Naden's Corner

Dyson does it again

2009-11-09T06:17:00.000-08:00

The Dyson vacuum has nearly become a household name. Like Apple, Dyson stands for innovation, quality and customer service. A successful company like Dyson could have settled on being a ‘vacuum cleaner company’. They have their comfort zone, and healthy profits, so what’s next? It is clear that Dyson wants to be known more as an ‘innovation company’. They’ve made another big splash with the ‘bladeless’ fan. Like Apple, they’ve done a brilliant job introducing this new concept to the market.

Who would NOT want to click on this e-mail? (See bottom of post..) Doesn't it make you want to 'scratch that itch'? --It is suspenseful. (it won’t be launched for a few more days) --It focuses on improving our lives (making a familiar device work better) --Don’t you want to be the first to know….and don’t we all want to remove ‘clutter’ from our lives?

We could all learn a lesson from Dyson e-mail marketing and product introduction techniques. Dyson stresses the urgency and makes it very compelling to investigate this new product. I don’t have the numbers as of yet, but I would imagine that this ‘Dyson Air Multiplier’ is selling very well. It takes an innovative, courageous company like Dyson to go big and bold in this economy. Kudos.

Until next time. Dan Naden

There’s a 747 in your garage.

2009-10-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Passion is contagious. We just want to be around people who believe in a cause and won't take 'no' for an answer. If you can find a way to ignite that 'fire within', you will be surprised what you can accomplish.

A friend of mine gets a charge from the world of financial advice. He’s able to relate the changes in our tax code to the real world. Confused over the many mutual fund option? He clearly and concisely presents the best choices depending on your financial goals.

Another friend of mine really enjoys guitars. He is able to discern how different types of wood affect the guitar's sound. He can look at a guitar and almost routinely recite the make, model, and serial number. He's all things six-string.

These two individuals are experts in their ‘craft’ and display an enthusiastic passion for their area of focus.

The Wall Street Journal recently wrote an article on one man’s obsession with Pan Am.

Anthony Toth grew up admiring all of the specific details and interworkings of an aircraft. In fact, when he accompanied his parents on overseas vacations, he would document all the particulars of the flight attendants, the service, the audio announcements – anything that he could capture.

Mr. Toth’s focus was mainly on the now-defunct Pan Am Airlines. This once-proud airliner shuttled people around the globe in style. This was a day when you got much more than a bag of peanuts for your journey. Linen tablecloths, fine china, roomy cabins were the norm – not the exception.

This passion has consumed Mr. Toth to the point where he has recreated a 747 Pan Am cabin in his garage. He works in the industry for United Airlines and sometimes holds meetings, mixers, and events inside the cabin replica in his garage. This is a man that knows his industry. Never satisfied, Mr. Toth is always searching for that next napkin, straw, or swizzle stick to add to the authenticity of the scene.

How committed are you to your passion? If you are lacking commitment, what changes in your life do you need to make to align yourself with your passion? Everyone has a passion deep inside – the key is to clear away the clutter that is obscuring us from this truth.

Here’s the full article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125650482699406669.html (Subscription Required)

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Have a Focused Day

2009-10-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Product Camp Austin event was remarkable (it's hard to believe that this happened two months ago!!). The free six-hour session was jammed with networking and learning opportunities that will certainly have me attending next year.

Product Managers, or any professional for that matter, you always have more work than can be accomplished in one day. The key is focus. Colleen Heubaum, one of the Product Camp presenters, expertly described work-days as Buffer Days or Focus Days.

Buffer days are days where you are prepping to focus, typically moving quickly from task to task. Context switching rules the day in a ‘buffer day’ and routinely zaps productivity. As a Product Manager, it is inviting and easy to stay in the Buffer day ‘zone’. One is making progress on small deliverables, but never dedicating extended time on the most important things.

Ms. Heubaum encouraged us to spend more of our days as focus days; this is where progress happens. We’ve identified the most important item that needs our attention and we’re not distracted by the ebbs and flows of the day.

