Trend: Switching From Cutting Back, To Focusing on Growth

Written by GSA speaker,  Jim Carroll

Jim Carroll

Growth is back in business.

In a whirlwind of activity over the last ten days, I’ve been the keynote speaker for conferences that probably represents the vast majority of global Fortune 1000 organizations, speaking to the trends that will impact the future of ‘corporate facilities.’

These have included keynotes for the  Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association annual conference in Orlando; the CoreNet Global Summit in New Orleans, and the International Asset Management Council Spring Summit in Colorado Springs. With these groups, we’ve got the folks who manage facilities for a good chunk of the world’s biggest retailers (including Apple, the Gap, Costco and others); commercial real estate executives for Fortune 1000 and government, including banks, insurance, finance and other soft-business; and the senior executives who manage the same for large industrial and manufacturing organizations (Alcoa, Caterpillar, Whirlpool). I probably had a total audience of about 5,000+ over the three events. In other words, a good representation of most of the big companies in the global economy.

I spend about 75% of my time now with large US organizations and associations like this; large global organizations that are seeking my insight on future trends and growth in the global economy.

And here’s an interesting observation from what I’ve seen over the last few months — growth is really coming back.

My mantra about innovation is that it is always about three questions: how do you run the business better, grow the business, and transform the business. Address those three issues, and you’ve nailed the essence of innovation.
Since the economic downturn, most of my global clients have been focused on the first issue: how can we run the business better? They’ve been razor-arrow sharp on achieving operational excellence, managing costs, downsizing, and other critical steps necessary to survival.

Now that’s changed.

In the last few months, I’ve had a significant number of bookings — often by senior VP or CEO level execs within  Fortune 1000 organizations — for keynotes at leadership meetings that have the purpose of examining how to grow the business and transform the business.

In other words, folks, GROWTH IS BACK. I think the mindset of the global Fortune 1000 is shifting quickly to strategies that are aimed at transitioning products and markets; generating revenue where revenue hasn’t existed before; growth through acquisition; and countless other innovation strategies aimed at growth. And they’re thinking as to what they need to do this; how do they realign their skills base to deal with rapid change ; how do they more rapidly share ideas on fast emerging opportunities; how do they partner up in order to move faster?

This is the fifth recession I’ve gone through in my professional career. I’ve seen these signs before.

Growth is definitely back in business.

A Shining Example of How Strong Leadership Can Work

We had the distinct honour of meeting with Former Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine recently as we developed a relationship with Fontaine as our newest exclusive speaker with GSA.

Former Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Phil Fontaine with some of the GSA team

Fontaine is someone who speaks from the heart, whether one-on-one or in front of thousands.  He is thoughtful, charismatic and has a rare calmness about him. A savvy leader, Fontaine was elected to an unprecedented 3 terms as head of the First Nations Assembly.

What struck me most in addition to his surprising wit, was his calm, confident demeanor and his focus on solutions.  The lesson I took away from meeting with him was on the value of determination and speaking up for what you believe in to effect change. No matter how long it takes. Fontaine has a ‘never give up’ attitude, and the results to show for it.

Fontaine, on behalf of his people, won a 150 year old battle on residential school abuse and negotiated the largest settlement in Canadian history – a staggering $5.6billion in individual compensation – and apologies from the Prime Minister and the Pope.

Whether it’s Hansen and Canfield who got over a hundred rejections before someone finally published the now multi-billion dollar Chicken Soup for the Soul series; an Olympian like Mark Tewksbury who practiced and trained for 15 years to become the best in the world and win a gold medal; or the famous story of Thomas Edison who tried over 1,000 times to configure the light bulb and stated:  “I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb,” persistence is key.

Can you imagine yourself giving up after even just a few rejections? It’s tempting, but hopefully these stories are inspiring enough to help us give it that one more try, and again, and again if we need to.  If you believe strongly enough in your purpose, it will be worth it.

Rejection and disappointment are a part of life and of the process when we’re striving for a goal. But we can choose how we respond to them. I say, don’t give energy to the negative elements.  Learn from the experience, keep trying and move onward and upward.

You never know when that recognition to the tune of $5.6 billion and a culture shift can happen. Or at least, one day you earn a smile instead of a frown, and even a smile can make your day…

You and Your Unique Ability

Our Guest Blogger today is Creative Coach and Branding Expert Gerry Visca, writing on Your Unique Ability and the Power of the Brand. Enjoy!

Gerry Visca

To get what you want out of life, you must focus on uncovering and applying your unique talent.  I want to spend some time with you in defining your unique ability as your ‘life force’.  It is your ‘core genius’ that allows you to excel and over achieve.  It is your ‘jewel’ and your winning hand that helps define and distinguish yourself from your competitors.  Your unique ability can be defined as effortless.   You could spend all day doing it as a result of the passion you have.

