TRIPLE III TIME: “Sharing Out Loud!”
Much of my consulting time recently has been targeted toward “idea generation”. How do you settle on maybe a new product or service idea that makes the most sense? Or what is the best way to find a cool idea that fills a public need and is not a duplication of a product that already exists? Or how does someone come up with a new computer application or a better dill pickle recipe when we live in a global economy and all you really have to do is ask AI??
Well as you can guess… I remind everyone that progressive idea generation is NOT easy nor immediate! We most often talk about strong research and use of computer capacities to “see what is already out there.” However as we go through the options of creativity, agreeing on a new product/service idea that would be needed… semi-different than what already exists…and has marketability for an eventual profit… “Sharing Out Loud!” seemed to be a logical development option.
“Sharing Out Loud!” may seem old-fashioned and almost too common-sensical… but it’s effectiveness is critical. I can’t think of the times that only after I shared what I thought was a perfect idea… did I realize the multiple weak areas…but also the extra ways it could become special! By “Sharing Out Loud!” others felt safe and productive when offering their concerns and cool possibilities.
Think about it.
In a straight-forward way… the “Shark Tank” TV show is really a huge opportunity to practice “Sharing Out Loud!” an entrepreneurial idea. It is discussed… debated… and in conclusion actually may or may not be considered worthwhile for investing in! But for this TRIPLE III TIME message the most important point to realize is the high-value face-to-face exchange of viewpoints, questions, recommendations and just plain idea assessment that results when “Sharing Out Loud!”.
IMAGINE ME! Youth Entrepreneurship FEST
Saturday, June 20th, Inspiring Innovations, Inc. and Kids Rule Now Inc. will host our Youth Entrepreneurship Fest at Alpena Community College – Oscoda Campus! This one-day experience is designed to help young entrepreneurs ages 10-17 bring their business ideas to life. Click the link below for more information on donations and supporting the innovative youth in our community.
Support the IMAGINE ME! Youth Entrepreneurship Fest
IMAGINE ME Youth Vendor Registration (free!)
TRIPLE III TIME: “Start-Up” Jobs Are Fading
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present… are certain to miss the future.” (President John F. Kennedy)
I guess because JOBS have been the biggest focal point of my professional career… it is not surprising that as I read President Kennedy’s quote… my mind seemed to be drawn to the concern that: “Start-Up” Jobs Are Fading.
Think about it.
Basic retail business check-out clerks are being replaced by “Self-Check-Out” stations. With the growth of “drive-thru” restaurants (of any size) and drive-thru coffee shops… in-person/walk-in “I will take you order” personnel are no longer needed. And as profit margins get tighter in every industry… the opportunity for intern-like positions which require a little more professional time and direction… are also being quietly sacrificed. So as change now drives our JOBS systems so much, so fast… there no longer seems to be critical start-up time for job learnings, experience growth and responsibility building?!
It would be great if I had a futuristic TRIPLE III TIME message that would be the ideal corrective action for the: “Start-Up” Jobs Are Fading challenge… but I don’t. However, instead I would like to suggest to anyone… ANYONE job hunting today to take a more entrepreneurial approach to building and selling yourself to the world-of-work. Consider the following:
- Draft a JOB-START-UP proposal for yourself.
- Think about volunteer days or even hours just to gain entry into a business/agency.
- Be sure to identify areas that YOU could benefit the employer as a job candidate.
- Start with small tasks and build on areas you are good at. This action could motivate the employer to suggest higher value activities to try-out.
- Don’t be hesitant to identify skill areas that YOU want to develop as a JOBS candidate and include them in your JOB-START-UP proposal.
- Finally if your JOB-START-UP proposal contains a payment possibility for volunteering… consider a simple “help me with gas payment” as an option.
This TRIPLE III TIME message is not traditional… not easy… but does offer a progressive view of the future. YOU are your own business.
LEARNING MOMENTS Podcast: First Impressions
Making good First Impressions is a pretty regular, strong professional development priority both at home and/or in the work place! Whether the issue is dress… being on time for anything… or communicating well… all are areas that require quality First Impressions every time and everywhere.
