Hey everyone, here we go. . . . . .
IN OUR WORLD WOW, a whole week in town. Do you ever see a gap of time where you have planned to “get caught up” evaporate like a wisp of smoke? Happened to me. A series of unexpected projects gobbled up my nicely designed time plan. I chose to spend time in unanticipated areas, all of which were the right choices, despite the frustration.
New ideas are gaining momentum with my clients and creating an unusual kind of energy, an energy based around “doing” something in an environment that makes one want to stop for fear that no direction is the right direction. Here are a couple of examples:
- Our ROUNDTABLE PLATFORM (quick idea generation around a single area of focus) is in play at half a dozen of our clients and we are hitting the first results in 09. Topics include, cost reductions, value added platforms, marketing and sales strategies. The bad news is that by launching these at approximately the same time means that all the results are hitting at the same time.
- REPEATABLE SUCCESSFUL ACT PLATFORM: Now that we have added “buyer habits” this sales strategic platform is ready to launch with a couple of large sales force clients (200 and 350 producers respectively).
- CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT: New skills programs are being added to help advance the capabilities of team members, positioning them to lead strategic efforts in their companies. Thinking and communication remain the core elements.
Though the economy continues to read like a Stephen King horror story, you are not helpless. As it always has been, it’s about doing something.
My momma said it and it’s true, “that one once of action is worth a ton of words.”Martin Sexton
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Being a TED addict, I often watch videos that I don’t immediately like but gut it out only to discover gems, diamonds of knowledge that make my gray cells sing! Here are some pointers from comic book artist Seth McCloud, who gave a very intellectual talk on the hidden reasons comic impact readers. Lots of theory and not a lot of why they are fun, but his four key principles fall right in line with the way I think:
- LEARN FROM EVERYONE: I am amazed at how much of my knowledge I get all the time from everyone I know. I have a tendency to be somewhat arrogant (it’s true) which unfortunately can block good input. I had some this week where I rebelled against the idea and then slowed down to think about it and found the advice true.
- FOLLOW NO ONE: Most of the time people lack a certain courage to believe in themselves. Try this little piece of advice and forge a new path. Pick one simple (lacking complexity) idea and watch the ripples flow.
- WATCH FOR PATTERNS: I can truly lay my success at two key points, the ability to simplify complex issues and the thinking that allows me to discover patterns. Patterns are great predictors of future events, but can also lull you into a lack of thinking. There are patterns in almost all processes and systems. Once discovered they allow you to focus on cause instead of effect.
- WORK LIKE HELL: Plough deep while sluggards sleep. ~Benjamin Franklin Nothing beats hard work. A strong work ethic will beat talent almost every time.
Thanks Seth!
ENTERTAINMENT
MOVIES: Nothing out there to drive me to the theater.
NetFlix Fans: Woman on Top : This movie launched Penelope Cruz and is a jazzy, sexy little story full of wonder and the power of love.
TV: I DVR’rd the new show on ABC, Castle and it was entertaining, but nothing I will hurry home for.
BOOKS: Lone Survivor – By Luttrell. The true story of Operation Redwing by the Navy Seals in the
MUSIC: It is no secret that I am a House MD addict. Often readers will send me House stuff, most of which makes me laugh out loud, but this is a great video that shows House at his best. It is a combination of a great song and shows the key aspect of the show – CRITICAL THINKING. Watch how group think is better than one guy think and how you have to SEE the problem. Every differential diagnosis is done on the whiteboard so they can see the symptoms.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9PJqacYUbk&feature=related
WEB SITES: One of my favorite bookstores in NYC and a good web site for mystery/thriller books.
http://www.crimepays.com/index.htm
SOUTH OF
- The average American consumes 30 gallons of beer per year.
- Americans spend about $4 Billion, yes BILLION on St. Paddy’s day.
- 1/3 who celebrates does so with special dinners. You know the drill, corn beef and cabbage (YUCK!)
- 4 leaf clovers are really rare – only 1 in 10,000.
- The
first St.Ireland , but instead inNew York City
Sip a green beer and have a little fun.There’s 24 hours maybe 60 good yearsYou know, it’s not that long a stay!Jimmy Buffett
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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