Orrin Woodward's Top Economics Books

Gather Around Everyone! I have requested and received Orrin Woodward's recommended economics books reading list. Orrin has read 1000's of books and I asked him to give a list and review of his top economics books for others to read. Here is the list for the whole Quixtar team.
The top economic books that shaped my thinking the most are:

Wealth of Nations – Adam Smith. This is the classic text on free enterprise economics and still one if not the best. Adam Smith shaped the minds of many of the founding fathers in our country.

Human Action – Ludwig Von Mises. This is the magnum opus from the best of the Austrian school economist. No economist I have read takes complex thoughts and describes as clearly as Mr. Mises.

Making of Modern Economics – Mark Skousen. The best basic primer on economic thought as well as the historic figures of economics. One of the first books I would recommend to anyone interested in economics.

Road to Serfdom – F. A. Hayek. This chilling book was written in the midst of WWII and is as relevant today as the day it was written, perhaps more so. Mr. Hayek stood on principles against an army of socialist thinkers describing what happens to freedom when economic liberties are taken lightly.

Economy in Mind – Warren Brookes. For a first rate discussion on how wealth is more a matter of mind than material I highly recommend this book. Mr. Brookes was an entrepreneur himself and had a gift of describing how the economy works through mental learning. An enjoyable read for anyone striving to be a top rate entrepreneur.

Religion and Capitalism, Allies Not Enemies – Edmund Opitz. No book better describes the economics of the Bible in laymen’s language than this one. Every concerned American should read and master the material in this book.

Change Makers – Murray Klein. This book is more of an overview of the role of entrepreneurs in stimulating growth in the economy. Where would America be without its great legacy of entrepreneurship? An exciting read for every would be entrepreneur.

Orrin Woodward Team - Second Quote

Remember when all is said and done, much more is said than done.

Orrin Woodward Team Quote

It is not the size of the man in the fight that counts, but the size of the fight in the man.
Quixtar Team

Quixtar Team DCI's Billy Florence Corrects Internet Critic Scott Larsen

Scott Larsen has unjustly attacked another diamond Billy Florence. Billy Florence is the past president of the IBOAI and one of the most respected leaders in the Quixtar business. Scott Larsen does not understand the basics of the Quixtar marketing plan. Scott’s analysis of Billy Florence’s SA-4400 was filled with logical errors and mathematical mistakes. This is the second diamond that has spelled out in detail Scott Larsen’s misleading commentary and outright errors. Interestingly, Scott Larsen has not retracted his article or offered a public apology for his inappropriate behavior. Stay tuned as the story unfolds. Here is Billy's letter.

Dear Mr. Larsen:

I have recently taken the time to review some the statements and information you have published about my business and me on http://www.amquix.info. While I respect your right to express opinions and beliefs, making false and damaging statements about my business and me is entirely unacceptable.

Unfortunately, the number of errors you make about my business and our entire business model demonstrates your lack of understanding of that business model. There are fundamental facts known to any established IBO, which you either don’t know or badly mangle. These "fundamental facts" are also easily accessible and could have been checked and verified prior to your posting. You present yourself as an expert source, but in fact you have merely taken a few facts grossly out of context and combined that distortion with directly false information. This is also completely unacceptable.

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the accurate facts relative to the false information you have posted, and to demand that you correct the record immediately. Specifically, your post, dated January 30, 2005, contains false and misleading information, including the following:
The "custom SA-4400" to which you refer is a document prepared for my organization in cooperation with Quixtar and is copyrighted by Quixtar. I did not stamp a Quixtar copyright on the document. Please refer to the enclosed Statement from Quixtar for accurate information about the document.

You erroneously assert that an IBO with two qualifying legs must have at least 2500 PV in side volume to qualify for the leadership bonus. There has never been a side volume requirement to be eligible for the leadership bonus when an IBO has two qualifying legs. The accurate information is readily available by simply reading the Independent Business Ownership Plan, a copy of which is no doubt in your possession.

Near the beginning of your post, you accurately state that the SA-4400 "shows an income potential of $56,940 earned over 24 months or more." Conversely, later in your post you indicate that the form highlights a potential income stream of "$56,940/year." The plain language of the example contained in the SA-4400 provides that the $56,940 cumulative cash awards are "earned over a period of 24 months or more." The inconsistencies can only serve to confuse the reader.

You further state, falsely, that an IBO with two qualifying legs and 7500 PV in side volume would generate "at most $750/month" in leadership bonus. The correct figures may be ascertained by making a simple computation from the information provided in the SA-4400.
You claim that the Quixtar approved and copyrighted SA-4400 is "overly deceptive" and that by using the form I am deceiving others who rely in the information provided. However, the issues you raise are not subject to any meaningful debate because the underlying facts you use to support your premise are false and misleading.

Like others, I have undertaken the onerous task of reviewing your Web site and other locations for other false and misleading information you have published. If such information is found, I will also demand that you correct the record where appropriate.

I am demanding that, on or before January 17, 2006, you remove all of the foregoing false and misleading statements and information from your Web site or any other site or medium where they may appear. In addition, I am demanding that you promptly confirm to me, in writing, that you have taken such action.

I will not stand by and allow you to continue disparaging me with false and damaging statements and information. Your conduct has caused me damage and has damaged my business. If you fail to remove all of the false information and correct the record, I will take any and all measures to obtain the redress to which I am entitled.

Sincerely,

Billy Florence

Orrin Woodward Observations #5

From Orrin Woodward. Here is installment number five in the Observations from Orrin series:

"Victory is a decision backed by commitment."

4th Installment of Observations from Orrin Woodward

Orrin Woodward uttered the following statement at a Go Diamond weekend in early 2001:

"I'd rather listen to a thousand "no's" than one "I told you so."

More Observations from Orrin - #3

Here is yet another installment of Observations from Orrin:

"Leadership starts with taking responsiblity."

Observations from Orrin Woodward #2

Okay, here we go. I've assembled an entire list of these quips and quotes. Some are short and some are full paragraphs, but I'm sure you'll enjoy them. Here is installment number two of Observations from Orrin:

"A spine is a terrible thing to waste."

Observation From Orrin Woodward - #1

We'll start with a simple but potent one:

"Problems are the price of progress."

Team

Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady - another book

You've got to wonder how he does it. First, Orrin Woodward helps rocket the Team business across the nation, then he writes two very successful, best-selling books to teach the specifics of what he did and then the principles of leadership that it required. Now, the rumor mill has it that he has teamed up with partner Chris Brady once again to bring a new, Team-specific book to the world. This next book is rumored to be a compilation of articles and essays both Woodward and Brady have prepared for various reasons over the years while building their businesses. My source tells me, however, that there will also be some never-before-released material included, as well.
If this output is anything like the others, those of us that appreciate electronic commerce and the new economy have something to look forward to! More on this as I get more information.

BIO: Orrin Woodward

BIO: ORRIN WOODWARD – CEO

Orrin Woodward has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Manufacturing Engineering from GMI and Business Administration training from the University of Michigan. He holds four United States Patents and an exclusive National Benchmarking Award for product analysis and has been recognized in national trade journals.

Woodward is acting Chair of the Policy Council. Orrin Woodward is also one of the most in-demand speakers in the industry. His highly popular Observations from Orrin appears monthly Team News and he has a nationally syndicated column.

Orrin Woodward's new Esource Quick Q Review

Orrin Woodward Articles

Have you visited these blogs?

eSource-News Book Reviews Orrin Woodward

eSource-News BIO: Orrin Woodward

An Observation from Orrin Woodward

"Leadership starts with taking responsiblity."

