Find Your Buzz Today

Posted by Vince Poscente on Wed, Jul 08, 2015 @ 03:00 AM

You would think at least one of us had life figured out with some form of stability, predictability or certainty. Look to your left. Max wants to make it big in the unstable music business. On your right, Alex has set her sights on the unpredictable entertainment industry. Isabella is determined to dance her way into the uncertain ballet world. Meanwhile, you launch into an unwavering dedication to a rebranding initiative which is a minefield of best-guesswork. All have the same intent. Reach that place where you experience your emotional buzz. Will you find YOUR buzz and enjoy the rewards?

Poscente_family_pic 

From Unstable to Stable - Max is on the road with his band's seven city tour. His talented band mates are all dedicated to following their working musician's dream. But working ideally correlates to just compensation. In a market driven to streaming royalty payments the finances are a joke. One million plays on Pandora pays about $60 in publishing royalties. Case in point: In the first quarter of 2014, Pharell's song Happy streamed 43 million times on Pandora, which paid out $2,700 songwriter royalties. Is stability even possible in the music business? Would you like more stability in your life? Then take Max's lead guitar example. He is completely dialed in on the emotional buzz he gets from creating music. He will find his buzz by living his buzz.

From Unpredictable to Predictable - Alex just returned from a summer acting camp called Stage Door Manor. You have to book 10 months in advance to get into an alumni roster boasting Natalie Portman, Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Braff. Alex was selected for a coveted roll in Columbinus and earned a prestigious award for most improved. Still, the odds of someone becoming a famous or even, well paid actor is small. Yet, how many people dream of being an actor compared to those who make deliberate, purposeful steps in that direction. Is predictability even possible in the entertainment industry? Would you like more predictability in your life? Then follow Alex's standard. Find your buzz by ignoring probaility and take the next obvious step to getting there.

From Uncertainty to Certainty - When Isabella returns from the Pacific Northwest Ballet's summer intensive for pre-professionals she will will turn 15. She auditioned against thousands of girls across the country for this top-ten US ballet company. In her age group there will only be a couple of dozen girls but the competition is significant. How can Isabella be certain of her aspiration to make London's Royal Ballet? She can't. But she can live in the mindset of certainty. The doorway for certainty in her life and yours is by sustaining that emotional buzz. 

Your buzz is a vibration in every cell of your body. Your buzz is that place in your future that locks arms with your present moment. You reach your buzz by living your buzz. You find your buzz by stepping squarely in the direction of your buzz. By sustaining your emotional buzz you find your buzz in the years to come.

To that end, you may wonder where we have been all spring and summer? We have been rebranding.

Amigo - rebranding is an easy word to say but one heck of a leap. In this business of writing, speaking and consulting, having a uniquely valuable brand is critical. But the fact is ... there are no facts... until the market votes with its dollars. Is there a market for Max's music, Alex's talent and Isabella's expression? They won't know until they walk out the door to find their buzz.

That is why we, at ELEPHantPOWER Systems, are here. To help you find your buzz.

Tags: Goals

Fast No Better than Slow Yes

Posted by Vince Poscente on Wed, Apr 22, 2015 @ 03:00 AM

When this quintessential entrepreneur spoke at an event in Savannah, something profound landed on the audience, "I'd rather have a fast no than a slow yes." In the age of speed, that sounds like advice to heed when considering time and opportunity.

Mike_BennettMichael R. Bennett is the founder and owner of Bennett Hospitality. He started in the hospitality business in 1977 with an entrepreneurial venture he called "Free Wheelin.” His shoestring operation rented bicycles and mopeds when he was a junior in college. Not one to sit idle, he bought one property with a self described, "passion for creative financing." He then bought a second property the next year. He grew until he lost it all and then built a present day empire. He developed a hospitality company of 16 hotels and 8 restaurants in four states; South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Montana. Mike has an additional 8 hotels in development and over 6 restaurants in the pipeline.

According to his website, "With vision, passion and energy Bennett Hospitality is attacking when others are sitting idle. During the recession years of 2006-2011 Bennett Hospitality grew at a tremendous pace. Buying existing partners, hotels and future development opportunities is what sets Bennett Hospitality apart from its competitors. When others are selling, BH is buying, and when others are buying BH is sitting tight."

