Success Charger With Scott Cooksey

In July of 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Morrill Land Grant Act as a sweeping effort to create agricultural colleges across the United States.  In 1890, a full 17 years before Oklahoma was to become a state, the institution now known as Oklahoma State University was established in Stillwater, OK. In December 2015, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Chris Batchelder, President & CEO of the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association. In short, this interview was a lot of fun. While the conversation begins with some context of the current state of Oklahoma State University today (27,000+ students; huge influx of out-of-state enrollment; excitement, and so much more), we quickly dove deep into the role of the modern-day alumni association.  The primary role of any alumni association is connection.  For those of you who have heard me speak, attended one of my leadership workshops, or regularly listen to the podcast, you have heard me say time and again that "connection" IS the m

Building on the momentum of recent weeks, in Episode 24, host Scott Cooksey shares how 2016 is off and running with intention and purpose. Sharing how he practices what he suggests on the show, Cooksey reveals his "ONE BIG GOAL" for this year, shares what he is doing differently to achieve it, and why making time for your family and loved ones is important NOW....while you are building the life and business you really want. One important fact to remember is that "nobody is responsible for your success but you" and further more, it is not anyone else's responsibility to make sure YOU get what YOU want.  The only question that remains is: What will you DO about it.  The simple questions and steps you need to take are all included in this podcast episode. Just remember that you don't have to be perfect right away, but you MUST move the needle in the right direction.  Share YOUR "Big Goal" for 2016 in the show notes at www.IdeaCharger.com/Episode24 and if you haven't listened to Episodes 21-23, and you're at the

This week's episode is short on show notes, but HUGE on energized thinking.  Listen in as Scott checks in from the road, on the eve of his first client workshop of the year.  We will be talking about his concerns surrounding the current trend toward "big data" and how it seems to be driving lot of questionable tactics in business; password frustrations & how a recent, ill-advised laptop purchase reminded him how much his network was really worth....and prompted a new "hide the electronics when irritated" policy for 2016.  It's fast.  It's furious.  It will hit home for you.   Give it a listen and leave your comments on the show page at www.ideacharger.com/episode23 or email Scott at podcast@ideacharger.com   _____________ Scott Cooksey works with organizations and individuals to (re)energize their business and more rapidly produce profitable, lasting client relationships through a variety of offerings.  Find out how Scott can work with you or your team at www.ideacharger.com and, of course, keep listening

Welcome to 2016!  Following a little downtime with family over the Christmas and New Year's break, I didn't originally plan to release an episode this week, but alas....I was completely inspired by the blatant lack of great customer service from a major airline during my travels. Let me be clear.  I have had some WONDERFUL customer service experiences from a number of travel and related service industries.  Everything from the unexpected free rental car in Little Rock from National Car Rental (I'm just glad they didn't call the police because the SUV I was driving was technically "missing") to the presidential suite upgrade at the Marriott in south Texas (the only perk of checking in after midnight followed by an early departure later that morning) to the exceptional on-board service from Judy McClure (of then Continental Express airline). Here is my ORIGINAL POST about Judy.   Here is the FOLLOW UP...three years later (Yep....Judy did it AGAIN!) This holiday, however, even in the midst of multiple social med

Find the Full Show Notes Post at www.IdeaCharger.com/Episode21   "We become the average of the five people with whom we spend the most time." - Attributed to so many different people on the internet, let's just accept this as FACT, shall we? A couple of years ago, I committed to meet with a group of colleagues who are all speakers, facilitators, and experts of various topics on a monthly basis.  While our businesses were, by trade, quite similar, how we each go about running them varies somewhat.  Each of us is at a different stage of maturity with our business (some might argue in general as well)...but committing to get together regularly and hold each other accountable for progress has proven a worthwhile exercise. Over these last two years, we have seen the ups and downs of one another's practices, and been there to lend support, friendship, ideas and sometimes just a listening ear. One of the members of my group is a sales leadership consultant, speaker and fellow podcaster, Jim Jacobus.  In fact, it w

