Pay It Forward

I love it when I see those who are farther up the career ladder reach back and extend a hand to help someone else with their climb.

Success is not something that happens in a vacuum. We are all assisted along the way by someone. However it is common in our "Cowboy Society" for people who find high levels of achievement to start believing their own press, and forget about the reality of their own rise to the top. We want to have this image of being "self-made", but few people ever really do it alone.

In the third season of the television show "Mad Men" there is a great quote. Bert (the founder of the ad agency) tells Don (the main character) "that Sacajawea crossed the country with a baby on her back, and somewhere there’s a baby who thinks he discovered the Pacific Ocean". The point being that others helped Don succeed, and it was time he paid them back!

We all come in on others’ shoulders, and we should never forget that.

I have met professionals who understand this, and I have met those who think they discovered oceans by themselves.

I recently had an experience where I was offered assistance by someone in the top 1% of my profession. I was both honored and impressed by his enthusiasm to introduce me to some key people. This offer, and his follow up (with some pointed questions), was a window into his soul, and the view was of a real person who loves others. He wants to be a catalyst for success in the lives of others. While this is the subject that he writes and speaks about, not everyone practices what they preach.

The movie "Pay It Forward" best sums it up: When you help someone, and then they help someone, etc.... the world is a better place for everyone.

How about you? Are there people behind you in their career journey who you could give a boost? Would you do it? Have you done it?

Have A Great Day.

thom

How Big Is Your Tent?

I have written before about "Big Tent Thinkers" (I think I got that phrase from Tim Sanders). These are people who view the world as full of opportunities for everyone, and never believe the success of another person is taking away from their victories in life. They want everyone to find a place under the Big Top, and take pride in helping others achieve their goals and dreams.

In the past year of turbulent economic conditions we have seen many people face tough times. It is in these rough situations that people show if they are "Big Tent Thinkers" or "small tent thinkers". When confronting difficulties is when the deep seeded character traits rise to the surface. When things are going great it is easy for people to wear a mask that smiles all the time.

I admire "Big Tent Thinkers". I love how they look for ways to serve others and create win / win situations. When dining with a group in a restaurant, they never worry when the check comes about who had more wine with dinner, or who ordered dessert.... they just agree to split the bill evenly. They are happy to let others take the spotlight. They do not need to win every game they play.

I am fortunate, as I am surrounded by "Big Tent Thinkers". I have learned great lessons from their actions, not just their words. The people whom are part of your life have a direct impact on the tent you live under.

Best-selling author, Jack Canfield, says that "you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with". Hmmm, think about that for a minute. If you are hanging around with "small tent thinkers",... then you cannot be one.

What do you think about this? Are you a "Big Tent Thinker"? Do you even think it is possible to be one in this economy? How can you establish relationships with "Big Tent Thinkers"? What should you do if you realize your friends live in small tents?

Have A Great Day.

thom

Believe You Can Accomplish Great Things In Life

"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right" - Henry Ford

Human beings must believe in their ideas or most will just sit on their ass. Many people rationalize false reasons not to reach for their dreams and find themselves convinced that those who achieve are either born with unique skills, lucky, or both. They wait for direction, and direction never comes. They are Waiting for Godot.

Southern California marketing industry thought leader, Tim Tyrell-Smith, has a blog called "Quixoting" where he blogs about ideas. Creative ideas. He encourages himself and others to think. Quixoting (pronounced key-ho-ting) is based on the story of Don Quixote. A character best known for being "delusional". But Tyrell-Smith admires his daring to take action. Because ideas or creative work left in a bottom drawer will never be seen by the eyes of the world. And that is a shame.

Quixoting's tag line is "Take Action. Be Courageous. Have Fun!" - these words should sing to your soul.

Once you believe in your ideas amazing things can happen. It is those with confidence and drive who are the ones who change the world. Become a dreamer. Imagine yourself winning. Know that you can succeed.

I know too many people are closed to both their ideas and those of others. They rationalize all sorts of reasons to not act and close down the spirit of being a "big tent thinker" (I have written many times about being a "big tent thinker" who is open and inclusive of others). Then they mock the dreamers, seekers, creatives, optimists, entrepreneurs and anyone who desires more out of life. We we need people of action at this point in our economy. Either "do it" or get out of the way of those who will.

Re-read the words of Henry Ford at the top of this post and think about the meaning. Believe that you can accomplish great things in life. Then go get 'em done.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Social Media, Web 2.0, Changing Communication Styles and The Great Flood

Much of the focus in the business world is moving away from the organization and toward the individual. With this I am perplexed as to if the individual can handle this power.

