Ron Goch
The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
Congratulations to the Ole Miss Rebels – one of The Telios Group’s partners and an athletics program we’ve had the pleasure of working with the last two years – on winning the 2006 Southeastern Conference Baseball Tournament Championship. You can read about the Rebels earning the ’06 SEC Championship here.
Ole Miss has also been awarded one of baseball’s NCAA Regional sites this weekend, and will play host to two of The Telios Group’s other partners, Tulane and South Alabama in Oxford.
It should be a terrific regional and we wish all the teams the very best!
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
Today marks the 200th blog post between The Telios Group blog, the Telios Tips blog, the Question of the Day blog since February when we started the Question and Tips blogs, and March when we started The Telios Group blog.
If you’ve been reading the blogs and haven’t sent in a question yet, I encourage you to send us a question you’d like us to answer. If you’ve been reading the tips and general blog, let us know what you think, what you would like to see more of and how we could improve each of the blogs to better serve you.
Until tomorrow, thanks for checking in and I hope you have an awesome day!
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
I started training for my first marathon eight months ago and have covered over 1, 000 miles in preparation for the 26 miles and 385 yards. That sure does seem like an awful lot of miles of training for 26.2 miles, but I believe each of them were well worth it.
I’ve learned a lot about myself and have pushed myself beyond limits and doubts to finish many of the runs, especially those multiple long runs of 16 and 18 miles.
It hasn’t always been easy, running on the road while traveling as well as scheduling time with my family to drop my car off at one spot and me off at another area of the marathon course so I could complete my daily mileage. Without the support of my family and friends, I wouldn’t have been able to successfully train.
This has often been the case over the years – many have sacrificed of their time so that I could win, or in this case, achieve one of my life goals and I’m very appreciative of my family and friends support.
I’ve heard it said that we should have goals that both excites and scares us and the thoughts I’ve had the last several months leading up to this week have brought both anxiety as well as excitement.
But, unlike when I first started training, or even a few months ago, I’m more excited today than scared. I know I’ll have plenty of butterflies the morning of the marathon, but that’s normal and I’m certain the fluttering will cease after just a few strides into the 26.2 miles.
So thank you to everyone who has supported my training and goal to complete a marathon. Have positive thoughts this week, especially on Saturday, when all I want for my birthday is to be able to cover the 26.2 miles and cross the marathon finish line.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
It’s easy to catch people doing things wrong, isn’t it? We see someone make a mistake or not do something the right way and we highlight their mistake.
Isn’t it just as easy to catch someone doing things right? Sure it is, but how often do we focus on what’s right versus what’s wrong? I know I could use some improvement in this department.
I’m optimistic for the most part, and would consider myself positive – again, for the most part. But I also like to get things right, and appreciate it when people around me get things right, and for some reason, I’m quick to spot mistakes…and I need to be just as quick and sensitive to when things are right. And not only recognize when they’re right, but take time to celebrate when they’re right.
What do you think would happen if instead of the norm being to catch people doing things wrong, it was to always look for people doing things right and reward them?
My guess is we’d have happier employees – and family members – who would strive to do more things right so they could be rewarded.
So for the rest of the day, let’s see what we can do to extenuate the positive and minimize the negative, and see what kind of positive effect it has on our day…as well as those around us.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
I was running this week and noticed that spray painted by city officials above a storm drain was “Don’t Dump. We all live Downstream.”
Because I’m always on the lookout for possible blog post ideas to share with our readers, I thought this would make a great title for how people shouldn’t “dump” on others. You know, because it all travels “downstream.”
You have a bad day, so you come home and bark at the dog, which barks at the cat, who…you get the idea.
But, I decided to research the topic a bit further to find out the true meaning behind the “Don’t Dump. We all live Downstream” slogan above the storm drains and learned a few things I wasn’t aware of before researching the topic.
“We all live Downstream” is a reference to preventing water pollution.
Did you know trees can lower air conditioning costs? Check out this web site I reviewed with other interesting facts about how we all can do our part to prevent water pollution.
As for my original idea about not dumping on others, that’s also a good idea too.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
Did you hear about the latest millionaire coach? I know, it seems like every day there’s a new millionaire coach, but this one is very special.
Her name is Pat Summitt and she’s the first female women’s basketball coach to be rewarded with a million dollar per year contract.
You can read about it here at espn.com.
I first came to know Pat when we worked together at Tennessee. Many know Pat around the country as the all-time wins leader among basketball coaches, men or women, but there are many who don’t know about her countless efforts off the court.
Pat routinely gives back to the community – both the basketball community as well as the Knoxville community – and she’s always been supportive of all that’s required of her time off the court to grow the Tennessee women’s basketball program as well as women’s basketball in general.
