First, on the surface, this may not appear to be a marketing related post. Sue me. IF you dig a little deeper, you might just change your mind.
Second, this is a LONG post, because it deals with evolution, Ben Stein, and me, learning how to walk in high heels. All of those are complex issues, and take more than a few words to illustrate.
Here we go...
This past Saturday, I was treated to a Division sales rally for one of the direct sales companies I work with. I gave a short talk on the importance of your 60 second commercial (aka your elevator speech) and received positive comments all around. I'm preparing for my first ever training "tour" and this was a small practice step for me.
At the end of the afternoon, I was to go shoe-shopping for a nice, "power shoe" as my friend Ruth calls them.
I ended up learning how to walk.
I know, I'm 33 and walking should have been one of those early mastery lessons, but I've never in my life worn a show that stands higher than 2 inches. Ruth and her daughter put me in 4 inch heels. We must have tried on 20 pairs of shoes by the end of the day. I settled on a nice pair of patent leather shoes and a fun pair of wedges. Before Saturday, I wouldn't have known a wedge from a slingback or a mule, so this was my first lesson in being "more girly" in a businesslike way.
The second, was learning to walk. My normal gate is wide, manly, and I lead from my shoulders, giving me an almost slouchy appearance. And I walk FAST.
Not in 4 inch heels, that's for sure.
I was tripping over my own two feet, falling out of shoes, feeling pinched, poked and clutzy in more ways than I can count. I was so afraid of how ridiculous I must have looked, but my friends were very supportive.
And I evolved. By the end of the evening, I was walking with my head more upright, more slowly, with more purpose and power in my step.
I was even kind of graceful by the time it was all said and done. It was humbling to think that as a grown adult, I needed to re-learn what seemed to me to be a basic skill. In heels, walking is not just a skill, it's an art. It takes balance, timing, and poise. Something I very much lacked before Saturday.
On Sunday, my husband and I took our "Date Night" out to see Ben Stein's new documentary movie, Expelled. In classic Ben Stein style, he explores the neo-Darwinist movement, and all the possible implications of suppressed freedom in the US.
It was very much a thinking film - and entirely entertaining the whole way through.
The film hinges on how great intellects of our time are being ex-communicated from the scientific community - some for just mentioning the concept of intelligent design.
I'm no scientist, and don't pretend to be, but the way I understand it, Intelligent Design suggests that Darwin's theory of evolution is flawed and is missing the definition of the exact Origin of life. Because of this, there exists a thought concept that somehow, someway, there is an intelligent designer - an intentional creation of this existence on this rock hurtling through space.
Stein interviewed names and faces on both sides of the debtate, and near the end of the film, one of the biggest proponents of Darwinism and anti-creationist activists speaks of the possibility that life was "seeded" here on Earth by some other highly evolved life form - but that they MUST have evolved from some primordial oooze somewhere.
At this point, Stein makes a narrative comment about how this guy really does believe in Intelligent Design, it just depends on who "the designer" might be.
And that, my friends, is where the REAL friction on ID begins.
FEAR.
Fear of being wrong and having to give up their position.
Atheists in the Science realm are scared that if the designer really IS God, then they've been wrong - so they don't want to do the work to disprove the theory and instead just shoot it down as "a bunch of crazy creationists" trying to put God in the classroom again.
Heaven forbid.
But just as distressing is the fear that Christian supporters of Intelligent Design face whenever the potential of losing their job, their livelihoods or their credibility just for mentioning the possible existence of a grand designer in the scheme of the world. As a result, they're being labeled as crazies or ignoring the calling that could bring the truth to light.
What if the missing link IS God? Is that so bad? Why does science and God (not church or "religion", but the existence of another intelligent creator) have to be mutually exclusive?
Instead of pursuing science for the sake of discovering truth, people on both sides are afraid - paralyzed by what the "real truth" might be.
As a card carrying Christian, I'll get hate mail. I'm sure. As a lover of research and the desire to learn, I hope that people take this for what it's for - an honest expression of frustration at the FEAR that pervades an organization designed to pursue truth.
To me, that's what science is. Learning what's true. I intentionally didn't include theorems, postulates or other "data and errata" to cloud what I see as a clear cut case of fear in action.
Let's stop being afraid.
In science, we create a hypothesis, we test it, and explore it until we either prove it or disprove it based on experiential data.
