We all work hard right?

As a life long sales guy and now the owner of a golf tournament company I work non-stop but love to tee it up whenever I can. The problem in the past was taking advantage of the opportunity without letting things slip.

If your a sales guy here are a few tips to work in some more golf. If you are a manager hovering over sales reports you can stop reading and get back to figuring out another way to get in your guys way.

First things first, be prepared. Always have your sticks in the car after all how can you say yes to a last minute invite when you have to sneak into the garage like a ninja to grab them without the boss on the home front putting the kabosh on your “meeting”. Keeping a white shirt in the car at all times helps too. It won’t fade from the sun all spring and summer hanging in the car and it matches everything.

You have to schedule properly. Meeting near a driving range before or after lunch are always a plus. Don’t book that big appointment on Friday afternoon because when you do you’re sure to get a call to play that track you always wanted to. You can’t move that meeting because if you screw it up how are you going to pay for your golf. this is good stuff, I hope you’re taking copious notes.

Always call into your weekly sales meeting call from a busy parking lot or grocery store so when you are on the way to the course and changing in the parking lot it sounds the same as every other call you are on.

***Warning, avoidit or be sure the course doesn’t bellow out the group on the box next over an P.A. system. If so, you heard it here first, you will have a one on one scheduled with your boss with in 48 hours.

Cell phones, return all your calls while at the turn and via email on your blackberry because after all you are working. When the deal starts blowing up on #3 and you have to handle it, then handle it. Skip the hole handle your business and do not bug the other 3 guys that took care of their stuff before getting out.

Summer travel: I always bring my sticks because sitting in the Marriott bar is more expensive then finding the local muni for a twilight round.  Use google maps to locate courses and driving ranges near your hotel.

Experience it all. Try different tracks off the beaten path. The local $20 course is sometimes a hidden gem and there are always a few good characters that you hook up with.

Finally, work your butt off the rest of the time. If you want the flexibility to play hooky you need to earn it. The guys with the good tan and low handicap are guys that work as hard as they play. Make more calls than the next guy. The fact is more calls doesn’t take more time it just means making use of every waking minute. taking 45 minutes for lunch at the range is always better than a 1 hour plus lunch with the guys at the office spewing about everything they don’t like.

The one bush league thing that will tick any sales guy off is a Friday afternoon conference call with the sales manager. So, here is a word of advice….don’t take that job and work for a tool like that.

In conclusion, work your butt off, be prepared for all sales calls, be prepared to accept the golfing opportunities presented to you and use your head. Oh yeah, I work for myself now and can blow off any day I want to but I don’t. I work hard, schedule my hooky accordingly and I know that at the end of every week I am putting in more time than the competition and playing more golf!

Wow, this was a very liberating post…..Play On American Sales Guy, Play On!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many sports do their part to give back to the community and the PGA Tour is by far the leader in all professional sports. These guys do their part every week by giving local and national charities a platform to raise millions of dollars each year. Most players are happy to do their part and many simply do it on their won.

As a friend and co-worker of Chelsea King’s dad I learned of this the day after she went missing as I was hosting a charity event for the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation at the site of the Honda Classic.  It is something you never want to hear about and more over unthinkable for any parent.

http://www.kusi.com/home/87180342.html?video=YHI&t=a

Please join me in wearing Orange this weekend in support of the King Family. We all think these things are just blips on the news but we are all touched in some way.

Hug your children a little longer, spend a few extra minutes listening to them, take a break from your daily activities of work and stress because at the end of everyday what truly matters is your family!

From PGATOUR.com

Charley Hoffman didn’t know Chelsea King or anyone in her family.

He grew up in Poway, Calif., though. He even went to the same high school as the 17-year-old who was found raped and murdered last week.

John Mallinger’s hometown of Escondido, Calif., was ripped apart by a starkly similar tragedy when the remains of 14-year-old Amber Dubois were found on a hillside four days after King’s body was discovered. The same convicted sex offender is suspected in both deaths.

The horrific events have captured the attention of a nation and traumatized the communities where Hoffman and Mallinger were raised. Both are far away this week, competing in the Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular, but they wanted to do something to honor the victims and their families.

So both Hoffman and Mallinger will be wearing orange ribbons this week as they compete. They have recruited other players from California to do the same in Puerto Rico and at the World Golf Championships-CA Championship, as well.

“I was down in San Diego doing some golf stuff (last) Tuesday when she was found. It sort of hit home,” Hoffman said. “I didn’t realize how close it was. I mean, I grew up fishing there at Lake Hodges where her body was found. I’ve walked those paths.

“You never really think of something like that happening in your hometown. … We’re just trying to show support of her and try to keep her spirit going with the orange ribbon this week. I didn’t know her — didn’t know anything about her. … But you grew up there.You grew up doing the exact same things she did.

“You don’t want to see kids stop running and going around fishing and going around the lake. You just want these guys who have done this stuff to obviously be caught. Hopefully somehow this will stop the predators by people being more aware of the situation.”

Escondido, where Mallinger grew up, is about 15 miles north of Poway. Like Hoffman, he spent time at Lake Hodges with his family when he was younger. He knows how the community is grieving.

