Humans are built to collaborate...if we ALLOW ourselves.
We create more together than we can alone. This allowing is where the breakthroughs happen. If we don't allow, then we continue to get what we've gotten.
I recognized this as a pattern when I listened to Clate Mask, CEO of Infusionsoft talk about what it takes to be move from being a $300K business versus a $3M business.
I've witnessed that there is a barrier that we bump up against again and again and wonder why we get stopped out at that same place. Fundamentally, we are using what got us HERE to take us THERE and that isn't working.
Solution?
A different perspective, fresh ideas, etc... and the easiest place to get that? Other people!
#1 Collaborate with others
#2 Go one better, create a mastermind group and mastermind a solution
A quick 50 sec video that I recorded as we started a walking mastermind group called "The Walk & Talk"
What do you think?
This was a question a viewer/reader sent in regarding the post on "What Are You Willing To Do?"
Excellent question and here is my input...
Recently, I held a "walk and talk" with fellow big thinker Jennifer L Horton. I was telling her about the results I've been getting lately by using what I call, the ultimate question....
"What am I willing to do where I will do whatever it takes?"
And then she remembered something she was taught by Bob Proctor. He told her there are really only two questions that need to be asked when you say you're going to do something...
1. Are You Able?
2. Are You Willing?
Sure sounds like a simplified version of my question. I LOVE it! Simple and easy.
I interpret this as "Am I physically able to do this in my current reality" Simple answer, move on. And then, the most important question that is the best truth detector, "Am I willing to do it?"
I know I want it, I see myself having it, I'm perfectly capable and competent and there is no logical reason not to move forward....am I willing? ...to do whatever it takes?
The answer to this has made a WORLD of difference in the last 90 days and I don't even recognize the former Thomas.
The power lies in the true answer. There is NO WRONG or BAD answer. It's the starting point. Remember that it's important to have a clear destination and just as critical to have a solid starting point. Start there, move forward, correct, continue.
I would LOVE to hear your results and feedback on this tool if you choose to use it.
That was the question a reader asked me to answer regarding the life overhaul I began 90 days ago.
I recorded this little 3 minute video to answer that question.
Happy Anniversary to me!! Today's 90 days in to the life overhaul.
If you're anything like me, then you might have gotten into business because you love what you do but didn't have a love affair with sales and marketing.
As a business owner we have options when it comes to sales and marketing.
We can
One way or another something has to be sold or there won't be a business!
I'm thankful to Michael Port and Booked Solid University for sharing a simple four step dialog that is helping me make more offers and yield more sales.
The bottom line here is that it's authentic, real and allows for any possibility (a yes OR no) which is really the point of any conversation.
I've learned that getting a "no" is just as helpful as a "yes" because at least I know where a prospect stands. A "maybe" or some other vague answer isn't really helpful for either of us and stagnates the process of either of us getting what we want.
I recorded a little video to help share this simple dialog.
Share your input. All I know is my results have been dramatic!
If you've been following along, I'm at day 86 of what I'm calling the life redesign and what a friend calls my life overhaul. Either way, it's a complete thing, not just one area.
I recorded this video last week in response to a question I got about what changed since I started AND it was very appropriate since I was preparing for a speaking engagement in front of some new executive coaches.
Just in case, you're just joining, 2009 was probably one of the toughest years of my reality. The bottom hit in November when it simply affected me emotionally and mentally so I didn't recognize Thomas. VERY weird feeling...especially since I was able to "see" myself in this state. FREAKY!
Anyway, I was smart enough to ask this guy I call my "guide" to work with me. We began daily accountability and and started the rebuilding process, taking one area, creating momentum and adding on as I went, so there were new habits yielding new results, therefore creating new references.
In it's most simple form, I believe progress really started at the point I discovered what it was where I'd do whatever it takes. Whether you're starting out or starting again, this is key!
It's a funny thing since action is SUCH a great truth detector. What I DID and did NOT do was excellent feedback.
I stated a couple of answers to the questions "What are you willing to do where you will do whatever it takes?" i.e. Some action, objective, goal, outcome, destination.
And for awhile I blew it and clearly I would NOT do whatever it took to accomplish the objectives I stated and then down the rabbit hole I went.... What is it then?
I discovered that taking it down to the most simple answer is it. There is NO wrong answer!
It just required AN ANSWER! then ACT, CORRECT, CONTINUE.
So profoundly simple!
I took something simple, did whatever it took to accomplish. Did so for the sake of building a new habit (like exercising a muscle) until it changed the very perception.
