Rule #7: Be Proud of Your Products

Recently I have taken a little time away from blog posting to work on products.  Steve Jobs was dedicated to his products in such a way that keeps me evaluating and striving for more.  I have always loved how clean and user-friendly his products have been.

Conversation over a cup of coffee seems to be one of my favorite tools for product development.  I love hearing people's stories, learning about their families, and talking about how we can all provide support to people affected by a disability.

Bill and I have loved putting together online training opportunities focused on areas we receive the most questions.  If you visit gwm.digitalchalk.com you can register for three of our courses:  Elements of Disability Ministry, B.U.D.D.Y. Training, and Autism: Associating Neuroanatomy With Observable Behaviors.  We are offering a discount to help you get started.  When you register for a course, just add the promotional code, Launch06, when you check out.

Visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/gracewithoutmargins/ and check out the services we offer:  books and resources, on location training, online training, teacher in-service training and primary student presentations.

Watch for our next course, Aging Parents and Loss,
to be released before Christmas!

Rule #6: Don't Do It For The Money

(Steve Job's rule #6 for success)

When you can lay on the floor and sing silly songs with a child...

... or dance around a room without any walls or rules
... or be greeted with the most sincere hug only a child can give
... or throw out any date in history and be told what day of the week it was
... or put on a talent show with children of all abilities
... or laugh with a child until your sides hurt
... or be with a hearing impaired child and use the rest of your
    senses in a way you never dreamed of
... or pop wheelies down a hallway with a child using a wheelchair laughs
    with delight
... or create a masterpiece out of clay with an adult that has discovered
    their gift
... or spend an afternoon with a senior with a disability and learn from
    their wisdom

Why would you ever do it for the money?

Rule #5: Building A Great Team

Steve Jobs hit the nail on the head when he included Building A Great Team in his 10 Rules For Success.  You just can't do much of anything without a great team around you.  

Building A Great Team is much more than the people currently surrounding you to help meet a goal or get a job done.  When I think of my team it goes back to my mom and dad and how I was raised.  It goes back to all of the teachers I had throughout my life, especially those that left a lasting impression.  It goes back to great employers like Lyman Coleman and Steffani Wilkins who gave me the kind of tools and support that help create a mission.  Lastly, but most importantly, where would I ever be without God leading me through life, nudging me to take risks and trusting Him through the process.

Bill and I are surrounded by great people that have been honest and encouraging over the years.  I am so grateful for David Siek who served alongside us for 14 years and has always been available to help us reach the next goal in ministry.  We have relied on the talents of editors like Diane Krause and a variety of graphic artists and formatters. A huge part of our team is an innovative social media coach, Kim Vanderpoel, who helps us dream and then makes those dreams happen.  Finally there are those on our team that walk in the trenches with us such as my mom, Georgia Stone, and my brothers, David and Mark Stone, that I constantly run ideas through and my daughters who save me when I can't figure out a computer program and continually inspire me to grow.  Lastly, Bill is an important part of the team.  He keeps all the components running by having a "real job," maintaining all of the equipment, and thinking through how it is all going to work.

A great team helps you dream and dream bigger.  A great team redirects you when you are relying on yourself instead of God.  A great team inspires you to step out a little further and will be there to catch you if you fall.  A great team makes every day an adventure.

Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, working at Starbucks, running a corporation, or serving in ministry, you have to have a great team.

Once there was a grain of sand that wanted to become a beach, 

an example of where you can't always do it all by yourself. ~Robert Brault

Rule #4: Don't Sell Crap

We have had a few exciting events in the last week, but I wanted to get back to Steve Job's, 10 Rules For Success.  We have already looked at:

#1:  Don't Live A Limited Life

#2:  Have Passion

#3:  Design For Yourself

The fourth rule is a little more colorful, Don't Sell Crap.  It is a little more colorful wording than I typically use on the internet, but it is still wise and remains true.  What does that mean for Grace Without Margins?

First of all, God always has the best ministry and business plans so I am always learning and listening for them.  Secondly, Bill and I are always looking for ways to make information and training more readily available which is why we have been working towards online training.  It is the trend now and is certainly more accessible.  Of course we are always excited to spend the day with a large group of people interested in disability ministry, as well as sharing a cup of coffee with a friend or two.

As we move forward in offering more resources and services, I will certainly keep #4 in mind.  Being a longtime supporter of Mac products, I am grateful for the quality products and tools Steve Jobs has been a part of creating and developing.  We have a Mac laptop, several i-pads and two i-phones.  They may be a greater investment, but the return has been fabulous!