Leadership Newark Class Of 2010 Graduation!!!

Mood: Incredible
Music: Parliament "Flashlight!!!"

2day's Message: "If I Commit 2 Something..., I Go All In!!! Otherwise..., I Would Never Ever Get Involved If I Cannot Give U 777%!!!" A.L. Jones Sr.

After 2 long years of being involved with Leadership Newark, Wednesday night I finally graduated as a Full Fledged Fellow!!! It has been an incredible, rewarding, powerful, eye-opening journey filled with life long memories I will take with me 4ever... Ask me about my entry into the organization because I almost Did Not make the cut???

I am part of a powerful network of roughly 400 individually strong leaders; who are part of an ever evolving collective, lead by an equally strong leader, & vibrant organization that has its finger on the pulse on the City Of Newark...

We'd have 2 sit down over coffee, lunch, or dinner B4 I could even scratch the surface of my journey through Leadership Newark... Let's just suffice it 2 say that I'm not the same person 2day who walked through those doors 2 years ago... I've been transformed as I've been able 2 rub shoulders with other equally motivated, inspiring, & dynamic leaders on Da Planet!!!

I've attended the last 2 graduations & my take on them is they were good..., but they were rather mundane... Each class gets a nickname & ours is "The Beacons Of Hope!!!" We are basically the 10th Anniversary Class through the organization so that gave us even more incentive 2 be special... You KNOW we had 2 go out in a Blaze O' Glory, With A Big Bang!!! We DEFINITELY had 2 Up The Ante!!!

As part of the Graduation Committee I was immediately tapped 2 provide music 4 the event because they've never had music 4 a graduation... Not only did I provide DJ services..., but I brought My Band Flip Da Skrip with me... All I can say is when you hear comments from long time Board Members xclaiming, "This Is The Best Graduation We Ever Had!!!" It does your heart something special...

The graduation was held @ Rio Rodizio in Newark so I made sure we took pictures & shot video so I could document the event... Of course I have no videos or pictures of the band because we were too bizzy performing... But we got everybody else... LOL!!! I also gave each of my Fellow Graduates a "Personal Gift" from AJ because I've truly been affected by each & every 1 of them...

It's taken me 2 days 2 recover from the event but I'm Good 2 Go Now!!! As a matter of fact I saw my Dr. Thursday & he's given me strong words of encouragement 2 keep doing what it is I'm doing because he asked "Why R U Here??? U R Like A Thoroughbred Horse!!!" Now That's What I'm Talking About!!! PHEW!!!

P.S. Here's Yo Boy Pasteling It Out With Our Executive Director After Being Handed My Graduation Certificate & Gift!!!

P.P.S. Ask Me About Drinking From My Flask During My Speech??? Shhh!!! LOL!!!

aljonessr

Simply September 17th, 2010........

I’m Goin’ In Deep, Feel Me…,

All I can say is that 2day is my Mom’s B-Day… She passed away in 1992… Hard to believe in 2 more years…, she will have been gone 20 years… I guess the reason it doesn’t seem that long is that she is 4ever present as I carry her around with me in my heart… It was made much clearer 2 me when I took my trip down 2 North Carolina & saw all of those folks who would’ve been her peers… The folks she knew & grew up with…

LQQKIN’ in the faces of my family & seeing the trademarks, the signature items, the area, & the people, that made up the Jones Clan brings all those memories rushing right back up to the surface… That’s why you have to check in with family from time-to-time just so you can connect the D.O.T.S. & Keep Life Moving!!!

I was always told that since she passed away; the weeks leading up to, during, & sometimes after my Mom’s B-Day I would go into a semi-depression if you will… Funny thing??? I was never conscious or cozignant of it… (Maybe that’s why I tend 2 travel 2 Vegas in September huh???) Shhhhh!!! The folks around me would notice my melancholy demeanor & silently nod 2 themselves as they knew why…

WOW!!! That’s amazing to me…, because “I” Mr. Don’t Miss Ish…, DEFINITELY MISSED THAT!!!

