I’m never quite sure, where and when I’ll find something of value and significance. The “little” idea or thought-jogger that’ll make me smile, think or ponder the potential.

The kind of stuff that stirs the creative juices. Fast!

It might be a statement, slogan or picture in a corporate boardroom. A sign in a convention center. An overheard conversation while riding a hotel elevator, en route to a speaking engagement. A billboard, on the way to catch a flight. An informal conversation with a client or one of their key people. Or even the unexpected e-mail, that contains a powerful phrase or the gem of an idea.

All of the preceding, have generated “ideas” I’ve been able to tweak, play with, upgrade and implement.

That’s why I always keep my “awareness alertness” on high.

For it’s often the seemingly simple communication, or “serendipity” that prompts the possibilities.

Three examples:

Play the right card

In February, had the opportunity to meet and work with Al Duncan and some of his fellow CEOs and business leaders in Manheim, Pennsylvania. Al is the CEO of Thomas E. Strauss, Inc., a hospitality and restaurant company.

On the back of Al’s business card, it says, “Core purpose: Make people feel good. Core values: Great service always makes the difference. Create opportunities to develop relationships. Be better today. Do the right thing, even when it’s not easy. We are judged by our actions, not by our intentions. Enjoy the journey.”

Great stuff Al, thanks!

Where and how, can you communicate to your customers, clients and prospects your core purpose and values?

Reduce stress with this P.S.

Alex Shibicky has been a friend and financial advisor for years. In February, he sent me an e-mail as a courtesy about how to register/protect my cell phone number from telemarketers. Alex is a good guy, so I appreciated his thoughtful heads-up.

Yet what really caught my eye, was his P.S. It states: “Since my practice is grown “By Referral Only,” I appreciate your passing my name on to any friends, co-workers, etc. that you know who value a professional relationship. I would much rather continue to work with nice people such as you, rather than having to solicit business from strangers. Thanks for not keeping me a secret!”

Well done Shibick!

On March 20th, during a phone conversation, I mentioned Alex’s approach to one of my client’s salespeople, John Crumrine. John is a territory manager with Internet Specialties West in Agoura Hills, California.

Before our call ended, John promised to follow-up and send me some stuff via e-mail. Within an hour, he did.

And he had also upgraded, (in less than 60 minutes), his e-mail signature block, to include:

“I get more new business from satisfied customers than from anywhere else. Please don’t keep me a secret!”

Simple. Powerful. Way to go John!

Where and how, will you be asking for referrals?

Some rules ... rule

Three weeks ago, I was working with Jansen Chazanof, (a remarkable guy), and a CEO group he leads in Atlanta.

Posted on a meeting room wall at the Buckhead Club, were Jansen’s CEOs’ “meeting rules” or Group Norms.

They include ... The “Las Vegas” rule: What goes on here stays here; The “Coke” rule: Be real and authentic; The “Airplane” rule: Turn all electronics off while in the meeting; The “Nike” rule: Do it, do what you say you will do; The “Hallmark” rule: Be carefrontational; The “Disney” rule: Have fun; Now I ain’t much of a “rules” guy, but these are keepers!

Thanks Jansen!

Where and how, will you define the norms, rules and expectations for your meetings?

Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer who lives part-time on Marco Island. His clients call him a “business-growth specialist.” Send an e-mail to jeff@jeffblackman.com or go to jeffblackman.com to subscribe to his free e-letter.

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