If you haven’t read the book Made To Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath yet you should plan on picking it up today on your way home.  It is a great primer on how to generate buzz, convey ideas that last and how to maximize your advertising and marketing dollars. 

One of the villains they talk about overcoming in the book is “The Curse of Knowledge.”  Usually we look at knowledge as a good thing (it’s pursuit would even cause me to go out and pick up this book for example) but many times it’s what we think we know or what used to work that kills us.  Take this market for example.  The fundamentals are still just as applicable as they were 30 years ago.  We still need to spend each day getting to know new people, negotiating contracts and finding willing buyers and sellers to bring together for a mutually beneficial outcome.  But HOW we go about doing that has changed a bit over the years (or year for that matter).   Our tactics and tools need to change and what we need to be constantly open to growing , learning and changing.  

Every day, starting today, commit to growing in something that is tangible, measurable and meaningful.  Maybe it’s sharpening your skills, your knowledge about your industry or business, or looking at ways to stay ahead of the curve.  Take 15-30 minutes a day and watch what a difference that time makes in the next week, month and year.

I had the privilege of being a part of a small audience that got to interact with Dr. John Maxwell on his book, Today Matters. 

He is an amazing speaker and an insightful master of the teaching craft.  If you ever have the opportunity to catch him live or pick up one of his many, many books, you won’t be disappointed. 

Here’s some of the “nuggets” from that day -