Billy Florence - Encourage Others

Encourage others. People want to associate with people who encourage and build them up. Wouldn't you rather be around an encourager than a critisizer? Many managers believe they need to constantly critisize their employees. There may be a time for instruction but most people would get far better results from their team if they spent less time critisizing and more time encouraging.

Billy Florence - Favorites on Encouragement

"Start your child's day with love and encouragement and end the day the same way." - Zig Ziglar

"You already have every characteristic necessary for success if you recognize, claim, develop and use them." - Zig Ziglar

"Get around the right people.Associate with positive,goal-oriented people who encourage and inspire you." - Brian Tracy

"When someone we love is having difficulty and is giving us a bad time, it's better to explore the cause than to criticize the action." - Zig Ziglar

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Billy Florence - Long Term Vision On Success

One of the biggest mistakes of entrepreneurs is they think to short term. Long term vision is a huge key to success for entrepreneurs. It is important to handle the day to day things. You have to focus on the important priorities right in front of you but you have to also be thinking further down the road.

Many times we don't see any results from our efforts or at least not right away. It can be hard to measure our results sometimes especially in the beginning. I like to think in terms of 5 years or more. If you have a meeting, it may not seem like much happened. You may not feel there were any "real" results from that meeting. But 5 years down the road you may look back and see just how big that meeting was. You never really know in the short term. So if you desire to be a successful entrepreneur, develop a 5 year view on things. And really you can think more long term than 5 years. But for most just thinking 5 years down the road would be an improvement.

Billy Florence - Great Quotes for Entrepreneurs

"Actually, I'm an overnight success. But it took twenty years." - Monty Hall

"You will find the key to success under the alarm clock." - Benjamin Franklin

"Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm." - Sir Winston Churchill

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Randy Haugen: Winning Is A Process Not A Game Score

I love this story. This is a great example of true sportsmanship by Emmit Smith...

Randy Haugen, “Emmit Smith recently won a national dancing competition. The discipline he applied to that opportunity was learned during his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. His win reminded me of a story I’d heard about Emmitt and Thurman Thomas.”

Randy Haugen Leadership Favorite: Leaders Encourage

In 1994, Thurman Thomas, head bowed with his hands covering his face, sat on the Buffalo Bills bench following his team’s fourth straight Super Bowl loss. His three fumbles had helped seal their awful fate.

Suddenly, standing before him was the Dallas Cowboys’ star running back Emmitt Smith. Just named MVP for Super Bowl XXVIII, Smith was carrying his small goddaughter. Smith looked down at her and said, “I want you to meet the greatest running back in the NFL, Mr. Thurman Thomas.”

About Randy Haugan and Valerie Haugen

Investor Randy Haugen, owns Haugan Corporation. He is a part owner of Legacy Business Group and serves on their Board of Directors. Through his background in business management and customer service, Haugen’s businesses have matured fruitfully.

Randy Haugen has serves on the International Business Owners Association International (IBOAI).

IBOAI, the Quixtar IBO official trade association of Quixtar Ibo’s, serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners. Association leadership includes Jim Janz, Randy Haugen, Brad Duncan, Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Jody Victor. 2007 IBO association board members include: Kanti Gala, Bill Hawkins, John Merris, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Kathy Victor, Bob Andrews and Bill Hawkins.
Amway and Quixtar are sister companies owned by Alticor Inc.

© 2007 Randy Haugen Amway / Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Billy Florence: Patton - A Man of Action

When you hear different quotes and learn about General George S. Patton, you can tell he was a man of action. That is an important leadership quality. We are full of great ideas. We all know what we need to do or should do. But taking action on those things is what matters most.

Orrin Woodward says of Tim Marks, "Tim is one of the best I have seen at problem identified to problem solved." What he is saying is that Tim Marks takes action on what he know needs to be done.

Be a person of thought, yes. But we should also work to be men of action like George Patton and Tim Marks...

Billy Florence - Favorites from Patton

"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week." - George Patton

"A pint of sweat, saves a gallon of blood." - George Patton

"Better to fight for something than live for nothing." - George Patton

"Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory." - George Patton

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Jim Janz - Winning Teams Have Responsibility In Common

This is what leadership is all about. Taking responsibility for our actions. Don't put the blame on others. As leaders we must be accountable for our actions.

Jim Janz, “Accountability for actions is a sign of character. Alabama’s coach Bear Bryant and Miami Dolphins leader, Don Shula, understood that very important responsibility.”

