This past weekend I met some very talented and interesting people. I was fascinated by one person in particular who was the owner of an antiquarian book and print shop. The items in her shop dated from the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries and she knew the facts and stories behind all the pieces, hundreds, if not thousands of them. She told me that it started as a hobby and grew from there. She also mentioned that she didn't limit herself to the physical store. She had an internet business and participated in fairs and shows throughout the West Coast. She could not rely on the walk in business alone.
My friend Don said something interesting as we walked by other businesses that were closed or were closing and shutting their doors for good. He said that if an antiquarian book store can make it in this economy, other businesses should be able to do the same.
He was right. She didn't just know her business, she knew it extremely well and conveyed passion every time she spoke. She also looked for other ways to sell the products in her niche and connect with those that were interested.
Are you a reflection of the antiquarian book store owner or the shop owner closing its doors?
One Voice
As a leader in your business and life, are you fully expressing what really matters most to you in your life?
Sometimes we do not realize the exponential power that one voice has and the positive impact it can have on other lives, the world and our own life. Think about the amount of people you come into contact with on a daily basis. If you positively influence them and in turn, they influence others, you begin to share your message to the world.
It's easy to get caught up in blaming others for our lack, the economy, our health and education crisis but what are you doing to positively contribute to it's success in helping to change?
If all of us shared our voice in an inspirational way, imagine the impact it will have on this world. Are you sharing what matters most to you in this world?
Sometimes we do not realize the exponential power that one voice has and the positive impact it can have on other lives, the world and our own life. Think about the amount of people you come into contact with on a daily basis. If you positively influence them and in turn, they influence others, you begin to share your message to the world.
It's easy to get caught up in blaming others for our lack, the economy, our health and education crisis but what are you doing to positively contribute to it's success in helping to change?
If all of us shared our voice in an inspirational way, imagine the impact it will have on this world. Are you sharing what matters most to you in this world?
Who are you?
What would happen if you no longer could identify with your past? What if all the degrees, certificates, accolades, certifications and experiences became obsolete? How would you describe yourself to someone? Would the description of yourself be a reflection of who you have become or an image of who you were?
We often bring our past into the present to bring credibility to who we are and what we do. What can you provide to your existing and potential customers that is fresh, new and relevant to the current economy, their industry and your expertise?
How often do you hear someone who tells you the story that happened when they were a little kid about how many miles they had to walk to school through the snow and over mountains? What was your reaction? Although it may have been true, it usually isn't relevant to the current times now that we have bicycles, buses and modern transportation.
What is your story? What are your current beliefs, processes and programs? Are you so invested in your beliefs that you are unstoppable?
Living in the now is more than just the new age phrase of the day. It is a necessity that becomes your distinctive value that sets you apart from the those who try to copy your genius. The only obstacle stopping you from tapping into your brilliance is you resting on the laurels of your past success.
So, who are you?
We often bring our past into the present to bring credibility to who we are and what we do. What can you provide to your existing and potential customers that is fresh, new and relevant to the current economy, their industry and your expertise?
How often do you hear someone who tells you the story that happened when they were a little kid about how many miles they had to walk to school through the snow and over mountains? What was your reaction? Although it may have been true, it usually isn't relevant to the current times now that we have bicycles, buses and modern transportation.
What is your story? What are your current beliefs, processes and programs? Are you so invested in your beliefs that you are unstoppable?
Living in the now is more than just the new age phrase of the day. It is a necessity that becomes your distinctive value that sets you apart from the those who try to copy your genius. The only obstacle stopping you from tapping into your brilliance is you resting on the laurels of your past success.
So, who are you?
Lifelines
Who Wants to be a Millionaire- is a popular game show where a contestant has to answer questions. If they get stuck, they can get help with the aid of lifelines. The three lifelines are:
a. Ask the audience.
b. Double dip.
c. Ask the expert.
What if we were to use this concept for your business to help you move forward? Your choices would be:
a. Ask your customers. (Find out what their needs are; what is working; what they would like to see in the future)
b. Have a do over. (Revisit something you have done and make it better)
c. Ask an expert. (Include someone as part of your virtual team who has the expertise you need to make the difference)
Which one would you choose as your lifeline?