My personal hypothesis is that God created the heavens and the earth and all the good things we get to experience around here. And until I'm proven wrong, that's how I'm living my life.
If you have a different personal hypothesis, that's your choice, and I respect it, even if I don't agree. It's in the testing of those hypotheses that we discover the truth - both our personal truth and the truth of our world.
Will I be a fool because I believed in God? To me, it's not about being foolish. That's not my place to make that judgment call.
Look at it this way, if the ultimate truth is that we DID evolve from some primordial ooze on some planet somewhere, am I worse off for having had a hope in a divine creator? Will they string me up for believing in God?
Heaven forbid.
On the other hand, if God DOES exist, and He DOES have final judgment, what will HE say to all those that were afraid to test the personal hypothesis? What will He DO to all those that rallied around Neo-Darwinism?
This is not to say that we DIDN'T evolve in some manner. As one scientist pointed out, variations occur in nature over time. That is, in the roughest sense, what evolution is about.
I don't think that evolution and creation need to be mutually exclusive. In fact, I assert that they're not. Further, I think that my Creator gave us free will so we COULD evolve and improve, grow and expand our horizons, to overcome our fears, face our obstacles and learn new truths daily.
And I have the high heels to prove it.
In Direct Sales - 7 tips to shorten the learning curve
If you're a brand new consultant and trying to figure out just how to wrap your brain around everything that came in your starter kit - you're not alone, thousands of people are starting their own direct sales organizations every month. Most companies have a starter period during the first three months of business that focus on selling, booking and recruiting, but there are three other activities you need to focus on first to see success over the long-haul: organization, time management, and product knowledge.
It is true, that these things can be learned over time, but personal research has shown that these 7 tips can help you shorten your learning curve and realize success more easily during your first three months in business:
1. Schedule time to work. Mark off specific days and times in each of those first 3 months that you will focus on working your business. Your first task is to fill those dates with parties. When parties cancel, or if you don't have parties scheduled for those days, study product literature, practice your demo (even if the room is empty), and rehearse your closing techniques. Treat your business like a job for the first 3 months and you'll learn your company background and products more quickly. This, in turn, boosts your confidence, making selling easier.
2. Save 10%. Carve out 10% of your profits and time to reinvest in your business. If you make $100, set $10 aside to buy business tools, product samples, etc. In your calendar give yourself 10% flex time to keep stress levels lower. If you're spending 10 hours per week doing shows, give yourself 1-2 hours of office time for follow up calls, paperwork, etc. Plan for these things now, to help you stay organized as you build your business. Remember, most new "brick and mortar" businesses don't make a profit for the first 3 years - because every penny is reinvested into business growth. You're only reinvesting a minimal amount, and if you plan for it now, you won't even miss it later.
3. Use your catalog as a business card. You already have to invest in catalogs, save the expense of business cards for later. Your catalog will speak more knowledgeably about your product and services than you can right now, and it's a great way to get your name "out there".
4. Make sure your contact information is prominently displayed on every piece of material that leaves your hands, from samples to brochures, recruiting information to hostess packets. Rubber stamps can be messy, and can't usually be modified once they're made. Address labels are inexpensive, and a quick and easy way to make sure everything looks professional.
5. Get a coach. Whether it's online forums, your upline leader, local training meetings, or friends in other companies, it pays to mastermind with coaches to help you grow your business more efficiently. Find someone quickly, partner up with them to bounce ideas, get feedback, and practice your demo with. You'll be amazed at how quickly you learn with a coach to guide you.
6. Maximize downtime. Standing in line? Waiting to pick up a child from an activity? Use that time efficiently by reading up on product knowledge, putting labels on catalogs, reading skill building books and articles. Carry something with you that you can "work on" in short bursts during these waiting times. Not only will you be more productive, you'll also be able to talk with people about your new business if they ask what you're doing!
7. Don't try to be all things to all people. Friends and family will know you're new at this, so be reasonable and honest with them. This is not permission to be lax and unprofessional, however. Like a new server at a restaurant, everyone has a learning curve, and the expectation is that you won't be perfect, but you'll do your best, work hard, and be personable in the process. Gaining the emotional support of family and friends - even if they never buy a single product - goes a long way toward building confidence.
Like any new job, it pays to focus on learning the business in the first few months. Like any new company, you've got a lot of hats to wear early on. Direct Sales is a hybrid of the two, which requires many hats and much learning all at the same time. keeping a perspective, and understanding your limitations is just as important as spreading the word and learning as much as you can. The key is to strike a balance and prepare for success in the process.
