Hey everyone, here we go. . . . . .
IN OUR WORLD
Remember that I always talk about planning being a key skill set, a manifestation of thinking? Well, keep in mind that flexibility is a key element of that planning model. This week was scheduled for DESIGN work – focused concentration on turning content into an experience. Some of that “planned” time flew out the window as unexpected client needs hit the fan. Oh, well, that keeps things interesting.
You need to be nimble to stay on top of opportunity!
Three brand new projects hit the calendar this week with two more getting ready to go from “pencil” to “ink” on my calendar.
The most interesting part of what I do is the volatility of my calendar. In a blink of an eye I can have a month that I planned to do “inside” work vanish into a series of airports, hotels and cabs.
Man, I love the energy and can not begin to tell you how honored and blessed I am by the opportunity given to me by my clients!
LAST COUPLE DAYS TO ENTER THE WINE LABEL CONTEST!
Enter the Wine Label Contest! Simply send me a digital photo of your most creative wine label to win.
HEY, YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER –CREATIVEVENTURE
AND ON FACEBOOK – STEPHEN HARVILL!
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
I have recently had the honor of getting to conduct a number of interviews with my client’s best customers. The idea is to continue the development of my Repeatable Successful Acts platform adding buyer’s behaviors. I used the same methodology, The Narrative Arc, to gain insight into why buyers buy. It’s interesting stuff and will form a fantastic bookend to my work on the patterns of behaviors found in million dollar producers. Here is a sneak peak at a few interesting findings:
- Seeking: Buyers have a sense of discovery around their buying. Psychologist Dr. Panksepp named this “searching” characteristic as seeking. Most buyers, even in a good buyer/seller relationship are going to look around. Get used to it, in fact, figure out a way to help them and they will see you as a valuable asset.
- “I have no idea”: It is probably no surprise to you, but most buyers have no idea where or when they heard about your product. Sit down a bunch of 25-35 year old mothers of 2-3 year old children and ask them when they first heard of Charmin Ultra Soft or even WHY they buy it and will say “I have no idea.” Might want to rethink your marketing.
- I like you: People do business with who they like. PERIOD! With this huge fact, it’s surprising that more people don’t spend time on identifying their likability scale and leveraging more with their EXISTING clients. The like factor is found in EXISTING relationships. Why do people like you? Figure it out, it’s important.
There you go, some interesting stuff. Contact me for some more ideas or info on the Repeatable Successful Acts platform.
ENTERTAINMENT
MOVIES: Taking
NetFlix Fans: Tyson: Great documentary on boxer Mike Tyson – weird, but interesting.
TV: This is the final season of Monk and the Friday night episodes are really good. Check your USA Network listings. The US Open starts Monday with EPSN2 getting ready for a ton
BOOKS: 1000 CEO’s – By Davidson: Interviews with some great business leaders.
MUSIC: Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds always create magic when they play together. Dave has a very spiritual side to his music and here is his cover of the Daniel Lanois masterpiece – THE MAKER.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCur6KJB6BA
WEB SITES: Sorry about the name, but a way cool web site!
SOUTH OF
In honor of the US Open starting on Monday, here is a little trivia test. Send me the correct answers and the first person to get them all will win a subscription to Fast Company Magazine:
- The playing surface has changed two times at the Open. It was first a grass court tournament, then clay and now hard court. Who is the only player to win on all three surfaces?
- Who is the only player to win the US Open singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles in the same year?
- Who is the only male player to win the US Open singles title without dropping a single set?
- Who is the only player to win the US Open singles titles in their teens, 20’s and 30’s?
- Who is the only player to win US Open titles in 4 different decades?
- Who is the only player to knock off 5 seeded players in route to the US Open singles title?
- Who is the only man to win 8 combined singles and doubles titles?
I’M NOT A STRANGER IN THE EYES OF THE MAKER
DANIEL LANOIS
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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