Not any specific individuals, as there are amazing people in all organizations (corporations, non-profits, religious, political, social, etc....), but there are also many lost souls who look for direction from others. I wonder if our moves toward a decentralized model leave many people on the sidelines looking for guidance. Are the haves and have nots no longer just divided by economics, but also by their ability to embrace the changes that the digital world is bringing into our lives?

Those who are natural leaders and entrepreneurs are seeming to thrive in this new transparent environment. Many of the people I know are striving to excel in the new online social media world that is now finding its way out of the fringes and into more traditional industries. You see them writing and reading blogs, active in social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and beyond), while creating new opportunities for themselves and their employers all at the same time. These people are out front into this brave new world.

Yet where there are leaders, there must be followers. But in this case I see much of the movement being in an individualistic parade. All the leaders seem to simultaneously be following each other.

The blogosphere and Twitter are a great example of the leaders all linking together. People have power that has never existed before to build their personal brand in exciting new ways. They do not need to have the platform of a larger organization to succeed. They self-select the community and bathe in the circular adoration.

This allows many to express themselves and cultivate a persona that extends beyond what it says on their office door or their business card: A business professional can turn their hobby into a side career. An entrepreneur can be a philanthropist and build both a company and discover ways to impact those in need. Anyone can make their own version of art and share it with the world. People who create a following have a voice that transcends the noise of Web 2.0.

But what about the rest of the people who have not the drive or the clarity of self? Those who do good work when given direction, but will never use their internal initiative on their own, are left to languish on the sidelines while the corporate and political structure of society shifts.

I am not here stating that online social media in of itself changes the infrastructure of the planet. However, it is not a fad that will soon fade away. The new methods of communication are having an impact on people. As the younger generations grow up to assume their roles in shaping our society, there will be drastic changes.

The differences between the campaign infrastructure and communication styles of the Barak Obama campaign and that of John McCain are just a scratch on the surface of things to come (and not just in politics). A new area is being ushered in and regardless of if you are 15 or 50, you need to be conscious this or you will be left behind.

We are being swallowed up by a great flood of information. Everyone is bombarded by choices like not other time in history. Many are looking for ways to embrace and capitalize on the massive amounts of information. Others are ignoring the rain and assuming the sun will come out tomorrow. Yes, there will be sun, but it will shine on a different world.

I don't have the answers, but I do suggest we all look at the questions. This is a time for the "Big Tent Thinkers" I have referenced in past blog posts. Do not close your small tent to new ideas. Allow all perspectives to be put in front of you for observation and contemplation. Look beyond what you know and welcome the future.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Hey! What's The Big Idea?

Visa Small Business has a commercial running on television that talks about how "small businesses" have "BIG IDEAS". I love it...as it is those whom have big ideas that get results. The people I know who dream big, and couple that with taking actions, are the ones who never stop having new achievements.

In an oversimplified way, this is what has made America great. The Declaration of Independence is an example of a "BIG IDEA". Sure, the United States has made mistakes and our government continues to have faults,.... but it is the grand thought that we can do more good for people than has ever been done before that inspires so many. The founding fathers had huge dreams for the future. We need to continue to be on the outlook for giant opportunities.

My grandfather boarded a boat from Ireland to New York in 1900 at age sixteen. Both his parents were dead and he was responsible for his four younger siblings. He never looked back. His "BIG IDEA" was that his siblings, children and grandchildren would have a better future in his new country. While his life was hard and far from perfect, but his goal was achieved. I hope I live my life in a way that honors his.

I want our political leaders to challenge their constituencies. I want to know that they have a vision and a goal for what can be accomplished if they win the election. I want to see and feel that dream, but more important, I want to believe that they will work to achieve it. Too often our politicians say one thing when they run for office and then get caught up in the whirlwind of partisan politics and their own desire for legacy when they govern. I want their "BIG IDEAS" to be beyond themselves and their political party. I want them to commit to a real plan.

I see this spark in the eyes of the entrepreneurs that I know. While our current financial market situations are certainly serious, entrepreneurs are optimists by nature (thank God). They do not see the sky as falling, but instead know that success is always around the next corner. If we roll over and kill our ambitions, there is no future. In every down market there are people who succeed, and do so ethically. These are the people with "BIG IDEAS". These are the people who have a plan. Sure, some fail, but that risk is what it takes to discover real victory.

How about you? Do you have big ideas? I bet that you do, even if for some reason you keep them hidden from the world. Our current political and financial uncertainties cause many people to pull in their hopes and dreams. I think that you should do just the opposite. Pour the water of hope on your desires and sprout your ideas. Have a plan. So what if you don't achieve it exactly how you intended. Many of my most successful friends have had their wins come in ways they did not script, but instead discovered something new while enroute to another success. Sitting still brings nothing.

