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…start looking at becoming more energetic and passionate
Over the past few years much hype has been made on going viral. Some people base their whole marketing approach on creating something that will go viral. I think about the ALS Ice Bucket Campaign. A great campaign that quickly went viral across all forms of media and unleashed a whole new audience. Now, will this same phenomenon take off again in 2015. My guess is that it will try to be revived, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime event or “viral” event.
Now the opposite can also happen. Too many times, we act like New Years Resolutionists and we seem committed for a period of time and then we fall off, because the audience is not there or we see it as a waste of time. This approach is also way too toxic and very easy to get caught up in.
So what is the answer?
The answer is becoming more energetic. This is the approach I am taking. I looked closely at this approach toward the end of the 2014 year. I needed a change of direction, I was working hard, but my motivation and drive was not quite there. I listened to others and I noticed two groups: 1) those people who focused on the current circumstances and pretty much approached their work as something they had to do and were hoping for the best and 2) those people who saw real future coming in 2015 and wanted to really work toward some great projects and innovations.
Because of this, I have a renewed focus not only toward marketing projects but also toward life in general. This new focus looks at adding to my current knowledge and helps me become more energetic and has given me more drive than ever. As a result, I continue to seek out information that will help me grow and I quickly discard information that looks at the negative picture. When you take a going viral approach to your marketing and life circumstances, you are always looking for that one article, or piece of advice or activity that will take you to the next level. This is a dangerous approach and one that only a few people are able to succeed at.
So how is this helping me in 2015?
It starts with relationships!
Working hard to establish/repair/build relationships is where it is at for me in 2015! It starts with small steps, but you will quickly know where you want to spend most of your time with respect to these relationships. It is always good to work and maintain good working relationships, but I have learned that if you want to grow, you may need to reach out to people who know more than you and can assist you as a part of your team.
Write it down!
Write down those projects that you want completed in 2015 both personally and professionally. Over the past few weeks, I have worked to sat down and written down goals, projects, reminders, appointments, made notes and recorded updates. Writing it down and creating reminders is a sign of someone who wants to grow and is working, recording and managing their progress. It was the biggest change I’ve made so far in 2015.
Listen like never before!
Don’t ignore information that is presented to you. Conduct a client survey and ask people for their input. Listen to people’s concerns and find learn more about where they are coming from. Take note of conversations you have with clients, co-workers, friends and others. This information will help you become a better person and will help you maintain good relationships. Best advice someone gave me, “If someone gives you some information and you already know it, keep you mouth shut and listen” Very few people can do this. Don’t interrupt. If you tell the person, you already know what they are talking about, they will probably stop telling you any future information. Listening is hard work, but if done correctly it can really be a powerful tool.
Create energy!
Present yourself with a person full of passion and drive. Continue to look at making a difference everyday. Jot down your successes and stick to your to-do list. Look for opportunities to communicate more with people. What good is knowledge if it is never shared. If you work with people who are constantly bringing down the department, talk to them and give them 1-2 chances, if their attitude does not change, take the initiative to change the situation.
Have an outstanding 2015 and work to create energy in your own life.
Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
