At an early age, we’re told to be brave. Don’t whine or I’ll give you something to cry about. We are not born with fear, but it rears its ugly head early on, sometimes through innocuous events. A bit here, a smidgen there, and suddenly we are thrust into the world where others are told to be brave and not cry and not show their insecurities.
We climb the ladder, finish the project, attend the meeting, rush to the event, answer that email, respond to that request, get on that conference call, make that flight, make eye contact, smile brightly, and we keep running.
Splash in the face
We get caught in our own race and suddenly run into an old friend and find out what’s going with them. An event, a loss, a choice, and suddenly our challenges don’t seem so unique. Multiple that by the employees of an entire company and suddenly you can see how creating a collaborative culture can be elusive.
Some say we live this life alone – I disagree. We live this life together. It doesn’t mean we can carry each other’s burden but we can certainly lighten each other’s load when we can. A mentor once said we must remember our team members are not cogs in some wheel, they are people with feelings and challenges and dreams and goals.
The human element
Perhaps it's easier to stare at our screens and play with our gadgets, but we are missing an essential piece of life when we do that. I can send you a text and hope the message is clear or we can use the free phone app on our phones to discuss it properly.
We must remember that in order to create a collaborative culture, we can’t forget the element which is far more important than any product or service.
Each other.
__________________________________________________________________
Showing posts with label colleagues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label colleagues. Show all posts
September 17, 2023
May 31, 2019
Human Networking
At an early age, we’re told to be brave. Don’t whine or I’ll give you something to cry about. We are not born with fear, but it rears its ugly head early on, sometimes through innocuous events. A bit here, a smidgen there, and suddenly we are thrust into the world where others are told to be brave and not cry and not show their insecurities.
We climb the ladder, finish the project, attend the meeting, rush to the event, answer that email, respond to that request, get on that conference call, make that flight, make eye contact, smile brightly, and we keep running.
Splash in the face
We get caught in our own race and suddenly run into an old friend and find out what’s going with them. An event, a loss, a choice, and suddenly our challenges don’t seem so unique. Multiple that by the employees of an entire company and suddenly you can see how creating a collaborative culture can be elusive.
Some say we live this life alone – I disagree. We live this life together. It doesn’t mean we can carry each other’s burden but we can certainly lighten each other’s load when we can. A mentor once said we must remember our team members are not cogs in some wheel, they are people with feelings and challenges and dreams and goals.
The human element
Perhaps it's easier to stare at our screens and play with our gadgets, but we are missing an essential piece of life when we do that. I can send you a text and hope the message is clear or we can use the free phone app on our phones to discuss it properly.
We must remember that in order to create a collaborative culture, we can’t forget the element which is far more important than any product or service.
One another.
__________________________________________________________________
We climb the ladder, finish the project, attend the meeting, rush to the event, answer that email, respond to that request, get on that conference call, make that flight, make eye contact, smile brightly, and we keep running.
Splash in the face
We get caught in our own race and suddenly run into an old friend and find out what’s going with them. An event, a loss, a choice, and suddenly our challenges don’t seem so unique. Multiple that by the employees of an entire company and suddenly you can see how creating a collaborative culture can be elusive.
Some say we live this life alone – I disagree. We live this life together. It doesn’t mean we can carry each other’s burden but we can certainly lighten each other’s load when we can. A mentor once said we must remember our team members are not cogs in some wheel, they are people with feelings and challenges and dreams and goals.
The human element
Perhaps it's easier to stare at our screens and play with our gadgets, but we are missing an essential piece of life when we do that. I can send you a text and hope the message is clear or we can use the free phone app on our phones to discuss it properly.
We must remember that in order to create a collaborative culture, we can’t forget the element which is far more important than any product or service.
One another.
__________________________________________________________________
February 28, 2018
Is it All About Sales?
Over the years, I have heard versions of the same story from business owners, colleagues, clients, and friends. It’s sometimes a defensive remark, other times a plea for help, and often an automatic response to just about any question about their business. It's understandable because we are all impatient.
"We don’t need good people, we need revenue!"
Whether you're involved in a start-up or a global Fortune 100 enterprise, revenue health is important. No one expects companies to run at a loss but if people aren't important, poor morale and a shrinking bottom line will result.
"We don’t need culture, we need cash!"