Janz Leadership Favorite

In a crisis, don't hide behind anything or anybody. They are going to find you anyway. – Coach Bryant


My responsibility is leadership, and the minute I get negative, that is going to have an influence on my team. – Coach Don Shula


Jim Janz and Sharon Janz are Members of IBOAI, the official Quixtar IBO Trade Association.

“The official Trade Association, IBOAI, is dedicated to serving and protecting the interests of Quixtar powered Independent Business Owners (Quixtar IBOs) throughout North America,” says Jim Janz of IBOAI.

Governed by a Board of Directors, the IBOAI: Protects the best interests of IBOs and serves as an advocate in IBO issues with Quixtar.

IBOAI, the IBO official trade association of Quixtar Ibo’s, serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners. Association leadership includes Jim Janz, Randy Haugen Brad Duncan, Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Jody Victor. Additional Independent Business Owner board members include: Bill Hawkins, John Merris, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Kathy Victor, Bob Andrews and Bill Hawkins

Keywords: Jim Janz Quixtar, Don Wilson Quixtar, Billy Florence Jody Victor Quixtar


© 2007 Jim Janz Amway Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Billy Florence - China Internet Purchases Up

This article was first published on http://www.e-quadnews.com/.

China online purchasing is taking baby steps. Like any market in its infancy, they are experiencing growing pains. Twenty million Chinese Internet users made at least one online purchase last year, spending an equivalent of $20 USD (RMB157). Researchers report this is approximately 15 percent of their online population. The number of people shopping online and the amount they spend annually will follow an upward trajectory, forecasting to increase five times by 2010. How does this compare to US online shopping? In comparison, 66 percent of US online shoppers age 14 and older made a purchase last year.

Three of the speed bumps impacting the pace of market growth, according to CNNIC (China Internet Network Information Center), are low credit card use, lack of reliable infrastructure for settling transactions, and delivery challenges. Only a quarter of the buyers in China surveyed by AC Nielsen used credit cards for their online purchase. Credit cards are the favored form of payment in America. The number one reason given for not purchasing items on line is concern about the security of the transaction information. These concerns explain why the favored payment plan in China today is COD (cash on delivery).

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Orrin Woodward - Courage

I read these great quotes on courage on one of Orrin Woodward's blogs. Orrin Woodward is a great man of courage. He dreams big dreams and has the courage to go after them. It does require courage to take personal responsibility and go after your goals and dreams. Don't put the blame on others. Have the courage to move in the right direction. Thank you Orrin Woodward for your example...

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."- Henry David Thoreau

"A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort."- Sydney Smith

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Team Billy Florence: Historic Changes In Business

Billy Florence, “Two business events of major importance from the past are the passage of NAFTA and what was happening at Microsoft 20+ years ago.”

1993 - The U.S. Congress approved the North American Free Trade Agreement on November 20. It took effect the following January. Under NAFTA the U.S., Canada, and Mexico become a single, integrated market with $6.5 trillion worth of goods and services traded annually.

1985 - Microsoft released Windows 1.01 on five 360kb 5.25 inch floppy disks. It ran on MS-DOS v5.0 (called “MS-DOS Executive” in Windows).

We now carry on small flash or travel drives more memory capacity than could be imagined in 1985.

Billy Florence and Peggy Florence are members of IBOAI

Business Owner Trade Association Facts:

Billy Florence and Peggy Florence are members of the IBO Association, IBOAI. The trade association serving and protecting the business interests of Quixtar IBOs. Jim Janz, Don Wilson, Randy Haugen, Billy Florence and Jody Victor serve on the trade association board.

Keywords: Billy Florence, Peggy Florence, Quixtar IBO

© 2007 Billy Florence Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Jim Janz IBO: Team Members Setting The Tone

"Books by Coach John Wooden are some of my favorite on leadership..." - Billy Florence

Jim Janz, “Leadership is often highlighted in sports. John Wooden is a role model for focused and caring leadership. One of my favorite leadership thoughts from him is…”

Make sure that team members know they are working with you, not for you. – Coach John Wooden


Jim Janz and Sharon Janz Are Members of IBOAI, IBO Trade Association.

“The official Trade Association, IBOAI, is dedicated to serving and protecting the interests of Quixtar powered Independent Business Owners (Quixtar IBOs) throughout North America,” says Jim Janz of IBOAI.

Governed by a Board of Directors, the IBOAI: Protects the best interests of IBOs and serves as an advocate in IBO issues with Quixtar Inc.

IBOAI, the IBO official trade association of Quixtar Ibo’s, serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners. Association leadership includes Jim Janz, Randy Haugen Brad Duncan, Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Jody Victor. Additional board members include: Bill Hawkins, John Merris, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Kathy Victor, Bob Andrews and Bill Hawkins.

