Considering that Keller could not see, speak, or hear, it is easy to understand her acceptance of adventure. Every day for her brought obstacles most of us could never imagine. For her, it was toss security to the wind and go forward, or give up completely. For you, the option is much the same, but with opportunities to have more control over the situation.

These days, more people are on the move… an average of 15% of the population annually, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s more than 40-million people. So, if you’re going to be moving, you aren’t alone, though it can often feel that way.

The challenge

Being faced with a move, especially for a job, brings with it many challenges. The laundry list of to-dos could be enough to make one want to throw their hands up in the air and say “I give up!”. The prospect of not only a new home, but new co-workers can evoke insecurity. But with an adjustment in perspective, the situation can begin to look less daunting.

There are a couple of things you can do to help prepare yourself for major change. One, is mental, the other, tangible.

Assistance

First, get help. Moving is a monumental task, and a wildly unpopular one. Relocation moving services can help you organize, pack, transport, and even set up in your new destination. Some services can even  assist you in selling your home or purchasing a new one. Find a reputable company and you’ll be able to tackle each step in the process with confidence.

Do it yourself

Next, help yourself. The move isn’t the only thing you’ll have to deal with. A change in location can mean a change in lifestyle. Your level of living, availability of services, options for friends, and for activities could make a dramatic shift. Being prepared mentally before you go could mean the difference between an adventure, and nothing.

Coping strategies

Various techniques like visualization, positive affirmation, and meditation may sound “out there” to some people. Don’t discount the benefit in getting in touch with your fears or determining what you want. Quieting your mind to allow your self to establish a positive frame of mind can open you up to a world of possibilities.

Other ways to cope with change and embrace adventure can be as simple as thinking about past experiences. How have you previously coped with small changes in the past? Will those same tactics work in this situation? Think about how you can maintain normalcy in a new place or new job. Holding on to certain routines, or even creating consistency in your surroundings can be of great comfort.

Try doing something new and adventurous, even on a small scale, prior to the move. Whether it’s engaging in a new outdoor activity or taking music or dance lessons, try to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Knowing that you can jump in and have success with the unknown will provide some confidence for the move.

Embracing change is easier said than done for many people. With the logistics being handled by relocation moving services, you can focus on preparing yourself for any adventure that’s ahead.

Knowing why your goals aren’t working is just as important as knowing why goals will work. Why do goals fail?

Goals fail when they’re not realistic. They fail when the intent behind the goal is to deceive or impress others. Goals fail when they become about the plan and not the desired execution.

Notice a theme? Goals fail when the intent is anything but specific action.

You’re familiar with SMART goals. Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Timely. Why do these types of goals work? These types of goals are focused on specific action.

Goal setting doesn’t involve a magic wand. They don’t have to be printed and bound in a big leather book. Make them simple and direct.
Sincerely yours,

James Munson

It’s fashionable to say yes. Yes to the next business venture. Yes to the next business meeting with the marketing department. Yes to the next black tie affair.

It’s been drilled into our business heads we must say yes to everything. But, what would happen if you would say ‘no’ more often? It turns out there is tremendous in the power of ‘no’.

What are the benefits of saying ‘no’?

• You focus on what’s really important: your family and yourself.
• You remove some of the stress that comes with over-committing.
• Your full energy is driven toward those projects deserving of your time and attention.

Think of those areas in your life where you’ve over-committed. Prioritize what’s truly important. Unless it’s not moving toward your precious goals then you can probably get rid of the activity.

What could you say ‘no’ to this week?

Sincerely,

James Munson

Half the room consists of salesmen. Selling their story or an idea. The other half, want to be salesmen.

I don’t think you have to have a fancy title on your business card to matter. You don’t have to have an earth shattering title either. You don’t need a title to be a leader.

Robin Sharma discusses this eloquently in his book, The Leader Who Had No Title. I read it before and picked it up again.

What I’ve learned from this book is this:

• Think of the other guy and you’ll be successful. Everything you do is to help your customer grow and get to his goals. You’ll begin to look out for each other. That’s one of the ways you can grow business.