It was certainly my pleasure to work with Pat and I’m happy for her and her family (R.B. and Tyler) that she has been rewarded with a new six-year contract that makes Pat the first women’s basketball coach to earn one million dollars per year. She’s well worth every penny.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
Those of you who visit this blog from time-to-time know I’ve been training for several months to run in my first marathon.
I’ve followed a training plan for non-runners, since I had never run over three to four miles before I started the marathon training. I’ve followed the training plan closely, have read a few marathon books throughout the training, as well as a couple running magazines to be as prepared as I possibly can be for the 26 miles and 385 yards.
I’ve also been adjusting my stride and pace in order to complete the marathon distance.
Additionally, I’ve determined when to use gels, Gatorade and Power Bars during my training runs, which I try to do on the marathon course whenever possible.
The objective is to transfer everything I’m doing during my training runs to the day of the marathon. However, it hit me this past weekend that I’ve been storing all this information in my head and haven’t transferred it to paper.
I guess that’s because I’m usually plotting strategies while running, and when I return from running, I’m icing down, stretching and resting.
Although I’ve developed a marathon running plan in my head, and have practiced the strategies each and every training run, I haven’t put my thoughts and strategies on paper.
In business, as well as life, that’s a mistake.
So this week I put my plan on paper and I’m reading the running plan each day as I should have done long ago in my training.
Putting plans to paper has always been a common practice of mine in business, as well as in my personal life, but for whatever reason I hadn’t applied this “best practice” to the marathon.
I believe putting the running strategy to paper will assist me greatly with mentally preparing myself for successfully completing my first marathon.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
I received the following short story from a friend and felt motivated to share it with you today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and pass it on.
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I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries I wasn’t hungry. The pain of losing my husband of seven years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.
He often came with me and almost every time he’d pretend to go off and look
for something special. I knew what he was up to. I’d always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.
He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.
Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered
how he had loved his steak.
Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft
green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped
them in her basket.. Hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.
She saw me watching her and she smiled. “My husband loves T-bones, but
honestly, at these prices, I don’t know.”
I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. “My husband passed away eight days ago, ” I told her. Glancing at the package
in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. “Buy him the
steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.”
She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.
I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.
I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.
As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. “These are for you, ” she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. “When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.” She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again.I wanted to tell her what she’d done, what the roses meant, but still unable
to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear.
I wasn’t alone.
Oh, you haven’t forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.
Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
How do you rebound? I’m not talking about pulling down a rebound in basketball. I’m talking about rebounding from a stressful day or a bad week.
How long does it take you to rebound, recharge and get back to your normal routine?
How long do you let anger, frustration and stress stay with you, or are you able to forgive and forget and move on to the next thing on your list without another thought of what had you frustrated just minutes ago?
Some times that’s easier said than done, or at least I know that’s the case for me.
I’ve found a great outlet, time to think, reflect and recharge while running. It can be somewhat therapeutic in a way. It’s time I haven’t always taken for myself and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get away, drift off in thought, and enjoy the moment, while also getting a good workout.
If you don’t have a time in the day just for you, I encourage you to make time and you may find yourself rebounding, recharging and enjoying your days more.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
We were enjoying a barbecue at or neighbors the other day and in exasperation I said, “If you ever want to learn a few tips or the best strategies for sales or negations, just observe our kids.”
I can’t tell you how many negotiations I’ve had with our kids over the years, and this past month seems to be some kind of family record. The kids have just been on a roll when it comes to trying to get their way, trying to stay up late, or an attempt to wiggle out of something they should be doing.
I don’t know how you feel, but it seems like kids these days are much smarter, wiser and craftier than when I was growing up. I guess that’s a round-about way to say our kids sure are smarter than I was growing up!
Bottom line, though, if you want to learn the best strategies in sales and negotiations, study your kids, or go to a school, park or playground and observe the kids sales and negotiation skills. You’ll witness first-hand some skillful youngsters selling to whoever will listen, and being as persistent as anyone until they get their way.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
Do you remember the song “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” by Annie Lennox? Well, it’s a song I haven’t heard for a long time, until this past weekend during our worship service at church.
We attended the contemporary service and the worship band decided to play “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” for the congregation to sing along, and it turned out to be one of those songs the majority participated in singing. People were singing and swinging back and forth and really enjoying the music and lyrics.
Have you ever been some where and heard an upbeat song that seemed to make you and most everyone in ear-shot of the music start singing the words, tapping their feet and smiling? Well, that’s the same kind of effect this song had on our congregation and it was neat to see most everyone showing enthusiasm, smiling and enjoying the singing of this song.
I’m not much of a singer – just ask my wife and those who sit near me at church – but even I found myself singing a bit louder and swaying to the music.
Henry Wadsworth once said “Music is the universal language of mankind.” That sure seemed to be the case this past weekend.
