Hurricane Victim's Bipartisan Emergency Appeal - From Commissioner Bullock Princeville, NC

Public Commentary Hurricane Season & Princeville:
Submitted by Milton Bullock
TOPIC: Hurricane Victim's Bipartisan Emergency Appeal:

"If all goes well and God has spared us with more of HIS Grace & Mercy; I would like to introduce as a last resorts; a special 'Emergency-Bipartisan Meeting' in a serious attempt to clear the fog as it applies in comparative to how Houston's expeditious recovery in contrast to how long little old historical Princeville is still caught out in the Hurricane Season of 2017 and subject to another horrendous death defying episode of flooding. In essence as an OBJECTIVE of URGENCY; we here in Princeville would like to revisit all possibilities of resurrecting the creation of an 'Executive Order'-be it Congressional or Presidential that would establish; 'The President's Council On The Present & FUTURE of Princeville, NC!' Almost 17 years ago this month; "Hurricane Floyd" brought Presidential William Clinton in this area to assess the damages and he designated some 12 agencies to mandate and comprise a similar council that would've helped Princeville beyond it's traditional, horrific flooding past of 2 Centuries!

I truly think we have been bamboozled/tricked into mentally accepting and willing to settling traditionally,...for 'meager crumbs' as compared to our actual damages, during Hurricane Matthew (in excess of 100 Millions Dollars). It's a given; that we as a young in-experienced, part-time administration would have a rough road to hoe. As opposed to the municipal-luxuries that the Gov. of Texas, and the Mayor of 20 years of Houston had ready-made departments heads and contacts waiting and ready to traverse the political bureaucratic maze in record time! And in being prepared; all the blessed, necessary help and emergency assistance from all over North America came pouring in! Even NC sent emergency help to aid in their recovery.

Still yet; here we are going on almost 150 years old as the first African American settlement (1865) by some of the first Freed Slaves who were inspired, as well as aspired to establish a community in North America! And here in the 21st Millennia; we can't phantom; nor imagine how to maneuver through decades of annually catastrophic events of Mother Nature. This is why such a meeting is critically important for us to collectively come together with one mission! And that mission is to resolve this mythical nuisance once for all 'That All LIVES Matter"! By establishing a 'Congressional/Presidential Council that would address for once and for all, [a resolution] that would decrease in significant-percentages the continued flooding of Princeville! Princeville is tired of and fed up of being a co-dependent, malignant cancerous burden draped around the necks of the county, the state and the federal system, loathing at the bottom round of the 'economic ladder of poverty'! We know time is running out as well as patience and the funding resources are dwindling along with the tolerance
of procrastination from both sides of the nickle.

FYI. This isn't what our founding Fathers & Mothers intended for their vision to be; almost 200 years after their inspired vision when they charted 'Freedom Hill' (1885) into Princeville. I as an elected official, I speak out not only for the residents of Princeville, but for everybody who professes publicly that they care about 'our' history; and for the moral and human decency of mankind when it comes to demonstrating genuine, social justice. So I'd like to hear from as many of those who shall dare to accept the challenge of this "Olive Branch" message, that knows that there's something definitely wrong with this picture. Houston, TX has mentioned that with all the billions of dollars being generated; they would seriously consider the State of Texas 'Rainy Day Funds' to supplement any unmet needs! It is my understanding that the State of NC 'Rainy Day Funds' are in excess of 1.5 Billion Dollars. And if Princeville and other small communities residing helplessly in the vicinity of The Raging Tar River Basin doesn't qualify; I'd like to know what are the cafeterias to receiving some of that money to help our predicament? While proving above board and beyond doubt --"That All LIVES Truly Matters!"










Uniting our bipartisan concerted efforts for humanity; stands more of a chance of successfully making Princeville a more resilient, self-sustainable, economically viable, progressive tax contributing community! Which would in essence help us transform from being labeled, as a 'useless community into a useful community' fulfilling our created, driven purpose for existence! We humbly await your response. "The Voice of the Voiceless."

Sincerely,

Commissioner Milton R. Bullock / Ward 1
Historical Princeville
252.823.3740 H
252.813.1758 C


                                                                   

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Are You Fearful to Speak Up?

