Week of September 14, 2009

Hey everyone, here we go. . . . . .

 

IN OUR WORLD

 

I spent the early part of the week in Chicago working with a fantastic group on their planning process.  I introduced the Elegant Simplicity model (strategic planning for any project in 3 steps), helped facilitate them through the idea and use of the model and worked with them on the next steps.  FANTASTIC!  An added bonus was dinner with friends on Sunday night under a blanket of stars on a perfect early fall evening.

 

Then back to Dallas to bust hump getting ready for three trips in the next 12 days!

 

Making sure all the elements are in place to create dynamic experiences that revolve around IMPACT.

 

It looks like I will be heading across the pond to London for a new client and project.  Kind of exciting.

 

Next week has me back to Atlanta and then to St. Louis where I get to present a completely updated and revised program on leveraging your elite clients.

 

Go Horns, Hogs and Cowboys!

 

 

 

HEY, YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER –CREATIVEVENTURE

 

AND ON FACEBOOK – STEPHEN HARVILL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

 

I recently read some ideas from Mats Laderhausen, former big wig with McDonalds and thought you would find it interesting.  I have added my own twist here and there.

 

• The most important single aspect of any business is TRUST:  Strangely enough, no one spends much time on it.  Meetings are not called to discuss our trust factor with our customers or our own people.  Strategic focus is not given to trust and there sure as heck is not a line item in any budget I have ever seen called “trust” (might be a good thing for Washington DC to add!).
• Big ideas are the source of competitive advantage:  Spend some focused time on ideas.  In fact I suggest that every year you have an off-site meeting dedicated to the development of new ideas.  Send out idea homework.  Get your people THINKING!
• Focus is business rocket fuel:  As a leader it is your job to make sure focus is intently driven to those areas that will provide the biggest return.  If sales are one focus (duh) what are you doing to keep it “front of mind” of your team?  Do you have a sales blog?  Do you provide a weekly sales tip?  Do you have sales roundtables?  Better get going!

 

I was on a role there and ALMOST added a 4^th point.  Can’t imagine how many emails I would have received if I had gone past 3!

 

I hear Bob King (strength coach extraordinaire) recently say: “I used to tell my goes don’t just make something happen, instead, make a play.”  Love this because it says focus on WHAT you are doing.  The three ideas above should be part of your focus!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

 

MOVIES:    9:  This animated feature is getting such good press and Laura has her annual weekend with her friends, providing me with an opportunity to see it.  Also, The Informant with Matt Damon is out and will be a must see.

 

NetFlix Fans:  Sphere:   An all-star sci-fi flick that I just watched again and remembered how much I liked it.

 

TV:    So much going on.  Forget everything else and remember that the new season of the best show on TV – House MD starts with a two hour show on Monday night.  Most other shows also get their season openers this week also.  Monk finally starts the last story arc with solving the murder of his wife.  Psyche makes me laugh every week and the Mentalist will get going again.

 

BOOKS:  The Killing Artist   – By Daniel Silva :    This is my first Silva book and I am being introduced to his hero, Gabriel Allon.  A really good read, full of history and suspense.

 

MUSIC:   Keb Mo is the REAL thing!  Enjoy 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIwtzsvaVIM   

 

WEB SITES:   Looking for a little help with your spirit?  Pretty cool place to add to your journey.

 

 

   http://soulcurrymagazine.com/sc/   

 

 

SOUTH OF NORMAL

 

Economic good news appears to be a constant South of Normal player.  Here you go:

 

• The Federal Reserve reported Americans net worth increased by $2 trillion to $53 trillion in the second quarter.  This is the first time in two years it has gone up with gains in stocks, mutual funds and real estate values leading the way.  HUH?  Stock, mutual funds and real estate values leading the way.  Guess the media didn’t feel that was very important to report.
• Net claims for jobless benefits fell by 12,000.  Economists expected an INCREASE.  This is the 3^rd weekly decline in the last four weeks.  Economists now say that the economic recovery is beginning to show up in unemployment.  Again, where the hell is the media reporting this!
• Housing starts were up 1.5% in August.  Hello, anyone listening?

 

Guess my point is, sure we are not out of the woods, but positive economic news is simply not very sexy!

 

 

It is not the strongest or the most intelligent that survive, but instead the ones most adaptable to change.

Charles Darwin.

 

 

 

Drop me a note with your comments at steve@creativeventures.com

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Adios and Aloha.