tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61922043621750594612024-03-17T02:51:58.454-04:00Chris Wechner's Marketing Ideas BlogChris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.comBlogger315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-37108447619820283392018-09-01T11:41:00.000-04:002018-09-01T11:41:06.528-04:00Every Black Person Should Read This - So Should Every Other Rational Person<div class="MsoNormal">
I read an essay from basketball Hall of Famer <a href="https://kareemabduljabbar.com/">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a>, and it prompted me to think of things that were much bigger than race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He addressed things that affect the black race in America, but everyone can… and should… learn from what he shared.</div>
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NOTE: Even if you are the world’s biggest racial bigot – and PLEASE do not tell me if you are, I will completely hate you for just that alone (which is your right to think that way… but also mine to judge you) – there are valuable non-racial lessons to take away from his essay.</div>
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Here is a link to his essay, “What sports have taught me about race in America.”</div>
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<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/aug/28/notes-from-an-ungrateful-athlete-why-race-and-sports-matter-in-america">https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/aug/28/notes-from-an-ungrateful-athlete-why-race-and-sports-matter-in-america</a></div>
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Every black person should read this, but so should everyone else who is interested in making this world a better place through a better understanding.</div>
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Here are lessons that passed through my mind while reading this:</div>
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1. Your Success = Your Ability to Influence</div>
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2. Success in Sports = Way to Allow People to Hear You</div>
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3. The Hope of Glamour = Lack of Life Preparation</div>
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4. A Real Patriot is Loyal to Values – not Blind to Bosses</div>
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For those who feel like reading more, here are some of the lessons it explains in ways I never could before reading it.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lesson #1: Your Success = Your Ability to Influence</b></div>
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When I first started reading this, words from one of my favorite people in the entire world, <a href="http://onlineprnews.com/news/106759-1297635244-darrick-scruggs-of-homes-for-sale-in-farmington-hills-mi-giving-a-free-talk-at-wccc.html/">Darrick Scruggs</a>, came roaring in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He once told me that, “Once you become successful, your words become magic.”</div>
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Darrick was absolutely right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made all of the sense in the world to me, but I never was able to word it as elegantly… or as brilliantly succinct.</div>
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All sorts of people have ideas, and some of those ideas are wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could help you or me, maybe even make the entire planet a better place.</div>
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We might never hear them, because they don’t have any way of sharing those great ideas with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Media isn’t covering them, unless they’re successful.</div>
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Worse yet, we don’t take their ideas seriously, because they aren’t as successful as others, even if their idea would help make us more successful.</div>
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Abdul-Jabbar quoted <a href="https://muhammadali.com/">Muhammad Ali</a>, “When you saw me in the boxing ring fighting, it wasn’t just so I could beat my opponent. My fighting had a purpose. <u>I had to be successful in order to get people to listen to the things I had to say.</u>”</div>
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There are times when I’m feeling down and consider quitting, but then I realize that there are people who need some of the insight I have to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people listen to me today, but I keep asking myself, “How many more people could I reach if I became more successful?”</div>
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I doubt that I’m the only one who needs more success to be able to reach more people. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lesson #2: Success in Sports = Way to Allow People to Hear You</b></div>
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke a lot of basketball records during his playing career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, some of those records are broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many still stand, and he commented on them.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“At the time I set those records… I celebrated them because they confirmed that all my hard work and discipline since childhood was effective in me achieving my goal of becoming the best possible athlete…The even greater significance those records had to me then, and has to me even more now, is in <u>providing a platform to keep the discussion</u> of social inequalities – whether racial, gender-related, or economic – <u>alive and vibrant so that we may come together as a nation and fix them</u>.”</i></div>
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Let’s face it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are rich and I am poor (or the other way around), we’re probably not talking with each other, much less hearing each other.</div>
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Each of us has problems, and they’re very real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if we don’t know anything about you or your perspective, the “solutions” we propose for our own problems might be sensitive to your needs… but probably not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most likely, we won’t care, either.</div>
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Many athletes come from places with a lot of problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Populations in those areas tend to be high, but often people’s voices in these areas are heard at the volume of a whisper, if we hear them at all.</div>
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When someone from these places becomes a major sports star, that athlete all sorts of media coverage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they’re a “superstar,” many people will listen to them, regardless.</div>
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However, if they are anything other than a superstar, their voices are heard a lot less.</div>
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But they play in a place where everyone is watching!</div>
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Maybe they can do this for a long time, but most likely, they’ll only get a limited amount of time within this major platform.</div>
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Currently, a lightning rod for discussion is whether <a href="https://kaepernick7.com/">Colin Kaepernick</a> is right or wrong for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNEby1Nv1Kc">kneeling during the US National Anthem</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Essentially, it led to the end of his career, not officially, but realistically.</div>
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Was he right or wrong to kneel?</div>
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As your own person, you will have your own answer to this.</div>
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Here is my answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s sort of a long one.</div>
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IF Colin was kneeling with the intent of disrespecting the military, then I believe he was (mostly) wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key question here is… when he knelt during The Anthem, did he do this thinking, “I am against the military, and I am going use this to protest against them?”</div>
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Even then, it’s his right, and the military fought hard for him (and us) to have this right.</div>
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IF Colin was kneeling with the intent of making a statement that the United States is unconditionally horrible, then I believe he was (mostly) wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The key question here is… when he knelt during The Anthem, did he do this thinking, “$^@&*^% the USA?”</div>
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Even then, again, it’s his right.</div>
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IF Colin was kneeling as a way of protesting to begin a discussion about important things that are not quite right in this country, then I believe he is right.</div>
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I believe he is right! <br />
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Here is a better question (I think).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he does not kneel during the National Anthem to make himself heard, what else do you suggest?</div>
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He’s not a superstar (he was well-known but people weren’t hanging on his every word before he started kneeling).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when else, besides during the National Anthem, would he get as many people to notice (i.e. “listen”) to him?</div>
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More importantly, what about the people who ARE getting wronged but come from communities where most people will never come to listen to them?</div>
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In 1967, many people in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1967_Detroit_riot">Detroit decided to have a city-wide riot</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ENTIRE NATION paid attention to them then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s face it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we were alive and not a similar victim, we weren’t really paying attention.</div>
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Do we prefer THAT over kneeling?</div>
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Did many people rioting have a right to be mad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, absolutely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many police were targeting black people and doling out physical abuse disproportionate the crime (when there was any crime at all).</div>
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Unfortunately, rioting brought a lot of negative attention to the very people who needed outside help.</div>
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So rioting was a success as far as getting attention.</div>
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If was a failure for attracting the type of help they really needed.</div>
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I hear a lot of people say that people (i.e. athletes) should protest on their own time… on their own platform… rather than “disrespect” the national anthem.</div>
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My question to these people is… when else are we going to “listen” to them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we going to THEIR outside platforms to listen to them?</div>
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In most cases, the answer is, “No.”</div>
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How else have black people gotten attention for being on the wrong end of unjustifiable police brutality treatment?</div>
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The only answer I’ve ever heard or seen is riots!</div>
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Do we really want that?</div>
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I think Colin did a great thing by kneeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He used the NFL platform to PEACEFULLY protest something that’s been a problem in our country for over a century.</div>
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Social media is increasing exposure to it, but Colin taking a knee is bringing the discussion to the forefront to a lot more people… a lot more quickly.</div>
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If he was not a professional athlete, would we really care whether he “took a knee?”</div>
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I bet you know the answer.</div>
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So being successful, even on a lesser scale than being a professional athlete, gives you the power to have people listen to you… to have people WANT to listen to you.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lesson #3: The Hope of Glamour = Lack of Life Preparation</b></div>
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To me, this might be the biggest lesson Abdul-Jabbar’s essay makes.</div>
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Obviously, there is a lot of money to be made IF you are uber-successful as a professional athlete, musician, or an actor/actress.</div>
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This is fantastic, and I do not begrudge anyone who can make a lot of money doing any of these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frankly, it’s one of the things that makes America great.</div>
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It’s also one of the most dangerous.</div>
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Why?</div>
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Abdul-Jabbar provides this excellently worded insight.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Some see sports as a path for their children to escape the endless cycle of poverty. Parents pour all their energy into training and grooming their child to become a professional athlete, sometimes at the expense of their academic education. Yet, the odds of success are so slim that they are doing more damage to their child’s future. Even those who make it to the pros usually have a short career: the average in the NFL is 3.3 years, and in the NBA 4.8 years – and most don’t earn enough from those short careers to retire on. We can’t promote professional sports as a real hope any more than we can endorse the lottery as a career strategy. That’s why athletes are so motivated to speak out about the unequal opportunities that leave people desperate to cling to the hope of even a distant longshot.”</i></div>
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How often are we failing to plan, because we’re applying the “hoping and praying” technique to life that salvation is “just around the corner?”</div>
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There are plenty of paths to eventual success. Are you confident enough in yourself to take any of those paths and ride it out, just in case the “big one” doesn’t come? </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BONUS: An Ugly Truth</b></div>
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It doesn’t really fit as a lesson, but it’s too important not to share… and it’s quick!</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“They want black athletes to be grateful that they’ve been given a seat at the table and to therefore ignore their brothers and sisters who have little hope of achieving that kind of success.”</i></div>
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As disgusting as this is, it does not only apply to black people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a larger lesson to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Although, please take note of the point he made… it’s easily overlooked.)</div>
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We could easily replace “black people” with “those less fortunate.”</div>
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How often are we doing that to other people who come from more humble backgrounds than ours and treating them pretty much the same way, even if that person has the same race as us?</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lesson #4: A Real Patriot is Loyal to Values – not Blind to Bosses</b></div>
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In his essay, Abdul-Jabbar quotes Mark Twain, “[T]rue patriotism, the only rational patriotism, is <u>loyalty to the Nation</u> all the time, <u>loyalty to the Government</u> when it deserves it.”</div>
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He separates loyalty to the Nation (always there) vs. the Government (always changing).</div>
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Are we really sure that our Government is always trying to protect us?</div>
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Colin Kaepernick might be speaking out on behalf of wrongful injustices to black people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, the way I see it, he’s standing up for rightful equality all of us deserve.</div>
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Isn’t THAT what this country is supposed to represent?</div>
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I feel so lucky to be an American.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t always feel so lucky while being an American.</div>
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I’m always proud to be an American.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not always proud of what America is doing to others in the World… nor to everyone who is part of it.</div>
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I’m proud that Colin could take the knee and not lose his life.</div>
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I’m not proud that he took the knee and lost his career.</div>
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It’s peaceful actions like this that makes America great, but it’s also peaceful actions like this that lets us know that America is not always great… not for everyone.</div>
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Is it always for you?</div>
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I vote for knees triggering discussions rather than over riots triggering destruction and scorn.</div>
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What are ways you can “peacefully take a knee?”</div>
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What platforms can you use to share your message?</div>
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How can you be successful enough so that people you want to reach can hear you?</div>
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Thank you, Kareem, for writing such an excellent, thought-provoking essay.</div>
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Once again, here is a link to what he wrote:</div>
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<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/aug/28/notes-from-an-ungrateful-athlete-why-race-and-sports-matter-in-america">https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/aug/28/notes-from-an-ungrateful-athlete-why-race-and-sports-matter-in-america</a></div>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-84293924059390111282018-08-17T07:48:00.001-04:002018-08-17T07:48:15.361-04:00But I Told You - Why don’t you get it? (How can I reach this person?)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have you ever found yourself wondering WHY someone just doesn’t get something that’s SO obvious?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I know I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not proud of it, but I’ve caught myself doing that.. maybe more times than I really want to admit, even to myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Still, it’s a frustrating experience… EVERY TIME.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So how can we avoid that frustration?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We can ignore it, BUT… that won’t really solve the problem, only make us numb to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that’s not a good solution.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shifting Focus: From Them to You</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For just a moment, let’s shift our focus from “that person” to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have an important question to ask you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do YOU prefer someone to TELL you what to do, OR… for you to figure it out yourself?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All of us need training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That training might come from life (i.e. University of Hard Knocks) or another person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Very few of us really follow what someone else says unconditionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we can make sense of what they’re telling us, we might follow their advice, but if we don’t really “get it,” we probably aren’t going to “follow it.”</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now Back to Them</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So what does this have to do with getting that other person to learn what we’re advising (telling?) them to do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, we’ve TOLD them what to do, BUT…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do they REALLY get it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They might be able to repeat the words we shared with them, maybe even intelligently paraphrase those words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">BUT… do they really understand WHY?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It might be a good idea to ask that person some questions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Does that make sense?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">WHY does that make sense?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Can you see any downsides?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What upsides do you see?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you think this is important?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">WHY do you think it’s important?</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What does asking these question accomplish?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unless they’re complete morons (or completely honest individuals), they’ll answer the 1st question of each 2-question set correctly, BUT… then it’s important to follow up and have them substantiate that “right answer” by using their own words to explain WHY they think it’s the right answer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This exercise will do one of two things:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. They’ll either talk themselves into why you’re right about the advice (or direction) that you’re giving them, or…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. They’ll have cracks in their explanation, and you’ll be able to see what they’re “missing.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s important for you to listen carefully to make sure they’re really grasping things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives you a chance to redirect them by clarifying the portions they’re not getting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll see where to modify WHAT YOU’RE SAYING (so that they’ll get it more clearly).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">BUT… this exercise might do something else entirely different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. You might see a crack in your armor and see that you need to modify what the ADVICE YOU’RE TELLING THEM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Because we’re not always perfect, either.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you’re like most people, you just people to “do stuff” and not have to worry about it anymore and simply just will continue telling them what to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the other hand, if you’re trying to be like the best leaders, you’ll take the time to do this exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, you’ll find that you’ll spend less time later, because… they’ll just “get it” and “do it.”</span><br />
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-22933001814704273812017-04-14T09:48:00.001-04:002017-04-14T09:48:34.568-04:00Video: Jack Canfield: 5 Things Successful People Do<div class="MsoNormal">
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5 Habits of Successful People - Jack Canfield</div>
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Given the choice, most of us prefer to “be successful,” but many people have no interest in doing what it takes to get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not about that person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This advice is for the person who has enough desire to make a “wish” into a reality but might not know how to spend that effort or energy.</div>
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Success certainly requires more than a simple 5 minute video (This one is even shorter than that!), but this advice can help many of us from “spinning our wheels.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2014/08/do-we-really-want-success-or-just-excuse.html">Do we really want success or just an excuse?</a></span></b></div>
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Jack Canfield, the author/coordinator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, offers several ways to improve our success in life.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CzS-bybEUwQ" width="560"></iframe></div>
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If you’d rather watch it on YouTube, here is the link:</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzS-bybEUwQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzS-bybEUwQ</a></div>
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In this video, he opens with the claim, “The most successful people in the world did not arrive there by accident…(They’re) in that position for a specific reason.”</div>
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So what are some of those reasons?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Canfield suggests that the difference lies within their habits.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>1. Successful People Believe in Themselves</div>
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2. Successful People Set Goals</div>
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3. Successful People Go the Extra Mile</div>
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4. Successful People Take Action</div>
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5. Successful People Show Appreciation</div>
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Canfield goes into each of these steps in more detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the most part, he worded things better than I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll offer add-on analysis in the end, but for this one, I’m largely just quoting him.</div>
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Let’s take a closer look at each of his five (5) success steps:</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. Successful People Believe in Themselves</b></div>
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Jack begins with an incredibly important point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells us, “…You have to believe that you are capable of making it happen…and believing in yourself is a choice.”</div>
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Canfield said that of nearly all I interviewed, they said some variation of, “I was not the most gifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not the most talented person in my field, but I chose to believe anything was possible.”</div>
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“…I studied, and I practiced…I worked harder than the others, and that’s how I got to where I am.”</div>
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“Successful people assume in favor of themselves and act as if achieving their goals is completely possible.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2014/08/key-to-success-what-award-do-you-win.html">Key to Success: What award do you win?</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Successful People Set Goals</b></div>
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“Successful people know that if they give a goal to their subconscious mind, it will work night and day to achieve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They set high goals that are attainable that are both realistic and measurable…they make an effort to work toward those goals every single day.”</div>
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<u>Keys to Setting Goals</u></div>