It is true, that these things can be learned over time, but personal research has shown that these 7 tips can help you shorten your learning curve and realize success more easily during your first three months in business:
1. Schedule time to work. Mark off specific days and times in each of those first 3 months that you will focus on working your business. Your first task is to fill those dates with parties. When parties cancel, or if you don't have parties scheduled for those days, study product literature, practice your demo (even if the room is empty), and rehearse your closing techniques. Treat your business like a job for the first 3 months and you'll learn your company background and products more quickly. This, in turn, boosts your confidence, making selling easier.
2. Save 10%. Carve out 10% of your profits and time to reinvest in your business. If you make $100, set $10 aside to buy business tools, product samples, etc. In your calendar give yourself 10% flex time to keep stress levels lower. If you're spending 10 hours per week doing shows, give yourself 1-2 hours of office time for follow up calls, paperwork, etc. Plan for these things now, to help you stay organized as you build your business. Remember, most new "brick and mortar" businesses don't make a profit for the first 3 years - because every penny is reinvested into business growth. You're only reinvesting a minimal amount, and if you plan for it now, you won't even miss it later.
3. Use your catalog as a business card. You already have to invest in catalogs, save the expense of business cards for later. Your catalog will speak more knowledgeably about your product and services than you can right now, and it's a great way to get your name "out there".
4. Make sure your contact information is prominently displayed on every piece of material that leaves your hands, from samples to brochures, recruiting information to hostess packets. Rubber stamps can be messy, and can't usually be modified once they're made. Address labels are inexpensive, and a quick and easy way to make sure everything looks professional.
5. Get a coach. Whether it's online forums, your upline leader, local training meetings, or friends in other companies, it pays to mastermind with coaches to help you grow your business more efficiently. Find someone quickly, partner up with them to bounce ideas, get feedback, and practice your demo with. You'll be amazed at how quickly you learn with a coach to guide you.
6. Maximize downtime. Standing in line? Waiting to pick up a child from an activity? Use that time efficiently by reading up on product knowledge, putting labels on catalogs, reading skill building books and articles. Carry something with you that you can "work on" in short bursts during these waiting times. Not only will you be more productive, you'll also be able to talk with people about your new business if they ask what you're doing!
7. Don't try to be all things to all people. Friends and family will know you're new at this, so be reasonable and honest with them. This is not permission to be lax and unprofessional, however. Like a new server at a restaurant, everyone has a learning curve, and the expectation is that you won't be perfect, but you'll do your best, work hard, and be personable in the process. Gaining the emotional support of family and friends - even if they never buy a single product - goes a long way toward building confidence.
Like any new job, it pays to focus on learning the business in the first few months. Like any new company, you've got a lot of hats to wear early on. Direct Sales is a hybrid of the two, which requires many hats and much learning all at the same time. keeping a perspective, and understanding your limitations is just as important as spreading the word and learning as much as you can. The key is to strike a balance and prepare for success in the process.
About This Bugsy Guy...
So I blogged previously about Don Williamson and his "pal" Bugsy, and the strange irony of that relationship.
Then I found out I know someone related to Bugsy. Turns out Bugsy isn't his real name, and he is a VERY VERY nice man, former police officer and all around good guy. According to my acquaintance, Bugsy is THE person to talk to if you really DO want some customer service in the City of Flint.
Small worlds keep getting smaller.
Never let it be said I didn't give equal time to all sides. Don, you're welcome to chime in any time you'd like. But I'm not sure you even know how to USE a computer.
Then I found out I know someone related to Bugsy. Turns out Bugsy isn't his real name, and he is a VERY VERY nice man, former police officer and all around good guy. According to my acquaintance, Bugsy is THE person to talk to if you really DO want some customer service in the City of Flint.
Small worlds keep getting smaller.
Never let it be said I didn't give equal time to all sides. Don, you're welcome to chime in any time you'd like. But I'm not sure you even know how to USE a computer.
Want More Testimonials? BE a testimonial!
Facts tell, but stories sell.
Anyone in sales will tell you that testimonials are the cornerstone of your sales presentation. Any time you can provide social proof that your product will do what it says, people are more likely to take interest, open their wallets, and buy.
