The Big Bang was the title of my first Raising the Barr® newsletter that I launched nine years ago. So much has transpired since that day and I am thankful for overcoming many life and business challenges while rejoicing in the many triumphs and gifts life has offered me. Here is a list I prepared to make this year extraordinary while keeping your momentum moving forward. I recommend you choose the items that resonate with you and offer you with...

There’s a pun going around saying that we are heading into the new year 2020-two, meaning, it’s going to be a repeat of 2020 and the start of the pandemic explosion. Although a daunting thought, I am hopeful it will not come true. Even as the world seemed to be coming apart at the seams back in 2020, I believe we have learned a lot since then as we have also made much progress on many fronts. Here are some...

My first weekly newsletter was written and sent back in January 2013. Today, nine years later, issue number 466 is being released. Like water, which can carve its way through stone, so does our content, created over time, help create our digital empire®.  While reviewing my newsletters from this past year, I have realized many profound learning moments for which I am thankful and appreciative. Here are 12 of them: Important things are worth fighting for. Observing my grandkids has...

Thanks to Facebook live I was able to watch my grandchildren’s winter music recital this week. We have a pianist and a guitarist, (so far), and they both performed with great musicality and a bit of trepidation. Laurel and I, both being musicians, remember the many opportunities we had to perform for the community when we were kids too. The daily practice, sometimes with the urging of parents, for 3 minutes of performing on stage seemed overwhelming when I was...

It’s most likely your mindset that prevents you from reaching new people, creating new products, and reaching new heights. Ask your clients what more offerings would they like to see from you. Their input will become the goldmine to shape your future direction and impact the products and services you create. What type of clients are you serving and focusing on? How about focusing on the ones that listen to you and genuinely want to improve their lives and businesses....

Let me ask you a question: do you know how profitable your business is? But perhaps the more important question is: do you know what drives the profitability of your business? Let me suggest the following 21 items that are sure drive more profits to your business as well as increase your awareness as to what drives them: Top line growth Increasing your fees Controlling and reducing expenses Paying attention to your financials Automating recurring activities Leveraging technology for increased...

Laurel and I had a truly humbling experience last Friday night while leading worship services for the residents at the senior living facility with which we have been associated for nearly 10 years. Being that we are only there once a month and we were approaching the holiday, we focused on Thanksgiving and its meaning. For many of our friends there, this year will be yet another Thanksgiving inside the building, separated from family, as Covid restrictions are back in...

A while back I attended a session where the presenter discussed how to create your 30 second elevator pitch. A disclaimer: I am not a fan of any kind of a pitch and especially one that may take 30 seconds in an elevator! I was curious what breakthrough ideas may be revealed that day. To my astonishment, when the time came for her to present the pitch, she pulled out a piece of paper from her briefcase and read it...

As I approached the end of my street this morning, I noticed the city sign tacked underneath the stop sign; “Friday’s rubbish will be collected on Monday.” I didn’t give it much thought but as the morning went on, I tried to figure out the reason for the delay. It’s not Thanksgiving week, or Christmas, New Year’s or Good Friday. When I returned home, I checked my calendar and realized that tomorrow is Veteran’s Day. I hadn’t read any articles...

How much content should I give away for free? A little, a lot, or none? This is one of the questions I am often asked. My years of observation and research have taught me that the more content you put out there, the more you increase the awareness in you and your company and stand out in the crowd and can then position yourself as an expert in your field. The key is to demonstrate your knowledge and provide your...