C Notes Newsletter Issue 16

The Fruits of Passion

But of Course You Like What You Do. But are You Passionate About it?

You recognize the distinction. “Like” implies you can get the job done without an inordinate amount of grumbling. But passion? Passion means that you’re throwing yourself into work, welcoming each challenge and quitting time comes too quickly each day.

That might sound a bit over the top for some lines of work, but it shouldn’t be. No matter the job, finding a way to perform with passion means the difference between work done passably, and work that transcends.

It’s self-evident that Michelangelo was in the throes of passion when he chiseled “David”– it’s seen in every curve of the marble. It’s obvious that Pavarotti, Toscanini and Jimi Hendrix were able to harness passion and imbed it within every note, stop and measure. Recall the best meal you’ve eaten recently. Whether it was home-cooked or crafted by a Michelin 4-star chef, it was made with passion. It simply wouldn’t be that memorable if it weren’t.

We can all greet our workday with that same level of commitment. No matter the profession, it all elevates through passion.

Some would say, “It just doesn’t apply to my job.” That skepticism is understandable, but the passion has to come from inside!

This approach requires a bit of abandonment. Most of us aren’t used to throwing ourselves into work, because that somehow suggests we’re throwing logic aside. But working with passion requires the same professionalism you’ve always embraced, augmented with a new enthusiasm, a new joy.

It’s not easy to jump-start passion, but there is a shortcut. It’s contagious! Look for it in your colleagues, customers, vendors and suppliers. You’ll recognize it when you see it. The work-product of the passionate is of a different level, and the satisfaction in creating it is unmistakable. Find those rare souls who love their work, who delight in creating things that are as flawless as their talents will allow. Get next to them. Learn from them. Enthusiasm is so effective in creating good work and good feelings, that when you see it in action you can’t help but emulate it.

You can (and should) choose to be passionate. Your passion will breed passion, in your work and in the people around you.

The Big Picture Show

Sure, you recognize the value in that advice. But you’ve been hearing the ‘big picture’ mantra long enough that it’s probably turning into another clichéd business buzz concept.

It’s an understandable progression, but a dangerous one. Ask yourself, “am I really seeing the big picture, or am I just going through the motions?” The dividing line between a bankable concept and a cliché is its value. Is there value within your big-picture view? Is it helping you grow your business, find new markets and realize economies? It should show customers your abilities and employees your goals. The big picture evolves as your business evolves. It’s your business in a snapshot.

Grasping the big picture requires collaboration. Everyone within your organization, and several outside of it, possess a unique view. Be it the IT guy, members of the marketing team or the receptionist – someone is seeing something you’re not.

Don’t forget your customers. They doubtlessly have perspectives on your business that you lack. Let them know you are trying to see the big picture, and they might be more apt to share frank opinions.

Avoid preconceptions. You probably already have an idea of what the big picture is, but what if you’re wrong? If your inquiries lead you toward another conclusion, will you be able to abandon your earlier ideas? Keep an open mind, and never be so in love with your opinions that you can’t overturn them when logic dictates you should.

The big picture is truthful, simple and straightforward. Share your view in easily understood terms, and your audience will intuitively grasp what you’re saying. If you have to explain yourself, you’re probably not there yet.

Mining for Gold

All that glitters isn’t sexy, but research always pays dividends.

What if we told you that some of the most valuable resources for growing your business were readily available, and nearly free?

You’d waste little time snapping them up, wouldn’t you?

It’s true. The resources we’re speaking of are ubiquitous, infinite in variety, and ready to work for you.

We’re talking about data. Nearly all the data you could ever need – relevant to your business, customers, and competitors’ strengths and weaknesses – has already been compiled, cataloged and posted for easy access. But even after the heavy digging, mining data can still be a daunting task. In fact, it’s that very embarrassment of riches that makes it so challenging.

Your job is research. Navigate the vast cloud of data and winnow out the facts and figures most valuable to you and your business.

Research isn’t sexy. It’s rarely seen as the business world’s next killer app. (although it probably should be). Unfortunately, there are few technological shortcuts. It requires rolling up the sleeves and climbing headlong into the data. And although research can be outsourced, it doesn’t always need to be. A well-planned research project will return value far beyond the resources put into it.

Start with a plan. Your research should have definable goals, with a fairly narrow scope. It should produce measurable results. This means your research project can’t be open-ended; it’s done when you’ve captured the data, put it to work and achieved results.

Give yourself a budget. Define the resources and time you’re willing to commit. And don’t skimp – the payoff will be directly proportional to the investment.

Decide where your search will begin (keeping in mind that as you uncover data, it might lead you to other sources). The scope and goal of your research project might dictate your source media. Although a vast amount of information is available on the World Wide Web, your search might be so specific that only the dusty stacks of the local university’s library will do.

Remember when accessing the Internet to stay skeptical. There’s a massive amount of usable data online, but the Internet is also a hotbed of scurrilous opinions and outright lies. Cross-check pertinent facts with at least two reputable sources. And although the Web is free, or nearly so, your research endeavors may be well worth the subscription costs of an information service such as LexisNexis®.

Once the data is gathered, be as neutral as possible in its analysis. Avoid preconceptions. It’s a well-worn chestnut that good accountants can make the numbers say what they wish. The same is true for data analysis. If you decide in advance the output of your research project, you might be right but the results will be worthless. So keep an open mind and listen closely to what your research is telling you, even if you don’t like what you hear. No matter how negative the results, it’s important to know if the latest product is off-target or if you’re not reaching the customers the way you used to.

We’re living in an age where information is more accessible than ever. It can be applied to business in ways that our predecessors could only dream of. The technology and information is out there. Go get it.