Change Agents

We’ve all heard the expression, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” 

I respectfully disagree.  Successful production & flawless execution of our MJ programs and communication IS change. Our work leads to change.  Marketing is change.  A new client is change.  Today a new customer, tomorrow an entire new division of work.  Net, we all can be the change, one program one client at a time. 

A new idea is also change.  The best ideas require significant change AND courage.  They fly in the face of the status quo, inertia, and the way “we’ve always done it.”  Unfortunately, comfort is a powerful force against change.  Are you comfortable in your current role?  Too comfortable?  I know that seems impossible given the pace of change, but perhaps it’s time for a professional or personal change?  Why?  Because WE need the new ideas and it can come from you.  All business requires new ideas, new personnel, and our services of tomorrow will demand significant change today.  How will you lead this change with clients and colleagues? 

IF you see a way to make things better, you now have the opportunity to create change.  You haven’t made an impact or performed marketing until you’ve changed someone or moved your service & customer to a new place.  Changed an idea or system.  Changed the way children embrace reading and learning.  Changed the way you deliver production or concepts or the demand for an MJ product or service. 

Finally, there is no roadmap for this change.  No simple step-by-step series of tactics.  Author Seth Godin writes, no roadmap indeed, but we do ALL have a personal & professional compass and the belief you are headed in the proper direction:  True North.  If you find yourself struggling with direction, consider applying this acronym:  The four E’s that lead to WE:  Effort, Enthusiasm, Energy & Execution.  Bring these four E’s to work each & every day, and WE are sure to enjoy the success YOU create as the next great MJ Agent of Change!

Procrastinators vs. Pre-crastinators

Adam Grant  writes below about why there is value in procrastination.
Amen brother.  Why pay bills early?  Why commit resources before absolutely necessary.
Inspiration, often strikes after experiencing someone else's brilliant idea.  So don't rush it.  Why do today what you can do tomorrow, and all that jazz.  But there is certain value in waiting for what tomorrow shall bring.  Just don't wait too long.  :)

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/opinion/sunday/why-i-taught-myself-to-procrastinate.html?_r=0

Establishing Relationships

Job one IS establishing a relationship with the client.  "Common ground" I've heard over and over in sales workshops.  It's more than that of course, it is in fact building trust and the understanding operational excellence is a part of every good and service we offer.  Work the relationships - both externally with clients and internally with your colleagues - and watch revenues (and job satisfaction) flourish.

Songwriters and Storytellers

Everyone has a little darkness in them.
Anger, sorrow, shame & regret.

Performers go out and share it with audiences, and they hear it, but don't have to take it home with them.  A man sings a sad song he very well knows is sad.  People don't write music or stories - they are given to them.

Thank you Hank Williams.

The Revenant - What's Relevant.

Everyone is complaining and whining and working soo hard....the stock market is down...the roads are treacherous, we must spend less and produce more and yes, the market is correcting ..blah blah blah.

Tell ya what, go watch a story like The Revenant.  You will, (probably not) APPRECIATE the obscene life of luxury we enjoy and this wonderful time in which you are on this planet.

YOU have automobiles that warm and wait for you and electric garage doors and nutribullets and even better, you're not raising a family in 1973.  The Revenant, set in 1821, showcases what a hard life we humans have had evolving into what YOU are today.  (Why do we suddenly value life so much more today?)

So please stop your pithy whining.  Go to work and enjoy two and three revenue streams, cars that cost and cover more ground than most countries and this wealth driven, ridiculous lifestyle.  OR go to South Dakota and work a range and fight Native Americans for a weekend.  Leonardo DiCaprio spent a year there without whining  - so please - stop it.  No threat of grizzly bear combats in the suburbs either.  Perhaps deer, but not grizzly bears...

Football players

I have great respect for football players.   Been there - quit that.  Wasn't courageous enough to endure those collisions back in the glory days.  No guts, no grit, no glory.  

Kenny Chesney has a beautiful song out that portrays what Friday nights are all about competing across small town USA. 

Be safe out there tonight.  Head up please.   Enjoy Mr. Chesney's take on high school football:  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryheU9sHUe4

Things - they are a changing

The Internet of Things. IoT.
Device Things. Streaming Things.  Media. Chat. Tablets. Customer visits. Content. Rumors.  New Ideas. The Internet of Things.  Things are changing.  Regardless of what you do, what your industry, product or service is, the purpose of your job and organization is directed towards some form of EXPERIENCE.  What is it?  What is the experience YOU provide?  How is it structured?  How does it need to change & evolve?  The Internet of Things has initiated change, both personally and professionally like never before.  The key is recognizing this change as a great opportunity and attacking it with fresh ideas and solutions.  The IoT rewards ideas and creative solutions.
So will your customers.