Orrin Woodward: Stay the Course

Woodward Nears End of First Year on IBOAI Board

Leading the Consumer Rebellion; Changing Times

Woodward Team News

Orrin Woodward Team News

Here is another article about Orrin Woodward. One thing about Orrin Woodward is that he is never satisfied with good enough if better is possible.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Working with Others

Came across these quotes recently which remind me of Orrin Woodward:

"Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds. I may be given credit for having blazed the trail but when I look at the subsequent developments I feel the credit is due to others rather than to myself."-- Alexander Graham Bell

That's how Orrin feels about the Team.

"No matter how much work a man can do, no matter how engaging his personality may be, he will not advance far in business if he cannot work through others."-- John Craig

That's what Orrin continues to teach his leaders.

"The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and influence their actions. A chip on the shoulder is too heavy a piece of baggage to carry through life."-- John Hancock

Orrin would agree wholeheartedly with one of this country's boldest founding fathers. Just as John Hancock is forever associated with the American Revolution, so too will Orrin Woodward be marked by history as one of the founding fathers of the Internet Revolution.

Orrin Woodward Statements Worth Remembering

At the recent convention, Orrin Woodward had some great teaching on success and the principles it takes to win. One of my favorite quotes was:

"When you play on a winning team, it's not work to go to practice."

Another great point was made along the lines of Orrin's quote: "Most people have a WHY TO problem, not a HOW TO problem!"

And in the category of leadership:

"Real leaders never blame others, nor do they take the credit for team victories."
"Leaders serve. Period."

As always, great information. Hope you can use it to further your own success!

Leading the Consumer Rebellion Enters Fourth Edition

The highly successful book Leading the Consumer Rebellion, written by authors Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady, has recently been released in its fourth edition. The book continues to thrill business audiences throughout the western hemisphere, and continues to get better with the release of each new edition.

Team News and Press Releases

Orrin Woodward Team news and press releases can be found at this Team website. This website includes Orrin's visit with John Maxwell and more....

Orrin Woodward Books

Additional Orrin Woodward Book information can be found on this Orrin Woodward Book information website.

Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady of Team - Launching A Leadership Revolution

Orrin Woodward & Chris Brady have hit a home run with their latest book, "Launching A Leadership Revolution".

Sure to become one of, if not the most influential book about a subject which many have spent a lifetime trying to master, "Leadership Revolution" is undeniably insightful, well researched and easy to read.

Orrin and Chris have put the lessons they have learned in the last ten years of building an incredibly successsful business into a book, so that anyone with an interest in self -improvement can learn what made them successful.

It's interesting to me that while so many companies try hard to protect the ideas which make them successful in the marketplace with trademarks and patents, Orrin & Chris give their secrets away - for the price of a book. As Orrin is fond of saying, "Everything rises and falls on leadership".

There's a big secret right there!

If you have ever been interested in succeeding in life, my advice to you is this. Get the book and happy reading!

Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady of Team - Leading the Consumer Rebellion

The co-founders of the Team, Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady have recently become best sellers. Their book entitiled "Leading the Consumer Rebellion" has officially sold over 100,000 copies and no wonder.

Orrin and Chris continue to improve people's lives by showing them how they too can own and build a business. The information contained in this book should excite the person who is wondering, "How can I take advantage of the explosion of E Commerce? How can my family and me benefit from all the business that's being done online?"

The answers are in this short yet powerful book. I encourage you to get a copy, read it and act on it. Your financial freedom is what's at stake.

Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady of Team - Leading the Consumer Rebellion

Why should you read Leading the Consumer Rebellion by Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady of Team?

Because the internet has changed EVERYTHING and if you don't understand why or how, you're likely to become extremely disappointed!

Quoting Robert D. Hof in the June 20th edition of Business Week, the interet is "a big, hairy, monstrous organism. The nearly one billion people online world-wide - along with their shared knowledge, social contacts, online reputations, computing power and more - are rapidlybecoming a collective force of unprecedented power. For the first time in human history, mass cooperation across time and space is suddenly economical."

This "peer power presents difficult challenges for anybody invested in the status quo. Corporations, those citadels of command-and-control, may be in for the biggest jolt. Increasingly, they will have to contend with ad hoc groups (like the Team) of customers who have the power to join forces online to get what they want."

"Its the democratization of industry" says C.K. Prahalad, a University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business professor and co-author of the 2004 book, The Future of Competition: Co-Creating Unique Value With Customers. "We are seeing the emergence of an economy of the people, by the people, for the people"

If you'd like more information about how you can take advantage of what is happening TO you, I'd suggest you pick up Orrin and Chris's book. They are truly "leading the consumer rebellion" that world experts are now commenting on in every business publication around the world.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Example

One of life’s greatest joys is the sense of wonder that accompanies the arrival of a tiny new human being into the world. But that joy is accompanied by a tremendous responsibility that perfectly encapsulates the need for personal initiative. You can provide children with all the physical advantages of a good childhood, but unless you strive to set a good example for them to follow, you will know only dismay as they reach adulthood and blossom into purposeless drifters.

The same can be said for the friends and associates you gather in life. Your personal initiative, whether or not you are raising a child, must always incorporate exemplary behavior. You cannot take ethical shortcuts, big or small, without other people observing them and assuming that this behavior is something you wouldn’t mind having turned back on yourself. Certainly you will make mistakes, but if you have always striven for the best course, others will remember it and treat you accordingly.

That's why Orrin Woodward will be treated with respect for the rest of his life. His behavior is at all times exemplary and he constantly strives to do his best. Those closest to Orrin respect and love him for who he is - the man who shows us, by his effort, what is possible.

And I'm certain that some dislike Orrin, because they see in him proof, that had they worked as hard as he did to improve themselves (but were too lazy or stubborn to do so) they too could have been great. It's much easier to be angry with someone else than to take responsibility for oneself - but of course that is the lazy man's way.

My advice: don't be lazy. The lazy man achieves nothing. Work to earn the respect of people like Orrin Woodward.

Orrin Woodard of Team - Seeing the Good

Saw in interesting quote yesterday: "NO ONE IS SO GOOD THAT HE HAS NO BAD IN HIM, AND NO ONE IS SO BAD THAT HE HAS NO GOOD IN HIM."

We human beings are a complex lot. Most religious writings and great literary works are based upon the constant struggle between good and evil that goes on inside every one of us - a struggle that is as old as mankind itself. Yet, while we recognize our own inner struggles, most of us are often quick to condemn others. Not so Orrin Woodward. Years ago, Orrin decided to focus on the good he found in others and point that out ot them.

Rather than being so quick to criticze, why not make it a point to look for the good in others? Nurture the good character traits. Like plants in a garden, the character traits that grow strong and productive will be those that are fed, watered, and weeded regularly. Feed the good and watch the results.

Orrin Woodard of Team - Character

This Napoleon Hill Site keeps feeding me great stuff that reminds me of Orrin Woodward. To wit:

"HONESTY AND HARD WORK ARE COMMENDABLE TRAITS OF CHARACTER, BUT THEY WILL NEVER MAKE A SUCCESS OF THE PERSON WHO DOES NOT GUIDE THEM TOWARD A DEFINITE MAJOR PURPOSE"

"Character is an important element of success and a critical attribute of leadership, but character alone cannot ensure success unless it is channeled in a positive direction. When good, decent people-persons of character-connect with a major purpose for their lives toward which they willingly and enthusiastically direct their energies, the results can be awe-inspiring. A major purpose and outstanding character are a formidable combination."

Orrin's results are truly awe inspiring. What, you ask, are these results? Orrin is engaged in the business, no, the passion, of leading millions of people to economic freedom. No, the Team isn't there yet, but, we are well on the way.

