August 15, 2011 - When is the last time you had a good long side-splitting laugh? Has life and work been so intense that humor has gone by the wayside because of the serious matters at hand?  Do you find yourself smiling out of courtesy or as a response instead of from pleasure and internal delight?

Take an MM&I Moment to think of something that you know would make you laugh out loud. Is it a movie?  Then watch it. Is it a silly face? Then make it.  Is it a book? Then get it out and read it? Is it a picture or a cartoon? Then go view it.  Is it a particular friend who always has you laughing, but you haven't talked to or seen in ages? Then call them.  When you bring your sense of humor back into your life, you also bring a rich sense of appreciation and joy back as well.

Synergized Quote of the Week 

"Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face." - Victor Hugo

Savvy Secret Tip of the Week 

How are you using your professional trade affiliations to enhance and build credibility in your business? Growth companies understand the importance of being involved with their trade organizations at some level beyond being members.  Not only do these organizations typically bring you a wealth of information , resources and support for your business and help you keep a better pulse on what is happening in your industry, but when you take a leadership role, they also help you build credibility and trust among your customers as a company that is respected in your own industry. Consider ways you can contribute to your trade as a leader of a project, committee or board position. (Learn more in Secret #22, 50 Marketing Secrets)

HEADING TO HICKORY ON AUGUST 16TH:I am going to be speaking at the Catawba Chamber of Commerce to the Jaycees of Hickory and Hickory Young Professionals on Tuesday,August 16th. The lunch and learn will occur from 11:30 - 1 p.m. My presentation is entitled "The POWER of Strategic Involvements: Making a Difference for Long Lasting Impact." For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.

LET ME HELP YOU OUT-THINK YOUR COMPETITION ON AUGUST 18TH: I will be speaking to the Meet Up group Improve Your Sales Now Forum at Suite 1000 in Charlotte this coming Thursday, the 18th, from 9 - 10:30 a.m. My presentation is "Out-think Your Competition & Explode Sales." To learn more or to register to attend, CLICK HERE.

GUEST SPEAKER AT LEADERSHIP CATAWBA: The 18th is a busy day as I also head to Hickory, NC, to conduct a workshop on the Power of Strategic Involvements for the Leadership Catawba 2011/12 class of professionals. The program will include a self-assessment exercise to determine the best ways to make a difference for long lasting impact based on goals, mission and purpose professionally and personally.