' from the Wall Street Journal.  An interesting read!  Though I think the author over generalizes a bit, I've seen this type of behavior in the pizza world.  Loyalty and lack of accountability appear to be lacking in many.  Simple courtesies like calling if you can't make it in to work appear to be lost on many of them.

What are your thoughts? Stumble It!

Saw this article last week and have to admit the picture turned my stomach a bit.  Check out

Frog pizza...get it while it's hop from Alex Peake of The UK Sun. Stumble It!

photo by Felix 42

I watched an episode of Donnie Deutsch's show, The Big Idea, on TIVO this past weekend.  Donnie had Jim Cramer of CNBC's, Mad Money, on to talk about the economy and business conditions over next several years.  It was amazing how much gloom and doom was spoken by 2 men who normally are some of the most upbeat on TV.  The reality of the recession has hit home and they spent time talking about realistic planning for businesses during tough times like today.

Frog Legs on Pizza?

Saw this article last week and have to admit the picture turned my stomach a bit.  Check out

Frog pizza...get it while it's hop from Alex Peake of The UK Sun. Stumble It!

Now's The Time to Swallow Your Pride

photo by Felix 42

I watched an episode of Donnie Deutsch's show, The Big Idea, on TIVO this past weekend.  Donnie had Jim Cramer of CNBC's, Mad Money, on to talk about the economy and business conditions over next several years.  It was amazing how much gloom and doom was spoken by 2 men who normally are some of the most upbeat on TV.  The reality of the recession has hit home and they spent time talking about realistic planning for businesses during tough times like today.