VisionBridge

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town,
Not a creature was stirring and the workshop shut down.
Last year, an Operations Manual had been written with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas would be less stressed this year.

The elves were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of efficiencies danced in the heads.
And Nicole with her whiteboard and Pam with her laptop
Were preparing for their holiday and closing up shop.

When in front of the office there arose such a clatter,
We sprang from our desks to see what was the matter.
We thought about sneaking right out the back door,
But curiosity got the best of us and we could not ignore.

We could see the reindeer reviewing their plan,
Which was prepared so diligently by the VisionBridge clan.
We were a bit confused since it was only noon,
That they were packed, organized and already on the move.

And there was our client perched high on his sleigh,
He was so far ahead of schedule he stopped by to say:
“We’re much more efficient this year and so clean,
We have gifts for everyone, even the old and the mean.”

“The org charts prepared and the procedures for toy making,
And the job descriptions, marketing and field procedure training;
From the top of the flow charts, to the very last detail,
This business owner knows he can take a vacation without fail.”

“Our town is happy, healthy and in better spirits,
The elves are more jolly and in their songs you can hear it.
And we joined him in saying as he flew out of sight,
Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night!”

Happiest of holidays to you and your family!

The VisionBridge Team

I just finished reading the book Made to Stick by Dan and Chip Heath.  I loved the book because it can be used in almost any situation…work, home, teaching, volunteering…anytime you need to make an impact on an audience of one or many and want the idea to stick.

Below are the key elements of what the Heath’s call their “success checklist.”  These are the concepts that, if used, help make your ideas last in your audience’s brain. 

1. Simplicity. They consider this their golden rule; do not share too many points.
2. Unexpectedness. Break schemas; open knowledge gaps and then fill them.
3. Concreteness. Make it real; talk about people not data.  You can use statistics, but then relate it to a personal or emotional situation.
4. Credibility. Use outside authorities or vivid details to show that you know what you are talking about.
5. Emotions. Don’t appeal to the masses.  Show how what you are talking about affects one person or one situation.  Speak to identities and people will make their own connections.
6. Stories.  Stories give us interest and drive action.  They challenge our thinking, connections, and creativity.

Right now I am working on getting more speaking opportunities and need to build a plan.  These concepts should help make the experience a better one and help the message stick.  What about you?  How can you use some of these concepts in what you are doing?

Learn more and get your free copy of the success checklist at www.madetostick.com.

I loved this article from Jack Canfield’s most recent newsletter and wanted to share it.  It makes the case for creating systems within your business to ensure that your employees are going the extra mile for your clients.

Going the Extra Mile will Get You Even Farther
by Jack Canfield

Are you someone who consistently goes the extra mile and routinely over delivers on your promises?

It’s rare these days, but it’s the hallmark of high achievers who know that exceeding expectations helps you stand above the crowd. Almost by force of habit, successful people simply do more.

As a result, they experience not only greater financial rewards for their extra efforts but also a personal transformation, becoming more self-confident, more self-reliant, and more influential with those around them.

These high achievers stand out from the crowd because of their extra efforts. They are unwilling to give up, even in the face of difficult times.

They get the promotions, they get the loyal customers, they grow their businesses twice as fast, they get financial rewards, job security, and they go home feeling satisfied.

Do you exceed expectations?

Do you surprise people with more than they were expecting from you?

Do you have the opportunity - but also the personal initiative - to go the extra mile?

To be successful you must change your thinking. You can only win by making extra efforts. People who go the extra mile always get payback. You will discover yourself becoming more self-confident, more self-reliant and more influential with those around you.

People notice the special services and all the small touches that make dealing with you so pleasurable. And when they are talking to their friends they will mention you and recommend you because you are the one who stands out.

People will see that you pay attention to detail, that you consider all the small things that really make a business successful, that you care about your image, and that you belong with all the other people who work hard to achieve. You will attract new business and new opportunities.

Listen to any success story and you will hear of someone who worked exceptionally hard to get what they wanted.

You’ll hear how they put in the extra time, did what wasn’t part of their job description, and over-delivered on what was asked of them. You’ll hear how they stuck at it until they broke through, and usually you’ll hear how it only took them a couple of years to do it.

What have you been doing for the past couple of years? Think of what you could accomplish if you made it a habit to exceed everyone’s expectations. Image what doors could be open to you if you decided to be of better service and value.

How are you willing to go the extra mile? What kind of extra service are you willing to provide in order to stand out from the rest? What areas of your life could you be giving more of your effort and time, becoming more valuable, and improving your reputation?

Be willing to treat everyone like you’d treat your dearest friend. Don’t skimp on service. Don’t be mediocre or run of the mill. Show people what you are capable of. Show them that you care about your image and reputation.

When it comes to success, the people who are willing to go the extra mile get there that much faster!

© 2009 Jack Canfield

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carmel, IN – October 6, 2009 – VisionBridge, a business specializing in operations manual development, process documentation, and process improvement, received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council – Great Lakes, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

WBENC’s national standard of certification implemented by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council – Great Lakes is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.

By including women-owned businesses among their vendors, corporations, and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued developmentof their supplier/vendor diversity programs.

To learn more about VisionBridge, please visit www.visionbridgeinc.com.

About VisionBridge
Founded in 2003, VisionBridge works with business owners to create, document, and improve company systems so that their business can operate efficiently on its own.

About WBENC
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the nation’s largest third party certifierof businesses owned and operated by women in the United States. WBENC is a resource for the more than 700 US companies and government agencies that rely on WBENC’s certification as an integral part of their supplier diversity programs.