Friday, March 28, 2014

One Foot, Then the Other

Lately I’ve been inspired to work out. I’ve become a little softer than I would like to be and I’m getting older, but I am not ready to slow down quite yet. Whenever I get inspired, I get after it. The problem is somehow I still think I am able to do what I could do in my twenties.

Even though I know I should, I don’t really stretch before I work out – it hurts. I want to go jogging, because I know that jogging usually gets me results quickly. But I live in Colorado and there isn’t quite enough oxygen available unless you are in shape. So, it’s not too hard to convince myself that I should ride the stationary bike first and get in shape before I start jogging.

I eat a healthy breakfast and I’m fine for a while. I know that during the day I should drink a glass of water, but when I get to work I typically go for a cup of coffee. By the time dinner comes around I’m starving. (Yes, I ate lunch.) Moderation just doesn’t seem like a good idea, or I might not survive the night. The next day, the process starts all over again.

After a little while, it’s clear there are really only two options.

Option 1: Quit screwing around and do things right.
Option 2: Give up.

Getting in shape hurts at first, then it begins to feel great. You have to have the will to push yourself if you want to improve. In theory jogging is easy, just put one foot in front of the other. Nike had it right, “Just do it!”


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THE BOTTOM LINE:

Principal 1: You will lose what once made your business great if you focus on what you were able to accomplish in the past. Business is about the present.

Principal 2: Poor business practices are like bad habits – they are hard to break. It may hurt at first. Keep working, it will get results.

Principal 3: For sustained business success there is no quick fix or silver bullet. Take it one step at a time, but keep moving forward.


Friday, March 14, 2014

What Happened to Personal Interaction?

It seems that we all want to be connected, but no one wants to interact. Trying to talk to an actual person when you need help often becomes more frustrating than the problem you were calling about. And chances are that when you finally reach someone you can’t understand them or they don’t have any authority to take care of you. Don’t get me wrong, technology and automation have their place, but I fear that our concept of customer service has shifted to the mindset of “it’s not my problem”.

Last week I was checking my mail and I noticed some official looking envelope. I opened it and stared at it for a while. I received a fine for running a red light and I wanted desperately to plead my case. If I stopped, it could have been dangerous. I could have been in an accident just trying to slow down. It was safest for me to run the light. Does anyone believe me? Probably not, but I still wanted to defend myself, I wasn’t even sure if the light was really red. I turned the page over to see if there was a number I could call. Then it occurred to me that even if there was a phone number for me to call, the likelihood of me getting an actual person was slim.

After turning the page I quickly realized I had no case. I stared at a picture of myself looking up at the light. (I looked guilty.) The next picture was of my license plate and below that was my recorded speed. (It was over the speed limit.) My only option was to pay the fine.

I needed to make my case to someone, so I showed a number of people my awesome new photo. It's true, there is something comforting about personal interaction.


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THE BOTTOM LINE:

Principal 1: Technology has the potential to greatly enhance your business process, but people still buy your product. Don’t forget about people.

Principal 2: Business is still built on relationships. In a world focused on technology, personal interaction could help differentiate you from the competition.

Principal 3: People want to be heard. Businesses want feedback. Let’s talk.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Swinging for the Fences

When I moved to Colorado, I looked forward to all of the great outdoor activities I would soon be able to enjoy. But after living here a while, I began to miss simple things – like softball. Don’t get me wrong, they do play softball in Colorado. The problem I had was that nobody knew I did. I had to find a team and I also had to make new friends.

I finally met someone who played in a league and weekend tournaments. This was my chance to play, so I asked if his team ever needed a substitute. He didn’t even answer the question before he asked me if I was good. Now I had to make a critical decision. If I tell the truth, I might sound arrogant and they won’t want me on their team. If I attempt to be humble, I may never get the opportunity to play. So I did what my parents taught me to do – I told the truth. “Yes, I’m good.” I said. The guy looked at me, surprised that I would dare say such a thing. “Really good?” he asked. “Yes.” I answered.


I gave him my number and waited for a call. It came that week. I showed up for the game and the other team began to complain and said I was a ringer. My new team put me at shortstop and fourth in the batting line-up, and no one had ever even seen me play.

We began the game without any batting practice. It was my turn to bat. There were two outs and a runner on third base. When the pitch came, I swung for the fences – it was my time to shine. My bat speed was incredible; I expected to hit the ball far into the parking lot. The only problem was I darn near missed the ball. It rolled about five feet in front of the catcher. The next few seconds, would define my character.

I didn’t hesitate. I ran so fast to first base, that I couldn’t stop until I was half way to the right field fence. I scored that inning and as I approached the team, I could hear the sarcastic chants of “Ringer” come from the dugout.

I played with that team for five years. Perhaps they appreciated the effort. Every now and then when the time was right, I swung for the fence, just to show I could still hit the home run when we needed it. But what the team really counted on me for was the consistent base hit, the effort, and most importantly, no excuses.


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THE BOTTOM LINE:

Principal 1: The effects of marketing take time. Your goal should be consistency and effort, not the home run.


Principal 2: Your character is defined more by how you respond to adversity than how much you succeed.

Principal 3: Don’t mistake confidence for arrogance. Arrogance is annoying. Confidence is respected.