Improve Google Ranking with Blogger

 

There are around 321,000,000 results for site:blogspot.com in the Google search engine. This means there are 321,000,000 indexed pages for blogs that are hosted in Google Blogger. Yet with this large number of pages, you've probably noticed that only a few of these blogs manage to get a decent Google ranking for most common blogging topics. Why? And can you duplicate their success? Keep reading. A quick list of the most common blogging topics is published here: http://promediablog.com/blogging-tips-10-most-popular-blog-topics-to-make-money-online/. For certain key terms, a few sites stand out. For example, for "film reviews blog," two results deserve further study:  commonguyfilmreviews.blogspot.com and  telugu-film-reviews.blogspot.com. For "pet blogs," internet-pets.blogspot.com is worth a look. For "fashion and jewelry blog," we'll look at three results: dcelestine.blogspot.com, in-vogue-jewelry.blogspot.com and profashionjewelry.blogspot.com. This article will examine the SEO characteristics of these blogs and what makes them rank in Google for their targeted terms. The information gathered by this observation can be used by aspiring bloggers to optimize their blogs for the best results in Google. Content is Still King: Consistency and Quality One of the common characteristics of most these blogs is that they emphasize writing quality content on a consistent basis. Another thing worth observing is the large minimum number of indexed pages on these blogs. Based on the sample provided, you can observe that most of them have indexed pages greater than 50; in short, all of the blog owners have written at least 50 posts for their blog. A high number of blogs in Google's top 10 even have hundreds to thousands of indexed pages. Regarding the quality of the content, these blogs feature original content, and most of their blog posts are more than 400 words long. These blog authors write useful and convincing content with the sole purpose of meeting the demands of their readers. The blogs' readers, especially those that are coming from Google, expect quality information, and these blogs deliver. You might observe that their content is not spammy in nature, and that the authors write naturally for their readers. Another thing worth observing is that these blogs do not contain too many ads on their pages. Well, you might have seen that most of Google's "blogspot" users set up blogs just for Google AdSense. As a result, their blogs contain a lot of ads, but little content, which is a mistake. But the top ranking blogs do not contain distracting or obtrusive ads. Instead, most of them even have no ads, or if they include an advertisement, it is clearly separated from the content, and limited. This implies that these blog authors are not blogging just for the purpose of making ad income; they are blogging to write great content which is helpful for their readers. Finally, they are not only writing quality content on a single occasion; most of these blogs are consistently updating and adding content. To summarize what we've learned: Blog authors at the top wrote a lot of quality content. Most ranking blogs have at least 50 blog posts. Writing content is really hard work and a time-consuming activity, so make sure that you are creating a blog that showcases your expertise in a specific topic or niche (not just a simple hobby that you have just recently learned or things that just interest you).This will ensure that you will never run out of helpful topics and ideas to write in the long run, which you can share with your readers. This is a very important blogging requirement that will help you stay motivated to write.Most users of Google Blogger start a blog just to share something which they are not really good at; they're not an expert on that topic. As a result, they are not greatly motivated to continuously write for their readers. They then abandon their blogs, and all of their marketing efforts to get known and rank in Google, at some point in time. Write useful, original and convincing content for your readers. Since content is king, you should pay attention to this if you need to improve your Google ranking.The logic is that Google ranks only quality content, and quality content is original, helpful and informative. Quality content is a strong factor in attracting organic links in the long run. This is why it is so important. Text content should not be spammy in nature; it should be naturally written. Do not fall into the mistake that some other bloggers make -- stuffing their pages with spammy tags and keywords. High-ranking blogs do not contain too many or obtrusive ads. Ads need to be separated clearly from your content. Make sure the content is more prominent than the ads. Obtrusive ads can make your blog appear less trusted to readers, which can affect your search engine reputation in the long run. Regularly update your the content. These bloggers are active in their communities. Below are the things that these bloggers have in their blogs that promote community involvement: Facebook connect and social tools - These let readers share information in Facebook. They also let the author connect with their readers on a social platform to further discuss the topics relating to their blogs. A good way to use Facebook to interact with readers involves creating a Facebook page, such as here: http://www.facebook.com/CommonGuyFilmReviews Twitter - Another way for a blog author to get involved with his or her community of readers and followers is to use Twitter. Here is an example: http://twitter.com/commonguymovies Letting users share information through social bookmarking buttons - Many if not most of a blog's readers may have social bookmarking accounts, so if they like your story they might share it in Stumble upon, Digg, Delicious etc., thus increasing your blog's exposure. If you want to know why its important to get involved with your reading community, the following are the obvious reasons: By getting involved, you are interacting with your readers which makes them feel that you are a real person, not just a virtual or an anonymous blogger who is only interested in making money from their readers. The more you get involved with the blog community, the more your readers trust your blog and the information you give them. Focusing on earning your readers' trust is a higher priority than focusing on attracting visitors from search engines. Trust can make you an authority, which will have strong impact on your blog ranking and long term reputation. The more authority and trust you have from your readers, the more likely that your blog will earn "organic links," which is often regarded as one of the most important ranking factors in Google. You cannot become an authority and a trusted resource if you do not get involved with your community, contribute and interact with your readers. These readers will often link naturally to blogs that they trust and know the author. Other tools you can use to get involved in the community include Google Connect and LinkedIn. You can even get involved simply by answering user comments in your blog. Here's a summary of tips: Get involved with your readers by using social networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Google Friend Connect and LinkedIn. Use some social bookmarking tools to let your readers easily share your story on some of the most popular social sites, such as Facebook, Digg, Stumble upon, etc. Talk about and discuss issues with your readers, on your Facebook page, user forums and in your blog posts' comments section. This makes them feel that the blog author is a helpful, real person that they can talk to. This makes it easy for them to trust you, as well as your blog information. Earning trust and becoming an authority is one of the great methods of earning natural links for your blog in the long term. Quality Link Profile You might ask: "How did these bloggers manage to get quality links?" Below is a snapshot of inbound links using Yahoo Site Explorer for sample ranking blogs: http://bit.ly/ihN9SV = commonguyfilmreviews.blogspot.com http://bit.ly/i7X3eV = internet-pets.blogspot.com http://bit.ly/hvqnMb = dcelestine.blogspot.com One thing you will immediately notice is that these are not links coming from forums, blog spam comments or even link directories. The links are coming from quality websites in the same niche. For example, examining the inbound link relevance profile of dcelestine.blogspot.com: You can see that a high percentage of the inbound link pages have the topic of "fashion," which directly relates to dcelestine.blogspot.com's blog topic. Related backlinks have a strong impact on Google rankings. Another example is the link relevance profile of telugu-film-reviews.blogspot.com: So, to answer the question: "How did these bloggers manage to get quality links?" They get the links from related blogs or websites. Although the way these links are earned cannot be confirmed, it is most likely due to partnership with related sites because of the author's involvement in the blogging community. It is very easy to get links from related websites, as long as you earn your readers' trust and become an authority on your website's topic. DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware.   Thanks to SEO Chat

How Setting Career Goals Can Backfire

According to Adam Galinsky, a social psychologist who teaches courses in ethics and decision-making at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, a slew of studies have shown that people perform best when they set tough and precise goals for themselves--what he calls "specific stretch goals." They do much better than people with "non-stretch," or easy-to-achieve goals, or vague aims like "do your best." Strive for concrete, ambitious ends and you'll exhibit greater motivation, higher performance and more creativity, he says. But you can also get in real trouble that way, he adds.

