It’s ironic, isn’t it? We use social media super-widgets like Facebook; iPhones; and internet technologies to gain control over our lives. But in the overcrowded networking age they tend to reduce personal ownership of communications. This means less real productivity.
Think: how many of the last 20 non-salesmen you’ve tried to reach actually answered, maybe two or three? And if you’ve left messages, how many people returned your call in a reasonable amount of time–if ever?
Even friends or acquaintances, like strangers, seem too busy to talk. “Don’t call me, I’ll call you, when I want help or to chat about my priorities.”
This isn’t cruel or unfriendly behavior; it’s how we maintain ownership over our lives.
In a perfect world, everyone would be waiting for my call. Conducting business would be as easy as driving down the freeway at 2 a.m. But the communication superhighway is becoming snarled in a perpetual rush hour.
It’s the rare soul who’s willing to personally answer a call, or at least return it promptly.
That rare soul is also a Leader. Why? Because leadership’s no longer about status or position. It’s about offering more value to every task or interaction. And in our “drive-by” era, nothing is more valued than personal attention and authentic engagement.
Extraordinary leaders have always acknowledged others’ value, and relinquished direct ownership of tasks and solutions. Think of Kambei in “The Seven Samurai,” or the great CEOs. Each built teams respectfully, the way a conductor builds a great symphony orchestra. One superior participant and collaboration at a time.
This approach is also at the heart of Servant Leadership.
I feel like a celebrity every time I get through to the super-busy publisher of the local business newspaper. What a class act! And a few other folks are just as ready to answer and help when I call. Guess who I share my work or referrals with?
You carry your phone around to make calls with. Why not pull the autocratic little thing out of your pocket or purse when it rings as well? Your business will thank you for it.
Carey has a unique, high-energy approach to help small business owners, entrepreneurs and in-transition professionals make their Brand and content achieve superior results in the social media. He calls it "Ka-Ching Coaching" because the bottom line is always . . . your bottom line.
An award winning journalist and poet, successful marketer and editor, he's also an experienced business trainer and ghostwriter (for some recent online articles, please visit his bio page).
For some recent success stories, please see this site's Article, "Testimonials."
He has developed marketing and training material for a Fortune 50 international corporation, a large public utility, the Embassy of Japan, the University of Washington, and many small businesses and entrepreneurs.
* As Marketing Director for several small businesses, developed innovative marketing campaigns and materials to address the unique marketing needs of small businesses and professional speakers.
* An experienced writer of Corporate Marketing materials, Business to Business copy, Technical Documentation, news articles, and Financial Reports. Experienced and marketing-driven copywriter, ghostwriter, editor and proofreader.
* Received an award from the Society of Professional Journalists for a major magazine article; also edited, and was ghostwriter for portions of, a number of books of fiction.
* Developed strategic communications for an International Fortune 50 Corporation and the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. , as well as other firms and organizations.
* Wrote best-in-class news-based, procedural or marketing materials for businesses, newspapers, a magazine, a major public utility, the US Navy, and several community non-profit organizations.
* Developed and implemented innovative training programs for Yomiuri Television, the state of Oregon, Itogumi Construction Co., Vietnamese boat people, the Boys & Girls Club and an orphanage in rural Japan. Also appeared regularly on national Japanese TV with one of that country’s most popular comedians.
* Active member of the Asian Chamber of Commerce-Houston and the Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. Served on the Boards of a local Chamber, a renowned youth organization, and a Jobs Ministry.
* Fluent in spoken and written Japanese, conversational in Spanish. Familiar with various Macintosh and Windows applications.
* In addition to major presentations in various formats and executive speeches (one presented at the U.S. House of Representatives), wrote white papers, technical and business articles, and proposals.
* Has given popular presentations about his process to the International Association of Business Communicators, the American Society for Quality, and many local organizations.