Those who identify as “left-brain” thinkers tend to be more on the analytic and logical side of the spectrum of thought. Law, finance, engineering and the sciences are some of the many industries that those analytical types tend to fall into. But in an age of innovation, those more systematic thinkers might need a kick-start for creativity to keep up. While there are distinct verbal and analytic styles of thinking associated with different hemispheres of the brain, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t able to delve into more creative areas.

Unfortunately, a large portion of the population believes left-brain thinkers struggle with creativity or aren’t able to generate new ideas. While one might become set in a pattern, it is still possible to break out of this limited method of thinking.

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Author Daniel Coyle’s book The Talent Code describes in detail what physically happens to the brain when someone develops a new skill. In order to properly build up your brain to receive and keep new thought processes, knowledge and skills, Coyle calls for a need of what he names deep practice, which is exactly what it sounds like: practice. Learning and performing a new action involves firing an electrical signal through a neural pathway. Every time this happens, it thickens the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. The thicker the myelin sheath around the neural pathway, the more easily and effectively we use it.

What are ways we can “hack” our right-side brain and begin to let it out of the box? Some tips to start thinking creatively are simple:

Sign your name in the way you’ve developed, then re-sign it—backwards. Just the mere motion of attempting to break out of what you would normally do fires the right brain hemisphere. Try signing your name in different writing styles. Upside down. In a spiral. In loops. Repeat this until you are able to sign in all different designs and directions.

The right hemisphere aids in your ability to move in an unfamiliar way—such as dance. Just as we must take steps to learn new moves—a yoga position, a straighter posture, or running style—our brains must use a similar process to learn how to think differently.

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Begin the art of deep practice by conquering any unaccustomed task, attempting challenges and feeding stray information into your right brain's database. Before you know it, you will see new ideas begin to emerge.

Here is Cydcor's review of 'Power Listening' by Bernard Ferrari!

About Power Listening:

Nothing causes bad decisions in organizations as often as poor listening skills. But Bernard Ferrari, adviser to some of the nation's most influential executives, believes that such missteps can be avoided and that the skills and habits of good listening can be developed and mastered. He offers a step-by-step process that will help readers become active listeners that are able to shape and focus any conversation.

Why Cydcor recommends this book to future leaders:

Ferrari claims that in a business setting, good listening is a critically important (albeit strenuous) activity and that one that must be purposeful, under control, and in possession of total focus and engagement.

The author focuses on how to avoid the common pitfalls in conversation, and explains how to correct them if they occur. To actively and empathetically listen is critical in any important interpersonal situation, social or professional.

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Our favorite part:

One of the best parts of this book, and its greatest value, lies in how skillfully Ferrari poses clusters of questions to accomplish two separate but interdependent and immensely important purposes: To sharpen the inquiry skills of his reader (i.e. how to learn what needs to be known) and to provide a context within which his reader can apply those skills.

For example, Ferrari explains that, whenever possible, he avoids interrupting another person unless it is absolutely necessary. And when he does interrupt, "any interruptions or responses I make as questions. If I disagree with a statement, I'll package my disagreement in a probing question." In advance of discussion of key issues, he formulates a few questions that he may need "to guide the conversation into areas that will be more useful for me and [conversation partner]."

"If you work just for money, you'll never make it, but if you love what you're doing and you always put the customer first, success will be yours."

-Ray Kroc, businessman

Money is not the be-all and end-all of success. First, love what you are doing and take full gratification in pledging yourself entirely to your work and the needs of your client or business. This outlook on your work can transform the level of success and happiness you achieve throughout your life.

"The secret to productive goal setting is in establishing clearly defined goals, writing them down and then focusing on them several times a day with words, pictures and emotions as if we've already achieved them."

-Denis Waitley, author and motivational speaker

Creating a clear plan is key. Start by envisioning yourself experiencing success every day of your life. You are more likely to commit to keeping promises and staying on your goal path by visually focusing on them daily.

"It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute... that gives meaning to our lives."

-Tony Robbins, life coach

A large part of being successful means remembering others in your lives and how each person helped you get where you are today. True happiness and self-satisfaction is not measured by material wealth or possessions. Rather, it is the way you influence others and how you developed your character that makes life significant.

"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood."

-Helen Keller, author

Why do some things happen one way while other things happen differently? In order to fully understand why events occur the way they do, you must experience them first hand. Never just take someone else’s word for it; go out and live life to the fullest.

