Friends of Dave #190: don't run naked
It's all in the details...
I was on the phone having a conversation with someone for the first time this week and this happens:
"So, sorry to interrupt, but I've been dying to ask you....why do you call your consulting company SLINGSTONE Group?"
Truth be told, my "consulting company" is not really a "company" or even technically a "group" -- it is currently just me.
I jokingly say I've been consulting for the last few years to stay busy in between editions of the FoD. Really it has given me the opportunity to have more flexibility to reconnect with both myself and my family, take on a variety of interesting projects along the way, keep myself fresh and in the game, and it also helps put food on the table until the next great full time opportunity presents itself (definitely open to joining the right team again full time though....really!).
Funny thing is, not many people ask me about the name. So I was intrigued by the sincere interest and enthusiasm when asked about it (not surprisingly, this person is a fellow marketer).
Short explanation: it comes from the biblical parable about David and Goliath (not to be confused with the old Sunday morning claymation series "Davey and Goliath"). It's a classic underdog story, where David slays the giant Goliath by precisely slinging stones at this head.
The idea behind the name is that I am using my expertise to help arm companies (of any size) with the strategies (or "stones") they will need to sling at the big business problems that are standing in the way of their various commercial growth goals.
It also didn't hurt that the URL happened to be available...
Sure, it would have been easy for me to call it Dave Group or Frankel Global or Mr. Dave's Wonderful Consulting Emporium. But as someone providing services that include developing marketing strategy, I felt there needed to be a story behind the name and it needed to have some meaning.
Much like how I sign off on these preambles, it's really just a fine detail. Just like making sure your shoes are shined before a meeting or, back when we actually wore ties, having the knot and dimple straight on a tie or having your hair and makeup done right or using "their" and "there" properly in a text.
It's attention to the little details that can make a big difference. Whether it is a movie or TV show, a book or music, a resume, a tweet, your appearance and demeanor when you meet someone or even corporate policies and culture.
I know I notice them, and while I may occasionally dismiss them if unimportant details are not there, I definitely remember and appreciate them if they are.
Because it's hard to sweat the details. It takes a little extra time, thought and effort. The details show depth and highlight the quality of things or people.
And when someone notices and shows an interest in the details, guess how the people who spent the time on them react? Without fault, they get energized. They get excited and open up. They want to talk about what they did to produce them.
Think about the interactions you have had with those who sweat details as part of their given craft or vocation. Think about the reaction you received when you asked them about them.
In a world where we increasingly place higher value on speed and convenience, there will always be a place for those who care about details.
And if you know of any that need to sling some stones, do me a favor and send them my way....or at the very least, get them to subscribe to the newsletter!
I know this preamble had nothing to do with the subject line of the email, but fear not -- the answer lies below in the Random section, and, trust me, you will not be disappointed. Some other good quick-ish stories this week as well, so get reading!
XOXO
Dave
Think on This...
That means that moving quickly is an advantage that compounds. Being twice as fast doesn’t just double your output; it doubles the growth rate of your output. Over time, that makes an enormous difference.
Many of you have read and heard me talk about the importance of being urgent -- this is a good look at how it's close cousin, impatience, can actually be a good thing as well.
For Your Day Job...
Instagram morphs into an information powerhouse
This actually came up in a few conversations I was having over the past few weeks, so I was glad to see this article. Instagram has transformed from a fun, lifestyle platform to a bullhorn for companies, brands and messaging that brings a call to action. Quick read -- check it out.
An Easy Three-Step Headline Formula That Grabs Attention in Just Five Minutes
Excellent primer on how to write engaging headlines for emails, ads, articles, LinkedIn posts -- with some interesting data and charts to back up the advice. Headlines can make or break delivering a message: If people don't read them, they don't go on to read your content. You will be amazed at how this will help with engagement.
3 Ways Brands And Retailers Can Benefit From The Rise Of Text Commerce
From providing personalized recommendations to offering ultra-convenient ordering, great in-depth look at how companies can use text messages to better connect with customers and boost revenue.
Your Weekly Dose of Randomness...
Nudist chases wild boar who snatched his laptop
Yes, Friends, of course this comes with pictures....
Choosing a work-from-home scent can boost focus and productivity
Sandalwood? I don't know, how is "Bacon" not on the top of everyone's list?
Medieval ‘wine windows’ are reopening, reviving Italian plague tradition
And in the US these would likely come with protests because boxed wine cannot easily fit through them....
And The Last Word....
The Pandemic-Era Appeal of Getting Lost in a Labyrinth — www.bloomberg.com
“The labyrinth is a sure path for uncertain times,” he said. “It brings order out of a sense of chaos.”
Interest is growing in the intriguing structures designed for mindfulness, from backyard installations to finger tracing. There's even a "labyrinth community" and a Labyrinth Society....who knew? My honest first thought when I read this: getting to the bar at society get togethers has to be a total pain....
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