Nobody can predict the future, but your safety net to recession proof your career is to be open to all possibilities and to have a vision for what you want to accomplish. Expand you network and meet new people who might hold unforeseen opportunities for you. Identify those who work in and around industries that excite you. Meet them now, before you need them. Ask them questions and learn. Create real relationships and you will find amazing opportunities.

Ask yourself "what is my BIG IDEA?". Think about and let the seeds grow and find where it takes you. And do not forget to enjoy the journey. You don't need to have an idea....but isn't life more fun when you have something you desire and work toward? Better to strive than to just let things happen to you.

Have A Great Day

thom

Your Perception Is NOT Always Reality

What you think about an issue makes it true. For you. Our perceptions are our reality, but not the only reality.

This is a very hard concept for many to understand. Human beings are very sure that the world is as they know it to be, but we miss the fact that others see things differently. Our personal experiences and beliefs effect how we interpret everything, and this can lead to dangerous misunderstandings.

This is very visible during a time of a major political event, like the United States presidential election. Passions run strong and people divide themselves into competitive camps. The more they jump in behind their candidates, the more they learn to hate and disrespect the other side. I feel everyone would benefit if all those involved in politics were required to site three new things they respect about the people on the other side before they could be allowed to talk about their own world views. Rather than slamming the competition, we should learn from them.

But myopia happens in the business world, too. People often surround themselves with those who are most like them and who share their focused points of view. This creates walled cities within industries, communities, organizations and companies.... and those who are not part of "the club" are dismissed as useless, annoying or just plain wrong.

The most successful business professionals realize that their perception is not the only one (or always the right one!), and create networks compiled with people who have a variety of backgrounds, education, disciplines and personality types. They respect those who have different opinions and look for ways to expand their own ideas to uncover not just any way to tackle a challenge, but for the best way that will lead to more business.

When you face challenges in your business, try to expand beyond the "we have always done it this way" mentality and look for ways that others are tackling similar problems. There is always someone out there who has a creative way to circumvent the commonplace. Make that person part of your inner-circle and mutually find ways to expand your own horizons.

Do not let tradition, the economy, the competition or your own tunnel vision stop you from success. There is a way for you to accomplish more... you just need to look at your world from another angle. I am confident that there are always new solutions to beat down old problems. You just have to be tenacious about uncovering the prized idea.

I have written before about the concept of "Big Tent Thinkers". Become a person who lets more people under your tent and share with them your largest challenges. You will be surprised how much others in your life want to see you succeed and will help you chart your course. One never knows whose perception will create new reality you seek.

Have A Great Day.

thom

More About Big Tent Thinkers

Mississippi School of Law student Tripp Segars sends out regular motivational emails to a massive distrobution list of highly unique, ambitious and forward thinking people whom he has met and added to his ever expanding network of contacts. This week's email found him quoting ...ME! I thought I would share what he had to say about Big Tent Thinkers.

ARE YOU A “BIG TENT THINKER”?
by Tripp Segars

What comes to your mind when you read the title? For me, I reminisce being under the “big tent” at the circus, a really big circus, where there were lots of people laughing, smiling, and thinking about the amazing things unfolding before their eyes. Can you picture such a circus…of course you can! Heck, as short as I am, I could be one of the twenty or so people who jump out of the small car (which used to be a Bug) that they drive into the first ring. Miraculous, huh?

Maybe I have a career in the making!

Now, take a step back and apply those thoughts to our daily lives. Could the car and passengers not represent a person, who has ideas spilling out into the world? What about the “big tent”? Imagine all of those people crammed inside at one time. Thousands of great ideas could come from the people in attendance.

Back in January, a good friend and mentor, Thom Singer, wrote a post on his blog, where he defined “big tent thinkers”. What is a “big tent thinker”? It is “someone who tries to keep an open mind, who is always expanding to accept new thoughts and ideas. They do not pre-judge and work hard to avoid putting everyone into a bucket without exploring all of the options.” (Thom Singer).

He further explains that “as a big tent thinker, you will not agree or embrace every idea that you run across, but you will always look for ways to find a nugget of knowledge of inspiration from everyone or everything.” This is powerful stuff! Does it explain the way you view your interactions with others? Can you take something from every conversation?

Let us expand this view of a “big tent thinker”. If you always have room for people under your big tent, and you should,then perhaps collaboration is something you enjoy…or need to learn. Benjamin F. Fairless responded to a question about a recipe for successful achievement with “just four essential ingredients: choose a career you love, give it the best there is in you, seize your opportunities, and be a member of the team.” Why does he include being a member of a team?

