Mark Matteson
Contributing Writer
Sparking Success

Years ago I read a biography on Will Rogers. His rise to fame and fortune was astonishing. He died too soon. Like Mark Twain, he had a way with words. His quotes were pithy and poignant. Here are some of my favorites:

When someone else blows your horn, it travels twice as far.
 If you focus on delivering value with integrity, extra mile service with silence, people will talk and your phone will ring.

If there are no dogs in heaven, I want to go where they went.
 Dogs are intuitive, empathetic, loving unconditionally, fun and loyal. That is the short list. Each of us stands to learn much from our canine coaches.

Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.
 Faith without works is dead. Sales is a numbers game. Action cures fear. Pick an aphorism. We all need to remember the basics: Chop wood, carry water.

Too many people spend money they earned..to buy things they don’t want..to impress people that they don’t like.
 Wow! Is that not the human condition? Francis Bacon said on his death bed, “It’s all Vanity.” We all need to want what we have (family, friends, health, joy) not the other way around.

Why not go out on a limb; that is where the fruit is. 
We all need to take more calculated and informed risks, to stretch our comfort zones on a regular basis. It’s a great way to keep growing and evolving.

I never miss a good chance to shut up. 
Know when to stop talking. It’s easy to talk too long. Why? Ego, pride, fear. Think twice; speak once (or not at all). Leave them wanting more. Less is more.

Common sense ain’t so common. That is enough out of me.

To contact Mark Matteson, call 206.697.0454 or email mark.enjoythejourney.matteson@gmail.com