. . .
The Tipping Point, written by Malcolm Gladwell, makes reference to many key, yet simple points that have the ability to make a difference in our world!
He comments on key types of people that must champion an idea or concept in order to make an optimal difference. (I.e. to reach the tipping point). Gladwell describes these people as Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen. If individuals from all three of groups endorse and promote an idea, it is highly likely that it will tip into tremendous success.
Who are these people?
CONNECTORS
They know lots of people and some may suggest that they know everyone. In reality, they do not know everyone, but as I see it, they have the ability and potential to know anyone that they want to. Gladwell suggests that many people don't spend a lot of time thinking about the importance of these kinds of people.
MAVENS
They are regarded as "information specialists". They have the information and collect knowledge.
The good news here is that they know how to share it with others. As Gladwell states, "Mavens are really information brokers, sharing and trading what they know."
SALESMEN
They like to persuade with a lot of charm and with powerful negotiation skills. They tend to have an indefinable trait that goes beyond what they say, which makes others want to agree with them.
The purpose for writing this week`s BLOG is to have all of us think about the above-noted people in our lives. Who are they? How do they help you or your network? I am fortunate in that I know several Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen. All are unique and very valuable to my network and contact base.
It is in your best interest to know as many of each type as possible. If you have a Maven from every Sector or industry, just think of the information and knowledge that you have access to. If I want to know the trends in Farming for example, I would talk to my brother-in-law Wayne, who eats and sleeps Farming, and he does it very well and on a large business scale. If I want to understand the ins and outs of Commercial Security systems, I will contact my friend Tim. This list goes on and on for me.
I am regarded as a “Connector” and quite honestly I really like the role. Roles like Connectors just seem to evolve. You don`t go to school and come out a ``Connector`` As I see it, these roles are more of a calling than anything. Whether it is through my Centres of Influence, or my LinkedIn connections, I will do what I can to connect someone with a desired contact. Ironically, I find this very easy to do and get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from connecting people. I also leverage my many Mavens and Salesmen, and of course, other Connectors in my circle, as they become invaluable resources for me and to those that I can “Connect.”
What really intrigues and excites me about the above roles and concepts within ``The Tipping Point``, is that with key Connectors, well informed Mavens and charming Salesmen, so much can be accomplished, if desired. Whether you want to make a meaningful difference in the world, build a business, or virtually anything that you can think of, it can be accomplished when you surround yourself with great people.
I challenge each of you to identify at least one new contact that fills one of these roles. But here is the bigger challenge. Identify what type you are, and leverage that talent, gift or calling, and make a difference with those that you meet.
A quote from Albert Einstein.....
”Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
I welcome your comments on this topic in the comments section below....
“Helping you to the next level”
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Journey.....its not always a thousand miles!!!
. . .
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
(Chinese Philosopher, Lao Tzu 600BC - 531BC)
This old and very profound quote has stood the test of time, as it is so applicable to many of us today.
It could be interpreted as meaning, that no matter how long your journey or how significant and impossible the change you want to make it must start with a first step, or action to get you moving toward your goal or purpose.
I really like this message and for me it has so many meanings, but ultimately it is all about "Taking Action"
The journey for some may mean a life time, and for others it could be starting a new business or building a new relationship. I am reminded of a comment made to me many years ago, where someone I knew would always say that they, "shoulda, woulda, coulda."
The reality is that the idea was there, in "hindsight", but ZERO action was ever taken. They simply talked about: What they should have done. What they would have accomplished. What they could have been. Sad really, isn't It.? When you have intent or thoughts about doing something you must ask yourself is it compelling enough for you to do it. What is the purpose behind taking action, or NOT taking action?
"Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday." -Napoleon Hill
It has been said and validated many times, that the biggest regrets in life come from not taking action. It is rare that you hear, I wish I hadn't asked that client for his business, or I am so glad that I didn't call a particular person to build a relationship.
Approximately 20 years ago, I heard a quote that still resonates with me today and one that I try to apply as often as I can. "I am glad I did, vs. I wish I had" (source, unknown).
I am amazed at how many times I have applied this to my life and how each time I continue to be glad that I took some form of action.
Whether you are a business owner, a student, or you are looking at changing careers or establishing a meaningful relationship, I am confident that you will not regret taking action and following your journey.
Click here for a visual image.
Have a great week!
"Helping you to the next level"
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
(Chinese Philosopher, Lao Tzu 600BC - 531BC)
This old and very profound quote has stood the test of time, as it is so applicable to many of us today.
It could be interpreted as meaning, that no matter how long your journey or how significant and impossible the change you want to make it must start with a first step, or action to get you moving toward your goal or purpose.
