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Archives for March 2017

$31,000 Per Month in Tips

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A friend of mine was concerned about his son’s income potential with an English Literature degree from a small liberal arts college. His son was a junior at the time.  The father knew his son was doing weekly video podcasts from his bedroom, and that he had received some fan mail. What he was surprised to learn was that his son was earning $120,000 that year from advertising.  The son now has multiple podcast channels and is able to buy a nice house, get married, and live a comfortable financial life.  That surprise came five years ago.

Seeing the Future is the Currency of Strategy

Band rehearsing in a studioIt is now 2017. Today, live-streaming is a way many musical groups and comedians are earning money.  The top 20 content creators make an average of $31,000 per month using the Live.ly App, according to the Wall Street Journal. The wide availability of Internet music has devastated the income stream for most smaller market musicians. What if they are able to use that same Internet to do virtual music tours, or create connections with their audience, without the road trip? Fans provide tips via the mobile app. One-third of the tips go to Apple or Google through app payments, a small percentage to the app writer, and most goes directly to the talent.  Facebook is  considering adding a “tip jar” to its struggling live-streaming platform.

Future Customers and Employees

Performers are providing interaction with their audience that changes the dynamic of the relationship. In exchange, the fans are giving money to the performers. Most users are young mobile users. They can access the stream for free, and they still choose to contribute.

How is this changing the expectations of the next generation of talent who will be your customers, or your employees? Do you need to be able to live stream with your subordinates or your customers/prospects in a whole new way? It’s hard to imagine any answer, other than “Yes!”  Just as my friend was shocked five years ago at the earning power of his son in college, I was very surprised at the financial success of those using streaming.

Remote Relationships

We are still in the early stages of the online video revolution. I believe there is incredible power to change global communications for the better. I have actively pursued the best ways to harness these technologies to make that connection happen. I use videoconferencing regularly with clients, and with my colleagues. With my optimism and belief in the potential for the success of the streaming “tip jar”, used on a global basis, it has my attention.  We need to view this shift strategically for the benefit to each of us personally, and for our businesses.

See also link to blog “Twilight of the Rock Gods”

 

March 2017 – Change Masters President’s Letter

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SYAOD Cover 1.3_sm web 150 dpi_225 wide Final2017 is off to an exciting start, for many reasons. There are many opportunities for insights from the Academy Awards,  the latest remote communication technology announcements, or the latest Change Masters’ products.

The improved version of our book, “Seeing Yourself as Others Do“, third printing, is being released this month. The latest printing has updated content, and includes our book study guide to use with groups and individuals. Sales of our book have reached the “Best Seller” level for business books.

TSOB-Trailer-Image-150x85We have also launched our fun and informative “The Sport of Business” video series, featuring a CBS sports commentator and Carol Keers. This series can also be used by groups and individuals to explore the many links between sports and business.

Our recent blogs have addressed some wide ranging topics; charisma, new webcams, the value of worry, asking how old you really are, and lessons from a fun Haribo ad/video. I hope you find our blog posts interesting.

Oscar Lessons

2017 OscarStatue“And the winner is …” All was going smoothly at the Academy Awards. It was almost over. The last envelope was opened and announced … incorrectly. What can we learn?

  1. Distraction: Brian Cullinan was likely distracted by tweeting a picture of Emma Stone as he handed out the next envelope.
  2. Question: Warren Beatty opened the envelope and thought something was wrong … he hesitated. There was an opportunity for correction.
  3. Hand-off: Faye Dunaway took the envelope without concern of a possible error and made the announcement.
  4. Backup: One role of the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) auditors is to respond if there is an error in the announcement. They did so quickly. The right award was given at the end.
  5. Apology: PwC quickly determined they were the source of the error and took full accountability.

What does this say about decision making and crisis control?

There are many articles about this being the biggest mistake since PwC started auditing in 1935.  However, how does this inform our everyday decision making?

For most of us, day-to-day decisions and mistakes impact us much more than a mistake made at the Academy Awards.

Distraction: Automobile insurance rates in the USA, as well as  auto-related deaths, are going up due to distracted driving. Distracted workers [more …]

 

Likeable and Charismatic

Strong manSo many people think that people are born with, or without, charisma. It simply is not true.  A little charisma goes a long way in relationships and is well worth developing.  Jeff Haden has a list of ways to be more likable and charismatic [List …]

 New Webcam with Zoom

Technology continues to get better and more cost-effective for web-conferencing.  The latest webcam for hanging on your laptop screen has a number of new features.  The Logitech Brio has a 5x zoom capability that Logitech Briosignificantly increases it’s usability for 1:1 meetings or small groups. It can capture life-like pictures with 4K video, and has 3D awareness for Windows 10 recognition.  It requires a Windows 7 or newer operating system.

