Inspiration for Business | Words For Hire

Stronger, Better, Faster: How to Use Competition to Your Advantage

July 12, 2011 by Karen Swim

Image by phogel via Flickr

I was on the final leg of my third workout of the morning. It was a perfect summer morning and as I pulled up to a red light on my bike I exhaled into a smile. Another rider pulled up beside me. He was over 6 feet tall, muscular and clearly a far more experienced rider than me. We chatted about the day and the beautiful weather until the light changed. As we said our ‘’good days’ in one fluid motion he was nearly a block ahead of me. Without even thinking, I gave chase. I ignored my already weary legs, dug down and began pedaling faster than I ever had (I only took up riding again two months ago). The world around me became a blur as I focused on one thing – catching my opponent.

I did catch up two lights later. This time I came to my senses and my destination and did not give chase when the light changed. I admit, I have a bit of a competitive streak (it’s why I hate the gym, I always want to be the last one standing on the treadmill) but it’s mostly harmless. As I replayed the ride, I realized that trying to keep pace with a more experienced, faster rider had allowed me to push through to a new level. In my quest to keep up with a stronger opponent I had forgotten “my place” and simply rode like the wind.

In the days following my wild ride, I rode faster and harder, because I knew I could. My confidence soared right along with the numbers on my heart rate monitor. I had a new base thanks to my competitor.

People that are better than you are, whether it’s in sports or business, are an essential part of your own growth. If we surround ourselves with people on or below our level we may never know our own capabilities. Challenge yourself to explore your own limits by competing with someone you know is faster, stronger and smarter than you. You may not beat them but you are guaranteed to up your own game.

In business and life, there is never a lack of opponents. While I am not suggesting that we constantly pursue world domination, it is healthy to challenge yourself to compete at a higher level. It is easy to become complacent with our success, especially if we are the top dog in the puppy store. But, it is so satisfying when we push a little harder and discover that we are capable of even more.

Who is stronger, better, faster than you in your industry or job? How can you compete with them in a way that makes you better?

What Are You Made Of?

April 5, 2010 by Karen Swim

: Image by jpellgen via Flickr

Sometimes words of wisdom only become wise when you’ve lived enough life to understand them. Words spoken during the arrogance of youth resurface decades later like pearls pulled from the depth of the sea. It is amazing how some part of you reaches out and tucks them away knowing that while you’re too clueless to realize it in the moment someday you will need those words to help you grow.

I recently had one of those treasures unearthed. Words spoken decades ago in one of those ordinary moments, suddenly released by a modern day random thought. I could hear the words of my old pastor, in his down south accent that brought to mind porch swings and sweet tea saying, “Go through some things first.” It was advice given to those young and in love and eager to marry. At the time I was nowhere near marriage but the words stuck.

He advised us starry eyed young people to date long enough to allow life to throw you a few challenges before taking the next step. It made sense at the time but has become more profound as the years have passed. In essence you never know how strong something is until you apply pressure.

Financial pressures, illness, children and more test the strongest of relationships. If you have never had so much as a spat you will never know the strength of your partner, yourself or your relationship.

The principle is true in every aspect of your life. You find out what you’re really made of when pressure is applied. When pressure is applied will you crack into pieces or will you be strong enough to bend without breaking? Job loss, business failure, betrayal of a friend, injury, illness – does it take you down for the count or do you feel the heat but continue to look for solutions? How about your attitude? Do you become ill tempered and surly or gracious and respectful?

We spend a great deal of time polishing the outer layers and chasing external goals. Yet, what really matters is what lies beneath the layers, the foundation that will sustain us in good and bad times.

The funny thing about pressure is that it does not have to be a win or lose situation. Pressure can reveal those areas that need to be stretched, strengthened or reshaped altogether. We are born with flexibility but it takes work to sustain it. We must continue to stretch daily, breathing and reaching a little farther to be strong yet bendable.

So, what are you made of? When pressure is applied will you shatter into pieces or do you have the strength to bend without breaking?