Sometimes businesses wait until it is too late, become reactionary and need a lifeline to survive. The key is to be proactive and to keep looking ahead, especially when things are going good. Whether you are an owner, manager or employee, reinvention should not occur out of necessity, but instead, out of inspiration.
a. Ask the audience.
b. Double dip.
c. Ask the expert.
What if we were to use this concept for your business to help you move forward? Your choices would be:
a. Ask your customers. (Find out what their needs are; what is working; what they would like to see in the future)
b. Have a do over. (Revisit something you have done and make it better)
c. Ask an expert. (Include someone as part of your virtual team who has the expertise you need to make the difference)
Which one would you choose as your lifeline?
Sometimes businesses wait until it is too late, become reactionary and need a lifeline to survive. The key is to be proactive and to keep looking ahead, especially when things are going good. Whether you are an owner, manager or employee, reinvention should not occur out of necessity, but instead, out of inspiration.
Meaningful Connections
How would you categorize the connections that you make with people on a regular basis for your business?
Is it ...
a. For the sale?
b. To increase the amount of customers/patients/clients you have?
c. To have a positive impact on each person and the world?
d. To share what you are passionate about?
e. To provide an experience to remember?
f. To increase your business to get by?
G. A combination of the above?
There is no right or wrong answer.
However, think about this: If you lost everything today, which one of those connections would be there to give you support?
If you are going to take the time and energy to make a connection, why not make it meaningful- however you choose to define it. It doesn't have to be just a numbers game!
Is it ...
a. For the sale?
b. To increase the amount of customers/patients/clients you have?
c. To have a positive impact on each person and the world?
d. To share what you are passionate about?
e. To provide an experience to remember?
f. To increase your business to get by?
G. A combination of the above?
There is no right or wrong answer.
However, think about this: If you lost everything today, which one of those connections would be there to give you support?
If you are going to take the time and energy to make a connection, why not make it meaningful- however you choose to define it. It doesn't have to be just a numbers game!
Could It Be?
When you see someone dressed in a suit and tie what impression do you get? When you pass someone in a dirty tee shirt with holes and battered shorts what are you thinking? When you see someone driving a Lexus, Mercedes or Porche what thoughts go through your mind? If someone from an old rusty sedan waves at you do you acknowledge them?
Could it be that the person in the suit and tie spent their last dollar on clothes for a job interview? Could it be the organic gardener in the tattered clothes who just passed you delivered the veggies to the store you buy from? Could it be the family who scrimped and saved to put their kids through college decided to splurge on their first new car? Could it be a wave from a complete stranger that wanted to make someone's day?
From the Business View - You never know who is a decision maker. Treat everyone with respect and kindness.
From the Humanistic View - Everyone has a story and history. Accept them for who they are and not what you judge them to be.
From a Spiritual View - Welcome and acknowledge everyone as spiritual beings without the filters of your own preferences. There really is no separation.
How can you make a positive difference in someone's life today?
Could it be that the person in the suit and tie spent their last dollar on clothes for a job interview? Could it be the organic gardener in the tattered clothes who just passed you delivered the veggies to the store you buy from? Could it be the family who scrimped and saved to put their kids through college decided to splurge on their first new car? Could it be a wave from a complete stranger that wanted to make someone's day?
From the Business View - You never know who is a decision maker. Treat everyone with respect and kindness.
From the Humanistic View - Everyone has a story and history. Accept them for who they are and not what you judge them to be.
From a Spiritual View - Welcome and acknowledge everyone as spiritual beings without the filters of your own preferences. There really is no separation.
How can you make a positive difference in someone's life today?
Lessons from a French Press
I was cleaning a french press (a small carafe that steeps coffee) the other day and said, "This is a lot of work for a cup of coffee", but when I thought about it, it wasn't just another cup of coffee. It was a really good cup of coffee. Something different happens with a french press that makes it tastes superior to drip coffee. Was I just being lazy?
In your business, sometimes it takes that extra effort to get great results, to build your business and to market yourself.
Are you lazy? If not, are you putting in the extra effort needed? Are you doing those things that no one else is willing to do to create your competitive advantage?
If not you, then who?
In your business, sometimes it takes that extra effort to get great results, to build your business and to market yourself.
Are you lazy? If not, are you putting in the extra effort needed? Are you doing those things that no one else is willing to do to create your competitive advantage?
If not you, then who?
