Month: December 2013

  • It’s a Wonderful Life When You Have a Tribe

    Part III: What Holiday Movies Can Teach Us

    Never Underestimate the Power of Tribes

    In my last blog we spoke about how there is a tribe for everyone. So this week let’s talk about the power of a tribe by using another holiday movie as a comparison.

    One of the most memorable Christmas movies of all time is Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring the incomparable Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. It’s the ultimate feel-good movie, perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered if their life holds meaning.

    Here’s the lowdown: George Bailey, played by Stewart, is on the verge of collapse. His small building and loan company is on the verge of bankruptcy, the mean rich man in town is ready to swoop in, and though he has a house full of adorable kids and a gorgeous wife (Reed), there’s never enough money to go around. George decides his family and business would be better off without him. On the brink of suicide, he’s saved by a rookie angel, Clarence.

    [ez_youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfUV-F9jFro&feature=share&list=PL2057675C5B1AD526&index=8″ width=”540″ height=”260″ autoplay=”0″ autohide=”2″ controls=”1″]

    Clarence goes on to show George what his life would be like if he’d never existed, and it’s not pretty. By seeing all the people he’s touched, George realizes that he has created a strong network of love and support – he’s created a tribe. And it’s this tribe that pulls together at the end of the movie to give back to George, helping him out of his current difficulties.

    The lesson to you should be obvious: Your tribe can, quite literally, save your life. You should be building not only a viable business, but a community – one that supports and cares for each other. If you’re just out to make a buck, don’t be surprised if no one leaps to defend you or lend you a helping hand when things go bad. And they will go bad.

    Stuff happens in business. You can get “slapped” by Google. You can get your PayPal account frozen. It happens.

    But if you have friends like George’s, you’ll have a whole team of folks on your side. But one thing to remember: George had friends he’d created just by being a good guy, doing the right thing at the right time, not worrying about what was in it for him. He stood up for what was right, even when it cost him personally.

    It's a Wonderful Life When You Have Tribe

    He didn’t build this community by selling junk or automating his Twitter feed or spamming everyone. He did it the old fashioned way: By caring.

    Some business techniques never go out of style.

    Well it’s been fun using holidays to give business advice during the last three blogs and I hope it’s brought you entertainment and offered you a different way of looking at your business. If you missed any here are the links:

    https://strategizeyoursuccess.com/how-buddy-the-elf-can-teach-us-enthusiasm
    https://strategizeyoursuccess.com/even-the-grinch-can-teach-us-something-about-business

    We would love to have you be part of our community at Strategize Your Success. In 2014 we are offering more training opportunities to help you to grow your business. Some are FREE! [ez_box title=”Check Out Our Events” color=”green”]
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  • Even the Grinch Can Teach Us Something About Business

    Part II: What Holiday Movies Can Teach Us

    There’s Someone for Everyone

    So today we are looking at lesson two for business advice from a holiday movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. This Dr. Seuss’ original book was made into a movie twice, once in 1966 and then again in 2000 with Jim Carrey.

    If you haven’t seen the 2000 version it’s pretty funny.  Here is an overview. So the Grinch (played Jim Carrie) hates Christmas and he hates the Whos (there is some history behind this). On the other side of this story we have the sweet and lovable residents of Whoville, who adore Christmas – but they have lost sight of the true meaning. So this Christmas, the Grinch, accompanied by his dog, Max, steal all their presents and decorations so he can get his revenge.

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    But there is a turn of events when the Grinch meets the sweet and innocent Cindy Lou Who, who truly likes him and tries to befriend him and the single Martha May Whovier, that the Grinch has a crush on. That’s when this story starts to get a little more complicated for the Grinch.

    In the movie, the Grinch pushes forwarded with his idea to stop Christmas and steals their presents and decorations. But nonetheless Whoville comes together as a community to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday resulting in the Grinch’s heart growing three times the size and he instead decides to save Christmas for the Whos. All ends well, with the community forgiving the Grinch.

    So many lessons to be learned here, one especially that I’d like to center on is, there’s really someone for everyone, especially in business. Face it, if the grumpy Grinch can capture the heart of the desirable Martha May and the forgiveness of the Whos, then there’s got to be a customer following  for you and your business. 

