You’ll find it on every tombstone and grave marker. A name? Certainly. The dates that marked the dearly beloved’s birth and demise? Absolutely. A funny epitaph? (Here Lies An Atheist…All Dressed Up And No Where To Go ) Maybe.

What I’m talking about, however, is the “dash” between the numbers. You know: 1937–2005. The “dash” that’s in between the time you arrive and the time you leave. The great boxing promoter and entertainment producer Butch Lewis is fond of saying that he’s always “working on his dash.” Because he knows that what happens during that in between will be the legacy of his journey here on the planet. The “dash” is everything you accomplish (or don’t accomplish) from the day you draw breath until the day you pass on.

So when it comes to our businesses–and our lives–it’s important that we remember that it’s about building the next generation of entrepreneurs and life’s leaders. And that we must pass on the fundamentals of righteous living and business dealings. Which is why I invoke The Personal Touch (the title of my best-selling business book) in my work and in my life. It’s how I’m working on my dash. Because I know that once you reach a certain level of success, you must pass it on and find a way to give something back. Success and achievement mean nothing if you get there and don’t bring someone along.

The fact of the matter is, a lot of people won’t care how successful you are, unless you stand up for more than your own personal career and ambitions. If you live only for yourself, it will only matter to you when you are gone. Make sure that your life–your dash–means something.

And when you get to the top, know also that nobody is on top forever. Remember that how you will be treated and regarded when the lights go down will be based on how you treated folks when you were on top. Success can be fleeting. It all could be gone tomorrow.

I have on my office wall an old adage that I heard about the four stages of an actor. I had it personalized and I often take a look at it to remind myself that I have to work constantly at my craft. Nothing is forever. It goes like this:

Who is Terrie Williams?

Get me Terrie Williams.

Get me a Terrie Williams clone.

Who is Terrie Williams.

Think about it. That first stage is when you’re just starting out in business. Nobody knows you–yet. After you’ve established yourself everyone wants you because you’re hot. Then you become too busy so everyone wants a copy of you. And then, as the cycle comes full circle…well, unless you’re very careful to your brand, your reputation and your longevity it’s back to where you started. Nobody.

That doesn’t have to happen to you. There are many “personal touch” ways to do business, and I’ll share with you the one I think is the most important. It has to do with relationships.

Say there are 100 people who do exactly what you do, have the same credentials and background. How will you stand out? The answer is simple and clear cut. People do business with, and share their knowledge, and respect more, the people they like and feel good about. The ability to relate favorably to people may hit you as something intangible, but the results are absolutely and totally tangible. You gotta understand that your relationship with people has as much to do with your success as all your professional knowledge. It is that characteristic (a human/personal touch) about your personality that wins respect and will help you in business.

Whether it’s an executive/supporter/mentor you’re trying to connect with, or your colleagues, or your clients-find the way to connect on a human level. And once you do, I’ve seen that there isn’t a rule out there that can’t be bent, broken or even cease to exist if the right relationship exists.

So don’t be remembered as just a name, a couple of dates or by a funny epitaph. Work on your dash and remember that what you do in business–and in life–affects the lives of others. It’s not how long you are here, but what you do–that in between–while you are here.

Stay Strong and continue to share your light.

There is nothing thought of, created, loved or hated without an emotion involved. The mind needs to think it, the heart to feel it, and the soul to stomach it. It’s what you need to achieve it – power.

Some thoughts on real power…the everlasting kind. Real power is…

When your presence – your actions and words – awakens something inside of people…influences them and transforms their spirit.

Stepping into your name – and surrendering to the Creator’s purpose for your life.

Using gifts and resources that are uniquely yours to “Recycle inspiration…because no dream should be thrown away.”

Choosing your friends wisely because people’s spirits are transferable. Comparing yourself never to others because you will never win…but to who you were last month or last year. You stand a better chance.

Facing your truth about who you are… the good and the crazy side.

Taking off a layer of the mask to share your journey with another for the sake of healing…for both if you. We really are all the same inside.

Knowing that “all that is required for the triumph of evil is that good men remain silent and do nothing.” Edmund Burke.