This mindset is explained further in Dan Sullivan’s book titled, “The Strategic Coach.” I strongly encourage any professional looking to improve performance to browse Sullivan’s book.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

A Timestamp from Long Ago

2009-09-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Libraries seem out of favor these days. People seem content to purchase their faves at Barnes and Noble, Borders, or Amazon.com. After a quick read, they quickly collect dust on the bookshelf. There are certainly some timeless classics that are worth owning (my leadership favorites are anything from Covey, Blanchard, and Carnegie), but many can be ‘rented’ for a few weeks from your local library and then returned back into circulation. Talk about a cost savings.

Fortunately, I grew up where frequent library visits were the norm. Summer reading clubs often found my brother and me competing to read the most books. Now that’s a contest worth having!!

After checking out a recent library book, I glanced at the first page and found the old, now-archaic check-out log – a track record of a book’s long, lost travels. A popular book logged many ‘frequent-reader’ miles. Some ‘fringe’ titles would go years without a stamp. You almost felt honored to be the first reader of that book in 5 years.

Today, it’s all digital. The book’s history is stored in some database. An e-mail informs you when your hold is available for pick-up or your book is near its due-date. Remember when we had to call the library to do this? Surely, we will never go back to a log of a book’s track record. In some strange way, however, I miss it.

Until next time,

Dan Naden
Naden's Corner

When Twitter Does Not Work

2009-08-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

I was at a local conference recently and everyone was ‘Tweeting’. Laptops, Iphones, and Blackberries were ablaze with quick posts for their loyal followers. This, in itself, is not startling – Twitter is common, especially in a high-tech market like Austin, Texas.

The conference I attended featured numerous high-quality speakers on product management and product marketing. Unfortunately, many of the attendees were tweeting during the presentations. I found this highly disrespectful to the presenters and distracting for those in the audience who were there for the content. It was very hard to stay in the present with the speakers when your neighbor was chiming away on his keyboard (and he wasn’t taking notes!!) The speakers worked very hard to build some outstanding presentations only to have audience members more interested in their short bursts of wisdom. I believe this is a major misstep for the ‘always on’ culture that becomes more omnipresent with each passing day.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Advertising Mistakes You Can Avoid

2009-07-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this stimulating, thought-provoking, and extremely valuable booklet that every advertiser/marketer should read.

Why is most advertising copy lame?

How to write a compelling headline like the pros?

How to tell a story and incite ACTION?

Most importantly, Jeff Paul and Jim Fleck, stress not to be afraid to be different. Apple is different. Southwest Airlines is different. Geico is different.

Many sprint away from being ‘different’ like Carl Lewis, but ‘standing out’ will bring you satisfied customers again and again.

Legendary marketing expert Gary Halbert sums it up nicely:

“When I was young, I was worried about what others thought about me. I was worried they would be thinking the wrong things about me.

As I got older, and got into a few transgressions, I was worried that people were thinking the right things about me.

Then, as I gained wisdom as the years went by…I realized that no one was thinking about me at all.”

Read this OUTSTANDING piece of work here:

http://instantprofits.com/bonuses/bonus1.pdf

Until next time, (daring you to be different)

Dan Naden

Naden’s Corner

Guy Kawasaki’s Ten Entrepreneurial Secrets

2009-07-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Are you an entrepreneur who is trying to establish and differentiate your business?

Or maybe you are a corporate executive looking to grow your business and cultivate motivated, successful employees?

In either scenario, you should drop everything NOW and read this fabulous article from Guy Kawasaki, author, consultant, and venture capitalist.

http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2258

Significant keys:
· Powerpoint: No more than 10 slides when making your pitch to VCs.

· Niche: Kawasaki has a unique approach to finding your personal value or your business’ value.

· Mission statements are dead: He says: “Define yourself by what you want to mean to consumers.”

This is good reading.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

Photo Source: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/

Panera Bread: Escape from Grease Burgers

2009-07-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

The family and I recently had a pleasant experience at Panera Bread. Easily forgotten compared to Burger King, McDonald’s, Subway, and Quiznos, Panera Bread could easily establish itself with a healthy, hearty menus of sandwiches, salads, and soups.

