10th Human - Page 8 of 10 - It's all about adding value

10th Human: Does theory matter?

In a world of results, results, results does theory matter?

I would suggest the answer to this is, “Yes.”

Language is a lens through which we view the world. Language is a framework. If we strive to inform and improve that framework through the study of theory in our given field(s), it seems to me it only helps. Of course, to achieve results one must Act on the theory and framework they’ve developed.

P.S. In doing a little light reading on this topic, I came across this fascinating article on words and their impact on our brains.

The Internets: The wealth of human information at our fingertips…

network-1433045_640 Have you paused recently to consider that we, the human species, have developed a network that is simultaneously:

the distributed repository of the wealth of human knowledge
connects everyone with access to everyone with access

The potential of this network extends far beyond sharing awesome memes (though this is arguably a critical function).

Today’s link is a list of 14 resources compiled by Mental Floss that run the gamut from serious (learn every language on Earth and helping feed the Earth) to the lighthearted (access old school video games).

All powered by the Internet.

Battle Rhythm: morning rituals

In my quest to maximize quality and efficiency of my time, I am always looking out for ways to build a better version of self. Inc. has a few tips on ‘optimizing’ your morning.

What are your morning rituals you find add value to your day?

10th Human: A sustainable battle rhythm is a career decision

20160731 OODA I had an hour drive in the car this morning and chose Tim Ferris’ podcast with Seth Godin to pass the time. There were a solid dozen ‘nuggets’ I jotted down for future follow up and thought but I want to share one with you today.

When asked about his habit of blogging daily (a decision I’ve recently begun here), Mr. Godin referred to this as a ‘career decision’. This was an intentional decision on his part, one of 5 or 6 he has made in his career, he stated.

That really landed with me. I use the language of a “battle rhythm” in my business (twenty years of military service left me with a lingering affinity for the lingo). A concept I’ve been struggling to articulate concisely for a little while is the why of having a sustainable battle rhythm is so important. It seems apparent that a business owner wants to have this because consistency and reliability build brand trust. However, Seth’s phrasing of a daily habit like blogging as a career decision really stuck with me.

In sum, having a sustainable battle rhythm is also a career decision.

P.S. I should probably define what I mean by battle rhythm. My definition here is: those minimum, mandatory tasks you do on a continual basis to maintain your business.

Act.

logthemiles Blogger Joshua Becker has penned an EXCELLENT piece on motivation, planning and executing on that plan. Emphasis on the execution of the plan. In his piece, he highlights that “a goal without a plan is just wishful thinking.” Further, you must act upon that plan, because having a plan simply isn’t enough.

You have to log the miles.

10th Human: Why you should network

tree-200795_640 It’s 99.99% likely you are reading this on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or the Internet. We are a networked planet, nearly globally. With such a diverse possibly of contacts, you are quite literally losing business if you are not engaged in some form of networking.

In researching this question, I came across this article from Dayna Steele, from Relate by Zendesk. She absolutely nails it when she writes, “The larger your network, the more opportunities, ideas, and answers come your way.”

Be you. Be authentic. Add value.

Your business very likely depends on it.

10th Human: On “To-Do” lists

There are hundreds (if not more) of philosophies and strategies regarding to do lists. A Google search yields thousands upon thousands of results, from the 5 best To Do List Managers to the 5 Best To Do List Tips to the 5 Ways to Make Your To List More Effective to the Anti To Do List.

What’s one to do? (Sorry, had to!)

I am a proponent of the basics. My to do list is nothing fancy. I use a small notebook where I make a note of the daily to dos (it’s sorted by date). Priority tasks get an (!) next to them. I am also a proponent of ToDoist.com. It’s straightforward project and task based team task management platform. I use this for larger projects and task delegation.

Effective task management is critical to the long term success of a business.

What system do you use?

The only sustainable competitive advantage…

“The only sustainable competitive advantage is an organization’s ability to learn faster than the competition.”
– Peter Senge, Society for Organizational Learning

I read this quote earlier today in Disrupt You! by Jay Samit and it’s a nugget of pure wisdom.

In our ever changing world, what really is a 21st century businesses’ greatest asset? I would submit for your consideration that it is as quoted above, the ability to learn and adapt and implement faster than the competition.

If this sounds familiar, it’s tied into the overarching goal of the OODA loop, too.

Fortune favors the follow up. – Erik Stark

I was listening to the BiggerPockets podcast this morning and heard this advice from Erik Stark, a successful Florida real estate marketer. He has a number of nuggets of wisdom in the podcast and I would very much encourage you to listen (it’s #93).

I wanted to take a moment and dig into this quote today. What does Mr. Stark mean by this? In his business, he has found success in the follow up. He has developed a system that works for him, through which he is able to deliver sustained and systematic follow up to his clients.

Are you following up? Do you have a system to do so?

Fortune favors the follow up. – Erik Stark