by Matt Walker on April 15, 2009
Twitter. What is this twitter thing and how can it possible be an effective networking tool? The beauty and challenge of twitter is that you have 140 characters of space to communicate with. 140 characters to share your needs, share your help, share your knowledge, and share your unique self. It is a challenge and the community and conversations that are built on 140 characters is astounding.
I wanted to introduce an article, a book, and some food for thought about using twitter as a networking tool. First the formalities, if you are new to twitter or building a community, check out Joel Comm’s book: Twitter Power: How to Dominate Your Market One Tweet at a Time
, and a link to a blog post about some pros and cons: Twitter Productivity.
Alright, my two cents about using Twitter as a networking tool. Keep in mind the 80/20 rule here and give, give, give. Stay active in giving, not selling, and you will develop trust and credibility. Retweet (RT) others tweets that are interesting and add value, answer questions, connect others that are in need or share a common interest: bottom line - give, give, and give.
The twitter community is not responsive (positively) to spam and mass impersonal selling or networking techniques (who does respond positively to that anyway?). Instead I suggest keeping these questions in mind while engaging on twitter:
- What can I give and offer to others?
- How can I support others to be successful?
- How can I engage in friendly conversation?
- How can I best express my sincerity and generosity?
- How can I provide true value to others?
My suggestion? Follow a few people that you are interested in and find engaging and observe how they connect and interact with others out there. Twitter is an amazing opportunity to connect and build community. Give it a go - dive right in!
See you out there!
by Matt Walker on April 13, 2009
A friend asked me recently how work was going, that was an easy question to answer: It feels like play. And when work feels like play - wow, what a difference that makes. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still have tasks that are taxing and difficult, time consuming and frustrating (just ask anyone who helps me with Quickbooks!), confusing and routine. But, that is part of running a business (a small but necessary part). The other part, the work, is the reason you got into the business in the first place - and, when that feels like play you are set!
How do you get to play with your work? I can share my personal experience and one that my clients have reported success with - give it a try for yourself.
It is difficult to live in the moment. To do so, especially at work, take practice and patience. Below are a series of questions to consider? Also, when I began employing Mindfulness practice into my work environment, I found this book particularly helpful: Mindfulness in Plain English, Updated and Expanded Edition
.
An exercise in application:
Throughout the day, notice when you are present and when you are not present in what you are doing. Each day take a few minutes to note those times and explore these questions:
- When am I most full present in what I am doing?
- When I noticed that I was not present, what were the reasons?
- What can I do in the future to change these reasons so I can be more fully present?
- What is the value for me in being present?
Maybe starting with question #4 first would be a great place to launch from? What is the value for you in being present? What does it bring to your life, your relationships, and the quality of your work?
Let me know - see you out there!
by Matt Walker on April 9, 2009
I recently started wearing a purple bracelet (like the Lance Armstrong ‘Livestrong’ bracelets). This one though is to raise my own awareness about complaining - it is called ‘A Complaint Free World (check it out here: A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted
). Well, the idea is to go 21 days in a row without complaining or gossiping. I took the challenge and while I haven’t made it 21 days yet, I have completed 3 in a row and I am much more aware of my negative thoughts and the types of conversations I engage in and am around.
My challenge to you (and myself): Think about the world in terms of the inverse of paranoia. Stan Dale’s version of this is, “I’ve always been the opposite of a paranoid. I operate as if everyone is part of a plot to enhance my well-being.” What an incredible way to move through the world - what would your day look like if you connected the dots through your life by seeing the way things are coming together for you and supporting your goals and dreams.
Give it a try: check out A Complaint Free World and living the inverse of paranoia. Your business and life will thank you for it!
by Matt Walker on April 7, 2009
Total transparency here: I have an accountability partner. What is an accountability partner? Well, I work from home (as does my accountability partner) and working from home has a unique set of challenges (and rewards). So, we work together to check-in twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening) and set our intention for what we are going to accomplish that day and help each other stay on track for longer term goals.
Today’s call began with discussing setting intention. I had been feeling frenetic yesterday and we focused on setting our personal and work goals with a focus on the big picture and the daily tasking. My partner asked me if I had been maintaing my spiritual practice (I meditate daily - well, try to). The truth is I had stopped recently as work had become more demanding. I often return to this book as a spiritual resource: Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior
. And over the past 10 days, my practice had been neglected - hence the increased frenetic energy and decreased intention.
On of the tenets of Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior is to open yourself and fearlessly give to others, and in turn you help create a world of generosity and compassion. Yet, I had neglected my own self-care to be available to others.
Your business is an extension of you. It is an extension of all that is positive and powerful that you offer. Take care of yourself and move with intention and less frenzy. The world, and your business, will thank you!
by Matt Walker on April 6, 2009
I remember walking up to the base of a climb in Yosemite a few years ago and feeling anxious and nervous. Questions swirled around my head in unison with the building clouds and winds: can I climb this? What will happen if we get half way up the wall and can’t finish the climb? Will I let my partner down? Will I get hurt? All of these questions and anxieties came from one thought and feeling: I had never done this climb before.