Keywords: Jim Janz Quixtar, Don Wilson Quixtar, Billy Florence Jody Victor Quixtar

© 2007 Jim Janz Amway Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Jody Victor & Kathy Victor: Commitment to Goals

This is great information from Jody Victor & Kathy Victor on the importance of goal setting...

Kathy Victor, “ W. H. Murray lived the life of goal setting and accomplishing goals in the face of enormous obstacles. That’s why we’ve selected this leadership insight for you. Learning from the example of accomplishment is highly relevant.”

Jody Victor and Kathy Victor About Goals

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in ones favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: 'Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.’”

-W.H. Murray, of the Scottish Himalayan Expedition

About – Jody Victor and Kathy Victor

Jody Victor is founder of Markerman Productions, a global technology firm, and is President of MMP. Mr. Victor has spoken to audiences all over the world about free enterprise and success.
Jody Victor and Kathy Victor serve on the International Business Owners Association International (IBOAI).

IBOAI, the Quixtar IBO official trade association, serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners, Quixtar Ibo’s. Association leadership includes Jim Janz, Randy Haugen, Brad Duncan, Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Jody Victor. 2007 IBO association board members include: Kanti Gala, Bill Hawkins, John Merris, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Kathy Victor, Bob Andrews and Bill Hawkins

Amway and Quixtar are sister companies owned Alticor Inc.

© 2007 Jody Victor Amway / Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

E-Quad News: Check Up On Health Headlines

This article was first pulished on www.e-quadnews.com.

Check Up On Health Headlines

Health sections and media outlets are increasing the frequency of headlines touting health “proofing”, research claims, and blaring dire “health warnings.” If all these headlines were based on sound science, we might have scientific grounds for proclaiming chocolate bars are the new healthy vegetable. We might even believe that exercise is the cure all – for one and all. Unfortunately, real scientific and medial research is often treated with same sensationalized sound byte tactics as infomercials. Today’s Tip: Avoid jumping on the junk science bandwagon, even if the health headline is in one of your favorite news or life style publications. We suggest four sound steps to take you behind the scenes of today’s health headlines. Always avoid any major changes of direction without discussing it with your doctor.

This item was published in a major life-style magazine.

“Just working out 15 minutes a day, three days a week may reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by 30 to 40 percent, according to a study last year in the Annals of Internal Medicine.”

How to Check Out Health Headlines

1. Find the foundation
2. Apply the time test
3. Question motives
4. Delve into the details.

Find the Foundation: The medical foundation might be mythical if the research source isn’t listed. If it is listed, head online to find the same study on the organization’s site or the full story in the journal. Many studies and articles are available online in full and abstract formats.

Apply the Time Test: One study does not make sound science. Medical experts build learning over time, repeating studies and expanding populations. It’s best to be cautious. Did other studies confirm or have conflicting findings?

Question Motives: Who sponsored the research? Could this finding benefit their sponsor’s product or personal agenda? The pressure to publish is very strong in academia.

Delve into Details: Read the small print at the bottom of the study. How many participants were in the study? Were there follow-ups over time? What happened to people with similar demographics that didn’t take the pill or didn’t do the exercise? You will find that the full findings have many more cautions and comparisons that the news or feature article included.

Following Four Steps We Found...

“Just working out 15 minutes a day, three days a week may reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by 30 to 40 percent, according to a study last year in the Annals of Internal Medicine.”

1. Find the foundation.
We were able to do that. A few seconds online provided the original article in the Annals Of Internal Medicine.

2. Apply the time test.
It seems to pass the test of time. Participants were studied every two years for over 6 years. Researchers evaluated participants every 2 years to determine if they had developed dementia by using a standard set of examinations done by physicians, nurses, and a neurophysiologist.
They weren’t alone in their findings. Other long term studies are referenced.

3. Question motives
The foundation findings also provided the sponsor information. Study was paid for by a grant from the National Institute of Aging.

4. Delve into details.
Did they fudge the facts? The lifestyle article definitely streamlined, simplified, and expanded the results. We found the study limitations listed in the details and they were clearly and fully explained. The study results never said “by 30 to 40 percent.” It said 13 out of 1000 regularly exercisers developed dementia compared to 19.7 out of 1000 of those who exercised less than three times weekly. That is not 30 to 40 percent.

