Amanda Stamper

You can find me here.

So it’s no secret that I am TERRIFIED of rodents. They totally freak me out! There beady eyes and long skinny tails give me the chills. I am getting goosebumps just writing about it.

One time I was attacked by a squirrel in the ladies bathroom at work (how it got in there I will never know) and then just yesterday there was a rabid raccoon outside my office, animal control had to be called to trap him. I could go the rest of my life and never see another rodent and be just fine.

So what are you afraid of?

Do you ever get the feeling that you were put on this earth to be more than just a sales associate, a director, a CEO, etc.? I do. I want to wake up every morning and know that I am going to do something during the day that will make a difference in someone’s life. It doesn’t have to be a big difference. I am okay with subtle, it adds up in the end. If I can get someone to believe that there is still good in this crazy world, I am good with that.

This week a new study was published by the American Association of Pediatrics finding that children who are pushed, grabbed, shoved, slapped or hit by a parent, or other adult in their household, are more likely than those who are not treated in this way to suffer from mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug abuse/dependence, and several personality disorders as adults.

Thoughts?

The most efficient way to get the behavior you’re looking for is to find positive deviants and give them a platform, a microphone and public praise.

The tribe is hyper-aware of what’s being celebrated, and when you celebrate those that are moving in the right direction, you create a powerful push in that direction. It’s tempting to spend your time extinguishing bad behaviors, but in fact, spreading the word about the superstars is far more likely to change the culture of your market.

-A great word from Seth Godin

Dear Mom,

This Mother’s Day I want to say thank you. Thank you for loving me no matter what. Thank you for supporting me and being there for me in times that I had no where else to turn. Because of your love and support I was able graduate not only high school but college and I never once had to worry about the hands that would care for my precious Zach. Because of your love and support I have been able to become a successful career woman. My kids are loved on everyday by the best Nana in the world. And I never have to worry about them while I am at work. Gracie adores you. Zach, well he’s a teenager, but he loves you more than you will ever know.

I’m not sure that I have ever really said “thank you”. So I want to say it now. Thank you mom for being the best mom ever. Thank you for not only supporting and holding together your own family in a time when families are splitting more than ever, but for supporting my family too. Thank you for loving and helping to raise my kids. Thank you for being my friend. But most of all thank you for being my mom.

I love you.

A conversation in the car yesterday between Zach and Gracie: 

Zach- “I’ll give you $500 to say spaghetti.” 

Gracie- “No.”

Zach- “I’ll give you a nickle to say spaghetti.” 

Gracie- “Basketti. Now give me my nickel.”

You never know what doors of opportunity are going to open from day to day. Make sure and pay attention and don’t be afraid to take initiative. Bridges are best built through hard work, great care, and a lot of networking!