I am Xtremely proud 2 tell you that this year…, this day literally rolled up on me & I didn’t even miss a beat… It was just another Spectacular Day in the Spectacular Life Of Al MFing Jones Sr.!!!

So maybe I’m finally turning the corner & closing the door on a Tuff Chapter on my life… Of course I will NEVER 4get my Mom…, she is a HUGE part of why I am who I am… But now this day can come allowing me 2 say a prayer, pour a lil’ bit out, & KEEP IT MOVING!!!

2day’s Message: I Think A Hero Is An Ordinary Individual Who Finds Strength To Persevere & Endure In Spite Of Overwhelming Obstacles. Christopher Reeve

P.S. Thannnxxx 4 Listening 2 Me When I Sit Down 2 Write… This Is How I Vent!!! LOL!!!

aljonessr

From New Bern..., 2 Charlotte, NC!!!

Mood: Vacation Mode
Music: Gavin Munoff "Live Concert" CD's

2day's Message: "Blood Should Always Be Thicker Than Water... Unless The Blood Is Thin & The Water Is Oh Soooo Soothing!!!" A.L. Jones Sr.

Just wanted 2 say that I'm sitting here in Charlotte, NC trying 2 get my bearings... I DEF Love it down here Bcuz it has that wonderful City Vybe... Reminds me a heck of a lot like home... Fast food, malls, sports team, downtown scene, parks, & night life...

I came South cause I made a personal pact with myself 2 visit my Xtended Family... They live on the East Coast outside of New Bern, NC. They had a Big BBQ Saturday & I surprised them all by sneaking in 2 C them... I actually arrived Friday..., but didn't C them until Saturday...

I have about 2 minutes of video footage & I was like the Returning Conquering War Hero... Folks went krazy when they saw me... The #1 comment was, "I Knew U Were Coming Bcuz U Told Us 2 NEVER EVER Bet Against The Black!!!"

The 2nd comment was, "I Knew U Were Coming Bcuz U Got Quiet On Facebook!!! U Stopped Posting & It Made Me Think U Were Coming Cause U Didn't Want Folks 2 Know Your Whearabouts!!!" WOW!!!

It was great 2 C sooooooooo many people I haven't seen in 5 years... It was equally great 2 C my own family... All 4 of my Aunts & Uncles (Jessie, Geraldine, Maryann, & Charlie)... Countless cousins... My own true only niece (my sister's child)... & a whole generation of NEW kids who I really Do Not know @ all... That was worth the trip alone...

My Family was MAD @ me Bcuz I chose 2 stay @ a hotel in New Bern rather than out in the sticks with them... C'mon Son!!! I do that @ least every other tyme... They should know me by now... I can't handle sitting out there in the sticks... It's Mind Numbingly Boring!!! PHEW!!!

I was also amazed @ how difficult life has been 4 a large sum of my family... Several have done prison time, several had drug problems, several had poor appearance due 2 health issues, & some have fallen upon some hard times... The youth don't seem 2 have strong role models..., lack of hope 4 the future..., nor guidance in what they can do 2 B successful in their own lives...

They all remark on how Amazing I LQQK!!! I smiled 2 myself bcuz 2 me..., it's the way I Always LQQK??? 2 them It's Amazing..., 2 me It's Normal!!! It clearly shows why I've never been able 2 spend major time nor identify strongly with this region of the South... I'm 2 intense, I quest 2 hard 4 knowledge, I'm 2 vain not 2 LQQK GOOD, I'm 2 technical with toyz/gadgets, I'm 2 self motivated, & I need much more culture in my life than they do...

But..., @ the end of the day we R still family..., & I love them ALL dearly... They love me..., they miss me..., & it's up 2 me 2 keep the bonds connected... Leaving them I traveled 4 hours across the state 2 Charlotte..., a city much more conducive 2 my mindset... I'll visit some other folks over here..., then head home on 2morrow...