1. Do you feel fulfilled in life?  As you start to contemplate these important questions, ask yourself the following:

 Do you feel trapped in a stress-filled job that leaves you unhappy and unfulfilled?             
_________ YES?   _________ NO?
Do you ever question if you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing? 
_________ YES?   _________ NO?
As you discover your unique ability, contemplate these important questions:

Your Personal Life
       Who am I?   
       What is my unique ability?
       What do I want in life:
       What are my personal goals?
      What would my closest friends say my unique ability is?

A great way to getting what you want and igniting the passion inside yourself is to employ the power of affirmations on a daily basis.  You have started contemplating all of the things you want from life, both personally and professionally.  Start by stating your biggest most audacious goal:

My Break through Goals:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

Gerry Visca is a Creative Coach, an inspirational speaker and best selling author.
www.gerryvisca.com

The 5C’s of Sustainability Branding

Written by guest blogger & GSA speaker Marc Stoiber

Marc Stoiber

Our company is poised to launch a new study comparing the real efforts that brands are making in fighting climate change, and the perception consumers have of those brands. (look for MapChange 2010)
 
Not surprisingly, the results are surprising. Across every sector (we studied 10 of the largest consumer-facing sectors in North America), there’s a disparity between what brands are doing and what consumers think they’re doing.

Brands that do the most often get little credit from consumers. And brands that are ho-hum in their climate change performance often look like heroes to consumers.

Apart from making an interesting read, there’s something in this study to be learned. These are major brands, betting big budgets on their green work. So what can we glean from the winning and not-so-winning efforts? What can we apply to our own green brand building efforts?

We distilled our learnings down to a formula that brands could follow in greening themselves – a formula that would help them be less harmful to the environment and more attractive to consumers.

We called it the 5C’s of sustainability branding – a tool that could help reduce your nascent green brand’s learning curve.

1. CONSUMER-FACING – Not sure what to do first? Look at what the consumer is looking at. There are plenty of ways to improve corporate sustainability, but consumer-facing changes will have the most immediate impact on your brand’s public perception. Think of Method’s Omop, with its compostable / recyclable bamboo and paper packaging – it stands out like a beacon at shelf, where consumers can really notice the difference.

2. COMPETITIVE – To compete, brands must innovate. And in the 21st Century, the best innovations will have strong sustainability credentials. Concepts like GE’s Ecomagination are just the thin edge of the wedge. With price and quality being equal, the competitive advantage will go to brands that differentiate themselves with sustainability features.

3. CORE – Tying sustainability to a brand’s core business is another way to ensure it resonates with consumers. If your brand sells hamburgers, effective brand sustainability strategy would focus on hamburgers (organic beef or recycled wrappers, for example). Car brands must focus on making more fuel-efficient, cleaner cars – not saving the rainforest. If you do something that is unrelated to your core business, you risk alienating or confusing your consumers at best – and having them holler ‘greenwash’ at worst. Brands like Clorox Greenworks hit this one on the mark.

4. CONVERSATIONAL – Sustainability branding is more effective as a two-way conversation, rather than a one-way announcement. Honesty and transparency go a long way with consumers. Disclosing what you’re doing well, and what you could be doing better, will instil trust…and trust breeds loyalty. Inviting consumers to participate in a conversation about your process will further strengthen the brand-consumer relationship. Think of Patagonia’s Footprint Chronicles – an online tool that helps consumers understand Patagonia’s strides in making their shirts and pants more sustainably…and see the environmental shortcomings of Patagonia’s products as well.

5. CREDIBLE – Sustainability strengthens brands. But greenwashing, even if unintended, can do a brand serious harm. The good news is that this is avoidable. The key is in sequence. As long as your sustainability efforts are in place, functioning and measurable before being announced, they will be viewed as credible. And proven, objective credibility – when paired with innovation that excites and communication that clarifies and engages – is the key to sustainable brand success.

Marc Stoiber is President and Founder of Change, a green innovation brand agency.

Dick Pound, IOC – Get it on the First Bounce!

For more than 20 years, the incomparable and outspoken Dick Pound has been one of the most influential members of the International Olympic Committee. He is currently the director of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

During the Olympic Games, we had the great fortune to sit down with him to talk about his experiences and the legacy of the Olympics, and learn what it takes to maintain a brand like the Olympics and manage such a significant undertaking.  It was a highlight of my trip to Vancouver for the Games.

Theresa Beenken, Dick Pound & GSA President, Perry Goldsmith

Here are a few insights from the man who helped build the Olympic rings to the multi-billion dollar brand it is today:

On the Value of Your Brand:
A significant part of the business of the IOC today is in brand management. They are protecting one of the oldest and most sacred brands in the world. Pound views the whole of any property or deal, as much greater than the sum of its parts, while ensuring the integrity of the brand is maintained. The IOC’s goal is to be risk averse and ensure every host city is meeting certain minimum standards. To that end, the agreements and knowledge management continue to evolve.  15 years ago, the IOC contract with the host city was only 2 pages!  Today these Games TV rights are worth 2 billion….and multiple pages.