I hope you hear a song today that has the same kind of uplifting effect on you.
Have an awesome day!
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
I was returning home this week from one of my training runs, and as I rounded the corner and headed down the street towards our home, our youngest daughter came into full view. She was riding without training wheels – a first for me to see – and she was smiling from ear-to-ear.
As you can imagine, the moment I saw Kennedy pedaling her bike towards me, I broke out into my own ear-to-ear smile.
To top it off, Kennedy had lost her second tooth – this one the upper front and quite noticeable with a huge grin – and ironically she lost her tooth the same day she learned to ride without training wheels.
What a sight. Simply priceless!
Any proud Dad who has experienced this sight, and many other “firsts” with their children, undoubtedly can relate.
There are not too many things in life I enjoy more than being a father and sharing in our kid’s excitement and joy. It’s during those times that life seems to stand still and nothing matters but that moment with our kids.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
Believe it or not, I finished my last long training run in preparation to run my first marathon in a few weeks. It was indeed something to celebrate after completing my last 18-miler this past Saturday.
In the last eight weeks, I’ve logged 280-plus miles as a part of a training schedule I’ve used to prepare for the marathon, and over 520 miles the last 16 weeks.
My body is grateful we’ve reached the tapering phase of the training. It’s time to heal, re-gain full strength, and eat well the next few weeks in preparation for the marathon.
I’m looking forward to the shorter runs, and hopefully most of the aches and pains I’m feeling will subside soon.
And although I said I’m glad the long runs are over, I actually do have one more long run…26 miles and 385 yards to be exact.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
I recently was listening to a radio interview and heard an event manager say “We’re in the memory business. We want everyone who attends our events to go home with a special memory.”
This is similar to how I view events, and I’ve described it as creating an excellent event experience versus creating a memory. I like “creating a memory” better than “creating an excellent event experience.”
It’s simple and succinct.
Just think…if everyone in your organization has the objective to create a memory for your customer – each day, at each of your events, and with each interaction with a customer – you and your associates would be creating a lot of lifelong memories for your customers, and in the process, lifelong fans.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
Each day when I awake, my vision’s a bit blurry, but my clarity is crystal clear.
How is your daily clarity?
For those of you who don’t know, I wear contacts, so that explains my blurry vision when I awake, since I don’t wear contacts when I sleep.
When it comes to clarity, though, and being crystal clear, that’s a result of having a game plan, and being clear on the day’s objectives to achieve the goals.
I didn’t always have clarity. In fact, years ago I had very little clarity and my days were a constant blur…like when I wake up each morning!
So how’s your clarity? Do you have a game plan that includes all you want to achieve this year, and in the years to come? Do you have a daily task list – a realistic daily task list – that you’re focused on each hour? Are you clear on your goals and what it will take to achieve each one?
If you do, good for you! If not, why not?
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
Many times we don’t ask others what they want and we guess. Why do we guess what others want instead of just asking?
As a consultant, I’m often asked my thoughts on an idea or a strategy. One of the first questions I ask is how the idea or strategy was generated. Was the idea self-generated without the customer or prospects thoughts and ideas? If so, I recommend asking the customer or prospect what THEY want, what THEIR ideas are, or what THEY would enjoy.
Many times we think we’re supposed to come up with all the answers, solutions and strategies and we don’t think about asking the customer or prospect.
I’ve done this many times over the years – assumed I knew exactly what someone wanted – but somewhere along the way, I realized (probably after being wrong so many times!) I really didn’t have a clue what customers or prospects wanted.
Out of motivation to satisfy customers and find ways to please season ticket holders or other customers, I began asking the customer for their thoughts, ideas and suggestions on season ticket holder benefits they would enjoy receiving, or what season ticket holder gift they would want to receive as an early-bird renewal incentive, and the results were nothing short of amazing.
It sounds too easy doesn’t it? Instead of guessing what customers want, you simply ask them. Instead of holding meeting after meeting with co-workers and associates, brainstorming what you and your associates think you should give customers, or what incentive to provide prospects, you ask your customers and prospects what they want.
It truly is that easy and I encourage those of you who are not presently asking to ask your customers and prospects what they want, and you’ll take the guess work out of your work.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
I haven’t always enjoyed reading. That would surprise a lot of people who know me, since I have a fairly extensive business book library.
While growing up, I struggled with reading and it could be attributed to not reading enough…not in school or at home.
But, I learned some where along the way that if I wanted to accomplish my goals in life, I best start reading more. Once I started reading, I didn’t stop. I continue to read more than ever – at home, on the plane, in the hotel, on vacations. I really enjoy reading and learning.
My wife thinks my reading isn’t “fun reading” or enjoyable reading, but that’s because she enjoys reading fiction romance novels and I enjoy the personal and professional development books. To me, though, it is fun and very enjoyable.