When I talk about "affirmative buying decisions", I'm talking about people that say yes to your offer - even if the offer doesn't cost a thing. It may be booking a party, joining your business or offering a referral for future business if they are not presently interested in your offer, but know someone that might be interested.
I learned a valuable lesson in the power of testimonials. Not because I got one, but because I gave one.
You've heard me cheer about Mark Joyner's re-release of MindControlMarketing, for good reason. The book is amazing, insightful and a must-read for anyone serious about understanding their client's motivations for an affirmative buying decision. Not only that, but the missing chapter alone is worth the investment of $27 for the book.
In reading the book, I made a comment about the congruency between what Mark does and what he writes about. I posted a note to Mark's blog about how fascinating it is to watch his writing unfold in the work he does on a daily basis. I ended my post by saying the book was "so exciting I can't stand it!"
Little did I know how that one comment would change my world.
Mark wrote a follow-up email to his subscriber base, and not only did my little unintentional testimonial appear in the body of the message, but it was FEATURED as part of the subject line! That's a profound nod from Mr. Joyner.
In that email, he included several short testimonials, along with links to the sites of those who wrote them. That little message changed my world.
The day that the message was delivered, I saw a 15% spike in my site traffic, as well as a 40% jump in opt-ins. The NEXT day, those results almost doubled, and sales spiked by 20%.
Would one email make a difference to you? It did for me.
So when you're collecting stories from your clients about their favorite products that you sell, think about the products that you know and love. Offer testimonials to them and you may just find that YOUR business will be booming in return.
"Special Gift" not so special to me
In a recent comment post, a blogger known as "special gift" wanted to inform me that they used one of my articles on their blog.
That's flattery in the highest form. I was eager to pop on over to the site to see my name in "print", mostly because I've had a rough week, and a little bit of feel goodism is good for the soul.
When I got there, the entire article was on the front page for all the world to see....
...well, not quite. This blogger failed to include any of the by-line or link information that would give me credit for writing the article.
They did cite the source of the article, but didn't include the link, which is a violation of the terms of service for ezinearticles.com.
To make matters worse, there's no way to contact this blogger, because their profile is private, and no comments are allowed on the blog.
Hmmm... What's an author to do?
This problem is pervasive on the net. Uncited, misquoted and sometimes reconfigured content made to look original is an unfortunate "cost of doing business" online. Companies like ezinearticles.com can't police the thousands of people that publish content, but would-be publishers should use common sense. With programs like copyscape widely available, it's getting easier to find these plagarists, but they're popping up like weeds all over the net.
So, special gift, if you're listening, you say you're into marketing and sales - what you've done is a BAD bit of marketing. You've removed the pertinent contact info which just lacks moral character, in my opinion, but even worse, you're virtually passing this off as your own content, which is theft when you get down to brass tacks.
I would appreciate either removing the post, or better yet, reinstating the article in it's ENTIRETY - with links and credits included.
That would be a better example of marketing.
A public apology would be even BETTER.
That's flattery in the highest form. I was eager to pop on over to the site to see my name in "print", mostly because I've had a rough week, and a little bit of feel goodism is good for the soul.
When I got there, the entire article was on the front page for all the world to see....
...well, not quite. This blogger failed to include any of the by-line or link information that would give me credit for writing the article.
They did cite the source of the article, but didn't include the link, which is a violation of the terms of service for ezinearticles.com.
To make matters worse, there's no way to contact this blogger, because their profile is private, and no comments are allowed on the blog.
Hmmm... What's an author to do?
This problem is pervasive on the net. Uncited, misquoted and sometimes reconfigured content made to look original is an unfortunate "cost of doing business" online. Companies like ezinearticles.com can't police the thousands of people that publish content, but would-be publishers should use common sense. With programs like copyscape widely available, it's getting easier to find these plagarists, but they're popping up like weeds all over the net.
So, special gift, if you're listening, you say you're into marketing and sales - what you've done is a BAD bit of marketing. You've removed the pertinent contact info which just lacks moral character, in my opinion, but even worse, you're virtually passing this off as your own content, which is theft when you get down to brass tacks.
I would appreciate either removing the post, or better yet, reinstating the article in it's ENTIRETY - with links and credits included.
That would be a better example of marketing.
A public apology would be even BETTER.
Ask to Speak with Bugsy
This just blows my mind.
If you live in or around the Flint area, you have heard of our illustrious Mayor. His Kitchen-cabinet style leadership has been a conversation piece for years around these parts.