Thanks Orrin for being a person of character and for discovering your purpose.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Mental Attitude

Saw this post on the Napoleon Hill site:

"CHARACTER IS ACCURATELY REFLECTED IN ONE'S MENTAL ATTITUDE"

"Without a strong foundation built on positive character traits, success will not long endure. It is virtually impossible to fake good character. Phonies are quickly spotted because they haven't the substance and determination to maintain the charade.

Developing good character begins with a positive attitude. Your desire to be a good, decent, honest, considerate person must first take place in your mind. When you make the decision to become a person of character, you will also find that you are much more willing to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do."

Orrin Woodward is a man of character - that is why his success and the success of the Team will endure. Orrin decided to become a person of character and has led many to make that same decision. I'm proud to be part of such a great Team of people.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Setting the Example

Recently saw a post on the Napoleon Hill site which reminded me of Orrin Woodward:

"IF YOU CAN’T MANAGE YOUR OWN MENTAL ATTITUDE, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN MANAGE OTHERS?"

"Why is it that often those who believe they would be the best managers of others - if they were only given the opportunity - haven’t learned to manage themselves properly?

Before you can ever have any hope of managing others effectively, you must first learn to set an example for others to follow. It is simply impossible for you to inspire others to high levels of achievement if you cannot inspire yourself to do the same. Don’t make the mistake that many others make by saying, "When they make me a manager, I’ll show them I can manage." The first move is yours. You must first prove yourself worthy."


There it is again. Taking responsibility for yourself before all else. Why is it that so many people miss that? As Orrin has always demonstrated, that is the key to living a successful life. So many people either completely miss it or worse - refuse to acknowledge it.

Substitute the word "Lead" for "Manage" thrughout the above text and you'll get a similar and perhaps more powerful message. As an old friend of mine once said, you manage machines and equipment and processes. You need to lead people.

Thanks Orrin, for always disciplining yourself, and leading.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Listening

Another observation from Napoleon Hill:

"EVERY BRAIN IS BOTH A BROADCASTING STATION AND A RECEIVING STATION

Whatever the actual science of thought transmissions may be, it is true that if you wish to receive the power contained in the thoughts of others, you must condition your mind to receive those ideas.

Listening helps condition your mind to receive valuable information contained in the thoughts of others. Set aside any preconceived notions you may have about the topic, and listen attentively and nonjudgmental to what is being said. Focus on the information, not on the speaker. Try to identify key concepts behind the speaker’s words.

Train your mind to identify and absorb information that others often miss because their "receivers" are not tuned to the proper frequency."

Orrin Woodward is one of the best "receivers" I know. It's one of the reasons for his incredible success. He has trained his mind to really focus on the speaker and eliminate all other thoughts. He "connects" in a real way that the other person can sense. It's incredibly effective.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Cooperation and Caring

Most of the universe is characterized by order and harmony, yet we human beings must constantly struggle to achieve the same characteristics in our relationships. In fact, human beings seem to find it unnatural to cooperate with others.

Successful individuals, like Orrin Woodward, are those who have learned to swim against the current, to do the things that others refuse to do. And they have also learned how to work with other people, putting others' needs ahead of their own.

Achieving harmony in any relationship - business, personal, or professional - requires work. Take comfort in the fact that you’ll accomplish far more working with others than working against them.

If, like Orrin, you will demonstrate that you really care more about your teammates' success than your own, then you, like Orrin, will be successful.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Dreaming

Selected thoughts for the day....

"You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'"- George Bernard Shaw

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."- Henry David Thoreau

"The most successful leader of all is the one who sees another picture not yet actualized."- Mary Parker Follett

All sorta point to Orrin Woodward in my mind!

Orrin Woodward of Team - Wasn't Fooled

Saw a great article at the Napoleon Hill site today. The headline caught my eye:

"BEWARE OF HE WHO TRIES TO POISON YOUR MIND AGAINST ANOTHER UNDER THE PRETENSE OF HELPING YOU. THE CHANCES ARE A THOUSAND TO ONE HE IS TRYING TO HELP HIMSELF."

"South African poet and painter Breyten Breytenback tells of a Black man named Freedom who was the property of a one-legged slave owner in the days before the abolition of slavery. Whenever the owner bought a new pair of shoes, he gave the left one, which he couldn’t use, to Freedom. Eventually, wearing two left shoes deformed Freedom’s right foot, and he was permanently crippled by the "generosity" of his master.

Don’t be fooled by people who attempt to further their own interests under the guise of helping you. Listen to advice from others, thank them for their interest, and make up your own mind about what is best. Follow their advice if it fits with your plan for your life, but don’t hesitate to discard it if it doesn’t. In all the world, there is only one individual who knows what is best for you, and that person is you."


Truer words were never spoken.

I'm glad that Orrin Woodward decided not to listen to the people that try to poison minds. As a matter of fact, I'm glad I decided not to listen to the naysayers who were "just trying to give me all the facts" and "keep me from making a mistake".

As far as I know, evry single one of them still go to a job every day and probably have good reason to worry about their pension and healthcare.

I decided to listen to Orrin, and it has made all the difference. I have no job and no such worries. Thanks Orrin, for showing me the way to a secure future.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Extra

Saw this by Napoleon Hill and it reminded me of Orrin Woodward:

"GOING THE EXTRA MILE

It’s well and good to feel as though you have changed the attitude with which you render extra effort, but if that effort is in truth no more than anyone else’s, then you aren’t doing yourself much good.

You need to examine yourself and others to understand just what it is that will make you stand out. If there are standards, exceed them. If you’re fulfilling an agreement, make sure you do more than you promised.

You cannot confine extra-mile service to your work alone. You must make it part of your philosophy for dealing with every person you encounter. Imagine how others will be delighted to find that you are the type of person who not only does what is promised but even delivers more. The true benefit of going the extra mile is in teaching yourself to strive always for better and greater achievement in all that you do."

In all my dealings with Orrin Woodward, he has consistently "gone the extra mile". It's one of the secrets to his success. And it can be one of yours as well.

Orrin woodward of Team - Possibility Thinking

In any type of business, the most valuable ideas are those that make money, save money, save time, or improve the way things are done. Every improvement, however slight, is a step in the right direction. Being alert for opportunities to improve things is a function of a positive attitude.

Orrin Woodward is a great example of having a positive attitude. He has taken a good idea, fixed the difficulties and taken it mainstream. That's why the Team is exploding. Because one man refused to get stuck on the downside.

It is virtually impossible to think creatively about opportunities when your thoughts are concentrated on the downside risk instead of the upside potential. As you search for ways to improve, or to find a better, faster, or more economical way to perform a task or build a product, by all means analyze and minimize the risks but focus on the possibilities.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Vision

Students are just beginning to understand the mysterious ways in which the mind works, but successful people have long known how to use the power of creative vision to their advantage. Many "new" ideas are really nothing more than a new combination of two well-known products or ideas.

Combine a wheel and a chair, what do you get? A wheel chair? How about a Ferris Wheel? Unique combinations have often created fortunes that changed the lives of those who "saw".

Orrin Woodward saw just such a combination and created the Team.

Can you see it? Not everyone can. But those who do will be extremely well rewarded.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Shaping History

I just read a quote from Robert Kennedy that describes what Orrin Woodward is doing with the Team:

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."- Robert F. Kennedy

He was really speaking to all of us who are privileged to be part of the Team which in fact, is writing the history of our generation.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Conducting

Saw a couple of quotes that reminded me of Orrin Woodward who has put together one of the greatest business teams I've ever seen:

"Conductors of great symphony orchestras do not play every musical instrument; yet through leadership the ultimate production is an expressive and unified combination of tones."-- Thomas D. Bailey

"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."-- James Crook

When the crowd tells you something is wrong, it's often best to ignore them if you want to make beautiful music.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Architect

"He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery."- Harold Wilson

The internet is here to stay. The industrial age is over. I hope you realize that.

