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You are NOT a Rock Star [Day 10 - 30 Days to Changing Your Game]

Today is Day 10 of 30 Days to Changing Your Game. Congratulations for still being in the game!  Today Yvonne Divita of Lipsticking fame gets our attitude straight and focuses us on what our mission MUST be about if we are going to be Game Changers. (You’re gonna notice a theme starting to develop around this!) Go get’em tigers!!

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You Are Not a Rock Star

by Yvonne DiVita (@lipsticking)

A few weeks ago I was at a presentation given by Peter Shankman, he of the totally awesome HARO project (Help a Report Out), and he started his talk with these words, “First of all I want to say I am not a rock star. Peter Frampton is a rock star. Mick Jagger is a rock star. Madonna is a rock star. I am not a rock star so please don’t call me a rock star.”  http://www.helpareporter.com/

Yes, we all laughed. But, we got it. Peter Shankman, who rose to fame and fortune in less than a year with his outstanding launch of HARO, is an entrepreneur and is struggling to figure all of this out, right along with the rest of us. Rock stars are creatures from some other planet that resemble humans but, really now, you can tell they’re not human, not like you and me, right?

My point is that changing your game for 2010 should include spontaneity, flexibility, and focus, but no where in your business plan or your marketing plan should you be thinking of yourself as a rock star. Cut the “fame” right out of that “fame and fortune” song, because fame will not get you where you want to go.

If you’re ready to create real success, start with yourself. Start with recognizing that you’re a business person. You may be clever (I hope you are), you may be smart (smart enough to get help from people even smarter), and you may be committed, but none of that makes you a rock star.

The rock star statement stuck with me because we mere humans so often refer to each other as “rock stars.” I may be rockstar You are NOT a Rock Star [Day 10 30 Days to Changing Your Game]so impressed with your latest Twitter party, or the amazing campaign you built on your blog – flash and all! – that I exclaim, “Wow, you’re a rock star!” While the statement is meant to be a compliment – rock star referring to great success, one supposes – it’s an empty promise. Because your goal shouldn’t be to get that rock star status. Your goal should be to serve – the people who depend on you..

How do you serve? In this day and age, serving your customers or clients has never been easier. John Bradshaw, 20th century American educator and author, is quoted saying, “Ego is to the true self what a flashlight is to a spotlight.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bradshaw_(author)  If you can embrace that, you can begin to understand that your business is not about you. It’s about your customers and clients, and serving them by using a few simple tactics, will get you the success you desire. Try these:

1. Ask questions. Everywhere you go, ask questions. What are the right questions? The ones that focus on finding out how to do your business better – for the client. Not, “Do you like my website?” Not, “Are you on Twitter? I am. Follow me!” How about a question like this, “How’s your business doing? Is there anything we can do to help you with that?” Internally, ask for opinions, feedback, and conversation. Don’t dictate. http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/hmu/2009/05/real-leaders-ask.html

2. Give back. Give back to your clients (free is never going to go out of style – just make sure your “free” stuff is really free, no loopholes!). Give back to your community. Engage in outreach – authorize your employees to take X hours a month to give back to the community, with pay. Don’t do this to get attention – do it to help out. Be Santa Claus all year round.

3. Embrace risk. Truly, figure out what you’re afraid of and go out and tackle it! Maybe that’s visiting a local high school and talking to America’s up-and-coming leaders – and asking their opinion of your industry, your business, world politics, whatever. Don’t hog the conversation. Pause, listen, and then…listen some more. They’ll be truthful. So truthful, it could be a big risk to your ego. If you’re really feeling risky, offer internships at your office – get those kids in there and let’em have at it.

Serving your customers is the most important thing you will ever do. Is it game changing? It can be. Because while customer service gets a lot of attention these days, and honestly, always has, in an age of YouTube, Google, blogs, Twitter and Facebook, customers are truly in control. They are the brand. They dictate the brand image and reputation. You cannot cheat them, pull the wool over their eyes, or pacify them if you’ve “done them wrong.” They talk to each other every day, and they will hold you to whatever promises you make.

