Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 10/19/2020
(FYI: My column last week on the historical record of Columbus drew a record number of responses in the history of Monday Morning Memo.)
I coach people globally almost every day, as well as run virtual workshops via Zoom (though I do look forward to hitting the road again sometime soon). Here’s what I’ve found are the traits and habits of professional services providers and entrepreneurs who have been most successful over the past six pandemic-restricted months.
• Perspective and optimism. They do not see the sky falling. They are more like Paul Revere than Chicken Little. Disney, Revlon, Netflix, Apple, and a host of powerful companies and ideas were launched during very tough times.
• New services offered and innovative approaches to existing ones. They are assertive in providing value, as Machiavelli said, “which suits the manner of the times.” (Next week I’ll be delivering the first ever virtual Million Dollar Consulting® College.)
• They offer help, not projects. They ask simply, “How can I be of help?” As George Merck admonished, “Do good and good will follow.”
• Fearlessness in calling and contacting buyers and recommenders. This is a pellucid differentiator. When I ask, “Did you call 15 people since last week?” the best say, “I called 25” and the worst say, “I didn’t get around to it.”
• They had resources. There was personal and/or business money set aside or there were readily liquid investments if needed.
• Finally, they had a formal or (more likely) informal community. People were accustomed to talking, to meeting, to gaining value and insights. There was no need to try to construct one when people were already distracted. In fact, the community was a “go to” source for help and support.
Nothing magical here, just talent, discipline, and working smart, pandemic or no pandemic.
Gentleness doesn’t get work done unless you happen to be a hen laying eggs.
—Coco Chanel
Luck is the residue of design.
—Branch Ricky
MacKay CEO Forums: My long-time client and colleague, Nancy MacKay, is seeking additional chairs for her vast network which provides virtual meetings for business owners and executives. The chairs, while continuing to run their own businesses, also facilitate these meetings periodically, and gain exposure to potential clients by also addressing the groups and becoming known within the network. Here’s a video conversation with me and Nancy with more information: https://vimeo.com/451547172/b19e467e3e. You can reach Nancy for further discussions here: [email protected]. Just mention that I sent you to receive a quick response.
Million Dollar Consulting® College Goes Virtual: Join me for the first-ever virtual college over three mornings in October (afternoons in Europe). We’ll have group exercises, role plays, case studies, and great interaction. To launch this new approach, I’ve reduced the fee by 50%, and you can also attend the next “live” college for free if you choose! It’s time to move the 14-year event into the new age, and I’m offering these incentives to help do so. I can only accept a limited number of people. Use this October opportunity to help launch you into the emerging economy with new energy and new techniques: https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/2020-million-dollar-consulting-college/. If not now, when? And there is already another scheduled January 26-28,2021!
Group Coaching: My prior “crisis coaching” was so popular that I’m launching a group coaching experience in November. A small group will meet at the same time on the same day for 60 days for an hour, with half the meeting focusing on my business environment analysis and half of the participants’ personal issues. Email coaching is included during the 60 days. https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/personal-power-and-success/ I’m now forming a second group, the first is filled.
Sentient Strategy: We’ve certified 35 people in Sentient Strategy, an ideal methodology to remotely create a one-year strategy in just two mornings. Four sessions have already been sold to various size businesses. Write me to apply for the training at [email protected] and we’ll schedule a convenient time for us both.
Building Dynamic Communities: The people who had formal or informal communities of clients and prospects have done the best during the pandemic. It’s an ideal time to put yours in place or improve on the one you have. I’ll take you through the 14 steps required in just two remote half-days. Over two dozen people have been through the program thus far. Write me to apply for the training at [email protected] and we’ll schedule a convenient time for us both.
