17 Tools to Help You Survive in 2009

HELLO, my name is BLOG!

Thursday, January 01, 2009 - posted by hellomynameisscott at 10:30 AM

“A true Ninja uses his surroundings to survive.” That’s basic Ninja code.

MY QUESTION IS: What are you using to help your business survive? What are you using to help your creativity survive? And what are you using to help your SELF survive?

... Today, I want to share a list of seventeen things that I’m currently using to help my business, my creativity and my SELF survive this horrible economy.

As you peruse this list, I challenge you to think about what tools YOU use, what tools you COULD be using, and what tools need a good sharpening in 2009.

1. Use baitless hooks. Edison did. ... He was so focused on the fishing process that he could care less if he reeled in a twenty pounder. This is the way creativity should be: Present. In the moment. ... When the stakes are lower, the results are higher.Are you too outcome-focused?

2. Use concrete illustrations. Not vague platitudes. ... Try using experiences. Truths. Stuff that actually happened to you. Concreteness sells. How specific are YOUR examples?

3. Use cross-industrial processes. ... Become an expert on certain processes and philosophies and practices that apply to anyone, anytime, anywhere. ... But having a niche TOPIC vs. a nice MARKET will open up your client base to endless possibilities. What are you known for knowing?

4. Use every challenge. As an opportunity for growth. ... As a way to grow stronger, smarter, cooler, funnier and wiser. ... What are you turning your problems into?

5. Use generative language. ... That means throwing in a question here and there, and then shutting up. ... Does your language have more periods than question marks?

6. Use informational follow-up. “Have you gotten a chance to check out my proposal?” ... Terrible. No value. Next time try, “I used your company as an example in my blog post today! Check it out here…” Are you following up with value or vomit?

7. Use inner chaos. ... Use your creativity and passion and love and enthusiasm to transform inner wackiness into outer awesomeness. ... What works for YOU?

8. Use judgment-free language. ...[When] you use words, you label. When you label, you judge. When you judge, you react. When you react, you’re unconscious. And being unconscious is unhealthy. Are you “should-ing” all over people?

9. Use momentary accidents. ... Accident, schmaccident. It’s a lesson. An opportunity. A creative breakthrough waiting to happen. What is another use for this failure?

10. Use real language. “Real” meaning, “fifth-graders could understand it.” Sure, using ... fancy verbiage might make you sound smart. But it also might make other people feel dumb. It also might complicate your message. ... How many people have no idea what the hell you’re talking about?

11. Use rules mindfully. The Dali Lama once said, “Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.” ... How many rules did you break yesterday?

12. Use silence strategically. ... A properly placed pause is one of the most powerful tools in interpersonal communication. Are you shutting up enough?

13. Use strength quietly. Like Tony Dungee from the Indianapolis Colts. Like Rosa Parks from the Civil Rights Movement. Both wrote books called, “Quiet Strength.” Both know that a strong falcon hides its claws. Both know that powerful people don’t scream. Both know that the loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room. Are you a falcon or a lion?

14. Use today’s opportunities. ... Opportunity knocks all day, all the time, all over the neighborhood. Your challenge is to listen, answer, and then leverage them whenever they show up. How are you killing two stones with one bird?

15. Use visible reminders. ... Any new behavior you want to change, any new goal you seek to accomplish, make sure you can SEE the reminder. Daily. How are you punching yourself in the face?

16. Use your life. ... Don’t wait until you’re dead to leave a legacy; ... Because if you LIVE your legacy every day, LEAVING a legacy will naturally happen. But only if you validate your existence on a daily basis. How are you using your life?

17. Use your words. ... Your language is one the most powerful tools in your leadership arsenal. Perfect it daily. What did you write today?

LET ME ASK YA THIS… What tools are you using to survive 2009? LET ME SUGGEST THIS... For the list called, "12 Dangerous Doozies to Avoid in 2009," send an email to me, and I'll send you the list for free! * * * * Scott Ginsberg That Guy with the Nametag Author, Speaker, Coach, Entrepreneur scott@hellomynameisscott.com Never the same speech twice. Always about approachability. Watch The Nametag Guy in action here!