    Bear with me. Think about some of the products and services out there.  There are so many niche markets these days. People are selling Plankets for your plants and Duck Dynasty Chia Pets for gift giving. If they can make it, you can, too. 

    Even the Grinch Can Teach Us Something About Business

    You just need to be absolutely clear on who you are to your audience. Be decisive. If your business personality for instance is more “heart centered” then your followers will probably resonate with that if they are too. If on the other hand, your style is to the point and without fluff then so be it. The people who appreciate that type of interaction will appreciate you.  You just need to figure out your technique and style.  The clearer you are yourself the easier it becomes to build your “tribe”, as Seth Godin calls it.

    Don’t apologize for who you are. I’ve seen speakers say from the start of their presentation that they may not be for everyone. They are not apologizing but being honest by saying “this is me”. Your customers don’t want someone who is uncomfortable with themselves; they want to be led by someone who’s confident and embraces their uniqueness.

    So when the Grinch leaves Mt. Crumpet and his lonely existence he settles into the “real world” where he finds acceptance and love. You too need to be where the people are. Go find where your “ideal tribe”. If they are on social media be on social media if they are at a local chamber meeting, go and attend. 

    Also don’t let “authenticity” be an excuse for bad behavior. After all there’s a difference between being transparent and honest, and being unpleasant. Even at the end of the movie, the Grinch softens a bit – without losing his Grinch-ness.

    Remember, if the Grinch can find love and a tribe, you can, too.

    Stay tuned for next weeks, Part III installment of “What Holiday Movies Can Teach Us”.

    If you missed last week’s here is the link .

    Happy Holidays everyone!

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  • How Buddy the Elf Can Teach Us Enthusiasm

    Part I: What Holiday Movies Can Teach Us

    Enthusiasm Is Contagious

    This time of the year I love to sit and watch some of the classic holiday movies.  It’s part of my holiday tradition.  It made me think about how some of these movies relate to business. For instance, take a six-foot tall adopted elf named Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) who wants to find his birth father, make that father the grumpy James Caan, and throw them together in the midst of New York City and see what happens. Buddy wants a warm and cuddly family reunion; his father Walter wants nothing more than to make this newfound son disappear.

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    Ah, but this is Christmas, so not only does Buddy convince his new family that syrup tastes good on everything; he also wins the heart of his stepmother, half-brother, and the skeptical Jovie, his new love. And yes, Walter eventually sees the light.

    So business owners, here’s your business lesson from Buddy the Elf: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” 

    So… what if you’re not Santa? Buddy would tell you it doesn’t matter. Enthusiasm is catchy. No one is going to be more excited about your business, your product, your podcast, your class, your blog than you are.

    Sometimes we feel a little hesitant to show our enthusiasm. It can be risky to show how much we care about something. But if we don’t show our passion, we’re not going to convince anyone else to follow or act on our recommendations.

    Think about the last time you went out to eat. If the server gave a bland endorsement for the daily special, you would likely pass on that option. But if she or he said, “I just tried it before my shift and it was delicious!” you’d be a little more likely to order it. Enthusiasm sells.

    How Buddy the Elf Can Teach Us Enthusiasm

    Here are a few tips on how to be like Buddy the Elf without sounding like a used car salesman (or an escapee from the North Pole):

    • Be honest. Don’t sell or promote something you don’t believe in. It never works – people can tell, and you’ll damage your reputation.
    • Be yourself. You may be the understated type who isn’t going to jump out of a helicopter like Richard Branson to promote your latest business venture. You don’t have to be! (One Richard Branson is enough for this world.) But do show your energy in a way that is natural for you.
    • Be realistic. If you promote every new thing that comes down the block, or have a new solution that you are putting out daily, pretty soon no one is going to listen to you because they will feel overwhelmed. So think like your ideal client and provide them with realistic promotions.

    And remember you don’t have to dress up in pointy shoes to get people to buy your new e-course. But hey… if the shoe fits… why not?

    Stay tuned for next week. Part II is coming.

    Happy holidays everyone!

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