But the letter I got in the mail the other day just boggles my mind.
In essence, it's a message to citizens of the city, asking for our help in contacting our council representatives. Apparently our Mayor can't get them to return his calls to discuss road work and the like. This, in and of itself might sound outrageous, except for the fact that it's a known fact that our Mayor and city council don't play nicely with each other.
That in and of itself would make a great topic for my blog, but the thing that REALLY caught my eye was down at the bottom of page two:
"You may call Mayor Williamson's Community Service Office... and ask to speak with Joe... or Bugsy."
Bugsy? Are you serious?
Now, before I get hate mail, I don't know Bugsy, and he may be a great person with a charming personality. But with illegal activities of our Mayor's past, inviting the public to call anyone named "Bugsy" for customer service issues reeks of bad PR and bad customer service.
Perhaps I'm over reacting, but in my mind, I immediately conjur images of a large, burly man with a baseball bat in one hand and a flower in his lapel, with a broken Brooklyn accent asking me "So, you's gotta problem wit' sumtin?"
Um... no, Mister Busgy, sir. No problems at all.
"Dat's wat I tawt!" he replies, with a menacing grin as he lowers the bat and leans on it like a walking stick.
I just get shivers thinking about it!
The Community service number itself is actually the phone line originally used for the re-election headquarters, so it doesn't even appear to be officially associated with the City.
So what is this letter all about? Is it just more whining on the part of our Mayor? Is it indeed a call to action? I'd encourage anyone from the city with more information to please fill me in on this.
Well, anyone except Bugsy.
If you live in or around the Flint area, you have heard of our illustrious Mayor. His Kitchen-cabinet style leadership has been a conversation piece for years around these parts.
But the letter I got in the mail the other day just boggles my mind.
In essence, it's a message to citizens of the city, asking for our help in contacting our council representatives. Apparently our Mayor can't get them to return his calls to discuss road work and the like. This, in and of itself might sound outrageous, except for the fact that it's a known fact that our Mayor and city council don't play nicely with each other.
That in and of itself would make a great topic for my blog, but the thing that REALLY caught my eye was down at the bottom of page two:
"You may call Mayor Williamson's Community Service Office... and ask to speak with Joe... or Bugsy."
Bugsy? Are you serious?
Now, before I get hate mail, I don't know Bugsy, and he may be a great person with a charming personality. But with illegal activities of our Mayor's past, inviting the public to call anyone named "Bugsy" for customer service issues reeks of bad PR and bad customer service.
Perhaps I'm over reacting, but in my mind, I immediately conjur images of a large, burly man with a baseball bat in one hand and a flower in his lapel, with a broken Brooklyn accent asking me "So, you's gotta problem wit' sumtin?"
Um... no, Mister Busgy, sir. No problems at all.
"Dat's wat I tawt!" he replies, with a menacing grin as he lowers the bat and leans on it like a walking stick.
I just get shivers thinking about it!
The Community service number itself is actually the phone line originally used for the re-election headquarters, so it doesn't even appear to be officially associated with the City.
So what is this letter all about? Is it just more whining on the part of our Mayor? Is it indeed a call to action? I'd encourage anyone from the city with more information to please fill me in on this.
Well, anyone except Bugsy.
Brainwashing: Mark Joyner Style
Since the re-release of Mark Joyner's book, MindControlMarketing, a tempest has been brewing over the controversial "missing chapter" titled, Brainwashing: Genuine Mind Control in the Extreme. Mark takes 12 little pages, and blows the lid off what it takes to create a cult-like following - in just about any setting - and how to protect yourself as well.
The chapter is the icing on the cake of an otherwise amazing book. People have been trading dog-eared copies of the original, out-of-print version on eBay and Amazon for years at upwards of $200 a piece.
Seriously, it's THAT good.
According to Mark, there are 3 elements to create a cult-like following without creating a cult:
1. Voluntary Participation
Obviously, anyone that chooses to do business with you meets the first criteria, but some might argue that autoship programs and the like are akin to coercion. The difference, I think is in the approach. Persuading participation in programs like these will help your bottom line, even out your cash flow, and stabilize your business. The key is perception. When your clients believe they are voluntarily participating in your program, your cult-like following will grow. If they feel the slightest bit of pressure to perform, you can be sure, you'll be seen as in a more negative light.