I leave you with a few stanzas from a favorite poem by John W. Foley. Heed its message:

Drop a Pebble in the Water

Drop a pebble in the water; just a splash, and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop an unkind word, or careless; in a minute it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading, from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you’ve started them to flow.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness; just a flash and it is gone;
But there’s half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn’t believe the volume of that one kind word you gave.

No rock star status in that. Just honest, open interest, in people other than yourself. Here’s a thought for today – pick up the phone and call two business contacts you haven’t seen for awhile. Pretend they are your
clients. Serve them. Listen to their dreams and expectations for the New Year. Then, offer your help. Maybe you can introduce them to someone they need to know. Maybe you can give them an hour of free consultation on business planning. Maybe you can advise them on web design, social media planning, or suggest a networking group that’s good for them to look into. Be there for them. In the end, they’ll repay you by dropping pebbles in many, many pools of opportunity.

Photo by rick

Yvonne DiVita http://www.thelipstickingsociety.com Writer, blogger, women’s issues supporter, and social media enthusiast. Co-founder of the first ever pet blogger conference: Blogpaws.com being held in Columbus, OH in April.

If you don’t want to miss out on the 30 Days to Changing Your Game, please sign up here.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 at 9:45 am and is filed under 30 Days to Changing Your Game. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • Yvonne

    A great blog, esp the stanzas from the poem by John Foley. I will be searching for the entire poem to read and will take your chosen part to work. I think I might even share it with the managers and owner. I work in what I call a luxury industry where service is everything (high-end catering and gourmet marketplace), and even though I believe most of the staff have the customer in mind there is always room for improvement and gentle reminders.

    Thanks for your wonderful contribution in an equally wonderful series.

    Lori
  • loved this post and loved the John Bradshaw quote. That word 'rockstar' floats around so much, it kind of grates on me. I think that chasing this silly dream has been so harmful for so many, especially (but not exclusively) in the musical field (I'm a musician)... The idea that this remote, one-in-a-million possibility is what we should be pouring our energy into - as opposed, say, to learning how to get and give the most happiness and fulfillment from our art, or even (perish the thought) learning to think of it as a business, maybe even a profitable and sustainable one... has done so much harm and kept so many artists and entrepreneurs down. Thanks for helping debunk it!

    p.s. Almost forgot - here's a topical segue to another great place to learn and think about this stuff, just in case anyone's missed it: http://lateralaction.com/articles/rock-stars/
  • sharonmc
    Thank you for writing the best blog post I've read in a long time. So often business writers try to encourage peers by pushing for them to find the "authentic you"? What does that mean? It's sounds a little too much like pop psychology to me especially when it is rarely qualified. You, however, have not only qualified what it means to love your business and do what we're called to do because of that love and dedication - serve customers, follow our vision, etc.

    Your take on the fascination with using the "rock star" label was excellent. Now I get it ;-) Couldn't agree with you more - all we really need to focus on to succeed in our businesses is to serve our customers well--give them what we promise.
  • sue_anne
    A few months ago, I had a whole conversation with my boss about how I didn't want to be Don Quixote. I don't want to be a rock star. I want to find a company where I can build their community to be the best it can be to serve their customers.
  • Sue Anne,

    Go for it! There's a company out there waiting for you. Find it by keeping your eyes and ears open, and listening to those ripples. They echo with great information.
  • Love the poem. To give my two cents, the reason we call people "rockstars" is because we see them as doing something above and beyond that continues to WOW us. Now this is a fine line to walk, but the reason the "rockstars" are in business is (yes profit is one of the main reasons) because they want to serve their audience; to give the audience something they want. Some "rockstars" take it the wrong way, then they crash and burn. Why? Because they failed to entertain and teach their fan base. Hope that helps. ;)
  • Taylor, yes, you're right. But, in the business world, would you call Warren Buffett a "rock star"? He's a professional, he's by far one of the best minds of our world...but, he's not a rock star. That was my point.