Culture is not about high priced chairs and fresh pastries in the lunch room; it’s about open collaboration and clear leadership from everyone in the company. Simply yelling at sales people to make more calls won’t get it done.
"We don’t need leadership, we need sales!"
Engaging the team and involving them with decisions will help them understand what’s at stake. In the quest to make more money, companies need to remember the importance of their single most precious resource.
"We don’t need collaboration, we need profits!"
There are countless data outlining the chasm that exists between the terms “manager” and “leader” and you need the latter. Vision and focus are required and it takes leadership to get great work accomplished.
"We don’t need strategy, we need income!"
Customer service is critical but must begin inside the company. Yes we are all in sales but if you claim your company a "sales organization", it will seep into the culture and you won't have much more than a sales department.
Without strong leadership, a healthy culture, and cooperative collaboration, the chase for revenue remains long and painful.
__________________________________________________________________
"We don’t need good people, we need revenue!"
Whether you're involved in a start-up or a global Fortune 100 enterprise, revenue health is important. No one expects companies to run at a loss but if people aren't important, poor morale and a shrinking bottom line will result.
"We don’t need culture, we need cash!"
Culture is not about high priced chairs and fresh pastries in the lunch room; it’s about open collaboration and clear leadership from everyone in the company. Simply yelling at sales people to make more calls won’t get it done.
"We don’t need leadership, we need sales!"
Engaging the team and involving them with decisions will help them understand what’s at stake. In the quest to make more money, companies need to remember the importance of their single most precious resource.
"We don’t need collaboration, we need profits!"
There are countless data outlining the chasm that exists between the terms “manager” and “leader” and you need the latter. Vision and focus are required and it takes leadership to get great work accomplished.
"We don’t need strategy, we need income!"
Customer service is critical but must begin inside the company. Yes we are all in sales but if you claim your company a "sales organization", it will seep into the culture and you won't have much more than a sales department.
Without strong leadership, a healthy culture, and cooperative collaboration, the chase for revenue remains long and painful.
__________________________________________________________________
December 5, 2017
Screens and Faces
At an early age, we’re told to be brave. Don’t whine or I’ll give you something to cry about. We are not born with fear, but it rears its ugly head early on, sometimes through innocuous events. A bit here, a smidge there, and suddenly we are thrust into the world where others are told to be brave and not cry and not show their insecurities.
We climb the ladder, finish the project, attend the meeting, rush to the event, answer that email, respond to that request, get on that conference call, make that flight, make eye contact, smile brightly, and we keep running.
Splash in the face
We get caught in our own race and suddenly run into an old friend and find out what’s going with them. An event, a loss, a choice, and suddenly our challenges don’t seem so unique. Multiple that by the employees of an entire company and suddenly you can see how creating a collaborative culture can be elusive.
Some say we live this life alone – I disagree. We live this life together. It doesn’t mean we can carry each other’s burden but we can certainly lighten each other’s load when we can. A mentor once said we must remember our team members are not cogs in some wheel, they are people with feelings and challenges and dreams and goals.
The human element
Perhaps it's easier to stare at our screens and play with our gadgets, but we are missing an essential piece of life when we do that. I can send you a text and hope the message is clear or we can use the free phone app on our phones to discuss it properly.
We must remember that in order to create a collaborative culture, we can’t forget the element which is far more important than any product or service.
Each other.
__________________________________________________________________
We climb the ladder, finish the project, attend the meeting, rush to the event, answer that email, respond to that request, get on that conference call, make that flight, make eye contact, smile brightly, and we keep running.
Splash in the face
We get caught in our own race and suddenly run into an old friend and find out what’s going with them. An event, a loss, a choice, and suddenly our challenges don’t seem so unique. Multiple that by the employees of an entire company and suddenly you can see how creating a collaborative culture can be elusive.
Some say we live this life alone – I disagree. We live this life together. It doesn’t mean we can carry each other’s burden but we can certainly lighten each other’s load when we can. A mentor once said we must remember our team members are not cogs in some wheel, they are people with feelings and challenges and dreams and goals.
The human element
Perhaps it's easier to stare at our screens and play with our gadgets, but we are missing an essential piece of life when we do that. I can send you a text and hope the message is clear or we can use the free phone app on our phones to discuss it properly.
We must remember that in order to create a collaborative culture, we can’t forget the element which is far more important than any product or service.
Each other.
