Category Archives: Business

Social Bios

You don’t have to go to one’s Facebook page or Twitter profile to engage their social bio. We constantly tell the world who we are, what we like/dislike, what our hobbies are, and why we do what we do.

I was on the Chicago train today and learned a lot.

For instance…

The guy standing across from me with a Cubs hat on. He was sharing with the world his love for baseball. Sure he loves the “Cubbies” – but it’s not because they win…it’s the game they play. I learned all that in his 20-year-old hat.

And the guy standing in the doorway staring at the blurred tiles flying by. Dressed in all black, the only other fashion color on him were the white music ear buds in his ears. He was sharing with the world that he has music taste, style, independence, and thinks differently. I learned all that in his white ear buds.

On board came the woman covered in Lulu Lemon gear. She was sharing with the world one of three things: 1) I’m fit. 2) I’m on my way to getting fit. 3) I hope you think I’m fit and healthy. I didn’t ask her which one she was aiming for. I learned all that in her modern-day spandex she wore.

Lastly, there were two readers on board. One was a man who had a very thick book with the cover removed. Across from him sat a young lady with a Kindle. I watched a little battle between them begin. I really think they started a speed reading competition. At one point he gave her the “I’m more sophisticated than you are” look…and she returned the look with a “my life is more simple than yours is” nod. I learned all this from his book and her Kindle.

Wrap it up, Ashton….

Our marketing departments must demand answers to – how is this product, brand, service, or idea going fit into our target market’s social bios they carry with them and share with the world?

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Scars:Success Ratio

The scars to success ratio is never 0:1, 0:2, 0:10, 0:100, and so forth.
In reality, for those of us painting art, writing music, changing things, and stirring the pot, it’s probably 1:1.

For every success there is (there will be) a scar.

Every mentor I have walks with a limp and is covered in band aids. The difference between them and the mode is that they play through the pain and never ask to be “subbed” out of the game.

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You In The Raw

May these words free you.

Today, you can throw away your slide rule, your graphing calculator, your spreadsheets, your iPod, your compass, your protractor, your ruler, your telescope, your microscope, your graphing paper, your laptop, your cell phone, and even your iPad. They’re helpful, but not necessary.

Today, you can stop pointing at the past, the people, and problems you feel have held you back.

It’s not your God-given name, nor your background, nor your tools (or lack there of) that will take you to the success you long for.

You were pre-installed with every bit of hardware and software that you would need before the foundations of the world were created. In other words, your God-given guts and hands are just waiting for you to boot up.

Listen….You can be named Bubba, never have had a professional lesson, and still champion whatever field, sector, or industry you’re looking to master.

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Dance Partner

I love the guy that is unashamed on the dance floor.

I would like to offer you the invitation to be that guy/girl.

You are free to be WHO you are and move HOW you like/love in the marketplace (dance floor).

Just keep dancing to the music you’re hearing and making the moves that feel right.

The masses may not be getting it, but slowly – if you are notable, getting talked about, being pointed at, and sometimes even being mocked…you are on your way becoming a very desirable dance partner in the marketplace.

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Always & Never

Careful with always and never.

These words, when spoken, can be detrimental to your relationships. They freeze the subject matter and give it no room to breathe.

And these words, when thought, can be detrimental with you and your future with your customer(s).

Constantly dig into what is trending. There you should (notice I didn’t say always) find points of debate to what you think always or never happens and goes on.

 

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