This month’s Inspiring Innovations LEARNING MOMENTS Podcast not only stresses the progressive value of making strong First Impressions… but also stresses their timeless and priceless value to everyone as a professional. Taking the necessary time to take stock of one’s First Impressions value in every life setting… is truly time well invested.
Enjoy the listen.
TRIPLE III TIME: You Can’t Command Innovation
Innovation has and always will be my favorite professional development priority everyday… EVERYDAY. Those who I have worked with and those who I have worked for in any professional capacity… know that I will encourage innovative activity be part of every employee and business/organization’s operational mentality… because it is a growth-necessary progress component.
Also during my work experiences one important related factor that I have learned over time is that: You Can’t Command Innovation. What am I saying?
I guess the point that I am making is that even if mandated by a single person most in charge… innovation… true/great innovation will not flourish via mandate. Likewise, if a single leader requires complete control on how… when and what innovation actions must occur… the growth will be minimal and disappointing.
Instead, if one were to introduce an engaged inter-active plan to include innovative ideals and thereby build a workforce with rigor and competence… a complete win-win situation would arise. And with this plan in mind… how about a special INNOVATION FOR TOMORROW…TOP 10 concepts to consider:
- Take the innovation responsibility personally and be an example.
- Allow and try newness in the workplace as a common practice.
- Encourage support for innovation ideas both in written words and verbal statements.
- Be sure to recognize simple innovations as well as major ones.
- Remind everyone that failure happens… so don’t be afraid.
- Promote standard sharing of research about other innovation actions.
- Don’t wait for a “perfect” innovation time.
- Understand that creating a new partnership is innovation often not noticed.
- Don’t innovate for show… innovate for progress.
- Finally use a commitment to innovation as a commitment to LEARN TO KEEP ON LEARNING! (Thomas L. Friedman)
I could keep on writing…but there is a lot of “messaging” in this TOP 10.
TRIPLE III TIME: Social Media & AUTHENTICITY SPEAK
The use of social media has become a huge tool for modern communication. In just moments, someone can share a message… market a product… deliver auto repair instructions… and/or send a birthday card all at the same time. Obviously, this opportunity can create a huge amount of benefit in multiple sectors. However, it is also critical to observe that if not utilized in a positive progressive manner… social media impacts could negatively influence honesty… ethics… communication… quality expectations and other leadership factors.
The single focus of this TRIPLE III TIME message is to encourage everyone… in any form of leadership position to maintain a “Professional PROOF-READING” approach regarding use of social media in their business/organization operations system. Does this sound like a very large management oversight role… maybe… but the bottom line is to maintain a continuous culture of AUTHENTICITY SPEAK!
AUTHENTICITY SPEAK is social media messaging (or really any form of entity communication) that if reviewed by family members, business colleagues and/or a friend, would have the necessary level of truth, accuracy and authenticity to be labeled professional. Would this require a calculated number of “learning moments” to ensure everyone understands the high-level value of quality social media communication… YES! But would the extended respect and inter-organizational professional accountability gained by your group be worth the time invested… also YES!
Fake news… fake pictures… false claims… incorrect data… misleading behaviors… information alterations and true lack of integrity words are all potential contents of daily social media postings. Therefore, is it really everyone’s job to practice example setting “Professional PROOFREADING” and AUTHENTICITY SPEAK… Yes! It starts with everyone.
But if not you… then who?
TRIPLE III TIME: “Revisiting” Economic Development
It has been quite some time since I have met and trained with a small group of county-based economic development professionals. In most cases the economic development personnel were effectively blended-in with other organization employees and their individual issues, concerns and/or ideas never were addressed in the best… specialized way. So when asked to join with an economic development staff and do some “EDC exclusive strategic planning”… I did not hesitate to say: “Absolutely!”
Well it did not take too long for me to realize that in many ways this small group wanted to receive some historical and common sense points from me on the role and purposes of an economic development professional. So it was a pleasure to toss out these points:
- A good economic developer must be well versed in life-long learning and must understand that not all learning occurs in a classroom.
- That economic development includes community, business, education and entrepreneurship options and opportunities.
- That economic development often takes the form of “parenting”… which means helping guide a certain area.