Specific stretch goals can be big or small, intellectual or physical. Tell yourself you'll do 20 push-ups in the next five minutes (a specific stretch goal) vs. five push-ups (non-stretch) or the vague idea that you'll do as many as you can. You may not make it to 20, but you'll do a lot more if you challenge yourself with a set number, Galinsky says. Likewise, if you strive to complete a number of math problems in a designated amount of time, you'll do a better job than if you try for a lower number or you just tell yourself to work hard.

Many of us know this intuitively, which is why we often set exact and difficult career goals. A lawyer or banker might decide she's going to bring in a certain number of new clients in the space of two years, or get promoted to senior associate or vice president. An advertising account executive might aim to win a national award and move to a more prestigious agency by three years from this June. Setting such targets can bolster your career. But they have their dark side as well, Galinsky says, two in particular: They can encourage both excessive risk-taking and unethical behavior.

Such goal-setting contributed to the 2008 financial crisis, he says. Too many investors and bankers took too much risk in the pursuit of lofty rewards and engaged in unscrupulous behavior along the way. Think of Jérôme Kerviel, the so-called rogue trader at France's Société Générale, who lost some $7 billion in 2008 when he tried to cover up his trading mistakes with risky bets. Or Enron, where company executives were given specific, ambitious revenue goals--and engaged in fraud to meet them.

Galinsky has also examined goal-setting and achievement in the context of competition. People perform better when they are up against a strong challenger. But such rivalry has a downside too, he says. Like individuals who set specific stretch goals, rivals tend to take excessive risks and often attempt to cheat.

How does Galinsky suggest we prevent ourselves from falling into the dual traps of unethical behavior and excessive risk-taking? A few ideas: Create what he calls "locks" for ethical behavior. For instance, employees could sign an honor code of conduct. Another idea: Bosses should define and demonstrate ethical behavior and the boundaries of risk-taking.

Mary Walshok, a dean at the University of California, San Diego, and author of Closing America's Job Gap, points out one more danger in specific career goal-setting. It can block you from making fruitful lateral moves. Example: A business school graduate starts her career at a bank, then goes to work for a museum and winds up teaching nonprofit finance courses at a business school. Says Walshok, "That person has made three lateral moves based on experience and lived an interesting life." It wouldn't have happened had she been constricted by goals.

Thanks to Susan Adams / Forbes

Beware Of Buzzword Bingo

Far back in the mists of Internet time (that would be the 1990s), a couple of wags at a computer company called Silicon Graphics created a subversive game that filled a need.

You've been there, perhaps: a company meeting at which executives or tech geeks unironically launch volleys of absurd marketing catchphrases or tech jargon. Well, these two fellows brainstormed some of the most egregious examples, created bingo-type cards with each box in the grid containing a term, and passed them around to select colleagues.

The idea was that whenever you heard a buzzword, you'd mark the pertinent box (surreptitiously, of course). As in bingo, you strove to be the first person to mark five boxes in a row. In this version, however, it was not advisable to leap to your feet and shout "Bingo!"

Instead, you would, without interfering with the official proceedings, either silently and stealthily notify your fellow participants or, if you were bold enough, ask a question of the presenter that somehow, in the context of the discussion, employed the use of the word bingo — and hope that neither you nor your competitors would lose it and bust a gut.

So, what does this have to do with DailyWritingTips.com? Don't be that person who inspires a rousing game of buzzword bingo, or perpetuates the need for the game. If your employer or client requires you to use more than a couple of selections from the following word list in writing or speech, you have my permission to cry. (No honest person will deny having used at least one.) You also have permission to delete the term from your word-hoard and employ a handy little language called English.

Here are 24 terms — enough for one card (with a Free spot in the middle of a 5 x 5 grid):

2.0 (n.): the next generation
action item (n.): high-priority issue
bandwidth (n.): attention span, or ability to devote resources (such as brainpower)
benchmark (n.): standard
best practice (n.): a standard, proven strategy
bleeding edge (n.): an intensifier of bleeding edge; denotes innovation
circle (v.): check back with
deep dive (n.): an intensive exploration of detail
dialogue (n., v.): talk
going forward (v. and adv.): from now on (but with the implication that the period before going forward was marked by going backward — ass-backward, that is)
granularity (n.): fine detail
helicopter view (n.): overview
incentivize (or incent) (v.): to motivate
leverage (n., v.): power (n.), enhance or exploit (v.)
metrics (n.): measurements
mindshare (n.): expression of a thought
paradigm (n.): model
low-hanging fruit (n.): the simplest option
push(ing) the envelope (verb phrase): exert(ing) maximum effort
synergy (n.): compatibility
take (blank) offline (verb phrase): discuss something later
team player (n.): someone who is collegial and cooperative
think(ing) outside the box (verb phrase): to produce, or producing, unorthodox ideas
touch base (verb phrase): to meet for a status report
value-added (adj.): accompanied by an additional benefit (also used in noun form: value add)

For an inspired, brilliant skewering of the buzzword mentality, go to this column from the San Francisco Chronicle's SFGate.com (scroll down past the usually droll columnist's uncharacteristic rant to "In other news").

Thanks to Daily Writing Tips

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules To Fuel Your Life, Work, And Team With Positive Energy By Jon Gordon

The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy By Jon Gordon List Price: $21.95 Price: $14.05 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com 90 new or used available from $8.09 Average customer review:

Product Description

The Energy Bus, an international best seller by Jon Gordon, takes readers on an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals 10 secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment - at work and at home. Jon infuses this engaging story with keen insights as he provides a powerful roadmap to overcome adversity and bring out the best in yourself and your team. When you get on The Energy Bus you'll enjoy the ride of your life!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1143 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780470100288
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Editorial Reviews

Review

'…there is some great stuff in this book – good ideas, pithy quotes and punchy one-liners which invite you to write them down and recall them at the appropriate time.' (Edge, May 2007)

From the Inside Flap

It's Monday morning and George walks out of the front door to his car and a flat tire. But this is the least of his problems. His home life is in shambles and his team at work is in disarray. With a big new product launch coming in two weeks for the NRG-2000, he has to find a way to get it together or risk losing his marriage and job. Forced to take the bus to work, George meets a unique kind of bus driver and an interesting cast of characters who, over the course of two weeks, share the ten rules for the ride of his life. In the process, they help him turn around his work and life, saving his job and marriage from destruction.

