If Joe Wilson backs down from his opinion what can we say about the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Now the Democratic House wants him to apologize again just to prove point. He’s already apologized to the only person that he should apologize to which is the president.

Now the angry mob wants its retribution, when will this stop? I also believe that the inflammatory statements made by ex-president Jimmy Carter will only help to inflame the existing situation. It’s time to focus on the matters of the country because that is the most important thing to all Americans.

Whoever decides to do this first will be the person that demonstrates true leadership!

Dr. Rick

Since returning from my trip to Cape Cod and Boston to visit the John F. Kennedy Library I started thinking to myself about all the different things that people were saying about Sen. Ted Kennedy.

One of the mantras that I heard over and over was that Ted Kennedy could work both sides of the aisle. Isn’t that just another word for communication?

The key to your success in business and in life is directly proportional to your ability to communicate effectively with the outside world and with yourself. These two areas of communication are essential to your long-term health and happiness and ultimate success.

Our communications with ourselves, otherwise known as self talk is vital for our positive career growth as well as having a major impact on our self-image. It was said that the mind does not know the difference between something imagined vividly and something that actually is real.

No matter what situation Sen. Ted Kennedy found himself in it was evident that his use of positive self talk and affirmations kept him going in the right direction.

As far as communication with his constituents, fellow senators and the public, Sen. Kennedy was a man who understood that communication is a two-way street and a lot of times it’s not what we say, but how others hear us. Just remember the tongue has no eraser.

Dr. Rick

You’ve got the job and love the opportunity—but you don’t love the salary offer. What’s the best way to negotiate a better salary in this economy?

By Laura Schlereth

In these tough economic times, many people are happy just to have a job. However, don’t set your expectations too low. In fact, it’s because of this poor economy that companies want only the best talent and many are willing to pay you what you’re worth.

Lee E. Miller, author of Get More Money On Your Next Job … In Any Economy and co-founder of YourCareerDoctor’s.com, says that the economy becomes irrelevant if they’ve offered you the job. “Once they decide to hire you, there are no other candidates,” he says. If they really want you, they will pay extra to hire you. You just need to negotiate properly.

Mitesh Lakhani, Group CEO of Reliable Group, a business management software and IT service provider, agrees that although an employer may be looking to save money right now, they want you to be happy when you join their team. “You never want an employee to sign on for a job where they’re uncomfortable with the salary,” he says. “It’s disadvantageous to everyone.” Plus, Lakhani adds, the main factor employers are trying to control right now is not money but risk. If you show that you will be a solid, low-risk employee who will accomplish a great deal—especially if you have a proven track record of bringing more money for your past employers—you will get the position and the salary you deserve.

So what is the right way to ask? Remember that etiquette depends on your skill level and industry, but here are some general tips to negotiate for your ideal salary, in a not-so-ideal economy.

When Do You Ask?

Miller says to always wait for the employer to bring up salary. However, if the job listing demands a salary requirement for your application to be considered, Miller recommends stating a vague number, such as mid $50,000, but include that it’s negotiable and that you’d rather discuss it in person. He recommends not putting a range because it may be saying that you’ll take the lower end.

However, Lakhani disagrees and says a range doesn’t set anything in stone. He says a range may imply you’ll go for the lower salary if you have an excellent benefits package, but that you would prefer the higher salary if the benefits aren’t as strong.

What Should You Ask?

A common question job seekers have is: Should you put a higher salary than you expect because the company is likely to meet you in the middle? Miller says you can so long as it’s “within the realm of reason.” Aim for the top of the rational realm of what you think you deserve.

Lakhani says stating a higher figure than the company’s hoping for won’t automatically discount you as long as you bring something truly stellar to the table. If it’s sustainable in this economy, it’s negotiable. Lakhani says it happens often at his company.

However, should you possibly go lower than normal because of the economy? Miller says you gain no advantage in selling yourself cheap. “They want employees that can add value,” he says. “Companies will pay for talent.”

Dr. Rick Goodman, author of Living a Championship Life: A Game Plan for Success and business consultant to companies like AT&T and Heineken, says that this current economic climate is when it’s especially important to research your industry. The healthcare industry is booming right now and might be more receptive to an increase, but he says not to expect much from the retail industry, which is suffering right now.

Most Importantly: How Do You Ask?