2. Love of a Product or Thing
Are your products buzz-worthy and irresistable? Does quality far surpass the price of the thing? What about service before during and after the sale? How easy is it to do business with you? All of these elements combine to determine whether people love what you have to offer - or not. When people fall in love with a product, it's exponentially easier to sell to them - and generate referral and repeat business.
3. Inclusionary, rather than exclusionary of "outsiders"
There are people that are un-initiated to your products/services, as well as a few that just aren't impressed with what you offer. Not everyone can or will use what you sell. How do you treat them? Are you "shunning" them at every turn, badmouthing the competition and their product users? Or are you respectful, open, and appreciative of the diversity that "makes the world go round" when it comes to network marketing? "A cult shuns the non-believer", says Joyner. But cult-like followings develop in a forum of acceptance, diversity and welcome.
When you implement these strategies, your public following will boom.
What are you waiting for?
The chapter is the icing on the cake of an otherwise amazing book. People have been trading dog-eared copies of the original, out-of-print version on eBay and Amazon for years at upwards of $200 a piece.
Seriously, it's THAT good.
According to Mark, there are 3 elements to create a cult-like following without creating a cult:
1. Voluntary Participation
Obviously, anyone that chooses to do business with you meets the first criteria, but some might argue that autoship programs and the like are akin to coercion. The difference, I think is in the approach. Persuading participation in programs like these will help your bottom line, even out your cash flow, and stabilize your business. The key is perception. When your clients believe they are voluntarily participating in your program, your cult-like following will grow. If they feel the slightest bit of pressure to perform, you can be sure, you'll be seen as in a more negative light.
2. Love of a Product or Thing
Are your products buzz-worthy and irresistable? Does quality far surpass the price of the thing? What about service before during and after the sale? How easy is it to do business with you? All of these elements combine to determine whether people love what you have to offer - or not. When people fall in love with a product, it's exponentially easier to sell to them - and generate referral and repeat business.
3. Inclusionary, rather than exclusionary of "outsiders"
There are people that are un-initiated to your products/services, as well as a few that just aren't impressed with what you offer. Not everyone can or will use what you sell. How do you treat them? Are you "shunning" them at every turn, badmouthing the competition and their product users? Or are you respectful, open, and appreciative of the diversity that "makes the world go round" when it comes to network marketing? "A cult shuns the non-believer", says Joyner. But cult-like followings develop in a forum of acceptance, diversity and welcome.
When you implement these strategies, your public following will boom.
What are you waiting for?
Climbing One Wrung at a Time
I took my kids to the park today. It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood. Sunny, breezy - great kite flying weather.
We went to play with our bubble blowers, but ended up on the playground. My baby sat in the baby swing and had a blast, until big brother decided to run off to the playscape.
Naturally, little brother just HAD to go along.
So out of the swing, and up to the playscape we trot. I was trying not to be an overprotective mom. I heard myself encouraging my baby.
"Good job, honey!"
"That's a big boy!"
"Way to go!"
I'm not sure if you're familiar with playscapes, but this one has two climbing "arches". Essentially it's an arched step-ladder. They had a short one like this for the little kids:
And it leads to a fairly innocuous slide that's perfect for toddlers.
Of course they had one about 3 times that size at the other end of the scape, that leads up to the largest corkscrew slide at the tippy top of the playscape.
Which one do you think my toddler wanted to climb?
So He's holding on to these rails that are far too wide for his arm span, taking one step at a time. To make it more difficult, the wrungs sag in the middle, so they're more "U" shaped instead of straight, which adds a bit of challenge to the climb.
And did I mention it's still a bit soggy on the playground, so things are a little slippery?
Don't mind me, it's just my "overprotective mother" voice chiming in here.
So I'm like a hawk, right next to him all the way up the "ladder" and he gets to the top, and reaches out for the platform above my head (if he falls, I will be LUCKY if I can catch him).
Success! He climbs on, reaches the slide, and twists and turns his way down to the ground - only to do it again, much to my chagrin.
I am decidedly NOT ready for him to be handling such "big" tasks, yet.
He must have climbed that ladder 6 times before he even took notice in the smaller ladder - he really was proud of his ability to make "child's play" of an obstacle 4-5 times his size.
In business, we sometimes get wrapped up in the steps: crawl before you walk, walk before you run, etc. It's important to make sure you're prepared for what comes next - at least to the extent that you can be prepared for anything.