My climbing partner looked at me and gently said: ‘Matt, the wall doesn’t care about your resume.” I stopped my fidgeting and looked back at him and nodded my head in agreement - game on. He was right. The mountain doesn’t care about my resume, true my resume has allowed me to learn certain things and gain experience, but it does not define the outcome of the climb.
Running a business is exactly the same. When engaged in running a business your resume is not the primary qualifier and the business outcome doesn’t care about your resume. The outcome and your success is as much determined by your aspiration, belief, and desire. Your resume is a very limited perspective on your talents, abilities, and potential outcomes - and it is based on past accomplishments.
Your business doesn’t care about your resume. Your business cares about the work, intention, commitment, and compassion you bring to it.
Back to Yosemite for a moment - that climb is one of the sweetest memories I have of climbing in Yosemite. Why? Because I shed that anxiety of “what if” storytelling and focused on being present with the climb. The outcome was determined by my performance, focus, drive, and teamwork with my partner - not my resume. And your business success will be determined by the same factors.
See you out there!
by Matt Walker on April 2, 2009
I recently had a conversation with a prospect (now a client) that acknowledged his deepest business frustration and fear to me: “I don’t know how to connect with people anymore.” I asked for clarification and he expressed an uncertainty in how to use the plethora of technologies and communication tools available and a feeling that the “rules” of engagement had shifted and he was adrift. I could sympathize - there are so many various social networking web tools available and as we talked about his experiences I could hear his voice become slower paced, deeper, and more withdrawn. He wanted to connect with others and didn’t know how. He felt paralyzed and isolated.
In the midst of our conversation I referenced Tim Sander’s book: Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends
. I agree with Sander’s that we have access to a seemigly unending variety o tools that help automate networking and connection. But, the key differentiator that leads to successful networking and business development is interacting with others from a perspective of humility and gratitude. From this perspective, of gratitude and generosity, we can share our intangibles (knowledge, network, and our compassion) in a way that connects us with others on a base level. A level that encourages continued interaction and relationship building.
The bottom line: want to connect with others? Utilize a variety of tools (online, in-person, twitter, facebook, etc. - find what works for you) and keep in mind that people still (regardless of the medium) want human connection and that means being humble, generous, and share your intangibles. Check out Tim’s book for more reading: Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends. Connect with me and we can discuss ways to implement this in your business development.
See you out there - beyond the summit!
by Matt Walker on March 30, 2009
Have you read The Contrarian Effect: Why It Pays (Big) to Take Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite
? My colleague, Michael Port (with Elizabeth Marshall) wrote it last year and I will be transparent here: When I first read it I liked it, but I didn’t fall in love with it. That changed this weekend when I picked it up again (I love it now). Maybe I needed to be in the right head space, in fact, I know that I needed to be in the right head space: I needed to be open to influence.
I re-approached The Contrarian Effect: Why It Pays (Big) to Take Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite with an awareness that recently I was saying ‘no’ more often. When I find myself saying ‘no’ or finding reasons why something ‘won’t work’ my smarter self raises his hand and says: ‘Matt, you are not open to influence and missing opportunity. Drop the pretense and make yourself available’. So, I found myself opening the book again and finding gem after gem of sales advice and help in putting my sales and marketing approach in perspective: the perspective of my customers. I am in service to my customers and they are the decision makers. This is not to say that I am like jello and mold to them, but instead I recognize that they demand honesty and transparency in the sales process.
So, what did I learn by reading The Contrarian Effect: Why It Pays (Big) to Take Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite again? I caught myself in a cycle of ‘no’ and not being open to influence (a dangerous cycle to get into as a solo-preneur). And I recognized these four key points:
- Catch Yourself - Be aware of your thought patterns and in response your business decisions and actions
- Be Open to Influence - Be open to unorthodox ideas. Be really open to new ideas, if you find yourself reacting immeaditely with a ‘no’ or ‘that won’t work’ - take a closer look!
- Be Aware - Are you applying an old paradigm to a new context? Customers have more choices and power than ever - your sales and marketing must reflect this knowledge.
- Share Your Ideas - Seek assistance and feedback from your colleagues and peers, business is not a spectator or individual endeavor. Feedback can give you a new perspective and may even encourage collaboration (a crucial sales and marketing tool for entrepreneurs).
Alright, get back out there. Open yourself to influence from others and listen to the feedback you are receiving from your customers. They like you (that’s why they continue to buy from you) and want you to recognize their needs.
by Matt Walker on March 24, 2009
I am reminded that as entrepreneurs, like climbers, we can acquire DIC syndrome (Dehydrated, Irritable, and Cranky). What are the unmistakable sign and symptoms of DIC syndrome? Poor decision making, isolation, drop in performance, a narrow focus that misses opportunity, and an overall lethargy that keeps us from performing our best and alienates our colleagues. I recently compiled an entrepreneurs checklist to help combat rampant DIC syndrome.