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--Set ‘em High</div>
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--Make ‘em Attainable</div>
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--Make sure you can Measure Your Progress</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/08/success-tip-be-crazy.html">Success Tip: Want to achieve crazy goals? Be crazy!</a> </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Successful People Go the Extra Mile</b></div>
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Many people only do what is required, and if they can get away with it, many of those people will try to do even less than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They might be wise in the moment, but the most successful people understand that the value in doing more comes later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They tend to do more than the other person expects; therefore, they make a lasting impact.</div>
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Canfield shared, “(Successful people) give the people around them…more than is expected, and in return they’re handsomely rewarded with loyalty, referrals, opportunity, and money…They don’t focus on the ‘what’s in it for me’ policy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t put stock in whether something is fair or whether they’ll be compensated or recognized for that more effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, they focus on exceeding people’s expectations, paying extra attention to the details…providing quality work above everything else.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2014/08/over-delivering-values-why-its-so-hard.html">Over-Delivering: Why It’s So Hard</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Successful People Take Action</b></div>
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This point is one of the most often discussed yet least often applied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also one of the most critical for success.</div>
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Canfield explains, “Successful people know that the world does not pay you for what you know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It pays) you for what you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They make a point to create a vision, set goals, break them down into small steps, visualize and affirm their success, believe in themselves, and then they go out there and go for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They take action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are keenly aware that nothing happens until they take action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you take action, you inevitably carry you to success. You begin to learn things from your experience that cannot be learned simply by listening to others or by reading books…You begin to attract others who will support you and encourage you.”</div>
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<u>Key Steps Successful People Take</u></div>
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--Create a Vision</div>
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--Set Goals</div>
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--Break Down Tasks to Get Goals into Smaller, Attainable Steps</div>
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--Visualize the End Result (Success)</div>
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--Believe in Themselves</div>
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--Take Action</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2014/08/is-your-success-really-in-toilet-that.html">Taking Action: Are you willing to scrub toilets to be successful?</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. Successful People Show Appreciation</b></div>
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Canfield reminds us that people are not things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need to know from us that we truly appreciate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, it helps if we really do appreciate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most successful people get this.</div>
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Canfield describes this principle, “Successful people know that when they show appreciation to the people in their lives…they not only make those people feel better, they (feel better and feel more successful)…they ARE more successful…People are more likely to help you achieve your goals if they believe that you appreciate their efforts.”</div>
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Did you catch that last part?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are “more likely to help you” when they believe you truly appreciate them and what they’re doing for you.</div>
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Canfield mentions a couple of other “quotable” points:</div>
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“Appreciation costs nothing.”</div>
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“No one has ever complained about being over-appreciated.”</div>
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Do you disagree?</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/05/does-your-brand-include-this-1.html">Is your brand known for its gratitude?</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who is Jack Canfield?</b></div>
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According to his website, <a href="http://jackcanfield.com/about-jack-canfield/">Jack Canfield</a> is the originator of <a href="http://www.chickensoup.com/">Chicken Soup for the Soul</a> series, of which there are more than 500 million copies worldwide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is one of America’s best known leading experts in creating peak performance for entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, managers, sales professionals, corporate employees, and educators. He has studied and reported on what makes successful people different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also has a more recent best-seller, <a href="http://www.thesuccessprinciples.com/">The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He holds the Guinness Book World Record for having seven books simultaneously on the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/?_r=0">New York Times Bestseller List</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is also the founder of the <a href="http://www.transformationalleadershipcouncil.com/">Transformational Leadership Council</a>. Adding to his Hall of Fame resume…literally…He has been inducted into the <a href="http://www.nsaspeaker.org/cpae-speaker-hall-of-fame/">National Speakers Association Speakers Hall of Fame</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Takeaways</b></div>
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Jack Canfield said a lot in a short video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He offers a good reminder that action trumps many other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also does an awesome job of subtly displaying confidence by the way he presents throughout this video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He assumes a position of authority, which admittedly is a whole lot easier when you’re as accomplished as he is, but what are the chances that the bulk of his confidence arrived only AFTER he received his accolades?</div>
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He also did an amazing job of outlining the keys to setting goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many speakers tell you to make goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them even say “make it specific,” which is good advice, but for the most part, that piece of advice only seems to help the people who already understand the concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Canfield offered a great breakdown of steps to take to go from setting a goal to taking action so you can achieve that goal, but he also stresses that while a goal should be set high, it should also be within reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See #4 and #2.)</div>
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Which of these are you already doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you improve at all?</div>
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Are there any of these you’re not doing at all?</div>
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Even the most successful people are looking for ways to improve… all of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why not you, too?</div>
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<br />
Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/1-great-idea-for-bloggers.html" target="_blank">1 Great Idea for Bloggers</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-michael-bernoff-goal-setting.html" target="_blank">Video: Michael Bernoff - Goal Setting Might Not be That Important</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-dan-coughlin-example-nordstrom.html" target="_blank">Video: Dan Coughlin: Example: Nordstrom: Equity in Branding via Customer Service </a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/4-simple-ways-to-increase-your-income.html" target="_blank">4 Simple Ways to Increase Your Income</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-sam-glenn-6-keys-principles-about.html" target="_blank">Video: Sam Glenn: 6 Key Principles about Attitude</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-don-hutson-4-styles-of-negotiation.html" target="_blank">Video: Don Hutson - The 4 Styles of Negotiation</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/03/1-important-simple-thing-about-email.html" target="_blank">1 Important (Simple) Thing about Email Many People Overlook</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/02/key-idea-for-improving-your-writing.html" target="_blank">Key Idea for Improving Your Writing: Listen to Great Speakers</a> </li>
</ul>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-41635885657413137702017-04-11T07:13:00.000-04:002017-04-11T07:13:13.462-04:001 Great Idea for Bloggers<div class="MsoNormal">
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When I started writing blog posts, I wasn’t sure about where I was going with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote one about stock investing and gave advice around that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One mentor suggested I just share what I want and what made me want it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I did that.</div>
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I initially created this blog to help people learn about marketing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultimately, I realized that I really have a passion for helping people learn about business… even though I’m still a student learning more about business nearly every day… even after years of running a business.</div>
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So my blog posts have taken many shapes over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time I’m writing this one, I’ve written well over 300 posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not as much as the serious bloggers, but I’m definitely not a lightweight.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/02/3-ways-to-create-blog-post-using.html">Great Ways to Blog - Even When You Don’t Have a Topic</a></span></b></div>
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There is one thing I started doing a while ago that, I think, makes a big difference.</div>
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<a name='more'></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>KEY</u>: I started to include links to my other posts… within my post.</b></div>
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At first, I was simply using any excuse to add a hyperlink with anchor text pandering to SEO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this is not all bad, it’s not the greatest, especially if you have a lot of blog posts.</div>
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Then I started using blatant references (still do), simply pointing people toward a link that is, at least, somewhat related.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I was simply repeating the actual title.</div>
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What’s a better approach?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Modify the headline.</div>
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My titles often lean toward attempting to get including within search results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I structure my titles to increase my chances of answering questions people (might) type into search engines.</div>
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When someone is reading, their mind isn’t on searching. Hopefully, the reader’s mind is on whatever I’m mentioning within the post… at THAT EXACT POINT within the post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I might be able to use words that might match the mindset of the moment… and increase the chance the reader will be intrigued enough to click.</div>
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Let’s consider the following:</div>
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<u>Example: Actual Title Approach</u></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/02/key-idea-for-improving-your-writing.html">Key Idea for Improving Your Writing: Listen to Great Speakers</a></span></b></div>
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<u>Example: Modified Headline Approach</u></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/02/key-idea-for-improving-your-writing.html">Want a really cool (and easy) way to improve your writing?</a></span></b></div>
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Which of these would YOU most likely click?<br />
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There is a good chance that the "Modified Headline" approach would make you want to click... if you were already interested in wanting to improve your writing. ("I can just read a blog post... for free... and maybe be able to write a little better?")<br />
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Notice that I can leave some intrigue WITHIN my post… but that second example would not likely entice someone in the search engines to click… In fact, it probably has little chance of turning up as the result within very many searches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The actual title provides a better chance of being found on a search engine… and having someone from there click to see my blog post.)</div>
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If you use this technique, I suggest incorporating one or more of these:</div>
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1. Imply a (relevant) benefit to the reader</div>
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2. Leave some intrigue - Don’t give it away in the clickable title</div>
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3. Imply they won’t have to work hard (but DO NOT lie!)</div>
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Can you see yourself benefiting from this technique? Do you use it, already?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have any other ways of enticing people to read more of your blogs and other material?</div>
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<br />
Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-michael-bernoff-goal-setting.html" target="_blank">Video: Michael Bernoff - Goal Setting Might Not be That Important</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-dan-coughlin-example-nordstrom.html" target="_blank">Video: Dan Coughlin: Example: Nordstrom: Equity in Branding via Customer Service </a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/4-simple-ways-to-increase-your-income.html" target="_blank">4 Simple Ways to Increase Your Income</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-sam-glenn-6-keys-principles-about.html" target="_blank">Video: Sam Glenn: 6 Key Principles about Attitude</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-don-hutson-4-styles-of-negotiation.html" target="_blank">Video: Don Hutson - The 4 Styles of Negotiation</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/03/1-important-simple-thing-about-email.html" target="_blank">1 Important (Simple) Thing about Email Many People Overlook</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/02/key-idea-for-improving-your-writing.html" target="_blank">Key Idea for Improving Your Writing: Listen to Great Speakers</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/01/8-things-leaders-do-even-if-they-are.html" target="_blank">8 Things Leaders Do (even if they are NOT the Boss)</a> </li>
</ul>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-89347821562592596382017-04-10T16:55:00.000-04:002017-04-10T17:02:08.675-04:00Video: Michael Bernoff - Goal Setting Might Not be That Important<div class="MsoNormal">
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Michael Bernoff - Goal Setting - 3 Stages of Goals</div>
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Goal setting is something we hear often enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s something we know… or at least we think we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe goal setting isn’t as important as we think it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people set goals, but maybe there’s more to it?</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/03/4-reasons-why-everyone-needs-to-update.html?m=1" target="_blank">Goals & Resumes (even for Business Owners)</a></b></span><br />
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According to Michael Bernoff, the speaker in this video, the key to success isn’t setting goals as it is something else that’s even more important. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wlE8oOAqnxU" width="560"></iframe></div>
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If you’d rather watch it on YouTube, here is the link:</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlE8oOAqnxU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlE8oOAqnxU</a></div>
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Here are some of my notes from this video clip:</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is a goal?</b></div>
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A <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">goal</i></b>, simply put, is to “get somewhere” (different than where we are now).</div>
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<a name='more'></a>Often, if set goals, because something in our life isn’t quite “working right.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s a common problem with the goals we set?</b></div>
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We also tend to create goals that are arbitrarily defined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we do not put a timeline on it, for instance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we do put a timeline on it, maybe the number doesn’t really reflect how we feel and what we want; it’s just a number we told ourselves we should “shoot for.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same applies to the quantity of a goal, for instance, maybe we want to lose 19% of our body fat… when 18% would make us (nearly) just as happy.</div>
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Banoff shares, “We typically, whenever we’re not pulling something off (in our lives), we design plans for ourselves, and we also design a back story in advance of how we cannot pull it off.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Essentially, we almost know in advance that we’re going to fail.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Problem with Goal Setting in the Past</b></div>
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There are 3 tenses:</div>
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Past</div>
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Present</div>
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Future</div>
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How important is our past?</div>
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Banhoff says that, “The past is not very important… It really doesn’t matter what you did up until now.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It matters what you’re going to do today (or even tomorrow).</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Goals: Getting Excited vs. Causing Depression</b></div>
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“It’s easy to get obsessed about our future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The future is a very exciting thing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is that excitement only lasts 5 minutes (or however long…).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It eventually wears off.</div>
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“For many people, our goals are some of the most depressing things we could ever come up with. If you want to fail in life, just stare at goals… and not get them.”</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/01/networking-tip-30-second-elevator-pitch.html?showComment=1358287019585" target="_blank">Excitement in Elevator Pitches is a Good Thing!</a></b></span><br />
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“We have a tendency of judging our life by the goals we DID NOT get rather than the goals we’re looking to get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our “dream board” really becomes a “nightmare board.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It tends to remind us how far we are from what we want.”</div>
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“…that thing you want, you’re misrepresenting in your life.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not about having goals; it’s about getting goals…achieving them.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s the most important part of our goals?</b></div>
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“There’s one other little thing that most of us miss (the forth tense vs. past, present, & future tense). It’s a little word called ‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">motion</i></b>’…”</div>
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“…and motion is about getting yourself to take action.”</div>
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The sheer fact of “having a goal” gets you excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it’s not about getting you excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about getting you to take action.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Goal Setting: The Usual Way</b></div>
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He explains, “Most of us understand how to have a goal…Write it down, and get excited.”</div>
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He made a good point, “There have been studies recently…They say that sheer fact of having a goal turns you on more than actually achieving it.”</div>
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“You know why they teach goal setting to people? It’s easy sell you stuff….If I get you excited, you’ll be excited. It’s going to wear off in 5 minutes, but you’ll be excited.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Goal Setting: Michael Burnoff’s Way</b></div>
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It’s not about getting excited. It’s about taking action to get you where you want to go.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who is Michael Burnoff?</b></div>
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According to his website, <a href="http://michaelbernoff.com/">Michael Burnoff</a> is a public speaker and a leader in the personal and professional development industry. He helps transform corporate culture in the ever-changing marketplace. He wants to positively impact the world by empowering people. He studied and modeled effective leaders recognized worldwide. He talks and workshops focus on self-confidence, health, happiness, action-induced transformation, and other areas.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Takeaways</b></div>
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After watching this video, I still think goal setting is important, but the speaker does a good job of reminding me that goals without actions are merely dreams…that continue to haunt us…until we either finally attain them… or simply give up and let go of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that I want to encourage premature quitting, but honestly there is a place for each of these… and it being “okay.”</div>
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The past helps shape us and gives us opportunities to gain wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we focus on that, it gives us a chance to become stronger.</div>
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However, many times, it’s tempting to rest on our laurels of what we’ve done yesterday in place of actually looking to do more today or tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when the past is not very helpful… in fact, if we’re not careful, it gets in our way of focusing on what we need to do in the present… and what we can get accomplished in the future.</div>
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After spending some time thinking about this, as I write this, I’m leaning toward paying attention to 2 things:</div>
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1. (Long-Term Future) Goal: What would we like have accomplished down the road?</div>
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2. (Short-Term Present) Goal: What can we do today to get us a little closer to reaching our future goal… if we don’t get there today.</div>
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The long-term goal gives us a chance to get excited about the future.</div>
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The short-term goal gives us a chance to “get in motion” toward that more exciting future.</div>
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Do you have an easier time setting long-term goals or keeping short-term goals?</div>
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Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-dan-coughlin-example-nordstrom.html" target="_blank">Video: Dan Coughlin: Example: Nordstrom: Equity in Branding via Customer Service </a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/4-simple-ways-to-increase-your-income.html" target="_blank">4 Simple Ways to Increase Your Income</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-sam-glenn-6-keys-principles-about.html" target="_blank">Video: Sam Glenn: 6 Key Principles about Attitude</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-don-hutson-4-styles-of-negotiation.html" target="_blank">Video: Don Hutson - The 4 Styles of Negotiation</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/03/1-important-simple-thing-about-email.html" target="_blank">1 Important (Simple) Thing about Email Many People Overlook</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/02/key-idea-for-improving-your-writing.html" target="_blank">Key Idea for Improving Your Writing: Listen to Great Speakers</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/01/8-things-leaders-do-even-if-they-are.html" target="_blank">8 Things Leaders Do (even if they are NOT the Boss)</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/do-you-impress-me-50-things-about-you.html" target="_blank">Do you impress me? 50+ Things about You That Will</a> </li>
</ul>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-13203697758225154772017-04-09T08:01:00.000-04:002017-04-09T08:01:19.050-04:00Video: Dan Coughlin: Example: Nordstrom: Equity in Branding via Premium Customer Service<div class="MsoNormal">
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Here is an awesome example of customer service by the speaker <span id="goog_1214316503"></span>Dan Coughlin<span id="goog_1214316504"></span>.</div>
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<u>Key Statement</u>: There is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">equity</i> in branding.</div>
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Most of know that we “should” give good <a href="https://www.desk.com/success-center/customer-service">customer service</a>, but in crunch time, some of us are willing to sacrifice this when we’re in a tight spot and “don’t have time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is probably because (in the moment) we don’t see what we’re really sacrificing.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/05/marketing-tip-1-simple-idea-that-makes.html" target="_blank">This 1 Simple Idea Will Get You More Business</a></b></span><br />
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Here’s a great story about exceptional customer service that outdoes most of us…. and it’s from a pretty big company… <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/">Nordstrom</a>.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TuzeFFQc5Fs" width="560"></iframe></div>
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If you’d rather watch the video on YouTube, here is the link:</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuzeFFQc5Fs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuzeFFQc5Fs</a></div>
