Blog of Professional Speaker Snowden McFall

Think Like an Entrepreneur, Even If You Are Not One

Entrepreneurial thinking is not limited to founders or business owners. It is a mindset rooted in ownership, initiative, and problem-solving, and it can dramatically improve effectiveness inside corporations, nonprofits, healthcare systems, and complex organizations.

Many professionals feel constrained by bureaucracy, layers of approval, or rigid systems. Over time, this sense of powerlessness contributes to disengagement, stress, and burnout. Yet one of the most reliable ways to regain energy and influence is to think and act like an entrepreneur within your role.

Why Entrepreneurial Thinking Reduces Stress

According to the research summarized in the book Drive, humans have a fundamental need for autonomy, mastery, and purpose. When those needs are suppressed, stress rises and motivation declines. Entrepreneurial thinking restores a sense of control and forward momentum.

Rather than waiting for permission, entrepreneurial thinkers take responsibility for challenges they can influence. They move from complaint to creation.

How to Apply Entrepreneurial Thinking at Work

Claim ownership of a problem. Choose an issue within your scope and treat it as if it were your own business challenge.
Brainstorm creatively. Step outside standard procedures and generate multiple solutions without self-censorship.
Build a clear plan. Map out a practical solution in writing, including risks, benefits, and implementation steps.
Present initiative, not complaints. Bring your proposal to leadership as a contribution, not a criticism.

Most managers respond positively to initiative, especially when it reduces friction, saves time, or improves outcomes. Even when ideas are not fully adopted, the act of taking ownership restores confidence and engagement.

Entrepreneurial Thinking Is a Resilience Skill

When leaders and professionals operate with agency instead of helplessness, stress decreases and effectiveness increases. Entrepreneurial thinking builds psychological resilience by reinforcing choice, capability, and purpose.

This mindset is one of the foundational behaviors explored in resilient leadership. To see how ownership, clarity, and adaptability fit into a broader resilience framework, visit the Leadership Resilience Hub.

You do not need a new title to think like an entrepreneur. You need a willingness to step into responsibility with clarity and intention.

A Good Customer Service Story

All it Takes is Kindness and Attention

A few weeks ago, between appointments, I ran into Dillards to return something and stopped by the Estee Lauder counter. Surprisingly, I had a delightful time. Karen greeted me warmly, inquired as to my needs and then went a step further. She got to know me. She observed I had bought some new suits, and I explained I was a professional speaker. We had a great conversation about stress, and she said, “Let me check your previous sales slip.” Seems I was entitled to a 10% discount that had not been taken by the other salesperson. She voided out everything, reentered it and saved me over $20 on a variety of purchases. She took my name and contact info for future sales, and gave me a card. It was a wonderful experience. She demonstrated a personal interest, valued me, made my shopping more positive and memorable. That’s what I call customer service. How are you doing that for your customers?

Are You Tired Because You’re Thirsty?

Water is essential to our survival. Every cell and system in your body depends on water. A 5% drop in body fluids will cause a 25% loss in energy; a 15% drop leads to death. So drinking those 8 glasses a day is vital. Equally important is the restorative power of being around water. Waterfalls and oceans are fantastic stress relievers because they have negative ions, which refresh and revitalize you. Soaking in warm water for 20 minutes relaxes you significantly, as does soaking feet and legs (up to the knee) for 30 minutes. Try it next time you are stressed; water is very healing! For a recent podcast on this, go to: http://ow.ly/1yoP2

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What to Write About In Social Media

Educate, Entertain, Add Value

People just starting in social media often ask me what they should post. Write about your expertise, what you know well and the latest trends in those areas. Share quotes, statistics, and stories. Always add value and be a source of information and help to those following you. Be a positive force. Share personally and vulnerably a bit, but don’t use social media as a sounding board when you’re upset. And don’t make trivial posts about what you ate for breakfast… unless it’s really interesting or you have a great recipe or restaurant to share. Realize that any posts on social media or the Internet may be out there forever, so never badmouth others, or put photos up on Facebook® that would embarrass you later. More employers are searching social media to learn about what their people do off-line. Be smart. Use the guideline of “How does this help, inform, educate or entertain others?” And be careful about the entertainment part!

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Do You Live In One of America’s Most Stressful Cities?

Here’s What To Do if That’s the Case

A new study ranks the most stressful cities in the US, based on divorces, commutes, unemployment rates and crime. The most stressful cities are Tampa, Las Vegas, Miami, Jacksonville, and Detroit. The least stressful are Pittsburgh, Virginia Beach, Cambridge, Mass., Nassau-Suffolk, NY, and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

So what can you do if you live in a stressful city?