Whatever your answer, it’s never too late to work on your strength and flexibility. Train those areas that are weak and meet the next challenge with confidence.

Vision or Lie?

May 4, 2009 by Karen Swim

Written by Karen D. Swim

Ron entered the building right on time for his appointment with Neal. The office was modern with a coolly detached vibe. After giving his name to the receptionist, he was directed down a long hallway to a spacious hallway with a large oak desk. After exchanging pleasantries, Neal and Ron got down to business.

Neal, told Ron that their company had moved to the state and would be renovating 60 homes per month. Ron liked Neal and the process he laid out. An hour later, Ron walked out with the specs on the first job, which he would start in two days. The economy had been challenging and Ron was afraid he would have to lay off a few of his guys. This contract could not have come at a better time.

Over the next few weeks the jobs came in starts and stops, not the steady flow of work Neal promised. Ron could not keep his crew on hold for days at a time so he opted to take other jobs. He went in to pick up his check for the last job with every intention to speak to Neal. He ran into the Project Manager, Andy in the parking lot. Andy shared that he was leaving the company and opened up to Ron about the promises that were never kept. It was then that Ron learned that Neal had presented a vision of where he wanted to the company to go and not the reality of where the company was today.

Like many business writers, I am often invited to take on jobs for companies promising lots of steady work. Inevitably, the company wants to leverage that promise for a lower rate.

“Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” – Jack Welch

There is a great deal of focus these days on having a big vision. We are told to put our faith in action by changing our mindset and language. I completely agree that we must fix our minds on what we want and rid ourselves of self-limiting beliefs BUT we must be careful when we recruit others to our vision.

When hiring employees or contractors, it is important to present the reality and allow each person to make their own choice. To present the vision without the reality is a lie. Contractors plan their accounts receivable based on billable hours, just as employees plan their budgets based on income. It is unfair to ask someone to set aside billable time when you cannot deliver on your promise.

“I think there is something, more important than believing: Action! The world is full of dreamers, there aren’t enough who will move ahead and begin to take concrete steps to actualize their vision.”– W. Clement Stone

Many will believe in your vision and will be willing to take the risk with you. However, do not be offended by those who are unwilling to take the risk. Respect the right of everyone to make his or her own choice.

Have you ever unintentionally misrepresented your business? Were there repercussions? Have you ever signed on for a vision that did not match reality? How did it make you feel?

When Loving You is Wrong

February 9, 2009 by Karen Swim

Written by Karen D. Swim

Image by Essjay is happy in NZ via Flickr

“Give me ten more,” the trainer said. The woman eyed him with defiance, “That’s enough, I’m tired.” I watched with mild curiosity as trainer and client engaged in the proverbial standoff. He with a tinge of weariness responded, “You can do ten more. If you want to lose the weight you have to learn to push yourself.” She rolled her eyes, dug in her heels and argued. I briefly caught the trainer’s eye and we exchanged a look of understanding. It is hard to help someone change when they are addicted to being right.

The woman was morbidly obese, so clearly her way was not working for her. Yet, when faced with expert help, she rejected it in favor of her opinion. Like any addict, the first step is admitting you have a problem.

You want to lose weight but you disagree with all the nutrition and exercise advice offered to you. You have been laid off and hire someone to write your resume but argue with them over every comma and period. You have started a business but pooh pooh the advice from long term business owners on marketing.

However, you’re not difficult. You have to be true to yourself. You know what works best for you. So tell me, how’s that working out for you?

Have you been able to succeed by continuing to do it your way? The truth is you’re afraid – afraid to admit your weakness, afraid of failing, afraid of succeeding. Your fear has you locked in your comfort zone of defeat.

I get it, I really do. If you take the expert advice and still fail, what does it say about you? Your inner critic is telling you that it marks you with a scarlet letter as a bozo who could not make it work. Tell your inner critic to tak e a hike, because he/she is wrong. It says that you are a person who desires change and is willing to seek out help to achieve it.