The change is happening now, and I feel bad for those who don't know how to take advantage of the greatest transfer of wealth the world has ever known.

I guess I feel worse for those who, for reasons of ignorance or pride, reject the Team and the invitation of men like Orrin Woodward to take the greatest advantage of that change.

Seneca was right when he said, "It is part of the cure to wish to be cured."

I guess change happens to some people and for other people. Glad I decided to link up with an architect of the future, Orrin Woodward.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Taking Others Along

Enjoy the following words from Napoleon Hill:

"THE CLIMB UPWARD WILL BE EASIER IF YOU TAKE OTHERS ALONG WITH YOU.

When you take the initiative, you become a de facto leader whose success will depend in large measure upon your ability to inspire others to work with you. They will follow your lead when they have confidence in you and when they know they will share in your success.

Few of us are good enough or lucky enough to achieve great success completely on our own. We need others to help us. When we give more in return than we ever ask of our friends and associates, not only will be able to accomplish much more in life, but it will also make the entire experience much more enjoyable."

The line, "...giving more in return than we ever ask of our friends..." describes Orrin Woodward. That is the "secret" of his success - and it can be yours as well.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Perseverance

Orrin Woodward of the Team is a great example of the following quote: "Little strokes fell great oaks."- Ben Franklin

While many, many others failed, just because they quit, Orrin just kept on going and going and going until he and Chris Brady created an incredible team. And there's no stopping it now.

Orrin is the consumate example of perseverance. Once he sets his mind on a goal, you can count on it being accomplished. I like that in a leader.

As Walter Elliot said: "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."

Month after month, one short race after another, the Team grows. A million people is on the horizon. Be a part of it!

Orrin Woodward of Team - Fair

Orrin Woodward has a saying - "In this business, your pay raise becomes effective when you do."

I don't care who you are, that's fair.

Do you ever get tired of being one of the 20% that does 80% of the work, but not getting 80% of the pay?! If so, you'll LOVE the Team.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Right

“Aggressive fighting for the right is the greatest sport in the world.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Great quote by a great man.

Describes what we do on the Team; inspired by a great leader, Mr. Orrin Woodward.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Living

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."- Dale Carnegie

"If you don't make mistakes, you're not working on hard-enough problems. And that's a big mistake."- F. Wikzek

Mistakes are a part of life. The part that is designed to teach.

Start living. Go for it. Make some mistakes. Learn, grow, get better, give thanks. That's what Orrin Woodward has done since the day we met. And I appreciate his example.

Orrin Woodward of Team - What Do You See?

What sort of people join the Team? What sort of people see the opportunity?

Give this some thought:

Once where a prophet in the palm shade basked.
A traveler chanced at noon to rest his miles.
"What sort of people may they be," he asked,
"In this proud city on the plains o'erspread?"
"Well, friend, what sort of people whence you came?"
"What sort?" the packman scowled;
"why, knaves and fools."
"You'll find the people here the same," the wise man said.

Another stranger in the dusk drew near.
And pausing, cried, "What sort of people here,
In your bright city where yon towers arise?"
"Well, friend, what sort of people whence you came?"
"What sort?" the pilgrim smiled,
"Good, true and wise."
"You'll find the people here the same," the wise man said.

-- Edward Markham

Thanks Orrin Woodward, for being the kind of person who looks for the good and the true, and for being wise. Thanks for sharing the opportunity and making it available to me and my family.

Dear reader,

You get to choose the people in life from whom you will take advice.

Will you listen to the positive encourager or will you listen to the embittered critic? Be careful. Be discerning.

Your life is on the line.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Service

Here's an interesting thought from Napoleon Hill:

"Psychologists who study human behavior have concluded that we are happiest when we are striving to achieve success. It is the act of striving, not the successful completion of the task, that provides the greatest psychic rewards. When you strive to achieve success through service to others, you multiply the benefits to yourself, and you ensure that whatever road you choose in life will ultimately lead you to success and happiness.

There is no occupation or profession that will not benefit from a concerted effort to better serve others. But the greatest benefit will be to you, in the form of the self-satisfaction that comes from knowing that you made a difference, that without you, others would never have received the service you provided."

That pretty much sums up Orrin Woodward and the Team. Our motto is "Have Fun, Make Money and Make a Difference". Those aren't just words. As long as I've been a part of this team, that's what Orrin has done. He's made a difference in my life and now I am privileged to pay it forward. So are others on the Team. Check out this blog by one of our top leaders.

We add value to people's lives by our service to them. It's a great way to make a living. It's a great way to live.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Taking Action

A couple of great quotes:

"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once."- Calvin Coolidge"

An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied."- Arnold Glasow

One thing I've always admired about Orrin Woodward is that he is a man of action. He gets things done. Because he takes action, the Team has become an idea whose time has come. There is no stopping it. It will become the biggest business on the planet.

That's pretty big.

Thanks for your example Orrin. Keep moving.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Choice

William Jennings Bryan said: "Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."

Orrin Woodward made a choice several years ago and created his destiny. And because he did, and because he created a system that you can plug into called the Team, you can choose to create your destiny. You don't create a destiny by waiting for it.

Here are a couple more thoughts to get you started:"Act as if it were impossible to fail."- Dorothea Brande

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing."- Abraham Lincoln

Be resolved and get moving. You will win.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Decide

I can't remember where I heard this one:

"Some people, if they saw a sign, This Way to Heaven, and another sign, This Way to A Discussion on Heaven, would take the discussion. Some people like to wear out a decision just talking about it."

Not Orrin Woodward of the Team. That's one of the qualities I admire about him most. He takes action.

How 'bout you?

Orrin Woodward of Team - Governing Oneself

"Self-respect is the root of discipline: The sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself."- Abraham Joshua Heschel

"Not being able to govern events, I govern myself, and apply myself to them, if they will not apply themselves to me."- Michel de Montaigne

When I read these I thought of Orrin Woodward, the most self-disciplined man I know. He could have written them. He most certainly lives them.

Orrin Woodward of Team - Character

Found another great quote from Napoleon Hill which reminded me of Orrin Woodward:

"YOU CANNOT MAKE ALL PEOPLE LIKE YOU, BUT YOU CAN ROB THEM OF A REASON TO DISLIKE YOU."

"Even the most popular people have their detractors. Because we are all different, with differing interests and personalities, it is simply impossible for anyone to be beloved by every individual who knows him or her. If your mission in life is to make everyone like you, great disappointment is in store.

But if you are always kind and considerate in your dealings with others, they may not like you, but it will be impossible for them to dislike you. You can cement your relationships with others by making sure that you are a person of character, one who is predictably honest, straightforward, and ethical.

When you follow such a code of conduct, you may not be sought out by others who do not share your values, but you will be respected by all who know you. And in the end, self-respect will mean far more to you than mere popularity."

Thanks Orrin, for being a person of character.

Orrin Woodward & Dale Carnegie

I found the following in Carnegie's wonderful book, "How To Win Friends and Influence People", one of Orrin Woodward's "Top 5" books:

"You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime." -- Dale Carnegie

How often we forget the power we have. Thanks Orrin, for all the times you've given me that word of encouragement I needed to hear.

What if every one of us gave a few sincere words of encouragement every time we talked to another. What kind of world could we create?

Orrin Woodward - Change

"When you are through changing, you're through."- Bruce Barton

I couldn't agree more with Bruce. Orrin Woodward continues to change... to grow, to get better. He's not through, he's only beginning. His voracious appetite for knowledge and then his discipline to implement what he's learning, marks him as a truly great leader.

