Update

Hello everyone. I wanted to keep you updated on what is happening with me and my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures. Life is good. The book is being received well. I plan to have my book available everywhere shortly. I picked up a business book that happens to be a best-seller. I read a chapter then read a chapter of mine. I liked mine better. I am biased, so let me know what you think. I truly believe that when the right celebrity or public figure reads my book, they may ignite a spark of interest that may lead to best-seller status! God bless you.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

A New Me

Every day I try to become better. But today is different. Today is special. I decided to stay focused on my overall goal of building my author platform (those who are fans of my writing). Ten years from now, I will be able to easily convince people to read my offerings. I will not worry about present circumstances. I will WIN! I am currently writing my next two books and I am enjoying the journey. Also, the shelf life of The Six Common Small Business Failures will be longer than the average business book. It may very well be before its time. The fight will continue. It feels like I have to convince each person to try my book. This convincing will subside as my platform builds. Don't wish me luck because luck will not have anything to do with my success - God will mold me into what He wishes me to be.

This was a little pep talk for me. I apologize for involving you all. Pep talks work well with hard work. I have done the first, now it is time to work!

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Busy As A Bee

Hello everyone. Just wanted to drop a quick note. Although we get busy, we need to understand the importance of time management. Handle your time as if you cannot get it back, because you can't!

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Untruthfulness

For the past four weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak to my church, the West Jacksonville Church Of God In Christ. Each week I talk briefly on each failure identified in my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures. This week the topic was Failure #5, untruthfulness.

We have all heard the expressions, "If you are not cheating, you are not trying" or "Nice guys finish last". Strong business leaders do not need to cheat, lie, or be mean in order to win in business. We must realize that it does matter how we 'play the game'. Our youth need to have role models in business that possess courage, determination, and integrity.

Business is about building relationships. Yet lies tear down relationships. Can you see the problem with lies? Lies can (and do) tear down years of positive, truthful behavior. One lie can make someone not trust you ever again. There is indeed power in the words we speak (and write).

Smart business leaders tell the truth and demand that everyone in and around their organizations do the same. We should 'underpromise and overdeliver' as a rule of thumb. If your company cannot do something that is asked of it, just say so. The truth may not always be appreciated but is always the best way to go. Lastly, we do not have time nor the ability to remember every thing that we say or do. If only true statements are used, it is easy to recall them. The truth will stand the test of time. The truth will set you free! God bless you.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

The Energy of Leadership

Have you ever heard the expression that energy can not be created not destroyed? Actually, the law of conservation of energy says that in an isolated system energy can only be changed i.e. kinetic energy to thermal energy. In business, leaders should understand that if we put a great amount of "human equity" - blood, sweat, and tears, we will get a great amount of movement in return. Notice that a positive outcome is NOT guaranteed. The key is to put wisdom and energy together to obtain a fruitful result.

Organizations are isolated systems in this scenario. Meaning, if great people are in the system, and they have great ideas, these ideas can have two affects. One, they can be implemented - leading to new products, technologies, and ultimately new revenue streams. Secondly, they can be squandered - leading to negative forces such as stagnation, employee burnout, and possible failure. It is the job of leaders to squeeze every ounce of positive energy out of everyone in the system including ourselves. If not, that energy turns negative naturally.

Business champions - great business leaders - understand the importance of using all resources for the advancement of the organization. There is energy in our systems. We must use this energy wisely. God bless you!

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Book Business

Hello readers. I am taking this time to keep you current on the events of yours truly, Frederick Jones, and Noverhead Publishing. First, Noverhead Publishing is currently working on its distribution network. We aim to make our books available nationwide in all bookstore chains. In addition, we plan to make our first offering, The Six Common Small Business Failures, available in hundreds of independent bookstores.

Frederick Jones has the following book signings scheduled:

• Gateway Bookstore, 5238-22 Norwood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32208 on Saturday, August 1, 2009 from 12 noon-2pm


• Border's, 8801 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 on Sunday, August 30, 2009 from 2pm-4pm


• San Marco Bookstore, 1971 San Marco Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207 on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 10am-2pm

Please continue to leave comments and/or email me with encouraging words. God bless you!