Mike's saying, "I'd rather have a fast no than a slow yes," can teach each of us about our own treatment of time and opportunity.  
 

There is a disturbing divide in how people are respecting their own time/opportunity relationship. On one side are the "Now Responders." On the other are the "Later Responders." The single most impressive Now Responder I've come across is Mark Cuban. Word on the street? If you emailed Mark with an idea he would respond. He has no clue who most of his inquisitors are. Last year, I emailed mark@axs.tv about televising high school arts magnet performances as part of reality programming. Zap! The response came back with a well thought out "No" explaining he would pass, due to the production costs and lack of demand for such a program."

The "Later Responders" are seemingly growing further apart from the Now group. Time/opportunity trends we are witnessing include:

  • Invitations for a group meeting have to be repeatedly sent causing us the dreaded 'follow-through-time-suck.'
  • The receivers of the email cause a cascade effect of confusion with others involved.
  • The receivers cause themselves clutter in their own email responsibilities.
  • We pick up the not-too-subtle insult, "My time is more important than yours."
  • Those with multiple responsibilities are stacking tasks with the assumption everything will go as planned. Hence, we're seeing an increase in last minute cancelations and then the cluster of the 'follow-through-time-suck' starts all over again. 

Yes, it is anecdotal that Mike Bennett and Mark Cuban are both wealthy Now Responder advocates. But why don't we each take a look at our own life and be honest with how we treat time and opportunity. Take a hard look at the potential damage we may be causing as we choose to respond at a later time.

With a Now Responder approach you may find yourself having the luxury of spending more time on quality opportunities. Your empire awaits.

Tags: Goals

Test Your Speakers Bureau Knowledge (True or False)

Posted by Vince Poscente on Tue, Mar 24, 2015 @ 10:30 AM

Let's test your knowledge regarding speakers bureaus of today.

speakersbureaustop10TrueorFalse

1. Bureau agents push certain speakers to get a higher commissions. FALSE. Speakers bureau agents are passionate about a long-term relationship with their clients. Yes, commissions are an incentive, but repeat commissions are a higher motivator. Bureau agents are entirely motivated by a happy client first and getting their commission from the speaker's fee second. (Note: Booking a speaker direct or through a speakers bureau is the same speaker fee.) 

2. Bureau agents are influenced by speaker promotions. FALSE. During every holiday period, Speaker Bureaus are flooded with cookies and treats from speakers. When a speaker's calendar is slow, a speakers bureau gets a promotional present. None of these typical promotional tactics work. The worst advertising a bureau can make is the wrong fit for their clients. A bureau agent will always drive towards the best fit, with our without the delicious cookies.

3. Meeting planners who directly book a keynote speaker can get a lower fee than a bureau agent. FALSE. Speakers know they are likely to only speak for a client once but can work with a bureau agent multiples of times. A speaker will go where his or her incentive is the highest. Bureau agents are much better negotiators with speakers than a single meeting planner.

4. If I know of the keynote speaker I want to work with, it is faster to go direct to the speaker. TRUE. Sure, if you know exactly whom you want, then a quick Google search can land you that speaker's contact information. But, beware! Every speaker bureau agent on the planet has dozens of stories regarding clients who didn't listen to them. In these examples, the speaker selection turned out to be a disaster for one reason or another. If you are 100% comfortable making a speaker selection without a professional opinion, then go for it.

5. My time is limited; page one of Google is as far as I have time to search for a speaker. This is good enough. FALSE. Page one is where the best marketing people land, not necessarily the best speakers. Over time you will learn this the hard way. Check out each of their videos and you will eventually learn that good SEO abilities do not equal a quality keynote speaker. This can be a huge time waster. Use your favorite speakers bureau to save time, money and stress.

6. Speakers bureaus push their favorite speakers. TRUE. They recommend whom they know will represent you and their bureau the best way possible. If there is a perfect-fit keynote speaker they have not heard of before, the agent will go to great lengths to vet that speaker. Zero speaker bureau agents want to have a bad speaker fit. 