But there are times when we need a challenge to prove our mettle. Something we can see from beginning to end, that's bigger than ourselves, and pushes us to try something new, strengthen us, and improve in ways we might not have imagined.
It's good to stretch and grow.
It's also good to have a coach there to sheer you, guide you, and catch you if you start to struggle. Mommy's hands were right there, following along as my son reached, and stretched and wriggled his way up that ladder.
You can be sure if he fell, it might hurt a bit, but he'd be safe, and there'd be someone to comfort him, help him regroup and tackle the challenge again.
This is the key exponential growth: learning from others that have "been there" and can navigate you through the challenges. Coaches that will guide, encourage, and challenge you - but also comfort, protect and "catch" you when you bite off a bit more than you can chew.
Being overprotective has it's place. So does growth and challenge.
And you can find happiness in both.
We went to play with our bubble blowers, but ended up on the playground. My baby sat in the baby swing and had a blast, until big brother decided to run off to the playscape.
Naturally, little brother just HAD to go along.
So out of the swing, and up to the playscape we trot. I was trying not to be an overprotective mom. I heard myself encouraging my baby.
"Good job, honey!"
"That's a big boy!"
"Way to go!"
I'm not sure if you're familiar with playscapes, but this one has two climbing "arches". Essentially it's an arched step-ladder. They had a short one like this for the little kids:
And it leads to a fairly innocuous slide that's perfect for toddlers.
Of course they had one about 3 times that size at the other end of the scape, that leads up to the largest corkscrew slide at the tippy top of the playscape.
Which one do you think my toddler wanted to climb?
So He's holding on to these rails that are far too wide for his arm span, taking one step at a time. To make it more difficult, the wrungs sag in the middle, so they're more "U" shaped instead of straight, which adds a bit of challenge to the climb.
And did I mention it's still a bit soggy on the playground, so things are a little slippery?
Don't mind me, it's just my "overprotective mother" voice chiming in here.
So I'm like a hawk, right next to him all the way up the "ladder" and he gets to the top, and reaches out for the platform above my head (if he falls, I will be LUCKY if I can catch him).
Success! He climbs on, reaches the slide, and twists and turns his way down to the ground - only to do it again, much to my chagrin.
I am decidedly NOT ready for him to be handling such "big" tasks, yet.
He must have climbed that ladder 6 times before he even took notice in the smaller ladder - he really was proud of his ability to make "child's play" of an obstacle 4-5 times his size.
In business, we sometimes get wrapped up in the steps: crawl before you walk, walk before you run, etc. It's important to make sure you're prepared for what comes next - at least to the extent that you can be prepared for anything.
But there are times when we need a challenge to prove our mettle. Something we can see from beginning to end, that's bigger than ourselves, and pushes us to try something new, strengthen us, and improve in ways we might not have imagined.
It's good to stretch and grow.
It's also good to have a coach there to sheer you, guide you, and catch you if you start to struggle. Mommy's hands were right there, following along as my son reached, and stretched and wriggled his way up that ladder.
You can be sure if he fell, it might hurt a bit, but he'd be safe, and there'd be someone to comfort him, help him regroup and tackle the challenge again.
This is the key exponential growth: learning from others that have "been there" and can navigate you through the challenges. Coaches that will guide, encourage, and challenge you - but also comfort, protect and "catch" you when you bite off a bit more than you can chew.
Being overprotective has it's place. So does growth and challenge.
And you can find happiness in both.
Where's Your Oxygen Mask?
In response to Holly's blog post, I thought it fitting to post this reply, which is more of an agreement than a dissent.
When you board a plane, as the attendants prepare for departure, everyone is walked through the safety features of the plane. Where the exit aisles and lighting strips are for your safety and convenience. The attendants carefully walk you through how to navigate the seat as a floatation device, along with a myriad of other helpful tips should you find your life in peril at 30,000 feet.
But the one demonstration I wish everyone paid more attention to is the oxygen mask. This is one of those life lessons that people miss out on because they don't think it will ever happen to them - yet it does every day.
This is especially true for moms, so listen up!
This is one of those real life lessons that people don't always catch. Put your oxygen mask on first.
Note, this does not say that you can't help others, or that you should apply your mask and make a beeline for salvation with no regard to others. It simply says, take care of your own NEEDS first. THEN assist others so we can all make it out of this mess in one piece.
Translate that to real life, and it means simply this: Look after your own NEEDS (not wants, desires, agendas, etc) FIRST. Then, by helping the others around you, we can all make it out of this mess (LIFE) in one piece.