Maybe it is because of the power a team has when focused on the same goals. When you share your goals and dreams with others, success becomes much easier to achieve. Also, your goals may benefit many other people, which both gives them more of an incentive to help and offers you more of an incentive to help others.

By allowing others in on your goals, your big tent may soon turn into a really big tent! Enthusiasm will increase when more people are allowed to give input, see the progression, and be directly involved with your aspirations. Since it is well-known that people achieve success through the help of others, think of your goals as a group effort. “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” (Vince Lombardi).

Let the following questions churn around in your head, as I believe they will help crank out some ideas on how you can utilize the above information: Who is involved with your current goals and could give you fresh input today? What decisions need to be made today regarding your plans and who could participate in those decisions? How often do you include others in your
decisions-making process? Do you share in making your decisions with the people who will be affected by them?

In closing, remember that “the man who gets the most satisfactory results is not always the man with the most brilliant sing mind, but rather the man who can best coordinate the brains and talents of his associates.” (W. Alton Jones). Think of your associates and friends as your entourage that helps you become a better “big tent thinker”.

To be added to Tripp Segars email distribution list, send him your contact info: tsegars@gmail.com

Have A Great Day.

thom

Some Thoughts On Being Present, Having an Impact, and Gratitude

This morning I had breakfast with a good friend who always inspires me about career, community service, friendships, priorities and passion for life.

Eugene Sepulveda is the Executive Director of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas, as well as an active community leader and servant. I have known Eugene for nearly ten years and over that decade I am continuously amazed that he can do so much for his job/foundation, community, friends & family, and still make time to sit down for an hour and be engaged in conversation.

When you talk with him, you instinctively understand that he is present in the conversation, and that he wants to see those around him succeed. His eyes tell the story that his mind is searching for ways to connect the dots and help others. Eugene is always willing to make suggestions and introductions that can bring people along on their personal path to success. He is a perfect example of a "Big Tent Thinker", who knows that there is always room for more good folks under his big top....and he wants those people to know each other.

This is an amazing trait - to be present with those you are talking and be in the moment while simultaneously looking to be of assistance. We all live in a busy world and there are enough responsibilities and pressures swirling around each of us to choke an elephant. Many people hide behind being "busy" and get nothing done.... however those who are the most "busy" never seem to have that excuse. They just do.

If you read Eugene's blog, Community Matters, you wonder when he has time to sleep. He is always somewhere, doing something, with other amazing people who are making Austin and the world a better place.

I had scheduled our breakfast to say "Thank You", as Eugene was very persuasive in convincing me to apply for the 2008 Leadership Austin Class, and he wrote my letter of recommendation for the program. Those who read this blog regularly know that my year-long experience in Leadership Austin was amazing, and I wanted to properly show my gratitude.

I am a big believer that when you express appreciation, the good flows back to you. Today was a great example, as his ideas, suggestions and advice for my career/job, community service and my author / speaking career were priceless. I was inspired because I think he understood my goals to achieve in all three areas, and it is good to feel understood and supported by your friends.

So I hope those who read here gain from this post two insights:

1. Become the type of person who is present in conversations and find ways to be the conduit for other people to clarify their own path toward success. When you do this, you will have influence. My friend has much influence in many arenas, and I know it is, in part, because of this ability he has to relate in such an easy manner.

2. Say "thank you" to those who make an impact in your life, and they will be impactful again. You cannot just receive without letting the giver know their actions mattered, or you run the risk of them never knowing they made a difference. What a loss for someone to not know their actions were a catalyst.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Seeking Answers To The Tough Questions

Can a person train themselves to be better at spotting unseen opportunities? Gosh, I hope so.

I am always amazed at people who can spot trends and capitalize on creating whole new industries. I want to be better at seeing things that do not exist and helping to blaze a path toward making them a new reality. Companies and individuals need to explore new territory or they become stale.

I find that groups can do this when they brainstorm, but need to be comfortable enough with each other to allow the creative juices to flow and freely take form. But often people are caught up with preconceived notions to really let the ideas germinate into new solutions. People want to be "big tent thinkers", but in practice they all have small tents.

I recently spoke to a corporate business consultant who says he produces increases in his client's EBITDA by 80% in 12 months. Although he charges large sums of money, all of his clients can serve as references because they all see results. I was curious why everyone he meets does not work with him (as what CEO would not want an 80% increase in EBITDA?), and he says that he refuses to take clients who do not listen and will not embrace change. The process of reinventing a company's direction can be painful and many just do not want the risk of discomfort.