The approach is critical. Miller says that your tone should be about asking and not demanding. You want to create uncertainty but don’t have a blatant attitude of “it’s this or I walk,” Miller says.

Make two things clear: you really want the job and you think you’re worth the increase for specific reasons.

Miller recommends emphasizing how excited you are for the opportunity and how much you want to work for the company because they’ll assume you’ll be a hard worker. “They’re going to want to hire someone who wants the job but doesn’t actually need that job,” Miller says.

Goodman says to state what you’ll bring to the company and what you’ve brought to companies in the past. If you can justify the increase, you’ll likely get it, Goodman says.

Goodman recommends using wording such as: “Mr. Jones, I spent a lot of time reviewing your proposal. Thank you for this outstanding offer, but based on my experience and what I bring to the table, I feel my services are worth closer to $X.”

Do you bring up the economy? Lakhani says you shouldn’t unless you are explaining how you will exceed that company’s expectations at a low risk. “In a difficult economy, it is more important to find your differentiating factors and expose them to the employer,” he says. Miller says to only bring it up in how you can help the company during the difficult times.

The company may be unable to meet your salary expectations right now. But Goodman says you should not be afraid to ask about the potential for a raise in the future. He highly recommends asking when your first performance review will be.

Dr. Rick Goodman speaks from real -Life experiences and achieves great results! Dr Rick’s newest book Living a Championship Life “A Game Plan for Success”

Dr. Rick Goodman is a professional speaker and author who will give your audience specific tools and systems that get great results. Dr. Rick also works with organizations that want to Develop Great Leaders “Through Excellence in Communication and Team Building”. For more information on Rick’s speaking programs Consulting Programs and Training programs contact (888) 267-6098 or Rick@DrRickGoodman.com or on the web at www.DrRickGoodman.com  

It was 1994 when the papers were delivered to my apartment; I had just joined the ranks of 50% of the population when my wife filed for divorce. As a single father my biggest fear was that someone would come in to my ex-wife’s life and that person would eventually replace me as the figurehead and father in the life of my two young children who were five and one at the time.

As I was going through this process of acclimating to my new situation I interviewed many fathers around the country who felt the same way as I did or who had a bad experience with post-parenting after divorce. The picture that they painted was not a very rosy one and I started to understand the challenge that that was ahead of me.

Then one day I was delivering a program in Phoenix, Arizona. Part of my speaking style is to integrate real-life stories with my audience that demonstrates a lesson or solidify us a point I am trying to make. At the break an elderly gentleman came up to me and said;

“You Can Only Be Replaced If You Let It Happen”!

It was at that moment the light bulb went off in my head and I was determined not to be replaced by the new man in their lives who ever that might be. I made a decision that day that there would not be a day that would go by that I missed calling my children no matter where I was speaking in the world at the time.

I also made sure that each and every time I spent alone with my kids was like Christmas morning. Always fun! I also vowed that I would take special vacations with my kids no matter what my financial circumstance was at the time.

The second part of my plan was to always take the high road whether or not my messages ever made it to the kids or not. I was determined not to repeat the mistakes of my father and countless fathers before them who in anger lashed out at their ex spouse or in-laws in front of the children, after all it’s still there family also.

This is one of the most common mistakes that I have seen made by parents and grandparents around the world. Taking the high road will most likely make all the difference in the world although at the time it may not seem like something that you’re really interested in doing.

Well fast forward to June 4, 2009, my son Alex who is now 18 years old is about to attend the University of Texas at Austin on a partial academic scholarship and was graduating from John Burroughs School in St. Louis Missouri that day.

 I was at his mom’s house when he sat down with me to show me his high school yearbook. Each student had the ability to write several paragraphs thanking friends and family members for assisting them throughout their school years.

The following is word for word from my son’s yearbook. You be the judge and let me know if my approach was successful or not:

Dad-There hasn’t been a day in my life that you haven’t called me, and that just shows your dedication and passion with my life. We have so much in common that we sometimes know what the other is thinking. You’ve told me more stories in toward me more life lessons than I can remember, and you know me better than anyone. The last that we have shared in the memories that we have had will only speakers to my heart. I love you more than the universe.

For those single parents regardless of whether you’re a man or woman who have had or are going through a similar experience I hope this acts as a guide or lesson to also help you build a strong relationship with your children!
Dr. Rick Goodman speaks from real -Life experiences and achieves great results! Dr Rick’s newest book Living a Championship Life “A Game Plan for Success” has been widely acclaimed since its release.