The Energy Bus, an international bestseller, takes readers on an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals ten secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment—at work and at home.

Everyone faces challenges. And every person, organization, company, and team has to overcome negativity and adversity to define themselves and create their success. No one goes through life untested and the answer to these tests is positive energy—the kind of positive energy that consists of the vision, trust, optimism, enthusiasm, purpose, and spirit that defines great leaders and their dreams.

Drawing upon his experience and work with thousands of leaders, sales professionals, teams, nonprofit organizations, schools, and athletes, Gordon infuses this engaging story with keen insights, actionable strategies, and a big dose of positive infectious energy.

For managers and team leaders or anyone looking to turn negative energy into positive achievement, The Energy Bus provides a powerful plan for overcoming common life and work obstacles and bringing out the best in yourself and your team. When you get on The Energy Bus, you'll enjoy the ride of your life.

From the Back Cover

Praise for THE ENERGY BUS

"Jon's book The Energy Bus and talk to our team have been very useful tools in helping us build a positive team and culture where our players overcome negativity and challenges to perform at their highest potential."
—Mike Smith, Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons

"Given the challenges and adversity we face in business and life today, Jon Gordon provides a clear road map to navigate the negativity and pitfalls that too often sabotage individual and team success as he shines a light on the truths that define great leaders, great teams, and great energy. I especially loved the part about leading with purpose. I consider this a valuable book for anyone looking to bring out the best in themselves and their team."
—Tom Gegax, founder of Tires Plus and author of The Big Book of Small Business

"Purpose, vision, enthusiasm, and spirit are all critical elements for individual and team success. The Energy Bus does a masterful job of weaving together these principles to create a dynamic and entertaining read that will infuse you and your

team with positive energy. Get on the bus and enjoy the ride."
—Pat Williams, Senior Vice President of the NBA's Orlando Magic

"At Simple Truths, we believe that your core values will determine your success in business and in life. Having the right outlook, the right energy, is a vital part of that core. The Energy Bus, by Jon Gordon, will take you on a journey through life, unlocking the essentials for effective leadership and service."
—Mac Anderson, President of Simple Truths and founder of Successories

"If you want to build a positive, high-performing organization, then get on the bus and read this book."
—Jeffrey Fox, bestselling author of Secrets of Great Rainmakers

"The world would be a much better place if we all focused on being positive. Gordon is 'the Pastor of Positive Energy' and I'm one of his believers."
—Danny Gans, Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year

"Gordon so inspired our sales professionals with his positive energy that they were asking for more. Now, here is his philosophy in a book we can read and quote—and we will!"
—Linda H. Sherrer, President and CEO of Prudential Network Realty

Customer Reviews

Get Your Life Rolling Forward
I am the editor for a national newsletter and was approached to read this book to do a potential review for our readers. While I generally don't have the time to read everything I'm sent, I did glance at the first few pages of this book and, as the saying goes, "that's all she wrote."

First, the book is very easy to read and it can be read in small increments. In fact, I recommend you read a chapter a day to get the full affect. I found myself looking forward to taking 10 minutes and finding out what was going to happen next. (You would think I was talking about a mystery novel, huh?)

Second, the characters are amazing. These are people you would meet on the street (or a bus in this case). These are people you work with. These are people you have to interact with. These are REAL people doing REAL people things.

Next, the delivery of the underlying premise is excellent. This is not just a "here's your tip, now good luck making it work for you" book. Jon shows you what the main character does to change his life around the tips. He shows you the good, the bad, and the ugly - but in a wonderful way.

Finally, you will be different after you read it. I'm trying to not give away the story because I want you to experience it first hand. However, here's an hint at an example: there is a term used to describe certain people in your life. Once you've read the book, you'll be able to spot these people in a heartbeat and you will "drive a stake through their heart" for good. (My lips are sealed beyond that...so read the book to find out who these people are called!)

Now, the above was my editor's hat, quick review. Let me tell you what this did in my real life. The day I received the book, I sat down and read only 3 pages. I called to my husband, handed him the book and said, "if you read this, your life will change dramatically." This book was all about him - as if Jon had somehow gotten into my husband's psyche and understood just what he was feeling. My husband read through the book and each day we discussed it. I immediately begin to see the transformation. He became more positive. He started to believe in himself. He started to become more assertive in his relationships with his family (a MAJOR MAJOR accomplishment). He became more communicative with me. In a nutshell: MY HUSBAND GOT MORE OUT OF THIS BOOK THAN THE PAST YEAR OF CAREER/LIFE COUNSELING (that was costing us $35/week!).

As a writer, you would think I could find a way to tell you how this book is something you MUST HAVE. Yet, how do you express your feelings about something that has so substantially helped someone you love? The only thing I can say is that if you feel that you've lost who you are, and that the world is starting to overwhelm you, step onto the bus and reclaim who you are. It can only make your life better. Then, once you've changed, tell others about the book and sit back and enjoy the ride as you watch them change. Restore that belief in yourself and in your fellow humankind. Yes...you can get all that...just by reading a book!

P.S. Don't be surprised if you find that you want a bus where you live that offers all this. I know that I did! ;)

If you love parables, you'll love this book...
Middle aged man comes home one day and starts to take stock of his life - he is failing at his job, in his marriage and with his kids. One day his car breaks down on his way to work and he has to take the bus to work - he meets a bus driver and passengers who force him to reflect on his life and a better way forward. The author, through this parable, reveals "10 secrets" for success in life, at home and in work that lead to fulfillment and accomplishment. The 10 rules:

1) You're the driver of your bus
2) Desire, vision, and focus move your bus in the right direction
3) Fuel your ride with positive energy (negative energy is friction)
4) Invite people on your bus and share your vision for the road ahead
5) Don't waste your energy on those who don't get on your bus
6) Post a sign that says no energy vampires allowed on your bus (get rid of the malcontents)
7) Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them for the ride
8) Love your passengers by giving them your time, listening, recognition, service - work to bring out the best in them
9) Drive with purpose
10) Have fun and enjoy the ride

My assessment:

1) Easy to read, can finish in one 2 hour sitting

2) Initially comes off as "too cute" but author manages to pull you in with a simple but powerful message with some basic plays in a ground game that can win

3)Applicable to all ages from teenager on up

4)If you like parables, you'll love the story's messages. If not, you'll wonder why you didn't just jump to the excellent outline recap in the back of the book.

