Harvey Mackay

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Harvey Mackay

Columnist | Outswimming the Sharks

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MacKay: True entrepreneurial spirit would not surrender to demons of fear

Perhaps my favorite business book is Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich." I recommend reading and rereading it, perhaps even annually, to keep your focus laser-sharp.

Updated: September 25, 2011, - 11:38 PM

What makes great leaders? Finding common traits is as simple as ABC

As children, we played "follow the leader" for hours on end. The crazier the route and antics, the more we liked it. Being the leader was the best part.

Updated: September 18, 2011, - 07:06 PM

It's time to take on office bullies, who drive talent out the door

The playground isn't the only place where you'll run into bullies. Internet bullying has led to suicides. Office bullying is on the rise, and it's a deal-killer no matter what business you're in.

Updated: September 11, 2011, - 05:11 PM

Knowing your strengths will expedite the job search

I have had the privilege of mentoring hundreds of people over the years. I always ask them two questions: What do you like to do? What are your strengths? Most have a good idea of what they like to do, but you wouldn't believe how many people don't understand their own strengths.

Updated: September 04, 2011, - 02:32 PM

Appreciation shared will be returned with interest

A university professor began reflecting on the people who had a positive impact on his life. In particular, he remembered a schoolteacher who had gone out of her way to instill in him a love of poetry. He hadn't seen or spoken to her in many years, but he found her address and sent her a letter of thanks. A short time later, he received this reply:

Updated: August 28, 2011, - 11:21 AM

When you lose your temper, you lose credibility

Lately it seems like every night when I watch ESPN to get the day's baseball scores and highlights, I see another pitcher throwing a temper tantrum in the dugout after a poor performance.

Updated: August 21, 2011, - 02:07 PM

Getting the most out of life takes putting more into it

It all started with an innocent question at a conference where I was speaking. After I was introduced to one of the organizers, I asked her, "And what do you do for a living?"

Updated: August 14, 2011, - 01:38 PM

Books are keys to stretch imagination and spark creativity

Our lives basically are changed in two ways -- by the people we meet and the books we read.

Updated: August 07, 2011, - 02:38 PM

Give yourself a natural energy boost on the job

Consider what the average body does every 24 hours: Your heart beats 100,689 times. Your blood travels 168 million miles. You breathe 23,040 times, inhaling 438 cubic feet of air. You eat more than 3 pounds of food, and drink about 3 quarts of liquids. You lose almost a pound of waste. You speak 25,000 words. You move 750 muscles. You exercise 7 million brain cells.

Updated: July 31, 2011, - 02:59 PM

You can't do business if you aren't accessible

Over the years, I've asked a lot of people what makes a great salesperson. The answers are fairly predictable: passion, persistence, likability, planning, trustworthiness, strong work ethic, initiative, intelligence, good communication skills, sense of humor, humility, good timing, strong relationships building and follow-up (or, as I say, the sale begins when the customer says yes).

Updated: July 24, 2011, - 02:30 PM