Dr. Rick Goodman is a professional speaker and author who will give your audience specific tools and systems that get great results. Dr. Rick also works with organizations that want to Develop Great Leaders “Through Excellence in Communication and Team Building”. For more information on Rick’s speaking programs Consulting Programs and Training programs contact (888) 267-6098 or Rick@DrRickGoodman.com or on the web at www.DrRickGoodman.com

If you are like me and millions of people around the world last night you were probably on your couch watching American Idol.  This year’s finale in my opinion was one of the best produced programs on TV.  It was highly entertaining and it gave me the ability to escape from the real world just for a moment. 

However I have a major issue with the term; “Dude, You Can Sing the Phone Book!”

Just what does that mean? 

 I don’t know about you but if I’m out at a bar, restaurant or a concert I don’t care if it’s Billy Joel or Elton John  I don’t think I would be too entertained if they were singing the phone book.

In fact what would it even sound like?

Would it sound like a Steven Wright monologue or would it sound like some of those early contestants who never made it to the final round.  I think it’s time that the BIG DAWG Randy Jackson comes up with another cliché unless he’s ready for someone to actually sing the phone book on the show.

 Anyhow my congratulations go out to Kris and Adam Lambert who are both going to be huge stars! They each had opportunities to shine enable took advantage of the situation.  I can’t wait till next season for some new talent and some different clichés!

Dr. Rick Goodman speaks from real -Life experiences and achieves great results! Dr Rick’s newest book Living a Championship Life “A Game Plan for Success” has been widely acclaimed since its release.

Dr. Rick Goodman is a professional speaker and author who will give your audience specific tools and systems that get great results. Dr. Rick also works with organizations that want to Develop Great Leaders “Through Excellence in Communication and Team Building”. For more information on Rick’s speaking programs Consulting Programs and Training programs contact (888) 267-6098 or Rick@DrRickGoodman.com or on the web at www.DrRickGoodman.com

If you’re like me and millions of people around the world who are using social media you probably discover that your world has just gotten much smaller.  Just the other day I was writing an article on my favorite site jobing.com.  The article that I wrote was titled “When You Fall off the Horse Don’t Lose Your Blackberry

It was a story about commitment perseverance and our dependence on technology in order to accomplish our goals and objectives.  After writing the article on the jobing site I immediately receive responses on my twitter account it was amazing to me this meeting at which the response had come people from around the world began to comment on the article.

As if that wasn’t enough I started to get responses from many of my friends on face book commenting on that same article that I’d written on the jobing site.  But I wasn’t quite prepared for what would happen next at 10:30 a.m. on that same day I received a direct message from the Michael Dresser radio show “Dresser after Dark“.  They had seen the response regarding my article and were also interested in interviewing me for my new book Living a Championship Life.

Let me tell you how amazed I was that my world had become smaller by the moment and as the Law of attraction would have it, my worlds collided, overlapped, and became infinitely smaller.  If it’s not obvious to you right now it sure is obvious to me that if you want to grow your business and reconnect with the world social media and all its legs is certainly a great way to go.

It’s time for you to get on the train before it leaves the tracks!

Dr. Rick Goodman is a consultant author and professional speaker and is the president of Advantage Legal Seminars. Advantage legal seminars is one of the leading providers of continuing legal education programs in the United States for more information go to www.advantagelegalseminars.com or call 888-267-6097

It is more important than ever before that our businesses embrace technology if we want to grow during this down economic time.  Many business owners and corporations look for that one key idea or system that’s going to take their business to the next level. 

 However, it’s been my experience that it is never one system, idea, or technique that does the does the trick it’s generally a combination of multiple ideas.

In our business we use a combination of social networking, marketing and expert positioning to grow our business.  Below are 10 of areas available to you to grow your business. 

1. Website- your website is the public’s window to your company providing continuing information for existing clients while promoting your business to the outside world.

2. Newsletter- All successful organizations have monthly electronic newsletter’s that go out to their existing clients, former clients and vendors informing them of the latest trends that are affecting their business.

3. Blog- Otherwise known as a Web log.  This is a page that is either integrated into your website or stands alone that disperses information regarding your company and your USP. A blog is one of the quickest ways to increase your Web rankings and expose your company for more business.

