Monday Morning Mojo

Communication is key to building trust in relationships. Do you know how to properly communicate? Has anyone ever taught you how to properly communicate? Probably not. Today, we aim to pinpoint the most important components of strong communication: respect, tone, speed, and consistency. We will discuss the ways in which to advance one’s communication skills and further develop trust in professional relationships. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com References: Jack Myers Development: https://bit.ly/2KuoaTy Weber & Associates: https://bit.ly/2MJi3XV

The significance of work extends far beyond the paycheck and the financial stability that comes as a result. Working creates an opportunity for us to not only make meaningful contributions to the world but also, elevate our self-esteem. This week, we challenge you to be proactive. Create opportunities for future generations to gain experience in professional work environments. The skills they will learn and the value they will add through these opportunities will undoubtedly create a sense of purpose for them, which will lead to a more fulfilled life. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Let’s think back to when we first started our professional careers. We had a go-getter mentality: taking opportunities, prospecting and seeking unique solutions. However, as time has gone by, we have found ourselves protecting the status we have built rather than searching for new, expansive opportunities. Citing an article by thought leader Patrick Lencioni, Phil emphasizes the importance of shifting from a defensive strategy to playing offense in the workplace. After all, not playing offense is often the riskiest move of all. Resources: Patrick Lencioni on Playing Offense: https://bit.ly/2MsMBgL Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Many successful professionals attribute their long-term success to the passion they feel for the field in which they work. This makes sense, as passionate individuals are likely to feel more energized, more engaged, and more fulfilled than their counterparts. Today, we explore the power of passion and how we should use it to drive our careers. Though it may seem risky at first glance, you might be surprised by the results that follow. References: Travis Howard: https://bit.ly/2JUyl3n Michael Waddell: https://bit.ly/2ytEf6n Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com

What is the most impactful life lesson have you learned? Where did it originate? Was it a person or experience that taught you this lesson? Throughout our lives, we learn many different lessons and these lessons come from life experiences, interactions with others and even society. Today, Phil shares with us five life lessons that he has learned  from both playing and observing the game of golf. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Phil on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilBuchananCFI Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jphilbuchanan/

You’re probably aware of the power and importance of having networks, both socially and professionally. Are you, however, properly managing and maintaining your networks? On this week’s episode, we discuss the benefits that come from keeping consistent communication with your connections as well as the various methods in which you can do so. Join us as we discuss how and why we should aim to increase the value of our networks. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com References: Estee Jimerson, Head of Asset Management at Envestnet: https://bit.ly/2xnFV0n

What is more important: price or quality? Many intellectuals would argue quality, and Phil agrees. By ensuring top quality service and working quickly and efficiently to fix problems, we can expect higher demand and customer satisfaction. Tune in as we explore the issue of fee compression in today’s wealth management industry, noting how advisors should view it as an opportunity to better serve their clients rather than as a personal loss. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com References: Benjamin Franklin quote: https://bit.ly/2IHXfTd Price & value quote as related to the wealth management industry: https://bit.ly/2IZX3y7

On today’s episode, Phil speaks to the value that can come from tackleing challenges. By making it a goal to pursue a number of tasks that with hard work and persistence can be completed within one year, he himself has learned what can come from new, seemingly difficult practices. Phil shares five takeaways that have surfaced throughout his recent endeavor of pursuing flight lessons. You too can apply the lessons to your own experiences in order to reap the benefits. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Amidst the busyness and chaos of today’s world, we, unfortunately, see too many examples of poor social behavior and lack of manners: on planes, in restaurants, and in offices. However, the way we engage with others—especially those who cannot offer us something—is a true reflection of our individual character. As humans, we seek positive self-esteem through our interactions with others; therefore it is highly important to lift others up rather than bring them down. As Noel Polk said, “Manners operate as a general commitment to niceness.” Use this thought to guide your actions this week and always. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Noel Polk quote: https://bit.ly/2wRGUpk

We are far too often consumed by the aspects of our daily lives that we fail to spend time thinking about and checking in on the people most important to us. We owe it to these people to ensure that they know we are there for them in times of triumph and times of adversity. This week, we challenge you to make it a priority to call five people you genuinely care about and ask, “How are you doing?” Ask real, authentic questions and really listen to their answers in order to help them think through a course of action. Through this act of affirming that you care, you are bound to see growth in your personal relationships and feel more fulfilled as a result.  Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com “The Goal” by Eliyahu Goldratt: http://ht.ly/sJgN30jr5Q4