Still a wonderful trip 2 reconnect with my roots, my past, my history, & my people... Remember..., U can run from many things..., but U can never run away from yourself... That's The Way Life Goes!!! PEACE!!!

aljonessr

Lenny White Anomaly Tour Iridium NYC 08.15.10

Mood: Trippin' The Light Fantastic
Music: Lenny White "Forever" Anomaly CD

Oh Man...,

Sunday August 15th, went to Iridium in NYC 2 C Lenny White’s Band perform his new CD “Anomaly.” DEFINITELY not music for the faint of heart. I slightly bogarted my way in as I circumvented the line outside, spoke 2 the young guy handling the ticket booth, & ended up sitting damn near on the stage. My crew is STILL trying 2 figure out how I pulled that one off… Dumb Luck!!! Shhhhh!!!

Lenny was in rare form as the music & the venue sounded terrific… Two main guitar players, a special guest guitar player, keyboardist, bass player, & Lenny White on drums. His new CD is a “Must Have” for your collection if you do not have it… It’s Hella-Fied, Electrified, Rock Influenced, Futuristic Fusion Inspired Jazz!!! Ole Skool/New Skool Fusion Is Back!!! LOL!!!

Highlight of the night??? After copping my tee-shirt which I’m proudly wearing right now (the oh so vain 2nd picture)… Folks head up to the bar 2 get Lenny White 2 sign their CD’s & who’s sitting there chilling like he doesn’t have a care in the world???

The One & Only Legendary Bass Player Extraordinaire Mr. Stanley Clarke!!! I (politely) shoved a few people out the way & made sure I eased up 2 take their picture & shake this man’s hand…

1st fusion record I ever heard (cause I was a hardcore R&B, P-Funk kinda kid) was Stanley Clarke’s “School Days.” I actually stole…, a-hem (borrowed that vinyl record which is still in my collection 2day) & I’ve been HOOKED EVER SINCE!!! What A Wonderful Night In NYC!!! PEAAACCCCEEEEEEE!!!

What Gets Me Up In The Morning??? LIFE!!!

Mood: NRGetic & Xcited!!!
Music: John McLaughlin & Chick Corea "New Blues, Old Bruise" 5 Peace Band CD

I Have That Innate Fear That If I Don’t Get Up In The Morning (short of the fact that I’m probably deceased), I Might Be Missing Something!!! Life is too short & our frame of reference is so tiny; that to miss out on 1 day is to literally lose a lifetime…

Think Big Picture!!! You are walking along the beach, you pick up a handful of sand, sift down to one single grain of sand, & then you compare that to all the sand that’s left on the beach… That Is Our Life Cycle!!! Every day we are on the verge of being insignificant in the overall scheme of things… So missing out on what 2morrow may bring my way is not a gamble I’m willing to take…

My alarm clock is set for 5:30AM…, I rarely need it… I beat it up (not physically) but time-wise almost every single morning… Although I am a morning person…, I cherish that early morning solitude… This is not the time to talk to me about world events, bills, sports, or the next gig I have on the horizon…

I’m the 1st one up, 1st one in the shower, & 1st one to stir the motion of the day… I meditate in that quiet time as I re-charge my Force Field so I can fully take on this new day… When the weather is nice, I’ll step out the back door onto the patio & absorb the start of the next day of The Rest ‘O My Life!!!

On work days I usually know where I’m going & what I need to accomplish that day… For the curve balls thrown my way (because as a utility company we are a crisis management operation…)

I step firmly in the batter’s box, clench my bat, eye up the pitch, & give myself the best possible chance for success… Whether I hit a single or home run out the park…, my goal is to get in the game & stay fully engaged once I’m in there… We WILL solve the problem because we are a utility & This Is What We Do!!!

On days off…, I live to explore the true beauty of life… You get to go outside & play in your own sandbox to your hearts content… You can do whatever you want to do as you chase the dreams you dreamed as a kid that you should’ve NEVER given up on… (Langston Hughes “A Dream Deferred”)

This is when you put aside all the pomp, the circumstances, the ego’s, & power struggles to Relax & Be Yourself!!! Those are the things that get me excited to wake up every single day to participate in this thing we call LIFE!!!

Thebrotheraj

1st Day Back!!!

Stepping Back Up 2 Da Plate 2 Hit Da Next 1 Out The Park!!!