Want proof? Just attend one of our upcoming seminars this weekend or next, and just watch how many up-and-coming leaders will be recognized from the stage. There's a whole generation of future leaders coming and they know their mission - to make a difference in the lives of people all over this great country and the world.

This team is just getting started and I'm proud to be a part of it! Thanks Orrin.

Orrin Woodward - Discipline

"What we do on some great occasions will probably depend upon what we already are, and what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline."- H.P. Liddon

"Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself."- Abraham J. Heschel"

Don't you just love the truth when you hear it?

Self-discipline describes Orrin Woodward. He has achieved great success because he has mastered the science of self-discipline.

And so can you. As David Rockefeller said, "Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you're not frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were."

What's to be frightened of? Creating your own destiny? C'mon! Hook up with the finest leadership development system in the country and create your future!

Orrin Woodward - Purpose

Saw this quote today and thought of Orrin Woodward :

"Great minds have purposes, others have wishes."- Washington Irving

Orrin has a great mind.

You?

Orrin Woodward - Sweat Equity

Ray Kroc, the former milkshake machine distributor who founded McDonald's when he was in his early 50s, once made an insightful statement about the relationship between luck and achievement. "Luck is a dividend of sweat," he said. "The more you sweat, the luckier you get."

Pro golfer Lee Trevino made a similar comment when he said: "The more I practice, the luckier I get."

Compare those tongue-in-cheek comments to the lottery mindset that most people have about success. "Some day my number will come up," they think. "I'll be at the right place at the right time one day and voila! I'll find my four-leaf clover and achieve all my dreams. All I need to be successful is a little bit of luck."

With that kind of attitude, success is the last thing those folks will ever experience. I'm glad that Orrin Woodward thinks more like Ray Kroc and Lee Trevino.

Orrin Woodward - Reader

A vice-president of a Fortune 500 company was getting to know a newcomer in his division, so he asked him what he liked to read. "I'm not really interested in reading," the man said. To which the vice-president said, "Then you aren't really interested in succeeding around here."

Morton Blackwell of the Leadership Institute said: "People who don't read cheat themselves." In a speech titled "Read to Lead" Blackwell continued: "By not reading, they limit what they can achieve, make mistakes they could avoid, and miss opportunities that could improve their lives. Finally, as the gaps in their knowledge become apparent, they must reconcile themselves to not being taken seriously." (emphasis mine)

Glad that's not the case with Orrin Woodward. As near as I can tell, Orrin devours 20-30 books a month and he's been doing that as long as I've known him. That's one of the reasons I decided to hire him years ago. (see my previous post) And that's one of the reasons all of his leaders read voraciously.

How's your reading going?

Or have you just decided to not be taken seriously?

Orrin Woodward - Enthusiasm redeux

"No one keeps up his enthusiasm automatically. Enthusiasm must be nourished with new actions, new aspirations, new efforts, new vision. It is one’s own fault if his enthusiasm is gone; he has failed to feed it."--Papyrus (empahsis mine)

Want to be enthusiastic? You gotta feed it brother. Hang out with enthusiastic people like Orrin Woodward and the other great leaders on the Team.

Orrin Woodward - Enthusiasm

"One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life."--Edward B. Butler

Reminds me of Orrin Woodward - the most enthusiastic man I've ever met. His enthusiasm for his masterpiece, aka, the Team, is indestructable.

Orrin Woodward - Disturbing the Routine

William Danforth said: "The best cure for a sluggish mind is to disturb its routine."

That's one of the reasons I love our business. We disturb people's routine. You know, that "go to work - go home - go to work - go home - go to work - go home - go to work - go home - go to work - go home - go to work - go home" routine that describes most people's week? Well that's what we disturb - but only if they're looking for a way out.

So along we come and try to awaken the possibilites for life by asking a few questions. We lend 'em a book by Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady entitled "Leading the Consumer Rebellion" that describes what we do and shows 'em how they can do it too.

I couldn't imagine a more rewarding and fun life!

Thank you Orrin, for disturbing my routine.

Orrin Woodward & Norman Vincent Peale

"The man who lives for himself is a failure; the man who lives for others has achieved true success."- Norman Vincent Peale

Orrin Woodward is a man who truly lives for others. He's proved it night after night, fighting the miasma of victimhood in America. He's inspired a lot of other men to do the same.

Orrin Woodward & Longfellow

An insightful piece of poetry that describes Orrin Woodward :

"The heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night."- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

HWL was also describing the rest of the road warriors on the Team. Hail to you all!

Orrin Woodward - Business Owner

When you start your own independent business, isn't it fair to say that you don’t know what you don’t know? (Yes, it is.)

In other words, you may know a lot about what you do now and you may be extremely good at it. You know nothing about our business when you begin. That's just a fact.

I know it sounds harsh, but think about it.

In my experience, the most successful people I talk to – those who have already built large, successful "B" type businesses (like Orrin Woodward) have always acknowledged that fact. They acknowledge their ignorance! And therein lies a great secret to their success.

Every successful person I have studied has applied these three steps to their lives: First, they clearly DEFINE what they want. Second, they find someone who already has the results they want (and is willing to teach what they know) and LEARN from them. Finally, they DO what they have learned. Pretty simple.

I did those three steps backwards. I DID an Engineering degree, I LEARNED what an engineer did when I went to work, and I DEFINED my lifestyle based on what somebody else thought I was worth. Crazy huh? But I didn't know any better.

I wasn’t getting the results in life I wanted. Orrin was.

I asked Orrin for help and he introduced me to his business. I followed his advice and we have never looked back. I just wish I could have discovered this business when I was 18 years old!

Orrin Woodward - Robert Kiyosaki

In his wonderful book, "Cashflow Quadrant", Robert Kiyosaki disagrees with people who say "It takes money to make money." As early as page 8, Kiyosaki says, "..... It takes a dream, a lot of determination, a willingness to learn quickly, the ability to use your God-given assets properly and to know which sector of the Cashflow Quadrant to generate your income from."

I have studied Orrin Woodward and watched as he took this advice seriously over the past five years. He has produced an incredible lifestyle because he has produced an incredible system that anyone can follow to produce similar, equal or better results. Many are on that path today.

And still Orrin dares to dream big. He has incredible determination and self-discipline, devours books to feed one of his greatest God-given assets - his insatiable mind - and generates his income from the "B" & "I" side of the Quadrant.

He followed Kiyosaki's advice! Imagine that! Orrin found a man with better results than he had, listened to him and did what he suggested.

It worked.

And it can work for you too

Orrin Woodward - Reading

One of the great things about our business is the book of the month program. I have made it a point to own every book on the list of recommended reading from Orrin Woodward.

One of the books is entitled "Call to Duty - The Sterling Nobility of Robert E. Lee" by J. Steven Wilkins. In it, I found a quote by a British General, Garnett Joseph Wolsely, that speaks of my regard for Orrin.

"I have met with many of the great men of my time, but Lee alone impressed me with the feeling that I was in the presence of a man who was cast in a grander mould and made of different and finer metal than all other men. He is stamped upon my memory as being apart and superior to all others in every way, a man with whom none I ever knew and few of whom I have ever read are worthy to be classed."

I highly recommend that you read the book for insight into the character of great men -- the kind of men who comprise the leadership of our business. These are the kind of men with whom I am blessed to be in business and call my friends.

Orrin Woodward & Hugo Black

"It is the paradox of life that the way to miss pleasure is to seek it first. The very first condition of lasting happiness is that a life should be full of purpose, aiming at something outside self."- Hugo Black

This former Supreme Court Justice got it right. And he describes precisely the view of Orrin Woodward and the other leaders on the Team. Don't believe it? Try us.