How Important is Volunteerism?
Pound sees it as ‘refilling the well from which he drank.’ Pound is a tax lawyer by day and volunteers his time for the IOC.   Pound’s first Olympic experience, when he competed as a swimmer in Rome, changed his life and he respected the positive treatment he received from the people involved.  Pound wanted to put more back into the well than he drank and thus volunteer for the organization.  Dick Pound has now been a high level volunteer with the Olympic movement for most of his adult life.

On Risk Management/Project Management – Get it on the First Bounce!
The Olympics are one of the largest ongoing major projects in the world, with risk and safety involved for our globe’s peak athletes. Pound discussed the importance of a three step approach:

1. Strategy
2. Live Adjustments
3. Knowledge Transfer

Pound spoke of having a vision and strategy to start and stressed the importance of making adjustments along the way when issues arise. ‘Get it on the first bounce’ when errors or challenges come to light.  He spoke of the importance of a post-project debrief and review of what worked and lessons were learned. He also explained the importance of ensuring there is knowledge transfer so that others can follow your blueprint of guidance and lessons learned.

We also asked:
What does he see as future challenges shared by the Olympics and Business in General?

Three key issues:

1. How to remain relevant – ensure you understand and appeal to what your audience/clients need and want
2. How to reach the younger generation, ‘who aren’t nearly as relevant as they think they are’, but important none-the-less
3. Better understanding of outreach – consider the impact of the fact that in this day and age, we can reach out to more people than ever before, in more countries – what does that mean? How will that change things?   Simultaneously, the outreach works in the opposite way too – more people can critique and contribute to what we are doing.  What will that mean?

The Olympics we saw and experienced touched all of us in our own way and continue with the Paralympics now featured.  The whole time, there’s also so much going on behind the scenes we don’t often hear about. Just like with Dick Pound the man. His media image can be bold and controversial, but he often shows his witty and compassionate side too when you meet him in person. Or when you happen to Medal in Women’s Hockey at the Olympics, and he’s there to give your Gold Medal, and a kiss on the cheek. J

Here’s more in-depth information on Dick Pound and his Olympic story:
http://www.irpp.org/po/archive/dec09/pound.pdf

Relationship Economics – Are you LinkedIn?

David Nour

We’ve been fortunate to participate recently in two fast-paced and highly informative events with social networking and Relationship Economics® expert David Nour.

He focused his most recent session on LinkedIn and insisted we all consider the following:
Do you have lots of contacts, or lots of relationships?
The value of your relationships determines your social capital.

Consider:
1. How well are you building and nurturing your perishable relationships?
2. Is your portfolio of relationships equally balanced between its quantity, quality, and diversity?
3. Do you effectively leverage Relationship Currency® to create long-term and preferential access and opportunity?
4. Are you producing a Return on Your Relationship Investments?
5. What’s the cost of NOT building a viable network, with return access?

We asked David for information we could share here on our blog, and he provided his Relationship Economics® Top 10 Best Practices for LinkedIn:

1. Build a Content-Rich Profile
2. Download the Outlook Toolbar and learn how to integrate the two
3. Invite your most trusted relationships to join your LinkedIn Network via Outlook or CSV upload
4. Join up to 10 strategic groups from your education and professional background / affiliations
5. Explore LinkedIn Applications to see if you can tie your blog, presentations, or other functionality into your profile
6. Include your LinkedIn public profile (looks like this: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidnour) in your email signature, articles, event announcements
7. Create LinkedIn Events for your upcoming programs and include links where they can learn more (ideally back on your website)
8. Engage your network with daily invites & introductions, questions and answers, and group discussions
9. Recommend only those you wholeheartedly endorse
10. Use ping.fm to update 30+ social networking sites at once!

Some worry that all these social and business networking sites will take away from the need for people to actually talk with each other and meet in person.  David wholeheartedly disagrees. He notes that while technology can help enable connections, the best relationships are engaged in person and those in-person meetings can be facilitated with effective use of technology.

We look forward to connecting and engaging more with you – in person, on the phone, by email, LinkedIn…which ever works for you!

My LinkedIn profile can be found at:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/theresabeenken

FL!P Before You Flop!

Written by Account Executive, Jeff Lohnes…

There are various precious moments we all take from our childhoods, we subconsciously allow a few of these occurrences to play a large role in our lives and they elicit certain excitement when references to them bring about a wonderful nostalgia. What were some of those moments, events, and feelings for you?

