Digging Deep for Success!

There is a very good chance you’re wondering what is captured in this picture to the right…any guesses? I’ll admit, probably not the most attractive subject, but I wanted to showcase one aspect of the object. Still not sure…it’s the roots to a huge tree as they cut in and out of the ground!

Have you ever stopped and stared at the amazing root system of a large tree? It seems to twist and turn, dig beneath grass and bushes, tunnel its way through concrete or gravel – nothing can seem to stop the powerful tree from spreading out in every direction. This particular tree was in the middle of a busy city, right along the edge of the road. It was sandwiched between black-top and sidewalk, in theory, leaving very little room to grow; however the tree was practically towering over the adjacent building. The roots most likely stretch half way across the street (where they could be met by the equally large tree growing along the other sidewalk) and smacked up against the foundation of the building 10 feet away.

I marvel at how nearly half of this living organism is buried underground, creating a system of “branches” equally as complex – if not more – than the ones seen above ground. So much happens that the naked eye never sees, yet is essential to the tree’s survival! Occasionally, we see a glimpse of this network when the roots burst their way through the ground or sidewalk, as the case with the tree pictured here. I try to imagine how the rest of the roots look as they twist and turn their way through dirt and around obstacles. How deep does everything go? Do the roots truly stretch out as far as the furthest branch?

Each business professional has to remember this lesson of a strong network. Everyone must have solid avenues of communication to receive and provide information – without it there would be very little success, just as without its root system the tree cannot survive. This network can be built of colleagues within your company, individuals that work at “supporting” businesses, or trusted friends. Whoever you choose, they will fill an important role.


How do you work on a regular basis to create and/or strengthen your network?

How far should you reach? It should be far enough to succeed, but maybe not too far into another “territory” as to interfere with someone else and distract you from your original focus?


Building a strong network takes time. This tree did not have roots strong enough to bust concrete immediately; it took years to develop just as it takes each of us awhile to reach our potential.

That’s the Golden Perspective…what’s yours?

An Opportunity in Disguise

There is something so amazing about water.

Doesn't matter if it is a small creek, flowing river, or a seemingly endless ocean, there is something that can put you at ease and at the same time intimidate you.

One recent summer night I was walking along the beach watching the waves charge toward the sand. The cool water came rushing out of its depths toward the beach, clearing a path in its wake. I stood marveling at the way the water swirled around on the sand, sometimes leaving deep holes and others large crevasses. Any footprints or sandcastles that had been made during the day were no match for the raging waters - the ocean cleaned the slate.

After the waters receded, the beach was ready for a fresh start. Whoever happened to walking along the sand had a few minutes to leave his/her own mark in the sand before the salt water returned. No matter how times I have seen it in the past - or experienced it that particular night - I am still amazed. The ocean, in just a few brief seconds, can provide someone with a brand new slate...and inadvertently a new beginning.

Sometimes a new beginning is just what you need in life; a chance to start fresh leaving behind whatever happened in the past. Whether it be a missed deadline at work, misunderstanding in a relationship, or just a simple mistake on a project, everyone needs to wipe the "sand" clean and try again. Every time the ocean water touches the shore an opportunity is provided and for you the same thing happens at the start of a new day!


Have you ever changed jobs in an effort to start fresh and build a new career?

How did you capitalize on the opportunity provided by a big "wave"?


The trick is to not avoid such situations when they present themselves. Accept these opportunities as a chance to advance your career or build new relationships - who knows what success will come as a result!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

How Can You Leave Your Mark?

How often do you think about the best way to leave your mark? People always like to influence business transactions, and parents like to instill certain values or beliefs upon their children...all as a means of making sure an impact has been made on the situation or another person's life. I recently found a fantastic way of ensuring future influence - just don't leave. Look closely at this picture...that is definitely a cornstalk growing in the midst of...something else...anyone know what that is - I think it might be soy? Both sides of this road were blanketed with this mystery crop and every so often you could see a corn stalk growing up through the middle of the other plants.

I can only assume that last year these fields were used for corn but this year, as is customary with farming, a different crop was planted. There was, however, a few stronghold corn seeds that survived the Winter, and tilling of the ground, and were able to germinate this Spring. I've seen this before when a plant grows from seeds that are left over from the previous year, but it still never ceases to amaze me. It wasn't as if nothing happened over the course of the nearly 12 months: Winter pounded snow onto the ground, rain tried to wash everything down the hill, and Springtime brought digging and disturbing of the dirt; but through all of it those corn seeds burrowed down and stayed strong - that's determination!