To be able to zoom, I currently have a standalone camera that cost more than three of the new Brio cameras ($199 US).  With certain software, it is reportedly able to remove the background of your office, or huddle room, if you choose. I have not [more …]

Worry Serves a Purpose

Worry_GettyImages-522220667Worry is a cognitive process as opposed to the emotional impact of anxiety.  Worry serves a purpose. We think of problems that may occur in the future and look for solutions to either avoid the problem, or deal with the problem when/if it occurs.  A certain amount of worry increases our quality of life and probably extends it, if it can help us avoid danger. Worry may move you to better prepare for a presentation or a job interview.

Excessive worry, however, wastes our time and typically limits our life.  Being too nervous in a job interview, or on a stage, tends to undermine our effectiveness.  So what can you do?  A Wall Street Journal article on worry gives some suggestions: [more …]

How Old Are You?

When my father was 60, he referred to himself as being “middle-aged”. His friend asked him, “How many people do you know who are 120?”

conductor-stanislaw-skrowaczewskiA life well lived … Minnesota Orchestra Conductor Laureate Stanislaw Skrowaczewski was born in Poland 93 years ago. He started playing piano at age 4. He loved playing music until he was injured by a bomb during World War II. He became a conductor in Warsaw and Cleveland before he took over the Minneapolis Symphony in 1960.  A few months ago we heard him conduct the Minnesota Orchestra with such gusto that it was hard to believe he was 93 years-old.  His love for the music was clear. young man looking at an older himself in the mirrorOne non-stop performance was 80 minutes long without using the written score. Last year he conducted in over a dozen countries.  So how old was Skrowaczewski? Sadly, he died last month. He fully lived all of his 93 years.

Being Engaged in Life

There are numerous studies that all point to being engaged in something you find worthwhile (for pay or not) significantly improves our happiness and our health. I feel blessed to feel that way about [more …]

 

Excellent  Communication Lessons

Hariboro Video 1This Haribo ad does an excellent job of demonstrating the impact of vocal tone.

Visual and Vocal – Lesson 1

We like to think that our content is our communication. In fact, our vocal tone and body language are a major part of what others perceive when we communicate.  Vocal tone matters. You need to be choiceful. On a conference call it represents 85% of your communication. Pace your message. Over articulate is helpful for most people. Use short sentences. Place pauses in you message for emphasis. Shorter sounds smarter.

Pattern Interruption – Lesson 2

Part of the reason this ad gets our attention is [more …]

Other blogs you might be interested to review:

YouTube Tops 1 Billion Hours of Video a Day, on Pace to Eclipse TV [blog link …]

Mobile Games Brought in More Revenue in 2016 than PC’s and Console Games [blog link …]

The rest of 2017 …

We are very optimistic about the year ahead and look forward to keeping you updated.

 

Excellent Communication Lessons

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This Haribo ad does an excellent job of demonstrating the impact of vocal tone.

Visual and Vocal – Lesson 1

We like to think that our content is our communication. In fact, our vocal tone and body language are a major part of what others perceive when we communicate.  Vocal tone matters. You need to be choiceful. On a conference call it represents 85% of your communication. Pace your message. Over-articulating is helpful for most people. Use short sentences. Place pauses in your message for emphasis. Shorter sounds smarter.

Pattern Interruption – Lesson 2

Part of the reason this ad gets our attention is because it interrupts our expectations and causes a “pattern interruption”.  We tend to pay attention and remember the message that causes such a pattern interruption.  For example, when giving a presentation, you can use an interesting prop, do something unexpected, or tell an compelling story like an actor would.  In fact … that is what movies and plays attempt to do … surprise and intrigue you to want to hear more.  If you want people to remember what you have to say … consider where you can use pattern interruptions, and choicefully use your voice and facial expressions.

Likable and Charismatic

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So many people think that people are born with, or without, charisma. It simply is not true.  A little charisma goes a long way in relationships and is well worth developing.  Jeff Haden has a list of ways to be more likable and charismatic:

  1. Strong manAlways listen more than you talk.
  2. Always shift the spotlight to others.
  3. Never practice selective hearing.
  4. Always be thoughtful, simply because you can.
  5. Always put your stuff away.
  6. Always give before you receive.
  7. Never act self-important.
  8. Never forget other people are more important.
  9. Always choose your words attentively.
  10. Never discuss the failings of others.
  11. Always admit your failings.
  12. Always define success your way.

For his full explanation go to the Inc blog.