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Archive for July, 2009

Silence is Golden

Jul 3

Posted by Diana Nichols in Awareness Fuel, Insights

We’ve been talking about Noise this week - external and internal noise.

We talked about the challenges of being heard by your prospective clients above the noise.

Today, let’s talk about the challenges of hearing yourself above the noise.

In this noisy and busy world, we have become almost constant communicators. We spend much of our time either speaking, writing, listening and reading. We are surrounded by words from many sources.

Let me say here that I LOVE words!  I love finding just the right ones to express exactly what I feel. I love word games…well, you get the point.

Words are wonderful!

However.

Sometimes they get in the way.

Since they are really symbols of things, they require translation. The word “happy” is not happiness, but just a symbol of that state of mind. When you hear someone say “I’m happy,”  you must translate that into your understanding of the feeling they are expressing. Of course this happens automatically, and very quickly, and you don’t really notice the effort it takes.

It does take mental effort, however.

If, on the other hand, someone looks at you with a huge smile, you get the same information - and probably more - in a much more direct way. You immediately understand, and even feel, their emotion without translation.

When we take words out of the communication, we recieve it more directly - and with less effort.

You may know this, and can probably think of examples very easily.

What you may not know, is what we have discovered in our Imagination Lab. Many of our exercises are done in silence. And the result is a truly amazing increase in the creativity and clarity that partipants experience.

Even in group activities which require the participants to communicate with each other, such as preparing a meal together, become totally new experiences when words are not allowed.

Creativity increases dramatically - and, almost as a bonus, it’s also more fun! 

The next time you are playing with your imagination, or looking to inspire creativity (especially with someone else or a group), try it without words. You might be surprised at the results!

Just Imagine That!

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Taking a Stand

Jul 2

Posted by Karen Stone in Awareness Fuel, Insights

Here in the US we are getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July - Independence Day - the noisiest of all of our holidays. July Fourth is all about celebrating with loud marching music, firecrackers and fireworks as from coast to coast people gather together and honor the “founding” of the United State of America.

July Fourth is a great example of what can happen when a group of people is committed to an innovative idea. Back in 1776, the founding fathers were willing to be different.  They were willing to take an idea and turn it into something real. And, most important, they were willing to take a stand for something they believed in.

And, because of this, they stood out from the crowd. They are remembered for their courage, determination and dedication.  And they began a movement that changed the world as they knew it at the time.

So, how does this apply to you and rising above the Noise Factor?  Well, I believe one of the keys to the founding fathers’ success is that they not only took actions, they took those actions based on a strong foundation made of bottom-line beliefs, like freedom, independence and basic human rights.

And when you have a solid foundation to stand on, choices about directions, priorities, and actions are easier to make. 

So, what do you take a stand for?  What is the foundation on which you have built your business?  As you think about how your business offer is unique and how you can express that uniqueness, is there a basic ideal or vision that guides you?

Today, let’s take a look at your business foundation.  Instead of thinking of actions you can take to stand out from the Noise Factor, let’s look at what you are actually taking a stand for.  

First, read the following sentence and fill in the blank with the first thing that pops into your head.

Through my business, I _________________________________________.

Is what you put in the blank something that you believe in strongly? Is this really the foundation for your business?  Or is it something you have adopted in response to today’s business climate and/or because of what others are doing?

Now, think about what you really want to take a stand for.  What is it that you want your clients and customers to “get” about you and your business?

Sit with this for a moment.  Then fill in the blank in the following sentence.

Through my business, I take a stand for ___________________________.

Every once in a while during the next several days, read this second sentence. Does it communicate what you want to give your clients and customers?  Does it feel “good” to you?  Can you easily relate this statement to what you are doing in your business?

If so, then this foundation is serving you right now for where you are in your business. And, as with all things, it may change as you and your business grow and evolve.

One more really cool thing…

When you consistently focus on the foundation on which your business stands, you naturally express those values in your dealings with other people, decisions are easier to make, and you get better results.

Just Imagine That! 

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Love Your Competition

Jul 1

Posted by Diana Nichols in Awareness Fuel, Perspective Fuel

One of the most popular myths we hold about buisness is that competitors are the enemy, and that marketing is a battle with them ~ one that we must win in order to be successful.

Traditional marketing is full of techniques to do just that.

That view is based on the belief that there aren’t enough clients to go around, and that we must be the biggest and best in our field.

After all, we’re taught from early childhood that being number one is all that matters. There’s no glory in second place. That’s a whole other subject, but it does explain why we have the mindset around competitors.

We have a bit different perspective, however. And it serves just as well, if not better, in creating success in your business.

We view others who offer competitive products and services as our partners. And mentors. And marketing people. And research associates. And we love them for all the help they provide.

That sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it? After all, we are competing for the same clients.

So, how does that work for us?

Obviously, we watch what they do to see what works and what doesn’t. That’s just common sense.

We take it a bit further, though. We actually applaud them for the marketing they do, and the presence they create, because they’re saving us a lot of time and money.

How so? They are out there educating our future clients on the features and benefits of what we offer. They are actually laying the groundwork for us!

Here’s the perfect example of this: When I became a Web developer in 1995, I was among the first wave. I learned the skills, and understood the potential of this new medium. And for the first 6 to 7 years, I spent most of my time educating potential clients about what I was offering. It was quite a relief me when so many others entered the field and began doing the educating for me! It allowed me to finally focus on doing what I started out to do.

To this day, I am thankful for all the competition, and my business has continued to thrive through all the ups and downs as the Web has grown and matured.

As more and more people entered the field, I was challenged to be creative in making myself stand out from the crowd, to learn new skills, and to grow in all ways.

I may look like just another Web developer to you, and certainly there are many who are more skilled, have more resources and knowledge. Yet I continue to be successful - and to grow.

I attribute much of my success to the beliefs that I hold about competition:

  • there are enough clients out there for everyone
  • my competitors’ success is good for me and them
  • as long as I focus on providing service to the best of my ability, I will be successful

Take a new look at your competitors - view them as partners - and see how that fuels your success!

Just Imagine That!

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