Orrin Woodward - Pursuit

"Pursue your goals because if you don't, you'll be used by someone else in pursuit of theirs."~ Stephen Medici, CEO, Black Mountain Group, New York, N.Y.

Food for thought there!

I'm thankful that Orrin Woodward decided to pursue his goals and then show others, like me, how to avoid being used by someone else.

Orrin Woodward - Results

I've heard Orrin Woodward quote so many world leaders that I'm not sure which one of them said the following: "To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge."

I am so glad that I did not let my ignorance or my ego lead me to reject the business idea called the Team. I'll admit, I almost did. But I remembered hearing someone else (I think it was my Dad) say: "The greatest ignorance is to reject something you know nothing about." True that.

So I decided to do my due diligence. I researched it all.

C'mon. I ran a highly successful multinational engineering consulting company for 12 years. I had attorneys. I researched it all. And because I bought in to Orrin a few years ago, today I really enjoy those best hours of sleep every day.

You know, the hours from 6am to 10am. Sweet, sweet sleep while most of metro Detroit is fighting traffic.

When you do your due diligence, your careful research, I'd highly recommend that you take advice ONLY from the people who have the kind of results in life that you want. Why would you do otherwise? Of course, be sure of what you want.

And before you give anyone's opinion any credence at all, you should find out what kind of life they really have. I mean, that only makes sense, doesn't it?

I just wanted to be debt free, not have to go to a job every day, have time and money to donate to church and charities and causes I believed in, have a healthy monthly passive income cashflow, spend more time with my wife and children and have great relationships with my God, my family and my friends.

Orrin Woodward had and has these results. That's why I decided to listen to him. He was the only person I had met in my several decades on the planet that had all of it. He said he'd help and here's what I found out: If Orrin Woodward says something, you can take it to the bank brother.

Orrin Woodward - H.D.T. & S.S.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."- Henry David Thoreau

"A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort."- Sydney Smith

Saw these and was reminded of Orrin Woodward - a man of courage, a dreamer.

Why not live the life you imagined? Can you honestly say that today's four meetings at work were about what you reallly value in life? Think back. Think hard.

What will be the reward for all your effort, for all the years of attending meeting after meeting after meeting after meeting? Will you be pushed out without the pension you thought you were going to get? Or will you get a smaller than expected pension to match those ever-diminishing medical benefits? What kind of life will you really have?

You can have the life of your dreams. All that is required is that you make the first effort - that you begin.

That's what Orrin Woodward did. That's what I did. That is what you can do.

Orrin Woodward - Emerson

"The characteristic of heroism is persistency. All men have wandering impulses, fits and starts of generosity. But when you have chosen your part, abide by it, and do not weakly try to reconcile yourself with the world. The heroic cannot be the common, nor the common heroic. Yet we have the weakness to expect the sympathy of people in those actions whose excellence is that they outrun sympathy and appeal to a tardy justice. If you would serve your brother because it is fit for you to serve him, do not take back your words when you find that prudent people do not commend you." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Orrin Woodward invited me and we invite you - to choose your part, to be uncommon, even when those "prudent" people do not commend you. Quit trying to reconcile yourself with the world.

Yours can be a heroic life.

Orrin Woodward - Herb Kelleher

Here's a quote from Herb Kelleher, CEO of Southwest Airlines on Leadership:

"I'd describe leadership as servanthood. The best leaders, I think, have to be good followers as well. You have to be quite willing to accept other people's ideas even when they are in conflict with your own. You have to be willling to subjugate your ego to the needs of your business. You have to be willing to take risks for your people. If you won't fight for your people, you can count on your people not fighting for you."

An accurate description of Orrin Woodward and many of the other leaders on the team as well.

Orrin Woodward - Disraeli

Two quotes by Benjamin Disraeli that bring to mind Orrin Woodward:

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own."

"The more extensive a man's knowledge of what has been done, the greater will be his power of knowing what to do."

Thanks Orrin, for always doing for me the first, and being a great example for all of us of the second.

Orrin Woodward - Pat Riley

Hey, I found a great quote by basketball coach Pat Riley that reminds me of Orrin Woodward.

Riley has formulated what he calls "Riley's Laws of Motivation" which says: "You motivate yourself by trying to develop another reason above and beyond the natural motivation of just wanting to be successful. Everyone wants to win a championship. The ones who can really separate themselves from the pack are those who understand what it takes to sustain excellence. They understand that you have to get away from a "to have" mentality and prioritize "to be" ahead of "to have". And when you're thinking about being the very best, you're thinking about making sure that you're being a person, a performer, of whom you can be proud."

I am proud to be a part of a great team and I'm proud to follow a man like Orrin Woodward because of who he is. (BTW, I found this quote in a great book entitled "The Paradox of Power" by Pat Williams. I recommend it!)

Orrin Woodward - Margaret Thatcher

Found another great quote in "The Paradox of Power", the Pat Williams book. On page 176, Pat quotes Margaret Thatcher describing Orrin Woodward! Listen to this as she describes the four ingredients to being a great leader:

"First, know what matters to you. Have a set of principles and follow them. Your principles serve as the foundation of your leadership.

Second, speak up! Be bold and fearless about asserting your principles.

Third, anticipate problems. Use information, instinct and intuition to forsee problems and crises before anyone else does.

Fourth, make bold decisions. Base your decisions on your principles and on the information and the insight you have. Meet problems and opportunities head-on, then take bold action. Those are the four ingredients of a great leader."

OK, so Lady Thatcher wasn't describing Orrin at that particular moment, but she was describing Orrin. He embodies all four ingredients. Orrin Woodward is a great leader.

Orrin Woodward - Doing All That Can Be Done

One of my favorite Ronald Regan quotes:

"You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done." - Ronald Reagan

Reminds me of Orrin Woodward.

Of Orrin I can happily say, he is doing "all that can be done."

Why I Hired Orrin Woodward

I think it was back in 1997, (could have been '96) when a friend asked me if I was looking for new consultants. "Of course." was my response. "I think I've got a guy you'd be interested in" he said. "What can you tell me about the guy?" My friend described a young man named Orrin Woodward, 25 years old, working at GM who had four (4) patents (all, I believe, in production) and had just become the youngest winner of a prestigious national engineering award - the National Benchmarking award.

Those credentials piqued my interest. I graduated from the same engineering undergrad school as this young man (GMI - General Motors Institute -- now Kettering University) and had been around engineers most of my adult life. Darn few of them even had one patent to their name, let alone four. And the winner of a national engineering award is usually "in demand". I agreed to meet him for a coffee and size him up.

The first thing that impressed me about Orrin was his positive attitude. He was interested in checking out the world of consulting he said and he had done a smart thing. He asked a gentleman (my friend) who knew alot of engineers and some engineering consultants to recommend some to him and vice-versa. Orrin told me that he was considering a career change, just as I had done when I left GM in 1987 to strike out on my own. He was considering taking a short leave of absence from GM to do some consulting and make an informed life decision based on the experience. Smart.

I asked him to develop a proposal for a Benchmarking study that I could deliver to some of the VPs of Engineering I knew from my years of consulting. (Some years before I met Orrin, Ford Motor Company had contracted with me to train all of their Tier 1 suppliers in Europe and Australia, many of their suppliers in the US and many of their own staff around the world as well. I knew alot of VPs.) If any of them expressed an interest, we could talk money. He agreed.

Orrin had an inner intensity about him that was compelling - which I realized was a passion for winning. You can see it in some men's eyes. I knew I was looking at a winner. But he wasn't cocky. He just had a calm confidence - an eagerness that I liked and, Orrin was personable. I had a feeling that when I put him in a conference room with an Engineering VP and a few of his staff that the young man would hold his own. I wasn't disappointed.

