Many of you are fearful. Unsure of what the economy is going to do. Hesitant to hire new people because sales are up, but margins are down. And concerns about cash flow and the lack thereof are prevalent.
I get it! It’s an emotion that has hit home for all of us over the past couple of years. It’s what we do about it that will make us or break us.
Something my coach and mentor said to me a couple of years back really stuck. “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” I said, “It’s not always that easy.” His reply, “Just consider it and see what happens.” It’s a great way to get unstuck and move forward.
So, sit back for a sec and give yourself just 5 minutes…what would you do if you weren’t afraid? What would be different in your day? Your month? Your year? Would you lead differently? Would you make different decisions about bringing on a new line. Put more energy and dollars into marketing? Try it! Write it down twelve times and see how the way you finish the sentence changes. If I weren’t afraid I would (fill in the blank). Go ahead, take 5 and see what revelations unfold for you.
Ok, now that you’ve done the exercise and are ready to tackle your fears, here’s some DAMN GOOD ADVICE from my hero, George Lois. His brilliance and brevity will inspire you and show you what any brand can do with a little creativity.
1. Sometimes, what the hell, go all out and be totally outrageous; it doesn’t have to take twenty years either.
(Tommy Hilfiger did it and became the hottest fashion brand over night)
2. A Big Idea can change world culture. And it doesn’t have to cost alot of money.
(MTV went from abject failure to marketing miracle)
3. Sometimes the Big Idea is hiding in the truth. Sometimes you just need to THINK SMALL.
(how a solid strategy and a small truth turned VW into a multi-million dollar brand)
4. What a difference a name makes! Make sure your brand name and product names are strong, memorable and completely unique.
(How a name can help make you an out-of-this-world success.)
5. You are the master of your fate: you are the captain of your soul. Through thick and thin, bad breaks and floundering economies, you can decide your fate.
(Read what Nelson Mandela read to inspire and empower his prison mates for 27 years until his release.)
What does all this “inspiration” have to do with manufacturers and distributors in the building products industry? This advice comes from a once unknown fashion designer, music television channel, car company, optics manufacturer and a world leader. It has everything to do with you.
Tell me, what would you do if you weren’t afraid? I’m all ears.
Here’s to creating a sensation!