5) This story reminds me of the famous Albert Einstein quote: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler." The author succeeds in taking a frustratingly easy trap to fall into with a simple and effective path forward.

Two of my favorite excerpts:

"The goal is not to be better than anyone else but rather be better than you were yesterday."

and

"Your positive energy and vision must be greater than anyone's and everyone's negativity. Your certainty must be greater than everyone's doubt. After all, George, there will always be the doubters who doubt, doubt and doubt and tell you you can't do this and you won't be able to accomplish that. They think that dreams were meant for others but not for people like you and them. And there will even be people who don't want you to succeed because it makes them see their own weaknesses and failures. So that's how important your positive energy is George. You can always kick people off your bus and you'll need to do that from time to time but just remember that there will always be more negative people who get on. And sometimes you will have an Energy Vampire on your bus like a boss or someone who you can't kick off. You got to deal with them. That's why you got to feed the positive dog and why you got to cultivate it every day and why we gave you the Energy Book. One day is not enough, George. It's got to be a habit. Positive energy is a like a muscle. The more you use it the stronger it gets. The stronger it gets the more powerful you become. Repetition is the key and the more you focus on positive energy the more it becomes your nature state. So when someone comes at you with negativity you will be able to respond with strength and positive energy."

Applies to organizational leaders AND eight-year-olds!
I love this book.

Jon Gordon has written a simple life parable that is as applicable to my eight year old (I'm reading it to her now) as it is to any adult. This parable gets you to think about the importance of positive energy in your life and how it affects every part of your life.

As a story it is engaging and fun to read, but it also mirrors real life. The story isn't all rose-colored glasses; it helps you think about your own personal habits and what hard choices might be required in order to create and maintain energy in your life.

The story is structured around 10 Rules that are easy to remember and extremely valuable. As the book ends it offers more than just a summary - it provides an action plan to help you implement each of the rules in both your work and personal life.

As I said, I am reading this book to my daughter, and I've recommended it to clients who are working on their organizational culture as well. I cannot say that about too many books - and feel that it will really be useful to both audiences - but I can say it about The Energy Bus.

If you want more energy and if you want better results (or both) I urge you to get on the Bus!

Soup: A Recipe to Nourish Your Team And Culture By Jon Gordon

Soup: A Recipe to Nourish Your Team and Culture By Jon Gordon List Price: $22.95 Price: $15.13 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com 62 new or used available from $12.16 Average customer review:

Product Description

Why it matters who's stirring the pot

Soup offers an inspirational business fable that explains the "recipe" you can use to create a winning culture and boost employee morale and engagement. The story follows Nancy, the newly anointed CEO of America's Favorite Soup Company. She has been brought in to reinvigorate the brand and bring success back to a company that has lost its flavor and profit and has fallen on hard times. Fatefully, while eating lunch at a local soup shop, Nancy discovers the key ingredients to unite, engage, and inspire her team and create a culture of greatness.

• From the bestselling author of The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, and Training Camp
• Find out how culture drives behavior, behavior drives habits, and habits deliver results
• Create relationships that are the foundation upon which successful careers and winning teams are built
• Features quick takeaways you can use to invest in your people, build trust, create unity, and enhance engagement

A turnaround tale like few others, Soup will inspire you to work in your own company to unleash the passion that delivers superior results.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7710 in Books
• Published on: 2010-05-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .80" h x 5.60" w x 8.50" l, .65 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 164 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780470487846
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Soup offers an inspirational business fable that explains the "recipe" you can use to create a winning culture and boost employee morale and engagement. The story follows Nancy, the newly anointed CEO of America's Favorite Soup Company. She has been brought in to reinvigorate the brand and bring success back to a company that has lost its flavor and profit and has fallen on hard times. Fatefully, while eating lunch at a local soup shop, Nancy discovers the key ingredients to unite, engage, and inspire her team and create a culture of greatness.

• From the bestselling author of The Energy Bus, The No Complaining Rule, and Training Camp
• Find out how culture drives behavior, behavior drives habits, and habits deliver results
• Create relationships that are the foundation upon which successful careers and winning teams are built
• Features quick takeaways you can use to invest in your people, build trust, create unity, and enhance engagement

A turnaround tale like few others, Soup will inspire you to work in your own company to unleash the passion that delivers superior results.

Characteristics of Great Leaders

Content from author Jon Gordon

Challenging times require leaders who can lead others through the challenges. Now more than ever we need great leadership in our government, schools, businesses, hospitals and organizations. Good leadership won't suffice. We need great leadership. There is a difference.

• Good leaders get people to believe in them.
• Great leaders inspire people to believe in themselves.
• Good leaders say "Watch what I can do."
• Great leaders say "Let me show you what you can do."
• Good leaders catch fish for others so they can eat today.
• Great leaders teach people how to fish so they can eat for a lifetime.

Having worked with countless leaders over the years in businesses, schools and professional sports I've realized that great leadership is really a transfer of belief. Great leaders share their belief, vision, purpose and passion with others and in the process they inspire others to believe, act and impact. Great leaders are positively contagious and they instill confidence and belief in others.

Great sales managers inspire their sales people to believe in themselves and their product/service. Great school principals inspire their teachers to believe they can make a difference. Great teachers inspire and empower their students to believe in themselves. Great pastors inspire their congregations to serve and impact the community. Great sports coaches inspire their teams to believe they can win. And the people who have changed the world have been those who instilled in others the confidence to step up, serve, take initiative and create positive change. You don't need a title to be a leader. You just need to lead.

To lead others in a powerful way you must invite them on your bus, share your vision for the road ahead and then encourage, empower and inspire them to drive their own bus. In the process, instead of having just one bus that you drive, you create a fleet of buses and bus drivers, all moving in the same positive direction. When you create a fleet of buses and empower people to drive their own bus, you generate an amazing amount of power and momentum that becomes an unstoppable force. This is what great leadership is all about.

From the Inside Flap
Why it matters who's stirring the pot

Only a few months into her new job, Nancy wondered whether or not she should have said yes to the CEO position at Soup, Inc. Sales were declining, bankruptcy and takeover rumors were swirling, and employee morale had never been lower. The company had lost both flavor and heat; and nobody likes lukewarm soup. How was Nancy going to turn it around?