This chain, established in 1993 as the former Au Bon Pain Co., sits itself apart from the litany of ‘fast-food’ joints in the following ways:
· Healthy: a 2008 Health magazine study named Panera Bread America’s healthy fast food restaurant.
· Convenient: There are only a couple of Panera Bread location in my market (Austin, Texas), but there are over 1,266 throughout the US and Canada. A big win: Free Wi-fi makes Panera more of a hang-out place compared to like-minded competitors.
· Store layout: At the location I visited, the majority of the seating is purposely ‘away’ from the order, pick-up and drink stations. The usual commotion around those activities are a restaurant is pleasantly irrelevant at Panera Bread.

One area of concern: Despite the nice atmosphere and tasty food, I thought the portion size could have been a bit more generous.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Until next time,

Dan Naden
Naden's Corner

US Soccer Plays at an Elite Level

2009-06-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

A silent few probably saw some of the best soccer played by a US team in a long time on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, the second half brought out a ferocious Brazilian side that was not to be denied the Confederations Cup for the 2nd year in a row.

The US lost 3-2 to the creative and ultra-talented Brazilians, but they displayed a team-first, cohesive effort that the US rarely displays on the international level.

Kudos to Bob Bradley and team for their:
Athleticism: They looked like the fitter team for most of the night, yet the Brazilians played smarter and more opportunistic soccer, especially in the 2nd stanza.

Execution: The Americans converted on their chances in the 1st half, but the 2nd half was devoid of scoring opportunities. Conversely, Brazil weaved through the US defense for many 2nd half chances.

Communication: To succeed against the Brazilians, a team must communicate relentlessly. The defense looked solid and tight, but Brazil got into a rhythm that wore the US side down as the night grow longer.

So I ask you?

Why do you or don’t you watch soccer, the world’s most popular sport? Let’s get a discussion going.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

Remember: You are the Message

2009-05-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

I am chewing through Roger Ailes' classic, 'You are the Message'. I highly recommend this book to anyone who's concerned about making an impact with their communication at work or home. Isn't that pretty much everyone?

Most importantly, I've learned the importance of being like able. This isn't being a 'Yes man'. You can have all the pedigree, experience, and skills in the world, but if you don't possess character, trust, and integrity your message will lose its appeal.

Ailes cites numerous examples of seasoned execs who fail to motivate, inspire, and drive results from the troops because they lack the like ability factor.

Pick up your copy of 'You are the Message' today.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

LaCoste: A Brand on the Rebound

2009-05-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

Moms are special. I truly believe that the job of 'Mom' is the toughest in the world. To celebrate the 'Mom' in our household, I bought my wife a nice shirt from the Lacoste store in the Domain shopping complex in Austin, Texas.

This wasn't such a remarkable event (except for the smile on my wife's face), yet my interaction with the friendly manager on duty, Mario, was extraordinary.

Mario and I started conversing about the Lacoste brand. I remember the Izod-Lacoste brand being 'front and center' in the mid-80s. Mario had me captivated as he told about his meetings with the Lacoste CEO in France, the rise and fall of the Lacoste brand, and their current path back to prominence. It appears that Lacoste is taking a very measured, cautious approach to growth -- something Starbucks should have embodied years ago. Lacoste won't fail because its supply outstrips its demand.

Lessons: Be interested in the passions of others - you never know what interesting stories and experience you'll hear. And don't forget about the greatness of Moms everywhere.

Good luck to Lacoste!

Happy Mother's Day

Dan Naden

Until next time,

Naden's Corner

Chick-Fil-A: Not your typical fast food experience

2009-03-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

My family and I visited the local Chick-Fil-A last weekend. I thought the visit was to be your routine, expected fast food stop: noisy, smelly, unfriendly, and impersonal.

Within two minutes of walking through the Chick-Fil-A doors, however, I knew this was to be a different time.

The wait staff behind the counter seemed genuinely interested to see us and take our order on a partly-cloudy Sunday afternoon. I’ve been to many fast food joints where the wait staff is either half-asleep or angry at the world.