Read the full text of this companion article to today's podcast at www.ideacharger.com/episode20  Stop Setting Goals If you have been in business for very long, then you most certainly have experienced the typical “next year, our goal is to do more!” Or, “this year, our goal will be $X million dollars in sales!” [A number seemingly pulled out of thin air, or worse...a number simply a percentage greater than last year's total.]  This is precisely the reason you should never set goals.  Let me explain. “More” is not a strategy! There is no creativity in goal setting today.  Too often, what often gets construed as strategic planning, is not much more than wishful thinking.  In short, people are lazy. Activity Alleviates Anxiety Filled with desire to achieve a new result, do you ever feel paralyzed & uncertain what to do?  Research indicates that learning occurs in four stages (Read:  Unconscious Competence- A Lesson From Sesame Street). To first learn a new skill, or achieve a new result, one must first take

"Setting goals doesn't change results.  Establishing healthy behaviors changes everything!" - Scott Cooksey When inspiration (or often the promise of a new year) hits us, it is common to set new goals. Make resolutions. Vow to change or simply do something different.  On the surface, it suggests what we want is something better than what we already have (read: more desirable results), what we are REALLY asking for, though, is behavioral change and a re-set of expectations.   Inspired by my own difference of interpretation of an innocuous social media post, I started thinking.  So often, companies, teams, and organizations are misguided by the notion of goal setting.   In this episode, Cooksey sets it all straight with a better way to look at goals, and why setting them isn't exactly the best idea....sort of.  [This idea continues in Episode 20. Available on 12/22/2015] What one, signficant behavioral change do you pledge to make in the coming year?  Post it up below and make it real! Like this episode?  Share

Cooksey shares what happened when he drove 40 miles to a lunch meeting, only to find out the scheduled speaker ...well, you'd better just listen to what happened so it won't happen to you.  This episode shares 5 filters you should apply before attending your next meeting: Is it a required meeting? Depending on the context, why it might be fruitful to simply skip it. Did you call the meeting? Find the balance between "advance notice" and "last minute cancellation" and when either might be more appropriate. Is the topic relevant to you? How to avoid being in attendance for a meeting that really does not demand your participation or have any relevance for you. Who else to expect to attend the meeting?  Sometimes it is less about the meeting and more about your fellow attendees. Geography - My "two meetings or I'll pass" rule and when you should use it. Based on a article previously published by Scott Cooksey now available in it's entirety at  www.IdeaCharger.com/episode18 Like these rules?  Hate them?  Want to

Timeless advice is...well...good forever.  No matter how this year is shaping up (there's only a few weeks left), or what you have in store for next year (you have one month to get ready), there are only three simple steps you need to know to set the course for what happens next for your life and your business.  RESET - Learn the lessons from the past, identify what you could have done differently and how you can build the road ahead with the benefit of honest hindsight. RELOAD - Turn the lessons from the past into deliberate, intentional actions in your immediate future.  By moving TOWARD your goals, you are redefining where you are headed.  ROCK OUT! - Once the plan is in place, it is up to you to execute on that plan...and it all starts with the first step (and some rockin' celebrations along the way)! Let us know what YOUR plans are for the next 12 months (at least how they look today, after you listen to this episode) by emailing Scott at podcast@ideacharger.com  Share this episode with someone who wan

QUOTE:  "The biggest rookie mistake in sales is working hard to finally get to a point where you can ask for the sale...only to blow it with a one-dimensional pitch!" - Scott Cooksey SUMMARY: When the pressure to create income is high, it is easy to let emotion take over...only to sabotage your success with a one-dimensional pitch.  In this episode, Host Scott Cooksey shares techniques you can apply immediately to shift the conversation with prospects and clients from "Do you want to buy this product/service from me today?" to "Here are some options for how we could best work together as we move forward." LINKS: See how the IdeaCharger team structures our own offerings using this game-changing approach here: www.IdeaCharger.com/services  If you haven't watched it in a while, Wall Street with Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas features a famous cat-and-mouse sales effort by the eager Bud Fox (Sheen) as he pursues "the whale" (Douglas).  Tell us what you think about this episode by leaving a comment on the sho