More of the story in a future post....

Orrin Woodward - Success

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A better description of Orrin Woodward could not be written.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

Well, mine and probably about seventy thousand other people.

Orrin Woodward - Gratitude

I want the world to know the reasons I decided to get into business with Orrin Woodward and why I'll stick with this business for the rest of my life.

Let’s cut to the chase.

Thanks to Orrin Woodward and the greatest leadership development system in the world, my wife and I no longer work at a "job". We have two children in college and we are debt free excluding our home. We have wonderful friendships. We have a much stronger faith in God and our marriage is stronger. We are both more physically fit than when we worked from 9 to 5 (6 to 6 in my case) because we have the time to work out on a regular basis. We feel younger, far less stressed, and we have more energy. Overall, our quality of life has improved dramatically. We are able to contribute both time and money to causes we believe in. And let me make this very clear - we owe it all to our relationship with Orrin & Laurie Woodward. Sound corney? Well, you would have had to walk in my shoes for the past few years to be qualified to make a judgement like that.

In my next post, I'll tell you how I met Orrin Woodward and why I hired him back then as a consultant in my Engineering Consulting business.

Orrin Woodward - Listening

Ran across this paragraph on listening today which put me in mind of Orrin Woodward.

"In our time-starved society, attentiveness and listening skills seem to have fallen to the wayside. In order to make those with whom you communicate feel important, brush up on your listening skills. Make sure to give the speaker your undivided attention: regardless of how great you are at multi-tasking, treating an individual as a "task" is not a good idea. Eye-contact, nodding in agreement, asking leading questions and using your face to provide feedback also contribute to a positive communication experience that will foster the growth of the relationship."

Sound advice. I wonder if anyone is listening...

Orrin Woodward - Reading

As I considered Orrin Woodward's voracious appetite for books, (the man reads 2-3 books each week and has done so since we made our acquaintance some six years ago) I was reminded of these pithy comments regarding the subject, made by a prodigious reader himself, Morton Blackwell of the Leadership Institute:


"Some people bluntly say they don't read.

Others offer an excuse: They would read if only they had the time.

I will also be blunt: People who don't read cheat themselves. By not reading, they limit what they can achieve, make mistakes they could avoid, and miss opportunities that could improve their lives. Finally, as the gaps in their knowledge become apparent, they must reconcile themselves to not being taken seriously."


Well said Mr. Blackwell.

So dear reader, I wonder....
Are you being taken seriously?

Orrin Woodward - Leadership

"The leader is one who mobilizes others toward a goal shared by leaders and followers...Leaders, followers and goals make up the three equally necessary supports for leadership." - Gary Wills

Orrin Woodward has all three covered. And then some.

Orrin Woodward - Leadership

"Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." - Harry Truman

Mark my words, Orrin Woodward is making history.

Orrin Woodward - Possibilities

Here's yet another quote that fits this time of year:

"The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!"- Edward Payson Powell

Orrin Woodward would second that! The Team is going to have its best year yet. We're comin' alive in 2005! Don't believe it?

Check back in December.

Orrin Woodward and the New Year

Saw a quote that I had to share:

"Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past."- Henry Ward Beecher

Solid advice to be sure. Orrin Woodward would add one caveat. "Be sure you Learned Something from the things that were and are past; or, "The lesson will continue until the lesson is learned."

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - Final 10

Here at last are the final 10 of the behavioral maxims so indelibly self-imprinted on our country's first President, and for that matter no doubt, countless other future leaders, not among the least of whom is Orrin Woodward of the Team.


101st Rince not your Mouth in the Presence of Others.

102nd It is out of use to call upon the Company often to Eat nor need you Drink to others every Time you Drink.

103rd In Company of your Betters be not longer in eating than they are lay not your Arm but only your hand upon the table.

104th It belongs to the Chiefest in Company to unfold his Napkin and fall to Meat first, But he ought then to Begin in time & to Dispatch with Dexterity that the Slowest may have time allowed him.

105th Be not Angry at Table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, Shew it not but on a Chearfull Countenance especially if there be Strangers for Good Humour makes one Dish of Meat a Feast.

106th Set not yourself at the upper of the Table but if it Be your Due or that the Master of the house will have it So, Contend not, least you Should Trouble the Company.

107th If others talk at Table be attentive but talk not with Meat in your Mouth.

108th When you Speak of God or his Atributes, let it be Seriously & [wt.] Reverence. Honour & Obey your Natural Parents altho they be Poor.

109th Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull.

110th Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.

Well, there they are. A few additional table manners and bringing the list to a close, a final strong three regarding spirituality. I need not elaborate, but I cannot resist imploring you dear reader, to pay the closest attention to #110.

I am thankful that our first (and in my humble opinion, our finest) president did, and that my friend, Orrin Woodward does.

Orrin Woodward & Thomas Watson

Allright - this is not Thomas Watson the golfer (although he would probably agree). It's from Thomas Watson - the former CEO of IBM. He is quoted as saying: "Would you like me to give you a formula for ...success? It's quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure.... You're thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn't at all.....You can be discouraged by failure - or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because, remember that's where you'll find success. On the far side of failure." - Thomas J. Watson.

Mr. Watson is describing one of the basic principles of success. Success is going from failure to failure with a learning attitude. Orrin Woodward was a self admitted slow starter in our business, but unlike many others, he decided to never quit learning.

If you ever stop learning, in whatever business you are in, you're done. I'll bet you know people who have quit their business mentally and are still in the business physically. Orrin never quit. He stayed mentally alert and continued to learn and grow. Even though he confessed to going slowly, Orrin did report that his growth bonus alone in 2003 was over 5 times his best earnings year as an engineer. Obviously, our business pays for those who are willing to fail, learn, grow, and win.

Be willing and never quit. You WILL win.

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - 10th Ten

Here are the next ten maxims of George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation". Enjoy!

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

91st Make no Shew of taking great Delight in your Victuals, Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife, lean not on the Table neither find fault with what you Eat.

92nd Take no Salt or cut Bread with your Knife Greasy.

93rd Entertaining any one at table it is decent to present him wt. meat, Undertake not to help others undesired by the Master.

94th If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.

95th Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pye upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table.

96th It's unbecoming to Stoop much to ones Meat Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a Corner of your Table Napkin.

97th Put not another bit into your Mouth til the former be Swallowed let not your Morsels be too big for the Gowls.

98th Drink not nor talk with your mouth full neither Gaze about you while you are a Drinking.

99th Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after Drinking wipe your Lips. breath not then or Ever with too Great a Noise, for its uncivil.

100th Cleanse not your teeth with the Table Cloth Napkin Fork or Knife but if Others do it let it be done wt. a Pick Tooth.

There you have it - the ten having to do with table manners. And we wondered where our parents came up with their rules for the dinner table. Can't you hear them? .....Get your elbows off the table....don't blow on your soup.....don't talk with your mouth full....

I'm sure that Orrin & Laurie Woodward are passing these along to their children today -- as are all of us.

(btw, my next post completes the list with the last ten maxims. See you then!)

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - 9th Ten

Here are the next ten maxims of George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation". Enjoy!

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

81st Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private.

82nd Undertake not what you cannot Perform but be Careful to keep your Promise.

83rd When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean the Person be you do it too.

84th When your Superiours talk to any Body hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh.

85th In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself Speak not til you are ask'd a Question then Stand upright put off your Hat & Answer in few words.

86th In Disputes, be not So Desireous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to the Judgment of the Major Part especially if they are Judges of the Dispute.

87th Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say.

88th Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressigns, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.

89th Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.

90th Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.

All great - especially during flu season, #90.

Thanks Orrin Woodward for your leadership and for being a great example of all these maxims for the Team.

