Staying ahead of the pack

By the time we hear about new ideas or trends it's probably too late.

Remember when we were all told to write articles like "7 reasons to buy such as such"?  Now everything I read seems to have been based on this golden rule - except now it's boring & the gold has turned to tin...

Companies like Saatchi & Saatchi try and stay ahead of the pack.  When all other companies seem to be going green, they are talking about blue.  But they are also working on the next colour!

In New Zealand we have a lot of sheep - but it doesn't mean we need to follow each other like a flock of sheep.  The challenge is to play our game by our rules & change them every now & then to keep the relevant.

I'm sorry

Often in times of conflict an apology is all that is needed to diffuse a situation.

An employee can apologise on behalf of a workplace, rather than apologising for something they have personally done.  I remember doing this when I worked for the Railways & the person complaining consoled me by saying "It's OK, it's not your fault".

Likewise, it's possible to say sorry that a situation had occurred.  Again, it's not taking personal responsibility but acknowledging the disappointment of an event.  This is useful if each party blames the other.  An apology can open the door to constructive dialogue.

Finally, if you are responsible - fess up & apologise - fix it - learn from it - and then move on positively!

My 4 top diet tips

Water - A glass of water before a meal can fill the stomach & leaves less room for over-eating

Brush teeth - Changing habits like brushing teeth after a meal rather than before bed can stop snacking after meals.

Leftovers - Leaving food on your plate can create a feeling of control over the food.  Parents may have drilled in negative messages of starving children or making the cook feel bad by leaving food.

Exercise - A work out is a great way of burning calories.  It also creates healthier eating patterns.  Careful not to cut back the calories too quickly while the body adjusts to the additional exercise.

The logistics of dying

When I saw some of the challenges my mother-in-law had to deal with, caring for her husband at home  who is terminally ill with a brain tumour, I searched for a solution to help with communication.

I thought there must be a tool that can assist with communication.

When I couldn't find anything, I developed a sheet that can be laminated & used to make communication easier.

The sheet deals with the basics such as:

• What day it is.
• What the meals will be.
• When visitors will be welcome.
• What events will be taking place that day.
• Any notes.

The second page is a device to help with communication when the patient has difficulty with verbal communication.  It has letters, numbers, words and a scale to indicate responses.  

If you know someone who could benefit from this idea, please feel free to use it.  If you have any suggestions for improvements, please let me know.

Don't waste your money sending calendars to your clients, unless...

Do you send your client a calendar every year?

To maximise your investment in this marketing activity, buy a packet of gold star stickers (or similar) and do the following:

1. Put the star on a date in the calendar.

2. In the cover letter add "You may have noticed I have put a gold star on 12 March.  I will call you on this date to organise a convenient time to meet and discuss your ..."

3. Call the client on this date to grow your business.

4. Measure your success.

This approach does 3 things:

1. It creates an expectation with the client.

2. It makes you do what you say you will.

3. It reinforces your integrity when you do what you say you will.

This year invest in your calendars to create activity & deliver tangible results.

Quantum of Solace - no spoilers!

The latest James Bond movie continues where Casino Royale left off. I suggest watching Casino Royale before watching Quantum of Solace so that you are familiar with the story & characters.

Make sure you show up on time - one of the best action sequences is the beginning.

You may be a little disappointed if you are expecting this movie to be as good as the last - but this James Bond is raw and intense with lots of blood.

It's a full on experience - so stay alert to keep up with the action. Just expect more of a Jason Bourne experience, rather than a traditional James Bond film.

Enjoy!

Lay blame or accept responsibility

Australia thought they could just show up & win the Rugby League World Cup, but fortunately New Zealand had different plans.

Rather than accept defeat gracefully, the Australian coach, Ricky Stuart, decided to blame the referee.

New Zealand has been in a similar position of blaming the referee when the All Blacks were eliminated in the playoffs in the Rugby World Cup after France scored off a (suspected) forward pass.

Laying blame is one of the most disempowering activities we can perform. If we want to move forward & grow, we are better to accept responsibility, learn and then move on.

There will always be someone or something to blame - or we can accept responsibility & move on, a better, stronger, more empowered person.