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How can Nordstrom teach us about the VALUE of customer service?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More importantly, what are we MISSING by NOT providing it?</div>
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<a name='more'></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Great Speaker with Big Problem</b></div>
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Dan Coughlin, the speaker in the video, was telling us about a time when he was driving from <a href="https://explorestlouis.com/">St. Louis</a> to <a href="http://www.choosechicago.com/">Chicago</a> to give a talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part way there, he realized he forgot to bring a shirt and a jacket. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time he realized it, it was too late to return home, and his talk started too early the next morning to be able to go the store to buy a new jacket and shirt.</div>
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He thought to himself that he’d call the Nordstrom store in Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He called and asked whether he could have a jacket and shirt ready… and pressed… for him to pick up when he got there.</div>
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One problem?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was scheduled to get there around 9:30 pm… but the Nordstrom store was going to close at 9:00 pm.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No Problem - Nordstrom to the Rescue</b></div>
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HOWEVER…they responded, “Our store closes at 9:00 pm, but I’ll keep the store open for you… and you can stop in and pick it up when you get here.”</div>
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Nordstrom was going to keep the store open for him, but that’s not even the best part…</div>
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…was once he got there…</div>
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When he arrived there around 9:25 pm (almost a half-hour after the store officially was closed), he went into the store and explained that he was the person on the phone who was coming in late.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nordstrom – What happened once he got there?</b></div>
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A man in the back heard Dan Coughlin ask about the jacket and the shirt calling between St. Louis and Chicago.</div>
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This attendant said, “Oh, Dan, I was waiting for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a cold bottle of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just thought you might not have a chance to get anything to drink before you got here."</div>
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They got a LATE customer… coming into the store AFTER HOURS… a bottle of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did they keep open the store for him, but they also thought to get him a bottle of water (since he probably hurried to get there as soon as he could all of the way from St. Louis).</div>
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The attended continued, “Here’s the jacket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s try them on and make sure they fit.”</div>
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The shirt and jacket looked great and fit perfectly.</div>
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Then the attendant offered, “Here are 2 more shirts that I think would go well with that jacket. What do you think?”</div>
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Coughlin responded that he’d take the additional shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all, he spent $1000 that night… a pretty good sale for these fellows.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Equity in Branding with Customer Service</b></div>
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Coughlin asked the crowd (in the video) why, do we think, he thought of calling Nordstom?</div>
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3 years earlier, he was in a Nordstrom store with his 3-year-old son, he had 4 or 5 pairs of shoes polished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went to pay for the shoes, and the man behind the counter asked whether he needed help (since his hands were full between the shoes and holding his young son’s hand).</div>
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What did this attendant do?</div>
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The attendant picked up the bag of shoes.</div>
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He walked through Nordstrom.</div>
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He walked into the parking lot.</div>
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He put the shoes into the truck of Coughlin’s car.</div>
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The Nordstrom attendant did all of this so that Coughlin could hold onto his son’s hand.</div>
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3 years later after that when Coughlin was in a jam and needed to think of a solution, the very first company he thought to call was Nordstrom… because of what they did for him 3 years earlier.</div>
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NOW…do you see the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">equity</i></b> in branding?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you think is the value in that?</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/03/business-feature-sams-automotive.html" target="_blank">How an Immigrant Mechanic Uses Customer Service to Remain Booked</a></b></span><br />
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Coughlin mentioned that when you provide extraordinary service to your customers, the very first person that they’re going to think of when they’re in a legal jam is lawyer referral and information services.</div>
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“By providing extraordinary service, you don’t know who the gabby customers are going to be.”</div>
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As a national speaker, Coughlin has shared this story about Nordstrom’s exceptional customer service with about 5,000 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you give great customer service, you don’t know which customers are going to tell other customers about your service.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is branding?</b></div>
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“Branding is the perception of value that the customer thinks they receive when they buy from that organization. (…or a prospective customer thinks they will get…)”</div>
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“The stronger your brand is, the more likely you are to get the calls from the type of people you want to get the calls from.”</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/05/does-your-brand-include-this-1.html" target="_blank">Idea - How Gratitude Can be a Key Part of Your Brand</a></b></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who is Dan Coughlin?</b></div>
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According to his website, <a href="https://www.thecoughlincompany.com/about/">Dan Coughlin</a> is a management consultant, keynote speaker, executive coach, and seminar leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He teaches <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Any Person Mindset Management Approach</i>, a practical method for improving performance in a sustainable way. It’s based on his core belief that any person can make a significant difference in an organization, but no one is born with the necessary traits but rather learned thinking traits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among others, some of this clients are (or have been) McDonald’s, Toyota, Marriott, BJC HealthCare, Coca-Cola, GE, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Shell Oil, RE/MAX, Subway, Abbott, Prudential, Boeing, Cisco Systems, American Cancer Society, and the St. Louis Cardinals.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Takeaways</b></div>
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Nordstrom is a wonderful company, and this example SHOULD remove our oft-used excuse that we “don’t have time” to give that much customer service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another excuse many of us use is some variation of “People will just take advantage of us.”</div>
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While it’s true that there are some jerks who will abuse our far-reaching generosity as business people wanting to make an exceptional impression on you, most people just want to get what they want, at the very least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they get more than they expect, that’s when you become “refer-able.”</div>
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Do you like referrals?</div>
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If a company as big as Nordstrom can provide this top-notch customer service, I look at myself and realize that I don’t really have any excuse to, at least, match THEIR level.</div>
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To be honest, I’ll give great customer service… SOMETIMES… but not always… not nearly often enough.</div>
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Maybe I’m not big enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, maybe I should be asking myself the question, how can I get to be big enough so that I CAN MAKE SURE that me… or my brand… can give exceptional customer service… every time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can I do so that people automatically associate great customer service as a key part of MY brand?</div>
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More importantly, what can YOU do differently? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What can you do to improve within your interactions?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within your order fulfillment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With your follow-up?</div>
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What can you do to become big enough to make sure there is always time to provide the best customer service… so that it becomes part of YOUR brand?</div>
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Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/4-simple-ways-to-increase-your-income.html" target="_blank">4 Simple Ways to Increase Your Income</a> </li>
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<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-don-hutson-4-styles-of-negotiation.html" target="_blank">Video: Don Hutson - The 4 Styles of Negotiation</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/03/1-important-simple-thing-about-email.html" target="_blank">1 Important (Simple) Thing about Email Many People Overlook</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/02/key-idea-for-improving-your-writing.html" target="_blank">Key Idea for Improving Your Writing: Listen to Great Speakers</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/01/8-things-leaders-do-even-if-they-are.html" target="_blank">8 Things Leaders Do (even if they are NOT the Boss)</a> </li>
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<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/7-top-reasons-youre-not-getting-sales.html" target="_blank">7 Top Reasons You’re Not Getting Sales</a> </li>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-80528088340453706632017-04-06T07:45:00.000-04:002017-04-06T07:45:08.830-04:004 Simple Ways to Increase Your Income<div class="MsoNormal">
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Whenever I’m wearing my “sales hat,” I notice that when I do these four (4) things, my business does much better:</div>
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1. Take Calls</div>
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2. Return Calls</div>
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3. Leave Text Messages</div>
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4. Call Back People (Follow-up)</div>
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These seem simple, but it amazes me how few people actually do them. They're easy to do, but they're also easy to ignore and overlook the impact they have on the bottom line.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/12/when-do-you-eat-your-frog-during-day.html?m=0" target="_blank">Having trouble making the calls you should?</a></b></span><br />
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They're things that an average person can do to get above-average results.<br />
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Let’s take a look how each of these makes me more money… and will make you more money, too.</div>
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<a name='more'></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. Take Calls</b></div>
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It’s no secret that companies with call centers are at a huge advantage.</div>
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Many one-man bands (i.e. “Chuck in a Truck” companies) often are too busy DOING the work to actually take incoming calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They finish one job, and THEN they start scrambling to get another job.</div>
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That is absolutely foolish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It always makes sense to keep your pipeline of work done in advance.</div>
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Of course, business owners KNOW that, but they’re too busy fulfilling orders (i.e. doing the actual work) so they can get paid.</div>
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The larger companies with call centers are at a huge advantage here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have 1 or more people dedicated to taking incoming calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people answering the phone might not know as much as the person actually doing the work, but a partially informed person ANSWERING the calls is much more effective than the know-it-all who is never available.</div>
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I’ve found that places without call centers tend to take fewer than 50% of their calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually the percentage is a lot lower than that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t measured closely enough to offer a figure, but I’m comfortable putting in writing that it’s LESS THAN 50%... MUCH LESS.</div>
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So if you take (even most of) your calls, you’ll be in the upper half without actually doing any work.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Return Calls</b></div>
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Sometimes, we just can’t get to our calls.</div>
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A friend of mine has a father who owned a construction company for over 30 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were many evenings where he was returning people’s calls as late as 9:00 PM, but more often than not, they were happy he called, even that late, because they (often) said that NOBODY else returned their call.</div>
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So if you can’t take the calls as they come to you, at least return those calls.</div>
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Again, by returning calls, you’ll give yourself a lot of opportunities that many other competitors aren’t willing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s more opportunity for you to make more money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise!</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/12/what-is-your-value-its-probably-not.html" target="_blank">How to Make More Money in Less Time</a></b></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Leave Text Messages</b></div>
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Here is a place that I have an advantage over many larger companies.</div>
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If I call someone and get their voicemail, I will send them a text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, sometimes, I find that I’m sending a text to a landline, which means they never get it.</div>
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However, how many people use their cell phones nowadays?</div>
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More importantly, how many people let calls go to voicemail, especially when they don’t know the caller’s number?</div>
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How many people have a knee-jerk reaction to checking their text messages?</div>
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Many people will continue to ignore you when you leave a text, but it’s amazing how often they’ll respond… especially if they’re serious about needing help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(They’re in the market for a reason, right?)</div>
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Many people in big companies get paid by the hour, and they’re happy to leave a voice mail or an email… often hoping that the person never returns their call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as salespeople and business owners, we actually want more sales.</div>
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Many people in large companies sit at a desk with only a landline – no (company) cell phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they cannot text, even if they wanted.</div>
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However, YOU do… and you can use it to your competitive advantage.</div>
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Text for dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an advantage you have over most of your competitors who don’t.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Call Back People (Follow-up)</b></div>
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So you left a voicemail, and they didn’t get back with you.</div>
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It must mean they’re not interested, right?</div>
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Maybe, but more often… they lead busy lives… and you were on their mind WHEN they called, but other parts of their lives started tugging at them afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THEN… they have to remember that they still need what you’re offering, and most people aren’t excited to “get back to calling” service companies to spend money they’re not excited about spending… but need to buy.</div>
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So… I suggest that you make it easy for them… Instead of waiting for them to start calling people again, simply remind them… and make it easy for them… to call you.</div>
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Let them tell you that they’re no longer in the market to buy your service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe they got it from someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe they found that they really can’t afford it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps they realize that they don’t want to deal with the hassle of it, anymore.</div>
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Otherwise, they just aren’t making it as much of a priority as you are, because it’s your business.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/07/small-business-tip-3-ways-i-take-action.html" target="_blank">3 Things I Do to Build My Business</a></b></span><br />
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Recently, I helped a customer get an order from someone who initially called them over a month ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called and asked whether they still were looking for that type of service, and they said, “Yes, we’d love to have someone come over to get us an estimate.”</div>
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Without calling them again, I would have never found them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was over a month, and they still hadn’t gotten anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it because they were calling for help and nobody was answering?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe, but probably not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most likely, they stopped calling, and none of the competitors called to follow up.</div>
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Another name for these is called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aged leads</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all aged leads will result in a sale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, new, fresh leads convert better than aged leads, but aged leads still have value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just up to you to mine them to find the gold you covet.</div>
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These are ways I increase my income, and all of these sound simple and basic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are, but many people don’t do these (simple?) things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why they’ll make you money if YOU are one of the few who actually do them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s all it takes.</div>
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Do YOU have what it takes… to do the simple things that will make you more income?</div>
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<br />
Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-sam-glenn-6-keys-principles-about.html" target="_blank">Video: Sam Glenn: 6 Key Principles about Attitude</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/04/video-don-hutson-4-styles-of-negotiation.html" target="_blank">Video: Don Hutson - The 4 Styles of Negotiation</a> </li>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-51127151855300094022017-04-05T21:22:00.004-04:002017-04-05T22:03:10.689-04:00Video: Sam Glenn: 6 Key Principles about Attitude<div class="MsoNormal">
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Attitude Lessons: Sam Glenn: Rejecting Negativity, Raising Enthusiasm & Improving Your Attitude </div>
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Most of us have heard things about attitude, even from the time we were little kids. Many of our parents, teachers, and coaches screamed at us about our bad attitudes or that we need to “get a good attitude.” Learning how to get a good attitude is one of the best lessons we can learn… even if it means we have to teach ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam Glenn does a pretty good job of outlining ways that attitude creates our foundation.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/02/3-ways-to-motivate-yourself.html" target="_blank">3 Ways to Motivate Yourself </a></b></span></div>
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This video clip is an excerpt of a longer talk, but Sam Glenn offers 6 different lessons on attitude that can benefit each of us.</div>
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If you’d rather watch the video on YouTube, here is the link:</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-mRGZd3rkc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-mRGZd3rkc</a></div>
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<u>6 Primary Things about Attitude</u></div>
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<a name='more'></a>1. Your attitude is either IN the way or MAKING the way.</div>
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2. Your attitude is either working FOR you or working AGAINST you.</div>
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3. Your attitude is either CONNECTING you with others or it’s DISCONNECTING.</div>
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4. It all starts with attitude first.</div>
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5. In order for your attitude to BE RIGHT, you have to GET IT RIGHT.</div>
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6. You have to learn to laugh at yourself, because you are your best source of all humor.</div>
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There has to be a starting point to something, and it has to start somewhere, and it starts with attitude.</div>
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<u>All of these START with attitude (Ref. #4)</u></div>
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Leadership</div>
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Teamwork</div>
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Success</div>
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Customer Service</div>
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Maintenance</div>
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Safety</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who is Sam Glenn?</b></div>
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As a motivational speaker covering several topics, <a href="http://samglenn.com/">Sam Glenn</a> has a simple foundational message, “It all starts with attitude.” According to his site, for the past 20 years, Sam has worked with thousands of organizations from every industry – sales, education, hospitality, healthcare, customer service, technology, housing, government, private sector, finance, manufacturing, retail, etc. His customized speeches create an experience of learning, laughter and inspiration. He is the author of the book, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheAttitudeShop">The Magic of Enthsiasm</a>.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Takeaways</b></div>
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It seems like Sam Glenn is trying to remind us that we can shape the quality of many parts of our lives by looking at ways to improve our attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does a good job of reminding us many of the different areas of our lives it touches… each having a good attitude… and not having a very good one.</div>
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Most of us know about attitude, yet only a few of us seem to get close to mastering it.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/01/are-you-missing-your-opportunity.html" target="_blank">3 Different People, 3 Different Attitudes, 3 Different Results</a></b></span><br />
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Often, I reread the poem <a href="http://www.bigeye.com/attitude.htm">Attitude</a> by <a href="https://www.insight.org/">Charles Swindoll</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favorite lines in that poem is, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” The longer I live the more truth in see in that statement… and the more I see how few people really see it, much less really believe it.</div>
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Sam Glenn obviously gets it, and he has a humorous delivery about an incredibly serious topic… one that can be life changing.<br />
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I really like the wording in his first point, "Your attitude is either IN the way or MAKING the way." That's the type of bulletin board material that deserves it's own picture frame. </div>
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Within <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtGNcPdQkyM">a different video clip</a>, he mentions that at night, we charge our phones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many ways, we’re similar with ourselves; we need to charge our attitudes each night (and day).</div>
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What are some ways you help maintain a good attitude?</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you ever find it hard to fight off a bad attitude? What, do you think, makes it challenging?</span><br />
<br />
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<br />Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-14127296669647973062017-04-04T07:04:00.000-04:002017-04-04T07:04:32.856-04:00Video: Don Hutson - The 4 Styles of Negotiation<div class="MsoNormal">
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Negotiation is a useful skill, but for many people, it’s also elusive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people agree that it would be “nice to be able to do,” but many people prefer to avoid it.</div>
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According to Don Hutson, the speaker in this video, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Paul_Getty">Jay Paul Getty</a>, founder of the <a href="http://www.gettyoil.com/">Getty Oil</a> company, was one of the best negotiators in global business history</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/7-top-reasons-youre-not-getting-sales.html" target="_blank">7 Top Reasons You're Not Getting Sales</a></b></span><br />
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Some people asked Getty, “What do we got to do to be as successful in our lives?”</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2kT-g-W5448" width="560"></iframe></div>
