You Can't Please Everyone

Every company should have a specific vision. They must understand the beliefs, goals, habits and preferences of their ideal customers.  Then that should become the bull's-eye that marketing aims at.

There is an obstacle standing in the way of success with this approach. You must make peace with not being able to capture everyone in your net. For every potential client attuned to your vision, there is one or more not interested. 

Those who don't fit your customer profile?  Let them go.

Does that mean you should find a niche that competitors aren't targeting and go after them?

Choosing the Right Advisor

Need advice on reaching a goal? You should find someone with broad experience in the field in which you're working.  But sometimes you're not sure what you want or how to make a momentous yet hazy life or business decision.  In that case you need an advisor who is wise.

Most wise advisors are middle-aged or older, with broad experience of life.  They are good listeners, skilled at looking beyond the obvious. They are confident yet not arrogant, and grounded in reality.  They should have values you respect. They help you become clear on the route that represents your best interest.

The Power of Genuine Generosity

In the fast-paced world of business and networking, it's easy to become consumed by our own ambitions and focus solely on what we can gain from our interactions. However, Adam Grant, in his thought-provoking book "Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success," challenges this mindset. He argues that adopting a genuine spirit of generosity, devoid of hidden agendas, can have profound benefits for both personal and professional growth. 

The Pitfalls of Expecting Returns:

Grant highlights the inherent risks associated with offering favors solely with the expectation of receiving something in return. When recipients sense that there are hidden strings attached, they may feel manipulated or resentful. This can strain relationships and hinder future opportunities for collaboration and growth. As LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman wisely pointed out, constantly seeking quid pro quo arrangements results in a narrower network, limiting the potential for meaningful connections.

Find a Publicity Hook

Front-page story in a local paper: The public library eliminated late fines. What usual fee can you abolish to become newsworthy?

A police department identified 20 "hot spots" where people were in danger crossing train tracks.  What metaphorical "hot spots" can you identify and publicize using your expertise?

A burger joint had been serving vegan "Impossible Burgers" for a year. Their supply cut off around the time the meatless wonders debuted in Burger Kings. Is there a hidden downside of a popular trend that you have experienced?