Sometimes the answer you need is right in front of you. On a lunch break, Nancy steps into Grandma's Soup House, a little place she hadn't noticed before, and happens upon an unexpected source of inspiration. New from the bestselling author of The Energy Bus and Training Camp, Soup tells the "stirring" story of how Nancy discovers the key ingredients to revitalizing her company, her team, and herself.

A recipe for success for anyone in any position, Soup delivers the powerful message that the quality of your career, business, and team is determined by the quality of your relationships.

People are hungry for positive change and a fresh sense of purpose and passion. If you are ready to stir the pot and lead by example, Soup is a fun and engaging story that supplies you with the tools you need to build a winning team-at work, school, or home.

From the Back Cover
Praise for Soup

"So often we only concern ourselves with wins and losses. We overlook what is at the core of success, and that is the 'culture' of the team that is created by the leader or leadership group. If you create a culture where all members of the team can thrive and do their jobs effectively, then the score will take care of itself. Jon gives you the recipe of how to create a culture of greatness for your team, organization, or family."
—Mike Smith, Head Coach, The Atlanta Falcons

"In a world where leaders are pulled in a million different directions, Soup reminds us that we must make time to cultivate engaged relationships in order to build a winning organization and team."
—Margaret Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, RE/MAX International Inc.

"A lot of my job as a leader is to help others unleash their gifts and passions. Sometimes these gifts appear to be hidden beneath the surface but with a little heat and care, they bubble up to the surface. That's what you'll find in Soup by Jon Gordon. Told in an entertaining parable form, Soup will help you understand how to nurture the greatness in others so that you can become great as a team."
—Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church and author of Primal

"Jon Gordon continually finds unique and creative ways to reveal the essential components of an efficient organization and always does so with great depth and insight. Soup provides the key ingredients to establishing culture and is another example of how Gordon's writing transcends common thought."
—Sam Presti, Executive Vice President and General Manager, the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder

"There's a common problem in business today. It's a people problem . . . but maybe not in the way you would think. We spend so much time focusing on the bottom line that many fail to focus on the people who make the bottom line what it is. People matter and how we lead them matters. This is why I recommend Jon Gordon's new book. It provides the recipe for mobilizing and engaging a team."
—Chris Brogan, New York Times bestselling author of Trust Agents and Social Media 101

Customer Reviews

Recipe for Business Success
If you have read any of Jon Gordon's book, you will love this one. It is written in the inspirational novel format where a story line is used to develop a very practical business model. When cooking soup, all kinds of ingredients are used but as the book points out, the outcome is determined by the love and inspiration of the person who "stirs the pot". I am extremely thankful that I work for a company that could have been used by Gordon as an almost perfect example of the business model depicted. This is simply a good book that will cause you to think about your current business practices and what they could or should be instead of what they might currently be. "Gymbeaux"

Great Stuff
While this book reviews basic principles that we all know it is the way in which the story is told tha truly grabs you.
The foundation in which it lays out that people are first is a testimate to all those people who know that without the people engagement we are hopeless.
I encourage you to get this book and read and reflect on the meaning in which the author is conveying. If you purchase this book I don't think you will be sorry.
If you follow this books guidlines I know you will experience the power of the people.
Enjoy !!!!!!!

Gordon delivers in SOUP!

"Once again, Jon Gordon delivers. In an engaging, page turning, format, SOUP provide leaders with timeless advice on what matters most- a "how to" on investing and building relationships. At the core of all that we do as leaders, nothing is more important. As Gordon skillfully takes us on a new CEO's journey, we find ourselves being reminded of the critical role executives play in creating "a community" in the workplace. Don't let the title SOUP fool you... You won't put this one down!"

Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else By Jon Gordon

 

Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else By Jon Gordon List Price: $22.95 Price: $15.61 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com 57 new or used available from $10.89 Average customer review:

Product Description

Training Camp is an inspirational story filled with invaluable lessons and insights on bringing out the best in yourself and your team. The story follows Martin, an un-drafted rookie trying to make it in the NFL. He's spent his entire life proving to the critics that a small guy with a big heart can succeed against all odds. After spraining his ankle in the pre-season, Martin thinks his dream is lost when he happens to meet a very special coach who shares eleven life-changing lessons that keep his dream alive—and might even make him the best of the best. If you want to be your best—Training Camp offers an inspirational story and real-world wisdom on what it takes to reach true excellence and how you and your team (your work team, school team, church team and family team) can achieve it.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19739 in Books
• Published on: 2009-05-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .70" h x 5.92" w x 8.44" l, .65 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780470462089
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

In the spirit of his international bestseller The Energy Bus, Jon Gordon returns with another inspirational fable filled with invaluable lessons and insights on bringing out the best in yourself and your team.

Training Camp follows the story of Martin Jones, an undrafted rookie trying to make it in the NFL. He's spent his entire life proving to the critics that a small guy with a big heart can succeed against all odds. After spraining his ankle in the preseason, Martin thinks his dream is lost . . . until he meets a very special coach who shares eleven life-changing lessons that keep his dream alive—and might even make him the best of the best.

Whether you play sports or the piano, work with a computer or a scalpel, these lessons apply to you because we all must climb the mountain before reaching its peak.

Based on his work with professional sports teams, world-class organizations, and interviews with top professionals in a wide variety of fields, Gordon reveals the deep truths and proven strategies that take the very best to the top. Training Camp reveals that the best performers—in any field—all share the same qualities. Among other traits, the best of the best are able to maintain a big-picture vision while taking focused action, they are mentally strong, they seize the moment, and they inspire excellence in the people around them.

But these aren't inborn traits; they're skills and attitudes that can be learned and applied by all. If you want to be your best, Training Camp offers inspiring, real-world wisdom on what it takes to reach true excellence and how you and your team—whether at work, school, or at home—can achieve it.