When we don’t speak up, it signals that we are in agreement with what is in place.  But on the occasion when one does voice their opinion, it is seen as a combative position versus being helpful.

By using relationship selling strategies, your contribution will receive a warm welcome.  The hard part is getting past the fear of speaking up.

Relationship Selling Strategies

Most often the need to share your perspective is when something does not go as expected.  On a job, management may lay blame on lower level employees including the sales staff.  Or you may be an entrepreneur who believes a project will be successful, only to realize the opposite is true,  and a meeting with partners becomes the next hurdle.

We frequently hear remarks that fail to take into account the consequences ahead.  Whatever the issue, discontent is in the making.  It is our job not only to point out the shortcoming, but also offer ideas to improve the approach.

Arguing and blame never work to anyone’s advantage; it only creates distrust along with a dissolution of friendships and partnerships.  To avoid this type of harm, ask questions such as:

* Have you considered these potential outcomes?
* What if this occurs?
* How about we approach the issue this way, and here is why?

How to Fix Problems 

The best strategy is to take the high road.  Hold the best outcome for all in mind throughout the conversation.  The process begins with giving yourself a pep talk in the mirror that you will get through the drama, and that all will end as it should.  When your meeting is about to begin, show up with a smile on your face and in your voice.  Be willing to hear everyone out even if there is blame stacked against you.

Steps:  

1. Allow those involved in the dilemma divulge the problems.  After the fact, they are more likely to listen to ideas for fixes.
2. Offer a variety of possibilities and then together select the best route to proceed.
3. Should a partner or management not wish to listen or alter behavior to implement a solution, you have the signal to find an alternate course of action.
4. When the issue is more complex, inquire as to how the other party sees the problem and its solution.
5. Consider the problem from multiple angles and once again ask numerous questions should something not be thought through.

The steps above are a part of the sales process with clientele.  The give and take of conversation and striving to fully understand the other person’s perspective brings about far greater possibility.  Accordingly, you may earn more sales with the thoughtful approach.

Your Story

Think back to when you had issues with peers and possibly clients.
* Did your temper get in the way of finding agreement?
* Did you handle the situation with calm?
* Were you respectful of their position versus yours to find a satisfactory conclusion?

Most people brace for an argument.  But when you come across as pleasant, and with a desire to work things out, you significantly distinguish yourself from everyone else.  By speaking up to resolve dilemmas, you pave the path to move forward together or find another venue more rewarding.  Either way, it’s a win for you, and hopefully for the other party, too.

Sales Tips

1.    Speak up when necessary.
2.    Explain your thinking and why it’s important.
3.    Describe potential outfall if the problem remains as is.
4.    Ask questions to see if the other party recognizes your concerns.
5.    Suggest a compromise to satisfy everyone.
6.    Negotiate an improved outcome.
7.    Gain agreement on moving forward.
8.    Check in afterward to see if satisfaction holds.
9.    Agree to periodic updates to remain in touch.
10.    Celebrate Success!

Click to Visit Elinor Stutz' Author Page Elinor's Author Page

Contact elinor@smoothsale.net for Book Packages 

Packaging may also include Event Speaking and/or Sales Training

 

Are Your Results What You Want?

Do you know of anyone complaining about not getting their desired results or knowing how to proceed?  Most likely your answer is ‘Yes!’ 

The worst approach to improving results is not to change a thing.  We all know that does not work while the anxiety increases.  Continuing to do the same old is just that, it gets tiresome and completely out of date.  What takes place next is to find a group of peers who are experiencing the same.  While peer support may sound good, it’s a slippery slope for becoming a pity party and never moving past. 

Remaining in one’s comfort zone ruins all chances for an improved tomorrow.  We each have a choice of how we approach the future.  The question is, will remaining as is be satisfying, or is time to roll up your sleeves to do the work for a brighter outlook?

"Tomorrow is a blank canvas, paint yours today."

My Story

Everyone experiences lessons to learn and forks in the road where choices are necessary to move forward.  A big surprise for most is that I suggest that failure does not exist as long as one is willing to take action.  The strategy I refer to is to examine what went wrong and how we may fix it. And then set specific goals with timelines to implement all fixes that may be required.

