Hey everyone, here we go. . . . . .
IN OUR WORLD
Great week of actually getting things done! I’m not talking about discussing a project or thinking about a project, I’m talking about DOING!
- LAUNCHING AN OLA PROJECT: One of the Repeatable Successful Acts that has spawned its own strategic platform is the “I Deliver to One Level Above Expectations or what has become known in the Creative Ventures universe as OLA Strategies. I have a number of clients in the design phase of this strategy, but this week I actually LAUNCHED, or STARTED one for a Houston based client!
- BUDGET TO ACTION: On another project I had a client say; “here is the budget, make it happen.” I finished the design and implementation plan based on the budget I was given and BANG – the project got the green light!
- HOBY KEYNOTE: I have the distinct honor of getting to deliver a keynote presentation (way cool multimedia visual journey) to a large group of teenage leaders. The Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership is an international organization helping guide and teach the principles of leadership. Designing and producing impactful content for bright young minds is a HUGE challenge, but I am way jazzed with the finished program and can’t wait until next Friday for the chance to share ideas.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t finish all my stuff and a daunting task of two articles awaits my writing schedule, but it was great to get a hunk of stuff DONE!
Next week I am back to Orlando!
HEY, YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER –CREATIVEVENTURE
AND ON FACEBOOK – STEPHEN HARVILL!
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
The idea of IMPACT is a constantly changing concept. What defines an action that creates influence, which moves an organization measurably forward? In these days of speed and change, impact is more important than ever.
A good filter for defining impact starts with the clarity of objective. You need to be able to define the effect the idea or project will have. To put impact to the ultimate test, define it in a single sentence. This idea of ultimate simplification will result in an exercise the “thoughtfully reducing” the program on the table to its essential elements.
Next, SEE the idea, visualize the process and watch the impact crystallize before your very eyes. What does that mean? Draw out the idea. Create a picture map. Seeing is EVERYTHING. Use a whiteboard or flipchart. If you don’t have either of those resources, GO GET THEM NOW! I am always amazed when I go into a conference room without a whiteboard or flipchart. Hell, you should cover every empty wall space in your offices with Plexiglas and turn them all into whiteboards! You don’t have to be Picasso. I’m not talking about sketches that will be in the Museum of Modern Art. Write down ideas, use arrows to connect them, make lists. Make things visual.
These two steps;
- Make your impact statement ONE sentence.
- Visualize the idea
These simple steps will create a road to IMPACT.
ENTERTAINMENT
MOVIES: And so begins the blockbuster movie season with Iron Man 2.
NetFlix Fans: Bottle Shock: At a business dinner the conversation turned to movies and someone at the table asked me if I like little movies as well as blockbusters. As an example I gave him this recommendation.
TV: USA Network does such an outstanding job with the creation of unique and wonderful shows. In fact, they are partially responsible for the shift to two TV seasons with their summer show line up. Try both Burn Notice and Royal Pains. Their new series, Covert Affairs is getting lots of buzz.
BOOKS: Blood Oath – Farnsworth: Here is a fictional recommendation from a brand new author. A combination of mystical – secret agent stuff. I loved it.
MUSIC: I hate using the “official video” for any of my music postings, but I love this song by Vampire Weekend!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bccKotFwzoY
WEB SITES: Cool web site and a great bookmark!
SOUTH OF NORMAL
I love the “milk wars” going on. The milk producers and bastions of the dairy industry are pissed off about the use of the term “milk” on all kinds of things that are not really milk. They say milk is a liquid produced from the mammary glands of mammals. Hey, I understand. If that’s the case how can you have Almond Milk, Soy Milk or Rice Milk? The dairy gang wants congress to stop those guys from bastardizing milk. I think the ultimate test is simple. Get up their and milk a soy bean!
Drop me a note with your comments at steve@creativeventures.com
Thanks for stopping by and until next time, Adios and Aloha.
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