7. Speakers bureaus compete with search engines like Google and Bing. TRUE. Pre-Internet, speaker bureaus used to be necessary booking agencies for speakers and meeting planners. Today, bureaus compete against the Internet for mind share of people who book speakers. Speakers bureaus have responded by adding more value with solution selling, niche or speakers rosters and personal, boutique style services. The Internet is to scissors, what speakers bureaus are to a free hair salon. Sure you can cut your own hair but wouldn't it be better for you to have a true professional do it at no charge?

8. It is easier to contact the speaker direct than going through a speakers bureau. FALSE. First, the bureau agent not only has a relationship with the speaker but also the gatekeeper. Second, there is cloud-based software, such as eSpeakers, which helps a bureau agent instantly know available dates or key information. Third, if you are loyal to your speakers bureau, you will get the loyalty back in spades. If a bureau agent does all sorts of work for you and you call the speaker direct, the agent will basically move on (hurt feelings and all) and spend time on clients who stay faithful.

9. The size of a speakers bureau is directly proportionate to the quality of the speaker selection. TRUE and FALSE. TRUE if you are working with a fairly new speaker bureau agent. When a meeting planner calls a newbie, the rookie agent will brainstorm with more experienced agents in the larger office. FALSE because size does not matter with an experienced agent. A seasoned bureau agent with years of experience has all the tools necessary to find you the perfect keynote speaker for your needs.

10. This article was written by a biased speakers bureau agent. FALSE. In fact, I'm a speaker. Like any other keynote speaker, it is nice to get paid more from direct bookings over paying the bureau fee. But the bureau agent has a broader perspective on the speaker talent pool and knows the best fit for you. In the end, I've never been the wrong fit for an event, and I wouldn't want yours to be the first. Excellent speakers partner with bureaus to serve clients.

If you have a speakers bureau agent you love working with, none of the above will be a huge surprise to you. If you are looking for speakers bureau who will meet your needs, a good place to start are referrals from fellow meeting professionals, production companies and speakers or check out the International Association of Speakers Bureaus and Agents for a vetted and trusted list.

About the Author: Vince Poscente is the CEO of the Big Goals Fast Institute, NY Times bestselling author and Olympian with 20 years experience as a keynote speaker representing dozens of speakers bureaus and over 1,200 organizations worldwide. 

Tags: Goals, Team Building, Business Leadership

Quality and Speed, At the Same Time?

Posted by Vince Poscente on Fri, Mar 06, 2015 @ 10:30 AM

You can have quality and speed at the same time. Even if it appears cumbersome on the surface. Here is a flashback motivational eBrief that rings as true today as it occured eight years ago. 

During the 41st Super Bowl telecast, Sheryl Crow starred in a Revlon Colorist television commercial with a Buddy Holly classic only available on iTunes where all proceeds went towards Breast Cancer Research.

Say that ten times.

Crow, a cancer survivor, teamed up with Revlon to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. Revlon pony upped for the commercial time and production costs. All parties got a plug and created goodwill in the same moment. The NFL looked good for running the ad. Apple tossed in the digital infrastructure. Sheryl Crow lent her talents. Revlon Colorist sent a message to over 90 million people that their product works on hair and for charity.

winwinwinwinwin

All in less than 60 seconds.

In the time it takes to read this eBrief; Sheryl Crow, the NFL,Revlon, iTunes sent a compelling message to millions that will ultimately help benefit women who have a one out of eight chance of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Think of the value and benefits you, your products or services represent. How do you get your message across when you have the opportunity to sell or promote?

Pitching a concept to a committee has more traction if you tell a story about the idea before listing the benefits. You ingratiate yourself to employees by revealing insights about being a parent before extolling the virtues of leadership traits. A supplier will be more loyal to you if they know about you rather than just what they can get from you.

Tell a story, make it an experience. People remember an experience. Stories help them remember your message. Revlon could have had Crow do the conventional; sit in a chair and pitch all the reasons why you should donate money for Breast Cancer Research. Instead, Revlon told a story 

In the ad, Crow was approached by Revlon to use its Colorist product on tour. They drove a hard bargain and Crow ended up on stage week after week with no faded hair. A classy, subtle sidebar appeared part way through the commercial saying, “Not Fade Away, Only Available on iTunes.” The catchy ditty ends and sixty seconds are up.