Many times people are so sure that they know what to do to succeed that they never get anywhere. I understand this, as I can get stuck in ruts just like the next person. One needs to be open minded to take the road less traveled and create new paths.

I spent an hour alone with a pen and a large white board the other day. While I did not find the answers to all I query, I did feel that I made progress in uncovering what can hold me back from success.

In today's high tech world many of our products and services are viewed as commodities. Even when we know that we offer things that are unique, the clients just do not see the differences. Or maybe they do not care. They rationalize any number of things in their mind to be able to bypass the realities we know to be self-evident.

Thus it all comes back to reputation. But can our reputations become commodities? It seems like doing good work is just the minimum fee we must pay to play in the game of business. A good reputation is needed to survive, so does that distinguish us from those with whom we compete?

It comes back to needing to see new ways to position ourselves, our products, and our companies that have not been identified by the competition. And how does one do this? What does it take to have that "ahhh ha" moment when you realize you just won the game many moves before the end is even near?

Alas, I am still looking for these answers. But I believe.

Have A Great Day.

thom

www.thomsinger.com

Big Tent Thinkers

I recently met a very ambitious young man at a presentation I gave at a networking breakfast. I admired this guy because he wore his desire to create a better life on his sleeve. He is actively trying to grow his career, and is not shy to tell people about his dreams.

We talked after the presentation and he was interested in introducing me to his supervisor, as he felt that my message of the power of business relationships and networking would inspire others in his organization. I gave him the information about how to hire me as a speaker and looked forward to hearing back from him.

Here is part of the email I received, which did not disappoint me (hey, not everyone is going to hire me to speak at their company)...but it did get me to thinking about how quickly people jump to conclusions and lump others into preconceived categories.

"I spoke with one of the decision makers [in my company]. He said that no matter how good your book is, it is only a one-time presentation that does not have any kind of mentorship.

He said that while someone would be enthusiastic about applying these techniques right after seeing a presentation or reading a book, in a few weeks, if there were few short -term results, most people would quit trying to apply the techniques."

So is he saying that his people should never read business books or listen to motivational presentations? YIKES!!! While I am a huge fan of mentoring and coaching, the most successful business people I know are avid learners who gather information from a variety of resources. Additionally, I do customize follow up and mentoring aspects of my presentation with many of the companies when appropriate (but this guy did not ask that question).

I look at my books and speaking engagements as a collaborative experience with those whom I share information. This manager is very quick to judge and lump all books and live presentations into one bucket. This is the antithesis of the type of win / win networking and long term relationship building that I teach. One has to give, give, give, give before they expect to receive. If we expect everything we do to have an immediate pay off, we will be waiting forever for the results from networking.

Many managers are focused on the transactional side of their business and only want the quick hits of sales. They do not see any value from building long term relationships that do not have guaranteed results (meaning that everyone you network with had better be able to send business or they are a waste of time....YIKES, that is false!). Creating a true referral network takes a long time, and when executives are only rewarded on the short-term hits, networking becomes irrelevant. These are the folks that discredit books and training, as they simply want their people focused on short term sales. Churn and burn, baby!!! It is a numbers game, and nothing else will ever matter.

Of course no one book or presentation will change the world or motivate a sales team to all take lock step action. Yet if individuals don't expose themselves to books, CD's and motivational speakers then they will just be stagnant. I read a ton of books, and while few have changed my life by themselves, the combination of the nearly 400 business books I have read in my life do make me better at every situation I encounter.

True change inside an individual comes from reading, learning, listening, thinking, and growing a little bit at a time. There is no magic pill, it is a lifestyle. It only comes to those who are "Big Tent Thinkers".

A "Big Tent Thinker" is someone who trys to keep an open mind that is always expanding to accept new thoughts and ideas. They do not pre-judge and work hard to avoid putting everyone into a bucket without exploring all the options. The manager I addressed above could have just as easily decided NOT to hire me after learning more about what I bring to the table. Okay, that is fine, not everyone will hire me. But his knee-jerk email shooting down the idea of his subordinate is most likely an indicator that this guy would not know a big tent if it fell on him. He is a small tent thinker, where there is no room inside his tent except for his own ideas. Bummer for him.

As a "Big Tent Thinker" you will not agree or embrace every idea, concept, theory that you run across, but you will always look for ways to find a nugget of knowledge or inspiration from everyone and everything. While this takes effort, it also creates opportunity. I have known many successful business people who seek to find way be inclusive before being exclusive. This leads to greatness.

Have A Great Day.

thom
www.thomsinger.com