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In November 2014, Cydcor sent a group of representatives on a medical mission trip to Guatemala for Operation Smile.  Our own Darlene Mitchell, Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Technology at Cydcor, wrote the following about her time in Guatemala:

It was thrilling to join such an outstanding group on the Operation Smile medical mission to Guatemala. Though I was unsure what to expect, I knew we would touch the lives of others and, in turn, be forever changed by the experience. We were fortunate to experience several aspects of the mission: registration day, child life/prep, surgery, recovery, pre- and post-op, and medical records processing. I enjoyed learning about and contributing to each aspect of the entire process.

Registration day was filled with beautiful souls and families anxious for help. The extended Cydcor and field team had fun connecting with families, playing with the children, and attempting to put the families at ease. With stickers, jump ropes, and balls everywhere, the children were in good spirits. The poverty of some was difficult to comprehend; while some children arrived in their Sunday best, others clearly had not bathed for some time. For example, I heard one young mother had a headache on surgery day so she went around asking for change to purchase some medicine. She asked the nurses if she could change the hospital beds to earn money for aspirin, and when the nurse offered her several aspirin free of charge, the young mother burst into happy tears at the gift.

On one of the days, I spent several hours playing with a group of toddlers – Gladys, Genesis, and William – in the Child Life area where we helped calm the children and parents before surgery. The children warmed up to me quickly, and after their surgeries I was fortunate to be in the recovery room ready to comfort the children, who often wake up scared. Gladys was the first one back from surgery. As she woke up, the doctor was holding her as she asked for her mom. When she saw me there, she reached out her arms for me and the doctor let me step in to receive her sweet hug. I talked to her and comforted her until she was stable enough for her mom to come in. Nothing warms the heart like a child’s embrace.

Next to return from surgery was Genesis. The nurses let me hold and rock Genesis for some time, and as long as I was singing and rocking her, she was calm. I felt honored that she recognized my voice enough to be calmed by it until it was time to hand her over to her mother. Genesis’s mom was so happy to see me with her daughter and so thankful for the work of the doctors and nurses of Operation Smile. She thanked everyone profusely as she held Genesis and left recovery for post-op. I am so grateful to have met these wonderful families and, in some small way, make a difference. The children will forget the surgery and everything they went through, but I will always remember them.

Given the chance to observe several surgeries, I found myself fascinated with the process as the surgeons worked their magic and changed these children’s lives forever. The Cydcor team helped wherever needed, from decorating and updating patient files to making connections like the ones I made. The professionalism and passion of all the volunteers and Operation Smile teams impressed me. As I spoke with the Cydcor team at the end of our journey, we all shared an even deeper passion for the cause and vowed to increase our efforts to raise money for this wonderful organization.

For additional information about Cydcor’s partnership with Operation Smile, head over to http://www.operationsmile.org/cydcor.

Cydcor is happy to announce two selfie contests that will be held during our next big event, Keys to Success 2015 in Dallas, TX! ICL owners attending the event will have the opportunity to submit a selfie on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #KTS2015. Entries will automatically be entered into a drawing for $100 cash!

Cydcor invites all attending ICL owners to enter the contest. If a group photo is picked as a winner, the ICL owner who posts the image will be awarded the prize. Winners will be announced on Cydcor’s Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/CydcorLLC) as well as Cydcor’s Instagram (@Cydcor) by 9:00 P.M. CST on Friday and Saturday. Be sure to follow Cydcor’s Facebook page for additional information regarding all the fun taking place at Keys to Success 2015.

The first contest will run from Friday, February 6th from 6:00 AM CST until 9:00 P.M. CST. The second contest will run from Saturday, February 7th, 2015 at 6:00 AM CST, until 9:00 P.M. CST. Winners will be announced at 9:30 P.M. CST on both days.

See you in Dallas for #KTS2015!

Terms and Conditions

Post a selfie on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #KTS2015 on Friday and Saturday and you will be automatically entered in the daily Keys to Success Selfie contest.  To be eligible, entrants must be (i) at least 18 years of age and (ii) registrant attending Cydcor’s Keys to Success 2015(Cydcor employees are not eligible). Multiple submissions per participant are allowed. Profanity or inappropriate language or images, as determined by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, will be disqualified. One $100 cash non-transferrable award will be provided onsite at the event. First contest begins Friday, February 6th, 2015 at 6:00 AM CST and ends same day at 9:00 P.M., CST. Second contest begins Saturday February 7th, 2015 from 6:00 AM CST until 9:00 P.M. CST. The winners will be selected by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, and announced via Cydcor’s Facebook page at 9:30 P.M. CST. This promotional offer is not intended to create a partnership, joint venture, co-ownership or other association between Cydcor and the participant.