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If you’d rather watch the video on YouTube, here is the link:</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kT-g-W5448">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kT-g-W5448</a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s it take to be successful (according to Getty)?</b></div>
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<a name='more'></a>Getty’s answer was something along the lines, “Well, success is really simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve only got to do 3 things: Rise early, work hard, & strike oil.”</div>
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This answer is GREAT… if you’re in the oil industry AND you find oil, but what about the rest of us?</div>
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Even though most of us aren’t in the oil industry, “…we’ve all got some potential oil patches out there where we can, in effect, strike our own oil by being (really) good at something that matters…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">negotiation</i></b> fits into that category.”</div>
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But…as Hutson points out, MOST people HATE to negotiate.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Causes a Disease Called Negotiaphobia (Fear of Negotiation)?</b></div>
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When it comes to negotiation, many of us have a disease that he calls …“Negotiaphobia.”</div>
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What is negotiaphobia?</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Negotiaphobia</i></b> is a fear of negotiating based on…</div>
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--limited experience</div>
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--discomfort with uncertainty</div>
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--lack of skill</div>
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Hutson points out that any time we go into a negotiation with (a) reluctance or (b) without preparation, we’re going to have “negotiaphobia” come into play.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is a negotiation?</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Negotiation</i></b> is the (often ongoing) process through with 2 or more parties, whose positions are not consistent, to work in an effort to reach an agreement.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What are different types of negotiation styles?</b></div>
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<u>4 Negotiation Styles</u></div>
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1. Avoidance – Reactive (Low Activation), Low Cooperation</div>
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2. Accommodation – Reactive (Low Activation), High Cooperation</div>
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3. Competition – Proactive (High Activation), Low Cooperation</div>
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4. Collaboration – Proactive (High Activation), High Cooperation</div>
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It’s important to know the different negotiation styles AND know the skills how to negotiate using each of these styles.</div>
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Hutson pointed out that the most common type of negotiation that is taught is “competitive hardline negotiation,” pretty much meaning that the only way I “get” is to “take” from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believes there are other ways to negotiate.</div>
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Collaboration is the negotiation style that the Harvard Business School teaches in its classes. Essentially, this tries to develop a win-win outcome and lasting relationships.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/02/learn-from-my-mistake-4-ways-i-lost-my.html" target="_blank">4 Ways I Lost Sales That Were Guaranteed</a></b></span><br />
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Here is his description of each of the four (4) negotiation types:</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>1. Avoidance – Reactive (Low Activation), Low Cooperation</u></b></div>
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These people tend to have the “most severe case of negotiaphobia.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They prefer NOT to negotiate at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To them it’s “unpleasant” and prefer to avoid negotiating at nearly all costs.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>2. Accommodation – Reactive (Low Activation), High Cooperation</u></b></div>
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These people are likely to be of a “spirit to give something up.”</div>
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Hutson says that if you’re going to accommodate, “Go there reservedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go there with full knowledge, and get something in return if and when you do accommodate.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3. Competition – Proactive (High Activation), Low Cooperation</u></b></div>
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This is the most common and what most negotiation trainers teach.</div>
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As Hutson puts it, “They’re going to beat you up, if they can, for every dollar in your margin they can steal.”</div>
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What’s the problem?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s not really a “relationship-building” sort of thing.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>4. Collaboration – Proactive (High Activation), High Cooperation</u></b></div>
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This is the win-win category, at least it’s the theoretical target.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What is behavioral adaptability?</b></div>
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<u>Me-Oriented</u>: People who are preoccupied with their own agenda, often approaching negotiations with a more competitive style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have their “blinders” on, and they’re not going to stray far from their initial position.</div>
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Hutson suggests that if you have a lot on the line, “go into competition with them...and let them see your strength in your own competitive process.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By doing that often enough, he reasons that these types of people will eventually “lighten up” and realize that “…maybe it’s time for us to collaborate…if they really want to do business with you.”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Who is Don Hutson?</b></div>
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<a href="http://donhutson.com/">Don Hutson</a> is the co-author is over ten (10) books, including best sellers <a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Minute-Entrepreneur-Sustaining-Successful/dp/0385526024">The One Minute Entrepreneur</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Minute-Negotiator-Simple-Agreements/dp/B005EP2QT4">The One Minute Negotiator</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to his website, Don Hutson graduated from the <a href="http://www.memphis.edu/">University of Memphis</a> with a degree in Sales, and he became the top salesperson in a national training organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also has presented to over 1500 small groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, he has his own training firm and is in demand as a professional speaker at corporate and association meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don Hutson’s client list includes over one-half of the <a href="http://beta.fortune.com/fortune500/">Fortune 500</a>, and he is featured in over 100 training films. He is also the Chairman of Executive Books.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My Takeaways</b></div>
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Negotiation is something that, if you are willing to TRY learning how to do, you’ll be well into the upper half of business people, because so few people truly embrace it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it’s one of those things that you can put forth a little bit of effort yet gain a lot of advantage from that (relatively) little effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s called leverage!</div>
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It seems like Don Hutson believes that the first stance we should take is collaboration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if we run across someone who appears to be “taking us for all he can,” we should try to match his “unreasonable-ness,” hoping that he’ll eventually see how pointless it is.</div>
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I admit that I’m not sure how I’d handle this type of fellow IF he had more to offer me than I did him.</div>
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Thinking about it, I think I’d only go for “small bites” here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would not try to get everything he has to offer but simply one thing that’s really important to me…and I’d try my best to figure what I have to offer him that he’ll find valuable.</div>
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Did you get any different takeaways?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What ideas did this prompt in you?</div>
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<br />
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</li>
</ul>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-60276819116018089732017-03-26T09:36:00.000-04:002017-03-26T09:36:09.544-04:001 Important (Simple) Thing about Email Many People Overlook<div class="MsoNormal">
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Titles are (nearly) everything!</div>
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This applies to everyone who writes emails--not just marketers.</div>
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Many people think this only applies to marketers, but they couldn’t be any more wrong about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This applies to everyone who uses email.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/12/marketing-idea-use-twitter-to-test.html" target="_blank">Idea-Use Twitter to Test Headlines/Titles</a></b></span><br />
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Most marketers talk about “open rate,” trying to find ways to get more people on their “list” to open emails they send to them.</div>
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This is important, because marketers build a “list” to be able to sell or influence people, but if none of the people on the list is opening the emails, it’s tough to have any effect, no matter how good the info <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">within</i> the email is.</div>
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Recently, I’ve noticed a few benefits of writing good titles… and maybe more importantly, the downsides to writing insufficient (or even poor…really rotten) titles in our emails.</div>
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However, none of us write emails (or blogs, articles, etc.) hoping that we’re writing for nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We (usually) want people to open up the email and read it.</div>
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At this point, it’s only fair to ask me…</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What makes a good title?</b></div>
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In my opinion, a title should accomplish, at least, one of these things:</div>
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1. Make people want to open your email and read it</div>
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2. Make people understand what they’re going to read before opening it</div>
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3. Make it easy for people to find your email again when they need it later</div>
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Let’s take a closer look at each of these.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1. Make people want to open your email and read it</i></b></div>
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This is the one that probably needs the least amount of explanation of its importance but maybe the most about how to accomplish this.</div>
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Sometimes, you’ll want to provide a perfect summary within your title.</div>
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<u>Example #1</u>: Proposal: Making better email titles in company emails</div>
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<u>Example #2</u>: Article Summary about Email Titles + My Ideas</div>
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Any doubts about what you’ll be reading with these titles?</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/11/6-quick-tips-to-make-people-enjoy.html" target="_blank">6 Tips to Make People Enjoy Reading Your Stuff</a></b></span><br />
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Other times, you’ll want to give just enough in your title… to provide some intrigue.</div>
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<u>Example #1</u>: 3 Simple Things That Will Make You More Money from Your Emails</div>
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<u>Example #2</u>: This will make you think!</div>
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<u>Example #3</u>: I just learned this great easy way to make extra cash</div>
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Think anyone might see these titles... and want to learn more?</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2. Make people understand what they’re going to read before opening it</i></b></div>
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This is really just a repeat of “Part A” of the previous section, but I’ll spend a few extra words on this here… specifically about a select group of people.</div>
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This is really important for people who <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“forward”</i></b> stuff.</div>
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Okay, you are forwarding this email to me, because…</div>
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--You want me to read it?</div>
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--Is it just for “my records?”<br />
--Do you want me to respond to this for you?</div>
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--Do you want me to respond to YOU about this?</div>
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--Do you want me to take a certain action?</div>
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--Because you didn’t read it and are sending it to me “just in case?”</div>
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Have you ever received an email that was forwarded to you?</div>
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It amazes me how many people will forward an email to me without clarifying anything… and later tell me that “I sent it to you.”</div>
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To which I (often) respond, “Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did you send it?”</div>
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After poking around, I realize that they DID send it, but I had NO way of knowing it… because they simply forwarded an email with a bad title (i.e. an email title that gave me no chance of realizing anything they wanted).</div>
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<u>Example-Bad</u>: RE: Summary about Email Titles</div>
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(Ever have 6 email replies in a row that pretty much look EXACTLY like this?)</div>
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What makes this example bad?</div>
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The reply asks a question about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">when we can meet</i></b> to discuss this more?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy to miss, overlook… or forget later, which leads me to…</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3. Make it easy for people to find your email again when they need it later</i></b></div>
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This is the most overlooked reason why it’s important to write a good title on our emails.</div>
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How often do you need to reference an email later?</div>
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Sometimes, we’re busy and see an email in our list and know that now is not the time to open it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we know what it’s about, it will be easier for us to remember to return to it later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We won’t have to remember to “check your email.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll simply be returning to helping you, which happens to be in the form of answering that email… about that topic you mentioned in your (easy-to-reference) title.</div>
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<u>Example #1</u>: Summary: Meeting: Making Better Email Titles</div>
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<u>Example #2</u>: Idea: Another Way to Make a Better Email Title</div>
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<u>Example #3</u>: URGENT: Emails in Danger of Wasting Time</div>
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In Examples #1 and #2, you know what you’re going to get, and if the topic is important enough, you’ll be able to find them later (without having to re-open each individual email while you’re searching).</div>
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In Example #3, is there any question about whether the sender thinks it’s okay for you to “wait ‘til later” to respond?</div>
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Don’t be lazy about spending time making <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good email titles</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take an extra moment or two thinking about your titles when you send an email to someone, even when you reply to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll be glad you did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much more often than not, it will save you time and hassle later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I guarantee that!</b></div>
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Of course, it helps to write a good email, too, but does it really matter nobody reads it?</div>
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How do you get people to open your emails?</div>
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<br />
Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/02/key-idea-for-improving-your-writing.html" target="_blank">Key Idea for Improving Your Writing: Listen to Great Speakers</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/01/8-things-leaders-do-even-if-they-are.html" target="_blank">8 Things Leaders Do (even if they are NOT the Boss)</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/do-you-impress-me-50-things-about-you.html" target="_blank">Do you impress me? 50+ Things about You That Will</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/7-top-reasons-youre-not-getting-sales.html" target="_blank">7 Top Reasons You’re Not Getting Sales</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/someone-wants-you-to-join-their.html" target="_blank">Someone wants you to join their business? Some Questions I (Want to) Ask</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/11/6-quick-tips-to-make-people-enjoy.html" target="_blank">6 Quick Tips to Make People Enjoy Reading Your Stuff</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/blogging-ideas-for-non-writers-or-non.html" target="_blank">Blogging Ideas for Non-Writers or Non-Experts</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/usually-motivate-or-lead-others-but.html">Usually motivate or lead others but sometimes feel empty?</a> </li>
</ul>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-67667823015680531672017-02-26T09:28:00.000-05:002017-03-26T09:08:00.321-04:00Key Idea for Improving Your Writing: Listen to Great Speakers<div class="MsoNormal">
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Have you ever read something from so-called “writers” and asked yourself some variation of the question, “What in the heck made THIS person decide to become a writer?”</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/02/6-ways-to-make-writing-interesting.html" target="_blank">6 Ways to Make Writing (More) Interesting</a></b></span><br />
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I admit that writing and speaking are not identical skills, but do you notice yourself feeling MORE excited after listening to a talk given by someone really moving, or it included an idea that made you think of things just a little differently than before you heard him (or her)?</div>
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Have you ever had a similar feeling after you READ something really entertaining or thought-provoking?</div>
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There are a lot of things great writers and great speakers have in common…or at least there are several similar things that most of the best ones seem to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is my list…</div>
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(Below, I also include some video examples that help demonstrate my point.)<br />
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They have neat, seemingly contradictory facts.</div>
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They make observations that are contrary to popular belief and do a masterful job of showing you their way.</div>
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They organize things in a way that crystallizes things for you.</div>
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They entertain first, educate later.</div>
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They make you feel like they wrote this (or made this talk) JUST FOR YOU!</div>
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They make you feel like you can implement this nearly immediately.</div>
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They make you see yourself thinking differently or taking different actions.</div>
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They make you feel like it’s something that you WANT to share, because it’s so great.</div>
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They make you afraid to share, because you don’t want your competitors to know about this “secret.”</div>
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They make it easy for you to remember the point and easy for you to tell someone else what you’ve learned.</div>
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They know how to tease you a bit…make you WANT to read more to figure what they mean.</div>
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You can actually FEEL their energy.</div>
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They know what they want you to learn and understand.</div>
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They come from a position of experience or independent perspective.</div>
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As I’ve mentioned in several other places (and maybe here, too), writing does NOT come naturally for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To this day, it’s still difficult for me, but I’ve developed this skill as an adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot more people enjoy reading things I write today than things I wrote as a kid.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/04/internet-marketing-tip-over-5-reasons.html" target="_blank">Reasons Why This Lazy Person is Not Reading Your Blog</a></b></span><br />
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I try to read different things, and this is good, also, but reading is not usually a quick process, especially if it’s anything good.</div>
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Watching videos--good videos--is not as taxing on me.</div>
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Let me give you a few examples…</div>
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In this video, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Thomas_(motivational_speaker)">Eric Thomas</a></b> of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://etinspires.com/">ET The Hip Hop Preacher</a></b> you’ll hear and see that he is one of the most energetic speakers you’ll ever hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t help but feel more energy afterward.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltOVNK1-iBE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltOVNK1-iBE</a></div>
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Get any ideas to make your writing better?</div>
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In this video, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremymiller">Jeremy Miller</a></b> of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://stickybranding.com/">Sticky Branding</a></b> organizes things really well, and he begins with an intriguing statistic…that requires just a little more listening.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOKUAHCo0pA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOKUAHCo0pA</a></div>
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Get any ideas to make your writing better?</div>
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In this video, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Bet-David">Patrick Bet-David</a></b> of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/patrickbetdavid">Valuetainment</a></b> YouTube Channel, he combines his unique perspective on an age-old topic (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Self-Confidence: You vs. You</i></b>), leading to unexpected, thought-provoking ideas, but they make sense after he explains them. He is not a dynamic speaker, but he shares valuable information, and you’ll be glad you listened, because you’ll like how you’ll think afterwards.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eiweIFytvo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eiweIFytvo</a></div>
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Get any ideas to make your writing better?</div>
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In this video, motivational speaker <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.craigvalentine.com/">Craig Valentine</a></b> uses a humorous story to make an important, memorable point that is easy to share. (The name of the video is “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How Craig Valentine found out he is black</i></b>.”)</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYlXjYc0smg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYlXjYc0smg</a></div>
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Get any ideas to make your writing better?</div>
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Frankly, these are barely the tip of the iceberg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are SO many great speakers that you can find online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get ideas, not only for writing, by listening to great speakers.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/blogging-ideas-for-non-writers-or-non.html" target="_blank">Blog Ideas for Non-Writers or Non-Experts</a></b></span><br />
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Which speakers make you think more? Think better?</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you’re thinking more, better thoughts, do you think you might get some ideas about how to write better?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Figure things that great speakers do, and see whether you can incorpor<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ate them into you<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">r own writ<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ing. If you start doing this, you'll soon see <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">how h<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">elpful this is.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Any suggest<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ed speakers for me?</span> </span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
<br />
Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2017/01/8-things-leaders-do-even-if-they-are.html" target="_blank">8 Things Leaders Do (even if they are NOT the Boss)</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/do-you-impress-me-50-things-about-you.html" target="_blank">Do you impress me? 50+ Things about You That Will</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/7-top-reasons-youre-not-getting-sales.html" target="_blank">7 Top Reasons You’re Not Getting Sales</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/someone-wants-you-to-join-their.html" target="_blank">Someone wants you to join their business? Some Questions I (Want to) Ask</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/11/6-quick-tips-to-make-people-enjoy.html" target="_blank">6 Quick Tips to Make People Enjoy Reading Your Stuff</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/blogging-ideas-for-non-writers-or-non.html" target="_blank">Blogging Ideas for Non-Writers or Non-Experts</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/usually-motivate-or-lead-others-but.html">Usually motivate or lead others but sometimes feel empty? </a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/4-ways-branding-makes-you-money.html">4 Ways Branding MAKES You Money</a><br /> </li>