“Coming from that area, it kind of hits everyone hard,’” Mallinger said. “I’ve been on that lake, fishing a lot with my family, and to hear that happen is just tragic. … Hopefully the community can come together and show their support. That’s something we’re doing this week with the orange ribbons show support for her and our community and her family.”

The Honda Classic and the formitable Bear Trap was again another great PGA Tour Event. Carmilo Villegas carded a 5 shot victory over Anthony Kim and played great despite a few wobbles on the backside in the final round.

I can pontificate all day about the whata coulda’s of the event but I’ll save that for the guys who actually make a living recanting the tournament. There are some great story lines that had signifucant meaning to those inside the ropes but the true champions were not seen this weekend.

Last Saturday at PGA National on the Champion’s course 31 players warmed up the course for the PGA Tour. The FORE! Jack & Jill Golf Marathon benefiting the Jack & JIll Late Stage Cancer Foundation took place.

The golf marathon was something any die hard golfer would love. Having inside the ropes access to the the Honda Classic Tournament course, they were charged with a special mission.

Playing from sun up to sun down, being backed up by pledges from family and friends they headed out at 7:30 a.m. in atypical 40 degree south Florida weather. They played for others that need a break from the rigors of late stage terminal cancer. Mom’s & Dad’s who are on the clock of life leaving behind children. The funds raised go to provide the WOW! Experiences for these families to go on a trip of a lifetime as a family to build one last memorable experience as a family.

A total of 1287 holes were played by the 31 golfers and they raised in excess of $36,000. The golf was great but their efforts were priceless.

It never gets old hearing them finish their day and talk about the fun they had and the impact of their mission. They all left inspired to comeback next year to tackle the Bear Trap again and raise even more funds for the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation.

Brian Russo and Keith Kebe were the ironmen of the day playing 80 holes each. Kebe carded the low gross of the day for his best 18 hole score on each hole with a stellar 68. Sophie Louis a 5 year old little girl with the heart the size of Texas asked to tee it up and she herself raised $600 and played 21 holes. Not bad for a pint sized girl who never played more than 9 holes on an executive course.

The true spirit of the game is not only great golf but the ability to give back to others. Our game of golf is like no other and the Millions of Dollars raised each year for others is humbling to be a part of. I am blessed beyond measure to use the skills given to me to organize events and change lives everyday.

For more information on the FORE! Jack & Jill Golf Marathon Series and their event schedule visit www.back9promotions.com

Tiger Woods, looking tired and visibly nervous, walked into the room today to deliver his statement on his personal transgressions. I won’t rehash it, as most of the world tuned in to listen, with individual expectations as to what “they” wanted to hear him say. One thing was clear, he isn’t a world class orator.

Tiger laid it out there, with no mixed messages, saying it was his fault for his liasons and that he takes full responsibility for the damage he has done to Elin and the kids. He took sole responsibility for his actions and appears to be taking the steps he needs to get to the bottom of what his real problem is. The problem is more complex than just being unfaithful for if it were only that he would do what many men do and take the lashing handed out by his wife, tuck his tail and go it alone to restart his life. Many athletes, movie stars and politicians alike have taken the high road and moved on.

From the reactions I’ve heard from the main stream media, the talking heads on ESPN & CNN and people on the street, it seems that many feel this is simply the work of his team to spin his image and right his ship. Now, I don’t know for sure, just like 99% of us, that that is the case. Sure Tiger had writers help him with the statement because after all it wasn’t a living room sit down just with those in attendance. He was speaking to the world, to his friends, to his sponsors and in a way to his family.  I am sure in private he had to come clean to the families involved.

You see for all the criticism out there on how and what was delivered, step back for a moment and really think about it. Here is a guy that had the World by the proverbial tail and got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He needed to say something, although sooner would have been better. It isn’t for us to judge what he said based on our expectations or what “we” wanted to hear because it’s his issue, his failings and his personal life. Granted as a public figure, receiver of millions from sponsors, a person kids and adults admired he had to come out with something.

This was just a toe’s dip into the sea of mayhem that he will surely face in the future but this wasn’t that time or place. As a very closed lip individual when it came to his family, he needed to say to the world. He was sorry and is seeking help.

His treatment I feel, says something because he is looking deep into himself and hopefully will find the real answers as to why he did what he did. He did mention that he felt with his fame and money and access to what ever he wanted without too much fear of consequence. And that is probably where the problem lies. When you live a pampered life, unlike us 9-5′ers, the rules and the lines are easily hazed. The expectations that he had from all those around him waned in his view and he began to take to heart, the written about Superman like qualities he showed on the golf course and his bank accounts.

You may think I am siding with Tiger here but that is far from it. I personally believe that the bigger you are, the harder you will fall, if you don’t surround yourself with people who will keep you accountable. I assume over the years those that would have called him out for the behavior leading to this were not at his side as he walked down this path. Surround yourself with yes men and you too can fall into to a similar trap.

