Archives for September 2012

Where Greatness Happens, Part 2

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Don’t worry about looking silly… celebrate yourself!

I got to thinking about all of those thankless tasks I mentioned last week, and I realized that they don’t actually have to be thankless. Everyone needs recognition, even for the little things.

So here are four ways to recognize yourself when you’re on track with the critical, unglamorous tasks of running a business:

  1. Make a YIPPEE file. At the end of each day, make a note of what you accomplished and put it in your YIPPEE file. Even the small things – sending a card, completing an article, writing a chapter – be sure to put those small wins in the file. Over time you’ll see that they add up to create big wins!
  2. Brag on Facebook. Facebook is great when you need an atta-boy. All you have to do is post, “Today I got done this tiny task that’s been weighing on me and I just had to publicly pat myself on the back.” People will join in the patting, and it will be a great example for them to also give themselves credit.
  3. Get an accountability partner. Having someone you trust to call and hold you accountable is not only a great way to make sure you get things done, it’s also a perfect solution when you need someone to cheer on your successes.
  4. Get a coach. Most of my coaching clients work on their own, often at home. I get to help make sure they know that every little win counts, and that they’re on track with their goals. Unless they’re off track, and I help them get back in the groove quickly.

I’d love to hear your suggestions of ways to give yourself credit and celebrate yourself!

Where Greatness Happens, Part 1

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While visiting my parents in Reno last week, we settled in for a typical Sunday in front of the TV to watch football. I love the opportunity to watch football (I don’t have cable or dish or anything). But the real treat was watching the commercials. Feel free to ridicule me now…

Scoff if you must, but I was inspired by one of these commercials. In a Gatorade commercial (see below), a concept unexpectedly struck home – greatness happens when people aren’t looking. It’s the habits you establish and actions you take outside the limelight that determine success. It’s the phone calls, the follow up, the workshops, the mistakes, the checklists, the newsletters – the unglamorous, totally thankless stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wu2DyizWgU?rel=0&w=300&h=169

These behind-the-scenes actions build success, and add invaluable traits to your character: perseverance, consistency, tenacity, resilience. Look at successful people, and these character traits are what make success a consistent presence in their lives, rather than being just a flash in the pan.

Got a Case of “It’s All Been Done”

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Have you ever been visited by this sneaky saboteur? The “it’s all been done” syndrome?

I had a case of it last week as I wracked my brain for a topic to write about. Every time I came up with an idea, I immediately told myself, “yeah, but that’s been done before.” This kept me spinning for days.

After giving up, I was reminded of a moment of profound change I experienced many years ago. I was on a teleclass on professional speaking taught by the indomitable Les Brown. I chose to be on the call because I LOVE public speaking, but I always held myself back because I couldn’t come up with a 100% unique topic to speak on. I was limiting myself with the belief that “it’s all been done.”

Giving voice to my fears, Les acknowledged that there are very few speakers with wholly original ideas. But then he said, “You can’t let that stop you. There are people out there who can only hear your voice.”

And I knew exactly what he meant. I’d hear a concept from five different people, but only fully absorb it from the one person whose “voice” – energy, experience, persona, attitude, philosophy – I truly connected with.

I work with business owners all the time who hide their talents, insights, and services because of this feeling of “it’s been done” or “everyone else is doing the same thing.” I’m here to tell you that that attitude is a saboteur, and it can become a cop out.

Don’t let this sabotage you, and do not use it as an excuse not to pursue your life’s work. There are people out there who are listening for your voice. It’s time to speak up!

A Simple Networking Courtesy

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It’s a simple thing, isn’t it? Asking for someone’s business card, that is. But it’s an action that implies a lot – “I’m interested,”  “I want to remember you,” “You’re important.”

Remember, when you’re networking, you’re making impressions on people left and right, and you don’t have a lot of time to do it. Take advantage of any action that will make a positive impact!

And absolutely everyone wants to experience the positive feelings that go along with being asked for their card – even event speakers and organizers. I’ve been speaking at and leading a lot of events lately and I have to tell you, 9 times out of 10 when I meet someone and ask for their card, they do not ask for mine.

Now I’m not here to criticize people who have neglected to ask for my card. I just want you to know that when I ask for their card, and the courtesy isn’t reciprocated, the exchange leaves me feeling flat. And who wants to make an impression like that? Especially when it can so easily be avoided!

The moral of the story is: ask for everyone’s cards. Yes, it is important so that you can follow up with people, of course. But just as important, although often overlooked, is the fact that through this simple action, you can help make someone else feel great!