This is the age of information and it requires the exchange of information. It’s easy to get our identities wrapped in our titles. No wonder why so many are depressed when their sacred cow of a job is lost.

By now, I’m sure you noticed the picture of the bubble. I bet you’re thinking why is there a bubble in my weekly newsletter? Mr. Fan Yang is known as the greatest bubble artist in the world.

He holds over 16 Guinness world Records. I don’t think he’s overly concerned what’s on his business card. His focus is on the audience and on their enjoyment.

If you want a copy of Mr. Robin Sharma’s book, you can download it here. Or just ask me and I’ll send you the PDF. It’s a terrific read.

Sincerely yours,

James Munson

Many years ago, I used to fly with my dog on a fairly regular basis. That was long before heightened security, long waits on the tarmac, and booking flights with connections to save money. I never had to think about my pet’s safety or comfort… it was just a short 2-hour hop, with quick baggage return.

These days, it’s another story. Delayed flights and earlier check-ins for security can impact pet travel.

There are, however, a few things that you can do to help keep your beloved pets comfortable when traveling on an airline. A little bit of preparation will go a long way to ensuring their safety, and your piece of mind.

Fur

We mentioned in a previous posting about undercoat removal for thick-coated dogs. This can help keep the air circulating while their fur acts as a natural insulator keeping heat away from the body. It is not advisable to shave your pet, as they do need that protective coating of fur to act as a barrier, and protect from the sun. Simply removing the undercoat and any matting is all that’s needed.

Kennel

Some pets are used to kennels, as many are trained in them, or sleep in them at night. However, if your pet isn’t accustomed to a travel kennel, allow them some time to adjust to one. Several weeks prior to travel, have your pet spend time inside the kennel, or crate. Begin with brief intervals, working up to longer periods.

Air

Airflow is important to keeping your pet cool while in transit. Use a crate that is ventilated on all sides. If there are no holes in the back, you can drill a few. The size of the holes should be as large as possible without allowing your pet to put their nose through. Our recommendation is to drill a grid about 5 holes across, and three down.

Water

Keeping your pet hydrated during pet relocation is crucial. Some pet stores sell clip-on bowls for water that can be attached to the crate. Those work fine, but if you have a larger pet, here’s a method we suggest. Take a Tupperware container and securely fasten it to the door of the kennel with a zip tie. One way to be assured they will have water for a longer period is to freeze water in the dish the night before. This way it won’t spill during the ride to the airport, but it will be ready to drink when needed.

Bedding

Airlines require absorbent bedding inside the travel kennel. We feel that a substantial amount of shredded newspaper is the best material. It provides some padding, and can also be easily disposed at the end of the trip. You may want to put an old t-shirt inside the crate for comfort. If your scent is on the shirt, it can help comfort your pet. Avoid using thick blankets and pet beds inside the kennel. They trap heat.

No fans

While it sounds like a great idea, battery operated fans are not allowed in flight. If you place one on the kennel, it will be confiscated by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration.)

So don’t sweat putting your pet on a plane. Following these 5 tips will help make summer pet relocation more of a breeze.

A few of this year’s changes are related to a shift in space utilization. Others are born out of sad circumstances. Unfortunately, pet deaths on airlines occur. While the numbers are small, the recent reporting of such deaths on Delta Airlines has prompted the carrier to alter some of its pet travel regulations. So if you are preparing for a move, you should be familiar with some of the changes.

What you need to know

If your Delta flight is scheduled on a Boeing 767, you will not be able to check a pet in the cargo hold. The airline will be modifying the planes to make room for crew rest bunks beneath the passenger cabin.

Snub-nosed cats and dogs, such as bull-dogs, will no longer be flown as checked baggage. This comes after a number of deaths among pets of this type.

No pets are allowed in the cabin in international business class. The lie-flat seats installed in that section limits space under the seats where pet carriers would be placed.

Also be aware that typically, Delta will not allow pets to be carried as checked baggage between May 15 and September 15. High temperatures (above 85 degrees) outside while the plane is on the ground is a concern. Check with the airline before booking any pet relocation during this time.