From the Back Cover

A story for anyone who wants to be their best and bring out the best in others

"Training Camp by Jon Gordon is a touching story about one man who faces his fears on his path to greatness. Along the way, he learns a valuable lesson about who is really in control. Grow your faith. Read Training Camp."
—Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Lead Like Jesus

"I loved reading this book. Jon and I agree that one should not only strive for excellence on the field but also make greatness a life mission. I believe every coach, player, individual, organization, and team that wants to be their best should read and benefit from this book."
—Mike Smith, Head Coach, the Atlanta Falcons

"Having spent my life studying the best, I have found that great individuals need great coaches. Training Camp is not only about the student but the mentor. Jon has woven a compelling story of two individuals together, traveling life's journey, striving for excellence, and leaving a legacy in the process. I found myself cheering the main characters on from the sidelines. Thank you, Jon, for leaving a legacy with the profound lessons found in this book."
—Kimberly K. Rath, President, Talent Plus

"Training Camp is a great read for any leader, young or old—whether a coach, teacher, pastor, or CEO. Jon brings alive the key principles of the best of the best through the inspiring story of Martin Jones—a story built on the foundation of hope, hard work, and determination woven together to create excellence. Coaches, bosses, teachers, and leaders will find this book incredibly powerful and a great source of adrenaline for those they lead. It will inspire you to inspire others and to strive for excellence every day."
—Brad Lomenick, Vice President and Executive Director, Catalyst, a movement of next generation leaders

"Jon Gordon has written a poignant and powerful story that helps us find the best within ourselves and bring out the best in others. He will change lives with this book."?
—Jeffrey Zaslow, coauthor, The Last Lecture

About the Author

JON GORDON is a speaker, consultant, and author of the international bestseller The Energy Bus and The No Complaining Rule, both from Wiley. He and his books have been featured on CNN and NBC's Today show, and in Forbes; O, The Oprah Magazine; the Wall Street Journal; and the New York Times. His clients include the Atlanta Falcons, the PGA Tour, Northwestern Mutual, Publix Super Markets, Campbell Soup, and JPMorgan Chase.

Customer Reviews

Religious, not inspriational. There's a big difference.
When the reviews say 'inspirational', they should really say 'religious'. This doesn't make it a bad book, the points made early on are good and I enjoyed the book until the final points and chapters. That's where it turns into a sermon. I wish that had been clear in Product Description as I would not have bought it. If I wanted a story of religion and faith, I would search one out...I don't.

Needed something extra
This is the third book from Jon Gordon and the first that I have read through, although I think the recommendation would be to read them in order, you can still pick this up and get some value.

Written in a fable format, I found the book to be a very easy and quick read and one that you could likely pick up again. Couple of things that were missing for me that might stop me doing that though.

1. The fable was okay, albeit a little too similar to other stories heard or read. Young kids makes it in to the NFL after overcoming self doubt. Just felt it needed more punch or a twist that would have made the message more powerful. A little too predictable, you knew what was coming next.

2. There were no take aways in terms of concrete steps or actions, Just final page with the 11 traits listed and then a link to some further online resources, but there just seemed to be a disconnect between the message and helping you implement it day to day - a small accompanying downloadable workbook for example would be a good addition.

Funny thing though, after reading the book I did find myself asking the question "what would the best do?" if I had a challenge I was trying to tackle and did not feel so motivated to solve it.

Bottom line will need to go back and read again to see if it has more long term effect for me and probably go read his other two books.

Cleverly Disguised Evangelism
I read the brief description and unfortunately purchased the audiobook. It started out great and I began thinking of all of the people I'd like to tell about this book with when I was done. Then it got to the point of being a bit wishy washy on substance and heavy on spirituality. When the spirituality turned into useless Christian evangelism I'd had enough. I did not want to tell anyone I knew about this book because I'd be embarrassed about being deceived into purchasing it. I know plenty of people I would consider the "best." Some are Christian and actually speak of the part their beliefs play in their success. "Part" is the key word. I also know plenty of people I would consider the "best" who are not Christian. They are just as good or better, and in no way discontent or unfulfilled. You do not have to "believe" to be the best. Once the book promoted this concept as an essential element of what the best do better than everyone else, it lost all credibility with me. I have my own beliefs, thank you. An author who suggests that I need to believe what they believe to be the best is a naively arrogant, although cleverly disguised evangelist. Well, you fooled me and got my money in the process. A good lesson for me to share on my way to being the best; it's as much about who you choose to avoid as it is about who you choose to follow. Advise: avoid this book.

The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways To Deal With Negativity At Work By Jon Gordon

The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways To Deal With Negativity At Work By Jon Gordon List Price: $19.95 Price: $12.87 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com 80 new or used available from $8.35 Average customer review:

Product Description

Negativity in the workplace costs businesses billions of dollars and impacts the morale, productivity and health of individuals and teams. "In The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work, Jon Gordon, a bestselling author, consultant and speaker, shares an enlightening story that demonstrates how you can conquer negativity and inspire others to adopt a positive attitude." Based on one company's successful No Complaining Rule, the powerful principles and actionable plan are practical and easy-to-follow, making this book an ideal read for managers, team leaders and anyone interested in generating positive energy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8592 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780470279496
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Editorial Reviews

Review

A story about Positive Ways to Turn Complaints into Solutions, Innovations, and Success

Every complaint represents an opportunity to turn something negative into a positive!

"Excuses always come from the losing locker room. In Jon Gordon's book The No Complaining Rule, he provides the winning edge."-Coach Lou Holtz

"In a world in which so many, it seems, focus on the glass as half empty, Jon Gordon sets out a clear blueprint in The No Complaining Rule to help each of us better ourselves. His approach will cut negativity and can impact our workplaces and our families, and help us carve out more productive, lower-stress environments."-Nathan Whitaker coauthor of Quiet Strength(with Tony Dungy)

"Complaining is one of the biggest problems in business today. It undermines the effectiveness of a team and organization, leading to contempt and an inability to adapt and change. In The No Complaining Rule, Jon Gordon offers the antidote."-Ken Fisher, CEO of Fisher Investments, Forbes columnist, author of The Only Three Questions That Count

From the Inside Flap

It's Tuesday morning and Hope walks into her office with puffy eyes, a swollen head, and a broken heart. But unfortunately, her company—EZ Tech—is in worse shape than she is. The fact that their computer batteries are catching on fire is the least of their problems. Employees have been posting negative comments about management on blogs for the world to see, the media is attacking the credibility of the company, morale is at an all-time low, negativity is at an all-time high, and the stock price is sinking faster than the Titanic. As VP of human resources, Hope is charged with finding a solution to overcome the biggest challenge in her company's history. In the process of battling her own adversity, she discovers the no complaining rule and other positive ways to save her company and herself from ruin.

In the spirit of his international bestseller The Energy Bus, Jon Gordon once again shares an inspiring and enlightening story that reveals a powerful way to tackle the biggest problem in business and life—the negativity that costs organizations billions of dollars and impacts the morale, productivity, and health of individuals and teams.

Based on an actual company that created and implemented the no complaining rule, Gordon delivers an engaging story filled with innovative ideas and practical strategies to develop positive leaders, organizations, and teams.

For managers, team leaders, or anyone looking to turn negative energy into positive solutions, The No Complaining Rule shares powerful principles and an actionable plan to win the battle against individual and organizational negativity. When you implement the no complaining rule, you'll spend less time and energy on problems and more time focused on solutions.