I found this list even more helpful as the economy is shifting - if I have learned anything from the changing economy it is to not hold on to tightly to the outcome and maintain a wider perspective on the opportunities and connections available. I hope this list helps you maintain that objectivity and perspective - take care of yourself first, the rewards will be sweet and generous!
- I eat foods that promote my physical well-being.
- I live in a home that feels nurturing and safe.
- I do not rush - I am on time for appointments and commitments.
- I take action based on feelings of love and not of fear.
- I live a life based on choice.
- I know how to forgive and live in compassion.
- I exercise several times per week.
- I get a good night’s sleep.
- I get my personal needs met outside of work.
- I seek solutions for my complaints about my life and work.
- I seek accountability.
- I understand that I am the architect of my life.
- I keep clear and consistent boundaries.
- I believe in fun and make fun a focal point of my work and personal life.
Next time you find yourself moving off track or feeling DIC syndrome. Slow down, have a glass of water, take a deep breath, and look over the checklist. Take stock and resolve to take action. See you out there, beyond the summit!
by Matt Walker on March 7, 2009
You are in the thick of it. The middle of everything.
Things are confusing, overwhelming, scary, and exciting at the same time.
There are no longer any sign posts directing your way - you are moving into Terra Incognita.
This is the freedom you were looking for when you started out on your own and, paradoxically, exactly the freedom that raises your anxiety and tempts you to head back to the comfort of the known and safe.
Add to this equation a shifting economy and the question surfaces: Is it time to quit?
As a climber and an entrepreneur, I reach this point every time I stretch to grow, on every climb and on every project that has risk and reward.
Romanus Wolter recently wrote about this phenomenon in Entrepreneur Dec 2008. His conclusions about operating in an unstable fear-based economy boil down to:
- Create an Exit Strategy: Release the fear of quitting by having an exit strategy. Once that strategy is established, let it go and focus on the task at hand.
- Change Does not Equal Failure: Roadblocks and setbacks occur - it is up to you to manuever your business around, over, or through them.
- View Your Business as an Experiment: Reignite your entrepreneurial spirit - this is your design!
- Reinforce Your Willpower: Keep your head clear of negative thinking - free yourself from the downward spiral of self-doubt. Commit. Surround yourself with like minded and supportive professionals. The difference will be immediate!
As a mountain climber who is also metaphorically climbing the mountain of growing my own business, I have a couple of additional thoughts:
- This is a First Ascent: You are on a First Ascent, whether you are creating a totally original concept, franchise, part-time, or family business - this is a first ascent for you. Every first ascent is full of unknowns and needs constant recalibration - cut yourself some slack and include the learning and correction process in your expectations.
- Terra Incognita: As you travel into new realms with your business, how you think is more important than what you know. You may be an entrepreneur but that doesn’t mean you need to know everything and be an expert. Employ the help and knowledge of others around you - this is an invaluable step to free you to concentrate on your skills and unique talents.
- There is no try - only do: Yes, Master Yoda was the one who said this. My spin: You cannot wait out on the plains for the answer of how to climb the mountain - you must go to the mountain to discover how to climb it.
Good news: You are not alone. All business owners experience self-doubt and questioning. The difference is in how they handle it.
Take a moment and reflect on your end goal, realign your work if need be, and get back to it. Take the next step, grab the next hand hold, let the fear be, and keep moving.
by Matt Walker on February 20, 2009
Everyone has an Everest-a challenge that they want to master.
What is yours? Is it the same “Everest” that you had last year? Two years, five years, ten or fifteen years ago?
Ten years ago, my Everest was a smaller beautiful peak called Ama Dablam in the Khumbu Himalaya of Nepal. Long considered the jewel of the Himalayas, Ama Dablam is 22,349 feet in altitude (nearly 6,000 feet lower in elevation than Mt Everest). Like other high-altitude climbs in the Himalaya, Ama Dablam requires strong teamwork, partnership, detailed planning, perseverance, tolerance for adversity, and vision. On top of that, Ama Dablam requires a high level of technical rock climbing and ice climbing ability at a high elevation. In other words, Ama Dablam tests all of a climber’s skills at once-and she is demanding!
We had a successful ascent and summited as the sun set over the whole range of the Himalaya - an image imprinted in my memory.
When we made our way down from the mountain and back to Kathmandu for a celebration, my partner and I found the celebration bittersweet. We had just sucessfully climbed “our Everest,” which was an exhilarating experience. At the same time, we knew we couldn’t stop there, and we were keenly aware that our next Everest would demand even more from us.
Developing your business is like climbing a mountain. You will your sights on your “Everest,” you reach it, and as you stand on the summit you reflect on the achievement. The next question, which follows close behind, is “What is my next Everest?” (Here’s the secret: There is always a next Everest.)
How will you apply the learning and experience you have acquired to the next summit? How can you best prepare to take yourself and your business there?
What is your next Everest? Choose your mountain according to what you desire to gain and keep in mind how that success will contribute to your further climb.