Sometimes those mini-breaks are just what you need in order 2 clear your mind… I took last week off…, & then on the “Spur O’ The Moment” went down 2 Washington, DC over the last dayz of the Holi-Daze!!!

Met up with some kewl folks in that region & just had a ball… Since it was the Memorial Day weekend, with all that the Military means 2 that part of the country it was bizzy down there… Many events, celebrations, & what not keeping folks engaged…

On my way back 2 NJ I saw a young military man who was “Mass Transiting” like I was since I didn’t drive down… I took the daggone train this tyme & what a blessing & a pleasure it was… No stress, no traffic, I just sat back in my seat, fired up my laptop, put in my fave AJ DVD (that would be me playing wit da band), & just left the driving 2 Amtrak… But…, I paid the young man’s fare because I always appreciate NE of those folks who put their life on the line so AJ Can B FREE!!!

Matter of fact on the way down when I arrived @ Union Station, I needed 2 catch a cab 2 my hotel which was not in the immediate downtown DC area… As luck, fate, destiny, karma (or whatever else you want 2 call it) would have it, @ the information counter was another guy going 2 the same area I was going… The Information Guy gave us the krazy & hectic way 2 get there..., or said we could probably just split a cab & get their directly…

That’s what we did… Come 2 find out we were on the same train 2gether, he was from Union, NJ, works in Clifton as an Auto Store Manager, & we hit it off right straight out the gate… About 15 minutes into our trip our cab pulls over because his fellow cabbie flags him over. The guy had a flat tire, but couldn’t change the tire because he could not remove the tire & had no handle 2 raise his jack…

Me & Phil consented 2 help without even blinking an eye. I jacked up the vehicle with our jack, Phil changed the tire, I lowered the car, the passengers stuck in the cab, & both cabbies were grateful 4 our help. Most folks in our position would’ve said, “Keep It Moving It’s Not My Problem!!!” But what was our rush??? We were already down there, we weren’t under the gun 2 B NE where @ a specific time, & we had the skill set 2 Do The JOB!!!

So just on the strength of the ending & the beginning of my trip 2 DC…, how do you think the rest of my time down there went??? Daggone Skippy it went well… As matter of fact I sent a picture from my phone 2 some folks back home showing a Corona, my hat, & my mini bottle of Grand Marnier on my hotel room nightstand. It was good 2 get away 4 a few dayz & just relax 2 NJoy self…

Hope your holiday was Xcellent & you are re-charged & RET 2 Roll Into The New June Month!!! Do Not!!! I repeat…, DO NOT carry any of that old drama from last month into this new month… Simply wipe the slate clean & Keep It Moving!!! Holding it in & allowing it 2 foster will only kill the joy you are trying 2 achieve… Come On Now!!! It’s summer, the weather going 2 B hotter, the clothes get looser, & it’s good times 2 B had by all… PEACE & BLESSINGS!!!

2day's Message: Oftentimes, people tend to get wrapped up and busy with things that don't really matter in eternity. It's easy to get consumed by your career and stay focused on your goals. It's good to work hard, but you've got to learn how to play hard, too, so you can stay in balance. I heard somebody say, "It's not that life is so short, it's that we wait so long to begin living." If we want to truly enjoy the journey of life, we have to take time to stop and smell the roses.

Do you appreciate the people you love? Do you hug your children before you leave each day and give your spouse a kiss? When was the last time you called your parents to tell them how much you love them? That's how we can enjoy the journey. If you'll stay determined to enjoy the journey of life, you'll live with no regrets. You'll see your path shine brighter and brighter, and at the end, you'll be able to say, "I made the most of my life. I enjoyed my family. I enjoyed my friends. I finished my course with joy." Joel Osteen

P.S. 1^st day back on the Grind… Of course I ain’t doing much of jack… This is my catch up…, clean up…, & talk about how good it was 2 B away mode 4 2day… 2morrow I’ll actually think about working!!! Even after My Boss walks in & asks how was vacation??? I Xplained it… Then he said, “Good…, But It’s Over Now…, & It’s Back 2 The Real World!!! Get 2 Work!!!” He Really Don’t Know Me That Well @ All Yet Huh??? HE WILL!!! ROFLMAO!!!