  QUOTE:  "If your 'system' is preventing great service for your clients, don't be surprised when they head for the door." - Scott Cooksey TAKE AWAYS: Craft value-added services FOR FREE that attract more business without sacrificing your integrity. Examples from financial services and professional services providers Sometimes going "old school" and getting present with your audience, clients, or prospects is all it takes to draw them into your business.  Stop killing them with PowerPoint (R) slides! CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: @IdeaCharger - Follow the Show on Twitter @CookseyConnects - Host Scott Cooksey on Twitter www.IdeaCharger.com - for Show Notes, Articles, More episodes and learn how we can bring Success Charger to YOUR business or screen! ABOUT THE SHOW: If you enjoyed this episode, I hope you’ll share it with a friend or your followers TODAY! Just send them the link to this page using the buttons below and leave the rest to us! Send us your questions, thoughts, improvements, rants, feedback, ugly

In 2001, Darren LaCroix outlasted over 20,000 competitors from around the globe to become the World Champion of Public Speaking. In Toastmasters circles, Darren's story is quite well known.  In this interview, however, Scott Cooksey asks Darren, one of his earliest mentors in the business of speaking to pull back the curtains not on how he achieved his climb to the top, but the grit it takes to stay there.  Add in just a dash of what YOU can do to become your own champion of fulfilling success on your terms (Hint: It involves finding a mentor)..because the road to authenticity is not an easy one to navigate alone.   QUOTE:  "A little bit of effort in the right direction will outperform a lot of effort in the wrong direction." - Darren LaCroix TAKE AWAYS: Darren's Math to Mastery Equation states "Effort X Direction = Mastery" There are two kinds of feedback, Anyone can share how a story or action made them think or feel,but Not everyone is qualified to provide coaching to improve. Why there is no substitut

Michael Sunnarborg is an Amazon top-selling author with a number of books under his belt.  His latest, entitled "The White Box Club" launches on November 6, 2015. This week, Scott caught up with Michael on Blab (Click here for the unedited, full recording of the interview) to discuss just what exactly The White Box Club is all about, how you become a member, and why every member's ultimate goal is the get OUT of the club! QUOTE: "Sometimes you just don't know who you are until someone shows you." - Michael Sunnarborg BOOKS**: Michael's Amazon Author Page (w/ links and more for ALL of his titles) Free Agent Nation by Dan Pink            **These are affiliate links, but it doesn't add a penny to your cost! MEETUPS: The White Box Club MeetUps (Twin Cities, MN) EPISODE TAKE AWAYS:  Three Steps to Balance: 1) Awareness 2)Alignment 3) Activation There is power in shared experiences, especially in times of transition Your resilience is defined not by what happens, but how you react to it! Sometimes giving yours

Craig Price, leadership and negativity speaker, podcaster & Comic-Con panel facilitator trekked over to the IdeaCharger Studios in The Woodlands, TX to talk negativity and why it matters to people who succeed.   QUOTE:  "I want to plow right through any obstacles because I am already prepared for them." - Craig Price STORY: Craig's unique perspective on the world turns many popular views on success around and looks at them from, well, a different angle. One worth a second look!  We cover topics from "unicorn farts" (A technical term....and a first for this podcast) to breaking down how Craig can get past his introverted nature to better maintain lasting profitable relationships with his clients.  CHALLENGE:  Embrace negativity by separating it from the oft-confused concept of fatalistic thinking. CALL TO ACTION: Make it a practice to ask the tough questions like "what would happen if..." rather than just nodding in agreement as quickly.   Listen to Scott Cooksey as he is interviewed about Connection on R

Jimmy Monk is a Pittsburgh, PA-area based speaker and trainer who has also spent the past two decades as a Trooper with the PA State Police.  He (virtually) drops by to discuss his perspectives on overcoming failure and explains how we can all re-frame failure to discover opportunities to move ahead.   GUEST:  Jimmy Monk QUOTE:  "The more experience you have, the better you are at connecting with people."  - Jimmy Monk STORY:  Jimmy shares stories from his law enforcement career and ties them to points we should all understand about leveraging compassion, empathy, vulnerability and being more genuine to be more encouraging to people around us each and every day.  CHALLENGE:  Look again at past failures and discover the rich lessons within - for everyone involved.   CALL TO ACTION: Begin to journal daily and turn everyday failures into rich learning moments to unleash powerful positive results in your life and be a better guide for other important people in your life. Listen to Scott Cooksey's interview on RE