__________________________________________________________________
September 6, 2017
Three Things
Call three friends. Do three on your to-do list.
Help three ideas grow. Delete three ideas that slow you down.
Select three colleagues and offer a hand.
Identify three personal strengths you will exploit.
Eliminate three unnecessary possessions.
Flush out three thoughts that may a chance.
__________________________________________________________________
Help three ideas grow. Delete three ideas that slow you down.
Select three colleagues and offer a hand.
Identify three personal strengths you will exploit.
Eliminate three unnecessary possessions.
Flush out three thoughts that may a chance.
__________________________________________________________________
September 19, 2016
Three Things...
Three is a manageable and attainable number. There's a symmetry to it. There's flexibility and stability to a series of three items. Perhaps we can apply it to various aspects of our lives? Do three good deeds without anyone knowing about them.
Pick three business objectives. Write down three things just for you. Do three on your to-do list. Help three ideas grow. Delete three that slow you down. Remove three negative influences in your life.
Call three friends.
Eliminate three unnecessary possessions. Identify three personal strengths you will share. Remove three excuses. Select three colleagues you believe deserve a shot and offer a hand. Flush out three thoughts that may have a legitimate shot.
What are your three things?
__________________________________________________________________
Pick three business objectives. Write down three things just for you. Do three on your to-do list. Help three ideas grow. Delete three that slow you down. Remove three negative influences in your life.
Call three friends.
Eliminate three unnecessary possessions. Identify three personal strengths you will share. Remove three excuses. Select three colleagues you believe deserve a shot and offer a hand. Flush out three thoughts that may have a legitimate shot.
What are your three things?
__________________________________________________________________
September 24, 2014
The Past Has Passed
What should have been? What could I have done?
It’s all irrelevant now, but for some reason we spend far too much of our consciousness on what happened and what may happen.
Individual Teamwork
You see this in organizations as well. It’s the way we do things around here, we can’t do that at this company, and all the while, we create memes that drive us or worse, stall us. We put up walls because of things in the past, false barriers to stop us from moving forward and progressing.
If you look at an organization, there is a chart mapping all departments and functions. Within those subsections, subject matter experts focus on their areas of proficiency. The sales department create new client relationships, the design team perfect the new line of products, the management team ensure the strategic plan is adhered, etc.
Learn and Move
But how much of our time is spent creating today through our beliefs from yesterday? How often do we break out of the comfort zone – which often doesn't feel very comfortable – and take a leap?
The past can teach us not make the same mistakes twice. But often if we focus on those mistakes, the very behavior we are trying to avoid repeats itself.
I'm often reminded by friends and colleagues that the past simply doesn't matter. The only thing that counts is what we do right now, this minute. Our next one is not guaranteed and our last one is gone.
If we lose the past we can begin to grow.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit
david macdonald
September 18, 2014
Perspective
We climb the ladder, finish the project, attend the meeting, rush to the event, answer that email, respond to that request, get on that conference call, make that flight, make eye contact, smile brightly, and we keep running.
Splash in the face
We get caught in our own race and suddenly run into an old friend and find out what’s going with them. An event, a loss, a choice, and suddenly our challenges don’t seem so unique. Multiple that by the employees of an entire company and suddenly you can see how creating a collaborative culture can be elusive.
Some say we live this life alone – I disagree. We live this life together. It doesn’t mean we can carry each other’s burden but we can certainly lighten each other’s load when we can. A mentor once said we must remember our team members are not cogs in some wheel, they are people with feelings and challenges and dreams and goals.
The human element
We must remember that in order to create a collaborative culture, we can’t forget the element which is far more important than any product or service, and that is each other.
I recently reached out to some colleagues for perspective on a project and the response was absolutely astounding. I had no idea how many people wanted to help.
You may want to try it yourself and gain new perspective.
__________________________________________________________________
Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit
techvalidate
March 5, 2013
We Just Need Sales!
Over the years, I have heard versions of the same story from business owners, colleagues, clients, and friends. It’s sometimes a defensive remark, other times a plea for help, and often an automatic response to just about any question about their business. It's understandable because we are all impatient. "We don’t need good people, we need revenue!"
Whether you're involved in a start-up or a global Fortune 100 enterprise, revenue health is important. No one expects companies to run at a loss but if people aren't important, poor morale and a shrinking bottom line will result.
"We don’t need culture, we need cash!"
