Archive for April, 2005
I Wish I Could…
A long-time client wrote today about the hills she walks of undulating fear and exhilaration. She is undertaking the sort of life-altering change of direction books are written about; an educator of 20 years is moving to the coast to be with the sea, marine mammals and a lifestyle attuned with her heart.
Will she find work? Will it go smoothly? What about money? Will her love of marine mammals be satisfied only by a hobby there, or can that be part of earning a living, too? Why so much up and down - roller-coastering between trepidation and wide-eyed-get-me-there-now anticipation?
Dear Courageous Client Teacher Student Explorer,
I wish I could answer these questions with a certainty that would put you at peace. Alas, I am powerless against the journey of life. Indeed, I…
Wonka Wisdom
For everyone rushed off their feet today, frolick around this:
A little nonsense now and then,
Relished by the wisest men.
~ Mr. W. Wonka
Founder and President
Wonka Candy Company
Preparing is Golden
I met with a business owner recently to get acquainted and learn about each other’s business.
In preparation for the meeting, I researched her company. I read the company website. I talked with our mutual friend who knows her well. Five days before our meeting I sent an email message asking that she read three specific pages on my website. I arrived at the meeting early so I could get a feel for the place.
My Dog Ate My Homework
During our talk in her office, I asked if she read my website. She said with mild discomfort, “I took a quick look.” A quick probe of what she read and it was clear the quick look was more like glancing at a magazine cover. Suddenly, I was a bit wary, because in…
Just Plain Fun
We’re so serious all the time. Learning, studying, focusing, working, thinking, justifying, fixing, competing. Even our play is about competing and proving. Sometimes it’s best to kick back and just smile - no agenda, no hooks, no proving anything.
I put the company name on my play vehicle - my very own Tonka truck. It makes me smile. Period.
Have a look: IMG_0686.JPG and IMG_0683.JPG. The pic will open in this window. To return to the written blog - use your Back Button.
Hey, not for nothing - what makes you just smile, period?
Avocados and Community
Today was a great day. My friend Linda and I spent the day at the Fallbrook, California, avocado festival, 54 miles north of downtown San Diego.
I keep a list of area small-town events I want to check out. Thing is - I have done very few of the things on the list. Usually a chore or work takes precedence over the extra curriculars.
This weekend was different. I set most of the time aside for new experiences. Saturday, I helped my friend, Claire, move from the beach to the mountains where she now owns her first home. Today - avocados.
It was no small thing not to work this weekend. Anyone who thinks the self-employed entrepreneur reports to no one and can do what he wants is mistaken. The business is like…
CRaaaaZy Ideas on Company Values
Recently I replied to a blog entry at the Fast Company magazine website about ENRON and how the values of its leaders were central to the company’s demise.
To stir the pot a little, and provoke some new thinking, I offered some CrAZy ideas on the subject of leaders and values.
I repeat them here for you now:
Looking at ENRON for evidence for what went wrong from a values perspective is like looking in Wonka’s factory for a bar of chocolate. I find it kinda boring anymore. Besides, such focus only plays into our culture’s habit of watching the flashy and listening to the loud.
If you want to find sparkling examples of how companies are, not can be, but are built on values that evolve not just the wallets but the spirits…
Site Update Information!
You may notice a new format and new capabilities in this “Daily Journal.” In fact, it’s been upgraded to a true Blog.
You may notice that you can post replies. I hope you will, when you have an important point to add to the rich stew of ideas on the site.
Also, past entries are listed by title on the right side of the page - for easier navigation.
Before, the Journal was one loooooooooooooooong scrolling page of all the entries. The new system makes it easier to move about. You can also refer people to entries by title, and they can find the title more easily now.
One more thing - on the Activate Potential home page, the words “Daily Journal” will be replaced with Blog - so look for “Blog” when returning.…
Get the Deal or Client for Life?
In the past few years, I’ve refinanced my mortgage three times - with three different people. The first two brokers did not get my subsequent business. Nor will the third guy when I refi this month. Why? Because, they all seemed a bit like traveling salesmen…just passing through.
What struck me about the brokers was how transactional they were. Every one talked interest rates, stated income or W-2, fixed or variable and on and on. They were fixated on technical knowledge. Thing is though, what each said about rates and the other stuff convinced me they were like all the rest. in the mortgage business, it’s very difficult to differentiate yourself on technical knowledge. Why? Because most clients don’t know enough to value every morsel of knowledge you have. You all…
What Do You Want?
During a meeting with a very successful client today, I overheard myself ask perhaps the most potent question I have ever posed.
The question followed fifteen minutes of detail about his colleague’s ethical shortcomings. The result for my client was an almost paralyzing sense of frustration.
The question I asked made no assumptions. It pushed in no direction. It pulled no strings. It flew, arrowlike, straight to the heart of desire.
“Do you want to stop being frustrated?” I asked.
I used to assume people want to stop being angry, betrayed, afraid, right, alone, frustrated, overworked, stressed-out, lied to, undervalued, confused. Despite investing substantial money to work with me, this is not always the case.
“I’m not sure,” he said.
I thought, ah…now we can get somewhere. Why? Because, to his credit, he told the truth…and…
