THE MARKETING MANIFESTO

POST #14: SOLUTIONS PROVIDER

When you wake up each morning, do you ever ask yourself what version of you is going to come into the office that day? It's the most important question you can ask, as your answer, regardless of its simplicity, will affect the rest of your day.

And those around you.

About two weeks ago, I left my office feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. What was my purpose here? When I woke the next morning, I felt much the same but as I drove to work to run a morning staff meeting, I realized what I needed to do. What we all need to do. I needed to be the best version of myself every single day. That version is supremely optimistic, gritty AF, and motivated to solve every problem laid at my feet.

If I could be that guy every day and challenge the staff to be the best versions of themselves while holding each other accountable for that request, what kind of department would we have? What kind of impact could we offer? What kind of passion would exist here?

That morning, we set out to be our best selves. Starting with me.

And you know what happened after that.

The team showed up a little early.

They were consistently optimistic.

They were supportive of all ideas and each other. 

They were fully engaged in all aspects of changing the business, not just the fun stuff. 

They pushed themselves and each other harder, stayed until deadlines were met, and did it with renewed energy. Palpable energy.

They stretched for 110% and gave 120%.

They set a new standard. 120% or nothing.

And at 120%, they became the company’s problem solvers. 

In the book, MADE TO STICK, the Chip and Dan Heath discuss visualizing the problem, or what they call “mental stimulation.”

When presented with a challenge, how do you attack it? Do you wait on the answers to come to you or do you visualize the problem and each step toward a solution? 

Here is a quick process on how to do that. 

1. Visualize how this problem arose.

2. Visualize the beginning of the problem, going over in detail the first incident. 

3. Visualize the steps you are going to take to solve it. 

4. Visualize the environment, the audience, where you’ll be when the problem is resolved, who will be impacted by your solution. 

5. Visualize success. 

So how are you feeling now? Are you seeing the problems with your work, with your team, with your organization? Are you afraid of them or are you ready to visualize the solution? As you visualize your role in making your brand / your company great, are you seeing you become the best version of yourself at the same time? When you do, you'll never look back. And that will be a great day.

---- B