It has been said repeatedly that speed and quality can’t be delivered at the same time. That was then. Today we can and are compelled to live by a different motto. Speed and quality can be delivered together.

Kudos to Revlon, iTunes, the NFL, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and especially Sheryl Crow for creating a charitable conduit that is a toe tapping song in earbuds across the land.

We live in the age of speed where we are asked to do more-faster-now. Some motivational examples help us see that it’s possible, even if it appears on a hair care commercial.

Tags: Goals, Business Leadership

Speed of Life, Overwhelm and Sex

Posted by Vince Poscente on Mon, Feb 23, 2015 @ 06:54 PM

Is our 24/7, instant message, more-faster-now world eating us alive or setting us free? A recent nationwide “Speed Survey” has some answers for us. The results reveal how we are seemingly, just surviving vs thriving. (I’ll save the stats on sex vs high speed technology until the end.)

  • 9 out of 10 employees are feeling rushed several times per week if not every day
  • 9 out of 10 feel they have to get more done in less time

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone but check this out:

  • 1/2 feel that in order to succeed they need to slow things down
  • yet 3/4 feel the pace of work will only increase in the next five years

busy_at_deskThere is a disconnect that must not be ignored here. Most of us are approaching or in the thick of overwhelm and more than half believe that slowing down is the answer to success but most are convinced things will only get faster.

YIKES!

It reminds me of a nightmare where things only get worse the harder you try to get past the struggle. Folks, there is an oncoming force and it is called “speed.” And a large percentage of corporate managers are ignoring this force.

  • Over 2 out of 5 feel that management doesn’t understand the impact of the more-faster-now demands on the employees in our organizations.
  • While 1 out of 3 employees are uncomfortable with the demands for speed in their company

Somebody’s in for a wake-up call.

  • 1/3rd of all respondents don’t feel their organization is embracing speed.
  • and 1/3rd people feel their organization is more stressful and intense than ever.

An interesting theme was revealed in the Speed Survey. We want to HAVE things faster, but we don’t necessarily want to DO things faster. Speed becomes a love, hate relationship and it is only going to paradoxically intensify.

According to Scott Cook, the Chairman and co-founder of Intuit (the makers of Quicken and Quick Books) says, there is a “speed tsunami that’s overtaking business and life.”

Where will the solution come from? How can we make the oncoming force of speed in our world our friend, not the enemy? The answer lies in being able to both embrace speed and harness this oncoming force that Cook talks about.

order your copy of the Age of Speed here Now for the Sex vs High Speed Technology.

  • 1/3rd of our survey respondents would give up sex for week before they would give up their high speed internet connection or their email
  • 1/3rd would pass on the PDA in favor or a week of whoopy.

So there you go. Life in the age of speed is truly interesting and one to be reckoned with. Harness speed and leave chaos behind.

(Click the book to invest in a hard cover copy of The Age of Speed)

Tags: Goals, Motivational, Business Leadership

Little Speed, Big Difference - 70 sec Motivational eBrief

Posted by Vince Poscente on Fri, Feb 20, 2015 @ 11:47 AM

Nine years later, a flashback of nearly dying keeps resurfacing.

It was on the summit attempt of Chakri Peak when we were faced with a twenty-foot rock-wall as the last challenge before reaching the mountain top. I kept thinking about a friend in college who went rock climbing one weekend and didn’t come home. His hand slipped, he fell and died from internal bleeding. He was nineteen years old.

At the time I thought it was tragic that such a young soul would have to perish doing what seemed like an overly dangerous sport. But, there I was, approaching 17,000 feet, in the Himalayas of India staring at my options on a rock face. Our leader, Jeff Salz (part mountain goat, all friend, also a motivational keynote speaker), had scampered up the face in a matter of seconds. My skills weren’t near his so I took my time.

