A good friend, Tom Clark mentored me in many ways while I was growing a business… early in my career path. He may not have known that I listened to everything he said, and much of it made very good sense.  I didn’t emulate all he said or did, but I heard it… and once-in-a-while I’d try it out.

One of the Tom Clark’isms I’ve found value in, is the quote by our 30th President Calvin Coolidge.  As I have grown more aware of “getting things done.”  I have found this quote to be 100% true.  My hope in publishing this information is that you may read it, understand it, and adopt the habits of persistence.

”Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”  Calvin Coolidge

Another Clark’ism is his take-away from Dale Carnegie’s, How to Win Friends and Influence People.

In the late 1980’s, Tom was diligently working with me and a team of folks to sell a unique high-ticket product.  As we did our research and made presentations, Tom suggested we ‘listen’ more than we ‘speak.’  I remember him specifically telling me “people like to talk about themselves… and listening is a good way to get them to like you.”  As we unpacked that further, I learned that listening to others was an effective relationship building action.  Our entire team was intrigued with Toms ability to develop relationships with the right folks.

These have become core characteristics in my life as I grow and improve my life skills.  Thanks to Calvin, Dale and Tom.