2011 April
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
at 9:32am
I realized that I forgot to give you all an update on my New York trip. Danica and I had a great time, and our meeting with Time Warner went better than expected. The first amazing moment was taking an elevator to the 36th floor of a high-rise building near Times Square. They led us to the conference room which had a view overlooking Manhattan! Danica and I looked at each other and realized we weren’t in Green Bay anymore! What we also realized is that people who work in New York are not much different than people who work in Wisconsin—they just have a longer commute.
These were simply good natured people who were trying to be the best they can be in the positions they were entrusted with. We also realized that we can approach anyone from anywhere. Everyone we met was kind, professional and willing to listen to good ideas. As long as you can make a strong case for a good idea, people will listen. So don’t be afraid—go ahead, make the call and set that appointment. We also realized that the people we know (friends and family) are really connected.
Danica and I started talking about the friends and family we know who could open up some doors with big companies. With that in mind, in about a 15-minute conversation over dinner we identified five people in our lives who either are involved in or can get us into a meeting with a large company that can use our product. This week I’m off to Texas, and as you read this I’ll be in my rental car reaching out to a senior executive with Kraft Foods.
Don’t be afraid—make the call!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Get with your business co-workers or partners and brainstorm people you know who can help connect you with the people you need to meet who can benefit from your product or service.
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
at 9:41am
Have you ever heard that quote by George Carlin? Paraphrasing somewhat, he once said, “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting…‘holy [cow]…what a ride!’” Now, I don’t know about you, but that’s how I want to live my life! It worries me to see folks these days who are afraid to try new things, share their opinions, and rock the boat a little. It seems that society has taught us to fly beneath the radar and go unnoticed because it’s safer to not take risks. But what kind of life is that?
I go by the philosophy that we should be open and honest with everyone and share our ideas; that we harness the greatest creative power when we all work together. And being a Servant Leader sometimes means we need to step outside our comfort zone in order to serve others and contribute to the greater good. We need to share our time and talents in as many ways as possible, even if that means being slightly uncomfortable from time to time when trying new things.
That’s why I started sharing my thoughts through the Prophit Marketing Road Show years back. I knew I had some fresh new ideas that were worth sharing with others so I jumped out onto the stage and shared them. If I hadn’t, I might really regret missing that opportunity.
Personally, when I slide into the grave I want to know that I’ve enriched the lives of others and loved deeply those in my care.
Joe Kiedinger
Action Plan: What risks are you willing to take?
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
at 9:22am
I’m writing this Wisdom on Wednesday on Monday evening. Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, Danica and I board a plane and head to New York. Not too long ago I wrote a Wisdom with the theme of “showing up.” I wrote that 90% of success is having the guts to show up. Tuesday afternoon we have an appointment to meet with various executives at the Time Warner corporate office, where we will be spending 2-3 hours presenting our Prophit Marketing process and the About Me Card software.
What will come of it? Who knows. We hope for the best. One thing I can tell you is this: If we stay in Green Bay, nothing will happen with Time Warner. We learned all new initiatives come out of New York. Hey, at the very least Danica and I will spend a few days away. On the other hand, we may be meeting some new friends who can help us change the world. We’ll see. I’m sure you’ll be hearing about it in next week’s Wisdom. By the time you read this Wisdom, the pitch will be over and Danica and I will be sleeping.
Don’t be intimidated by opportunities—seize them. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. It’s the real show. Speaking of show, I think I’ll check out 42nd street!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: So who are you meeting with in the near future?!
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
at 9:10am
I know that many of you attended the Festival Foods-sponsored Jim Hunter Servant Leadership speech at the Meyer Theatre in Green Bay last week. I am still on a high! Many of you sent us e-mails saying how truly moved you were by what Jim had to say. I encourage you—if you are new to the Servant Leadership movement or if you haven’t read it—to get the book, The Servant. The Servant is a fictional story about an executive forced to go on a retreat by his boss to learn about Servant Leadership. Jim’s writing style will keep you engaged. It’s an easy read with a big impact.
For those of you who have been inspired by this movement, I want to remind you what Hunter said. Servant Leadership is not a cerebral exercise. You can learn ABOUT Servant Leadership by reading books and listening to speakers, but you don’t LEARN Servant Leadership until you start practicing its teachings. It’s all about being upfront with people. When it comes time to praising people and celebrating their accomplishments, the Servant Leader is first in line. And when it comes time to step in and coach people to make them better—even though it may result in being disliked for awhile—the Servant Leader is first in line for that, too!
Servant Leadership is sweeping the world right now, and I am a better person because I discovered it 10 years ago. I wish you well on your journey and know that many of us are available to help you along the way.
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Join us for our free Servant Leadership discussions. The first will be May 16th at St. Norbert College from 1-3 p.m. If you would like more information, please e-mail me at joek@prophitmarketing.com.
About Me Card