    Your point is also well taken. A lot of 'rock stars' are out there doing some fantastic work with non-profits and those in need. They are serving their audience and the world, and we can look to them for inspiration.
  • True. Alot of it probably depends on the profession as well. :)
  • Nazima Ali
    Yet another lovely reminder of 'giving' and 'free', seems to be the theme I'm hearing quite often lately as well as 'truth'. Thank you for this post.
  • lorilatimer
    Yvonne, this is a great message, and I love the poem.

    For 8 years I've worked at a very prestigious family law firm in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. The firm just celebrated its 40th anniversary last month, and it's been built solely on referrals. They have never done any advertising. It's all been word-of-mouth, and it's been as successful as it is because of the quality of service that's given to the clients. With so many businesses closing or downsizing in the last couple of years, their business model shows what can happen with awesome customer service. And it starts at the top, with the named partners. Everyone is treated like family, from the attorneys to the mail clerk. And that filters down to the customers.

    As for rock stars, I grew up in L.A., and I went to school with children of "celebrities" and even some kids who are now pretty big celebrities. Sorry, but I'm not impressed with any of that. I'll take good old-fashioned down to earth people any day of the week!

    Thanks again.
  • Wow! "Good old-fashioned, down to earth people"... what a concept! I love it. I love them. I want to be one of them, not a rock star! Thanks, Lori - great reminder.
  • Cheryl
    @Yvonne -- Great point to make. (Sorry I'm a day late in joining in here; yesterday just got too busy.) Rock stars have a whole schtick, a whole persona. Usually lot of "wow" but not really genuine and person-to-person connecting, right?

    But what I really wanted to say was to respond to @lorilatimer and applaud that law firm. Standing ovation: pure referrals. That's the real goal. And the culture inside is as real as it is to business clients? That's rare. Beautiful.
  • Cheryl, so totally agree with you!
  • Its like this...you need to remember that as glamfantastic as a rockstar seems, offstage, they're just like the rest of us - they have family to take care of, bills to pay, squabbles to have, laundry to fold, bad hair days, and so on. Not to make light of the same insecurities, foibles, fears and whatnot that everyone else has.

    Everyone can have rock star moments, but that's all they are, moments. Sarah is still Sarah, Yvonne is still Yvonne, I'm still Mark, and so on. Don't lose sight of what's really important to you, or you may actually become the "Behind The Music RockStar cliche" you giggle about when you see it on TV.
  • Mark, Yes! Yvonne is still Yvonne, Mark is still Mark, Sarah is still Sarah! And we're all working to help others be whomever they are - which is the only way they will achieve success. Be yourself, do the work you feel passionate about. Excellent!
  • SpiritusShelagh
    Thank you Yvonne for shining a light on something I've been avoiding for a while now!

    I started my business with the intention of serving my members very much at the centre of it - and that is still the case.

    But I am also finding that I am having to bring myself further into the spotlight than I originally planned, especially given the increasing importance of social marketing.

    20 years ago I had a manufacturing business which I allowed to become so much of a part of me that when it failed it was a personal disaster from which I took years to recover.

    So maybe I over-reacted to that this time round - or maybe I want to hide behind my Brand name - or maybe I'm being smart, following the Emyth principle of working on my business, not in my business.

    That's what I'm loving about this place - it's making me look at so many things!
  • Thanks, Shelagh. It's not always easy - sometimes others put us in the rock star category and it's our duty to remind them we're just regular folk, like them. I don't want to be a rock star, I want to help other people achieve success. Sounds like you want the same. Also remember a failure is a chance to learn. It's so hard, so devastating...but, if you can concentate on the, "What was I supposed to learn from this?" question, you'll move forward and success wil come.
  • StephanieCorum
    I'm on here late today so the phone calls will have to wait until tomorrow. These are all good points. One of my jobs is the director of a non-profit organization. We are always asking for money, volunteers, etc. I have to think about how we can better give back to those that help us. I like the questions that were suggested and I'll have to figure out a way to use them when I'm talking to business people about supporting our cause.
  • Shelley
    ha ha! Love the tshirt idea
  • michaelleiter
    Yvonne
    Thanks for a reflection on our core motives for game change. It is one thing to enjoy whatever glory comes ones way and quite another to make the glory the game itself.