</ul>
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<br />Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-41222609195613309812017-01-02T10:13:00.001-05:002017-01-02T10:13:07.731-05:008 Things Leaders Do (even if they are NOT the Boss)<div class="MsoNormal">
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Anyone can be a leader...YOU CAN BE ONE--definitely!</div>
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Often, it makes sense to follow the orders of your boss…or your boss’ boss…or your boss’ boss’ boss, etc.</div>
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However, have you ever noticed that some people follow someone…even though they are NOT the boss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, they might not have any authority at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, several people, if not many, seem to hang on their every word…almost mindlessly follow their direction. (not always a bad thing) This is especially true within social media platforms.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/03/over-7-ways-to-be-leader-in-social.html" target="_blank">Ways to be a Leader in Social Media</a></b></span></div>
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While watching a couple of videos, I heard <a href="https://www.startwithwhy.com/">Simon Sinek</a>, the famous leadership and management speaker, use a phrase that caught my attention:</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Leadership without Rank”</i></b></div>
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I’ve often noticed this of others…and occasionally even thought this about myself, but those words never hit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It definitely made me think and remind myself about different times I noticed this in my life...that I was able to remember. </div>
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Here are some of the leadership traits I’ve noticed from the “truest” leaders:</div>
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<a name='more'></a>1. Know what you want</div>
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2. Know your group</div>
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3. Know what they need</div>
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4. Know what they want</div>
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5. Find ways to build people around you (with their self-confidence AND competence)</div>
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6. Have an “ownership mentality”</div>
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7. Making decisions that consider others, not just ourselves</div>
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8. Take an interest in what is best for the group (even if you lose your “job” because of it)</div>
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Essentially, I notice that the best leaders seem to care to try answering…</div>
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--How can I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DEVELOP</b> that person, group, etc?</div>
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--How can I <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">PROTECT</b> that person, group, etc?</div>
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--What <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OPPORTUNITIES</b> do I see for that person, group, etc?</div>
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Why wouldn’t we follow someone like that, regardless of whether he or she is “the boss?”</div>
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Better question, what are YOU doing to BE that leader?</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, it can be you…in fact, it’s already there…somewhere within you.</span><br />
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-84766624898073113372016-12-29T07:16:00.000-05:002016-12-29T07:16:11.386-05:00Do you impress me? 50+ Things about You That Will<div class="MsoNormal">
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You do not need to impress me, and you do not need to impress anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, it (almost) always feels good when we impress others, but do we always know what it will take?</div>
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This is probably a good exercise for all of to do, but honestly, it occurred to me that this would make for an interesting discussion topic…and exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine asking other people what about others impress them.</div>
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In no particular order, here are some of the things about you that impress me:</div>
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You do an exceptional job of listening.<br />
You took time to get to know some things about me in advance.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK5"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK4"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK3"></a><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are quick on your feet.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You think things through thoroughly.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a> <span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You ask intelligent questions...or at least pertinent ones.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You make it a mission to be objective.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are conscientious.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You don’t think you know everything.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You make me feel comfortable around you.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You have the drive to make it (not just a want but an undeniable drive to get there).</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You find reasons to give other people credit.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You find ways to improve things.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You have taken time to specialize in a skill.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You give really good eye contact.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are passionate with positive thoughts and emotions.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You have independent thoughts, not just simply repeat what other people say or write.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You’re constantly finding ways to help people grow.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You get excited about helping people.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You have an ability to build something from nothing.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You have an ability to improve things - not to find fault but </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You have an open mind yet still can be decisive.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are not looking for excuses to fail</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You seek lessons from mistakes or failures.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You make a point to be approachable.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You manage your emotions even during stressful situations.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are graceful, even when others are attacking you.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You go out of your way to avoid “feeling offended.”</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You have amazing connections.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are incredibly logical.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You send me a thoughtful email after I meet with you.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are naturally intelligent.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are confident (without being cocky).</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are capable of wording things cleverly.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You help me find words that I’ve been thinking for years but could never find.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are a great communicator - avoid making things more complicated than necessary.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are encouraging.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are an entertaining story teller.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You make me laugh…really hard.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are energetic.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You are motivated and driven.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You make a point to see the good in each person and feel compelled to help others understand it.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You help me see something in myself that I never noticed.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You stand up for someone who cannot stand up for himself/herself.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You pick up someone when he/she is down.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You want me to feel really good about myself.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You make me think of things from a different perspective.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You enjoy helping others learn new things.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You thrive on helping people experience new things.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You showcase well-developed leadership skills.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You’re persistent. You believe in yourself, even when the world does not.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You know when to quit…cut your losses…instead of trying to keep “saving face.”</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You make it easy to know how I (or others) can help you.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You seek advice and guidance, not handouts.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You want to see people be successful.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You want to see people happy.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You love to learn.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;"></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK2;"></span> <br />
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK5;">You truly want to find a way to make the world a better place.</span></span></div>
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I do not require anyone to be ALL of these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are just things I notice in some people that really impress me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, there is probably more, but these crossed my mind this time around.</div>
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NOTE: Some of these things I see in myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them I wish I could.</div>
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It’s a good exercise to make me focus on things I like about people - things that make me happy within the moment of observing them…and afterward.</div>
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An unexpected benefit I got from doing this exercise is that I notice that my immediate attitude is better than before I began it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not only interesting, but it was fun to put together this list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think because it made me think about positive things for a sustained period.</div>
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Isn’t that what we really want from life…is to feel good?</div>
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What impresses you?</div>
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<br />
Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
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<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/7-top-reasons-youre-not-getting-sales.html" target="_blank">7 Top Reasons You’re Not Getting Sales</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/someone-wants-you-to-join-their.html" target="_blank">Someone wants you to join their business? Some Questions I (Want to) Ask</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/11/6-quick-tips-to-make-people-enjoy.html" target="_blank">6 Quick Tips to Make People Enjoy Reading Your Stuff</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/blogging-ideas-for-non-writers-or-non.html" target="_blank">Blogging Ideas for Non-Writers or Non-Experts</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/usually-motivate-or-lead-others-but.html">Usually motivate or lead others but sometimes feel empty? </a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/4-ways-branding-makes-you-money.html">4 Ways Branding MAKES You Money</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/14-things-im-checking-when-i-meet-you.html">Over 10 Things I’m Checking When I Meet You at a Business or Networking Event</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/02/2-times-seo-is-not-smart-strategy.html" target="_blank">2 Times SEO is NOT a Smart Strategy!</a><br /> </li>
</ul>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-29001583082170665822016-12-27T07:17:00.000-05:002016-12-29T05:51:39.641-05:007 Top Reasons You’re Not Getting Sales<div class="MsoNormal">
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Are you getting enough sales?</div>
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If you’re like most business owners and managers, you’re always looking to find ways to get more sales.</div>
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Lately, I’ve been trying to help different contractors get appointments to try getting work, and some of them seem to be better than others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, of course, I try to figure different reasons for sales doing well…and reasons they do not.</div>
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I definitely get more frustrated by lost opportunities, and I spends my time (maybe too much?) figuring out potential ways me and my team can improve.</div>
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From my (limited) experience, here are the most common reasons I see sales opportunities slip through the cracks.</div>
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1. You’re too expensive</div>
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2. You’re too slow</div>
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3. Your timing isn’t good enough</div>
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4. You’re not special enough</div>
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5. You’re not trustworthy enough</div>
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6. You don’t understand what they want</div>
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7. It’s too hard to buy from you</div>
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Let’s take a look at some of these a little more closely.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. You’re too expensive</b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">It does NOT matter how much YOU think you’re worth!</i></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2014/08/marketing-reminder-3-reasons-people.html">3 Reasons People Really Buy</a></span></b></div>
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It’s common for a lot of companies to charge what they want to get paid, rather than the amount other people are willing to pay (someone else) to do that same type of work.</div>
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When people do not know us, we’re strangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we’re strangers, people will most likely decide whether to buy from us…based on price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not the only thing, and we’ll discuss some of those more, but price is a HUGE factor.</div>
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Why aren’t we making a HUGE deal to find out what people are willing to pay (a stranger)?</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/12/what-is-your-value-its-probably-not.html">What is your value? It's probably not what you think!</a> </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. You’re too slow</b></div>
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The BEST time to sell something is when people WANT it.</div>
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If they are calling you, it sure makes sense to be available to sell your product or service to them as SOON as you can.</div>
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That makes sense, right?</div>
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Then…why do SO many of us seem to wait to go make that sales pitch…until WE’RE READY?</div>
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That’s right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us will make a pitch at OUR convenience…instead of the person who wants to buy from us…RIGHT NOW!</div>
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I see this with myself, my friends, and with people for whom I setup appointments.</div>
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The ones that do the best...quickly get there first.</div>
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Plus, when you’re there first, you have the BEST chance of closing the sale at YOUR price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone likes you enough…or wants to just “get it done,” they might very well agree to buy from the first person who presents to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people want 6,000 estimates so they can compare prices, but many of us have other things going in our lives…and we’re plenty happy to say, “Yes” and get things started.</div>
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So…why not get there and present as soon as you can?</div>
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If not, you’re too slow…and are likely missing sales opportunities.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Your timing is not good enough</b></div>
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Even if someone likes you, your price, and believes that you can do a better job than your competition, it doesn’t matter if you cannot do the job…by the time the customer wants the job to be done.</div>
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How long is your lead time?</div>
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How soon do your customers want your service to be complete?</div>
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How often are you losing sales because they “aren’t willing to just wait?”</div>
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What can you do to reduce the amount of lead time between the customer’s request to buy from you…and when you can complete the order for them?</div>
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Longer Lead Time = Fewer Sales Conversions</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. You’re not special enough</b></div>
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How are you different than the rest, based upon your professional experience?</div>
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How are you different than the rest, based upon the perception of (most of) your customers who don’t know the difference between you and your competition?</div>
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What makes you memorable to the person you want to buy from you?</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/02/3-things-to-learn-from-800-per-haircut.html">3 Things to Learn from $800 per Haircut Beautician</a></span></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Note: Video no longer is available, but the points are pertinent.)</i></div>
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If you are not memorable (in a good way), you have NO chance of beating out your competition…unless you’re there first (maybe) or the cheapest, and unless you have the financial backing of Walmart, no business wins by being the cheapest – not in the long-term, anyway.</div>
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It’s important to help the customer feel like they cannot get things done—at the level they’d like—without YOU being the one to lead them through it.</div>
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This begins by building a case for you being special (in his or her eyes).</div>
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If you’re not special, you’re probably not getting as many sales as you could.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. You’re not trustworthy (enough)</b></div>
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Are you the best?</div>
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Even if you are, how can a stranger know this?</div>
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If you have not figured a way to make it clear to the customer, the customer does not trust you enough to pay you what you want…and maybe not trust you enough to pay you…at all.</div>
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Are you finding ways to make customers feel like they should trust you…more than the other strangers they’re meeting while they get price quotes or estimates?</div>
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Do you offer a guarantee?</div>
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Have you shown them examples of your work?</div>
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Have you demonstrated the pitfalls of “going with the cheap guy?”</div>
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Do you offer them to check on your references?</div>
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Are you sure you’re not losing sales, because they don’t trust you (enough)?</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6. You don’t understand what they want</b></div>
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Of course, you know what they want.</div>
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Obviously they NEED what you’re offering, right?</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">See: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2014/07/debunking-marketing-myth-people-buy.html">Myth: People buy what you're selling</a></span></b></div>
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Many people don’t get the difference between a customer NEED vs. a customer DEMAND.</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is something I’ve only realized in the past couple of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because there is a NEED for something does NOT mean there is an equal DEMAND for it.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, you’re probably right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of places could truly benefit from what you’re offering, but do they KNOW they need it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, then what you’re offering is not in DEMAND…at least not that person is not demanding it.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In this case, either (a) you need to find someone who already knows that he/she needs what you’re offering, or (b) you’ll have to take time to educate people…so they can LEARN that they NEED what you have to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, you’re just making a sales pitch for cat food to a cat that thinks it’s a dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Stupid kitten keeps looking for that bone to bury.)</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If your customer is NOT demanding it, then you are NOT presenting what they want…and you’re probably losing sales because of it.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7. It’s too hard to buy from you</b></div>
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I want to buy from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s pretty straightforward, right?</div>
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Well…it SHOULD be, but…</div>
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Which methods of payment do you accept?</div>
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Can I do this over the phone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I have to meet you in person?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I have to go to a special website?</div>
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How long does this transaction take?</div>
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What do I have to do to place an order with you?</div>
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Is it easy to find what I want to order?</div>
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If you want me to go to your website to purchase something, is it working, or does it tend to “be down?”</div>
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All of this seems ridiculous, but as a buyer, I’ve experienced—too many times—difficulty BUYING…when I already KNEW I wanted to buy.</div>
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Here is a recent example.</div>
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I went to someone’s event that was promoting a multi-level marketing (MLM) company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prices are high, but I wanted to buy a couple of things directly from him.</div>
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Someone else did, too, but when that person told the host that he wanted to buy from him, did the host sell it to him directly?</div>
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NO!</div>
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The host told him to go to a website or call a number…and to give THE COMPANY the rep’s “special code” so he could get credit for it.</div>
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I don’t know whether that person went through the extra steps to buy what the host was selling, but…</div>
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…do you think I did?</div>
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So far, no!</div>
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Why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s too much of a pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to buy it then…without hassle.</div>
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I wonder how many other sales were lost…because it was too much of a pain to buy.</div>
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If you’re not getting enough sales, maybe it’s not easy enough to buy from you.</div>
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Do you only accept cash?</div>
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Can they pay in Square Cash?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, can you accept it?</div>
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Don’t overlook the value of accepting credit cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it costs money to process payments via credit card, but they also make it easier for many people to pay for what you’re offering.</div>
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According to <a href="https://smallbiztrends.com/2013/07/accepting-credit-cards-increase-business.html">an online article from SmallBizTrends.com</a> in 2013, nearly one-fifth (1/5) of small businesses experienced over $20,000/month increase in sales…just because they accepted payment via credit card.</div>
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Are you easy enough to contact once I want to place an order with you?</div>
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You’d be surprised how many customers ASK to buy, but I cannot sell to them…because the contractor suddenly becomes “unavailable.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Many of these same contractors will later complain that they don’t have enough work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go figure!)</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BONUS: You’re missing a huge opportunity</b></div>
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Nearly all of us miss golden opportunities.</div>
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Yes, we got the sale, but have we tried to up-sell them with additional things that could help them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we tried to sell them again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we asked for referrals?</div>
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Once we have a customer to say, “Yes,” that’s one of our BEST chances to increase our sales, either through that order, an order later, or having them point us toward someone else who wants or needs the same thing.</div>