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - 8th Ten

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

George Washington certainly had a difficult Christmas in 1777 at Valley Forge and I am thankful that his character was such that he was able to keep his starving, bleeding, freezing men together. Here are the next ten maxims of Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation" which he learned 33 years earlier.

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

71st Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.

72nd Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.

73rd Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.

74th When Another Speaks be attentive your Self and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words help him not nor Prompt him without desired, Interrupt him not, nor Answer him till his Speech be ended.

75th In the midst of Discourse ask [not of what one treateth] but if you Perceive any Stop because of your coming you may well intreat him gently to Proceed: If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing it's handsome to Repeat what was said before.

76th While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.

77th Treat with men at fit Times about Business & Whisper not in the Company of Others.

78th Make no Comparisons and if any of the Company be Commended for any brave act of Vertue, commend not another for the Same.

79th Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not.

80th Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith.

Some fine reminders about speaking. Orrin Woodward has put them all to use.

Orrin Woodward & Goerge Washington - 7th Ten

Here are the next ten maxims of George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation". Enjoy!

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

61st Utter not base and frivilous things amongst grave and Learn'd Men nor very Difficult Questians or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.

62nd Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.

63rd A Man ought not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred.

64th Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, tho' there Seem to be Some cause.

65th Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.

66th Be not froward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse.

67th Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.

68th Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Ask'd and when desired do it briefly.

69th If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indiferent be of the Major Side.

70th Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiours.

I hope you are studying these as much as I am. I'm quite sure that Orrin Woodward has these noted in a book in his library and I'll bet he can put his hands on it in less than 30 seconds.

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - 6th Ten

Here are the next ten maxims of George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation". Enjoy!

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

51st Wear not your Cloths, foul, unript or Dusty but See they be Brush'd once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.

52nd In your Apparel be Modest and endeavour to accomodate Nature, rather than to procure Admiration keep to the Fashion of your equals Such as are Civil and orderly with respect to Times and Places.

53rd Run not in the Streets, neither go too s]owly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking yr Arms kick not the earth with yr feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.

54th Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Deck't, if your Shoes fit well if your Stokings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.

55th Eat not in the Streets, nor in the House, out of Season.

56th Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.

57th In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Company if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand and Stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him, if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk not with him Cheek by Joul but Somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner that he may easily Speak to you.

58th Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.

59th Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act against the Rules Moral before your inferiours.

60th Be not immodest in urging your Freinds to Discover a Secret.

How about #56? And #58 and #59? Orrin Woodward would agree. I mean, they're all good, but some really stand out, don't they?

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - 5th Ten

Here are the next ten maxims of George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation". Enjoy!

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

41st Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Proffesses; it Savours of arrogancy.

42nd Let thy ceremonies in Courtesie be proper to the Dignity of his place [with whom thou conversest for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince.

43rd Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.

44th When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.

45th Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in publick or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Shew no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.

46th Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a Time and Place convenient to let him him know it that gave them.

47th Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break no Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasent abtain from Laughing thereat yourself.
48th Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts.

49th Use no Reproachfull Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.

50th Be not hasty to beleive flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.


These ten are powerful are they not? I see Orrin Woodward throughout.

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - 4th Ten

Here are the next ten maxims of George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation".

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

31st If any one far Surpassess others, either in age, Estate, or Merit [yet] would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, So he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer] it above once or twice.

32d: To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the cheif Place in your Lodging and he to who 'tis offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

33d They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Preceedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualitys, though they have no Publick charge.

34th It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.

35th Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.

36th Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honour them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affibility & Courtesie, without Arrogancy.

37th In Speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at lest Keep a full Pace from them.

38th In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physicion if you be not Knowing therein.

39th In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.

40th Strive not with your Superiers in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.

Hope you are enjoying these as much as Orrin Woodward has!

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - 3rd Ten

Here are the next ten maxims of George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation". I hope you enjoy them!

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

21st Reproach none for the infirmities of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.

22d Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

23d When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always shew Pity to the Suffering Offender.

24th Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Publick Spectacle.

25th Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.

26th In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom.

27th Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it's due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being ask'd; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behaviour in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome.

28th If any one come to Speak to you while you are Sitting Stand up tho he be your Inferiour, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree.

29th When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.

30th In walking the highest Place in most Countrys Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honour: but if three walk together the mid[dest] Place is the most Honourable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.

Orrin Woodward has implemented the updated version of most of these into his life - with this caveat. He rarely wears a hat in public which would require understanding #26 and #27.

I must admit some confusion with regard to #27! I'm sure if we had been around 200 years ago, someone would have made it clear to us as to when we could put our hats back on.

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - Next Ten

Here are the next ten maxims of George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation". I hope you enjoy them!

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

11th Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.

12th Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs rowl not the Eys lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by appr[oaching too nea]r him [when] you Speak.

13th Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexteriously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.

14th Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.

15th Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Shewing any great Concern for them.

16th Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close.

17th Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal.

18th Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unask'd also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter.

19th Let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.

20th The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.

Isn't this a great list so far? Only 90 more to go.

I've mentioned in these posts that I believe Orrin Woodward to be a man of great character. As I review these maxims, it is clear to me that Orrin has implemented the updated version of most of them into his life.

I invite you to do the same.

Orrin Woodward - Success

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A better description of Orrin Woodward could not be written.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

Well, mine and probably about eighty thousand other people.

Orrin Woodward & Robert Kiyosaki

In his wonderful book, "Cashflow Quadrant", Robert Kiyosaki disagrees with people who say "It takes money to make money." As early as page 8, Kiyosaki says, "..... It takes a dream, a lot of determination, a willingness to learn quickly, the ability to use your God-given assets properly and to know which sector of the Cashflow Quadrant to generate your income from."

I have studied the leader of the Team, Orrin Woodward, and watched as he took this advice seriously over the past five years. He has produced an incredible lifestyle because he has produced an incredible system that anyone can follow to produce similar, equal or better results. Many are on that path today.

And still Orrin dares to dream big. He has incredible determination and self-discipline, devours books to feed one of his greatest God-given assets - his insatiable mind - and generates his income from the "B" & "I" side of the Quadrant.He followed Kiyosaki's advice! Imagine that! Orrin found a man with better results than he had, listened to him and did what he suggested.

It worked.

Orrin Woodward - Knowing What to Do

Two quotes by Benjamin Disraeli that bring to mind Orrin Woodward:

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but to reveal to him his own."

"The more extensive a man's knowledge of what has been done, the greater will be his power of knowing what to do."

Thanks Orrin, for always doing for me the first, and being a great example for all of us of the second.

Orrin Woodward & George Washington - Men of Character

In my last post good reader, I promised to share George Washington's "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation". Because these maxims were so fully exemplified in George Washington's life, biographers have regarded them as formative influences in the development of his character.

You'll remember that I thought it appropriate to capture these maxims again, both for my own self-improvement and for the edification of others who may be interested. Inasmuch as our subject is character and most of us would agree that Washington's character was exemplary, might it not be of some value to explore the foundations of it?

I've mentioned in these posts that I believe Orrin Woodward to be a man of great character. He has made a study of Washington and this list, which is what piqued my curiosity. Here we are fortunate to glimpse a piece of Washington's studies at about age sixteen - about 260 years ago. I plan on implementing as many of these maxims as is appropriate for the present time into my life and I invite you to do the same.

We'll leave the language as Washington wrote it. Off we go then with the first ten:

(Ferry Farm, c. 1744)

1st Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

2d When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usualy Discovered.

3d Shew Nothing to your Frend that may affright him.

4 In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.

5th If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkercheif or Hand before your face and turn aside.

6th Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.

7th Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Drest.

8th At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary.

9th Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it.

10th When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.


More in my next post. I want to give us enough time to really think these through.