Culture is not about high priced chairs and fresh pastries in the lunch room; it’s about open collaboration and clear leadership from everyone in the company. Simply yelling at sales people to make more calls won’t get it done.
"We don’t need leadership, we need sales!"
Engaging the team and involving them with decisions will help them understand what’s at stake. In the quest to make more money, companies need to remember the importance of their single most precious resource.
"We don’t need collaboration, we need profits!"
There are countless data outlining the chasm that exists between the terms “manager” and “leader” and you need the latter. Vision and focus are required and it takes leadership to get great work accomplished.
"We don’t need strategy, we need income!"
Customer service is critical but must begin inside the company. Yes we are all in sales but if you claim your company a "sales organization", it will seep into the culture and you won't have much more than a sales department.
Without strong leadership, a healthy culture, and cooperative collaboration, the chase for revenue remains long and painful.
Kneale Mann
Glengarry Glen Ross
January 3, 2012
It's a New Year - Now What?
The old adage that you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family rings true for too many and that includes the workplace. My Holidays were filled with time spent in person, on phone and online to catch up with some of my favourite people. I hope you did the same. Not just at this time of year!
Later is Now
Most are back to work today looking at a list made in the haze of too much champagne that has now been added to the growing catalogue of items left to get to after the Holidays. If you're one of them, now is the time to decipher whether you made the to-do list to really do now or simply procrastinate in December.
Lists are simple to make. I have made more than my share over the years. They are filled with promise and possibilities written in a brave moment of clarity meant to push me through to completion only to fall short because the action was far more involved than writing about it. Let's try less and actually do more.
Ready?
Kneale Mann
image credit: animationideas
November 3, 2011
Reframing Ideas to Create Magic
I showed this video to a colleague last week. It is inspiration of creativity, imagination, ingenuity and our ability to see around a seemingly impossible problem to find an even better solution.
Our impatience can stop us from crushing the box and starting over. The pressures of making revenue numbers are often the very catalysts to decimate creativity. And as you look around to your team, your colleagues, your friends and your customers, you may be surprised how close the solution can be if you pay closer attention.
Will you take the escalator or the stairs?
Kneale Mann
visual credit: anca4vlad
Our impatience can stop us from crushing the box and starting over. The pressures of making revenue numbers are often the very catalysts to decimate creativity. And as you look around to your team, your colleagues, your friends and your customers, you may be surprised how close the solution can be if you pay closer attention.
Will you take the escalator or the stairs?
Kneale Mann
visual credit: anca4vlad
September 16, 2011
Social Networking Explained in Two Minutes
Seth Godin is recognized as one of the brightest business minds on earth. His daily blog posts are read by hundreds of thousands people and he consults large business clients. He is a celebrated author and speaks in front of hundreds of thousands people all over the world each year.
In order to help business grow, we must be able to show actual growth or it’s just a bunch of scores and counters and unusable data. Godin demystifies business, relationships and the web in 90 seconds.
If you haven’t seen this video, watch.
If you have seen it, watch it again.
Kneale Mann
In order to help business grow, we must be able to show actual growth or it’s just a bunch of scores and counters and unusable data. Godin demystifies business, relationships and the web in 90 seconds.
If you haven’t seen this video, watch.
If you have seen it, watch it again.
Kneale Mann
July 3, 2011
Google Plus or Minus?
Last week saw the launch of Google+. Like many early adopters or experimenters, I joined right away. As with the first few days on Twitter or Facebook or Empire Avenue or countless other spaces, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with it. Google+ received seven million sign-ups in the first 24 hours and now the race begins on trying to attract attention and have conversations on another interface. If it lasts that long, we are a year away from business caring about this channel. In the meantime, the cool kids will race to add numbers to then claim it's not about the numbers.
Will this be another Google Buzz? Time, as they say, will tell.
Kneale Mann
image credits: Google
April 18, 2011
Digital Time Off
Spill in Aisle 5
Friday began with a review of a packed but exciting schedule. Meetings, calls, clients, prospects and even an hour off to think. My kinda day. At around 9:35am, the phone rang and something happened that hasn't happened in probably a decade. My freshly brewed coffee was on the left side of my laptop, instead of its usual right. The land line, which was ringing, was on the the left as well.