4. Twitter- Text messaging through the Internet which is the hottest craze out there right now. You are limited to 140 characters which keeps the communication brief while helping to promote your product or business.

5. Facebook- is an online social networking site where you can promote your individual portfolio or have a fan page for your business or yourself.

6. Linked in- a social networking platform designed for professionals to communicate their expertise and connect with other professionals who they could possibly do business with.

7. HARO-  Help a Reporter Out is an outstanding site that gives listings three times a day listing requests for news articles and resources by news agencies and reporters around the world are

8. Skype/OOVO – these are two Internet-based video conferencing sites that are free to use and will help you connect more efficiently and effectively with your clients and vendors.

9. Article Marketing – two excellent sites for article marketing to grow your business are  E-zine articles and Self Growth articles

10. Continuing Legal Education/Advantage Legal Seminars – by creating continuing education programs your firm will be able to position themselves as experts in the field and grow your business.

Dr. Rick Goodman speaks from real -Life experiences and achieves great results! Dr Rick’s newest book Living a Championship Life “A Game Plan for Success” has been widely acclaimed since its release.

Dr. Rick Goodman is a professional speaker and author who will give your audience specific tools and systems that get great results. Dr. Rick also works with organizations that want to Develop Great Leaders “Through Excellence in Communication and Team Building”. For more information on Rick’s speaking programs Consulting Programs and Training programs contact (888) 267-6097 or Rick@DrRickGoodman.com or on the web at www.DrRickGoodman.com

It was a beautiful day in Costa Rica, the sun was shining and I was on the back of a beautiful horse named Diablo.  I had been horseback riding numerous times before with no problems, so I wasn’t prepared for what would happen next.
As Diablo and I hit full stride galloping across an open pasture between two majestic mountain peaks, Diablo stepped into a hole and I suddenly found myself tumbling to the ground along with the horse. 

Wincing in pain, my shoulder separated and rib cracked I looked at Diablo.  He was lying on the ground bleeding from the nose. I got my leg out of the stirrup and Diablo rose to his feet. I breathed a sigh of relief because the horse would be okay. 

Then real panic struck, in pain I reached for my Blackberry, which was nowhere in sight. What was I going to do? All my contacts and connections to the outside world were suddenly lost. It was time to get focused!

I stepped back for a moment and looked at the rancher who was riding with us.  I noticed that he had a cell phone attached to his belt.

Every time I leave the country to travel or speak I purchase a phone card in case of an emergency.  Well if there ever was an emergency this was it!  I pulled out the calling card from my wallet and borrowed the rancher’s phone to call my Blackberry.

Suddenly in a wide open field that had not been cut except by grazing cattle for over 100 years I heard the sweet sound of my Blackberry.  Now on my hands and knees I looked through the brush and found my life again.  With Blackberry in hand I got back on the horse and continued to ride for three hours, after all I didn’t want to ruin the ride for everyone.

When I got back to the states it hit me! Millions of people in the US and abroad had just fallen off their horse. Whether they had just lost their job due to the recession or went through a bad breakup in a relationship or even divorce there was a crisis out there and if those individuals wanted to be successful they needed to get back on the horse.

After 30 years of marriage Sarah a successful educator, interior designer and mother fell off her horse! Sarah’s husband decided he didn’t want to be married anymore, she felt alone in the world with no job and little technical knowledge.  In fact Sarah found herself in the middle of one of the toughest job markets in history starting her life from scratch.

I received a call from Sarah asking if I could be of help. I thought about Diablo and the steps I had taken to overcome that negative situation enabling me to get back on the horse and enjoy the ride.

If you have fallen off your horse or are looking to take a different direction in life you can excel in tough times if you follow these five steps.

Step One: Get Focused on What You Want!
Opportunities are all around you; in fact most of us are so busy putting out fires that we miss the opportunities that surround us daily. If you knew you could not fail at anything you attempted what would you do?

Step Two: Focus on Your Strengths and Get Training on Your Weaknesses
We should always use our best qualities to attain success; however with the flood of overqualified people in the marketplace you must improve your skills, especially computer skills and communication skills if you are to be successful in today’s marketplace.

