Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

 

If you knew you could not fail… – 18. June, 2008

This post by James from PhoneTag really makes me think.

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

When thinking about this, I also think about what I would do if money was no object? For me this quote and way of thinking has helped me challenge myself more than I would have without reading it. I often find that you want to be cautious and hold back from doing something risky. When I find myself holding back, I think back to this quote determine if it is something that I should really take the risk. Many times I find that I end up doing something I never thought that I would be doing.

Minicards: A business card alternative – 9. June, 2008

I recently ordered the minicards that Moo.com offers. They are very small business card replacement. Moo has a great web site that makes customizing your cards extremely easy. As a small business owner, I think these are a great way to set yourself and business apart. Their size is completely unique. Each and every time I hand one out, it starts a conversation and allows me to tell someone the story about how and why I use them. Make an effort to be creative, but tasteful, in unique ways to promote your business.

MOO MiniCards. Postcards. Stickers. Make your business stand out. Create unique cards easily using your own photos and designs.

To MBA or not to MBA? – 28. April, 2008

As I’m slowly wrapping up my Bachelors, I’m wondering if I should go on to earn my MBA as well. I’m an accounting major and I believe it would be beneficial to have an MBA going forward with my career. I’ve heard varying opinions about the value of a masters degree and I believe that it would be valuable for me to continue learning. I truly enjoy learning and increasing my knowledge, is an MBA the right way to do that? I’m not really sure. As a small business owner, how do you stay fresh and make sure you are always learning? I’m excited to find out and learn more about other ways to stay on top of learning…fill me in.

Is your heart in the game? – 17. March, 2008

Today I read a blog post from Seth about having a resume, or the lack thereof. He talks about having about the point of having a resume if there is nothing remarkable on it and that most people who are remarkable do not even have a resume. I certainly agree with him. His discussion really made me think about whether you have your heart in the game and always working to create something remarkable. Sometimes when I’m driving along I think about how unremarkable my day was or the lack of remarkable customer service or talent that I experienced throughout my day. It really motivates me to make a difference and create something that is truly purple. My spring trip took me to a small town in Wyoming (ok, ok they’re all small!) and I met with an eye doctor that is working on making a remarkable difference in his practice. His past experience as a sales person and marketer has helped him to accelerate the practice and gain new clients in a flash. It isn’t so much about his sales and marketing skills as much it is about his presence and experience he creates for his patients. The word of mouth created by each patient is priceless. Each patient leaves having a great experience and feels great rapport for the doctor, which is truly uncommon in his field. He has committed himself to the practice and his heart is in the game. He wants to make a difference and become a purple cow, or in Wyoming a purple buffalo. What should you be doing to build your personal resume and brand to become remarkable?

Hiring a Consultant – 3. March, 2008

Office Space ConsultantsWhen a company goes to hire a consultant, I think that there is one major factor that is overlooked prior to engaging outside help. Similarly to my post about hiring within, I believe that organizations should ask employees for their contribution prior to adding the expense of bringing in an outside consultant. From my personal experience and extensive reading, it seems that the solutions to many problems or processes can be developed by simply giving your employees the freedom or autonomy to create and implement a solution. Recently, I’ve been part of an organization that is bringing in outside help to fix a process that the internal team has the talent solve if given the respect, resources and control to complete the change in process.

Aside from giving a group or department the power to create or ideate solutions, it is imperative to give the power and respect to implement their ideas and solutions. Most often you can find the solution to your problems by looking internally (inside yourself or within your organization). Once your employees have the ability to think freely and develop solutions, step back and watch your company grow at pace that it would not have otherwise.

Forget the Typical Dogma and Become Remarkable – 21. February, 2008

I recently stumbled across this quote by Steve Jobs. The reason I’m posting about it is because I enjoy hearing people discuss the thought of breaking away from what is safe and commonplace. The world is powered by boring people and changed and pushed forward by people that think differently. These people are not afraid to be remarkable or break the status quo . My goal is continue to drive in a different direction (not literally) and create change in the business world. Through my college career I have found that most teachers are boring and afraid of change. College seems to be more about learning how to do things the safe way so you can get a job with a boring Fortune 500 company. That isn’t what life should be about, I should be learning how to make a difference and how to share my ideas with fellow businesspeople. I’m sure you have read this before but here it is anyway: If you quit your job today and could follow your dream, where would it take you and what work would you do? Leave me a comment about it, I’m excited to see your thoughts.

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
-Steve Jobs

Additional quotes can be found here: http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Steve_Jobs

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – 21. January, 2008

A great quote from one of our greatest leaders…

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.,  (1929 – 1968 ),  American civil rights leader.

Posted in Inspiration, Quotes