I really like this message and for me it has so many meanings, but ultimately it is all about "Taking Action"
The journey for some may mean a life time, and for others it could be starting a new business or building a new relationship. I am reminded of a comment made to me many years ago, where someone I knew would always say that they, "shoulda, woulda, coulda."
The reality is that the idea was there, in "hindsight", but ZERO action was ever taken. They simply talked about: What they should have done. What they would have accomplished. What they could have been. Sad really, isn't It.? When you have intent or thoughts about doing something you must ask yourself is it compelling enough for you to do it. What is the purpose behind taking action, or NOT taking action?
"Procrastination is the bad habit of putting off until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday." -Napoleon Hill
It has been said and validated many times, that the biggest regrets in life come from not taking action. It is rare that you hear, I wish I hadn't asked that client for his business, or I am so glad that I didn't call a particular person to build a relationship.
Approximately 20 years ago, I heard a quote that still resonates with me today and one that I try to apply as often as I can. "I am glad I did, vs. I wish I had" (source, unknown).
I am amazed at how many times I have applied this to my life and how each time I continue to be glad that I took some form of action.
Whether you are a business owner, a student, or you are looking at changing careers or establishing a meaningful relationship, I am confident that you will not regret taking action and following your journey.
Click here for a visual image.
Have a great week!
"Helping you to the next level"
Sunday, March 14, 2010
FOCUS, WILL & CAPABILITY
. . .
Good day everyone.
In my Consulting practice, I often utilize this simple model to help people to the next level of performance.
If you want to improve on a particular aspect of your life, you must have a balance of Focus, Will and Capability.
Let's look at golf for a moment. To hit the perfect shot, consistently, you must hit the ball precisely in the Club head's "Sweet Spot." Simple to do for some, but very hard to do for many.
Think about what has occurred when a golfer consistently hits the sweet spot, shot after shot.
They must bring FOCUS to the shot. (Tiger was very good at this.....perhaps not so much these days!)
Block out all other distractions and FOCUS on the task at hand... FOCUS!!
WILL must be present. Great and consistent golfers are willing to put in the time to get better and improve. Practice Practice.......................or, as my mentor and golf buddy Arnold has suggested, "it is Perfect Practice!"
Great and consistent golfers don't just hit a few shots to warm up. They hit many shots, with the intention of consistently hitting the perfect shot to prepare for the game!...Be WILLING!!
CAPABILITY is the backbone of any successful person. While you can be focused and willing to put in the time, you may never be that great at a particular task or activity. You may not be able to join the PGA!
Improve your CAPABILITY!
The point of this week's Blog is simply this...
If you want to reach a goal or achieve a desired outcome you must FOCUS on it. Can you reduce your golf score by 10 strokes this season? Can you increase your sales revenue by 15% this year? Can you lose 10lbs this year? Whatever the goal.........FOCUS on the goal....FOCUS on the outcome!
Are you WILLING to put in the time it takes to achieve these goals?? You must be WILLING!!
Do you have basic CAPABILITY or basic skill sets that allow you to do certain things? Work on improving these CAPABILITIES!!
While this may sound easy to apply, that is not necessarily the case.
May I suggest getting a copy of The Power of Focus? A great book to help you hit your goals, whatever they may be. Click here for more information
"Helping you to the Next Level"
Good day everyone.
In my Consulting practice, I often utilize this simple model to help people to the next level of performance.
If you want to improve on a particular aspect of your life, you must have a balance of Focus, Will and Capability.
Let's look at golf for a moment. To hit the perfect shot, consistently, you must hit the ball precisely in the Club head's "Sweet Spot." Simple to do for some, but very hard to do for many.
Think about what has occurred when a golfer consistently hits the sweet spot, shot after shot.
They must bring FOCUS to the shot. (Tiger was very good at this.....perhaps not so much these days!)
Block out all other distractions and FOCUS on the task at hand... FOCUS!!
WILL must be present. Great and consistent golfers are willing to put in the time to get better and improve. Practice Practice.......................or, as my mentor and golf buddy Arnold has suggested, "it is Perfect Practice!"
Great and consistent golfers don't just hit a few shots to warm up. They hit many shots, with the intention of consistently hitting the perfect shot to prepare for the game!...Be WILLING!!
CAPABILITY is the backbone of any successful person. While you can be focused and willing to put in the time, you may never be that great at a particular task or activity. You may not be able to join the PGA!
Improve your CAPABILITY!
The point of this week's Blog is simply this...
If you want to reach a goal or achieve a desired outcome you must FOCUS on it. Can you reduce your golf score by 10 strokes this season? Can you increase your sales revenue by 15% this year? Can you lose 10lbs this year? Whatever the goal.........FOCUS on the goal....FOCUS on the outcome!
Are you WILLING to put in the time it takes to achieve these goals?? You must be WILLING!!
Do you have basic CAPABILITY or basic skill sets that allow you to do certain things? Work on improving these CAPABILITIES!!