This promotion does not have a connection with Facebook in any way and is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering the contest, participants agree to fully release Facebook from any and all liability.

When it comes to handling stress on the job, studies have found that 90% of top performers in the workplace are able to overcome negative reactions by managing their emotions in times of stress. The odd thing about stress is that it is an imperative feeling to have in order to make decisions, as our brains are wired in the way where it may be difficult for one to take action if not under at least some level of this emotional state.

It’s easy to let stress overwhelm you, and as the research suggests, it’s how one manages such stress that can be the key toward success.

The University of California in San Francisco has conducted multiple studies into how people handle stress. Their research shows that one quality many who handle stress well have in common is their ability to say “no.” Always saying “yes” can place heaps of seemingly unending responsibilities onto a person and can add unnecessary strain on both workload and emotions. Know and understand when you cap out on the job as far as your tasks, and be sure to communicate to your team or managers when you feel you are at the peak of your capacity. Don’t be afraid to speak up!

Exercise is an important factor in keeping stress under control, as when stress comes up at work, it’s usually the first thing that goes in one’s routine. Get your body moving at some point during the day--even ten minutes can greatly help release tension and get you motivated to conquer.

Another huge step in managing stress involves managing the negative self-talk one might engage in. Ruminating on negative thoughts, even ‘what ifs’ that might have occurred can compound stress unnecessarily.

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Cydcor’s annual ‘Keys to Success’ event is almost here for 2015! Every year, Cydcor and its network of independent sales companies and leaders come together to build on their excellent business skills, jump-start the year with new relationships and ideas, and recognize top performers.

To spark up our excitement, Cydcor is pleased to announce a special contest for the Keys to Success attendees on the Cydcor Facebook page! To enter, all you have to do is head over to Cydcor’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/CydcorLLC) and share your best and original “Keys to Success” in seven words or less. The prize is a $25 gift card to Starbucks!  The winner will be chosen by Cydcor and based on the best response.

To win, you must be a Keys to Success 2015 registered attendee (Cydcor employees are not eligible). Multiple comments per entrant will be allowed. The contest begins at 12:00 PM PST on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 and runs through Sunday, January 25, 2015.  The winner will be picked by Cydcor, and announced on Cydcor’s Facebook page on Monday, January 26, 2015.

By providing its clients access to professional sales teams, Cydcor continues to grow as the leader in professional outsourced sales worldwide.

Terms and Conditions

Valid entries are comments that caption the related post on Cydcor’s Facebook page.  To be eligible, entrants must be (i) at least 18 years of age and (ii) a primary registrant attending Cydcor’s Keys to Success event (primary registrants’ guests and Cydcor employees are not eligible). Multiple comments per participant are allowed. Profanity or inappropriate language, as determined by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, will be disqualified. One $25 Starbucks non-transferrable gift card will be awarded onsite at the event. Contest begins at 12:00 PM, PST on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 and ends at 11:59 PM, PST on Sunday, January 25, 2015. The winner will be selected by Cydcor, in its sole discretion, and announced via Cydcor’s Facebook page on Monday, January 26, 2015.  This promotional offer is not intended to create a partnership, joint venture, co-ownership or other association between Cydcor and the participant.

This promotion does not have a connection with Facebook in any way and is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. By entering the contest, participants agree to fully release Facebook from any and all liability.

The following is a review by a Cydcor team member of 'Money: Master of the Game: Seven Simple Steps to Financial Freedom' by Tony Robbins for Cydcor Reviews!

About Money: Master of the Game: Legendary motivational coach Tony Robbins authors MONEY: Master The Game: Seven Simple Steps to Financial Freedom. This is Robbins’ first book in twenty years, and now he looks to delve into the topic that vexes many: how to secure financial freedom for our families and ourselves.

The book is based on extensive research and on-on-one interviews with more than fifty of the top financial experts in the world—from Warren Buffet and Carl Icahn, to Ray Dalio and even Steve Forbes—Robbins has created a simple seven-step blueprint that anyone can use for financial freedom.

Why Cydcor recommends this book to future leaders: Robbins’ book is useful for readers of every socioeconomic status and provides thorough steps to becoming financially free. Robbins advises readers to create a complete lifetime plan using regular income and savings. His book delivers practical and invaluable information and essential practices for getting your financial situation in order.