    The connection with others in the course of doing good work has so much more to it. At today's meeting with clients, I could see one of the group talking himself into a limited and discouraging view of his contribution to a project. It was the essence of a working relationship to lead him to find a much more positive view of the same experiences and to settle on a much more constructive understanding of his contribution. That interaction was based on listening closely and a willingness to jump in without hesitation.
    A bit risky but fun.
    all the best,
    Michael
  • Michael, great story! And well worth our noting, as we look at the comments here. Positivity works, and while it's not ALL you need to do, using it makes work and life worth living. I love that you could share this here. Much thanks!
  • Thank you, Yvonne, for a great post! I thought something was wrong with me when I struggled to understand rock star/super-hyped-up/go-get-‘em strategies. Turns out I’m more of a drop-a-pebble-in-the-water kind of gal. =D Thank you so much for sharing that poem!

    And Sarah ~ Thank you so much for all the beautiful ripples you’re sending our way . . .
  • Lola, likewise. The rock star analogy just reminds us to remember we're here to serve others, not ourselves. But, the poem brings it home to me. Glad you liked it.
  • kymlee
    This is a great reminder that the only truly sustainable businesses are those that provide and deliver some sort of value beyond just being a great idea. Sure you want to make money with your business, that's definitely the goal, but the focus should be on service and providing value.

    Thanks for the reminder!
  • Oh how I LOVED seeing that line in my inbox today! I was already saying "Amen sister" before I even read the post! Absolutely invaluable insight Yvonne and I think that you hit upon a key point when you talked about asking questions...we don't learn how to ask questions (not just in business, but in life and all relationships) and then (ack!) LISTEN to the answers! As Sarah said, it's all about relationships, no matter where you are or what you are doing in life:-)

    Warmly...
  • HI Danielle,
    Yes, questioning is a skill we are not trained in. I have studied it with some masters and am still not as good at it as I'd like to be. Lee Thayer, a leadership author, says to always be in learning mode. So, even if you're presenting - the audience has something to teach you. You cannot learn it if you do not pause and listen.
  • OK this post has taken a lot of courage, but I'm going for it! If anyone is willing I'd like to ask you for some advice in reaching one of my goals for 2010. This has been on my "dream list" for over 7 years and this time I am going make it happen, and stop listening to those "voices" we all have (you know, the orchestra that plays all that nonsense!)

    I have a strong desire to help others and give back, and I know I have the skill set and tools to do this. I'd like to develop a coaching business, specifically for small businesses and people wanting to start their own business. I also love social media and the way it helps to connect with others; removing the "7 degrees of separation" and want to incorporate that into my business model as well. Does anyone have any feedback on how to get started (training, who to seek out for add'l advice) etc.? I'd be more than happy to provide more details on "me" and my background if needed!

    Yikes that was scary but I did it! Thanks for listening! (and in advance for any advice!)
  • Susan
    Michele,
    I feel the same as you, wanting to help others with coaching and loving social media. Even went to a social media convention, but still have no idea where and how to get started. I wish the best for you.
    Yvonne,
    Loved your post and the poem was awesome, thank you for sharing wisdom.
    Sarah,
    This is so over-the-top! I'm loving every post. Thank you so much for wonderful friends that share great words of wisdom.
  • Hi Michele,

    Yay for you for putting this out there. I'd be more than happy to chat with you about what I've done as far as coach training and my coaching business. Find me on Twitter (@magnoliawkshop) and dm me with your email address so we can get in touch with each other.

    You've taken the first step just by putting it out there. Look out world!

