Social Networking Outliers and Connectors

Lend a Hand. Take a Hand.

We are not created equal. We are not all born with the same opportunities. Not everyone has a legitimate shot of making it.

This is not to challenge the religious community but rather a look at who we are and how we navigate life and business. And more important, what we're going to do about it.

Where To Start.

Malcolm Gladwell shares numerous examples in his book The Outliers to illustrate that talent alone is not enough to realize success.

It takes a lot of hard work and opportunity. Our birth date, upbringing, what our grandparents did, the people around us, the doors opened for us and what we do with all of that, shapes our path to success.

Look At Your List.

Take a moment and jot down a list of the people who have helped you – really helped you. These are the same people that connect most of the important people in your life – or another Gladwell theory – connectors.

These are the people connected to most of the people you know. They have given you those nuggets of business advice you needed to step on the next rung. They handed you that business card of a prospect that turned in to a lifelong relationship. They have helped in ways you may not even know how to measure. And you have done the same for others.

The Social Media Even Playing Field.

The opportunities are there for all of us to enjoy but we are not all made the same way. If you have met me, you know I am not a shy or quiet guy! I am no wallflower. But what if you are quiet and reserved and don’t know what to share or write or say online?

This is where Gladwell’s theory rings true again. Find those who will help you. Take your time. This is not a competition. We don’t need everyone to look and sound the same. Find your own voice. Figure out what works best for you. And despite those who claim there are no rules then complain when one is broken, there are no rules. You will eventually discover your own guidelines.

We All Get Stuck.

I hit a big snag last week and reached out to two of my most trusted advisers to kick my butt then give me concrete thoughts on how to navigate through it. I met both through the social web.

The most successful people can always point to how they got there and to the people who helped them along the way. Anyone who claims to be self-made is even lying to themselves.

Take your time, find your voice, take a hand, lend a hand. You are not on your own, you do not make it alone and neither do I.

What says you?

@knealemann
Helping you integrate all you do with all you do.

photo credit: scottveltkamp

Strategy Is Boring

The eye glaze often happens soon after the question "what is your business plan?"

Instead of a strategic plan many want to hope last year's plan which was a variation of the previous year's plan will work out.

That is unsound thinking.

Building a strategy requires thought and work.

You need to map out objectives, write down realistic tactics, decipher roles and responsibilities, define target demographics, identify opportunities, exploit competitors' weaknesses, develop ideal customer profiles and execute a business plan.

Bored yet?

All too often you can hear the moans from miles around when the topic of strategic planning is brought up. There is fear that it will mean endless days locked in a boardroom hashing out the future of the company. After all, the world is changing so fast how can you keep up?

I actually had a business owner raise his hands to his ears and utter the "la la la I can't hear you" phrase which was my cue to escort myself out of the building. He was clearly not ready for a plan.

Strategy is Your Foundation.

Many find strategy unnecessary because it takes patience and time. What is more dangerous, some think they have a plan when it is clear they do not.

A common mistake is failing to grasp that it is an evolution, a process and something you refine constantly. But too many simply want to do the tactics without the strategy which might be the beginning of the end.

But who really needs a plan or a strategy?

@knealemann
strategy. marketing. social media.

photo credit: gawker

Are You 'Trying' To Steal Third?

When stealing third, lead off in the same way you would when not stealing. Once the pitcher sets, it's 'one thousand' and you're off. That half second gives you a couple of steps toward third and a great chance of making it. qcbaseball.com

Sports has always been an excellent backdrop for business analogies but in the case of this baseball example, are you hovering at second base wondering if the pitcher will make a mistake so you can steal third?

Are you staring at an opportunity or decision and waiting for that perfect moment – that sweet spot – to pounce? Does that moment ever really arrive? Do we often wait for the invitation forgoing the opportunities?

Sit On The Lead

Last night the Vancouver Canucks tried to nurse a third period 1-0 lead. The Chicago Blackhawks chipped away, scored late and won it in overtime. The Canucks, for the second time in the series, were victims of their own defensive plan.

Quick Decisions

I had lunch recently with a colleague and we were discussing how successful people often make swift decisions, find the deficiencies, make changes and re-launch in the time it takes most of us to deliberate in the first place. How often have you gone against your gut and been wrong?

Go Big Or Go Home

If the base runner hesitates for even a nanosecond, it’s over. If the Canucks had kept on the attack, they may have ran the score up a few more goals to avoid the late minute heroics of their opponent.

How many decisions are you hesitating on?

@knealemann

photo credit: mlive.com