Instead of joining a pity party, I would much rather join a motivated group dedicated to learning and growing.  I want to be among those who recognize their weak areas, but who also strive to improve upon them.  It is my desire to be among peers who not only learn and grow but who will then turn around to share the best of their latest education.  In this way, everyone wins as we all grow together.  The added benefit is that enthusiasm and enjoyment of work remain in tact as we implement new ideas.

  

https://youtu.be/ZUjblc3wL40  Be motivated and inspire those around you.

Your Story

It is fairly common to question our work.  If the thought of what comes next has been frequent, then it’s time to give consideration to the question.  Figure out what will make you happy and bring in enough income to pay the bills plus some.  Remaining in a comfort zone may easily lead to one day running out of money because change is a constant.  Planning for the future can remedy that dilemma.

Do some research in your spare time of the latest trends in your industry or as entrepreneurs for making a decent income.  Should anything catch your interest, set up appointments to speak to people already established in the field.  Create a list of initial questions and keep adding to it similar to the running task list.  You may find additional information on Twitter via the associated news sources.

Whether or not something new catches your attention doesn’t matter.  What does make a difference is the knowledge that you gain.  Even if you continue with the same endeavor or job, the information you learned may be applied.  And as you begin to make small changes, you may see the cloud of uncertainty fade away. 

The important reminder here is always to attempt to move forward and learn something new.  As you do, the new will follow you and success is destined to be yours.

Sales Tips

1.    Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself.

2.    Confer with peers on best steps to take.

3.    Research the latest trends.

4.    Apply what you learn to current endeavors.

5.    Strengthen your effort to produce more.

6.    Reconfirm your vision and then reset goals as needed.

7.    Embrace differing thought to see if it may apply.

8.    Revise your vision as appropriate.

9.    Move beyond where you are feeling stuck.

10.    Celebrate Success!

Click to Visit Elinor Stutz' Author Page Elinor's Author Page

Contact elinor@smoothsale.net for Book Packages 

Packaging may also include Event Speaking and/or Sales Training

 

Use ‘Impossible’ to Improve Success

Throughout our lifetime, there is no doubt we will each hear the exclamation, “that’s impossible!”  But the fact is, nothing is impossible when you possess a positive mindset, the will to move past all obstacles, and a plan for obtaining what you desire.

Use the word ‘impossible’ as the motivator to succeed!

Our Stories

One tweet inspired and motivated me to write about similarities the two of us faced and how we overcame the ‘impossible.'  It’s a tale of two stories of how everyday people, like you, surpassed all expectations.

“You will never walk again.”

The gentleman, Leon, tweeted photos of himself @LeonFordSpeaks beginning to walk again and doing strengthening exercises to continue the momentum.  Personal development and education are all about strengthening one’s mindset to overcome obstacles that come our way.  Leon was advised that he would never walk again, but it was vividly clear that he overcame the impossible.

My story has been previously written, but it ties in with that of Leon.  The short version is, I incurred a broken neck due to a traffic accident where I was stopped at a red light.  The driver from behind was not paying attention and slammed full force into my car.  Doctors would not honor my request to help with the pain felt on and off for ten years.  I was thankful for the second mild accident when the car coasted into a lamp post on a dark and rainy night.  I knew something had to be done to fix my neck.

“Your best outcome will be paralysis.”  (We all know the other outcome.)

A near death experience on the stretcher while awaiting admittance produced two visions, one after the other.  In the process, a gold light encased my entire body.  The first indicated that I needed to begin helping communities and the second that I was to grow into becoming an inspirational speaker.  A forever salesperson, I negotiated with the Great Beyond that I would do all of the above if I were to walk out of the hospital on my own.

My family was told to prepare for the worst case, while I held future thoughts about how I would become a speaker and mentor for many to inspire and motivate for achieving successful outcomes  After surgery, I became known as “the walking miracle.”

Lessons Learned

1.    The power of a positive mindset and vision for the best possible outcome are to be with you at all times. 

2.    Do not let anyone take your vision away from you.

3.    Summon up the power within to move forward.

Your Story

As an employee and as an entrepreneur, no one is safe from hearing negative remarks and the words, “you're crazy because that’s impossible!”  The differentiator between those who succeed and those who do not is whether they have the determination and are willing to persevere against all the predicted odds. 

