Our biggest failure

is not found in what we did wrong.

Rather it is found in what we were afraid to try.

houston@figment-consulting.com

It's only mountains

We all know how to "make a mountain out of a mole hill."

But, do we know how to make a molehill out of a mountain?

Whether a mountain or a molehill you can still simply go around.

You can also go over either one.

And remember, the view from the mountain is more breathtaking than the one from the molehill.

We can help you navigate the path and enjoy the journey.

houston@figment-consulting.com

The solution is . . .

. . . dependent upon the question being asked.

We spend countless hours searching for solutions. We waste hours upon hours in meetings discussing possible solutions.

We fire and hire based on finding solutions.

Anyone stop to make sure we are asking the right question?

Why are our sales declining? Why are customers leaving us? What can we do to increase sales? What can we do to attract new customers?

All are centered around the same problem yet each is a distinctly different question that will provide different solutions. The real problem is which question is best asked so we can find the proper solution?

houston@figment-consulting.com

Leaping

Today is a nice reminder that there is value found in leaping.

We tend to look for solutions by tweaking, adjusting a little, varying inputs or outputs, when perhaps we should be looking to leap.

At a minimum, leap with your thoughts. Instead of finding an answer to today's pressing problem, search for solutions to the greater issue -- leap.

Leap bigger. Broaden your thoughts, expand your ideas, and think beyond. Leap.

Happy Leap Day! Practice it today.

houston@figment-consulting.com

I failed.

But that does not mean I am a failure.

If we can keep those two concepts separate then we have the potential to keep moving forward, learn from our experience, and achieve greater heights than we ever imagined.

Remember, it's the little voices inside our own head that matter most.

houston@figment-consulting.com

If the norm is successful, then follow the norm.

Recently I spent time with a group in the blended learning space who understand that following the norm will produce normal results. They realize too this goes much deeper than a competitive analysis in order to find a niche to fit in or a space to occupy.

No, this is taking a step back and perusing the entire landscape in order to understand the norm and then determine if it is worth being followed. Apple, Disney, Google, and others did not achieve their success by following the norm. They understood that the norm allowed them an opportunity to reach higher levels of success by going against it, blowing past it, or doing something entirely different altogether.

In your line of business what is the norm? Is it successful and worth following? Or, does the norm present you the opportunity you need to lead in a new direction?

Instead of starting with the question - "How can we differentiate ourselves from our competitors?" - broaden the question and start with "What is the norm in our industry and is it worth following?"

When you do, breakthroughs can occur.

houston@figment-consulting.com

Behind the curtain

"I was told that it would only take 6-8 hours each day for the schoolwork to be completed. But, now I am finding out that in addition to the 6-8 hours of schoolwork, there is also more to be done with teacher meetings, test prep, and other online meetings -- this means our days are more like 8-10 hours. Not what I was told."

Cyber (virtual) school mom

A friend shared this Facebook post with me as we were discussing the idea of how easy it is to "peer behind the curtain" and see what is really going on. With Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and other social avenues, prospective families can easily and quickly determine if what you are telling them is true or not.

Not too long ago it was simpler for companies to create a false front and craft the story they wanted to tell. Today, your customers play an integral role in sharing that story of yours. So, make sure it is authentic from the beginning because they can easily see behind the curtain.

houston@figment-consulting.com

Moving at the speed of trust

Your customers, your prospects will only purchase from you at the level to which they trust you.

It creates for you an amazing opportunity: If I build trust then I can increase revenue.

And while I know it is not quite that simple, and there are other factors involved, the two are directly related. But they do have a prescribed order.

Focus on trust and revenue will follow.

For more on this idea, read The Trust Game in economic theory.

houston@figment-consulting.com

The problem with success . . .

. . . comes when it stifles us from further innovation and growth.

Keep moving forward was the mantra for Walt Disney, and should be for each of us. Attaining our goals should build within us the confidence to reach higher, set bigger goals, and move forward toward them.

Success can be as much of a hindrance as fear and failure if it keeps us from moving forward. Enjoy success but don't rest in it. Instead, allow success to build within you the desire you need to soar ever higher.

houston@figment-consulting.com

The problem with mediocrity . . .

. . . is that it is easy to accomplish. It takes minimal effort, no imagination, and only an average amount of energy.

However, maintaining mediocrity is more difficult than maintaining excellence.

We tend to think excellence requires much of us, yet in reality, it only takes a little more -- a little more effort, a little imagination, and a little amount of energy.

houston@figment-consulting.com