While this may sound easy to apply, that is not necessarily the case.
May I suggest getting a copy of The Power of Focus? A great book to help you hit your goals, whatever they may be. Click here for more information
"Helping you to the Next Level"
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Pursuit of Happyness!
.
In the 2006 Movie, "Pursuit of Happyness", (based on a true story), actor Will Smith portrays Chris Gardner.
While some may suggest that the word Happiness is spelled incorrectly, Chris Gardner told reporters, who interviewed him about the movie, that it was intentionally spelled with a "y" The Y is for YOU…….your dreams and your happiness….
Gardner is a man down on his luck. He is not making enough money to support his family, his wife leaves him, and he loses his house, his bank account and credit cards. He has to live on the street with his young son.
Desperate to find a better life he pursues a job as a Stockbroker, with no pay for 6 months, due to the fact that he must go through an intense training program... He perseveres and succeeds in his Pursuit.
I wanted to share my perspective on how so many people may relate to Chris Gardner's story.
Perhaps your story isn't filled with as much hardship as Gardner's, but I am certain that you have faced tough challenges.
Two key things that were personal take-aways for me in the movie.
1. What is my Pursuit of Happiness? (It is different for all of us)
2. Don't let anyone else tell you that you can't do/dream something!
The final piece of this week's Blog is a scene from the movie where Gardner (played by Will Smith) offers some very important advice to his son.
He says....
"Don’t let somebody ever tell you, you can’t do something…not even me. You got a dream….you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves they wanna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something….go get it…period"
Click here for video link
"Helping you to the Next Level"
In the 2006 Movie, "Pursuit of Happyness", (based on a true story), actor Will Smith portrays Chris Gardner.
While some may suggest that the word Happiness is spelled incorrectly, Chris Gardner told reporters, who interviewed him about the movie, that it was intentionally spelled with a "y" The Y is for YOU…….your dreams and your happiness….
Gardner is a man down on his luck. He is not making enough money to support his family, his wife leaves him, and he loses his house, his bank account and credit cards. He has to live on the street with his young son.
Desperate to find a better life he pursues a job as a Stockbroker, with no pay for 6 months, due to the fact that he must go through an intense training program... He perseveres and succeeds in his Pursuit.
I wanted to share my perspective on how so many people may relate to Chris Gardner's story.
Perhaps your story isn't filled with as much hardship as Gardner's, but I am certain that you have faced tough challenges.
Two key things that were personal take-aways for me in the movie.
1. What is my Pursuit of Happiness? (It is different for all of us)
2. Don't let anyone else tell you that you can't do/dream something!
The final piece of this week's Blog is a scene from the movie where Gardner (played by Will Smith) offers some very important advice to his son.
He says....
"Don’t let somebody ever tell you, you can’t do something…not even me. You got a dream….you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves they wanna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something….go get it…period"
Click here for video link
"Helping you to the Next Level"
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Seven Decisions for Success By: Andy Andrews
The learnings and take-aways from this article have been a mainstay of mine for several years.
I have listened to Andy Andrew's audio version at least 40 times.
When you are in a funk or uncertain about the road ahead, these seven points offer a baseline guide for your journey going forward.
What I found amazing about his work is that after listening and reading it over time, I continually discovered new things that I could apply in my life.
Decision 1. The Responsible Decision (The Buck stops here)
Decision 2. The Guided Decision (I will seek Wisdom)
Decision 3. The Active Decision (I am a Person of Action)
Decision 4. The Certain Decision (I have a Decided Heart)
Decision 5. The Joyful Challenge (Today, I will choose to be Happy)
Decision 6. The Compassionate Decision (I will Greet this day with a Forgiving Spirit)
Decision 7. The Persistent Decision (I will Persist without Exception)
I hope that you find this article of value and interest and more importantly, you apply them in your life.
Click Here for full article.
"Helping you to the Next Level"
I have listened to Andy Andrew's audio version at least 40 times.
When you are in a funk or uncertain about the road ahead, these seven points offer a baseline guide for your journey going forward.
What I found amazing about his work is that after listening and reading it over time, I continually discovered new things that I could apply in my life.
Decision 1. The Responsible Decision (The Buck stops here)
Decision 2. The Guided Decision (I will seek Wisdom)
Decision 3. The Active Decision (I am a Person of Action)
Decision 4. The Certain Decision (I have a Decided Heart)
Decision 5. The Joyful Challenge (Today, I will choose to be Happy)
Decision 6. The Compassionate Decision (I will Greet this day with a Forgiving Spirit)
Decision 7. The Persistent Decision (I will Persist without Exception)
I hope that you find this article of value and interest and more importantly, you apply them in your life.
Click Here for full article.
"Helping you to the Next Level"
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