I wasn't aware that my cat-like reflexes were still so sharp but as steaming hot coffee (with milk and sugar) nipped the edge of the laptop and continued to flood my desk, the computer was unplugged and in my hands. I chose not to bow to what was probably my fate until I mopped, wiped and vacuumed the laptop. Desk was cleaned after that.
@knealemann: Coffee meets laptop. How's your day?
I don't usually share such silly things on Twitter but chose to on Friday and a wonderful flood of great advice and help came through. Never underestimate your friends and colleagues' ability to help out.
After returning from an afternoon of meetings, I saw an email that suggested putting the laptop in a bag of dry rice. It was 8-hour old (now dried) coffee so my hopes weren't high but what was the downside. So off to the store to buy two large boxes of rice.
Give it some time
I let the laptop sit in the dry rice until Saturday afternoon when I took it out, dusted it off, vacuumed the excess and hit the power button. No such luck. It would turn on but the keyboard was gone. There was a moment of silence. All data is backed up twice a day so nothing was lost. Well, except a laptop that will eventually hit the recycle bin.
One of my client's computer guy sent suggested replacements while a colleague offered me their backup laptop and a client offered to help with data transfer.
Lessons Learned
Keep everything far away from electronics.
Remember you have great friends who want to help.
Back up your data daily.
Always keep rice in the pantry.
Kneale Mann
image credit: istock
Friday began with a review of a packed but exciting schedule. Meetings, calls, clients, prospects and even an hour off to think. My kinda day. At around 9:35am, the phone rang and something happened that hasn't happened in probably a decade. My freshly brewed coffee was on the left side of my laptop, instead of its usual right. The land line, which was ringing, was on the the left as well.
I wasn't aware that my cat-like reflexes were still so sharp but as steaming hot coffee (with milk and sugar) nipped the edge of the laptop and continued to flood my desk, the computer was unplugged and in my hands. I chose not to bow to what was probably my fate until I mopped, wiped and vacuumed the laptop. Desk was cleaned after that.@knealemann: Coffee meets laptop. How's your day?
I don't usually share such silly things on Twitter but chose to on Friday and a wonderful flood of great advice and help came through. Never underestimate your friends and colleagues' ability to help out.
After returning from an afternoon of meetings, I saw an email that suggested putting the laptop in a bag of dry rice. It was 8-hour old (now dried) coffee so my hopes weren't high but what was the downside. So off to the store to buy two large boxes of rice.
Give it some time
I let the laptop sit in the dry rice until Saturday afternoon when I took it out, dusted it off, vacuumed the excess and hit the power button. No such luck. It would turn on but the keyboard was gone. There was a moment of silence. All data is backed up twice a day so nothing was lost. Well, except a laptop that will eventually hit the recycle bin.
One of my client's computer guy sent suggested replacements while a colleague offered me their backup laptop and a client offered to help with data transfer.
Lessons Learned
Keep everything far away from electronics.
Remember you have great friends who want to help.
Back up your data daily.
Always keep rice in the pantry.
Kneale Mann
image credit: istock
September 28, 2010
Integrating Ideas and Individuals
The sum of the parts
I help clients in three key areas - business strategy, marketing and social media. That includes tactics, execution and integration. This does not mean sign them up for every possible option because that may not be most effective strategy. I am also a sounding board, an idea filter and a strengths finder.
We often think too closely about a particular project without imagining how it could grow even bigger. Your client may know someone who might also need your help. You may need their services some day as well. The adage, this is a marathon not a sprint, is more relevant than ever. This has been going on since we began to walk the earth.
Socially connected
As we connect through avenues no longer restricted by geography, we can build alliances all over the world. We can find people who think like us and do work like us and help us with our work while we do the same. We can seek out those who may have faced the challenge we’re staring at right now and work it out.
If you are helping someone with a solution, take a moment and think about the people you know and who may be able to offer some additional help to fully integrate the idea. This is not to suggest adding layers for the sake of making it complicated but adding necessary elements to improve the original idea.
I have a client who obviously enjoys helping his clients but also likes to find people who may need his clients' offerings and makes the introduction. That's integration!
On your mark
I have had the absolute privilege of managing two start-ups and consulting on half a dozen others. And it appears I may get another chance soon. As tempting as it is to order the cake and balloons, the first step is the big picture.
When you get that chance, take some time to see if there are ways to integrate from the start. And this is not just a workflow issue, this is also a people plan issue.
