9 Dot Puzzle to solve

I was given this puzzle to solve today - the traditional nine dot puzzle. I did it in around 3 minutes (hadn't seen it before) and my solution was a little unotherdox to say the least. 

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starting from any point, draw four continuous lines (without lifting the pen) so that each of the nine dots has at least one line running through it.

Have a go! Once you have done it, see if you can then do it with 3 lines. There is also a solution for doing it with one line if you want to crack that one too.

Final Session uploaded

I have just uploaded Session 6 podcasts. The first session has Nic Harding talking about Money, and the principles of Money. Chris Holcombe then follows with his story of being a successful surgeon as well as a landlord and hotelier! Unfortunately all of Chris' talk was not successfully recorded - but there is still a fair chunk.

Myself and Ian Finch then answer questions about sales in the second part.

Hard to believe the school is now over - thanks again for all your commitment and a big thanks to all the speakers that helped on the school.

I will be in touch next week about the mentoring group.

Session 5 Podcasts

I have uploaded the podcasts for session 5.

In part one - I look at the leadership model and comment on the ideas of the leadership challenge being about inspiring out teams. Dan Prior continues to look at recruitment and specifically the importance of induction for new staff members as well as some great questions to ask during interviews.

In part two Graham Sharples talks from his 26 years experience about leadership and what it means from a Christian point of view to be the"boss" with some great principles for Christian employers. Dan Prior also talks about recruitment and how to set up a successful recruitment policy with tips on interviewing potential candidates for a job

Session 6 notes uploaded

I have now uploaded the notes for session 6 - our final session together in this first course.

Next week, we will look at the subject of money and how it relates to business. Hopefully Nic Harding will be sharing with us his views on the subject. The notes also talk about cash flow in your business.

Chris Holcombe, the chair of trustees and a business man in his own right, will also be giving us his story.

Ian Finch from Mando and myself will be talking about sales & marketing. (This subject is not talked about in the Session 6 notes).

After that we will have a time of impartation from the Holy Spirit - so please all come preparing to have a great time.

Session 5 Notes & Session 4 Podcasts uploaded

I have just uploaded the notes for session 5 on employement which Graham Sharples and Dan Prior will talk about next week.

Following a great night with Chris Gibaud and Steve Connolly in the first session and Matt & Elli Johnson and Ian & Louise Finch in the second session - I have also uploaded the podcasts as these will definately be worth listening to again. More information about Mando can be found at www.mandogroup.com

Personality Tests

I have just taken a test to figure out my personality-type. This is something that we are doing at the company to help us understand how we work better.

Here are my results. You should have a go - the test is free at http://www.mypersonality.info/.

He's given you the ability!

Pete sent me this - it was taken from the 22nd May reading from the UCB website:

'God...gives you the ability to produce wealth...' Deuteronomy 8:18

Without struggle, you'll never develop your potential! Have you ever watched an ant carrying home a piece of bread that's bigger than him? Success belongs to those too small to carry what they believe in but too stubborn to leave it behind! If God the Creator lives within you, then you are 'creative'. That means when you can't find a job, you can go out and create one. 

If success doesn't come after you, get up and go after it. 

There are no risk-free plans. A young man once asked an old man, 'What's the secret of your success?' 'Good decisions,' he replied. 'How did you learn to make good decisions?' the young man asked. 'By making bad ones,' the old man replied. Once you discover your gift and identify your dream, get on your mark, get set and go! Stop waiting for opportunity. Opportunity is the breath in your body and the strength of your mind. If you use your God-given gifts wisely, there's no telling what you can do. But you must be a 'doer'! God does not give us wealth; He gives us the power to get wealth. There's a big difference. Too many of us sit down and wait for Him to drop everything into our lap. 

A dream without corresponding action only aggravates the soul and amounts to nothing. God will give you the power to succeed but you have to take it, develop a plan and work at it. Okay?