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

http://www.donotfail.info/

http://www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com/

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Networking Counts

With so many things to do, leaders often forget the importance of networking. We think to ourselves, 'I know the people that I need to know'. But I view networking a little differently than most consultants. Instead of a 'what's-in-it-for-me' attitude, we should consider how much we can help other entrepreneurs with our list of professionals. We should attempt to help others and, by doing that, indirectly become the 'guy' - the man or woman that knows all of the right people.

The Six Common Small Business Failures is a book of many subjects written by yours truly. I wanted to convey the general message that businesses, products, and services are all created to fill needs. But as we fill one need other opportunities arise and the need to be the 'guy' is always there. While it is great to be an expert in your field, it is also great to be the 'guy' that can get concert tickets that were sold out months ago.

By helping people get what they want, we become successful. People tend to depend on the 'guy' for more than just one service. The 'guy' in turn becomes a local celebrity in his own right - able to move mountains in business or socially. Our job is to become the 'guy' while leading our organizations. Ready? Set? Let's go!

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusinesss.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

And The Survey Says!

Noverhead Publishing has produced a small questionaire to find out if you have a book in you? To find out if you have what it takes to write a masterpiece, go to Click'>http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wiFJyJtoh6Cx12kD17i6hA_3d_3d">Click to take the survey.

Frederick Jones
Noverhead Publishing
www.donotfail.info
www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com
fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Why Follow?

Yesterday's blog was aimed at managers that fail to lead. Today we ask why are most managers ineffective leaders. There are three primary reasons for this.

• Leadership traits must be learned

The traits of a leader can be picked up as a child but nonetheless they must be picked up. People do not naturally know how to cope with those placed under their watch. However, observation is probably the best teacher of leadership principles.

• Colleges produce followers

I learned a lot in college. But how to lead people through the trenches of business comes from the school of hard knocks. In editing my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures, I found that college grads are limited in their view of how to write, talk, and think in business. It was as if their is only one way of expressing one's self. This strict approach to business makes 'like-minded' thinking possible. Colleges teach us how to please our leaders (professors, then bosses) by any means neccessary. Friction usually rises in business settings where college grads and common employees attempt to work together. The college grads conform to company standards while common workers tend to use common sense.

• Organizations like followers

It is well known that upper management will make the key decisions. I do not have a problem with that at all. But, the input of every employee should be sought after. This is not the case however. Mid-level managers squash the enthusiasm of common employees by not listening to them. Listen leaders, every person wants to be listened to! A fancy title doesn't make an idea better. Ideas for innovation can and do come from the wierdest places (and people)!

True leaders are not scared of being 'outsmarted' by their staff. Leadership wants the best for their organization, period. Business failure can be avoided but it takes a team dedicated to success; not just a group of followers.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Most Managers Are Not Leaders

I get to meet to a lot of people. This is a good thing because new conversations energize me. Well at least most of the time they do. My problem lies with the mid-level managers that I encounter. They tend to drain me. While competitive, they only compete for job security or image. These are some of the most educated individuals in our society yet they do not innovate, create, or change anything. They are gatekeepers. Their goal is to keep upper-level management happy, not to make a better organization.

In my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures, I talk about the insecurities of some leaders in that they will not allow their employees to actually THINK. Most managers are intimidated by people who think differently than them. The term 'like-minded individuals' should raise red flags within a company but instead it is a sought after mindset. This 'don't-rock-the-boat' mentality is a sign of future problems. Failure at the Fortune 500 level can be hidden by acquiring companies or number manipulation but, trust me, failure is inevitable with like-minded thinking.

I wondered why it was so hard to sell my book to the very people that it was intended to help. Well the reason is because most managers are not leaders. They are scared and simply trying to keep a job. This economic environment is the first step to a new way of thinking for leaders and employees. Times are changing and the true leaders will rise up.

