-Jimmy Buffett, A Pirate Looks At 50
This weekend has been one of INTENSE thought and discovery for me. No, I haven't CHANGED my focus in life, nor have I really changed any of my focuses… However, a discussion with a great mentor and businessman, Carl Pottkotter, CTO of NovaCopy in Nashville, Tennessee, has DRIVEN my thought processes to become MORE focused!
In addition to the continual thought processing, I have established a greater APPRECIATION for the VALUE of excellent advice. I mentioned in a Morning Motivator last week that one of my areas for growth is LISTENING… and on Friday I did it. I sat, listened and ABSORBED the counsel, wisdom and application strategies offered. An opportunity like this allows for GROWTH via an indirect perspective. Even more valuable, it came from a STRATEGIC partner – someone I refer business to and hope to grow a deeper relationship with.
You know what I think is the COOLEST thing about the advice?? It provided me the OUTSIDE input needed to IMMEDIATELY and DIRECTLY improves my business; in addition, advice is always a SCRIPTING for how others would like to work WITH you. If you LISTEN closely, what you hear is people defining the best way to help with their needs or their clients' needs… what a TREASURE!!
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
The discussion made me think about what a coach of mine in college used to say – if I wasn't being CRITICAL of you, you would know I have given up. WHOA!!
Advice, whether you feel it to be positive or negative, is always CONSTRUCTIVE! Negative advice is a plea for IMPROVEMENT, someone asking you to get better or they may have to leave you. Positive advice is a notation of FRIENDSHIP, the suggestion on how to become more SUCCESSFUL, in a faster manner. No advice… is the kiss of DEATH and the end of a relationship.
If you are wondering, "what is the best way to get advice?", then you should PAY ATTENTION very closely… here it is… ASK. Yes, just ask for feedback, input, a critique, recommendations or whatever other "name" you would like to put on it. You may WAIT forever for unsolicited feedback. ASKING will get it more frequently AND show the person you are asking that you RESPECT and APPRECIATE their input. Once they know it is "safe" to give feedback – they will likely begin doing it more!
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
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