For me, and I believe many would be of the same mind; it was those pleasant conversations with my grandparents, soaking up every word they had to share with me. Though often these conversations got in the way of more important things like biking and building ‘cool stuff’, still there are few things I reflect on more today than those conversations and the transfer of knowledge and wisdom from their wise words to my growing mind.

Peter Sheahan

Yesterday, I got a real taste of my childhood when we hosted a breakfast with Peter Sheahan. Possibly one of most unlikely people to bring about those feelings, as he has not yet hit age 30, but as I reflected on Peter’s talk, I realized he…well… has it. He is a business genius, a people genius and he simply gets it, and it’s all delivered with poise and energy, but with that familiar wisdom of grand-parental persuasion.

Peter’s remarks are storied in historical economics and business cases, blending in appropriate psychological theories to make some of the most complete and compelling arguments for succeeding in business that exist today. As a generational expert, Peter offers actual facts rooted in realistic HR practices that can help flip your thinking, flip your company’s thinking, and flip poorly trending results to positive ones…. Appropriately, the name of his most recent book is ‘Flip’.

One of Peter’s principal take-home messages for businesses, service providers, associations and essentially any organization looking to earn anyone’s time, thought or money is: Simply being the lowest price, offering the fastest service or offering the best product is no longer good enough (more simply put, you need to be “Fast, Good, Cheap”) – the minimum requirement now is to have all three and then add to those characteristics to differentiate and earn your share of the market.

As I compare Peter’s style to that of the wisest of people I ever listened to, I think about his message, and it truly is as basic as some of those messages my grandparents and other community elders used to share with me. Those basic principles about gaining respect by your actions, being honest and treating others as you wish to be treated. Peter’s message, like theirs, is completely simple. He does not act as if any of his thoughts are wild futuristic theories that will blow your mind, they are simply the basic, yet terribly underused and often misunderstood practices and constructive mindsets that will allow your organization to flourish.

The GSA Team with Peter Sheahan

So, it was a real pleasure listening to a man, a very young man, deliver a talk on a subject with such a deep understanding and passion that few people have today. The sheer brilliance he exemplifies when speaking about how to really make your business successful, is parallel only to a woman or man teaching you about respect, when you know they truly have earned it honestly before in their lifetimes.

Gaga Over The Next Big Thing

And in 2010, Polaroid is back with new products, naming Lady Gaga as their new creative director, to help “deliver new Polaroid products to a new generation of Polaroid customers while staying true to Polaroid’s long-standing values of fun and simplicity.”

Jim Harris with Al Gore

Business strategist Jim Harris, author of the international best-seller Blindsided:  How to spot the next breakthrough that will change your business forever, remembers the day when Polaroid went bankrupt, blindsided by the digital camera industry as a better way to get and share photos instantly.  And I admit, as much as I loved my dad’s Polaroid camera in the day, my online photo to print versions ratio today is probably 100:1.  My home computer is filled with thousands of images now and my print photo albums are empty.

 Jim recently shared with us his ideas around how to avoid being blindsided in the first place:

Consider -What is the classic pain for your clients?
For example, with some video chain customers it’s late fees, going back to the store in time to return movies, and strict timelines for use.
-Solve the pain and/or demonstrate an easier way to do business and you will win, like Netflix, who deliver movies to you quickly by mail and you return them when you’re ready with no due dates or late fees – ever!

Accept – If the rate of external change exceeds your internal change or ability to keep up, you are in trouble.
- Move fast and often. Pay attention to how your industry is changing.

Understand – Your competition can be any business who vies for the same end customer as you. They may not necessarily even be in your same industry – eg. Chocolate bars actually have cell phones as competition as they both vie for $$ spent by youth.
- Look for new ideas or competition from other industries and partner with them, or strategize how to compete

Address – Function vs form
Banks (form) are not totally necessary, but banking (internet/phone, etc – function) is.   Bookstores (form) are not necessary, but reading is.
- Is your industry stuck on your form, or function?

Find – New answers to old questions
During his tenure as professor, Einstein delivered an exam to the students: “The questions on this year’s exam are the same as last year’s!” a young man exclaimed. “Yes,” Einstein answered, “but this year all the answers are different.”
- There are standard questions we ask in business; how to make a profit, how to stay relevant to our members or customers, what’s our strategy?  Are the answers different this year?

Pay now or pay later
Whether it’s an environmental issue where we’re not investing enough into green/clean energy now, and will pay for it later with ongoing global warming challenges, or, a business challenge you’re ignoring like upgrading your systems; you can either pay now and be a leader or you can wait until it’s more expensive and breaks down, and pay later.  Green business for example, has proven to be good, profitable business to get into early.
- Do you want to be pro-active on challenges and deal with them head on with leading solutions, or do band-aid solutions and deal with things only when absolutely necessary?

How will your industry evolve?  Are you the next big thing?  Are you ready for it?

Lady Gaga