The way he went up seemed too difficult for me. So, I stepped back and reassessed other options. To the left it was just as steep but it appeared to have more of a pronounced set of foot and hand holds. The draw back wa it overhung a 1000-foot drop. But, falling wasn’t an option, climbing was the objective.

Chakri_Peak_banner

As I tested my foothold everything seemed perfect. The first handhold was just as solid so I reached out further over the cliff to grab onto a rock with my left hand. This is when things went wrong.

From an observer’s standpoint it probably looked like I just reached up, grabbed a rock, changed my mind and backtracked. Yet, in my own skin, it was far more tenuous of a maneuver. As I grabbed the furthest rock with my left hand it felt good for a second but as I engaged more weight it started to pull out of the loose rock wall.

Had I hung on for anymore time, it would have dislodged and I would have cart wheeled to the left spinning like a starfish towards a nasty thud on the rocks below. Shards of time separated disaster from recovery. In a quick and decisive move my boot blindly found the previous foothold and I stepped back into a safe space. What could have been a horrible fall ended up being an education in what wouldn’t work. Jeff’s path turned out to be the best one after all.

Accelerating decision-making in rock climbing or any pursuit in life can have the same sort of outcome. There are three things that relate to a little speed making a big difference.

1. Don’t freeze. The worst mistake would have been freezing long enough for it to be too late to backtrack. The biggest blunder you can make in a touch-and-go situation is to freeze.

2. Multiply your options. Rock climbing is a blend of art and technique. Climbing our way through life is the same. Keep scanning your path for options. Like a chess player, pick a strategy where you multiply your options.

3. Trust your instinct. We each have an innate capability or aptitude with more situations than we are conscious of. The sheer power of the subconscious mind can handle a variety of problems at high speed.

The little extra speed with which you handle a situation can translate into a big difference in many parts of your life. Take a moment and see where you are stopping yourself. Take an inventory of your options and trust your instinct. Move deliberately and move quickly.

Do this and you’ll (safely) reach your BIG GOALS in ½ the time.

NOTE: I have a new keynote called BIG GOALS FAST. You may have a group interested in reaching thier own lofty objectives. ASK US HOW.

Check Availability

Vince_Poscente_Website

Tags: Goals, Motivational, Inspirational

I Just Want to Stop - 70 Sec Motivational eBrief

Posted by Vince Poscente on Wed, Feb 04, 2015 @ 03:00 AM

It was impressive to see him push through the discomfort. His shoulders were undoubtedly burning with lactic acid. He kept lifting. Rep after rep. Doing dumbbell presses beside him amplified my internal voice, “I just want to stop.” Being a motivational keynote speaker doesn’t mean you are only concerned about supporting others for an hour at a convention. Between sets, I mentioned how impressive his drive was. He said the exact same phrase, “I just want to stop.”

Germaine

You likely know about the Japanese word coined in 1986, Kaizen. It means “continuous improvement” and is generally used in business settings. Toyota and Canon facilitate and process 60 to 70 suggestions per employee per year. In the spirit of kaizen, improvement isn’t a new year’s resolution or an annual planning meeting outcome. It is multiple times per day. Yet, what about the uncomfortable nature of improvement? Instinct has us each think, “I just want to stop.”

Germaine was born in Jamaica. He came to the US with his family and is now married to a dietician. He has no athletic agenda. He isn’t preparing for any thing in particular. He just wants to improve his health. His motivation to show up at the gym was strong enough to get past that feeling of quitting, avoiding or procrastinating. Moreover, before he showed up, a little voice may have been trying to talk him out of experiencing imminent pain. Germaine is just like you and me. We want to stay away from pain. But some of us meet the discomfort straight on. Some avoid it at all costs.

How then, can us mere mortals, summon the willpower to supersede the “I just want to stop” reflex?

1. Simple Motion – There can be all sorts of excuses. It’s snowing outside. My stomach hurts. The remote control is lonely. Getting past the all the hurdles between you and a completed workout or task can be intimidating. But simple motions are not. Throw the covers off. Brush your teeth. Find your exercise gear. Pick up your car keys. Get in the car. Drive. Just focus and act on the next obvious step.

