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Timing, luck & love.

February 10, 2010

I have met many business owners with ground-breaking ideas, cutting-edge technology, knowledge, skills…you name it, they had it all. And for whatever reason their businesses never took off.

On the other hand, I also know many other business owners that had very little knowledge of what they were getting into, they didn’t have any revolutionary ideas or products, and they either met the right person at the right time, or a sudden shift in the market created a demand for their product or service.

There are so many other factors to becoming successful other than you just ‘being awesome.’

Sure it is part vision and skill, but sometimes it comes down to timing and a little bit of luck. If I am right, and timing and luck do in fact play a role, I say you have to be willing to put in the time and play the odds. Don’t give up because you never know what the next day will hold.

You might meet the right person…and tomorrow is that day.
The market might suddenly shift…and tomorrow is that day.

Refusing to give up on your dream means that you take control and you leave less of your destiny up to chance.

When you wake up every morning the question will always be “Am I willing to put in the love?”

If you can answer “Yes,” then I believe you are well on your way to achieving your dream.
This may sound easy, but what happens if business doesn’t skyrocket as fast as you had planned?
What happens if you aren’t making the money you thought you would and you have a mortgage, a car loan, and groceries to pay for?
When it seems like nothing is going your way, are you willing to persevere and keep driving forward?

One thing that you aren’t going to learn in university/college is adversity.

You have to train yourself not to be stopped by anything. My friend John says, “If you let one thing stop you, you’ll let anything stop you.” When I first started Urban Jungle I had to take on a 2nd job just to float my boat while times were tough. I even had to sell my car and put up my house as collateral.

What are you willing to do?

I am a firm believer that your level of commitment will dictate your success. Committing to your success means that you will do everything in your power to make it happen. It’s doing whatever it takes; no excuses, no ifs, no buts, no maybes. Failure is not an option and your commitment needs to feel empowering not daunting.

Business should feel more like a challenging game of poker and less like digging a ditch!

“Burn the Boats!”

Around 200 BC, Xiang Yu, a great Chinese warlord faced a situation, which made it necessary for him to make a decision that would insure his success on the battlefield. He was about to send his armies against a powerful foe, whose men greatly outnumbered his own. He loaded his soldiers into boats, sailed to the enemy’s country, unloaded soldiers and equipment, then gave the order to “burn the boats” that had carried them. Addressing his men before the first battle, he said, “You see the boats going up in smoke? That means that we cannot leave these shores alive unless we win! We now have no choice—we win, or we perish! They won.

“Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to burn their boats and cut all sources of retreat. Only by so doing can one be sure of maintaining that state of mind known as the BURNING DESIRE TO WIN, essential to success.” – Napoleon Hill

Committing means to devote yourself unreservedly and work smart.

Are you willing to put in a 18 hour day?
Are you willing to sacrifice seeing your family and friends?
Are you willing to put your house on the line and risk all your savings with no guarantee of return?

I’m not saying that you will ever have to do any of these things; you may never have to work an 18 hour day and you may never have to put your house up as collateral; but that’s not the point. The point is, ARE YOU WILLING TO?

If you are willing to, it means that you’ve increased your chances that tomorrow might be that day.

The Olympic Volunteer Brand - Dressed for Success

February 5, 2010

When one thinks of branding it is not uncommon to have logos and punchy tag lines pop into one’s head. In fact just mention the word Nike and it is almost impossible to avoid thinking of the infamous “Swoosh” and “Just Do It” tag line. However, the brand and how people associate with it truly transcends much farther; think experience. The full experience.

VANOC thinks (and intends to deliver) “the experience”...

…And that is the message we have been given by John A. Furlong himself. Be an “ambassador for the 2010 Winter Games,” be mindful of other cultures, be courteous, and smiling. Point with full hands so as not to offend. Replace Canadian jargon such as “toque”, “washroom” and “loonies” with “hat”, “toilet” and “one dollar coin”. Rephrase your communication, descriptions or directions to contain fewer words if you feel you are not being understood. But, most of all be consistent. Be the exact same brand as your other volunteer partners so all visitors know what to expect.

Where do brand expectations start?

It starts with the most identifiable tool we are given. Our look. The design and colour choice of all volunteer clothing was chosen specifically to POP. To be the most identifiable person in a crowd…and it works! I, myself, would not have made it out of the airport if not for my colleagues in blue.

We as volunteers are branded from top to toes. Touque to boots. And in a winter venue, why not? They are both functional and fashionable and unavailable to those outside our group (I’ve already been offered cash for my jacket from a German tourist). It has created instant friendship and understanding with those you pass on the street sporting the same threads. An opening for those who recognize you as new to the town. And a way for tourists to find what they are looking for instantly without worry they are getting information from someone unqualified.

Living the brand has its downfalls too.

It has placed a spot light on myself and fellow turquoise troops. With the spotlight comes a list of absolutes. A list of “must nots”... things you might forget about when you are used to living anonymously. Here are just a few:

1. The uniform must not be altered or added to unless acting as an insulation layer underneath. No other colours, styles or looks. (The main long sleeve pieces, jacket and dark colour pants must be prevalent and on the outside no matter what)

2. No other brands must be visible while wearing uniform. (It even goes as far as backpacks, gloves, and logos on shoes) Prepare to have those items covered up with tape to make them blend in.

3. Be mindful of what you say and how you react at all times. Eliminate talk about negative working experiences during ones day, frustration when someone cuts you off in line, or even meeting up with colleagues for a quick drink after shift.

It’s about being consistently consistent.

With consistency as the base of all branding goals, the above descriptions are not without warrant….just, for most of us, is without consistent practice. Well, that is as of yet. A few more days suited up in our outdoor armour and the persona of volunteer is sure to take-over. After all it is only February 5th. The games start in exactly a week. We have 16 days to shine AND 16 days to get this volunteer brand down pat!

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