Driving past this field no one has any doubt that at one time corn covered this entire area and that one day in the very near future the same thing will happen again! The occasional corn stalk sticking up out of the low-lying plants is enough to let passers-by know that this new crop is not the only one that flourishes in the area.


What can you do on a daily basis to leave your mark on your community?

Are your interactions with potential customers something they will remember the next day...and still want to call you again?

Are you consistent with anything you say or do...possibly in building a brand...people will remember if they see it more than once.


Just remember, you have to be careful that as you leave your mark you are not stepping on someone else's toes. Who knows how the farmer feels about corn coming back for a second year!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

...a Chance to Meet a New Friend?

I just can't resist the oddities in life!

Welcoming passersby into a local antique shop was this large stuffed lobster - yes, I know, it's an odd combination, but that's where he was sitting. You wouldn't think to see a lobster in front of an antique shop, but the manager told me she wanted to get people's attention...it worked! I was driving by after a shoot one day and saw this lobster comfortable on its stool, grinning at every car that drove past. My intern happened to be with me and I shouted out, "We have to stop and see that!" He was a little confused but went along with me....I guess he figured I was going crazy from the heat. And what a hot day we had to travel around; a quick break was well deserved.

The day so far had been full of several outdoors shoots and we still had one more to go. The thermometer had already broken 90 and was heading for 100; we had almost gone through our supply of water; and the air conditioning in my car was broken! We would welcome anything that could potentially bring a smile to our faces! Then I spotted the lobster.

I had never stopped at this store, barely even noticed it the several dozen times I had driven past prior to that particular tropical day. The shop was attached to a small lodge and restaurant, so I just figured it was a fancy gift shop selling items that only a visiting tourist would be interested in purchasing. That day, though, the lobster was enough to catch my attention and make me pull over. I walked up and started laughing even harder than I had been when I first entered the parking lot. It was a stuffed lobster sitting in front of an antique shop!

Suddenly, I wasn't bothered by the 95 degree weather or the thought of being outside in the bright sun taping for the next two hours. If needed, I could easily stop and buy a couple of more water bottles or find some shade under a towering tree to cool off for a few minutes. Even though I spent less than five minutes with this cheery crustacean I felt rejuvenated!


How often during the work day do you give yourself the opportunity to recharge? Do you find something crazy and mindless to take you away from the stress of work?

Do you ever stop to enjoy something completely new and different?

How about your own stuffed lobster...maybe he could brighten your office or business?


As I said, I couldn't spend much time at this antique shop because we had to get to the next shoot, but the time spent was enough to take my mind off the current frustrations and prepare me for my next shoot! Start building a break into your day, one in which you completely step away from everything...you'll be amazed at how great you feel!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

Sorry, I didn't notice you...

Life moves very quickly! Sometimes so quickly we miss the tiny details that add meaning to the world around us. We are racing by at such a rapid pace that we don't truly pay attention to the story you heard over lunch or can't remember which old building was knocked down to make room for a new office tower. How about historical facts and sites? Have you or anyone you know ever stopped to read one of those historical markers located in nearly every city in the U.S.? Do you actually take the time to learn about the area in which you live or just not have the time to be bothered. Ironically, someone somewhere felt the information on those plaques was important enough to be immortalized in stone, slate, or steel yet no one really takes the time to stop. Recently I decided to make one of these stops and wound up being a little surprised.

I was driving by a local creek and off to the side of the road, mixed within the trees, was this metal plaque affixed to a cement pedestal. Having driven by this spot dozens of times without ever noticing the marker I was definitely curious. Did it mention something about the creek? Was there a reference to the old house across the street? I pulled my car over and walked back to take a look. Upon arriving I was slightly disappointed...the plaque did not provide any historical information, rather a list of names helping to revitalize and maintain the natural surroundings!

OK, so the first time I actually pull over to read a marker did not prove to be a huge success but I started thinking - maybe very few people read these historical markers not because they have a lack of interest in history but rather they honestly don't notice them. In an effort to blend with the local environment/habitat these markers may have gone too far and do not maintain any distinguishing feature. What if they weren't the traditional copper plaque on a cement pedestal...probably would catch your attention?