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You might not increase the number of customers, but you can (somewhat) easily increase the amount of sales.</div>
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More sales…Isn’t that really what we want, anyway?</div>
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How else can we get more sales?</div>
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Do your experiences tell you that I missed something important?</div>
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I’m curious; has any of this helped you?</div>
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Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/12/someone-wants-you-to-join-their.html" target="_blank">Someone wants you to join their business? Some Questions I (Want to) Ask</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/11/6-quick-tips-to-make-people-enjoy.html" target="_blank">6 Quick Tips to Make People Enjoy Reading Your Stuff</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/blogging-ideas-for-non-writers-or-non.html" target="_blank">Blogging Ideas for Non-Writers or Non-Experts</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/usually-motivate-or-lead-others-but.html">Usually motivate or lead others but sometimes feel empty? </a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/4-ways-branding-makes-you-money.html">4 Ways Branding MAKES You Money</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/14-things-im-checking-when-i-meet-you.html">Over 10 Things I’m Checking When I Meet You at a Business or Networking Event</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/02/2-times-seo-is-not-smart-strategy.html" target="_blank">2 Times SEO is NOT a Smart Strategy!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/01/how-being-willing-to-be-rotten-at.html">How Being Willing to be Rotten at Something Leads to Greatness</a> </li>
</ul>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0White Lake Charter Township, MI, USA42.6592995 -83.48569129999998542.565878500000004 -83.647052799999983 42.7527205 -83.324329799999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-41002638791728970422016-12-26T09:06:00.000-05:002016-12-26T12:52:21.570-05:00Someone wants you to join their business? Some Questions I (Want to) Ask<div class="MsoNormal">
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If you’re in business long enough, people will eventually approach you and ask you to join their business…either an established business or a new business idea or concept.</div>
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Some proposals will be better than others, and what they are proposing MIGHT be good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there are plenty of bogus deals out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are also some bogus people, whether they intend to be that way or not.</div>
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Ultimately, I need to figure whether this is a business venture that I want to pursue (a) at all, (b) with this person, and (c) at this time.</div>
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Here are several questions that are important to me, no matter the business proposal:</div>
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1. Why are you so excited about this opportunity?</div>
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2. What do you see me bringing to the table for you?</div>
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3. What keeps you from doing all of this yourself?</div>
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4. What makes you think there is a demand for this?</div>
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<a name='more'></a>5. What makes you think we can attract the attention of potential buyers?</div>
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6. Do you have enough money to make this happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, how do you plan to raise the money needed?</div>
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7. Will this generate income while we own the business, or are we looking to make money after we sell it?</div>
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8. How will the money be distributed, each income, bonuses, and after selling the company?</div>
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9. How much of the profits are we looking to reinvest in the company? How often will we revisit this?</div>
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10. What buyout plans can we put in place, for you or for me?</div>
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11. What happened the last time you partnered?</div>
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12. What do you look for in a partner?</div>
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Of course, there will be additional, more specific questions that arise as the conversation develops, but these will get you started…and possibly make you feel more comfortable knowing how to begin handling someone who makes a “once in a lifetime” proposal for you to go into business with him (or her).</div>
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Similar Posts</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/04/2-key-questions-to-answer-when.html">2 Key Questions to Answer When Approaching Someone about a Partnership</a></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/11/2-important-things-i-want-in-business.html">2 Important Things I Want in a Business Partner</a></span></b></div>
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<a class="twitter-share-button" count="" data-size="large" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a> Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0Waterford Twp, MI, USA42.6907443 -83.40661319999998142.5973263 -83.567974699999979 42.7841623 -83.245251699999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-88512269534604626142016-11-22T05:17:00.002-05:002016-12-26T12:51:33.885-05:006 Quick Tips to Make People Enjoy Reading Your Stuff<div class="MsoNormal">
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Growing up, I was not a good writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wasn’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people today might read my stuff and ask why I put that last statement in the past tense, but…</div>
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Assuming that you’ve gotten this far, you’re already proving that I’m a better writer today than when I was a kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(You would have stopped reading somewhere around the middle of the first sentence…from self-preservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really wasn’t very good.)</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red;">See: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/04/internet-marketing-tip-over-5-reasons.html">Over 5 Reasons This Lazy Person Is Not Reading Your Blog</a></span><span style="color: red;"></span></b></div>
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To this day, writing does not come easily for me, but I’ve done a lot during my adult life to improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s definitely been a conscious effort, opposed to some people who were just “born to write.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it’s probably easier for me to explain (to you) specific things I do that seem to work for me.</div>
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Here are a few writing tips that I’ve taught myself over my adult years.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. Use Good Titles</b></div>
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What do they say about “First Impressions?”</div>
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I’m not really offering anything new here, but I can’t emphasize the importance of using good titles nearly enough.</div>
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If I don’t catch your attention, I’m going to lose you.</div>
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If you don’t know what you’ll be reading, you’re probably not going to start.</div>
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I try to write my titles in a way so that it’s obvious what you’re going to be reading, unless I’m trying to be cryptic to pull in you a bit, but I can’t make you wait too long, even then.</div>
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Honestly, the title of this one is nothing special, but you definitely know what you’re reading in advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the topic interests you, you’re probably going to “click” on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s up to me to find ways to keep your attention once you’re here, but it all starts with a title.</div>
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BONUS: Sometimes, it’s good to use a controversial angle with your title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That gets people curious, too!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red;"><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/04/internet-marketing-tip-over-5-reasons.html">Check Reason #1 for More Info</a></span><span style="color: red;"></span></b></div>
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A good title sets the stage for the rest of the conversation…well writing, but it’s really a conversation, which leads me to…</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Conversational Tone - Write Like I am a Good Friend</b></div>
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Set the stage right from the beginning.</div>
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Yes, I might be an “expert.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Maybe not, but work with me here…)</div>
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However, I’m nothing more than a person, and so are you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each you and me are simply trying to find ways to make ourselves better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, you would not be reading something like this, and I wouldn’t try to share it.</div>
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Of course, I have things I want you to know, but I want you to hear me, not “fear” me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to feel like I’m talking directly to you, because I probably am.</div>
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You can do this, too!</div>
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I’m simply writing to you in a way that I’d explain things to someone really important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to understand, but I want to help you grow, not bore you or make you feel small.</div>
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How do you want the person to feel?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you “talking” with them in a way on paper (or the computer) the way you would in person?</div>
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Ever notice that some writers try to lecture you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like they see themselves as more important than you or more “worthy.”</div>
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Even if you are better than the person you’re trying to help, nobody I know wants to feel that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Treat them like the equal human beings they are.</div>
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I’m trying to help you, not teach pupils.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red;"><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/04/internet-marketing-tip-over-5-reasons.html">Check Reason #4 for More Info</a></span><span style="color: red;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Know Your KEY Message</b></div>
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Have a clear message.</div>
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One way to put this is…</div>
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If someone reads this and only gets one (1) thing from reading it, what I do I want to make sure they DO NOT FORGET?</div>
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What do I want you to remember a week from now?</div>
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I have a lot of suggestions, but I want you to know that you can write and truly reach people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not an assignment; it’s a chance to make a difference - one that’s really important to you.</div>
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Make sure your reader knows what you don’t want him (or her) to forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(…and make sure you know what you’re trying to say or write.)</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Know WHO Needs This</b></div>
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No matter how good a writer you become, you’re not going to reach everyone with everything you write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I don’t, either.)</div>
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Who is supposed to read this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, maybe it’s okay for anyone to read it, but who do you really want to make sure doesn’t miss this?</div>
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In this case, I’m trying to help two (2) people:</div>
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(a) the person who writes boring things but wants to get better, and</div>
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(b) the person who feels like writing is hard but wants to write.</div>
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Everyone else is welcome to read this, but those are the two (2) people I’m trying to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to read this and feel like, yes, I can do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to write better things, because I’m not a good reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get bored really easily, and a lot of people who write fail to hold my attention…or respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re talking AT me or writing for the sake of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re definitely not talking to me, much less with me.</div>
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Write as though you’re talking WITH someone…someone you really want to get your message.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. Use Your Ideas - You’re Smarter Than You Think</b></div>
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Of course, we get most, if not all, of our ideas by taking in things from other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s okay.</div>
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Just don’t rehash these other things and pawn off them as your own.</div>
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Lists are okay, but they’re databases, not writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are places for lists, sometimes even within blogs or websites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have nothing against lists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, more often than not, I like them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When done correctly, they’re an efficient tool for grabbing a lot of info quickly.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red;">See: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/blogging-ideas-for-non-writers-or-non.html" target="_blank">Blogging Ideas for Non-Writers or Non-Experts</a></span></b></div>
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That’s different than reading things that people write and quickly realizing that I’ve read this before…many times before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I’ve never read what you wrote about it, but I’m getting no new insight by reading this. It’s just rehashed malarkey from things everyone else is saying or writing.</div>
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BORING! (and useless, too!)</div>
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If I am not coming up with something entirely new, then at the very least, I make sure that I’m offering my unique take on it.</div>
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This specific blog post is a perfect example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not the first person to try giving you writing tips, but hopefully I’m offering some angles that you’re considering for the first time.</div>
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It’s my own take, and you can only get my own take from one place…ME.</div>
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People can only get YOUR take from one place…YOU.</div>
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Write about a new idea that’s yours, or write about an old idea/topic but with a new angle…YOUR angle.</div>
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Sharing other people’s ideas are okay, but make sure you’re offering something unique to the reader…make it worth his/her time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re taking time to write about it, you probably have something valuable to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Share THAT value!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6. Lead Them</b></div>
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A friend of mine told me that one of the first keys to being a great leader is to want to help people, and I think he’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not the only thing, but it’s a great place to start.</div>
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Most of us also like to be led.</div>
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If you want them to do something specific after reading it, make sure they know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s best to ask them at the end…if they get that far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, it probably won’t matter (to them) what you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might not, even at that point, but if there IS any time to ask it’s after you’ve developed a mini-relationship with the reader.</div>
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When you’ve done your job, your reader connects with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the perfect time to lead them to the next step, but don’t overestimate the amount of connection (i.e. trust) they have for you after simply reading just one post.</div>
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Make it clear that you’re trying to help them, and make it clear (to them) how you’re going to help them…IF they just take this next step.</div>
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In this case, I simply want you either to</div>
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(a) share some writing tips with me (via email or the comments here), and</div>
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(b) sign up to receive my blog updates.</div>
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I’m curious; has any of this helped you?</div>
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Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/blogging-ideas-for-non-writers-or-non.html" target="_blank">Blogging Ideas for Non-Writers or Non-Experts</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/usually-motivate-or-lead-others-but.html">Usually motivate or lead others but sometimes feel empty? </a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/4-ways-branding-makes-you-money.html">4 Ways Branding MAKES You Money</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/14-things-im-checking-when-i-meet-you.html">Over 10 Things I’m Checking When I Meet You at a Business or Networking Event</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/02/2-times-seo-is-not-smart-strategy.html" target="_blank">2 Times SEO is NOT a Smart Strategy!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/01/how-being-willing-to-be-rotten-at.html">How Being Willing to be Rotten at Something Leads to Greatness</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/10/discrimination-how-to-make-it-work-for.html">Discrimination: How to Make It Work for You</a> </li>
</ul>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0Waterford Twp, MI, USA42.6907443 -83.40661319999998142.5973263 -83.567974699999979 42.7841623 -83.245251699999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-52392456212788060962016-04-19T16:20:00.000-04:002016-04-19T16:20:06.637-04:00Blogging Ideas for Non-Writers or Non-Experts<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Most people think that you have to be a writer to have a blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I’m teaching a class that will address some of this; so I figured I’d write something about it…and maybe organize some of my thoughts around it.)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">See Event Link: <a href="http://www.meetup.com/MegaEveningEvent-com/events/229991084/">Blogging Like It’s Easy</a></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The other misconception is that you have to be an expert to write a good blog.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course, each of these things helps, but neither is necessary to publish a blog that people want to see or read.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Key Question: So what if I don’t know how to write or know what to write?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today, I’ve been doing different variations of marketing and writing that blogging is not that big of a deal for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one time in my life, the thought of having to write anything sent me into something resembling a cardiac arrest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are a few things that today’s version of me would tell that “Fraidy Cat” version of an earlier me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. No need to recreate the wheel! Piggy Back on Others’ Expertise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Words are great but not always necessary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Gather data and share it.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Okay, now how do I put these tidbits to use?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are plenty of experts out there, and there are likely to be plenty of them in your field.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the beginning, share pieces of their stuff, give them credit, and comment on it or explain it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Find some of the top bloggers in your area.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Example Piggy-back Blog Post #1: Branding: Jeremy Miller of Sticky Branding</span></u></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In “<a href="https://stickybranding.com/why-your-company-needs-a-compelling-purpose/">Why Your Company Needs a Compelling Purpose</a>” by Jeremy Miller of Sticky Branding, he wrote, “When employees don’t have a compelling purpose there’s a high probability they’re working for the weekend.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He breaks down his post into 3 key sections:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A Reason to Work</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Making Progress Every Day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your Brand is Your Purpose</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here is my summary of the points he made:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He makes the point that many people love helping someone else reach their goals…WHEN they are clear what that other person’s goals are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, people identify with being part of a company with a purpose…and attach their own sense of purpose to it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many people don’t have their own purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they attach onto other people’s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Maybe you or your company can be one of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course, if the goal is large enough, it won’t be reached in a day…or even a week…maybe not even a year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, if you are always working toward making small steps of progress, eventually you can’t help but get there, especially if you have help from other people who know what you want and want that same thing for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just make sure that you know how to measure your progress!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Essentially, according to Jeremy, Brand = Company’s Purpose</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That might be oversimplifying it, but it’s probably the best 2-word description of branding I’ve seen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What else about branding might you want to learn from <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jeremymiller">Jeremy Miller</a> of Sticky Branding?</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Example Piggy-back Blog Post #2: Time Management: Heather Doering of Ace in the Hole Branding</span></u></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">While Heather is excellent at branding, I’m not sure I know 3 people in the entire world who are better at utilizing their time than she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So any clues she gives in this area are worth knowing…and probably sharing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In her post “<a href="http://aceintheholebranding.com/5-tips-to-make-your-linkedin-time-more-productive/">5 Tips To Make Your “LinkedIn Time” More Productive</a>” she identifies these things:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Check your Notifications first</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Why are you here (in LinkedIn)?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Prioritize your time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4. Right click (to open to a New Tab).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5. Get trained.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Essentially, I take Step 1 to mean that you need to know where to start within LinkedIn before you decide what is urgent, what is important, and what is a potential distraction (without a value that meets your goals).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Step 2 makes you create that “on-site visiting goal list.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so easy to get distracted on LinkedIn, but it’s a lot easier to stay on task…when you know what that task is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She gives some excellent examples of different ways to productively spend time on LinkedIn:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">--Create Your Own Content (on LinkedIn Pulse)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">--Interact with Content from Key LinkedIn Connections</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">--Search for New Connections (according to specific criteria)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">--Give a Status Update (reminding people you’re “here”)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her “right click” advice is really key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LinkedIn is awesome, but its interface can be frustrating sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people go back and forth between pages, but LinkedIn does not always “keep your place” when you hit the “Back” button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using the “Open in a New Tab” when you click the link with your right button is a smart time-saving tip…and a stress-saver, too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally, when you plan to get trained, you slowly build skills you need to improve your standing and worthiness among your connections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LinkedIn makes it easy to see what skills you NEED to have to do what you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That makes it easier for you to remove those barriers from accomplishing what you want.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Get Skills = Get Better Control on Your Life = Become a More Valuable Connection for People</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What else about time management might you want to learn from <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherdoering">Heather Doering</a> of Ace in the Hole Branding?</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Other Ideas: Piggy Back</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can embed a video and either summarize or comment on it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I did this within my post about “<a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/09/video-tip-for-bakeries-show-goods.html#more">Video Tip for Bakeries: Show the Goods</a>.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Actually, I compared video commercials for two (2) different bakeries and commented on each of them while making my own points based off them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Material does not have to be brand new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just need a new spin on it…YOUR SPIN!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another Idea: Get Data and Share It</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can always take a survey and report the results.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, anyone can do it, but almost nobody takes time to make these surveys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even fewer people share the data anywhere were we (the public) can see it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">YOU CAN DO THAT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">More importantly, it’s not that hard, even if you’re not really a writer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">…and with the data that YOU collected, guess who is the expert now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Y.O.U.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Blogging is easy when you realize that you don’t have to start as an expert or even be a great writer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I know that there are other ideas out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me know what I missed!</span></div>