Can you think of ways to expand your network and integrate your projects?
knealemann
image credit: arlingtonkids
I help clients in three key areas - business strategy, marketing and social media. That includes tactics, execution and integration. This does not mean sign them up for every possible option because that may not be most effective strategy. I am also a sounding board, an idea filter and a strengths finder. We often think too closely about a particular project without imagining how it could grow even bigger. Your client may know someone who might also need your help. You may need their services some day as well. The adage, this is a marathon not a sprint, is more relevant than ever. This has been going on since we began to walk the earth.
Socially connected
As we connect through avenues no longer restricted by geography, we can build alliances all over the world. We can find people who think like us and do work like us and help us with our work while we do the same. We can seek out those who may have faced the challenge we’re staring at right now and work it out.
If you are helping someone with a solution, take a moment and think about the people you know and who may be able to offer some additional help to fully integrate the idea. This is not to suggest adding layers for the sake of making it complicated but adding necessary elements to improve the original idea.
I have a client who obviously enjoys helping his clients but also likes to find people who may need his clients' offerings and makes the introduction. That's integration!
On your mark
I have had the absolute privilege of managing two start-ups and consulting on half a dozen others. And it appears I may get another chance soon. As tempting as it is to order the cake and balloons, the first step is the big picture.
When you get that chance, take some time to see if there are ways to integrate from the start. And this is not just a workflow issue, this is also a people plan issue.
Can you think of ways to expand your network and integrate your projects?
knealemann
September 23, 2010
Three Things
The brilliant Seth Godin wrote a piece that stuck with me and I refer to often when I feel stuck. In the post, he outlines the three things you need if you want more customers.
1. A group of possible customers you can identify and reach.
2. A group with a problem they want to solve using your solution.
3. A group with the desire and ability to spend money to solve that problem.
Godin explains more here.
Three is a manageable and attainable number.
Perhaps it can be applied to other aspects of your life.
Pick three business objectives.
Write down three things for you.
Call three friends.
Do three on your to-do list.
Help three ideas grow.
Delete three that slow you down.
Select three colleagues you believe deserve a shot and offer a hand.
Identify three personal strengths you will exploit.
Eliminate three unnecessary possessions.
Flush out three thoughts that may have legs.
List three wishes you will grant this year.
What are your three things?
knealemann
image credit: bridges
1. A group of possible customers you can identify and reach.
2. A group with a problem they want to solve using your solution.
3. A group with the desire and ability to spend money to solve that problem.
Godin explains more here.
Three is a manageable and attainable number.
Perhaps it can be applied to other aspects of your life.
Pick three business objectives.Write down three things for you.
Call three friends.
Do three on your to-do list.
Help three ideas grow.
Delete three that slow you down.
Select three colleagues you believe deserve a shot and offer a hand.
Identify three personal strengths you will exploit.
Eliminate three unnecessary possessions.
Flush out three thoughts that may have legs.
List three wishes you will grant this year.
What are your three things?
knealemann
image credit: bridges
September 22, 2010
Crossing Silos
Demos Are Irrelvant
As the world constricts, the more opportunities we have to form relationships.
More than a quarter of us have Internet access.
Technology has afforded us the – reasonably inexpensive – prospect of connecting to similar thinking people across large distances.
We are not limited by our physical space.
As social networking infiltrates all aspects of our lives well past blogs and podcasts and social media platforms, we can build networks of collaboration.
Decades ago, generations were about twenty years and now we're closer than we think. As much as some may say 'kids' text all the time and don't pay attention, have a look around the board room in your next meeting.
This does effect the bottom line.
It has often been said that throughout our lifetime, we will have several careers - not jobs, careers. This means we will travel in different circles with a wide demographic mix and a multitude of experiences. So it stands to reason that over time we will gravitate more along thought lines than any other metric.
We have a wide open chance to find people who fall into our areas of interest. It takes time, commitment and patience, but it can be done. We no longer live in isolated silos determined by demographics, economic situation, industry or intelligence quotient.
Focus on your interests.
Knowledge and information can come from places we least expect it. When we widen our search, step out of our comfort zone and not focus on the boxes in which we think others reside, cool stuff can happen.
All this talk about social networking and busting open thought silos can positively affect your career and your business. Open minds will win the day.
