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August 2008 You ought to know betterThere are those who know, those who don't know, and there are those who know that they don't know. (I hope you're not in the final category - the ones who don't know that they don't know.)
In this issue:Do you know that you don't know?Hello again from Peter Thurin. The cryptic title of my newsletter this time round reflects that there are many people out there in our workplaces, our communities, even maybe in our own families, who ought to know better. They ought to know more. But if they don't know that they don't know, they're not going to be taking many steps towards achieving much knowledge, are they? That's what the Blackbelt In Excellence training is all about - striving to know more, to do more, to be more all of the time, one step, one colour at a time. And it occurred to me to put a challenge to you, a challenge which could make a tremendous difference in your business (and even personal) life. Here it is - how about you find out ONE new thing today that you didn't know yesterday about your work colleagues. You could go through the whole office, or just focus on someone you work closely with every day. How would finding out one new thing about that person help? Could it assist you to work better with that person? Could it stimulate new insights into ways you could both work together better? Could it just add to your levels of admiration or respect for that person? Could you discover a common bond or interest that would enhance your business relationship going forward? And if you can do this with your colleagues, what about if you did it with your clients? How might that grow your business relationships? You should include your partner in there too, and your kids. You see, this stuff is very easy to do, but, and you can see this coming, it's also easy not to do. And it really is your choice. It all comes down to the one-percent-ers we talk about all the time. Deep down inside you really know this stuff. But you know what? It's the knowing and the not doing that's really dangerous. Do you know what I mean? I know that if I did this, that (something great) would happen, but I don't do it. I know that if I pick up my son and take him to footy training, it will have a massive effect on his life. But I stay at my desk. I know that if I cut out that article on Tiger Woods and mail it to my client who loves golf, it will bring him tremendous enjoyment and strengthen our partnership. But I don't bother doing it. I know that if I drink eight glasses of water a day, my whole system will function better. But I have that fourth coffee instead. I know that if I made a booking at my wife's favourite restaurant and took her out to dinner tonight, that it would grow our relationship immensely. But I just go home after work and flop in front of the TV. I know that if I water the plant in the front office, it will grow. Who do you know who needs watering? You can't do everything, but you can do something. And ask yourself ... what's the ONE thing that you know that, if you did it, would put a smile on your face too? This is about you as well, remember! Beware the Curse of the Assumption!
In your business life, it's very easy to take stuff for granted, to think that you know this client or that client, that you know what they want to buy, what their budget is, or which of your services would suit them best. But it's very easy to make assumptions about your clients which are horribly wrong, and which could be damaging your bottom line. People come into my Blackbelt in Excellence martial arts seminars assuming that they could never break a board with their bare hands. Two hours later they walk out deliriously happy, with two pieces of smashed board in their hands. Point is, you could miss out on a fantastic opportunity if, for example, you assumed that your customer couldn't afford what you'd like to suggest for them. So always ASK. If you don't get into the game, you'll never know. But you have to work at it. You have to decide in advance that you're going to ask the right questions, get the right answers, and explode your results. It's a decision you make, and it's all about seeing that decision through. It's about ACTION. Remember, your intention must always be accompanied by action. It's not enough just to imagine, for example, what a great day you're going to have. Without some sort of action, it'll remain just a dream, a wish, without power. Lack of implementation will hold you back every time. To see the changes you so desperately want to see in your life, in your business, you have to take action. Sure, you won't get it right first time, every time, but GET INTO THE GAME. Don't assume your clients don't have questions, or are clear on everything. Keep asking. Consult. Think of it this way - you don't create the perfect children's burger without consulting the KIDS, right? And the more you ask, the easier it will be for you later to ask for the business.
Credit's due
I've been touched and gratified by a couple of our Blackbelt In Excellence community lately. If you've got my book "be the best you can be", you'll remember the story of the lady who came up to me at the end of one of my conferences. She suffered from lupus, and in fact had both hands in bandages, but she wanted to attempt to break one of my boards. She didn't want to try in front of everyone else, but she needed to know she could do it. Break it? She smashed it! It was one of the great moments for Blackbelt in Excellence. Well, Anne is still with the same company and, six and a half years later, she was at the most recent of my seminars for her company in Sydney. It was so magnificent to see here again, and, would you believe, she wanted to have another crack at breaking a board. I said NO, Anne, you don't need to do that. You've done it already. You don't have to prove another thing. I tell you, if hugs were money, I'd be a very wealthy boy! That was a mighty fine conference, I might just say. We started at 8.30 in the morning and some of the people there actually drove more than two hours just to be with us. That is very humbling, let me tell you. And I was fascinated to learn from Tara, at the same conference a few weeks ago, that one of her clients, who had been at a Blackbelt In Excellence seminar previously, and had taken part in one of our martial arts sessions, was recently accosted at a railway station. In a difficult and threatening situation, she actually used the techniques she had learned from our interactive workshops, and made her escape. "You saved my life" was the message that came back to me! And that makes it all worthwhile, I can assure you. And So Say All of YouWhile I'll probably never receive another testimonial as good as those four words relayed to me by Tara, I'd love to share with you a couple of lines from two people, people who actually work together in the same hair care company. Erica is Sara's boss. Erica wrote me: "Thankyou again for another inspiring power packed session yesterday. A big thankyou and chest bump for your extreme energy and words of wisdom for Sara my gorgeous new salon manager. Sara has been an integral part of my team for 6 years. Having mentored her from basin girl to now very capable salon manager, I can proudly say, Sara has blossomed beautifully and continues to amaze me with her passion and ideas. Outside of the salon environment, The Black Belt In Excellence program was Sara's first 'go' at experiencing the world of inspirational and motivational speakers. Sara was pumped, captivated and hooked on every word. She came back armed with your book and has taken up a plan of action to be the best manager she can be - the little things, those 1%ers Sara has already put into play have been received with enthusiasm from all the team.
And Sara herself wrote: "Yes to the sit ups and push ups! I just wanted to say thank you to you for another great day on Sunday, Peter. Your energy is incredible and I really feel like you have had a huge influence on my life."
Thanks so much, guys. Until next time, may the weeks ahead be magnificent for you. And don't forget to email me. Reach me any time at comments@blackbeltinexcellence.com.au If you'd like to book Blackbelt in Excellence for your next conference, workshop, seminar or success training, you can book me here. I'd be happy to talk to you about awe-inspiring ways I can lead you personally and your company forward into the future with confidence, energy and commitment.
And remember, I'm always happy to work one-on-one with you too. blackbelt in excellence specialises in:
To your success. Be the best you can be. Best wishes, Peter Thurin 61 407 568 416 |
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