While most may not be able to move past the barriers, it is important to note that statistics are only temporary.  It is up to each of us to create our new reality for all to witness.

What is your level of determination and resilience to ‘popular thought’:

•    Do you give in to current thinking or are you willing to go it alone?

•    Is there a burning desire within to attempt your vision no matter what?

•    How will you feel if you don’t try, versus you try and it doesn’t work out as expected; will you try again?

If you have ever encountered someone who lives with regret for not having tried, you will understand the importance of moving past ‘that’s impossible.’  Whether or not you succeed, you can smile later on knowing that you gave the effort your all.  When you do experience victory, that will bring a smile to your face every single day after!

Sales Tips

Acknowledge the problems ahead of you.

Create a list of possibilities for moving past the roadblocks.

Select the one route that excites you most.

Pursue the road ahead with every ounce of energy.

Be willing to acknowledge setbacks and try again.

Be relentless in your pursuit.

Accept zero negativity.

Change friends as needed.

Appreciate each day as a renewed opportunity to succeed.

Celebrate Success

Click to Visit Elinor Stutz' Author Page

Contact elinor@smoothsale.net for Book Packages 

Packaging may also include Event Speaking and/or Sales Training

 

Bridge Opposite Thinking to Improve the Outcome

 Dedicated motivation to continue learning is essential to move career and endeavors forward.  Making the commitment to relentless personal development is what increases self-confidence.  For further help, public speaking classes work remarkably well.  The point is, to have the courage and the charisma to begin speaking with potential clients as if they are instead, potential friends.

Right now, can you say with100% confidence:

• You encourage a give and take of story-telling with clientele.
• Clients and prospects confide situations they are facing.
• Your clientele lets you know that they enjoy speaking with you to the point they want to buy from you?

The last bullet point is the goal for those who are working toward a robust sales pipeline.  It is the heart to heart conversations, the authenticity of your experiences, and willingness to share lessons learned that encourage confidence and trust in you.  Continuing the conversations in this manner will build strong relationships.  In the end, repeat business, referrals, and testimonials become yours.

A good habit for gaining a greater understanding of another is to inquire about the reasoning behind a decision that will involve you.  Build upon the initial question with additional and then you will recognize the better way to proceed.

A good question to ask when you meet someone for the first time, and they introduce a project, is “What led up to your decision and what influenced you  to go down this path?” The answer provides insight as to whether the vision is fully developed. Similarly, you might ask how team members were selected so that you have improved insight into working with everyone.

In the conversation that follows, ask additional questions to encourage new ideas to develop.  People appreciate seeing you do your best to grasp what they are trying to achieve and that you are willing to brainstorm with them.  The goal is to learn and be helpful. The optimal goal is that ultimately a new project may arise.

For any sale or friendly negotiation, seeking to understand the widest perspective possible works wonders for coming to an improved understanding.  And as recognition of the other person’s experiences reveal themselves and their thought process is apparent, an agreement becomes far more likely. 

The asking encourages others to share their personal experiences.  And then the conversation becomes an exchange of past personal adventures that may point to commonalities between the buyer and the seller.  The dialogue transforms into an energetic story-telling event.  And the best part is, prospective clients, invite the salesperson to return for further meetings because the conversation was fun as well as being informative.

See Video:  Build a larger clientele

Sales Tips

1. Review your favorite stories from the past.
2. Create short form two-minute stories for the favorite experiences.
3. Practice asking questions and story-telling with friends and peers.
4. Ask prospects about their experiences.
5. Acknowledge what each person shares and respond accordingly in a friendly tone.
6. Test the experience of story-telling on your next appointment.
7. Analyze the reception of your story to refine and try again.
8. Use humor in conversation if it's natural for you.
9. Complete your conversation with one more question to inquire about the intended timeline.
10. Celebrate success.

Click to Visit Elinor Stutz' Author Page

Contact elinor@smoothsale.net for Book Packages 

Packaging may also include Event Speaking and/or Sales Training