Author: Luke Montgomery

After hearing from several employees we finally decided to make Lake Tiak – O’Khata as this year’s destination for our annual Employee Appreciation Family Day.  I am excited about the new venue myself as I have never been to this family owned lake resort that lies a mere couple of hours away from my home.  I have driven by several times on my way to the state capitol but have never stopped in.  From what several people have told me who have visited it is a hidden treasure for this region.

Click on the link below to check out all the resort has to offer.  This is sure to be a fun outting for all us old kids and the young ones too!

http://ltok.com

I hope everyone has a fabulous Friday and a great weekend! . . . Luke

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”  Anthony D’Angelo

One of the most popular and widely read business books of all time is Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People.  Recently, an article on the Business Insider blog by Eric Barber questioned the scientific validity of Carnegie’s advice on how to be more liked and influential.  Long story short, Mr. Barber came to the conclusion that there was objective evidence to prove Carnegie correct.

For those of you who haven’t yet read How to Win Friends and Influence People I have listed the key six points from the book below.  Sounds like common sense but it definitely serves as a good reminder.

1.  “Become genuinely interested in other people.” —  Actively showing interest in other people is powerful.  Merely listening to what other people have to say and asking them to tell you more makes you more liked and people more receptive to your ideas.

2.  “Smile” — Smiling does make you more attractive.

3.  “Remember that a person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

4.  Be a good listener.  Encourage others to talk about themselves.”  — Talking about yourself provides as much pleasure as food or money.

5.  “Talk in terms of other people’s interest.” 

6.  “Make the other person feel important . . . and do it sincerely.”  —  Feeling like we are in control reduces stress.

Have a great week! — Luke

I would like to follow up to Louis’s post from a few days ago regarding our planning meeting yesterday by saying that I deemed it very successful.  In the meeting we began mapping out a strategy for growth and improvement for 2013 in most all aspects of the company.  We all left the meeting with lots of ideas and a good deal of homework to do.  I think that rather soon you will see benefits from the meeting make its way into your office and employment with the company.  That certainly is the purpose of these planning meetings. . . to improve the company and to provide opportunities for employees to grow.

To a successful 2013. . . Luke.

“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”  Warren Buffett

Ding Dong, it’s time to ring in a New Year.  How did you perform in 2012?  Do you have goals ready for 2013?

At Montgomery Enterprises we stress the importance of setting and working towards both professional and personal goals.  Many of you have attained certain professional goals this year as was apparent with the awards handed out at our annual Christmas party earlier this month.  On top of those receiving awards at the Christmas party numerous employees hit monthly and quarterly goals throughout 2012.  To those of you who were able to hit your professional goals this year we want to say “Congratulations”.  To those who came up short with particular goals now is the time to evaluate strengths and weaknesses and to develop a game plan to be successful in 2013.

Now is also the perfect time to set personal goals for 2013.  The work you do to improve yourself and family is more important than the work you do during the workday so it only makes sense to continually strive to reach personal goals.   Good luck to all of you with both your professional and personal goals in 2013!  . . .  Luke

“A year from now you may wish you had started today.”  ―    Karen Lamb

and for those who came up short with certain goals . . .

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.”  ―    Bruce Lee

Shane is Forty!  Tuesday a party was held at the Fulton office for Shane’s fortieth birthday.  Happy Birthday Shane! — Luke

“To me, old age is always ten years older than I am.”  John Burroughs

This past Monday morning we became aware that we left someone out of the program during our company Christmas party the other night.  Due to a computer error Lynn Johnson was not recognized as one of Montgomery Enteprises’ Ten Year Employees.  Although we were embarrassed by our oversight, we turned the problem into an opportunity and hosted Lynn to a Ten Year Lunch party on Monday with cake and trimmings.

Over the last ten years Lynn has served the company in many different capacities.  Her willingness to serve where needed and her natural work ethic make her a top performer.  Thanks for ten great years Lynn!  —  Luke

“Work Ethic seems to be universally accepted as one of the most important factors contributing to one’s success. The harder you work – the more successful you’ll be. “Do a bunch by lunch…be a winner by dinner!” ~ Unknown

It seems like only a few weeks ago we pulled Michelle Woods’ name out of a hat for the Grand Prize four night cruise. Actually, that was one year ago at our annual company Christmas party. I am looking forward to seeing many of you this weekend in Tupelo for this year’s Christmas event. Most everyone is signed up to attend as we are expecting around 180 attendees.

The Area Managers have been working hard making the necessary plans to make the party another success.  We have some fun and exciting things lined up so we hope you can make it this Saturday evening.

Have a great day! —  Luke

“At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.”  Thomas Tusser

Yesterday marked our first day of business at US Gold & Silver Brokers after having started our advertising campaign over the weekend.  We are quite pleased thus far with the traffic we have had in our new business.  Check us out on our website at www.usgoldandsilverbrokers.com.  The website is fairly simple but it does a good job of explaining what we do.

“If you always listen to your fears, you will die never knowing what a great person you might have been.”  Robert Schuller

Over the past few weeks Louis and I have been spending a great deal of time preparing for the opening of a new business for our company. . . US Gold & Silver Brokers Inc.  This new business will be located in Tupelo at a great location we were able to purchase just off the Crosstown intersection.  At US Gold and Silver Brokers we will purchase gold and silver in most any form whether it be scrap gold, silverware or gold and silver coins.  Separating us from many of these Cash 4 Gold places will be the fact that we can also sell gold and silver in bullion form to our customers.  We have worked to build a network of contacts across the country that allows us to purchase gold and silver at highly competitive rates that will allow us to compete price-wise with the national internet companies while offering friendly face to face service. 

We have worked up a strategic advertising and marketing campaign that we are proud of that is set to begin the day after Thanksgiving.  Our website is close to completion and once it is finished we will post the web address so you can get a better picture of what our new business is all about.

We were hoping to post a picture of the building today but, unfortunately, we are still waiting on the sign company to show up.  We will update everyone as we move forward with getting the business open. . . hopefully, this Thursday.

Make today a great day! — Luke

“For success, attitude is equally important as ability.”  Harry F. Banks