    Erin
  • sarahrobinson
    Michele - first let me say CONGRATS for putting that out there - yay for you! My go to person for all things coaching (including the hard business side of things) is my mentor, Andrea Lee. You can check out her website and stuff at http://www.andreajlee.com. She is MY personal coach - if that enourages (or discourages!) you from checking her out. :-)
  • michelesfakianos
    What a wonderful poem! It is so fitting for everything in our lives and a great reminder of our actions and what they can/can't do. Thank you for this inpiration.
  • The timing of this post was perfect for me. Tomorrow I head out of town for three training/speaking events - and this was a great reminder for me to "check my Rock Star personna" at the door and remember who my training is about and that my job is to give them value and service greater than the investment of time, money and energy they make to attend. That's #1 priority - not my "back end". If I do that well AND remember that I AM a businesswoman, my "back end" will take care of itself (especially since I have created HUGE value there as well.)

    I have to admit... I am a recovering Rock Star who absolutely loves a fan club. And there may be a place when that's appropriate and healthy - where, as Sally wrote, it's about having fun, "grooving", fully expressing myself and being surrounded by people who love me. But that's not what THIS weekend is about. Thanks for the reminder! Better get back to my preparations!
  • I bet you gave them rock star treatment...which is different than thinking of yourself as a rock star. Rock on... for your clients, friends, family...and pets. We all need to feel like a rock star, but we don't need to act like one!
  • Great advice on the types of questions to ask and to seek out the help of the experts. Nice reminder on backing away from the "ego trip". Who are we kidding?! I've found just in recent experience that giving back is the way to go.

    I, too, am logging off and taking action on some things I've been avoiding while my kids nap! Have a great day everyone!
  • Audrey_Godwin
    I have to admit, though I am an R&B kinda gal, I totally get the rock star analogy. I love the reminder about being a business owner and serving others. I love the question - How do you serve? It's important to know who we serve, but the how is ultimately most important.

    Thank you for sharing the poem Yvonne, even with just a few stanzas, I think this is one of my new favorites.

    Ok, sounds like I'm in love today, but with such wisdom and connection flowing, what's not to love about this?
  • kristieschwanebeck
    Thank you Yvonne. A number of things resonated with me today. The first being its all about the question. After I left my husband, I was sorely tempted to play dirty and sabotage his every move, for I could, I had enough 'dirt' on him to do so. However, the two things that stopped me: Is this in the best interest of my children? For I had to be accountable to them and 2) Is this how a professional would act? I know I diverged a bit....sorry....

    Back to the post:what I am learning, largely due to my profession is it is always always about the client. Now, not to say that the client is right but in this day and age of technological media where everyone 'connects' digitially, there is something to be said in reaching out to a client in a personal and physical way. I say with Toby Ward, http://twitter.com/tobyward, and we discussed this very point. He found a point in today's economy, to fly out to his various clientele and take them out to dinner for the simple of purpose of connecting and maintaining relationship. There was not "motive' behind it, he didn't make a pitch or a sale and he found that in turn the clients started to refer him out and brought him new business.

    People still need to know they and not their dollar signs are still important. That includes both employees and clients. I really appreciated hearing this again. As I move out to build this business of mine, I need to keep focussed on establishing a relationship prior to the need and of course the best way to do that is to offer up yourself and services to the others.

    Thank you for the timely reminder of who i need to connect with today and the poem which will go on my vision board.
    Love it!
  • Hi Kristie, thanks for the compliments. Thanks for allowing me to nudge you a bit. And, do keep the poem close by. If we all remember the ripples we create in life, everywhere we go, we will reap the positive benefits of those "good words" - over and over.
  • Ava Diamond (@feistywoman)
    Wonderful post, Yvonne. And this really hit home for me "If you’re ready to create real success, start with yourself. Start with recognizing that you’re a business person."

    That is a big mindset shift for me, and one I'm in the midst of. I've thought of myself as a professional speaker, consultant, author, and trainer. But not as a business owner. So I've not been behaving as a business owner.