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Our favorite part: Robbins’ long interview with Carl Icahn, notoriously known for giving sparse and short quotes, is especially inspiring. Icahn, an activist investor, is also one of the few power brokers on Wall Street who looks to take control of poorly operating companies and make those in management accountable for the company’s health as a whole. As a result, he aids businesses by making them more efficient. By reading his interview, you will understand why it’s important to follow the moves this man makes to create a healthy, inspiring company.

Musical leaders are responsive and energetic, always aware of changes in their own industry, adapting accordingly, and knowing what their audience understands and expects from them. There are a great many things one can take away from the stage into an office workplace.

Adapt

An old adage reads, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Musicians often have to respond to surprises and adversity, since music like freestyle and jazz is all about how you react and adapt. Making a business run smoothly is always the goal; however, hurdles often can come and disrupt your plans; learning how to acclimate and react swiftly can often save a company.

Support

The best musical artists in the world know how to bring out the very best in their bands and support teams involved in setup and stage presentation. While there are times to rock out as a soloist, always remember to take a step back and let others on your team shine. As a leader, it’s important to understand that if your team did a fantastic presentation or project, see that they rocked out together, and let them know you appreciate their collaboration. Work with your team to encourage creativity in the workplace and showcase examples of solo excellence as well as teamwork.

Check out these 8 Great Work Habits on Cydcor's SlideShare today!

Audience

Musicians often create music first and foremost for themselves, but the ultimate goal is to let it be heard to a larger audience. Knowing the audience is key, especially once musicians become known for a particular musical genre. If they are known for rock ‘n roll, but play a new slower jazz piece in the middle of a concert, their audience might be less than thrilled. Your clients are the same. Know your own audience and the expectations they have for the service you are providing. Always work to provide them with something they want to keep coming back for, whether it be a fantastic product or simply great service.

Learn more about Cydcor at our website: https://www.cydcor.com/.

To run successful business, it’s essential to reach out to prospective partners and clients on a regular basis. However, many of us dread the idea of walking into a room and introducing ourselves to strangers—so making those initial connections can be tough.

Networking is a great opportunity to make business contacts and recruit new prospects. While it might seem like a difficult task, in reality it doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience.

To ease yourself into a “networking mind-set,” speak to people everywhere you go. This is a great way to practice conversation, as well as your active listening skills. Get into the habit of chatting with folks without the stressor of needing to do a sales-pitch or the pressure of fellow colleagues around you. This will help you get comfortable with more casual conversation and will make it much easier when the time comes to go to a convention or event.

Make a positive impression by having an upbeat attitude, as people wish to work and connect with those who are confident as well as optimistic. This assertiveness will increase your chances of a lasting impression; however, always remember to remain genuine. Being overly gung-ho or coming across fake can turn off those around you.

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Follow up with those you connect with. At many events and opportunities, business cards can be rapidly exchanged. Keep track of those cards and when you have a new contact, be sure to contact with them via email or connect with them on a social site such as LinkedIn within twenty-four hours. A simple, “It was fantastic to chat with you yesterday!” can go a long, long way.

“On average, loyal customers are worth up to 10 times as much as their first purchase.”
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- White House Office of Consumer Affairs

In 2011, American Express conducted a survey of their customers, which revealed that 3 out of 5 customers are willing to walk away from their favorite brand if they received poor customer service. Many entrepreneurs and businesspeople struggle with various aspects of customer service, but it’s clear that customer service can certainly make or break a business. In addition to the American Express survey, another research report showed that 90% of Americans are willing to spend more if it means excellent service.

Fantastic customer service can help a business rise in the ranks, and the loyalty of a client base that appreciates you and what you have to offer is paramount. Loyal customers are familiar with you and your brand, and therefore are much more likely to check out new products or recommendations you make.

“Brand ambassadors” are popular, especially on social media, where Tweets, photo posts and hashtags make it easy for customers to share a great experience—or a bad one. Keeping your customers happy, with quick responses to their questions or concerns, gives them a positive experience they wish to share. If they love your service or product, they will speak up and share, and word-of-mouth marketing is an extremely powerful channel.

Having brand ambassadors can assist you in creating new customers, as they are taking a recommendation of a friend or family member who mentions your services. This is a much lower cost to acquire, as most business need to advertise and market, offering free product samples or discounts in order to attract new customers. By providing great customer service, you create an experience others will want to share. And as a reward, they will sell others on your business.