We are a nation that is forever forgiving of those who ask for forgiveness, as long as it’s remorseful and true. Can I say he was remorseful in his canned speech to the world…I don’t know. I do know this, his actions lead him here and his actions in the coming years will tell the story.

Whether you think it wasn’t up to what you wanted to hear, take a step back and listen to yourself. It isn’t your transgression, it isn’t your husband or wife, so you don’t really have all the experiences with him on a personal level to pass full judgment on his sincerity.

Next time your royally screw up, try to keep it from those around you, especially those you don’t want to know, then write a speech, gather all your friends in a room, call CNN and have them air it for the world to hear, standing 5 feet from your Mom. I hope you come across perfect in EVERYONE’S eyes and nail it….. but I doubt you will, I know I wouldn’t.

The actions of the Tiger’s past are the first half of the book. The rest of the story has yet to be written because Tiger’s actions in the coming years will tell the real story of today.

Good morning, and thank you for joining me. Many of you in this room are my friends. Many of you in this room know me. Many of you have cheered for me or you’ve worked with me or you’ve supported me.

Now every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you, simply and directly, I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in.

I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish. People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife Elin and to my children. And while I have always tried to be a private person, there are some things I want to say.

Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words; it will come from my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss; however, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.

I am also aware of the pain my behavior has caused to those of you in this room. I have let you down, and I have let down my fans. For many of you, especially my friends, my behavior has been a personal disappointment. To those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally. My behavior has caused considerable worry to my business partners.

To everyone involved in my foundation, including my staff, board of directors, sponsors, and most importantly, the young students we reach, our work is more important than ever. Thirteen years ago, my dad and I envisioned helping young people achieve their dreams through education. This work remains unchanged and will continue to grow. From the Learning Center students in Southern California to the Earl Woods scholars in Washington, D.C., millions of kids have changed their lives, and I am dedicated to making sure that continues.

But still, I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did. I am embarrassed that I have put you in this position.

For all that I have done, I am so sorry.

I have a lot to atone for, but there is one issue I really want to discuss. Some people have speculated that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night. It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that. Elin never hit me that night or any other night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage, ever. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame.

The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame.

I stopped living by the core values that I was taught to believe in. I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn’t apply. I never thought about who I was hurting. Instead, I thought only about myself. I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them.

I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me. I brought this shame on myself. I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife’s family, my friends, my foundation, and kids all around the world who admired me.

I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I’ve done. My failures have made me look at myself in a way I never wanted to before. It’s now up to me to make amends, and that starts by never repeating the mistakes I’ve made. It’s up to me to start living a life of integrity.

I once heard, and I believe it’s true, it’s not what you achieve in life that matters; it’s what you overcome. Achievements on the golf course are only part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count.

Parents used to point to me as a role model for their kids. I owe all those families a special apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry.

It’s hard to admit that I need help, but I do. For 45 days from the end of December to early February, I was in inpatient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I’m facing. I have a long way to go. But I’ve taken my first steps in the right direction.

As I proceed, I understand people have questions. I understand the press wants to ask me for the details and the times I was unfaithful. I understand people want to know whether Elin and I will remain together. Please know that as far as I’m concerned, every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me. These are issues between a husband and a wife.

Some people have made up things that never happened. They said I used performance enhancing drugs. This is completely and utterly false. Some have written things about my family. Despite the damage I have done, I still believe it is right to shield my family from the public spotlight. They did not do these things; I did.

I have always tried to maintain a private space for my wife and children. They have been kept separate from my sponsors, my commercial endorsements. When my children were born, we only released photographs so that the paparazzi could not chase them. However, my behavior doesn’t make it right for the media to follow my two and a half year old daughter to school and report the school’s location. They staked out my wife and they pursued my mom. Whatever my wrongdoings, for the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone.

I recognize I have brought this on myself, and I know above all I am the one who needs to change. I owe it to my family to become a better person. I owe it to those closest to me to become a better man. That’s where my focus will be.

I have a lot of work to do, and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it. Part of following this path for me is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age. People probably don’t realize it, but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I drifted away from it in recent years. Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously I lost track of what I was taught.

As I move forward, I will continue to receive help because I’ve learned that’s how people really do change. Starting tomorrow, I will leave for more treatment and more therapy. I would like to thank my friends at Accenture and the players in the field this week for understanding why I’m making these remarks today.

In therapy I’ve learned the importance of looking at my spiritual life and keeping in balance with my professional life. I need to regain my balance and be centered so I can save the things that are most important to me, my marriage and my children.

That also means relying on others for help. I’ve learned to seek support from my peers in therapy, and I hope someday to return that support to others who are seeking help. I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don’t know when that day will be.

I don’t rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game. In recent weeks I have received many thousands of emails, letters and phone calls from people expressing good wishes. To everyone who has reached out to me and my family, thank you. Your encouragement means the world to Elin and me.

I want to thank the PGA TOUR, Commissioner Finchem, and the players for their patience and understanding while I work on my private life. I look forward to seeing my fellow players on the course.

Finally, there are many people in this room, and there are many people at home who believed in me. Today I want to ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again.

Thank you.