From the Back Cover

The No Complaining Rule

by Jon Gordon

A Story About Positive Ways to Turn Complaints into Solutions, Innovations, and Success

Every complaint represents an opportunity to turnsomething negative into a positive!

"Excuses always come from the losing locker room. In Jon Gordon's book The No Complaining Rule, he provides the winning edge." —Coach Lou Holtz

"In a world in which so many, it seems, focus on the glass as half empty, Jon Gordon sets out a clear blueprint in The No Complaining Rule to help each of us better ourselves. His approach will cut negativity and can impact our workplaces and our families, and help us carve out more productive, lower-stress environments."—Nathan Whitaker coauthor (with Tony Dungy) of Quiet Strength

"Complaining is one of the biggest problems in business today. It undermines the effectiveness of a team and organization, leading to contempt and an inability to adapt and change. In The No Complaining Rule, Jon Gordon offers the antidote."—Ken Fisher, CEO of Fisher Investments, Forbes columnist, author of The Only Three Questions That Count

Customer Reviews

Postive Approach to a Negative
I was a bit struck by the title which is allegedly a positive book but speaking about complaining and negativity seemed a little strange.

This book is told in storybook fashion and generally speaking, I prefer books to get to the point than using storybook style; however, I do know there are a number of people who do like storybooks.

I totally agree with the thesis of the book which is you will have more fun and you will do better, the company will do better if you don't complain and look at things positively.

The book has numerous good ideas on how to reduce complaining and the one thing that I liked was a no complaining week personal action plan which includes:

Day one - monitor your thoughts and words
Day two - make a gratitude list
Day three - take a thank you walk
Day four - focus on good staff
Day five - start a success journal
Day six - let go
Day seven - breathe

Although the book is fairly shallow, I would still recommend it and think it has some good ideas.

From negative to positive!
The title tells it all: no complaining. Author Jon Gordon, an inspirational speaker and consultant, delivers his message in this book through a captivating story that many corporate executives can relate with. Focused on the circumstances surrounding Hope, the VP of human resources at an IT company during a dangerously precarious business situation, Gordon takes the reader from negativity to productivity via the "no complaining rule."

Personal challenges, the company's product failures, co-workers' low morale, even the traffic to and from work, all contribute to how easily Hope harbors negative thoughts leading to negative actions. But serendipitously, picking up an inspiration from a hospital visit, she discovers that with the No Complaining Rule, she and everyone who follows it could be empowered to take the positive road.

Using Hope's interactions with her family, doctors, colleagues, and friends, Gordon succeeds in imparting a sure-fire way to stop negativity at home and in the workplace. Towards the end, he provides all the tools and directions to implement the No Complaining Rule and effectively change the culture of any corporation into a dynamic and solution-oriented environment.

Everyone has a take-away from this book. Aside from the No Complaining Rule Action Plan for businesses, schools, sports teams, and families, Gordon includes the "Are You a Complainer? Assessment" section and the "No Complaining Week Personal Action Plan" for the reader's personal use.

While Gordon admits that he was a professional complainer, he said, "The goal of this book is not to eliminate all complaining, just mindless, chronic complaining. And the bigger goal is to turn justified complaints into positive solutions. After all, every complaint represents an opportunity to turn something negative into a positive."

Readers, who may feel like complaining about having to read through yet another inspirational book, should think of it as another opportunity to learn something that could improve their lives. The No Complaining Rule is, indeed, such an opportunity. - Ruby Bayan, OurSimpleJoys.com

Excellent Read
This is a short easy read with a lot of worth. The ideas and suggestions offered here to increase positivity can be used both in personal and professional lives and are quickly understood and implemented. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to improve a positive attitude.

Why It Pays To Be An Optimist

Recent research finds evidence that optimism pays off in job hunting and promotions. Ron Kaniel, Cade Massey and David T. Robinson studied the effect of an optimistic disposition on M.B.A. students' job searches and then promotions in the two years after they graduated. Kaniel is an associate professor of finance at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University; Massey is an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Yale School of Management; Robinson is a professor of finance and William and Sue Gross Distinguished Research Fellow at Fuqua.

Optimists fared better than their less-optimistic peers in some important ways, the researchers report in their September 2010 National Bureau of Economic Research working paper, "The Importance of Being an Optimist: Evidence from Labor Markets." For one thing, the optimistically inclined MBA students found comparable jobs to their peers--but found them more easily, with less-intensive job searches. What's more, two years after graduation the optimists were more likely than their less-optimistic peers to have been promoted.

The better job-hunting performance didn't appear to occur because the optimists had information that might objectively lead them to believe they would do better. For example, when the researchers asked the MBA students about their likely salary package in their first job, the optimists tended to predict that their starting earnings would be higher than average for their peers--but the optimists didn't, in fact, end up with above-average starting salaries. Kaniel, Massey and Robinson also asked the MBA students in the study to identify those students in their MBA section who were the most charismatic, the most likely to become CEOs or the most optimistic--to try to see if optimistic students were optimistic because they were more personable. In general, optimists did turn out to be perceived by their peers as more charismatic, but that accounted for only a fraction--approximately one-third at most--of the optimists' greater success in the labor market.

To what is the rest of that success attributable? Kaniel, Massey and Robinson can't say for sure, but they note that other research has suggested that people who are optimistic by disposition are good at coping with problems and flexible about trying new courses of action when needed. And, the authors point out, there is the possibility of self-fulfilling prophecies. Interestingly, the researchers note that their findings suggest that appearing to others to be optimistic if you're not would yield some--though not all--of the job-hunting benefits of a naturally optimistic disposition.

Kaniel, Massey and Robinson's "The Importance of Being an Optimist" working paper is available for download here. Some groups, such as subscribers to NBER's Working Paper Series and residents of developing countries, can download the working paper for free. Otherwise, you can download a copy of the working paper for $5.

This article is adapted from "Why It Pays To Be an Optimist" by Martha E. Mangelsdorf, which appeared in the Winter 2011 issue of MIT Sloan Management Review. Copyright Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2011. All rights reserved.

Are The Wild Teacher Protests In Wisconsin A Prelude To The Economic Riots That Are Coming To America?

Have you seen video of the teacher protests that are going on in Wisconsin?  We haven't seen anything like this in America in quite some time.  If you haven't seen video of the protests yet, some very good raw footage is posted below.  On the one hand it is good to see Americans coming together and standing up for what they believe in, but on the other hand what these teachers are freaking out about shows just how much America has changed.  These teachers are not protesting for liberty, freedom or to change the government.  Rather, they are protesting because they want things to remain the same.  They simply don't want anyone to mess with their pay.  Well, the truth is that none of us ever wants to experience a pay cut.  It is not a lot of fun.  But sadly, states like Wisconsin are so broke that they have to find cuts somewhere.  Someone is going to have to make a sacrifice.  The teachers in Wisconsin just want to make sure that it is not them.