Promoting yourself or business should follow the same mindset: does the way you operate cause you to blend in with the surroundings or make people stop in their tracks? It's OK to be a little different from everyone else - in fact you might be better off!

Do you simply follow the norm or look for ways to try something new and daring?

Is the message you're sending out to potential client's memorable?

Are you getting lost in a sea of competitors?


Just remember to make it worth a person's while should they decide to listen - be sure to provide to them some valuable information. Even though my first attempt at following local history failed, I am always open to "second chances" and will try again next time I see one of these markers...make sure you don't end up hoping for a second chance!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

The Strength to Remain...

Sitting in contemplation or standing guard before this house...which do you think this man and woman represent? Was there a quarrel and the distance across this wall is indicative of the distance between their hearts? These may just be two stone statues in front of a house, but they could mean so much more!

I was driving by this vacant house, almost completely separated from the road by trees, and noticed this "couple" still standing near the front door. My first thought was, "that would be so cool to have nearly life-sized statues welcoming guests to my house!" As I walked closer, my awe turned to amazement due to the state of disarray in which I found the house - yet the statues were still standing tall, even with accessories (notice the faded red bow-tie on the man!). Despite the overgrown grass and vines, peeling paint, tattered windows, and crumbling stones, these two statues are a proud reminder of what this house was at one time.

I began to wonder about the inspiration of the artist when he/she created these "people". There lies a certain longing in their expressions and posture. (I know you can't see the female's expression, but if you check out Golden Pepper's Facebook page you can see additional photos, including a close-up of the female statue.) I couldn't help but imagine that their longing was initially for each other...possibly a love that could not happen - but now it's a matter of survival. They have been left to watch over this faded home as the world around them constantly changes; they have been charged with adapting to the current times and put their feelings aside.


How many times during the day are we all challenged to do the same thing...leave the personal problems aside and focus on the "important" issues?

How often are business owners forced to adapt and shift gears, doing what needs to be done instead of what they enjoy doing?

When trying to survive in the current economic situation, are you often struggling to remain competitive against strong outside forces?


While the true answer to why these statues are in front of this house is unknown, the important lesson is that they are still standing!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

Take it a Step Further...

I love how every part of the country has become associated with certain images! The mid-Atlantic has metropolitan cities like New York, Philadelphia, and DC; the south has small hospitable towns; the mid-West has its endless corn fields; and New England white picket fences lining a gravel road in front of an old white clap-board building. During a recent visit to New England I came across such a "traditional" scene!

When I first saw this fence I thought I was in one of Robert Frost's poems. I had just stepped out of an event that I was attending - which was being held in an old white Church built the year Abraham Lincoln was born...utterly amazing - when I caught site of this fence. Making the setting even more quintessential was the stone wall on the opposite side of the gravel road! Everywhere I looked I was surrounded by "New England": tiny churches from the 18th and 19th centuries, inviting Cape Cod homes, and massive trees stretching out over the street!

As much as I enjoyed seeing the stereotypical sights, I also reveled in the unexpected. Driving around I noticed the old town library converted into a little cafe - which serves fresh, delicious sandwiches - or the hot dog window at the end of a tiny strip mall! Who would have thought!

Many times the unexpected parts of life can be the most rewarding. When developing your business or role within a company don't be afraid to give people a little something they did not expect. Everyone has in mind what a specific company should offer or how the employees should appear/behave. For example a video production company is expected to have a firm understanding of audio/video equipment and capable of creating any desired video project. They are also perceived to be full of tech guys who work in cubicles listening to classic rock. While Golden Pepper does have a broad knowledge of equipment and can produce quality videos, the stereotypes pretty much end there. What better way to catch someone's eye than to do things in a way totally unimagined before.

Maybe consider a different method/location to meet with potential clients - travel to their office instead having them come to you?

Go out on a limb and hire staff that is not the "traditional" employee for that field...he/she could potentially bring a fresh outlook to the business.

How about offering a unique parting gift - no, not just a pen with the company logo - that no one would expect to receive from you.


While it is comforting and reassuring to receive what you expect in life, most times the most memorable experiences come from the unexpected.

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?