It’s what you do… isn’t it?

January 31, 2011

Listen.  That’s one of the best actions one can take to discover more about oneself.

A colleague once asked me why I wasn’t listed under a certain topic area in a directory.  I responded that I was actually under other areas.  Her response was eye-opening, or perhaps… ear opening.  She said… “Isn’t that what you do?”

That was a big comment.  And, fortunately, I was listening and open to the message.  I thought I was in a certain business, and in fact, I was being told that I was actually in a slightly different business.  It was a slight variation that had an important impact on how I perceived my business.  And, most importantly, she was right!  In that moment, she had more insight into my business than I did.

What was reinforced for me that day, on top of the new information on my business, was the real need to be listening to what others are saying about you.  Not just for business but also personally.  Listening to what others say about you may just be what you need to hear. 

And, if no one is talking about you, then maybe you just need to ask the question… “Tell me what is it that I do?”

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Posted by Paul Frazer

Nike 2.0 — Just Do Anything

January 28, 2011

Everyone now and then I will find myself stuck.  Everyone does.  Your trying to get your list of things done, but you become overwhelmed, or you just start to phase out and you find yourself sitting and doing nothing.  What’s the cure if you’ve got big projects due and your just can’t get started. 

In those cases, you need to give yourself permission to do something small.  Yes, some will say chunk up your big project and get started on a small item.  Sometimes, however, you need to just do something else.  Something trivial even.  Once you get a few really small things under your belt, you will have built up your inertia again and will find that you’re back on track.

So, next time you find you can’t “Just Do It”…. try “Just Do Anything” to get your energy back.

What do you do to keep yourself going when you just don’t want to?

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Posted by Paul Frazer

Life List… It’s Your Life… Your List.

January 26, 2011

It’s been a while since I discussed what I call a Life List but what many call a Bucket List.  Have you spent any time on yours?

A Life List is a list of all the important things that you want to get done during your life.  It can cover many many different areas.  I have more information and a template available if you choose the menu item above.

Caribbean Yacht Charter

For me and for my family, a big Life List item is coming pretty soon.  Starting in January 2012, less than a year away, my family and I are going to be sailing for 8 months in the Caribbean.  It’s an experience of a life time.  But, it is not the only experience on our Life List and most are not as big as this one.  This key item though has been on my Life List for a quite a while and it will now be a reality.

What is on your Life List that needs to become a reality?  I’d love to hear about it.

PS.  If you interested in the ultimate dream of sailing in paradise, then check  out Paul’s new boat and business… http://www.legendyachtcharter.com.   You don’t need to know how to sail to experience this unique opportunity.  And, ask Paul about how you can use the boat for your own clients.  This is the ultimate Caribbean Yacht Charter.

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Posted by Paul Frazer

Dreaming

January 23, 2011

“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangereous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” T.E. Lawrence

I came across this quote the other day and I really loved what it suggested….. we need to dream, daily, actively.  I believe that as individuals we all need to spend time dreaming.  And, in companies, there need be people who are the dreamers for the company.  The ones who can see what is possible.  Who can envision what is not yet real or realized. 

Having said that… I also believe that there needs to be Inventory Taking, Strategy Making, and Action Taking.  But, first comes the Dreaming.

So, have you dreamt today?  If you haven’t you’re missing out on having some great fun and on the initial step in your evolution.

If you like, share what your dreams and schemes are for 2011.

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Posted by Paul Frazer

Perception, Branding and Authenticity

January 15, 2011

One, they involve an area that I love, “perception”.  Here’s an example of the ad that show’s how we can all perceive things differently.  It’s wonderfully different and makes a point.

Second, they struck out and started to use an area that was previously unused.  And, now they “own” that space.  We all think of them when we travel and specifically expect to see their ads when we’re heading on to our plane.  It is very strong marketing.

With these points they are developing their brand very well.  They want to be “the world’s local bank”, and by placing their common ads in similar “locals” around the world, they’ve done that.  They give people the impression that they are local everywhere.  In fact, they are in about 49 different airports and have over 8000 offices around the world.  The ads speak to their branding.

They also hint strongly at how perception is important to your financial success and how each individual’s solution needs to be different.  Also, they show that it is important to them as an entity which is important for the consumer to know. Again, well done. 

With these ads they invite the perception that they are a different from other banks, which is exactly what they want you to understand and it is in line with their branding completely.

There are many good lessons in these ads, as well as the fact that they are just good fun too.

What can be useful to learn from the ads is the issue of authenticity to your brand.  How authentic are you?  How authentic are you to your brand? 

If you don’t believe that you have a brand either as an individual or with your company or organization, I would suggest that you should think again.

Consider how authentic you are to your brand and how you can better advertise your branding.

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Posted by Paul Frazer

Happy New Year 2011: What Will Dare To Do This Year?

January 6, 2011

Happy New Year Everyone!

So, is it going to be a great year?  What are your schemes and dreams for this year?  I’d love to hear what you’re going to dare to do this year.  What’s going to make this year special for you?

It’s time to continue my tradition of asking people to write down what you are excited about, what your New Year’s Resolutions are going to be, or what you want to declare this “The Year Of…”.  Please feel free to add a comment below.

Declaring this to be “The Year Of…” something is a great way to give your year a focus.  Give it a try. 

If you are going to write down a resolution or two, consider writing the date the you are shooting to be complete by. 

And always feel free to send me an email.  info <at> mindscape.ca

All the Very Best to You,

Paul

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Posted by Paul Frazer

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