I will stay on this topic all week so feel free to add to this discussion. Email me at fredvjones37@hotmail.com or leave a comment below. God bless you.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Testimonials Needed

Can you help me? I need positive statements concerning my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures. You know, the ones that you see on the back of books that entice people to buy it! Please email your comments to fredvjones37@hotmail.com or use the comment section below. Also, be sure to brag a little. State any titles, achievements, or credentials that will give your statement more punch. If you haven't read the book but would like to, go to www.donotfail.info and pick up a copy. Thank you.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

The Future of Social Media

I am hooked. Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter are all good for my business. My blog also helps the cause of promoting my writings. But what will happen once the newness wanes? Notice that the elder statesman of the group, MySpace, was not mentioned earlier.

Where is it all leading to? For one, the change in retail purchases has cause part of our current economic downturn. Less brick and mortar businesses means more commercial property vacancies including shopping malls. The Internet has allowed us to shop more efficiently and the social networking site are making it even easier to promote our products to exactly who we want. For example, Amazon knows my taste in books because of technology. Our country may have thousands of unneeded buildings because of the Internet and social networking(marketing) will only add to the power of online commerce.

The current sites will get old to us but some new way of contacting each other via the web will always remain. In the past businesses could only dream of being this close to their customers. Now it is a reality. So while Twitter or Facebook may not survive, the concept of personal interaction will. The game is still the same - to bring your cow to the market and fetch the best price. However, the place of the market has turned from physical to virtual. Expect more empty stores in your community because e-commerce just got a shot in the arm in the form of these networking sites.

To learn more, go to www.donotfail.info and purchase my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

What About The Very Small Business?

Business magazines love to brag about how they are the voice of small business. But we must have different definitions of the word small. They focus on subjects such as payroll financing, venture capital, headhunters, and TV ad campaigns. What about the 'micro' businesses? You know, the one employee, mom and pop operation looking for advice and camaraderie.

Well, this is where I can help. My book, The Six Common Small Business Failures, as well as this blog was created to help the 'micro' companies compete and grow.

I want this blog to be an interactive destination for us - the very small business owners. Far too often we are talked to as if we are dumb. We get simple 'how to' babble while the more established entrepreneurs get legitimate insight and thoughtful written conversation. We only get told what to do while the big guys are asked, consulted, or suggested to.

My vision for this site is to use our energy to spark great conversations - the ones that add value to our businesses and our lives. So spread the word that we have a refuge - a place for the very small business leaders!

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

The Four Components of Business

We have thousands of thoughts that run wildly through our minds. Well, I needed a way to organize my business thoughts as well as my writings. I developed the Four Components of Business system. This system allows me to place my emphasis on each area as needed. The four components are management, marketing, financial, and legal. I challenge each of you to find a business topic that can’t be ‘shoehorned’ into one of the four components. For example, shrinkage (theft of inventory) is put into the management section but could be spoken of in the financial section. I choose management because rules should be put in place immediately, by management, to prevent shrinkage from occurring. But it affects finances also. It has to be accounted for due to its negative impact on the bottom line. So it is obvious that my theory is not perfect but it does work. With all of the business chores to be done, it helps to have a way to organize one’s thoughts. I set all tax and regulatory matters in the legal section and I think of these issues only when it is time to ‘open the legal component box’. This system actually helps prevent wondering whether all of the tasks of the day are done. Not worrying yields peace which then allows for creativity to be maximized.I use these same components when conducting meetings. An ideal meeting should have a brief introduction, discuss each thought in the management component section, then review each remaining component, and lastly a overview and action plan conveyed by the leader of the meeting. Good meetings are the sole responsibility of leaders and bad meetings can ruin the creativity and organization of a company.The Four Components of Business system works. Organization is an admirable trait that business champions possess. However, organization can be learned. Try this system and let me know how it works. It is used throughout my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures. You can reach me via email at fredvjones37@hotmail.com.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Ready To Succeed

A few weeks ago, I put together a PowerPoint presentation just in case any speaking engagements came my way. Well, one lunch with a prominent leader led to two invitations to speak about my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures...and how to avoid them! - one of which I cannot attend. Nevertheless, I would be in trouble if I had not prepared myself (my mind particularly).

