Get Free of the Coolness Factor

Don’t let the coolness factor blind you from the next big thing hiding in plain sight.

Chasing coolness is like chasing a stock: you’re always on the wrong side of the curve. It’s a Catch-22 situation that undervalues your worth as an individual (or as an organization) and what you have to offer.

The social network is all abuzz with the buzz of the day. And those who feel compelled to immerse themselves in it can get so caught up in the clamor that they take leave of all originality.

That is, they leave themselves out of the picture and grasp at what’s trending.

Chasing coolness inhibits originality if we don’t draw the line between what’s trending and what we ourselves might have to offer. But that means taking the time to be quiet and reflect apart from the crowd. And believing that something is there within ourselves worth finding and sharing with others.

Pulling away from the crowd and group think requires a huge act of faith. It’s far easier to follow the wave of popular fashion and trendiness because there’s perceived security in numbers.

But if you’re going to be effective, you’ll have to go it on your own from time to time.

Real creativity springs from an internal, organic unity.  Doesn’t mean you can’t learn from and build on the work of others—and we all do. But you’ll be denying the world something that is yours alone to give if you never cultivate your special brand from within.

Jan 16, 2016 | 0 comments View Post

What’s better than a well-written, well-delivered speech?

You have industry-leading ideas. Your company is in the forefront with its approach. Or you have a clear point of view on an issue that clients are struggling to overcome. It’s time to take your thoughts public and connect with your target audience.

Feb 20, 2011 | 0 comments View Post

Is Ghost Blogging Taboo?

To blog or not to blog? Surely a question considered by many chief executives.

Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, adamantly believes that chief executives ought not to ever blog unless they write every word of it.

Of course, that’s a decision for each chief executive to make. Given that some of the busiest CEOs of FORTUNE 100 companies have speeches written for them – with great involvement and scrutiny on their part – it’s not a far stretch for someone to assist with their blogs as well.

You can hire a ghost writer to write a book. You might even be able to hire someone to write an occasional op-ed piece or magazine article. Usually, no one will even know unless you choose to tell them.

But this is not true with blogs. It is especially not true with Twitter. If you try, you will be found out. Your readers will know and the word will spread. You will be considered a “poser,” someone pretending to be something they are not. And trust me, word will spread. In the end, you will do irreparable damage to your personal brand.

Read Hyatt’s complete post.

Mar 26, 2010 | 0 comments View Post

Employee communication starts with leaders

The leadership culture of a company and the way its policies are embodied communicate volumes to its employees. Management style, work environment, employee development, compensation, transparency – this is where true employee engagement begins. Any communications added on top either confirm and enhance what already exists or contradict and send mixed signals.

Oct 01, 2009 | 0 comments View Post

Conspicuous value makes the cash register ring

When a market segment is flooded with competitors, great customer service or a superior product experience is often the tiebreaker – even at a higher price point. 

A product or service doesn’t have to be obviously innovative, either, to separate a consumer from her cash. If the service or product experience approaches flawlessness – relative to the competition – then it will stand out among the clutter.

Take the iPhone, for example. While many owners will complain about a missing feature or dropped calls, most would probably agree that nothing else touches the iPhone’s sleek design, usability and expandability. That’s because Apple took great pains to get it right, to make a great user experience its number-one priority.

Although more mundane, taking your car in for service provides another example where a good customer experience can make the difference. Nobody I know enjoys having a car serviced. In fact, it can be downright painful – right up there next to going to the dentist. But if a mechanic or service department has earned your trust and treats you well, you’re probably more willing to keep the relationship going. Ditto the dentist – well maybe.

The manufacturer or service provider willing to break out of the pack that holds the market on mediocrity stands to win big. But, the risks also are big for falling in love with a good idea and taking it to market before it’s perfected.

Sep 14, 2009 | 1 comment View Post