In the United States today, state and local governments are facing unprecedented budget crunches.  Tax revenues are way down and expenses are way up.  State and local government debt has reached at an all-time high of 22 percent of U.S. GDP, and many state and local governments are teetering on the brink of insolvency.

States like Wisconsin have to do something or else they will collapse financially.  Wisconsin is facing a $3.6 billion budget deficit (which for that state is huge), and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and the Republicans in the legislature are attempting to make some tough cuts.

In particular, they want public employees to pay a little more towards their health care premiums and pension programs.  In fact, what the Republicans are proposing would still leave Wisconsin public employees contributing far less to health care and pensions than their private sector counterparts.

U.S. Representative Paul Ryan recently appeared on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program and described what Governor Scott Walker is asking the teachers to do….

Scott and I are very close friends. We e-mail each other quite a bit… He's basically saying that state workers which have extremely generous benefits packages relative to their private sector counterparts, they contribute next to nothing to their pensions, very, very little in their health care packages.

He's asking that they contribute about 12 percent for their health care premiums, which is about half of the private sector average, and about 5.6 percent to their pensions. It's not asking a lot. It's still about half of what private sector pensions do and health care packages do.

So he's basically saying "I want you public workers half of what your private sector counterparts do" and he's getting riots. It's like Cairo has moved to Madison these days.

These proposed changes have caused a massive uproar in Wisconsin.  Just check out the following raw video footage from the last few days….

But this is what we have come to as a nation.  Almost everyone agrees that reducing government debt is a good thing "in theory", but whenever anyone starts to put forward some specific proposals to cut government spending it makes those that will be affected by the cuts extremely upset.

Just look at what is happening with the federal government.  Republicans and Democrats are both frothing at the mouth over extremely small budget cuts that have been proposed.  Virtually none of our national politicians are even willing to discuss budget cuts that would actually make a serious dent in our budget deficits.

But we have got to do something.  Spending by the U.S. government is spinning wildly out of control.  Back in 1970, the U.S. government only spent about 200 billion dollars for the whole year.  Well, this year the federal government is going to spend somewhere around 3.6 trillion dollars, and Barack Obama's newest budget proposal calls for U.S. government spending to increase to 5.6 trillion dollars by the year 2021.  If the government continues to spend money at such a rapid pace it is going to completely wipe out our entire economic system….

But it is not just the U.S. government that is spending like a drunken sailor.  Most of our state governments are complete financial disaster zones at this point as well.

As I have written about previously, the state of Illinois is such a financial disaster zone that it is hard to even describe.  According to 60 Minutes,  the state of Illinois is six months behind on their bill payments.  60 Minutes correspondent Steve Croft asked Illinois state Comptroller Dan Hynes how many people and organizations are waiting to be paid by the state, and this is how Hynes responded….

"It's fair to say that there are tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people waiting to be paid by the state."

Something has got to be done about our national addiction to debt.

Government spending has to be dramatically cut.  All of us are going to have to make sacrifices.  We simply cannot continue to spend far, far, far more than we bring in.

But we are Americans – we do not like to make sacrifices.

Our founding fathers warned us about this.  They warned that when the American people figured out that they could vote themselves money out of the U.S. Treasury it would greatly endanger our republic.

Unfortunately that is exactly what is happening today.  The vast majority of government spending on both the national and state levels consists of direct payments to individuals of one sort or another.

The American people have become addicted to the bread crumbs that they receive from the hand of their master.

This is not what our republic was supposed to look like.

As the U.S. economy continues to decline, we are going to see a lot more riots like we have seen in Wisconsin.  Once the American people realize that the "good times" are over, all hell is going to break loose.

Already the anger and the frustration of the American people is starting to boil over.  Unfortunately, that anger and frustration is focused in 1000 different directions.  The ruling elite and the establishment media are constantly encouraging us to hate one another.  I recently wrote about this phenomenon in an article on another website….

The truth is that the "establishment" is constantly trying to divide us and get us fighting with one another. They pit the Republicans against the Democrats (even as though control both sides). They pit one race against another. They pit one gender against another. We are told that the rich are against the poor, the north is against the south, urban is against rural and that there are even "generational battles" going on. Frustration and hate are rapidly growing in the United States today, and a lot of that frustration and hate is unfortunately aimed at the targets that the mainstream media has programmed all of us to hate. Meanwhile, those at the top of the pyramid who are controlling the whole game love it when we are divided because we can never become united and challenge their control.

Unfortunately, America is more divided today than ever.  Our extreme affluence has kept the thin veneer of civilization that we all take for granted from disappearing so far, but once our affluence is gone all of the hate and frustration in society is going to come bubbling to the surface and it is going to be horrifying to behold.

Once the economic collapse happens, most Americans are not going to take it sitting down.  Most Americans are going to want someone to blame.  Most Americans are going to want to lash out somehow.

America today is like a big, fat spoiled baby that is about to have its favorite pacifier permanently taken away.  America is going to whine and cry and complain like there is no tomorrow.

For decades the financial "gloom and doomers" have been warning about what would happen to this country if we didn't get our house in order, but nobody wanted to listen.  Everyone just kept piling up more debt as if it would never be a problem.

Well, now our entire country is covered in red ink.  Large numbers of state and local governments across the country are on the verge of defaulting on their debts, and they are hoping that the federal government will bail them out.  The federal government has already accumulated the biggest pile of debt the world has ever seen and continues to behave as if we can just keep borrowing and spending massive amounts of money forever.

There is no way out of this nightmare under the current system.  Taxing people more is not going to solve our problems.  Taxing people less is not going to solve our problems.

We have gotten to the point where it is inevitable that the debt bubble that we have created is going to burst.  Our politicians can try to delay it for a while, but in the end the whole house of cards is going to come crashing down.

When the U.S. economy does totally collapse, it is going to make the riots that we have seen in Egypt and throughout the Middle East this year seem tame by comparison.

What we are witnessing right now in Wisconsin are just the "birth pains".  The American people don't want to "tighten their belts".  In fact, most Americans have absolutely no idea what "hard times" would even look like.  When things go from bad to worse we are going to see temper tantrums in this country like we have never seen before.

So get ready.  Unless there is some kind of dramatic transformation in this country, in the years ahead we are going to see some horrific economic riots.

It would be nice if we had a brighter future to look forward to, but we don't do ourselves any favors by living in denial.

Thanks to TheTradingReport