Okay moms, how many of you take time on a regular basis to take care of yourself?
You in the back, put your hand down. The last time you took care of your own needs was before you had kids.
You in the pink, put your hand down. Ever since you got married, you put all your focus on pleasing your husband.
There may only be a handful of you with your hand still raised. Good for you!
What's wrong with the rest of us?
Holly said we often take better care of our pets than we do ourselves. Heck, I'll up the ante and say we often take better care of a lot of things than we do ourselves (car? home? family? friends? get the picture?).
I'm not talking about spoiling ourselves - although that's nice every once in a while. But when you're taking care of your customers, running a business, building an organization, keeping the house, the kids and the hubby in line, tending to your ailing Aunt Matilda, and everything else that comes to mind, you might as well be throwing your oxygen mask in the cargo hold.
Two things are required before you assist the other passengers in life. First, secure your own mask. Make sure your needs are taken care of first.
I said needs. Not wants, not thrills, not desires and cravings. NEEDS. My Daddy used to say that you've got to worry about yourself before you start worrying about everyone else. Jeffrey Gitomer says to resign your position as Ruler of the Universe.
The second thing you need to do is breathe deeply. Make sure things are working properly before you jump in to lend a hand. Take some time to evaluate - but don't stand idly by while everyone else is falling apart at the seams. Once you've addressed your needs, pitch in - without guilt or remorse - and do the best you can.
Where's your oxygen mask? Are you turning blue from all the demands on your time, talent, energy, and money? I hear ya. I've been there.
Grab your oxygen mask and take a breath.
When you board a plane, as the attendants prepare for departure, everyone is walked through the safety features of the plane. Where the exit aisles and lighting strips are for your safety and convenience. The attendants carefully walk you through how to navigate the seat as a floatation device, along with a myriad of other helpful tips should you find your life in peril at 30,000 feet.
But the one demonstration I wish everyone paid more attention to is the oxygen mask. This is one of those life lessons that people miss out on because they don't think it will ever happen to them - yet it does every day.
This is especially true for moms, so listen up!
"When the oxygen masks deploy, please place the elastic band around your head and pull securely to ensure proper fit. Tug firmly on the end of the bag to begin the air flow. Please ensure that your mask is securely fastened BEFORE trying to assist other passengers, including small children."
This is one of those real life lessons that people don't always catch. Put your oxygen mask on first.
Note, this does not say that you can't help others, or that you should apply your mask and make a beeline for salvation with no regard to others. It simply says, take care of your own NEEDS first. THEN assist others so we can all make it out of this mess in one piece.
Translate that to real life, and it means simply this: Look after your own NEEDS (not wants, desires, agendas, etc) FIRST. Then, by helping the others around you, we can all make it out of this mess (LIFE) in one piece.
Okay moms, how many of you take time on a regular basis to take care of yourself?
You in the back, put your hand down. The last time you took care of your own needs was before you had kids.
You in the pink, put your hand down. Ever since you got married, you put all your focus on pleasing your husband.
There may only be a handful of you with your hand still raised. Good for you!
What's wrong with the rest of us?
Holly said we often take better care of our pets than we do ourselves. Heck, I'll up the ante and say we often take better care of a lot of things than we do ourselves (car? home? family? friends? get the picture?).
I'm not talking about spoiling ourselves - although that's nice every once in a while. But when you're taking care of your customers, running a business, building an organization, keeping the house, the kids and the hubby in line, tending to your ailing Aunt Matilda, and everything else that comes to mind, you might as well be throwing your oxygen mask in the cargo hold.
Two things are required before you assist the other passengers in life. First, secure your own mask. Make sure your needs are taken care of first.
I said needs. Not wants, not thrills, not desires and cravings. NEEDS. My Daddy used to say that you've got to worry about yourself before you start worrying about everyone else. Jeffrey Gitomer says to resign your position as Ruler of the Universe.
The second thing you need to do is breathe deeply. Make sure things are working properly before you jump in to lend a hand. Take some time to evaluate - but don't stand idly by while everyone else is falling apart at the seams. Once you've addressed your needs, pitch in - without guilt or remorse - and do the best you can.
Where's your oxygen mask? Are you turning blue from all the demands on your time, talent, energy, and money? I hear ya. I've been there.
Grab your oxygen mask and take a breath.
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