Upon completion of our order, I was told by a friendly young lady, “grab a seat; we will bring your food to your table.” Huh? Did I hear that right? A fast food place was bringing food to my table?

The place was buzzing on this Sunday afternoon. It looked like many others had the same idea. My family and I settled into a cozy booth next to the window and watched the many other families enjoying themselves.

Within a few minutes, the same friendly young lady (her name was Reagan) brought our food to the table. What service!! During the course of our meal, she returned to our table at least 4 times to check in and say, “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

After a thoroughly enjoyable meal, I thanked this young lady for her hospitality. She responded with a phrase you just don’t hear too much anymore: “My pleasure.” Talk about refreshing.

This lady and the rest of the Chick-Fil-A staff could have been chosen to be grumpy, rude, and distant. It was special to see that they had taken the opposite approach. They were thrilled to serve the many guests with a smile. Burger King, Wendy’s and McDonald’s beware; there’s a new sheriff in town that really puts people first.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

HP’s Customer Service Scores Big

2009-03-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

I’ve owned a HP Laptop for a few years now. Outside of a few minor glitches, the laptop has worked like a charm; it’s been a true joy to create, solve problems, communicate, and analyze with my laptop’s assistance.

The other day, however, I thought this utopia was about to come crashing down. The left-hinge on my laptop had become seriously dislodged to the point where closing the laptop was not an option.

Losing my laptop for weeks at a time to be fixed was not something that I looked forward to for one second – not to mention the dollars that would come out of my wallet. This was going to be beyond a minor inconvenience. I browsed the HP site looking for a customer support phone number when I stumbled upon details on the very issue that plagued me – broken left hinge.

It turns out that a broken left hinge has been a MASSIVE problem for owners of my particular model of HP laptop. This was such a big issue that HP was offering free fixes for anyone affected. Are you serious?

I called the tech support number that was provided and spoke with a very nice, apologetic gentleman about this issue. Yes, it was true; this fix was to be resolved at no charge to the consumer. (Note: Never tear down someone from tech support; they’ve been beaten down relentlessly; give them a break and show some respect.)

Within 48 hours, I had received my shipment box from HP. I quickly packed my computer up and sent it back to HP. As I heard the FedEx truck speed away from my house, my expectations were that I would not see my computer again for at least 2 weeks.

Surprise! My computer arrived back at home in 3 days; and my issue was fixed.

Talk about exceeding my expectations. I’ll raise a big cheer for HP for turning a potentially huge catastrophe into something that I’ll tell my friends about for quite a long time.

Have you had a remarkable or 'not so remarkable' customer service experience? Share it with us.

Until next time,

Dan Naden
Naden's Corner

Made to Stick: Read it and be changed

2009-02-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

A single businessman sits alone in a hotel bar when a beautiful woman approaches and offers him a drink. The two share conversation, laughs, and a few stories and then everything vanishes. This is the last thing the businessman remembers before….

He groggily wakes up in a bathtub fills with ice. Immediately in front of him next to the tub are a cell phone and a note. The note says in scribbled, bright red ink: ‘Don’t Move. Use this phone to call 911!’

The confused, disoriented businessman dials 911 explains the bathtub, note, and cellphone and asks the operator to help her make sense of all of this madness. The operator says: “Are you in a bathtub filled with ice? Is there a tube coming out of your back?” The businessman looks behind him to notice a cylinder protruding out of his back. A knifing pain shoots through this body. “Yes, there is a tube,” the businessman responds.

“I am sorry sir, but you’ve been drugged and a kidney has been removed from your body; I’ll have 911 on the scene immediately. Don’t move – just stay in the tub. This is the 10th call I’ve received like this in the past month.”

Have you heard this one before? This urban legend has been bouncing around for decades. First of all, this is not truth, but the power of its vivid imagery and ability to captivate is real.

The takeaway: Use stories to convince, persuade, and inform. Don’t just rely on statistics, disconnected anecdotes, or a laundry list of suggestions to be remembered.

Want more real-world examples of how to make ideas stick? Check out ‘Made to Stick’ by Dan and Chip Heath.