Consider this, you have nothing to lose. You are not giving up success for potential failure. You are letting go of failure for a potential solution. You took one step by asking for help, now take one more by accepting it. The choice is yours. Hang on to your excuses as you tumble down the cliff or grab hold of the rope and begin the journey upward.

Have you ever found yourself needing help but resisting change? How were you able to finally break through? Questions, comments and feedback are warmly welcomed as we all learn and support one another.

5 Common Problems of Ailing Businesses

January 26, 2009 by Karen Swim

: Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Written by Karen D. Swim

I am not a fan of reality shows but I have become addicted to Peter Perfect. In the show, stylist, Peter Ishkans, visits struggling small business owners in the U.S. In the shows that I have watched the businesses are typically family owned, single location retail stores.

Peter assesses the store’s layout, operations and the image and makes over both store and owners. He delivers the verdict in a straightforward but pleasant way. The business owners cringe only a little because it’s so much easier to hear that your business is a disaster when delivered in a non-American accent.

In a recent episode the business owners listed the problems and Peter looked baffled as he asked, “If you knew all this why didn’t you do something about it?” Ouch. So often we really do understand the problems but fail to take the next step of fixing them. Listed below are a few of the common problems I have noted since watching the show.

Unwilling to give up control. Are you so emotionally invested in your business that you view any criticism or suggestion as a personal rejection of you? Many of these business owners had family members who were partners. The family members had good ideas but the primary business owner was unwilling to give up control.

Business lacked a clear image / brand. When customers see your store front or website, is it immediately clear what you offer? What image does your business project? In every episode the business owners had failed to develop a clear brand. It was not the business idea that was bad but its presentation.

Failure to consider your target market. I recently worked with a client on a website redesign as part of an overall re-branding effort. The site did not at all reflect his target market. He knew that the site was not working but when asked about the choices he remarked, “I chose stuff that I like.” The problem however is that the colors and images he liked were completely out of sync with his target market.

No Marketing. Retail shop owners had failed to engage even their local communities. Do not assume that your market knows you exist and will find you. Whether you have a brick and mortar business or virtual store, you must market. If marketing is not your strength hire expert help. Buy consulting time to assess your needs and develop a plan, but do something or your business will die.

You lack a clear image. Are you reflecting confidence in your own business? Have you made the transition from hobbyist to business owner? Does your appearance and demeanor reflect the image you want to project? Step up to your role and own it.

To run a successful business you don’t have to have all the answers but you do need to be willing to seek them out. Technology has made it easier than ever to tap into expert knowledge and resources. With a little help you can move your business to the next level.

Do any of these issues resonate with you? If you’re a business owner what have you done to work through your roadblocks? For non-business owners, what do you wish businesses would do differently or better?

At Last

January 21, 2009 by Karen Swim

: Image via Wikipedia

Written by Karen D. Swim

Last night, U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama danced their first dance to the song At Last (originally recorded by Etta James). The song was recorded in 1961, four years before the National Voting Rights act was signed. Nearly a century later it has a new place in our history, marking yet another milestone in our country.

I have always loved this song but as I listened to it this morning I wondered, how many woke up this morning in anticipation of their own “At Last?” How many are still in the struggle for what sometimes may seem a far off battle? How many desperately want to celebrate their own At Last?

President Obama symbolized the culmination of a long fought battle for many Americans but as he pointed out the sacrifices of generations paved the way to that moment. As he stood in the national spotlight yesterday, he did it standing on the shoulders of so many who struggled, fought, sacrificed and most importantly believed there would be an “At Last.”

Your own moment may not be 50 years in the making but I urge you today to proudly stand upon the shoulders of those that have gone before you, and to link arms with those around you who will help you make it to your moment in the sun. It begins with belief and continues with action and yes, often sacrifice but this song can be your anthem too.

Are you working toward your own “At Last?” What keeps you motivated not to give up? Have you already arrived, and if so, have any tips to share?

Resources:

Voting Rights Act

Etta James Video