Making the adjustment

These regulation changes don’t mean that your pet cannot fly Delta. If you are booked on a 767, the airline can rebook you on another flight using a different plane. There is also the option to use one of Delta’s partners.

Other airlines have different regulations, so be sure to check flights, and look for updates.

Keep your cool

Pet relocation should be kept stress free for the animal, as well as the owner. Knowing all the rules, and preparing for travel will help ensure your pets safety.

If weather is a concern, there are numerous precautions you can take to keep your pet safe and comfortable while en route. One surprising tip, do not shave your pet. Their fur helps not only protect their skin form the sun, but also acts as a cooling mechanism by acting as insulation from the heat.

A simple trim, or undercoat removal from double-coated breeds will help keep your pet cool. Regular brushing can help remove mats and tangles that could be trapping heat against your dog’s skin.

Know what your getting into before booking travel, check for updates in regulations, and prepare yourself, and your pet for transport. That should help keep the entire family happy, healthy, and safe.

With the economy beginning its slow return, executive relocations are following suit. With that, more companies are faced with constructing relocation (relo) packages, and helping employees and their families through relo services.

What’s being offered

Companies want to offer incentive for their employees, but also need to keep an eye on the tab. So what do employees need to be prepared for? Understanding the policy and its parameters.

Most businesses are aware of the stress a move can cause an employee and their family. They will want to offer compensation that makes the move worthwhile. Often a third-party corporate relocation service is brought in to handle the logistics. The actual moving expenses are typically covered. Where companies have more discretion revolves around an employees home sale.

Help in selling

If an employee needs to sell a home, they may be able to get closing costs taken care of by the employers; they may also buy down the interest rate on your new home, or offer a low-rate loan. Some companies even offer down payment assistance.

Third party relo companies may have a list of agents that can help you with home sale and purchase, and there are some that are licensed to do this themselves. This can save on the referral fee the company charges the realtor.

A relo company that can assist you in locating a new home may also have more leeway in their search, as they are not subject to the same guidelines as real estate agents. Assistance in selling a home may vary.

How it works

Often, according to Zillow Realty, once there is an offer, you, as the seller will sign over the grant deed to the relo company, making them the seller. Then that relo company signs the contract with the buyer. Throughout the process it’s important to be patient. Often the relo company will need to have its own contract and disclosure documents for buyers to sign.

Protection from loss

With the current state of the real estate market, many people heading into corporate relocation are faced with selling at a loss. Many employers will cover that loss. The best situation is a guaranteed buyout.

Many higher-level executives will receive this offer. If you, as the seller are unable to sell your property within a reasonable amount of time on your own, the relo company agrees to buy the home from you after an appraisal is complete. You are then free to relocate, while the relo company is responsible for selling the home it now owns.

If you’re being offered a relocation package, be sure you understand the parameters. Check out the relocation services company and determine exactly where they can help. It may be mostly about the bottom line, but knowing the line of compensation, moving reimbursement, and real estate assistance will help make the process easier to handle.

Are you facing corporate relocation? Learn what relo companies can do for you by contacting us today.

Take Care of Your Pet When You're Moving or Traveling

Summer is upon us and many people have tremendous concerns about relocating their pets by air during the hot months.

We hear from many transferees that the most stressful part of their relocation is handling their pets!

There is a great deal of information on the Internet, which is often confusing or just plain incorrect and this only serves to heighten the anxiety. Delta’s recent announcement of limiting pet travel on 767s is a prime example.

The truth is, travel during the summer is not only possible but very safe provided the proper steps are taken. Delta’s recent restrictions are because of the particular planes, not because of concerns over pet travel in general.

Preparation is the Key

There are several things you can do to make sure your pets’ travel during the summer is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Undercoat Removal – Most experts recommend against shaving your pet for the summer months. A dog’s coat helps to protect his skin from the sun and provides insulation from the heat. Dogs don’t sweat to cool themselves the way people do, so they don’t need exposed skin to stay cool.

Shaving double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Shelties does not keep them cooler as their undercoats help protect them from the elements.

By shaving them down you destroy the natural protective properties their coats offer them. However, regular brushing and combing to maintain the coat are important during the spring and summer months.