I just read it and it comes highly recommended.

Until next time,
Dan Naden
Naden's Corner

The Simplest Toy Instructions Ever

2009-02-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

I am all about simplicity. Simplicity in form AND function. Simplicity that's profound is even more captivating.

This simplicity is ever more rewarding when it comes in the form of instructions.

With Christmas still somewhat fresh in our minds, we may have come face-to-face with toy or digital electronics instructions. Collective groan emanates from the audiences; headaches appear.

We've all seen this scenario on TV or in the movies. Young kid excitedly opens up a toy only to realize that the fun won't commence until the toy is put together. The parent enters the scene and begins to construct the point of the child's affection.

Unfortunately, the toy's instructions are excruitangly painful and overdone. The focus of the instructions are on text, not clean, concise imagery and pictures. The parent works well into the night on the toy while the child sullenly falls asleep.

It wasn't this way in our household this past Christmas. We open the 'MULA Bead Roller Coaster' from IKEA, the brilliant store with marvelous products at every turn. I've marveled at the directness and understandability of the instructions.

Within minutes, our little boy was connecting with his new toy. Toy product manufacturers take note: keep it simple and you'll get more 'free' advertising like this!!

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

(Image credited to Ikea -- thanks.)

Be real and authentic with your voice

2008-12-22T12:29:00.001-08:00

OK, I stepped outside the box on this final ‘non-verbal’ tip. This tip is verbal, but extremely essential as you work towards effective communication.

We’ve all been there a thousand times.

You are mired in a company meeting or small group session and you mindlessly listen to someone opine about the new ‘can’t miss’ strategy for success.

The big problem: these talks are usually presented without flair, vocal intonation, and variety. I am not recommending that you tell those treasured jokes you’ve been holding onto for ages, but I am instructing that you ‘break out of corporate speak’ and provide memorable, remarkable information for your audience.

The people in the audience don’t want monotone. They desire stories and a voice tone that ebbs and flows like the rising tide.

Be real. Be authentic. Get your message across with an energy, variety, and believability that will have your audience saying: ‘I really liked that presentation. It was simple to follow and easy to remember’.

When you are constructing a talk for a large/small group session, answer this question:
How will my audience best be persuaded, informed, or motivated by what I communicate? Typically, you’ll find ‘the answer’ evolves around being confident, colorful, and engaging in all that you say and do.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Show them you care through your posture

2008-12-13T04:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so you’ve fully digested non-verbal communication step #1, eye contact. Now, it is time for #2.

Posture.

When talking to a group (whether in a small or large setting), it is essential that you ‘own’ the stage.

Much of this ‘ownership’ emanates from your ability to non-verbally communicate confidence, poise, and transparency.

Watch the great speakers and you’ll see no fear, doubt, and a posture that magnetizes. The shoulders are back, the body is relaxed, and there’s a slight lean towards the audience – the exact group you are trying to influence, persuade, or inform.

These learnings don’t just have to be put in place for large group presentations. In small one-on-one (seated) meetings, follow this posture prescription:

1. Don’t slump in your chair. It makes you look tired, disinterested, and unprofessional.
2. Uncross your arms and legs to communicate an open, connected message.
3. Keep your body facing the person(s) to whom you are speaking. Slightly turning your body away from the audience tells them that you aren’t important and you’ve rather be doing something else.

Owning the stage and sending off the right non-verbal message through your posture takes practice, yet its mastery will help you build better relationships, and tell a more convincing message.

Want more? Non-verbal tip #3 is right around the corner.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Non-verbal communication: Use it to your advantage

2008-11-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

Talk, talk, talk; all we do is talk, talk.

It is a treasure these days to engage with a true listener. Someone who is really listening and absorbing what you are saying. Not only are you able to truly connect with the person with whom you are speaking, but you’ll retain and remember more of what was actually said.

There’s another hidden bonus. If you listen well, you are also able to spot key non-verbal clues.

Here’s the first of 3 helpful hints to improve your non-verbal communication skills:

Eye contact:
Despite today’s hectic pace, it is essential that you keep eye contact with all of those with whom you are communicating. Nothing communicates trust, warmth, honesty, and interest more than eye contact.