Is that worth the effort?
knealemann
image credit: oprema
As the world constricts, the more opportunities we have to form relationships. More than a quarter of us have Internet access.
Technology has afforded us the – reasonably inexpensive – prospect of connecting to similar thinking people across large distances.
We are not limited by our physical space.
As social networking infiltrates all aspects of our lives well past blogs and podcasts and social media platforms, we can build networks of collaboration.
Decades ago, generations were about twenty years and now we're closer than we think. As much as some may say 'kids' text all the time and don't pay attention, have a look around the board room in your next meeting.
This does effect the bottom line.
It has often been said that throughout our lifetime, we will have several careers - not jobs, careers. This means we will travel in different circles with a wide demographic mix and a multitude of experiences. So it stands to reason that over time we will gravitate more along thought lines than any other metric.
We have a wide open chance to find people who fall into our areas of interest. It takes time, commitment and patience, but it can be done. We no longer live in isolated silos determined by demographics, economic situation, industry or intelligence quotient.
Focus on your interests.
Knowledge and information can come from places we least expect it. When we widen our search, step out of our comfort zone and not focus on the boxes in which we think others reside, cool stuff can happen.
All this talk about social networking and busting open thought silos can positively affect your career and your business. Open minds will win the day.
Is that worth the effort?
knealemann
image credit: oprema
August 2, 2010
Inflating Expectation
Do you know how customers or clients perceive you?
Do you know how they talk about you? How they feel about you? What they tell others about you?
Create or Deliver.
You may have heard the story of Frank and Bob - the managers of two different oil and lube places.
Both got the idea of offering a free car wash to every customer.
Frank printed up pamphlets, put a sandwich board out front, painted the window, put another sign by the customer service desk and devised an abrasive advertising campaign, all to tell the world about his special offer.
Bob simply washed customers' cars.
Who got more complaints?
Which guy had a line-up of satisfied customers who told everyone and which guy had to endure complaints from customers who were unhappy about their less-than-perfect previously promised car wash?
Bob exceeded expectation. Frank created inflated expectation.
Surprise and Delight.
Perhaps tuck in a little something extra when merited without making a fuss or a previous promise.
Possibly the under promise over deliver model is alive and well.
If you do those unexpected things your USP will become a lot clearer.
Do you think it will work?
knealemann
Helping you integrate all you do with all you do.
Image credits: oilchangecoupon | carsabout
Do you know how they talk about you? How they feel about you? What they tell others about you? Create or Deliver.
You may have heard the story of Frank and Bob - the managers of two different oil and lube places.
Both got the idea of offering a free car wash to every customer.
Frank printed up pamphlets, put a sandwich board out front, painted the window, put another sign by the customer service desk and devised an abrasive advertising campaign, all to tell the world about his special offer.
Bob simply washed customers' cars.
Who got more complaints?
Which guy had a line-up of satisfied customers who told everyone and which guy had to endure complaints from customers who were unhappy about their less-than-perfect previously promised car wash?
Bob exceeded expectation. Frank created inflated expectation.
Surprise and Delight. Perhaps tuck in a little something extra when merited without making a fuss or a previous promise.
Possibly the under promise over deliver model is alive and well.
If you do those unexpected things your USP will become a lot clearer.
Do you think it will work?
knealemann
Helping you integrate all you do with all you do.
Image credits: oilchangecoupon | carsabout
July 6, 2010
Martin Streek | 1964-2009
A Year Already?
I received a disturbing call on July 6th, 2009. It was from a friend informing me of the passing of a former colleague.
Numb.
I called a few friends then posted something on Twitter and wrote something here.
Reality Sank In.
The next few days were foggy and strange. It was good to rekindle relationships that had gotten lost in busy and connect to the memory of a funny and smart man.
As the anniversary approached this year, friends reached out and celebrations about Martin's life were planned. I even had a dream the other night that Martin and I were on the radio together again. He was cracking jokes and sharing his passion for a new band. That was Martin.
He was not just a great colleague and solid friend but a connector of so many people. Today we remember him.
@knealemann
photo credit: Pete Nema
I received a disturbing call on July 6th, 2009. It was from a friend informing me of the passing of a former colleague. Numb.
I called a few friends then posted something on Twitter and wrote something here.
Reality Sank In.
The next few days were foggy and strange. It was good to rekindle relationships that had gotten lost in busy and connect to the memory of a funny and smart man.