This weekend, I shamelessly spend a TON of time hanging out with my daughter, so you are getting a QUICK CHARGE idea to take action on this week to grow your business. Next week, we should be back on track with another interview, but THIS EPISODE might be your game changer to finish 2015 with a FULL CHARGE! QUOTE:  In order to grow your business faster, I suggest the key is to GIVE MORE AWAY FOR FREE! SURVEY: There's still time to participate in our Podcast Survey. CLICK HERE to add your thoughts...it'll only take about 63 seconds! STORY:  How one shady marketer's email reminded me how much your business means to YOUR POTENTIAL CLIENTS and what you can do about it to get more business NOW! MENTIONS:  David Newman @dnewman on Twitter / www.doitmarketing.com                   Darren LaCroix @darrenlacroix on Twitter / www.darrenlacroix.com CHALLENGE: Create a way to GIVE AWAY a version of what you do to attract new clients:  write a blog, record a podcast (QUICK TIP: email this show about being a guest...I'll h

Welcome to Episode 9!  This week, Cooksey sits down with Jason Wright, Territory Sales Manager for All Covered (IT Services from Konica Minolta).  Let us know what you think of today's show, ask questions, suggest topics, rant, rave, just say hello:  podcast@ideacharger.com or stop by our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/successchargerpodcast  We'd LOVE to hear from you! _________________________________________________________________ SHOW NOTES: QUOTE:  "Be a power networker. It will help you no matter your industry." ; from CONNECT! 77 Idea Chargers to Generate High Voltage Results TODAY NOTABLE:  Hear the incredible story of how a Houston, TX-based IT services company stuck to it's guns and worked (intentionally) against the grain to generate success & rise to the top of the heap during and after it's aquisition by a newly-consolidated IT services arm of Konica Minolta, All Covered. Hear how this territory's sales immediately jumped to the top of 20 territories and continues to set the bar....with fewe

Success Charger Podcast has reached it's 8th episode! That means we have passed the point where a majority of podcasts have already packed it in, given up, and gone home....Not us, we are JUST GETTING STARTED! QUOTE:  "Seek out and follow thought leaders. Emulate their actions without copying. Your status will rise." - from CONNECT! 77 Idea Chargers to Generate High Voltage Results TODAY! NOTABLE:  Thanks to YOU, Success Chargers, the show has officially gone GLOBAL! Through last week, we have had hundreds of downloads from over 8 countries...with only 64% of a recent episode downloaded in the United States! INTERVIEW:  Scott sits down this week with Mike LeJeune for an insightful discussion about Simple Leadership. STATISTIC:  A global survey commissioned by the American Management Association and conducted by the Human Resources Institute (2013) reports only 3% senior managers suggest their organizations are very successful at executing strategy.  62% say organization is "moderate or worse". [This note corr

EPISODE 7 Be sure to share any questions, complaints, feedback, love, topic ideas or media requests with us by emailing: podcast@ideacharger.com About 10 years ago, Jason Jump had stepped out of a coaching career, and was looking for his next challenge.  In a time before smart phones, he spotted a void in the sports media world that was overlooked and launched a website built to serve the athletes, families, and fans of private & Christian schools in the state of Texas. A few short years ago, Jason traded his successful digital livelihood based in Houston, Texas, for something unexpected…a community print newspaper in rural Kansas. Listen in to this incredible interview with a man who loves his family, his community, his life…and his newspaper!  We explore how print news plays such a critical role in sustaining rural communities in the midwestern United States. Success Chargers like you define success and happiness your OWN way…and Jason shares his story of the satisfaction of making old things new again.

Jeremy Bradford, Executive Director of Face2Face Foundation, a Dallas, TX-based foundation leverages technology and offers critically-ill children an opportunity to connect with their heroes...you guessed it Face2Face. Hear the story of how it all began, several of the success stories-to-date, and how you can support this amazing foundation. More importantly, each year NorthTexasGivingDay sweetens the pot for this and nearly 2000 additional non-profits for donations collected via THEIR website.  Watch an incredible video, learn more about Face2Face and donate at their website, www.Face2FaceFoundation.org. Participate with North Texas Giving Day (an annual event - at this release, the upcoming date is Sept 17th, 2015 - just two days after this podcast is released!).  Visit www.NorthTexasGivingDay.org for more details.  #NTXGivingDay TWITTER: TheFace2Face FACEBOOK: TheFace2FaceFoundation ___________________________________ Success Charger Podcast with Scott Cooksey releases new episodes each Tuesday to inspire,