2. The Prize – Keeping your attention on the outcome/prize takes your attention off the little voice of doubt.

3. Bigger Pain – Attach a bigger pain to not working out or task. What are the consequences? What would it feel like to identify with the saying, “I skipped my workout today. That makes it 12 months in a row now.”

typing at the beachIt is ironic. This picture is taken over looking a beach in the Bahamas the day before delivering a motivational keynote speech. Where do I want to be? Reading a book with my toes luxuriating in the sand. But, this eBrief needs to get done (for you) before I workout (for a healthy future) which is a hurdle to get past before those toes wiggle in paradise (the prize). But there's that voice again...

I just want to stop.

Tags: Goals, Motivational

Goal Chauvinism - 70 Sec Motivational eBrief

Posted by Vince Poscente on Wed, Jan 21, 2015 @ 03:00 AM

Alex climbed in the car. Smiling. (She always smiles - unless something weighs on her.) Within seventy seconds, she dropped the pensive dumbell she had picked up. "Dad, you're 53 years old... what's the point?" Hmmmmm. The point? That 'point' may be foreign to Goal Chauvinists.  

Alex's car was in the shop. Being picked up from school, she innocently reveled in the chauffer treatment. "Hi Dad." "Hey beautiful." She trumped the conversation with a typical parent's question, "How was your daaaay?"

Alex and Dad"Fun actually. Every Wednesday is a 'Free' day. I do something outside of work. I had a one-on-one coaching session with a former National Hockey League player. I learned a lot cool stuff."

Silence. Pause. Restrained sigh.

"Um, Dad? Now I don't want to hurt your feelings but... well... Dad, you're 53 years old. It's not like you're going anywhere with hockey. I mean, what's the point? Do you think the Dallas Stars are looking for an old guy to add middle-age speed and baby-boomer finesse to their team?" 

It must seem odd from the outside looking in. Why indeed?

We each have goals. You likely have a place you want to arrive in your life. A house. A car. A paycheck. A record deal. A contract. A promotion. A milestone of some kind. 

Moreover, goals land somewhere in the future. Goal achievers have clarity on the path towards a dream. They are aspirational. They exude intention and determination. 

Driving towards a specific and measurable goal is mission-critical for any high achiever. Right?

No.

Alex may be a dreaded... "Goal Chauvinist."

Goal Chauvinists buy into the popular notion; proper goals must be clear, measurable, time specific and realistic. 

Quality goals don't have to be tangible. At times, they don't need to be anything other than a state of mind.

This perspective came into view when Jim Shaw, Sr. spoke to his growing staff in late 80's. The staff Christmas party was overflowing with 300 plus employees. He approached the microphone and said with true humbleness, "I never imagined we would be this big. I just thought we were doing the right thing for Canadians."

Today, Shaw Communications is a corporate entity in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Lead by a founder who admitted to not having what a 'Goal Chauvinist' might expect. Instead, he celebrated what many high achievers thrive on, an energetic state. A powerful state of mind. In other words, he did what gives him energy. Values like: new business opportunities, connecting people, building a significant brand, ambition, entrepreneurial adventure.

Taking hockey lessons at 53 is fascinating when you've played since you're five years old. Learning new techniques, being able to contribute a higher skill level for our beer-league team, replacing inefficiency with practical know how. Energetically, it is a huge BUZZ to be on a growth curve. Especially at, not despite being, 53 years old.

Start with what gives you energy. Apply your values and tactics but keep doing what gives you energy. THAT is the point!  

Tags: Goals, Motivational

Invitation to Join TidBitts - Your BIG GOALS in 1/2 the Time

Posted by Vince Poscente on Wed, Nov 12, 2014 @ 03:00 AM

We have teamed up with TidBitts and invite you to do the same. Articles like this one will appear in your inbox every Monday morning. Click this link to sign up to 

How to Reach Your BIG GOALS in ½ the Time.

Is our 24/7, instant message, more-faster-now world eating us alive or setting us free?