P.P.S. Oh Yeah & What Joel Said!!! I do not take myself that seriously, I don’t let things get in the way of living My Life, & I know how 2 play Real Hard!!! The secret 2 that??? Is learn 2 play like kids do… They don’t care about the mortgage, the stock options, or the deadline… They just hit the park & have a ball… Never give up on your Inner Child!!!

aljonessr

Secretz Of Succezz!!! (Networking!!!)

Well It's Tyme 4 Wordz Of Wizdom...,

It's been a minute since I've mined the Internet searching 4 some Gold... But maybe I've found something 2 spur your thought process & get your mind moving in another direction... Xspecially since I'm Ret 2 Hit Da Bandstand Hard 2nite!!! I have 2 B Focused & On My Game Man!!!

The #1 Reason I am moderately successful & relatively happy in my life is the Network I've built... Folks think its just because of "Who I Am" that AJ Is Effective!!! That is part of it..., but the other part is I identify key strategic people who orbit around me that can B instrumental in assisting me with the work I do in my life... Quite frankly there R tymes U simply have 2 step out of your comfort zone & Put Yo'self Out There!!!

Take Flip Da Skrip... My son was a given... He's my seed, my co-pilot, my mini-me if U will but the "New Improved Version!!!" Jay on bass was a natural fit who fell into the collective... He's not the best player in the world..., but he brings enthusiasm, the right attitude, & is a great team player. Tasha completed the circle, not as the best singer..., but she brought balance & femininity 2 all that testosterone in the group. So collectively the sum is much greater than all our individual gifts... Network, Network, Networking Baby!!! R U deeply embedded in my cipher??? Hmmmmm???

2day's Message: "There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your live those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect." Nikki Giovanni

STRATEGIC NETWORKING:
Increasing Your Networking Return On Investment (ROI)

Why are some people "luckier" than others? Well folks, I'm here to tell you that "luck" has nothing to do with it. One reason it seems as if one person is more successful than another, is that they've managed to build a network of people who KNOW, LIKE and TRUST them.

Having a good network will greatly improve your chance of success in your personal and professional life. But getting a good network requires thought, desire and action. Here are some simple guidelines to increase your return on your investment in networking:

Focus Your Efforts:
You should target two to four of the same networking groups to meet with each and every month. Don't make a habit of being a "guest networker" because it's not effective. There is an old advertising rule that says, a prospect has to see an ad seven times before it takes hold in their consciousness. Your objective is to build value relationships not transactional ones. By attending the same meetings consistently, you will be KNOWN.

Practice First:
Practice your "rap"—that is, your 30 second elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch should be clear, concise and create curiosity about you and your business. A simple script could read as follows: I am (insert your profession here), for (insert the name of your company here). I do (insert what you do here), for (state who you serve here), so that they can (insert the benefit/value your product of service provides them here).

Set Your Goals:
For each networking meeting, you should have a clear objective—your ROI. For example, you could set a goal for yourself of identifying four [4] connections—prospects, resource or center of influence, and schedule two [2] face to face meetings for the following week. That way, you have a clear, objective way of judging your networking effectiveness. Overtime, you will be able to see the results.

Get Ready:
Check your "attitude" prior to entering the meeting. Put on your positive, happy and confident armor. Make sure you are ready to listen twice as much as you speak. And lastly, make sure you are ready to be a resource for others—become a "go giver."

By following these tried and true suggestions, you will achieve a basic business objective. That is to be known, liked and trusted. In so doing, you will exponentially increase your networking effectiveness and build your long term relationships that result in a high return on your networking investment.

RJ Lennon is the senior business coach at MasterMind Coaching & Consulting. RJ brings over 25 years of marketing and sales management to his coaching practice, having filled roles a business owner, independent contractor, corporate salesman at both Chase Manhattan Bank & Sun Microsystems, and a former top-producing real estate broker. For more information contact RJ directly at Rj@MasterMindConsulting.biz

aljonessr