    This realization hit me big time during the second half of last year. So I've had to ask myself, "If I thought of myself as a business owner in addition to thinking of myself as a speaker and author, what would I be doing differently?" And the answer was "a lot!"

    So I'm in the process now of putting infrastructure in that will help me operate as a successful business owner. Wish it hadn't taken me 15 years of being in business to realize this!

    Thanks again for your post. I love your three tactics. They're spot on!
  • @feistywoman You will be a winner - which is very different than a rock star! I hear it in your voice and I feel it in your dedication. Rock on! Don't worry about the star quality - make your clients stars and you will shine like one, yourself.
  • Ava Diamond (@feistywoman)
    Thanks, Yvonne. I just am passionate about what I do, and the value I bring. Rockstar status is not a goal of mine : )
  • WOW Ava! Thanks for sharing! Every word of your comment is one I could have written about me. Only I have to confess to having gone through a "thinking I was a rock star" period to boot! I never set out - really - to be a businesswoman. I just wanted to create, coach, speak and train. But it seems the business part comes with that and I'm not nearly as good at it as I am at the others. Guess this is one of those places I get to practice stretching and admitting "I don't know" and being authentic. Thanks for telling your truth - I thought I was the only one!
  • I'm with you on this one, Ava. I need to build that infrastructure and think of myself as a business person, too. I'm pretty good at the reaching out/listening/helping part ... it's the business stuff I trip over. Great insight to Yvonne's post.
  • Okay - I have to be honest, there are certain Rock Star qualities that I'm going to continue admiring in you, your fellow Challenge bloggers, Sarah and all the inspiring participants in this 30 day event.

    To me, a Rock Star embodies passion, creative expression, a sense of freedom, and fun and uninhibited abandon to fully 'rock out' what you do best.

    I will disclose that I've been a head-banger for much of my life ~ though I did enjoy Depeche Mode just now (thanks Sarah).

    The whole celebrity thing does tend to cloud critical factors though - like meaningful contributions, significance and appreciation for relationships. It's important not to get lost in your hype.

    So, I walk away from today's wisdom holding onto the ROCK but letting go of the star. And I'll hone my focus on Rockin' Truth and Reach. And ripples - I'd love to be remembered as the source of half-a-hundred ripples ...
  • Wow, Sally, you get it to the nth degree! As we strive to be successful, let's be rock but not try so hard to "star." And the ripples will go on and on...
  • Beautiful Sally! "So, I walk away from today's wisdom holding onto the ROCK but letting go of the star." Sarah, another t-shirt?
  • sarahrobinson
    let's do it! The Escaping Mediocrity T-shirt store!
  • YaY...let's do it, Sarah.....a T-shirt store for Escaping Mediocrity!! I, too, love what Sally said, "....holding onto the ROCK but letting go of the star!" Brilliant!!
  • sarahrobinson
    I'd love to be remembered as the source of half-a-hundred ripples ... - SO beautiful Sally :-)
  • This is a good reminder, thank you. One of my first lessons in the world of service was, "Under-promise and over-deliver." Decades and several career changes later, it's something I still strive to do. Not only is it good karma, but my clients (I hope) appreciate my attention to their needs.
  • Laurie, your clients must love you! Would that we all can remember to over-promise and under-deliver. Truly good karma, I so agree!
  • sarahrobinson
    It bears repeating: "Under-promise and over-deliver."
  • LaConsuelo
    Thanks for today's challenge, Yvonne - and the poem. I just realized I'm having drinks/dinner with someone I don't even know tonight simply because a friend thought I might be able to help this person and asked if I'd have a conversation. It's such a privilege just to be "a listening" for someone and who knows - I may actually be able to help or connect him to someone!
  • Great point, LaConsuelo. "Listening..." is really a skill and we all need to hone it to perfection. Even ME!
  • sarahrobinson
    Doesn't it feel good to do that? Why do I always have to remind myself that I am the one who benefits most when I help someone else?
  • Great post, Yvonne!