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Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
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<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/04/usually-motivate-or-lead-others-but.html">Usually motivate or lead others but sometimes feel empty? </a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/4-ways-branding-makes-you-money.html">4 Ways Branding MAKES You Money</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/14-things-im-checking-when-i-meet-you.html">Over 10 Things I’m Checking When I Meet You at a Business or Networking Event</a> </li>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-78791627602461329772016-04-14T10:08:00.001-04:002016-04-14T10:08:18.513-04:00Usually motivate or lead others but sometimes feel empty?<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One of my most awesome friends is really motivating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s always chock full of ideas and delivers them with incredible, charismatic energy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Often, in the middle of giving me or someone else advice, he asks rhetorically, “Who motivates the motivator?”</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Who motivates the motivator?”</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s a really good question, because no matter how much energy you might have, you only have a limited supply of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s awesome to help people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frankly, it’s one of my favorite things to do, but most people cannot (completely) return the favor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need your help, and even if they would like to help; often they don’t have the capacity to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, many people are outright selfish and only want your time when you’re helping them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: red;"><b>See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/01/4-ways-to-be-leader-in-your-field.html">4 Ways to be a Leader in Your Field</a></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Teaching and leading are often <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">among</span> the greatest things we can ever do for someone else…and ourselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The problem is, sometimes, as people who usually lead, we might need that leadership, too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you’re at the top, you might be so focused on helping the people coming to you that you forget to find ways to motivate yourself.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Easiest Steps to Take to Motivate Ourselves</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you’re a leader, what are some “quick fixes” we can do to motivate ourselves?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are a couple of my tricks:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">--I subscribe to blogs and newsletters from people who motivate me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">--I find motivating videos and listen to them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">These are good—really good, honestly, but there is even a smarter way to refuel ourselves.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Smartest Step to Take to Motivate Ourselves</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Recall our key question: Who motivates the motivator?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s great to find motivational material. That’s always good, but there’s an even smarter thing to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Find more motivating people and make sure they want to be around you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Find these “motivating people” and spend time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schedule time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure you spend time with people who refuel you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, you’ll be a leader who finds himself (or herself) on empty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Who motivates the motivator?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I suggest you change this question to…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">WHO ELSE can I find to motivate THIS motivator?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s definitely great to help people, and I encourage it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the first key step to leadership; plus, there are many other benefits of doing that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I strongly suggest that you always keep finding new people who motivate you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seek them; find them; nurture them; and spend time with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can’t keep running on empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So go find your fuel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One more thing…What are you doing to help motivate them?</span></div>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-44091560225161298882016-03-31T12:01:00.001-04:002016-03-31T12:01:18.035-04:004 Ways Branding MAKES You Money<a class="twitter-share-button" count="" data-size="large" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here are a few ideas that will help put money in your pocket.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many people go into business, because they want to work for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want the flexibility in their schedule, the type of work they take, and even for whom they that work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Most employees do not get all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it makes sense.<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span>However, I notice where a many people starting up businesses overlook things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One of them is <a href="http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/branding.html">branding</a>.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">KEY POINT: In most cases, branding…done correctly…will make you money!</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/06/online-branding-tip-3-ways-to-confuse.html">Online Branding Tip: 3 Ways to Confuse a Customer about Who You Are</a></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A branding expert might be able to provide more insight, but here are some things that occur to me:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Creates another Opportunity to be Found/Known</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Generates Structure for Higher Prices</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Boosts Your Commodity Business</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4. Provides a Viable Business Exit Plan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, I’m not trying to pass that “branding” for one day is really going to bring about these things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">These things apply ONLY when you brand yourself (and your company) correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Branding strongly enough to accomplish these things likely requires a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherdoering">branding expert</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s take a closer look at each of these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re really important to understand.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. Creates another Opportunity to be Found/Known</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you’re really good at what you do, then a lot of people might be looking to find you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s really good, but there is something better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just imagine that if some people remembered your company without knowing who you (or might not be able to remember your name, especially if you have one of those really hard-to-pronounce names).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Branding your company, in addition to yourself, creates an additional way people can remember you…and find you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If your company is not well-branded, people can’t find you if they forget who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a business owner, that’s disappointing, and it will cost you money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Case in Point: Do you know the leader of Coca-cola?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about Proctor & Gamble?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How about Wells Fargo?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You might know the answers, but most people would not get 3 out of 3 here, and that’s okay, because these companies are so-well branded, we don’t really have to know the people behind each scene.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/04/branding-tip-how-to-handle-personal.html">Branding Tip: How to Handle a Personal Attack (on You or Your Business)</a></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, do you think there is a chance that there are plenty of people who look for the CEO of each of these places?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, branding gives people 2 different ways they can remember you…and find you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they can’t find you, think they can give you business?</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. Generates Structure for Higher Prices</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you are new to the market, it’s tough to find a <a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/unique-selling-proposition-usp">unique selling proposition (USP)</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless you do a good job of that, not only in practice but also in the public’s perception of you, you’re forced to compete on price.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That’s NEVER good news for you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Once people brand you (or your company) as higher-quality service with a proven track record, they’re willing to pay more, because they know when they buy from the well-branded (and established) company or person, they are going to get what they expect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When they buy from an unknown, even for a cheaper price, they’re holding their breath until they actually have, in their “hands,” the completed order from that unknown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">People are willing to take a chance ONLY if they get some sort of “break.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you’re well-enough branded, they’re not taking a chance, and you can command more money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even better, if you’re branded as providing the superior product or service, guess who can charge more money?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">YOU!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Branding yourself properly let’s you charge higher prices, which means you have the opportunity to make more money.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/05/does-your-brand-include-this-1.html">Does your brand include this 1 essential thing?</a></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3. Boosts Your Commodity Business</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">THIS is a good one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is a slick concept I stole from either <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Positioning</i></b> by <a href="http://www.ries.com/about/">Al Reis</a> and <a href="http://www.troutandpartners.com/trout-partners-team.asp">Jack Trout</a> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Differentiate or Die</i></b> by Jack Trout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I can’t remember which!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you offer many different services or products, it’s likely that some of them have more “mass appeal” than others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the ones that are your “winners,” feel invited--no encouraged--to brand that separately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are buying it, anyway, and you can just let it ride on its own, and you’re able to charge a premium price for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The demand is there, and the market is there for you to take.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">BUT…That’s not what I’m addressing here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, maybe not everything you offer is as highly received as your “winner?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, maybe you’re just average (or close enough to it) for that specific product or service.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Does that mean that you have to be the cheapest in that category…just to get business there?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">NOT if you brand yourself properly!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If your brand is highly recognized…and respected, people will pay a little extra, even for your “average stuff.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This does not mean that you should charge as much for your “average” stuff as your hot in-demands stuff, but great branding protects you from seeming like a commodity (something that everyone is selling…with no real difference between what you offer and what they’re offering).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you seem like a commodity, people will only buy if you’re the cheapest, most convenient, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, if your brand separates you, you can get a higher price, even when some of the things you offer your customers don’t have anything else separating them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your brand is a good enough reason people will pay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See #2: Generates Structure for Higher Prices).</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">See Also: <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2012/05/branding-tip-having-talent-is-great-but.html">Branding Tip: Having Talent is Great but Taking Action is Even Better--Much Better</a></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4. Provides a Viable Business Exit Plan</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This, by far, is the most important, yet also the most overlooked part of any business owner’s plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you’re an owner just starting a new business that’s formed from a passion, the last thing that’s on your mind (most likely) is thinking of ending it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why think of ending it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re just starting it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">BECAUSE…it’s smart business.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I see too many people start businesses, and do a great job building their business, but when they’re set to retire (either in life or just from that business), they come to a horrifying realization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their business is not worth anything…without them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">THEY ARE THE BUSINESS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This is good…but it’s bad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you try to sell the business, the ONLY way you’ll get anywhere close to the money you’re hoping and expecting is to agree to continue working in it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Because most, if not all, of your clients go there BECAUSE of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you leave the business, it suddenly has no value.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you brand the business (rather than just branding yourself), potential buyers will see the value in your business and be willing to pay you for the brand you built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll reap the benefits of buying your company, even without you being there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, it has value.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unless you’re truly the exception, make sure that you get an expert to help you brand your business properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, it will cost money, but great branding helps you make great money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Are you serious about making money?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, get ready to pay someone to brand you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s not really a cost; it’s truly an investment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you think?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Let me know if you want any recommendations of places that do a really good job of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can point you to the one that’s right for you.)</span></div>
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Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/03/14-things-im-checking-when-i-meet-you.html">Over 10 Things I’m Checking When I Meet You at a Business or Networking Event</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/02/2-times-seo-is-not-smart-strategy.html" target="_blank">2 Times SEO is NOT a Smart Strategy!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/01/how-being-willing-to-be-rotten-at.html">How Being Willing to be Rotten at Something Leads to Greatness</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/10/discrimination-how-to-make-it-work-for.html">Discrimination: How to Make It Work for You</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/07/prediction-minions-brand-will-spikethen.html">Prediction: Minions Brand Will Spike…Then Spiral</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/05/the-way-we-learn-vs-way-we-teach.html">The Way We Learn vs. The Way We Teach</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/04/9-reasons-facebook-might-get-you-fired.html">9 Reasons FaceBook Might Get You Fired </a></li>
</ul>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-34709847764092467302016-03-15T15:09:00.005-04:002016-12-26T12:47:03.036-05:0014 Things I’m Checking When I Meet You at a Business or Networking Event<a class="twitter-share-button" count="" data-size="large" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
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Have you ever gone to a business get-together or a networking event and felt like it was sort of useless?<br />
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I know that I have, and I’ve heard many people complain that they are a waste of time.<br />
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Many people go to networking events without having a solid game plan. If they do, they are thinking sales only, which usually is not realistic. Obviously, I don’t know what you would like to get from them, but here is a list of things I’m checking when I meet you at a networking event (or any other business type of environment).<br />
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<b>1. Are you a potential business partner?</b><br />
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Sometimes, I have specific businesses in mind. Other times, I trust that I’ll get better ideas later.<br />
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I’m always looking for people who are talented, intelligent, hard working, have good integrity, are eager to learn, etc. I do my best to see whether you will fit into anything I’m doing today, but mostly I’m paying attention to see whether I see potential in us working together.<br />
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I do not always guess correctly when I first meet someone, and I’m not sure whether I have anything specific in mind. However, I’m always checking to see whether you’re an obvious match with something I’m doing today, would like to do tomorrow, or have something I’d like to join.<br />
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<b>2. Are you someone who can work for me?</b><br />
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I don’t always have jobs available, but I always have needs. Maybe I can hire you today, later, or I can trade services with you.<br />
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I’m curious to see what your skill sets are, and I want to know what type of worker you’d be. Most of all, I’m curious about what type of attitude you have with your work and the people attached to it.<br />
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<b>3. Are you someone I can charge money to help and provide good value?</b><br />
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Personally, I have a rule, and that’s to do my best to provide value for people. In marketing, there is not really any way to guarantee success, but if the odds point toward failure, I’m not usually interested in taking the business.<br />
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I don’t want your money that badly, but if I sense I can help you, I’ll probably try to push you.<br />
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<b>4. Can I work with you to gain experience I want or need?</b><br />
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Are you working closely with something I’d like to learn better? Do you seem to have a need that would allow me to get some experience I want (or need) by helping you with your issue surrounding it?<br />
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If so, I’ll make a proposal on the spot.<br />
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<b>5. Are you someone who I’d like as part of an informal brainstorming team?</b><br />
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I enjoy learning things, and I realize that many people know things that I do not.<br />
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If you’re a thinker with a good attitude and want to grow yourself (and others, too?), then I’d like to keep connected with you…even if we don’t get a chance to really talk for a while. I understand your value, and I won’t want to let it slip away…if I can help it.<br />
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<b>6. Can I refer you to anyone I know?</b><br />
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I like to help people, and I take pride in my ability to match together people very well. I don’t always hit a home run with this, but I enjoy helping people, and this is a great way to help out 2 people at the same time!<br />
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<b>7. Are you likely to boost my energy or drain it?</b><br />
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This probably does not require a lot of explanation.<br />
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<b>8. Are you someone I can help?</b><br />
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I might be able to help you in some way. If I have the skill set, the resources, and the time to be able to help, I’m probably trying to see whether you’re interested in my help. Most likely, I’ll offer within the initial conversation or within a follow-up email.<br />
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<b>9. Do you represent a potential speaking opportunity for me?</b><br />
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Overall, I enjoy speaking, but I know that, even if I do not want to speak, it’s a skill that is worth keeping sharp. Plus, it’s a great way to network and position yourself as an expert.<br />
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So I’m trying to figure whether you can schedule me or connect me with someone who can schedule me to talk. Maybe I ask immediately. More likely, I’ll get to know you a little better and ask later, but I’m making a point to look immediately.<br />
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<b>10. Are you a potential speaker for one of my groups? In general?</b><br />
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Maybe you know a lot about an interesting topic.<br />
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Perhaps, you’re just such a good speaker, I might look to find an excuse to schedule you…even if the topic does not match perfectly.<br />
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Good speakers are hard to find. When I find someone, I’m grateful of the opportunity, and I try not to blow it.<br />
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I also like finding people who speak on topics that lots of people want to learn, but I’m the wrong person to try teaching it to them.<br />
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I might even try to find another group where you might be able to speak.<br />
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<b>11. Are you somebody who I know one of my other would treasure meeting?</b><br />
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I’m always looking for ways to help other people. Sometimes, I can provide the help. However, usually, I don’t know enough…and someone else is the right person. Even if you do not have anything to offer this other person immediately, I’m happy to connect you with someone who can help you.<br />
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<b>12. Are you a potential center of influence?</b><br />
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Do a lot of people seem to care about what you think? Are you someone who seems to make a habit of referring or connecting people?<br />
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If so, you are an exception, and I want to get to know you for my own selfish reasons. I want to earn a chance for you to refer me to people who look to you for suggestions.<br />
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I also like finding people worth referring, and connectors are always worth referring.<br />
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<b>13. Is there something about you that is different?</b><br />
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We meet so many people who seem to be the same and give the same bland answers. They are so hard to remember, because there is so little about them that is memorable.<br />
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I love meeting people who make it easy for me to remember them for the right reasons. Maybe the reason is obvious. Perhaps, it’s hidden.<br />
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In fact, I prefer finding “hidden gems,” because I don’t really want to fight the crowd for your attention. I want your undivided attention. More importantly, I want you to fully appreciate what I can do for you.<br />
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Mostly, I’ll just appreciate you…just for being different.<br />
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<b>14. Are you all about yourself, or do you seem to care about others?</b><br />
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You can have all of the talent in the world, but if you’re not interested in me, I’m going to beware of you. I’ll still find reasons to appreciate you, but I’m going to notice you in a way you wish I didn’t.<br />
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You don't have to be unconditionally focused on others, but if you NEVER seem to take any interest... <br />
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I might be overlooking some things I check subconsciously, but my mind is usually racing at these events. Can you see why?<br />
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Do you have a similar checklist?<br />
<br />
Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/02/2-times-seo-is-not-smart-strategy.html" target="_blank">2 Times SEO is NOT a Smart Strategy!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2016/01/how-being-willing-to-be-rotten-at.html">How Being Willing to be Rotten at Something Leads to Greatness</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/10/discrimination-how-to-make-it-work-for.html">Discrimination: How to Make It Work for You</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/07/prediction-minions-brand-will-spikethen.html">Prediction: Minions Brand Will Spike…Then Spiral</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/05/the-way-we-learn-vs-way-we-teach.html">The Way We Learn vs. The Way We Teach</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/04/9-reasons-facebook-might-get-you-fired.html">9 Reasons FaceBook Might Get You Fired </a></li>
<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/03/business-feature-anna-lynns-bakery.html">Business Feature: Anna Lynn’s Bakery & Chocolates - Metro Detroit – Lynn Montry </a></li>
</ul>
<a class="twitter-share-button" count="" data-size="large" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a>CW Health, Inchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139552450279286042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-31714220389771670802016-02-29T09:10:00.000-05:002016-02-29T09:11:13.010-05:002 Times SEO is NOT a Smart Strategy!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">SEO is great, but it’s not always the right thing for every business.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the most part, SEO is great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People use search engines (especially Google), and many of us would be insane, at this point, not to look for ways to have our company show at the top of search results.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anything we do to “trick” Google (or Bing, Yahoo, etc.) to select our site over our competitors’ sites is called search engine optimization (more commonly known as SEO).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there are plenty of ways to “game” the system, overall, it pushes most of us to do the best job we can describing what we do…so that Google knows when to match us with the right people seeking for the things we can do for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, there are a couple of situations where SEO is not where I suggest you should be spending the majority (if any) of your marketing effort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. You<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">'re in<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> an industry where n<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ob<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ody trust<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">s you--t<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">he<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> stranger.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. You are more expensive than almost every one of your competitors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Let's take a closer look at each...</span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1. You’re in an industry where nobody trusts you—the stranger.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">People use search engines to find information about things, people, or companies they do not know for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is common for people to use Google and other search engines to find blue collar labor, especially if most of their friends have white collar jobs (and are also devoid of those blue collar skills) they need.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For instance, if you need a plumber and do not know one yourself (and neither do your friends and family members), then you might type something like…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">plumber Oakland County MI</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">…and you might find a bunch of plumbers who are close to where you need service.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This makes sense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, industries, like online marketing, have a lot of people who are not all that trustworthy…or nowhere as skilled or effective as they claim to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, it’s tough to give your money to someone you don’t know today…for the hope of it becoming a good investment tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(That’s what marketing is…an investment in the future…that can go well…or poorly.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So…even if you type in something like…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">online marketing Oakland County MI</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">…and I come to the top (I don’t!), are you suddenly looking to buy from me immediately?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You might not buy from me at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s SO tough to find marketing service that actually works in favor of the purchaser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good marketing is essential for so many businesses, but it’s not easy to find someone who is good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore…instead of relying on search engines, like Google, we end up looking for referrals…from anywhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nobody wants to give money to a stranger on something that only might pay off…in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A few other industries where this is also true are…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">financial planning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">retirement planning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, it makes a lot of sense to focus on the type of SEO marketing work that helps you put your best foot forward when people look up your name or company (to check for dirt), but in some industries, people just don’t look to Google to solve their problems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In most of these cases, you would be better off spending your time doing things that make people know your name or company…so they think of you first when they’re ready to buy…or telling someone they know to give you a call.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2. You are more expensive than almost every one of your competitors.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Maybe you’re in an industry where people use Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. to find someone to do a certain service for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, it only MIGHT be a good idea for you to do that for yourself…if you’re price is competitive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s face it, most people who look online are shoppers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many cases, they want to check a bunch of places…just to make sure they get the best price.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you have a pretty good price, then I suggest you try hard to be one of the first companies that Google lists when someone types in something like…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">plumbing Oakland County MI</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is nice to be the first one listed, because not everyone is a price shopper, but if you’re one of the first few, most likely these searchers will get around to calling you…to ask you for a price or a quote (for a price).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you are one of the most expensive players in your industry, do you really want to be in this line of fire?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Maybe you’ll say, “Yes,” but I do not suggest it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You might want to rely on things that make people think of your name first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could be advertising on Television, the radio, or newspapers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you sponsor all sorts of events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, most people and companies do not have access to enough money to make all these things happen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So if you’re the most expensive, either work really hard to earn (or simply get) people’s referrals, or lower your price so that shoppers want to give you a try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Otherwise, don’t waste your time with SEO, other than for reputation management for your name or company brand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SEO is great, but it doesn’t always make sense…not for every business.</span><br />
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Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
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<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/10/discrimination-how-to-make-it-work-for.html">Discrimination: How to Make It Work for You</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/07/prediction-minions-brand-will-spikethen.html">Prediction: Minions Brand Will Spike…Then Spiral</a> </li>
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Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6192204362175059461.post-74706424879783210632016-01-19T11:51:00.000-05:002016-01-24T11:03:25.060-05:00How Being Willing to be Rotten at Something Leads to Greatness<a class="twitter-share-button" count="" data-size="large" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><br />
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Are you any good at that?<br />
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Growing up, that's all we pretty much heard...or if we didn't hear it, that question was, without any doubt, implied.<br />
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None of us enjoy looking foolish, no matter how well-adjusted we are about "not caring what others think of us." All of us wants to look good.<br />
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The problem is that, while not all of us start from the same spot, almost nobody starts from a point of unconditional greatness. Even if we do, someone out there has worked hard enough to be better than us.<br />
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Essentially, if we want to grow, we need to be willing to start at some point lower than our final destination. What this means is that we need to spend some time eating humble pie...being sub-par at something...maybe even being LOUSY at it...before we can become great at that same thing.<br />
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When you were first born, were you great at walking?<br />
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Heck no! You probably couldn't even hold your own food...much less walk with the grace of Fred Astaire.<br />
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Eventually, you (probably) got the point you can walk really well...maybe even with greatness, but you HAD TO START SOMEWHERE FIRST.<br />
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The problem is...that most people are not willing to start, because they're "not any good at it."<br />
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They're not willing to go through a period where they're LOUSY...before they work to develop themselves to become GREAT!<br />
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What is something you're afraid to be lousy at doing?<br />
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(For years, it was speaking for me...How about you?)<br />
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<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/07/prediction-minions-brand-will-spikethen.html">Prediction: Minions Brand Will Spike…Then Spiral</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/05/the-way-we-learn-vs-way-we-teach.html">The Way We Learn vs. The Way We Teach</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/04/9-reasons-facebook-might-get-you-fired.html">9 Reasons FaceBook Might Get You Fired </a></li>
<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/03/business-feature-anna-lynns-bakery.html">Business Feature: Anna Lynn’s Bakery & Chocolates - Metro Detroit – Lynn Montry </a></li>
<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/03/7-reasons-why-youre-being-lazy.html">7 Reasons Why You’re Being Lazy </a></li>
<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/03/mark-maupin-how-to-use-firefox-to-get.html">Mark Maupin: How to Use Firefox to Get True Search Results on Google – Not Misleading SERPs </a></li>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Discrimination doesn’t have to be a bad thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A while ago, I wrote about what <a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2013/04/my-socks-made-think-about-discrimination.html">My Socks Made Me Think about Discrimination</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In that post, I mention how I sort my socks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find the ones that are more different than any of the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, I try to find the socks that are easier for me to notice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s pay attention to that last part of the sentence, “easier for me to notice.”</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When you’re the different one</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Over the years, I’ve made an observation from my own experiences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In general, I’m not like very many people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times, this puts off people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, they’re right be to put off, but most of the time, they just aren’t sure how to handle me…since I’m different (than them).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When most people see or meet a person who is decidedly different than them, they notice…and don’t always have the best reaction to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They make negative assumptions about that person, his (or her) intent, and the friction or even danger that other “different” person might cause.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We can’t do anything about that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the poem <a href="http://www.bigeye.com/attitude.htm">Attitude by Charles Swindoll</a>, he mentions that, “I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We cannot control how others will react to us before they get to know us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before this moment, we weren’t there to influence any of that person’s thinking (nor have they had any influence on our thinking).</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Potential Turning Point</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Is it “fair” that someone is noticing you just because you’re somehow different than they are?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Probably not, but that does not really matter (unless they’re going to physically harm you because of that difference).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">However, you CAN influence what they think of you by what you do from this point forward!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How You Can REALLY Benefit from Discrimination</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How many people do you know that have awesome skills, talent, etc. but never get noticed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m willing to bet that it’s a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bet you know tons of people who seem to never “catch a break.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So now that you’re being noticed—for being different—do you think you might be able to take advantage of the situation?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They’re paying attention to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOW is the time to shine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Are you up for the task?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Don’t be afraid of discrimination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be ready to be up to the task once they notice you…for being different.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you handle it right, discrimination doesn’t really have to be all that bad…after all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s one of the best lessons I’ve accidentally learned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you’re curious about times it has worked for me, feel free to send me an email at <a href="mailto:Chris@TheUltimateAnalyst.com">Chris@TheUltimateAnalyst.com</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask me about it, and I’ll be glad to share.</span></div>
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Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
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<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/07/prediction-minions-brand-will-spikethen.html">Prediction: Minions Brand Will Spike…Then Spiral</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://blog.theultimateanalyst.com/2015/05/the-way-we-learn-vs-way-we-teach.html">The Way We Learn vs. The Way We Teach</a> </li>
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<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/03/7-reasons-why-youre-being-lazy.html">7 Reasons Why You’re Being Lazy </a></li>
<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/03/mark-maupin-how-to-use-firefox-to-get.html">Mark Maupin: How to Use Firefox to Get True Search Results on Google – Not Misleading SERPs </a></li>
<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/03/business-feature-chris-tells-southfield.html">Business Feature: Chris Tells - Southfield-Based HVAC </a></li>
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<b style="color: red;">To visit <a href="http://www.theultimateanalyst.com/">The Ultimate Analyst</a> company website click <a href="http://www.theultimateanalyst.com/">HERE</a>. </b></div>
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I have a prediction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the short-term, the brand surrounding the Minions will spike, but in the long-term, it will drop…quickly and to great depths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will become a fad that will become laughable.</div>
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It doesn’t have to be this way, but it will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, ultimately, this new Movie “Minions” will kill the brand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s my prediction!</div>
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<i><b>Trailer: New Movie: Minions (Prequel to Despicable Me)</b></i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="180" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dVDk7PXNXB8" width="320"></iframe></div>
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As I write this today, the Minions have an AWESOME brand.</div>
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Unless you’ve been living underneath a rock, you’ve heard of those adorable Minion creatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heck, even if you DO live underneath a rock, you’ve probably heard of them…and most likely seen something with them in it.</div>
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Those adorable tiny yellow Minions were introduced to us via a couple of hit movies: “Despicable Me” and its sequel “Despicable Me 2.”</div>
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Those movies were great, and they’ve done a lot for the Minions brand.</div>
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Still, I predict that their brand will plummet, but it doesn’t have to be this way.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Why We Like Minions Today</b></div>
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First, let’s take a look at why the Minions are adored by so many people, no matter their age.</div>
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If you’re unfamiliar with the Despicable Me movie series, you can watch the trailers for each of them below here:</div>
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<i><b>Trailer: Despicable Me</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Trailer: Despicable Me 2</b></i></div>
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Notice how cute those little yellow Minions are?</div>
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What makes them so cute?</div>
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Well, they’re little and adorable, but that’s not all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re stupid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many of us LOVE to watch stupid things. When we watch is packaged in the form of an adorable bunch of yellow creatures doing those stupid things, we can’t help but “fall in love.”</div>
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They work, because they feed off their master villainous boss, Gru, and they form a relationship with those nothing-like-Gru children from the orphanage.</div>
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I liken this to Beavis and Butthead.</div>
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Beavis and Butthead episodes are funny…for a minute or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they get stale really quickly.</div>
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Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well…they’re stupid.</div>
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Stupid only works as an entertainment value when it’s paired with someone or something more intelligent.</div>
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That’s why the movie “Beavis and Butthead Do America” was actually a good movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(If you never saw it, you actually should…skip the episodes, but watch the movie.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These dumb kids were contrasting with all sorts of other more complex characters, and it was hilarious…yet also interesting enough to hold my attention for 90 minutes or so.</div>
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The Minions are adorable…and mostly dumb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why they’re funny, but that’s why, by themselves, are likely to only hold long-term appeal to simple-minded children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Not all children are simple-minded!)</div>
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The movie that FEATURES them will likely be complex enough to continue endearing adults alike…unless this new movie ALSO does a good job of weaving other characters.</div>
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Sandra Bullock is in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that might be a good sign.</div>
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So my real prediction is that the Minions brand will spike after the movie…and then nosedive…UNLESS this movie does a good job of weaving other more complex characters.</div>
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So maybe Ms. Bullock can save the Minions brand.</div>
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Let’s hope so, because they sure are adorable today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, we’ll be laughing at those stupid little obnoxious yellow banana-loving senseless screamers a few years from now.</div>
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I hope that you'll be laughing at my prediction, instead.<br />
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The moral of the story is…if you have a great brand, you need to make sure you understand WHY it’s a good brand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t abuse it by throwing it around as many places as you can…just because it seems like it’s paying well today.</div>
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Develop your brand…and protect that brand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of all, don’t abuse it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know why it’s successful.</div>
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<br />
Like this post? Other recent posts are<br />
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<li><a href="http://chriswechnermarketingideas.blogspot.com/2015/04/9-reasons-facebook-might-get-you-fired.html">9 Reasons FaceBook Might Get You Fired </a></li>
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<b style="color: red;">To visit <a href="http://www.theultimateanalyst.com/">The Ultimate Analyst</a> company website click <a href="http://www.theultimateanalyst.com/">HERE</a>. </b></div>
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Many people get really frustrated when others “don’t get it.”<br />
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“I TOLD him (or her), already, but he (or she) just doesn’t listen!”</div>
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While there are some people that aren’t born with much common sense and would fail to understand fire if it burned them, most people prefer to “get it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazingly, many don’t.</div>
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I know this, because I’ve been this person many more times than I care to relive in my mind.</div>
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I think I know the main reason why many people don’t “get it.”</div>
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<a name='more'></a>If Person A (Teacher) tries to teach Person B (Student) something, there is only two (2) possibilities:</div>
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Possibility #1: Person B was not ready (for whatever reason)</div>
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Possibility #2: Person A did not explain things in a way that made sense to Person B.</div>
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Most of the time, we assume Person B just wasn’t up to the task…at the moment or possibly ever.</div>
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Sometimes, that’s true, but over the years, I’ve learned that many people trying to teach might know something better than they’re explaining it.</div>
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So what is one of the biggest mistakes people make when teaching?</div>
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We learn differently than we teach.</div>
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Many people teach from a perspective of “just follow my lead.”</div>
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This teacher will walk the person step-by-step through whatever process the student needs to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, this seems to make perfect sense.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">First, do this.</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Next, do this other thing.</i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Then…</i></div>
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Why wouldn’t we walk the student through every step?</div>
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This is perfect…IF we need the student to do this ONE TIME.</div>
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However, if we want the student to REPEAT these steps in the future, we’re leaving a lot to chance…and not a very good chance at that.</div>
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Why?</div>
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The teacher told the student what he (or she) knew, but that’s probably NOT the way they learned that same skill or process.</div>
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How did that teaching (likely) learn?</div>
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Probably through a lot of repetition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe he (or she) learned through self-discovery, but for that to happen, the person probably “played with things” until it really made sense.</div>
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Things begin to make sense to us when we get the concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, the detail follow, and we learn more of the details the more we work with the concept.</div>
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So most of us learn the concept first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then more details come later.</div>
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Then we do so many people try to teach by explaining the details first?</div>
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Next time you try to teach something and the student does not seem to be “getting it,” you might want to ask yourself whether you’ve made sure the student understands the concept first.</div>
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Expertise comes from knowing the details, but that’s not a good starting point.</div>
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Beginners need the concept…first.</div>
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That’s the way we learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why teach (or explain) any other way?</div>
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<script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script>Chris Wechnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08397029290289554495noreply@blogger.com0