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

IN OUR WORLD

Coming to you, once again from the beautiful springtime dessert oasis of Scottsdale.  Just finishing off one hell of a travel/project trip.  Three clients, three cities, four different projects in four days!

This was a great challenge, not only from the logistics, but the shift from project to project.  You have to use a fluid method of thinking.  You have to listen, to see the direction an idea is traveling then discover the right fit for the energy, for the team and for the company.

An ideas value is always in its traction.  Does the idea connect to the goal?  Does the idea add value to the team, the company and then the shareholder?  Can the idea be accomplished in a simple and powerful manner?    Is there a champion, someone who will be accountable for the ideas life?  Each of these questions is instrumental to a successful outcome.

The projects were diverse, involving education, sales strategy and leadership.  These companies are pushing new ideas that will have immediate impact on their market position.  Its exciting stuff, to see decisions, which have expense and risk impact as primary strategies to move companies to the next level!

Next week will involve the final designs on my new web site as well as the launch of a new strategy for a major retail client.

Exciting stuff!

HEY, YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER –CREATIVEVENTURE

AND ON FACEBOOK – STEPHEN HARVILL!

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

We are the only creature in the known universe that can commit to life of learning.  Our genetic capacity to learn new things is virtually unlimited.  In a world of constant change this biological and psychological factor should play a critical role in your corporate strategy.  With Generation Y kids moving from job to job at a rate of about 8 by the time they are 35, you should be developing strategies that move to keep young talent.  Learning is a big player in maintaining great team members.

There are lots of studies as to why good people leave companies.  At the end of the day it really comes down to two key factors:

• Do they feel of value:  This is a big deal.  In a recent exit study of key employees many said they never felt like what they did was really valuable to their boss or their organization.  To stop this wrong direction flow of talent, thing about TELLING THEM THEY ARE OF VALUE!  It is amazing how many said, no one ever thanked them for their work or showed them how they were connected to bigger picture.  Next, find ways to reward their work outside of traditional salary.  Oh money talks, BUT simple rewards make a huge impact.  I just finished designing a program for a client called FLASH.  It empowered key managers to make immediate rewards to team members for work that fit a filter we created.  The boost in moral was almost immediate.

• Growth:  Provide a path of growth for your people.  Develop education programs that have two core tracts.  The first is industry specific.  They want to learn more about what they do.  Second, create a track of general business skills.  Subjects like thinking, communications, and sales are great starters.  Create a reward system for those who complete these types of classes and watch them grow.

Simple, let them know they are of value and find ways for them to grow.  I have the honor of regularly teaching core curriculum for four of my clients and each time I am privileged to stand in front of these teams, I am reminded that I am looking at a pool of talent that my client was smart enough to cultivate.

ENTERTAINMENT

MOVIES: Nothing on the big screen to take to the theater.

NetFlix Fans:  Whiteout: Watched this on Pay Per View and it turned out to be a good choice.  About a US Marshall in Antarctica.

TV: The Discovery Channel has the epic LIFE on and The Pacific is on HBO.  About as good as you can get!

BOOKS:  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – By Larsson.  Little slow at the beginning but a great mystery read.

MUSIC: Death Cab for Cuties – great song – Summer Skin

WEB SITES: Here is a little help on your life organization.

http://www.lifehack.org/

SOUTH OF NORMAL

A couple of things that made me stop and think; “hey the population located South of Normal is getting bigger!”

• Many of you may have remembered the Cold War, where nations were pitted against each other where their economic and political philosophies were in direct opposition.  Now it’s not country fighting country, but companies fighting countries, not on political grounds, but on technical grounds.  First battle – Google vs. China.
• Sidestep Stoner Syndrome:  This is a Twitter malady – “when your most profound thoughts are reduced to 140 characters, you often sound like Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High”.
• A drunken man was arrested in Pennsylvania for trying to give mouth to mouth resuscitation to a long dead possum.  Hmm, bet his day did not start out with that as a plan.

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

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