How often do you read? How many books do you read each month or each year? Is reading personal and professional development books a part of your daily routine and/or your personal and professional goals?
My goal is to read at least two chapters of personal and/or professional development each day, and to also read at least one chapter each day about marathon running.
If you don’t have a reading goal, I encourage you to add reading to your goal list and try to read at least one book each month.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
I’ve heard from time-to-time – and I’m sure you have as well – “That’s what it’s all about, having fun, ” but how often do we really have “fun” or look to have “fun” in all we do?
I asked a similar question of myself several years ago and realized there certainly were times I was not only having fun, but having a blast, and other times things were fairly average.
Those average times usually came at the office, while traveling on business and away from family, or when I did something that “traditionally” is not defined as “fun.”
Well, I asked one of my favorite questions – “Why not?” In this case it was, “Why not have “fun” and view every day, interaction and situation as an “opportunity to have fun?”
I’m not sure if it comes with age, maturity, experience or all of those things and more, but I’ve learned over the years that we can have “fun” in all we do…and that includes work and situations not traditionally defined as “fun.”
Depending on how we view a situation or the attitude we choose in certain situations, we can have fun or not have fun. “Why not” choose fun? We do have a choice and sometimes I think we forget to choose “fun” in all we do…even when at “work.”
Over the years – with age, maturity and experience – I’ve chosen more times than not to have fun. As they say, “That’s what it’s all about…having fun!”
I hope you have a fun day in all you do!
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
We laugh often at the dinner table. It’s rarely just a sit down, normal eat and be done with dinner around our home.
Someone’s usually doing something that’s going to make the whole family start laughing.
Our youngest daughter is quite the jokester, and the more she sees she’s entertaining us, the more she does her thing to keep us laughing.
At times, it’s hilarious.
But there are times when I think God is showing he has a sense of humor and paying me back for all the times I was a difficult child to raise.
Like when my Mom would ask me not to use the kitchen towel to clean up spills, but I’d use a towel any way…and so does our daughter…and she’s quick to ask “what’s the big deal Daddy?” just as I used to ask my Mom and think I was pretty funny.
Well, when my daughter does it, I can’t help but laugh and think back to my childhood days and how my Mom would just love to hear today all the experiences I’m reliving with our daughter, except I’m the frustrated parent and my daughter’s having fun seeing her Daddy get all frustrated!
As they say, “What comes around goes around, ” and I’m enjoying every minute of it!
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
I’ve always had a thirst for learning, which for me goes hand-in-hand with being curious and asking a lot of questions.
But surprisingly, with the many questions I ask today, I rarely raised my hand in class. I just wasn’t comfortable asking a question in class.
For some reason, though, it was different in sports. I had more of a comfort level asking questions and learning all I could when I participated in sports, and that’s likely the case for many youth today. We all have our comfort levels.
But today, I’m very comfortable asking questions, and those who know me well would likely say I’m trying to make up for lost time when I didn’t raise my hand in class, because I sure do ask a lot of questions.
I hope you have a thirst to learn and rearely – if ever – hesitate to ask a question.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
I’m enjoying a day off from running today with less than five weeks to go before I run my first marathon and I’m supposed to say I’m excited for the day of the marathon.
That would be the positive self-talk I’ve been encouraged to adopt in the books I’ve been reading.
The truth is I’m both excited and scared.
I’ve learned I can run a lot more miles than I ever dreamed I’d attempt, and I’ve also learned God didn’t place me on earth to be a long-distance runner…that’s for sure.
But for one day, it’s my goal to be prepared to cover the 26 miles and 385 yards required for the marathon.
The most frequent question I receive is – “So what’s your goal time for the race?” First, I don’t consider a marathon a “race.” Second, I have no “goal time.” My goal is to FINISH the marathon…the same day I start running it.
Stay tune!
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
As we start the second quarter, have you taken time this week to review your first quarter results and where you stand with your 2006 goals?
Have you scheduled time this week, as well as each week following the second, third and fourth quarters of 2006, to review your quarterly results, to measure where you are in relation to your goals, make adjustments and celebrate your successes?
It’s not too late to schedule the time. It’ll be time well invested.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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April 27, 2024
Last Monday I wrote about how I enjoyed an isle seat. Well, ironically, I was flying to Los Angeles on business last week and there were no isle seats to and from Los Angeles, and luckily I had my second choice available, window seats.
I took full advantage of the spectacular Utah mountain views – which I could see more often if I sat near the window whenever I depart on a plane – but I really enjoy the isle seat, the leg room and freedom to come and go from an isle seat without inconveniencing those sitting next to me.
I enjoyed the window seat because of the views, but glad it was a short flight, and would enjoy sitting on the isle the next time I fly.
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Ron Goch, The Telios Group
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