Friends of Dave #169: Times Like These
Don't vegetate. Instead innovate and differentiate.
It's times like these you learn to live again. -- Dave Grohl
Earlier this week, a (*fake cough* Millennial) connection of mine on LinkedIn posted a question about whether or not now is really an appropriate time to be selling anything to anyone. You know, with all of the fear and uncertainty in the world right now.
As someone who worked through the days following 9/11 and the recession in 2008, I paused to think of an appropriate response.
My immediate honest visceral reaction: Uh F**K THAT, Dylan.
My SFW/public persona reaction: Don't vegetate. Instead innovate and differentiate.
Look, I know with all that is going on right now it's easy to want to just stay in bed or obsess on social media, worrying about everything. It's times like these that invite you to basically plop on the couch with a big bowl of chips and Netflix and Freak TF Out. And it would be completely understandable if you did.
But I am here to offer you a different perspective: try to view these "uncertain times" as a gift. Really.
For the first time in your life, the entire world has basically hit the pause button. Routines have been up ended. Meetings and conferences have been put on hold. That commute you hate? It doesn't exist for the foreseeable future. The rat race has been CANCELED for now.
You suddenly have more time in your day -- what are you going to do with it?
Please don't vegetate. Instead innovate and differentiate.
How do you do that?
On a professional level, what I have learned is now is the perfect time for teams to try new things. Dust off those product enhancements that have long been on the back burner and make them a priority. Take time to listen to your clients and think about how you can deliver more relevant solutions that bring certainty to them in uncertain times. Work the problem. Get that podcast or campaign going. Try a new approach to making your sales pitch. Streamline your teams and reassign responsibilities.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to make a mistake -- because the entire world has just been turned upside down and there will be a new normal when the dust settles. Let's face it -- there is a lot more upside to innovating right now than trying to hold on to everything that worked a few weeks ago.
The same holds true for you personally. You are likely working from home now full time. What are you doing to innovate and differentiate your own life?
Use the time you used to devote to getting ready and going to and from work and reclaim it. Block out time to think about and engage in the things that bring you joy. Think about where your true passions lie. Create some healthy boundaries. Try exploring mindfulness. Write. Create. Learn to play an instrument. Learn to cook. Put together a business plan for that side gig you always wanted to pursue. Update your LinkedIn profile and your resume. Reconnect with your family.
Try doing something new and don't be afraid of how it looks or if it won't work. Whatever you do, don't sit on the couch and vegetate. And try not to keep looking at your 401k....
Overall, it's obvious that things are going to really suck for a while for all of us. But I am confident we can get through these tough times by innovating and differentiating across the board. Things will be different on the other side, but that doesn't me they have to be bad.
Friends, remember it's times like these we learn to live again.
Be well. Be safe. Wash your hands. Check in with someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Read the links below. Wash your hands again. Listen to the relaunch of the Friends of Dave podcast with an old pal, Bill O'Herron. Wash your hands again. Have a good weekend.
XOXO
Dave
Friends of Dave Podcast Relaunch
Friends of Dave Spotlight: Bill O'Herron
I know this group is usually not a big on podcasts, but trust me, you are going to want to listen to this one with FoD Bill O'Herron. Fun, insightful and inline with the preamble.
BTW, I'm always looking for guests -- email me at dave@slingstonegroup.com if you are interested in being on an upcoming episode!
Think on This...
Talent, you’re born with. Creativity, you can grow yourself
Some are born great. And some can achieve greatness by nurturing their creative brain with flexible and persistent thinking.
A Few For Your Day Job...
How Leadership Accountability Drives Company Performance — www.visualcapitalist.com
What impact does leadership accountability have on the performance of an organization? As it turns out, a lot.
Failure Found to Be an "Essential Prerequisite" for Success
It turns out that trying again and again only works if you learn from your previous failures. The idea is to work smart, not hard.
Every winner begins as a loser. Fascinating look at the impact failure has on success.
The Right Way to Approach Change With Your Sales Team
Written just a few weeks before everything hit the fan, I think this one takes on a new relevancy for sales and marketing teams and easily ties into the message of "innovate and differentiate" for the current times.
Your Weekly Dose of Randomness...
The first map of America's food supply chain is mind-boggling
Most of our food is moved across great distances—and through many different forms of transit—before it reaches our plates. No snark here -- just an interesting read.
Are Legos a part of your wellness routine?
Not if your stay-at-home kids are leaving them on the floor, that's for sure....
That Time America Outlawed Pinball
And back in much simpler times....
And The Last Word....
“Everyone Knows a Leon”: The Freestyle Brilliance of J.B. Smoove, the Secret Weapon of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ — www.theringer.com
That’s how the universe works. You put energy into something and somehow it ends up driving you towards where you’re supposed to be.
Most people know JB Smoove as Leon Black from HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm (for those who don't watch the show, he is a lot like a modern, cruder version of how Kramer was on Seinfeld) . But there’s a lot to his backstory, which includes 30 years in stand-up, proximity to hip-hop greatness, and playing defense against Ray Allen. Great article and inspiring!
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