As the anniversary approached this year, friends reached out and celebrations about Martin's life were planned. I even had a dream the other night that Martin and I were on the radio together again. He was cracking jokes and sharing his passion for a new band. That was Martin.
He was not just a great colleague and solid friend but a connector of so many people. Today we remember him.
@knealemann
photo credit: Pete Nema
March 5, 2010
Experience + Help + Time ≠ Free
Can You Spare An Hour?
One issue that has been coming up more and more is free.
Give It To Sell It.
This is not about being there ahead of the sale or building a strong community, this is about allowing vultures to pick away at your gray matter with wild abandon.
Lovely image, isn't it?
If you don't give your time and experience value, who will?
Social networks have given us the wondrous opportunity to meet people we would not have otherwise met. It gives us a chance to get to know each other. It's far superior to cold calling by ten to the power of infinity.
Business Over Coffee.
If you and I met for an hour to talk about your business, it would not be an hour, it would hour plus twenty-six years of marketing, media and management experience overseeing multi-million operations. It's also an hour of your time plus all of your experience.
But I buy most of my music. The album only has two good songs. The band already makes plenty of money.
The music industry continues to deal with the issue of free. After all, there are hundreds of thousands of songs being illegally downloaded every minute. They have tried watermarks, law suits, embedded code, threats, public relations campaigns and people are still stealing their stuff. Why? Because they can.
The Doors Are Wide Open.
If you owned a clothing store and told the world that Thursdays were free night, how's the lineup on Fridays?
If you are planning to redecorate your office, the manager at the hardware store is probably not going to let you bring home the paint so can decide if you want to pay for it later.
But it's much tougher to quantify our time. It doesn't fit in a glass, it's gone and there's more in its place so how do you value it?
It's Just a Doodle.
A colleague recently reminded me of the story about Pablo Picasso having lunch in a restaurant. Another patron approached the master and asked for a quick drawing on a napkin.
Picasso quickly informs the man that it will be $1 Million. Shocked, he questions why a simple drawing would be that much. Picasso replies that it took him thirty years to perfect that talent and that is not free.
We are all Picasso in our own way. We need to celebrate that and stop giving our time away like it's in endless supply.
Three posts about free from three brilliant colleagues who continue to give away plenty for free. You can read them here, here and here.
And feel free to add your free thoughts.
@knealemann
strategy. marketing. social media.
photo credit: echostains
One issue that has been coming up more and more is free. Give It To Sell It.
This is not about being there ahead of the sale or building a strong community, this is about allowing vultures to pick away at your gray matter with wild abandon.
Lovely image, isn't it?
If you don't give your time and experience value, who will?
Social networks have given us the wondrous opportunity to meet people we would not have otherwise met. It gives us a chance to get to know each other. It's far superior to cold calling by ten to the power of infinity.
Business Over Coffee.
If you and I met for an hour to talk about your business, it would not be an hour, it would hour plus twenty-six years of marketing, media and management experience overseeing multi-million operations. It's also an hour of your time plus all of your experience.
But I buy most of my music. The album only has two good songs. The band already makes plenty of money.
The music industry continues to deal with the issue of free. After all, there are hundreds of thousands of songs being illegally downloaded every minute. They have tried watermarks, law suits, embedded code, threats, public relations campaigns and people are still stealing their stuff. Why? Because they can.
The Doors Are Wide Open.
If you owned a clothing store and told the world that Thursdays were free night, how's the lineup on Fridays?
If you are planning to redecorate your office, the manager at the hardware store is probably not going to let you bring home the paint so can decide if you want to pay for it later.
But it's much tougher to quantify our time. It doesn't fit in a glass, it's gone and there's more in its place so how do you value it?
It's Just a Doodle.
A colleague recently reminded me of the story about Pablo Picasso having lunch in a restaurant. Another patron approached the master and asked for a quick drawing on a napkin.
Picasso quickly informs the man that it will be $1 Million. Shocked, he questions why a simple drawing would be that much. Picasso replies that it took him thirty years to perfect that talent and that is not free.
We are all Picasso in our own way. We need to celebrate that and stop giving our time away like it's in endless supply.
Three posts about free from three brilliant colleagues who continue to give away plenty for free. You can read them here, here and here.
And feel free to add your free thoughts.
@knealemann
strategy. marketing. social media.
photo credit: echostains
