Feb
19
Highly unusual for me to quote a Dirty Harry movie but stick with me for a minute.
I’ve got twenty something boys who are poised and ready to set the world on fire. We have been talking a lot lately about next steps and where life might take them and it’s pretty invigorating to see their thought processes and like many in their generation their intense desire to make a difference.
Then serendipitously, I came across the Alexandra Franzen’s blog that talked about the “be a day maker movement” and I fell in love with the concept that no matter what we do, or where we do it, we can make a difference. You don’t have to donate a million dollars (but very cool if you can) or stand on the other side of the world supporting a cause, you can make a difference with a kind word, smile or just being the genius you are at your workplace.
Good brands want to make a difference everyday too. Sure, we hear and share the bad brand stories. When the talk isn’t walked, and actions don’t align with purpose we can usually see it a mile away. And a bad service story – well that can irrevocably damage a brand in this “kiss and tell” era of social media. But there are so many good brand stories. I think of how thankful I am for the many people, business and brands who make my day. So here is a shout out to the “day makers” who have recently crossed my path:
- the stellar staff at Essential packaging who made ordering a delight. Personal touch. Check. Gained a loyal customer. Check.
- Coutts courier. For the last 25 years whenever I need a courier I only call one company. Coutts courier. They don’t have a FB page or an app, nor do they insta everyday. They have been doing what they do, the same way for a long time. And they do it perfectly. I have even had one of their drivers call to give me an update on all the deliveries he had done for me. Living their brand….yup. Trust earned. Check.
- Connecting good people with good people – love to do that. Good luck at Synergy, Laurel!
- A favourite client making it in the “bigs” selling her children’s book at the NHL all star event. Witnessing success, that makes my day – check it out here: www.afanforlife.com
- A favourite shop – Crocus and Ivy. Arriving at their store to pick up a gift I had ordered by phone that was already beautifully wrapped! Saving me time for the win!
- Annual planning with a client – TCM Financial Studio. They are truly value based. They just “get” how to care for people and each other and have a blast doing just that. Living their brand so authentically everyday. No wonder such blazing success is finding them.
What would happen if not only did we want to find and tell the good stories, what if we also wanted our businesses and our work to be someone’s “day maker” ?
Goodness. Unleashed.
Thanks for the inspiration to all of the above and a special nod to Clint Eastwood “Go ahead, make my day” turns out to be a wonderful way to live and to do business.
Feb
12
Do what you love and the rest will come.
This was the philosophy I grew up on. (With Valentines Day around the corner it seemed like a fitting blog to write).
My Dad was a firm believer in all things positive long before it was trendy. He could see the good in anyone and anything. He would tell you he never worked a day in his life and there was an energy about him that just made you believe that anything was possible. I soaked it up.
But I do remember a night very clearly when I owned Starstruck a clothing manufacturing company (read about it here) and I called home and the conversation went something like this:
Me: So Dad a whole container of fabric is lost. We have some unforgiving retailers waiting on us and I don’t know how we can deliver on time. I’m loving this a whole lot Dad truely I am but when will “the rest” come? I’m worried “the rest” is lost with the fabric and there is no tracking number?
Dad: It’ll come Jano. It’ll come. Just hang in there.
I hung up the phone sort of stomping about wanting a better answer. How could he be so darn sure?
As entrepreneurs we know life isn’t always sunshine and roses. There are long exhausting days that try us in a way nothing else can. Our faith can be shaken in ourselves, in our products and in our business. And we might not be able to see it at the time but there is real magic in being shaken to the core like that. I think at the heart of the entrepreneur lies an unstoppable faith that when we do what we love the rest really does come.
I miss my Dad everyday and his voice saying ‘It’ll come’ is as clear to me today as it was that night. And it’s advice I’m glad I’ve built my life and my business on.