- That “comprehensive LISTENING” is a high-value professional skill for development leaders and should be utilized continuously to hear all sides of every issue.
- That older residents view economic developers as someone who takes care of “the home area” (which includes neighborhoods/schools/stores and factories).
- And finally, that economic developers may sometimes need to be a financial “coach” and explain what “progress bills” should be paid first… second… and so on.
The time went by very fast and I closed with this final thought: An economic development person can not pick when it comes to being involved with a progress/growth issue… only when!
Maybe these points might help in other jobs too?!
TRIPLE III TIME: Creating A “Next-Step” COMMUNITY
“Don’t select which seed to plant… instead make sure the “soil” is developmentally ready so any seed can grow!”
I wish I knew the author of this quote. Why…because I sure would like to pick their brain for additional thoughts and insights into its prep and sharing! There are so many progressive points that can be taken from this very “back-to-basics” collection of terms. However, for this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message…we are going to use this quote to focus on Creating A “Next-Step” COMMUNITY!
Many times, the best source of genuine next step creativity comes from your heritage. As a farm boy from rural Michigan, I had the privilege of watching and learning the farm craft from a strong group of growth-minded community members. “No one goes it alone”…would have been a true theme of purpose for the group. And as the introductory quote says: “making sure the soil is developmentally ready” was the common core mission of every farmer in the community. Progress was then achieved and observed through regular crop rotation and diversity allowed no matter what type of seed was planted! So why is this old-time memory important??
Bottomline: Today I believe everyone plays a role in Creating A “Next-Step” COMMUNITY. Whether it is:
- Shopping closer to home
- Helping your community area remain clean
- Speaking proudly of where you live
- Volunteering to help at the school
- Continuing to advance yourself, your family and your workplace
Just like my hometown farm “heroes”… initiating and maintaining a process of regular community next-step progress is really everyone’s job. So don’t allow your area of growth be determined by someone else. Rather… “Don’t select which seed to plant…instead make sure the (YOUR) “soil” (community) is developmentally ready so any seed (Next-Step) can grow!”
LEARNING MOMENTS: “The Road To Better”
Sometimes deciding on the “best way forward” can be confusing and often too full of reasonable choices. Taking a slow, cautious approach ay at times seem like the right path to take instead of a “quick and easy” option. Likewise, the costs involved in progress and growth may be difficult to accept… however selecting a low-cost opportunity may result in the “you only get what you pay for” reality.
This month’s Inspiring Innovations LEARNING MOMENT: “The Road To Better” podcast recommends taking a “refresh yourself” time in determining the best way forward. Whether The Road To Better action is about your world of work or on your homefront, selecting a simple and specific path and journey most times is the best approach.
The podcast contains numerous helpful hints and recommendations to make smooth The Road To Better for you.
Enjoy the listen.
TRIPLE III TIME: The Power of Convening
One of the more important leadership actions today is realizing The Power of Convening. Think about it?! Meetings are often the least desired employment activity…no matter the occupation. Whether it is the time required, the travel to and from, the topics to be discussed and/or the personalities in the room (or online), positioning oneself to obtain the greatest value from every meeting situation often gets lost in the importance of properly convening.
The goal of this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message is to encourage leaders/managers to take active responsibility for meeting prep and facilitation by embracing The Power of Convening. And just for old times sake…lets use a common sense TOP 10 that may help everyone maximize The Power of Convening.
Here we go:
- Step up and volunteer to host the meeting… (location… location… location!)
- Exercise the convening opportunity to think about who to best be in the room.
- Avoid the potential of having a “stacked deck” of participants who would control the meeting.
- Be the author of the agenda.
- Identify an independent note/record keeper.
- Stress the time limitations in every communication.
- Highlight priorities for the group… not individuals.
- As convener… take responsibility for timing future meetings/addressing future topics.
- Manage the clock… start on time and end on time.
- Share the convener role… ONLY if it makes progress sense.
The Power of Convening is not a professional role to take lightly. It is excellent when people trust, respect and appreciate someone who excels in this area of responsibility.
So are you ready to be a good… GREAT Convener?!
Inspiring Innovations, Inc. 