AOS_case.Meg_copy

A recent nationwide “Speed Survey” has some answers for us. The results reveal how we are seemingly, just surviving vs thriving. (I’ll save the stats on sex vs high speed technology until the end.)
- 9 out of 10 employees are feeling rushed several times per week if not every day
- 9 out of 10 feel they have to get more done in less time

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone but check this out:
- 1/2 feel that in order to succeed they need to slow things down
- yet 3/4 feel the pace of work will only increase in the next five years

There is a disconnect that must not be ignored here. Most of us are approaching or in the thick of overwhelm and more than half believe that slowing down is the answer to success but most are convinced things will only get faster. YIKES!

It reminds me of a nightmare where things only get worse the harder you try to get past the struggle.

Folks, there is an oncoming force and it is called “speed.” And a large percentage of corporate managers are ignoring this force.
- Over 2 out of 5 feel that management doesn’t understand the impact of the more-faster-now demands on the employees in our organizations.
- While 1 out of 3 employees are uncomfortable with the demands for speed in their company.

Somebody’s in for a wake-up call.
- 1/3rd of all respondents don’t feel their organization is embracing speed. 
- and 1/3rd people feel their organization is more stressful and intense than ever.

An interesting theme was revealed in the Speed Survey. We want to HAVE things faster, but we don’t necessarily want to DO things faster. Speed becomes a love, hate relationship and it is only going to paradoxically intensify.

According to Scott Cook, the Chairman and co-founder of Intuit (the makers of Quicken and Quick Books) says, there is a “speed tsunami that’s overtaking business and life.”

Where will the solution come from? How can we make the oncoming force of speed in our world our friend, not the enemy? The answer lies in being able to both embrace speed and harness this oncoming force that Cook talks about.

Now for the Sex vs High Speed Technology. 
- 1/3rd of our survey respondents would give up sex for week before they would give up their high speed internet connection or their email
- 1/3rd would pass on the PDA in favor or a week of whoopy.

So there you go. 

Life in the age of speed is truly interesting and one to be reckoned with. 

Harness speed and leave chaos behind.

Share this link with everyone you know and I will continue to give you great content on #TidBitts.  https://www.tidbitts.com/free/99d47a

Tags: Goals, Motivational, Inspirational

5 Signs Busy is Holding You Back

Posted by Vince Poscente on Wed, Oct 01, 2014 @ 03:00 AM

Yesteryear, if you told someone you’re busy they may empathize.

Tell people you’re busy today and a little voice in the ether goes, “Uh oh!” 

A respected colleague, Victoria Labalme talks about how bringing up “busy” leads to a series of one-up-manship. 

“How are you?”

“I’m really busy. How are you?”

“Oh, I’m crazy busy. I’ve got busy, on top of busy.”

As Labalme astutely points out, busy is nothing to brag about.

busy_at_desk

Today, ‘busy’ has become a fading badge oh honor. Much in the same way, admitting “I don’t know how to turn on a computer,” was okay to say until it eventually became a sign of complete ignorance.

Let’s face it. With the quality and proliferation of technological solutions, busy is no longer a positive sign. It is, in fact, a red flag. It is a harbinger for ineffective behavior. A symbol of someone out of control.

This should put sayings like, “If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person,” a cause for pause. 

“If you want to get something done, give it to an efficient person.” Isn't that better (albeit not a play on words)?

Here are Five Signs you’re busyness may be holding you back:

1. You Feel Busy but Don’t Notice Results. 
2. You Admit Busyness and Feel Out of Control.
3. You’re Exhausted From The Weight of Your Commitments.
4. You Can’t Quite Recall What You Did Today.
5. You’ve Given Up Lists for Reactionary Work.

The antidote to busy?

• List Your MITs - List the Peter Thomas, MITs (the most important things you want to get done) at the beginning of each day. 
• Target Specific Results - Target the specific progress or results you want to accomplish each day.
• Attach Emotion to Progress - Emotionally attach your progress to the end game, the ultimate prize you aim to attain. 

Now, don’t panic. It is still relatively acceptable to say you’re busy. But that window of acceptability is rapidly closing. Then, one day, admitting you’re busy will be an outright admission of ignorance. 

Best to get busy on solving busy, before its too late.

Tags: Goals, Motivational