Siimon Reynolds’ book “Why People Fail” with Kevin Lovewell – Chapter 10
Other people don’t kill our dreams – We do! … a continuing discussion about Siimon Reynolds’ book “Why People Fail” with Kevin Lovewell
Chapter 10: Not Enough Thinking
As I started this chapter, my phone rang. It was one of my business clients, and this person’s response to my “How are you?” was a perfect copy of one of my own general responses … “I’m flat out like a lizard drinking!” he said.
The theme of this chapter is that we admire busy people, busy equates to fulfilled, important. It also deceptively hides from us the fact that as a society we suffer from a chronic shortage of adequate (not even valuable) thinking time. Siimon suggests that we pay a very high price for this. Without thinking time we are forced to solve problems purely by working harder; further, there are hundreds and millions of people “doing” yet at the top of the tree, businesses are still only ever founded on a good idea. Dell computers; founded on the idea that people would buy computers direct if they could save time, effort and money. Starbucks, The Body Shop, FedEx all came about because of brilliant ideas.
So when was the last time you sat down with a blank piece of paper and a pen and just brainstormed for terrific ideas? If you are one of the many who has said “I do not have a creative bone in my body” Siimon has culled a few methods that work.
The Dictionary Method: Pick any word – be as random as you can be – look at a magazine, leaf through a book chosen from your shelf – even if all else fails, pick up a dictionary. Let’s say you need to get more clients, and the word that pops into your vision is “octopus” – Octopus = Eight: Maybe eight people get put into making phone calls; eight letters per year to clients; on the eighth day of every month you have a wine evening. Octopus = Sea: Maybe you should take clients on a sea cruise.
The Ridiculous Method: Give your imagination full rein to think up absurd. Still need more clients? Crazy idea 1 – shut up shop! (Once a month close up and send staff out to generate more work, visit clients…) Crazy idea 2 – Don’t charge! (Give a money back guarantee, or refund if…) Crazy idea 3 Be rude! – Change your advertising (We don’t mean to be rude but you have …) Crazy idea 4 Triple the prices! And so on.
The Different Industry Method: All industries have to get clients and or satisfy them. How does it happen in industries you (and your industry) have no knowledge of! Try and find out – go to a seminar for that other industry. Better still, phone up ten friends in totally different industries and buy them a coffee. In the time available ask them the question.
The Famous Method: How could I come up with a solution that would make me (my business) famous? What would drive the local news crew to bang at my door seeking an interview because of the amazing way that I solved that problem? How would a rock star, the president, the character of your favourite movie solve that problem?
Action Step
My client had a problem – it was about paying for an essential business element. I asked the question “How can you get the supplier to give it to you for free?” We came up with five critical things that my client could give the supplier. Armed with these – he got the thing he wanted for no cash outlay.
If you need more information, please talk to me:
Kevin Lovewell
1 – Taken from the book “Why People Fail – the sixteen obstacles to success and how to overcome them” – Siimon Reynolds
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the Writer. The information is not meant to be exhaustive. Readers are responsible for making their own inquiries and assessments as to the truth and accuracy of all the information given and should seek advice from professionals. No liability (in contract, tort or otherwise) will be accepted for any loss or damage incurred as a result of reliance upon any material contained in this publication or any information or advice provided in this publication or incorporated in it.