All I can say is I'm experiencing fulfillment more and more. I'm experiencing a greater sense of harmony and all areas are measurably improving. This is VERY exciting because it's not taking HUGE actions. It's taking small actions every single day and apparently that is an unusual practice for many people out there. I wouldn't have truly believed it, if I wasn't experiencing it.
Enjoy the update. Through my bearing my soul perhaps it helps you in some way. I know for me, it does.
A video follows. If you don't see it, then you go to the source at www.thomasmangum.com
Today I wrote a thank you note to the executive director of Hostelling International, San Diego Council.
This note was prompted by a report I get from StepRep, a service that monitors online identity so I know what is being indexed with my name.
Apparently Hostelling International's annual report from last year popped up lately in searches.
Me believing fully that there are no mistakes in the universe, only clues (or overt messages!), I thought it was curious since it was LAST year's report and it featured a quote I made on the definition of sustainable travel on page 5.
“For me, sustainable travel is done in such a way as to minimize the negative impact on the land, people and culture I am visiting. I like to keep in mind that Iroquois Nation saying that is on every ‘Seventh Generation’ product. ‘In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.’ (Hostelling International) is in a prime position to take a leadership role by example. I believe that actions speak volumes and it is what we do and how we do it that communicates the message. I see this done by continuing to BE the change we want to see in the community—not just talk about, wish for it, etc...” --Thomas Mangum, HI-San Diego Volunteer and 2008 HI-San Diego Volunteer of the Year.
As I come to the end of a culmination year of challenges and learning experiences on all fronts, the words seemed foreign to me to read. Not that I didn't believe what I said, but that I had lost passion this year...for anything and "hearing" my own words reminded me of who I am.
It brought tears to my eyes as I "heard" myself and a reminder that I am powerful when I stand passionately and speak out. This isn't about sustainable travel as much as it is leadership.
It leaves those that could care less behind and attracts those that do.
Thank You
Thank you dear reader as you give me the opportunity to do what I do best.
Again, another thank you to Sue Schaffner, the executive director of Hostelling International. I want you to know that I'm grateful for this indirect reminder today to get on with my life's mission and model doing whatever it takes to use the talents I have and skills I've acquired, no matter what it looks like.
Oh and if that clue wasn't enough, how about this? In small stack of papers on my desk, the Winter 2008 newsletter is poking out with Sue's editorial "The 5 Whys of Hostelling" inspired by an exercise I gave her group during a workshop.
Yet another clue.....
The Point?
The best way to illustrate the point of this article is share the famous quote by Marianne Williamson that has inspired so many to stand up and lead....NO MATTER WHAT.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Read that again. You deserve to savor it.
There are many definitions of networking. In fact some people define networking as something more like direct selling.
For example, if someone is handing out their card or a brochure at the door to an event or even during a "networking meeting", that is more akin to direct sales versus networking. Direct selling is fine. There is a time and place. I just don't confuse it with networking.
Networking for me is sharing knowledge, resources and compassion. This leads to a conversation that MAY involve the sale of a product or service.
Compassion by far is the most underutilized AND it has the highest return on investment!!
When I say share compassion, I mean engage those skills of being present for the person. When you ask how they are or how is the family, mean it. When you ask how the job search is going, mean it.
This takes major listening skills and just being there.
Sharing this piece of networking takes less movement and more keeping still.
The payoff? I haven't met a person yet that wasn't struck by how much I truly cared about what was going on in their life. It trumps any sort of other conversation.
I suspect because most people aren't willing to truly "go there" and "be there" for another person in the business world. And this is memorable for the individual and they WILL remember you.
That my friend, if you're counting, is a sale. hmmm so I guess you are direct selling....YOU.
[NOTE: Video follows. If you don't see it, you might need to go to the original post at www.thomasmangum.com]
Big insight as I blow off my first physical workout. Not cool. And it's a clue.
It comes down to awareness of self-integrity which leads to harmony so that joy is a virtually constant thing.
Thanks for following, watching and commenting and just plain giving me the space to debrief with you. You DO realize what an amazing gift that is, right? Love to hear you.
[Note: Video follows. If you don't see it, click through to the original post at www.thomasmangum.com]
An exchange from the movie, Peaceful Warrior about Dan Millman.
SOCRATES: Everyone wants to tell you what to do and what's good for you. They don't want you to find your own answers. They want you to believe their.
DAN MILLMAN: Let me guess, and you want me to believe yours.
SOCRATES: No, I want you to stop gathering information from the outside and start gathering it from the inside.
THOMAS: It's so easy to completely let go of power. It happens unknowingly. It's nice to reclaim mine and see other's answers for what they are--theirs. Neither right nor wrong, simply theirs. Use it, not use it. My choice, my life, my power.
Hello power, I've missed you.