    "Rock star" can definitely be added to the ever-growing group of overused words (the one that includes "ninja" and "guru" - lol). Your post really resonated with me - if you go into something expecting to receive the accolades of others, recognition for your talents and skills (real or imagined) and a status boost, you are doomed at best to failure and at worst to achieving the wrong kind of success.

    It really is about serving others and being the best that you can be, giving 110% not because others are watching but because it's the right thing to do, and doing the right thing without expectation of recognition or reward.

    Oh, and I've got my two names in mind right now, and plan to call them just as soon as I post this.

    Sarah, I'm really enjoying this series and I'm getting a lot out of it, even though I haven't had a chance to post much. I've read every post, though, and I've been inspired by the comments of the other people participating in this journey - my heartfelt thanks to every single one of you who has taken time to share your stories, plans, and insights.
  • Mickey, how did those calls go? If you got a busy signal or voicemail, I hope you weren't deterred. Always smile on the phone, it comes through, believe it or not! A good friend of mine always opened his conversations with, "You know what, you look marvelous today!" Great to hear over the phone, right?
  • On reading this, I have to thank Mickey. Although we have never met, I started following her through a mutual contact. Her original Tweet about "30 Days" is what got me involved. So, THANKS, MICKEY! This is a great energy booster for work, life and more. We need to meet one of these days :)
  • Wow, Jamie, thanks so much for letting me know!

    Helping people connect is such a joy, and Sarah has worked hard to build an incredible community here. I'm honored to have been the means by which you discovered this amazing opportunity, but big credit to you for reading about it, taking the plunge and joining in. And yes, we definitely need to meet! :)
  • sarahrobinson
    I just love it that you stop by when you can Mickey. :-) Glad you are enjoying the series!
  • Salient points AND a touching, appropriate poem? Awesome.

    Embracing risk by taking the time to truly listen? Insightful.

    Thank you.
  • sarahrobinson
    Looking forward to your guest post Nate!
  • Thanks, Sarah. After reading all the comments from this group over the last week or so, I'm really looking forward to the discussion that will ensue. :)
  • @Nate @Michelle @Sarah - you rock my world! Paying it forward is the underlying message, isn't it? Love it! This series is just so outstanding - the other writers are definitely giving me a lot of aha! moments. What a fab start for 2010.
  • Writergrrl
    Yvonne- Even though I don't run a business - these concepts are just as important for good ol' authentic human interaction. And the reminder to keep the focus on others rather than buying into our own hype is timely. Plus, that poem by John W. Foley - I think it's my new favorite - wow! Thanks!!
  • @Writegrrl Glad you like the poem. It's just so positive and true, I like to share whenever possible. You are so right that the concepts should be part of every day life. I adore the people I meet who use them - and I learn day by day how to use them for myself. Thanks for stopping by.
  • As another person who isn't running a business at present (and truthfully isn't sure I even want to), these tips are definitely great for expanding experience and taking us out of our comfort zones. As someone who would presently benefit greatly from some of the kindnesses you suggest, I think I'll try paying it forward for a bit and see if that helps stir some opportunity back my direction. No matter where we are, there is always someone doing better...and someone who could use our help. Thanks!
  • sarahrobinson
    Yep - everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING in business and in life is about relationships. :-)
  • Writergrrl...excellent point!
  • I LOVE those practical action steps. I've written them in my planner - and in the spirit of "Don't hog the conversation," I am logging off to go implement. ROCK ON - fellow Non- Rock- Stars (just don't tell my kids. I think the 17 year old might believe I'm a hit!) #sarcasm
  • Gina, you are a hit! A hit of great magnitude, but it doesn't give you rock star status. It gives you enthusiasm. Rock on!
  • Duly noted. I love the guy who followed me this week whose own bio read "social media rock star." It's so funny!
  • sarahrobinson
    Are you kidding?! If the young turk ever stops thinking I am a rockstar, I'll just pack it up and go home!
  • *Sally makes a note to check in with Sarah in 5-7 years - she may require my luggage ...*
  • LOL!!! It's a different kind of relationship as they grow!
  • I have a sore throat and almost no voice with a primary reason being that I sang/screamed and squealed my way through many songs on the game Rock Star 2 this weekend. I'm definitely no rock star.
    Your point is well made Yvonne. Thank you. I liked the reminder of the type of questions to ask and also the To do of calling two business contacts today. I'll do it by email and hopefully by the end of the week can actually call people in my normal voice.
    Thanks also for the poem, always like that. Cherry
  • Cherry, late to the party - but glad to be here. Hope your sore throat is better! And, I bet your voice is better than mine! I bet those two business contacts will have big smiles on their faces when they hear your voice. I would.
  • sarahrobinson
    Love that you are taking action instead of making excuses Cherry. THAT is a game-changer!
  • ShellyKramer
    Yvonne - I loved this post. So wonderfully soul-touching. I agree whole-heartedly. Being a "rock star" doesn't pay the bills (at least it doesn't pay mine), keep the family together, or help you make clients happy and help them make their dreams come true and their financial goals realized. Being a rock star is mostly a big, fat ego trip - and we are so much better served when we remember that. Thank you for the lovely reminder, and for crafting a post that had me nodding by the second paragraph.That's always the very best kind of read!
  • I'm a day late to the conversaton -lost in techonology-land where the Tech Gods did not like me. Interesting thing is - that's no excuse. I fumed a lot but then turned my attention to doing what I could, know I would be able to come here today and respond to comments. Shelly, much thanks for the compliments and understanding the concept.