Don’t go overboard. Eye contact should be consistent, yet you should not burn holes in the other person’s eye sockets. Make it natural. You will find that you are able to retain more of what is being communicating when you actually look at the person.

Conversely, if you find the other person not looking at you while you are speaking, consider a change in venue to remove the obvious distractions. Should you have this conversation in a conference room vs. a crowded hallway?

Maybe the person has many other topics on his or her mind. Politely ask the person if there is a better time to have a short conversation. The person will respect you for thinking of them and they’ll probably give you extra attention when the time comes for that special conversation.

Stay tuned for two more important non-verbal communication tips. Tell a friend about Naden’s Corner. When you do talk with them, please look them in the eye.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Use Metaphors to Make it Stick

2008-11-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

We all know that we live in a constantly-changing workplace.
Your job description may vary from week-to-week and from quarter-to-quarter.
You may have one boss today and another boss next month.
Your market’s ‘sweet-spot’ may morph and change within a moment’s notice.

It is expected that you deal and adapt with the changing environment, or you will flounder.

I wanted to direct everyone to a great article on dealing with job survival in today’s changing times.

The stellar part of this article is not just the content, but the approach that the author takes in using the ‘whitewater’ image in describing today’s chaotic times. I believe this metaphor is on target for today’s professional. Dealing with change and uncertainty will truly separate achievement from mediocrity. You can’t constantly fight the current (company reorganization, new boss, new assignments); you must look for the opportunity within all of the tumult.

Tell your story using metaphors to really make an impression and cause your message to stick with your audience. And don’t sweat change; there’s more of it coming.

Job Survival Advice: Don’t Fear the Whitewater
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2085

Until next time,

Dan Naden
Naden's Corner

Becoming a better person (or leader) is a process not an event.

2008-11-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

Final step: Becoming a better person (or leader) is a process not an event.

We’ve all been there. It is your company’s annual training event. Everyone parades into a room and talks about how our company can become more innovative or better team players. The ideas fly around like wildfire; team members are energized, engaged, and motivated, but then something happens – they leave the ‘training room’ and return to their normal, day-to-day responsibilities. The company’s excitement over innovation or team-building fades like a meteor passing through the night sky.

Don’t fall into this trap on a personal level. You won’t lose 20 pounds overnight. You may not quit smoking on the first try. You can’t become a better public speaker by watching a video. Learning to change behavior is a marathon not a sprint. Develop a long-term, sustainable, on-going plan to change a certain behavior; check in with others on your progress; celebrate the small successes along the way. Before you know it, you’ll be onto your next improvement area.

Don’t forget the book to read: Marshall Goldsmith’s: “What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There.”

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Follow up with People to Get Better

2008-10-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Let’s say you are a project manager at work. You missed a few key technical components for a project mid-stream. You’ve heard it from your boss, your colleagues, even your dog. So what do you do?

1. Apologize to the team for your oversight. They’ll like you for it.

2. Tell each team member that you want to improve your understanding of the project’s technical components.

3. Map out a ‘touch point’ plan to ask each team member the following: “How am I doing with improving my technical understanding?”

4. Thank each team member for their generosity in helping you grow in your role. Ask them if there’s anything you can do for them. Try it; it works.

Next time: The Final step. The Process of Becoming a Leader

What Michael Dell and Lance Armstrong can teach us about change

2008-09-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

We marvel at the accomplishments of the finest ‘doers’ of our time. How about Lance Armstrong’s miraculous recovery from cancer to win perhaps the world’s most grueling event – the Tour De France (7 times)? Remember the start of Michael Dell’s brilliant, revolutionary direct to consumer business model for selling computers?

For both of these examples, there certainly was a level of comprehension or understanding that Lance and Michael endured on the way towards their unparallel success. Did Lance settle on just understanding what it would take to be a Tour De France champion – the timing, the nutrition, and the perseverance? Did Michael Dell just ‘relax’ when he drew out the plan to remove the middleman from the computer sales process? No and No.