Believing that “adversity is the breakfast of champions.” You want to learn how to eat this stuff. We learn to get nutrition from each attack or setback.

Knowing that you can’t be who you are supposed to be until I become who I am supposed to be.

Knowing that you don’t always have the answer.

Stepping outside your comfort zone daily and understanding that the butterflies inside mean you are taking your game to the next level. If you don’t get up with them, you are either going through this life being pathetic or you are flat lining.

Having the courage to follow your heart…if not, spiritual suicide is death just the same.

Knowing that when you go thru the fire, there is joy in the morning when you come out on the other side.

Remembering on whose shoulders you stand.

Knowing that leadership is a balance of being demanding – and fair, tough yet compassionate.

Knowing that you need mercy, because you will fall and require help to get back in the game. You must give it and be willing to receive it.

PRAYER.

Putting the oxygen mask over your mouth first. Then, if you have a small child sitting next to you, or someone acting like one, secure his or her mask. Think about it -you really can’t do anything for anyone else unless you are taking care of you first. (Yes, I have to remind myself of this at least 10 times a day).

Knowing if you only live for yourself, it only matters to you when you are gone.

Reaching out and throwing a lifeline when someone crosses your mind. It means they need to hear an encouraging word. Learn to be obedient to spirit.

Being able to ask for help when you are the “strong” one that everyone else always goes to when they need help.

Realizing that He will give you the strength and tools to do whatever extraordinary things you are asked to do.

Giving and receiving touch.

Millions of people are suffering because they cannot do either.

Giving yourself permission to say no.

Persevering, staying in the race and knowing that blessings have a way of disguising themselves.

Releasing past hurts and learning to forgive.

BEING FEARLESS.

Helping someone else light their candle – don’t worry; your light till not diminish or be extinguished. It just makes the world brighter.

Turning the mess into your message.

Knowing that your life’s work is already written – all you have to do is show up.

Making today an “I apologize” day. You know who you need to celebrate with.

LISTENING.

Saying ” thank you” when a true friend tells you about yourself. Even though it may sting, know that you really are blessed to have it like that. Many people don’t.

Seeing that your insecurities and jealousy tell you what you really want in life- and that it’s time to create the plan to become the force you want to be.

In the learning to make new Mistakes.

Knowing that” one of the most deadly sins of all is the mutilation of a child’s spirit, “according to Erik Erickson. And that “If we don’t give our kids time, the system will.” So take one under your wing…you will get the gift.

Being open to discovering your blind spots.

Understanding that it’s not personal.

To be for those who encounter you, a glimpse of the face of God.

Stay strong-and continue to share your light.

My child, never fear when you walk through fiery circumstances.  A wretched failure, a business loss, an unexplained illness– they will come like unwelcome flames in the night.  Don’t be terrified but look closely.  In the middle of that fiery furnace, you’ll see a familiar face.  I’ll walk through the flames with you.

*****

My child, I have chosen earthly vessels like you to hold My most valuable jewels because My light shines best in ordinary people.  Others, full of themselves or with the cares of this world, have stuffed their jars so full, there is no room left for Me.  Use my discretion wisely, My child.  Sacred things are not to be trampled, but preserved.  Share My treasures wisely.  Don’t hoard them, but give them to faithful disciples who appreciate the value.

*****

When I cannot utter the words, God, I know you are with me.  Your presence is a comfort to me even in my deepest pain.  Thank you for being that One who sticks so close that your breath is my breath.  Be my leaning post and hold me up so that I might be strong of mind and body.  Amen

*****

Eternal God, Your ways are not our ways and Your thoughts are not our thoughts.  We often forget this when we find ourselves caught between the rocks and hard places of life.  Thank you for showing me that there are no tight spaces where Your spirit cannot enter and no sore spots that your love cannot soothe.  In those times when what we face seems too difficult, assure us once again that you have a ram in the bush for every situation.

*****

My child, whenever you encounter an obstacle, remember, I have already provided a way around it or through it.  The next time you see a cloud on the horizon, don’t fear the storm.  Look closely, and you will see and feel My presence.