Today's message is to be ready for opportunities. Positive thinking helps us to see the need to be ready even if the phones are silent and the Inbox is empty. Great leaders use idle time to prepare for the busy times. Honestly, I do not know if I am or ever will be a great leader. All that I try to do is imitate great leaders and good things happen. To learn more about champions - or great business leaders, be sure to purchase my book at www.donotfail.info.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Do You Make This Marketing Mistake?

You have the right product. The research has been done and the findings are promising. You have defined your target market and you know just how to reach them. Yet something is terribly wrong. Marketing is the process in which we figure out how to put our offerings in the proper place for consumers to react to them. Several mistakes are made during this courtship. But there is one mistake that is made over and over again yet is so preventable.

What is the mistake? Simply put, we do not listen to our customers. We talk about everything from innovations to affordability. But we do not appreciate the words of wisdom given to us daily by the very people who keep us in business. In my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures, arrogance is discussed in detail. Arrogant behavior does not allow us to listen because we think that we know it all. Businesses exist to fulfill needs. And the best way to understand the needs of our customers is to listen to our customers. Listening is an admirable and humble trait.

But it does not stop at the customers. We have to listen to market conditions as well as our own knowledge gained from previous shortcomings. Listening to our mentors, advisors, and most importantly, our God is necessary for business success also. We can be keenly aware of our best next move if we only listen.

We have two ears so let’s use them. We should listen in an attempt to relate to others. Building relationships is the backbone of business growth. I can listen and learn from my customers (you!), so contact me via email at fredvjones37@hotmail.com.


Frederick Jones
Noverhead Publishing
www.donotfail.info
www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

When Will The Recession End?

When will America officially emerge from the current recession? I wrote an article on this subject in January, 2009. This article concentrated on who will lead us out of this economic downturn. In addition, The Six Common Small Business Failures reminds us that temporary situations should not ruin businesses. Proper planning encourages leaders to operate within proper financial parameters, thus preparing the business for hard times. For the record, poor planning is Failure #1 in my book!

I don't know when we will emerge from this mess. I think that it will be sooner rather than later. My job is to be prepared for opportunities that present themselves to me as well as my company, Noverhead Publishing. I hope that you do the same.

Thank you for your time. Please keep the comments and emails coming.

Frederick Jones

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

fredvjones37@hotmail.com

Learning Never Ends

One trip to the library leads to another one. A visit to a library is on my agenda today. I plan to come out of the unassuming building a better businessperson than when I enter. I love going to places in which a feel better when I leave. Examples include churches, libraries, museums, and even zoos.

The only requirement needed to learn from my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures, is that a person should be attempt to become a better person.

Thanks for the feedback from yesterday and please keep the questions coming!

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

Business Questions

Do you know what would be a good idea? If we could have a great Q and A session on Friday July 3, 2009. So here it is - our chance to interact. Questions can be based on any business and/or leadership subject. For example, business failures are of interest to me so that would be a good start. In my book, The Six Common Small Business Failures, I spoke on the importance of a business plan. However, a question comes to mind.

"Who should the business plan be written for?"

Email your question to fredvjones37@hotmail.com or leave them in the comment section.

Frederick Jones

Noverhead Publishing

www.donotfail.info

www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com

Social Networking

Hello everyone,


The "Jack And The Social Media Beanstalk" seminar was held today at the lovely University Club here in Jacksonville, Florida. I did pick up a few tricks but, more importantly, the conversation led me to two points.

First, time management is even more important due to these new communication avenues. I do not want to waste time designated for business on catching up with old friends. We all are going to need to be more disciplined as it pertains to time.

Secondly, I wondered how things would change if one of the major Internet powers were to fold. What if Google went under? Technology is great but businesses can and do survive without blogs, Twitter accounts, or SEO (search engine optimization).

Have a great weekend and remember to leave a comment before you go!

Frederick Jones
http://www.donotfail.info/
http://www.fredjonesletstalkbusiness.blogspot.com/
fredvjones37@hotmail.com