Failures may seem like just that at the time they occur—failures. However, if viewed and responded to properly, they have the potential to act as great learning opportunities. Recognize failures as chances to grow as an individual and a professional and the outcome may just become more rewarding than detrimental. One instance of doing the right thing does not always guarantee success as a result. More importantly, we must learn from the failures we are sure to experience until we develop a consistent pattern of success. Join us today as Phil shares narratives of failures and the knowledge gained from them. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Freakonomics Radio- Ray Dalio Interview: http://freakonomics.com/podcast/ray-dalio/

Referencing “The Goal”, a novel by Eliyahou Goldratt, Phil acknowledges that when working to make improvements in your business, sometimes the most important plan of action is to simply refocus on the basics. Desired outcomes are only attainable if the root causes are identified and polished first. Today’s episode highlights four vital areas of concentration that every leader must focus on in order to push a company towards success: culture, connections, operations, and financials. Perfect these, and the rest will follow. References: “The Goal” by Eliyahou Goldratt: http://ht.ly/sJgN30jr5Q4 Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Today, we highlight the often-unrecognized value of employing interns. From their youthful energy, creativity and technological skills, as well as, their eagerness to work, interns provide increased capacity to ultimately strengthen your firm. However, the value doesn’t end there. By hiring interns, you provide them with the experience and knowledge to grow as professionals and leaders, which in turn, betters the industry as a whole. If executed properly, an internship program at your company will not only offer personal benefits for each party but will also allow you the opportunity to groom the future of your industry. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Upon first glance, flying a kite and running a business may seem like activities that have nothing in common. Upon further consideration, however, we realize that the same fundamentals are consistent in both. For one, you must have high quality, durable resources, and a proper design. For another, you must be a quick learner and understand your limits. And perhaps most importantly, you must be capable of adapting to wherever the wind takes you. Today, we use this seemingly simple parallel to provide insight on the more complex topics of leadership and business management and highlight some of the basic tools for success. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Annual traditions mark the passing of time—the beginning of a new season. The opening games of the MLB season, the end of March Madness, and the Masters Golf Tournament are all traditions indicating that Spring has sprung, and it is time to turn over to a new chapter. As we enter this season of renewal, we challenge all of you to take time away from your busy schedule to slow down and truly appreciate your surroundings. Downtime is essential to sustainability, and this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of it. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com   2018 Masters Tournament - http://www.masters.com/en_US/index.html 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament - https://www.ncaa.com/march-madness Major League Baseball - https://www.mlb.com/

We all have our individual perspectives shaped by our personal experiences. Within each of these perspectives are blind spots that can impede our success, which we cannot entirely eliminate, but we can work to minimize. Today, we stress the importance of utilizing routines and other people to counter-balance our own perspectives. Being open to perspectives different from our own allows us to evolve our own thinking or otherwise sharpen our original ideas in order to maximize growth and ensure that the best plans of action are implemented. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

When we get on a roll, we tend to stress less about the outcome of an upcoming event. With less stress, the results tend to be more positive. On this week’s episode, Phil narrows down two terms that can change the way we view, understand, and tackle success in our everyday lives: perspective and confidence. By not only understanding confidence but also applying it to the tasks at hand, we are more likely to develop a positive mental perspective that can elevate our accomplishments to new heights. Join us as we discuss tactics to increase confidence and strengthen positive perspectives, apply these to your own life, and watch your personal and professional selves soar as a result. References: Perspective definition: https://goo.gl/ON1twh Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Think about a friend or family member who is going through a tough time. How engaged are you in communicating to that person that you are there for them during this hardship? In this week’s episode, we challenge you to connect with this individual. Communicate to them that you know they are hurting, that you care about them, and that you want to be there for them throughout this journey. We understand that by doing this you will be expending personal effort and energy; however, by being that person, you will find your own personal joy and fulfillment. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com

The adage, “two heads are better than one,” is almost always true. If this is the case, why do most businesses struggle with teaming and collaboration? In this episode, we explore the five challenges or dysfunctions, as determined by Patrick Lencioni,  that every team MUST tackle head-on in order to be successful. The ability to collaborate, to leverage resources and team across multiple specialists is a requirement and skill essential for success. We challenge you to evaluate your team but more importantly evaluate your teaming skills and abilities. What dysfunctions are present in the team and how can you lead the way forward? References: “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni: https://goo.gl/Uk7mHB   Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com

If you see it, you’ll believe it. If you believe it, you’ll achieve it. Goal visualization is a tactic used by many of the world’s most successful people, and it’s one that you can apply in your own life with a little time, effort, and the right mindset. On today’s episode, Phil walks you through the steps of defining your goals and practicing visualization to bring them to life. We challenge you to administer this strategy this week and see for yourself how success can be redefined. References: “The 8 Traits of Champion Golfers” by Deborah Graham - https://goo.gl/DGMMZK   Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com