Implement one of these top 5 stress relievers:

1. Get more sleep- you need at least 7 hours a night every night. Less is a carcinogen according to the WHO.

2. Go on vacation at least 2X a year without cellphone& laptops.

3. Exercise daily for at least 20 minutes. It’s a terrific stress reliever & keeps you healthy.

4. Drink lots of water throughout the day. 40% of North Americans are dehydrated.

5. Volunteer- giving back gives your perspective, changes your focus, and helps you appreciate your life.

For more tips and to read a free chapter from Stress Express: 15 Instant Stress Relieversgo here:http://firedupnow.com/graphics/StressExpressfreechapter.pdf

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Inspiration from a 12 Year Old

Not too long ago, I had the privilege of delivering the keynote speech for Community Connections Volunteer Appreciation Event. This non-profit organization in Jacksonville, FL does an amazing job of fighting homelessness, poverty and hunger, helping families, and homeless women and children. The luncheon saluted all the wonderful 1100 volunteers who do so much. They are all so impressive and give so generously of their time and money. But every once in a while, there is a volunteer who truly stands out.

One such volunteer is Osjah Castro. How many 12 year olds do you know that have 1000 volunteer hours for each year of their lives? (Yes- that’s over 12,000 hours, folks) That’s Osjah’s story, and she is amazing. Poised, confident and enthusiastic, Osjah is humble about what she has done and enthusiastic about the future. Now organizing a concert fundraiser with national teen stars, Osjah is passionate, positive and committed. She exemplifies resilient leadership at such a young age. When I asked what she likes best about volunteering, she said “The way it makes you feel.” I couldn’t agree more. Giving back touches your heart, lifts your stress and inspires your soul. Osjah has inspired me; I can’t wait to see what she does next.

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Sales Tip: Overcome Objections by Leading with Them

Take a Tip from PR Specialists

If you’ve ever watched a scandal unfold, you’ve seen how well or poorly it can be handled. Most PR professionals believe in breaking an imminent story first, so that they can control the message and lead with the truth. That’s good advice for sales as well.

If you know there is an obvious question or objection to your product or service,
after you have carefully listened to your prospects needs and concerns, control your message by overcoming any objections up front. Lead with them, show why they are not true and give real case studies that back up what you say. Be relaxed and confident about any objections, not defensive or reactive. That’s a position of strength and integrity, which positions you well versus your competition.

Take the time to truly study your competition, know your strengths and weaknesses and anticipate any possible objections. Overcome them with courage and data; it will serve you well.

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Impossible is a State of Mind

Don’t Hold Yourself Back

I recently spoke at a conference for financial managers in the medical field, and met an impressive young man. He shared with me his secret for success as a sales professional. He said most salespeople were attractive women or strong, good-looking men. He said those qualities made them more memorable. Then he went on to tell me that he had suffered severe burns over most of his body when he was younger. His face showed some of those burn scars although honestly, his eyes were what I most noticed about him. He said how many salespeople out there have significant burns on their body? He was the only one he knew of, and he used to to his advantage. He said that made him memorable, and clearly his positive attitude made all the difference.

A colleague of mine, W. Mitchell, is a paraplegic who also experienced severe burns and trauma after two horrific accidents. His message of inspiration and not quitting is very powerful. He is a special person and I am blessed to know him. His tenacity and joy of life always touch my heart.

So often, in my consulting and coaching work, I hear the words ” I can’t” or I observe how people quit on themselves. And then I think about people who had every reason to quit, to feel sorry for themselves, but instead turned their adversity into a strength and used it to help others.

Where in your life can your turn an adversity into a strength? Is there any part of you that has quit on yourself? I encourage you to dig deeper into your own inner wisdom and gifts, reclaim your power and commit more fully to success. You can do it. I believe in you. Nothing is impossible.

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The Power of Choice: Stand in Your Power

There are so many times in our lives when we can choose to be courageous, strong, and live in our integrity, and there are times when some of us do not.
Regardless of peer or political pressure in any situation, you ultimately have yourself and God to be accountable to. Live in the authentic nature of who you are, make decisions and take actions that resonate with you and your values, and you will always be able to respect yourself. There are infinite opportunities to do the right thing and be the best you can be. Choose wisely.

“To win or lose,
To love or hate,
To try or quit,
To risk or withdraw,
To accelerate or hesitate,
To dream or stagnate,
To open or close,
To succeed or fail,
To live or die.
Everyone of these starts with a CHOICE.”
Snowden McFall

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What To Do When You Are Overwhelmed

Take Control of Something Small

When you have too many projects going on and suddenly another lands in your lap, when your kids’ activities seem too onerous on your already hectic schedule, and when you can’t imagine where you would find time to exercise, stop. Take a few minutes to yourself and breathe.

Overwhelm is very common in American society. We are on 24/7 with cellphones and computers and that means for some of us, our brains never stop. The danger with that is you never get the critical rest your body and mind desperately need, and you don’t have any resources to fall back on.

Next time you are overwhelmed and feel out of control, try this. Take control of one small thing that has immediate visible, tangible results. Like clean off your desk. Or file the mountain of paperwork sitting on top of your file cabinet. Something you can see right away. Afterwards, you will feel a sense of power and accomplishment and you can handle the next task. You’ll feel more balanced.
Then you can prioritize your highest leveraged activities and start managing them in peace and quiet with your phone off for a good 90 minutes, for maximum productivity.

You can conquer overwhelm and gain control of your time. Try it.

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