Spread the Secret
Have you ever run across great service, great food or a real find at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant? It makes you want to tell someone. For me, this weekend at the Coupeville farmers market, it was a BBQ smoked tri-tip sandwich with an amazing BBQ sauce. My mouth began to water as my peripheral vision caught a glimpse of glistening moist and saucy meat overflowing on a bun. I had passed this booth many times before but never stopped and bought anything. Oooh-what a mistake.
When was the last time you spread the word about a business that you loved, had a great experience at or received outstanding service? Think of 5 businesses today and tell 10 people or more about them.
When was the last time someone shared something fantastic about your business to someone else? Are you providing products or services that are worth talking about? If not, how or what can you change so that your customers have something to share with others.
If people are spreading the word about your business, when was the last time you shared the secrets to your success with others who may need help?
If you have the time, stop by the Coupeville farmers market (on Whidbey Island,WA) on Saturdays from 10 to 2 and follow your nose. Your taste buds will not be disappointed!
When was the last time you spread the word about a business that you loved, had a great experience at or received outstanding service? Think of 5 businesses today and tell 10 people or more about them.
When was the last time someone shared something fantastic about your business to someone else? Are you providing products or services that are worth talking about? If not, how or what can you change so that your customers have something to share with others.
If people are spreading the word about your business, when was the last time you shared the secrets to your success with others who may need help?
If you have the time, stop by the Coupeville farmers market (on Whidbey Island,WA) on Saturdays from 10 to 2 and follow your nose. Your taste buds will not be disappointed!
Lights Out
An interesting thing happens when the power goes out at night. A stillness blankets your home and community and the world comes to a rest. The busyness of the TV, computers and house phone becomes silent. It's amazing to see how attached we have become to the things that enable us to be more efficient yet also control our lives.
Our biggest fear becomes wondering if our food will spoil. The opportunity to really spend quality time together by connecting and actually talking to one another without distractions is overshadowed by the lack of electricity to the refrigerator. Food is important but if we looked closer, how much could have been tossed out months ago? How much of the food has passed it's expiration date? Is it really worth our energy to focus on something we cannot change?
How often do you find that your focus is on things that don't really matter, things that have no real value, that just keep us busy and do not increase our connection to others, our vision or our source of divine presence? How often do we focus on things that do not provide real value or things we cannot change?
Are the things that consume your time providing real value to your business and life? Real value gives you something to talk about when the lights go out!
Our biggest fear becomes wondering if our food will spoil. The opportunity to really spend quality time together by connecting and actually talking to one another without distractions is overshadowed by the lack of electricity to the refrigerator. Food is important but if we looked closer, how much could have been tossed out months ago? How much of the food has passed it's expiration date? Is it really worth our energy to focus on something we cannot change?
How often do you find that your focus is on things that don't really matter, things that have no real value, that just keep us busy and do not increase our connection to others, our vision or our source of divine presence? How often do we focus on things that do not provide real value or things we cannot change?
Are the things that consume your time providing real value to your business and life? Real value gives you something to talk about when the lights go out!
The Power of Catching ZZZZ
Napping has been a long tradition in many cultures. A power nap is a short 18 to 25 minute period that maximizes the benefit of sleep. Research has indicated that a short 20 minute nap can improve memory, reverse information overload and is refreshing.
What if you had the ability to 'power nap' one part of your business (biz-nap), what would that be? Potential areas may be places that are becoming stagnant, fear based or a struggle. Possible outcomes may be a refreshed perspective, inspiration, ease, new ideas and high performance.
You may be working with a difficult client and are struggling. Take a short Biz-Nap from the process. This gives you a temporary break that allows you to look at the situation from a different perspective. During this time, you may be able to look at the situation from an outsiders view point of view or choose to not focus on it at all.
How could you use a biz-nap to enhance your business?
What if you had the ability to 'power nap' one part of your business (biz-nap), what would that be? Potential areas may be places that are becoming stagnant, fear based or a struggle. Possible outcomes may be a refreshed perspective, inspiration, ease, new ideas and high performance.
You may be working with a difficult client and are struggling. Take a short Biz-Nap from the process. This gives you a temporary break that allows you to look at the situation from a different perspective. During this time, you may be able to look at the situation from an outsiders view point of view or choose to not focus on it at all.
How could you use a biz-nap to enhance your business?
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