Demographics: The study participants were predominantly white males with insurance, living in the Seattle area. Definitions & self reporting: The ‘just three days a week” and the “15 minutes” a day is an over simplification, too. The study was measuring “regular exercise” and researchers defined regular exercise as 3 days a week and a minimum of 15 minutes. And they didn’t really know if the participants actually exercised as reported. The study relied on the participants self reporting their exercise. It’s possible the participant actually did less or more exercise than was reported.

Reading media headlines skeptically, checking for facts, and following the four steps can be beneficial to our health.

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Chris Brady - Public Speaking with Humor

I believe one of the greatest benefits to owning your own Independent Business (IBO) is that you get to learn and get experience in public speaking. This is one of the greatest fears that the average person has. Almost everyone you meet says they will never speak in front of people. But yet almost everyone you meet who does speak in public once felt that way. It does require pushing through some fears but the results are worth it. To conquer one of your greatest fears gives you so much confidence. And it is a skill that you can use in many areas of your life.

The great thing about an IBO business is you get to start off small like 1 person. Then maybe you get to talk to a few at one time. It is just a baby step program. And it is the combination of teaching plus the opportunity for real life application that makes it so effective in helping people learn to speak in front of people.

When I think about a great speaker, Chris Brady comes to mind. I know he has worked on his skills. He does have great gifts but he was worked to develop them. One of his best strengths in speaking is his use of humor. We may not all be as funny as Chris Brady but there is no question that learning to use humor is very important for everyone. For some it requires reading some jokes, for others there are other ways. But no matter how you do it, you must learn to make people laugh at some point if you want to be an effective speaker.

I read this about humor in public speaking...

Why should I bother using humor in my public speaking? Can't I just deliver my information and sit down? You sure can and that's what most people do. The problem is that most people are not effective public speakers. They are nighty nite, snooze inducing, say your prayers, hit the sack, unlicensed hypnotists. They are ZZZZZs presenters. They might be experts in their field and be able to recite hours and hours of information on their topic, but is that effective?

Thank you Chris Brady for your awesome example of speaking with humor!

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Billy Florence - Servanthood in Leadership

I love when I hear great leaders teach about servanthood leadership. There was a time when maybe people wouldn't have really thought about leadership and servanthood in the same sentence. But true leadership is about serving others. And there are some great leaders who are out there teaching this concept. It may not have been the norm in corporate America in the past to teach servant leadership. But great leadership teachers like John Maxwell have been doing a great job of teaching this concept.

We all must work to put this in practice. This teaching is for every person. Serving others is important and it is the true base for leadership.

I know of some great examples like Orrin Woodward & Chris Brady. They are both great leaders and really have a heart to serve others. They are great examples for us to watch and learn from.

"The first step to leadership is servanthood." - John Maxwell

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Billy Florence - Americans On Government

Billy Florence, “Will Rogers had the unique ability to capture national character in a few powerful words. Rogers’observations on government over-spending is a classic. He said that the closest our country has been to being even was on the day that Alexander Hamilton started the U.S. Treasury. It had a zero balance on that day.


Billy Florence & Peggy Florence - Quick Quote Favorite American Character
The American people are very generous people and will forgive almost any weakness, with the possible exception of stupidity. – Will Rogers

About Billy Florence and Peggy Florence

Billy and Peggy Florence are members of IBOAI, the official trade association of Quixtar IBO’s. IBOAI serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners. Leadership team includes Jim Janz Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Kathy Victor, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Bill Hawkins and John Merris

Billy Florence leads Team Dream (DCI International) Organization. Florence founded Equad News. It provides news, opinion, and motivational editorials.


© 2007 Florence News. Reprint permission given to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Billy Florence - Benjamin Franklin

Our great country was founded by some amazing men. Benjamin Franklin is certainly one of the more well known Founding Fathers. He accomplished many things during his lifetime. His life made a real difference. It is great to be able to look at men like Benjamin Franklin as one of our Founding Fathers...

Billy Florence - Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do."

"Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn."

"Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship."

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."

© 2007 Florence News reprint permission to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.

Joe Markiewicz - Think Growth

Thank you Joe Markiewicz for your wisdom on personal growth!


Growth is important. Investors are always looking for companies with good growth. Things really don't just stay the "same." They usually get better or get worse. They grow or go backwards. So personally we should always be striving to grow, to stretch ourselves to new levels.

Don't get so comfortable that you don't get better. It is so easy to do especially in today's world. These are some thoughts to help us keep focused on personal growth.

Amway's Joe Markiewicz - Personal Growth Favorites

He that will not reflect is a ruined man. - Asian Proverb

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. - Aristotle

Energy and persistence conquer all things. - Benjamin Franklin

© 2007 Joe Markeiwicz. Permission given to Billy Florence Team Dream Chasers site.