Step Three: Find a Mentor
Find someone who’s doing your job or living the life that you want to live and set up an appointment to meet with them.  I found that most people on this planet enjoy helping others and if you don’t A.S.K. you won’t G.E.T. the worst thing that could happen is they say no. If that happens you’re in the same position as you were originally.  If they say yes, you just might attain your goals that much faster!

Step Four: Be Prepared for Emergencies
Most of us have heard of Mr. Murphy, he’s the guy with the law that says whatever can go wrong will go wrong.  But we can’t plan for everything, history usually repeats itself so be prepared.  Enough said!

Step Five: Don’t Quit Get Back on the Horse!
If you think about it what’s your alternative?  You were born to succeed on this planet, if you remain focused, you will persevere and attain all your goals. 

Sarah’s story is no different than the thousands of Americans today, however if you follow these five steps I am confident that you will survive and thrive while enjoying your ride through life.

Dr. Rick Goodman speaks from real -Life experiences and achieves great results! Dr Rick’s newest book Living a Championship Life “A Game Plan for Success” has been widely acclaimed since its release.

Dr. Rick Goodman is a professional speaker and author who will give your audience specific tools and systems that get great results. Dr. Rick also works with organizations that want to Develop Great Leaders “Through Excellence in Communication and Team Building”. For more information on Rick’s speaking programs Consulting Programs and Training programs contact (888) 267-6097 or Rick@DrRickGoodman.com or on the web at www.DrRickGoodman.com

I Just recently I got involved in a new craze that’s hitting the Internet known as twitter.  Many of my speaker, friends said, you just had beyond twitter the text messaging of the Internet.  They felt there were many benefits with twitter, not just the sharing of information, but the exposure of your business, your products and services.
So I started to twitter not really knowing what I was doing, but that’s never stopped me in the past!  It was just last Wednesday when my good friend attorney Stuart Greenberg of sgglaw.com  invited me to go to the Miami Heat game that night.  They happen to be playing against Phoenix and it was the return of Shaquille O’Neal to the Atlantic Airlines Arena.  It promised to be a great game and a shootout with the future MVP of the league Dwayne Wade.
That afternoon I noticed Shaquille O’Neal was on twitter from his Blackberry and he challenged any fans who could find him eating outside downtown to come up and touch him and they would receive two tickets to that night’s game.  I decided to twitter Shaquille O’Neal directly and ask him how many points he thought he would score in the game that night.

Next I noticed Shaq, responding with a hint that he was on the street somewhere between 1st and 15th streets in South Beach.  Shaq finally revealed that he was eating lunch at the Versace Mansion.

Later that night, Stewart was asking me what I was doing while I was on my Blackberry.  I told him I was on twitter sending messages out to the universe.  I was a little upset, because I couldn’t believe that with such great players in the game the stands were half-empty.

The next day I was driving my car, when suddenly my phone rang on my Dr. Rick Goodman  line.  When I picked up the phone the individual identified herself as the sports business writer for the Sun Sentinel newspaper in Florida. She told me that she was doing a story on how sports franchises have been quick to embrace twitters ability to keep them in touch with fans and the media and she had noticed my tweaks online and asked if she could interview me for the story. 

Our discussion led to story about my background as a professional speaker and author of the book Living a Championship Life “A Game Plan for Success.”  This past Monday, I received an e-mail from a high school friend who is on face book.  He had just read the front page of the business section in the Sun Sentinel, revealing some of my twitter quotes.  Suffice to say, I immediately recognized the impact that twitter can have on the public relations and promotion of my products and services.

I can’t even imagine the cost that I would have incurred hiring a public-relations firm in order to get me some type of exposure in the Sun Sentinel with the possibility future interviews to come.  The moral of the story is if you’re not  twittering  its time that you start.  To follow me on twitter go to http:www.twitter.com/DRRICKGOODMAN.

Dr. Rick Goodman speaks from real -Life experiences and achieves great results! Dr Rick’s newest book Living a Championship Life “A Game Plan for Success” has been widely acclaimed since its release.

Dr. Rick Goodman is a professional speaker and author who will give your audience specific tools and systems that get great results. Dr. Rick also works with organizations that want to Develop Great Leaders “Through Excellence in Communication and Team Building”. For more information on Rick’s speaking programs Consulting Programs and Training programs contact (888) 267-6097 or Rick@DrRickGoodman.com or on the web at www.DrRickGoodman.com