Lesson 1 Discussion
We’ve set up this section for you to discuss your experience with Lesson 1: Branding from the Inside Out (aka Letting Your Light Shine). Please post your questions, comments or “aha moments” here. We’ll be monitoring this section closely for the first hour right after the call, so you can post and get very interactive feedback from both of us and other participants. Of course, feel free to post here anytime… even long after the call is over. 
- Phil & Marnie
Phil, I loved your sailboat analogy and how “decision translates into energy.” That is SO true. I know so many people who can’t seem to make headway and it all boils down to a lack of a direction… inability to make a decision…aka…lack of clarity. Can’t wait to hear how everyone does with their first worksheet!
What a great call. I never realized that so many others experienced indecision and lack of clarity too. I’ve started to feel that finding direction and clarity is very possible for me, and is a journey of self-understanding. Thank you!
Harmony
What a great call! I was so blessed to be able to particpate, although on mute mode.
A comment I will note from a corporate perspective, is a lot of times senior execs are so focused on “bottom line” results they don’t want to take the time to go through the investigative process into “who” they are. Indirectly perhaps due to the time involved but also that they don’t want to waste money on “the warm fuzzies”. In fact, when I organized an “organizational excellence” retreat that involved some deep levels of thinking I received this type of response directly from key leaders, unfortunately.
So enlightening to come from a position that this will produce greater opportunity and expand and enrich versus just being a time consuming warm and fuzzy effort. It is definitely a paradigm shift!
Question on the 80/20 rule: Do you find in your experience that when a person or organization in their efforts to become better at what they do ever increases their 20%? I think we subconsciously think we can glean more info to become “the best of the best” by learning from some of the 80% to improve the 20% so focus our time and efforts on the 80% for that reason as well. It would be interesting to know if no matter what efforts are put forth, that the 80/20 rule still stays constant?
Thanks again and looking forward to next week!
I love your analogy of the sailboat and harnessing the power of nature to move forward. I also love realizing how Starbucks has built such a great business the “untraditional” way!
Rita, I’m sure Phil will have a more profound answer for you than I could give on the 80-20, but I will say that as I’ve worked with him over the last 3 years and have gotten clearer on who I am, what I do, and what I stand for; it’s easier for me to say no to the 80% who would have pulled me down and drag me off course. I simply don’t accept or attract their business anymore.
The clearer I get, the easier customer service becomes for me because I’m attracting the people who are ideal matches. Occasionally I might get a trouble client, but it’s very rare because I’m getting better at spotting them and acting more courageously on my gut feelings … to not accept them as clients.
I’m starting to realize how much this clarity will help in all areas of my life, beyond my business — personal goals, health and fitness, creative expression, relationships with family, choices I make in my community, on and on…
Hi Rita,
That’s a great question, and the answer is more one of attention and focus. The 80/20 principal might well stay in place or shift to 70/30, 60/40 over time, but the intention will be to better serve your core customer, since they are a better reflection of your strengths and gifts. As you serve this group, you will attract more of the same and that portion of your business will grow. Even if it remained a 80/20 split, it would be a better 20% that would be even more suited and enthusiastic about you.
Harmony, one of the wonderful things about clarity is it’s “spill over” effect. If we get clear about one area of life, it can’t help but light up other areas as well. Sometimes when I do this type of work, I find myself spontaneously cleaning up my desk, or organizing things that would otherwise have seemed a drudgery.
I was working w/some business partners today who do not know about these concepts you taught us yesterday and it was interesting to hear them use those marketing words, target, capture, etc! I realized how normal these words have become when we speak of people we want to work with! Intuitive marketing is a whole new concept to me and I would like a new list of words to use in my business pursuits! What words would you suggest Phil??
Hi RossAnne,
That’s a great question and one I’ve never come across! I think what’s important here is to make a distinction between changing the language/word set and shifting the intention behind the words themselves. Otherwise the new words will take on the same meanings as the old ones… i.e trying to capture, acquire, or attain something outside of yourself. If you feel your true needs/desires are already met, then you can come from a place of abundance and your language would take on that essence. You might start saying things like “reach,” “share,” “connect,” “supply,” “enrich,” “nurture,” “help,” “assist,” “thrive,” “energize, “catalyst,” etc.
These words are indicative that you are operating from a perspective of oversupply… you have more than enough of what you want/need. And you have plenty left over to share and give to others. Remind me in this upcoming class to talk about stone soup!
Have a great holiday!
Phil
I just spent the early morning hour listening to last weeks call. It was just what the Doctor ordered. God has an incredible way of bringing what we need at the time we need it. I was feeling overwhelmed to say the least between my business and my desires to redirect my life. Phil you are fantastic!!! Your call gave me a life raft in the sea of overwhelming information, I literally felt like I was drowning. Thank you for your insight and positive, caring approach.
Phil,
Thanks for your insightful answer! That is a great list of words that feel much better to use in approaching marketing and also a great reminder that coming from a place of abundance is a more peaceful, natural way of moving through life.
I will remind you about Stone Soup tomorrow!
Thanks so much.