Both individuals understood, comprehended, and then ACTED. Action is of paramount importance here. If Lance and Michael just thought about their dreams and goals and never acted, think of the dissatisfaction that they would feel.

Think about what you want. Map out a plan to get there and ACT on it.

Next time: Step 3: People Need Follow-up to Get Better

Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

How to Change Behavior

2008-09-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

People don’t change because they are too busy. Change is difficult for most people. Whether it be changing a behavior at work, or improving as a husband and friend, people usually repel anything that isn’t ‘business as usual’.

I am reading a fantastic book right now, “What You Get Here, Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith. I couldn’t wait until its conclusion to share with you 4 ‘gems’. This is one of those books where you’ll need a notebook within arm’s length.

Goldsmith is on target when he claims that one of the biggest detractors from changing is ‘being busy’. Yes, we all have enough to do to fill our days. Work, kids, hobbies, and friends – the list is endless. But are you filling your days with that items that matter the most to you?

We must make ‘a change’ top of the list. If you want to learn the guitar, you MUST practice. You must push aside other ‘must dos’ and make guitar playing part of your normal routine. The other ‘busy stuff’ can’t be used as an excuse anymore. You’ve made a commitment to a change in behavior – learn to play the guitar – and you’ve placed it at the top of the list. It is as simple as that.

Stay tuned for Step 2: There is an Big Gulf between Understanding and Doing.

Until next time,

Dan Naden
Naden's Corner

Wells Fargo helps give me back some of my day

2008-09-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

Something happened on the way to the Wells Fargo ATM the other day. My ATM got smarter.

I would imagine most people withdraw the same amount of cash from their account on a somewhat regular basis. Whatever the amount ($50, $100, $150), you mindlessly move through the prompts until you have cash in hand.

The other day, however, I was frozen in my tracks at the ATM. No, Pamela Anderson didn’t drive by the bank; the user experience remembered me!! I was routinely clicking through the screens (PIN, account type, amount to withdraw, etc.) when I noticed a ‘recent withdrawals’ area on the left-hand portion of the screen.

There, conveniently within reach, was a list of the five most frequent transactions that I’ve made over the near future. They have essentially trimmed 6 clicks on the monitor down to 3.

After logging into with my PIN, I choose one of the ‘frequently used options’, click confirm and my cash is in hand.
Compare this to the old scenario:
--Log in
--Choose withdrawal/deposit
--Choose account
--Choose amount
--Confirm
--Receipt?
--Cash in hand

In today’s busy world, it is refreshing to see a company like Wells Fargo using technology to save time and make our lives easier. Those saved seconds add up to minutes and hours over a long period of time. Switching from Wells Fargo to another bank just got much tougher now.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Fuddrucker’s genius on display in the bathroom

2008-08-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

If you’ve ever been to Fuddrucker’s, you know they are famous for tasty burgers and chicken sandwiches in a kid-friendly environment. The casual environment welcomes all comers. There’s no pretense/ego at a Fuddrucker’s. It is nice to dine at a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Being a parent, I notice ‘different’ things now. At a playground, I analyze how safe a slide is for my children. I’ll stare down somewhere who is driving too fast in our neighborhood. At a restaurant, I’ll hope and pray that they have a kid’s menu and coloring book to keep the youngsters occupied.

At a recent trip to Fuddrucker’s, they won me over as a kid-friendly establishment. As I was waiting for my cajun chicken sandwich, I ventured to the bathroom to wash my hands. Upon exiting the bathroom, I glanced down at the door and saw something remarkably brilliant. There, far below the reach of any adult, was a ‘kiddie handle’. My kids weren’t with me on this particular trip, but I would imagine they would have loved the kid-friendly touch. Perhaps I would have never rescued them out of that bathroom!! They would want to keep ‘testing’ the kiddie handle.

Many probably don’t even recognize this slight nuance. I will definitely remember this ‘slight touch’ and keep them in mind next time the family goes out to dine. Any place that makes my kids feel special is a winner in my book.

Does anyone have any memorable restaurant stories? Share with us.

Until next time,

Dan Naden