    @mcKra1g - my thanks to you for reading and 'getting it.' I think we all 'get it' but sometimes get so tied up in life and work, we don't pause to take stock. I meet people who are so smart and talented, who are kind enough to think the same of me, that I know the world is turning from the shadows into the light. WE are all in this together. Thanks for reading and writing that great comment.
  • sarahrobinson
    I love watching how you mange all of it Shelly. You are incredibly well know - but always ALWAYS clear about serving others. Keeps me on track.
  • Just went through my Rolodex and pulled some names. Better get crackin'! I'm really glad I'm hanging in there with this exercise. I can already see the effects of the action steps in my life. Thanks so much for sharing your time and expertise, Yvonne! Best, M.
  • sarahrobinson
    I love that you show up here every.single.day. and take action. YAY for you!!
  • Thank you. I just reached my "click point", my inner switch. Enough is enough. The thing is, these tools are always lying around, waiting to be picked up. It's just that I finally reached a point in my life where I was willing to not only bend and pick them up, but use them. One of the things I say when I don't know what to say is, "I'm just glad to be here."

    Well...I'm just glad to be here. ;o)
  • sarahrobinson
    Notes to the Tribe for Wednesday:

    1) Today’s theme song is: Just Can't Get Enough by Depeche Mode: http://tinysong.com/6ITl
    2) If you like a post please RT it to share it with your Twitter community. Thank you!!
    3) This afternoon (if all goes well) I will be announcing something very fun to those who are on the email list. If you want to know first, make sure you are signed up AND CONFIRMED here: http://bit.ly/30daygame
    4) If you are getting true value from this series, please make a small donation to 12for12k’s Haiti campaign. Scroll down on the right of this page: http://www.escaping-mediocrity.com
    5) If you have signed up to be on the email list (you get little extras from me), you MUST complete the double opt-in process to get them. Look for an email from me in your inbox or in your spam folder and click on the link inside it.
    6) I have set up a Face book Group for us: http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=2460148...
    7) I built a list on twitter of all the guest bloggers to make it easy for you to follow them: http://twitter.com/#/list/SarahRobinson/thirtyd...
    8) There are also two twitter lists of participants in 30 Days. You will find them here: http://twitter.com/MirkoGosch/escapingmediocrity and http://twitter.com/The_Promo_Guy/game-changing

    Love,
    Sarah
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