If your dog is badly matted or tangled, their coat may actually trap the heat and humidity close to the skin, adding to their discomfort.

You can improve their comfort by removing just the dead undercoat, as this will eliminate the natural barriers, which can trap heat. Bringing your double-coated breed into a salon for a professional undercoat removal prior to departure is a great way to help them feel comfortable.

Travel Kennels

Your pet will spend most of their travel time inside their travel crate. The following tips will help make this as pleasant as possible:

Acclimate your pet to his crate: The #1 most important step in the process! Please make sure you give as much time as possible for your pet to acclimate to their travel crate.

Ventilate all four sides: Every travel crate should be ventilated on ALL FOUR SIDES of the crate. If your travel crate does not have holes on the back, you can use a drill to make them.

Depending on the size of your pet, we recommend that you drill even rows of holes, about 5 holes across and 3 rows down. The holes should be as big as possible, without your pet being able to stick his nose or paws through. Generally a half or 3/4-inch drill bit does the job.

Always Provide Water Dishes: The clip on bowls from the pet store work ok, however if you have a bigger pet, consider fastening a plastic Tupperware bowl to the door of the kennel with a zip tie.

A great way to ensure your pet has access to water for as long as possible, freeze the water in each dish the night before travel. This will ensure it doesn’t spill out during the ride to the airport.

Provide Suitable Bedding: The airlines require there to be “absorbent” material in the bottom of all travel kennels. We have found that shredded newspaper is the absolute best.

A liberal amount is recommended. The newspaper is easily discarded at the other end and provides comfortable padding during the trip. An old T-shirt with your scent on it for comfort is also a good idea. Try to avoid thick blankets and beds as they trap heat during the summer.

Avoid Battery Operated Fans: While they are great for cooling your pet at home and in the car, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will not allow any battery-operated devices on the plane. If you attach them, they will be confiscated.

Visit Animal Land to learn more on how to properly move your pets.

The ability to ask questions goes hand in with the ability to learn. A learning organization is only possible if it has a culture that encourages questions. ~ Michael Marquardt, Leading with Questions
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Did you know that March is Refer a Friend to Munson International Month?

Want a website? Take action. Refer a friend to Munson International’s relocation service program and win a 3 page website for free.

Participant is responsible for the minimal cost to host the website.

If You Don’t Know, Ask

Executives are expected to have answers at the ready. It is part of our responsibility. Asking questions is also part of our responsibility.

This society looks at asking questions as being fundamentally weak. The internal dialogue goes like this: ‘you should know right now. You should have the answers, right now’. And there’s the problem: the words right now.

You will not always have the immediate answers at your fingertips. It is in these moments of uncertainty that you must respond with a clear head. Clarity gives you confidence and is an asset throughout the decision making process.

If you don’t know the answer, you must ask. Be discreet in both your asking and answering of the question. Ask the appropriate person the appropriate question that will evoke a genuine response.

Be mindful of the difference between seeking clarity of an issue and simply desiring more information. Clarity of a problem means you understand the problem.

This week, I want you to think about how you can ask questions to solve your challenging situations.

Vision without action is daydream. Action without vision is nightmare. – Japanese Proverb
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Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking. – William B. Sprague
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Your achievement can be no greater than your plans are sound. Napoleon Hill

I’ve been thinking about achievement and entrepreneurship. I’ve met my share of entrepreneurs whose great earth-saving product never made it out of the planning gates.

You can have notebooks full of plans but you might as well be giving mouth-to-mouth to a dead duck if you never put those plans into action.

The keyword is action. I begin my day by thinking about the end of the day. I imagine putting my head on my pillow and listing what I accomplished that day.

I don’t put something on a list to check it off. If it’s on my list it’s important to my goal.

Every morning I very clearly write my goal for the day. Some goals are simple. Other goals are lofty.

Sample goals include reach out to 3 potential entrepreneurs about specific business opportunities. Meet with my entrepreneurial minded friends and use their expertise to enhance my business.

No matter what the goal is it is specific and targeted. And I know that it must be accomplished that day.

Make your plans and take action every day for that plan. Action dictates progress and success.