What will you do for money?

I believe that being in business is one of the most interesting character developing and personal growth exercises! It seems every day we have an opportunity to be tested and define our parameters, not just in terms of business practices and policy, but in who we are and how we behave in relation to clients, prospects, vendors and our community.

Yesterday I was approached by a new firm offering a leadership coaching program. The representative wanted to a) sell me on signing up, and b) secure my agreement to promote their program to my circle of professional contacts. She was very surprised when I told her that I never enter into commission or kickback agreements.

Why not? We all need cash flow to sustain our businesses and lifestyle, and wouldn’t it be nice to have an additional source of income just show up from time to time?

The stance we have taken in my firm is that if we know of a product, service or resource that would be valuable to colleagues, friends or business allies, we are happy to send it along to them with no thought of compensation.
And if we don’t see that kind of value, there isn’t enough money in the world to secure my referral on any terms.

What do you think? Is there another point of view that I am missing? Love to feature your comments and feedback in a future book or upcoming blog article.
Colette Acheson

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The gift of Ignorance?

Another interesting excerpt from Wizard of Ads marketing guru Roy H. Williams. This morning he says:  

"Ignorant people aren’t stupid but merely uninformed; a marvelous advantage when you need a perspective from “outside the box.” The truly naïve are so thoroughly “outside” they’re not even sure what you mean by “the box.”

When you consult specialists within your industry, you’re talking to the builders of the box, the guardians of the box, the faithful defenders of THE BOX. So when specialists fail to provide the innovative thinking you need, ask the opinions of intelligent people who have no experience in your industry. This is the second quickest shortcut to successful innovation." 

Honestly, I had to read the section twice before I connected to his brilliance. In my consulting firm, we have had many instances where our greatest value to a client was in bringing a perspective that was completely foreign to their way of thinking, and how out of that 'ignorance' new insight is born, new solutions are created, and old problems are solved.

Thanks Roy.

Colette Acheson