Differentiate Your Professional Service Practice
December 4, 2008 by Mary Wynne-Wynter · Leave a Comment
Photo credit: Wessex Archaeology's photostream (coastal and marine set) on Flickr
I get asked over and over by some people about what kind of coaching and consulting I do. They seem to have a preconceived notion, or perception of it and then attempt to reconcile my explanation to somehow fit their worldview. Sometimes I can’t figure out if they’re curious and trying and wanting to understand, or just not listening.
But now I’m realizing that people are pulled out of their comfort level when they’re in the depths, and the depths is my space.
I work with people at the level of often hidden assumptions, expectations and beliefs. In organizations, its collections of those - the culture. I use metaphysical metaphors to support the change facilitation process. I shouldn’t be surprised that people want to stick their toe in the water many times before they risk getting a touch of the bends.
I’m blogging this because I’m getting a sense that there’s a growing desire, or movement, or response to series of crises, to go deeper: in life, business and self-awareness. I think its a great sign that people and businesses are showing willingness and readiness to move beyond the surface of their experience, and with a leap in faith, take the plunge into what’s deep and unknown…that with which we identify but which contradicts what we want and where we want to go.
I don’t believe that “going deep” is only within the realm of professionals who focus on “people” issues. Accountants, consultants, health professionals, lawyers, technology professionals, etc, can practice recognizing opportunities to serve clients at a deeper level. It starts with allowing more space for conversation and sharing, being present without an agenda, and being willing to think differently about everything we and our clients think we know.
Uncertainty is the new reality for our clients. We can help them make it their pivot point of power from which they can create and direct their change and growth, if we dare to be different.
Social Networks: The Pre-requisites
September 18, 2008 by Mary Wynne-Wynter · Leave a Comment
Businesses of all sizes and industries, from solo firms to large corporations, are becoming increasingly interested in using social networks, both internally and externally, to build collaborative and conversational communities.
When I talk to owners, managers and executives about their approach and expectations, I often hear answers that combine elements of Web site initiatives and marketing campaigns. But social networks are about sharing and relationship building. A traditional approach will likely fail.
What I usually don’t hear is a deep understanding of why social networks make sense for them and how social networks are related to shifts in control of markets, knowledge, media and technology. Unlike pre-Web 2.0 online marketing, branding, communications and e-commerce, social networks initiatives bear little resemblance to traditional business and marketing models. Although its good to carefully and consciously experiment, a serious social network program requires that deep understanding as well as integrating a clear purpose and message in all content and communications.
I like the holon as a metaphor for an integral social network strategy.
Social Media Integral Strategy
A holon (Greek: holos, “whole”) is something that is simultaneously a whole and a part. The word was coined by Arthur Koestler in his book The Ghost in the Machine (1967, p. 48). Wikipedia
Whatever the planning process, a visual will ensure that strategy and execution is anchored to the underlying understanding and purpose. Simple questions should be asked at the outset and periodically, for example:
- Is this good for me?
- ….for us?
- ….for the community?
- ….for a greater good?
Once the purpose is clear, a road-map for short-term experiential learning, and long-term actionable metrics can be developed to direct your social networks to go the right way.
Positioning
June 10, 2008 by Mary Wynne-Wynter · Leave a Comment
Another metaphor found me last night as I was browsing through my rss feeds.
A popular marketing blogger/author wrote a dire post about the urgency (emergency!) of paying off credit cards and recommended drastic personal spending cutbacks including eating rice and beans for a year.
Another popular blogger wrote about how the fearless small business, that embraces a “So screw it. Let’s ride.” belief is poised for a treasure chest business bonanza.
The third was a Mac blog about the new iPhone which has a very cool built-in GPS (Global Positioning System).
It struck me that we have the choice in every moment to choose our personal and professional life experience GPS. The two bloggers provide radically different views about how to respond to change and there are limitless directional choices beyond these two. I’m not advocating either. I do want to point out that our beliefs are like GPS satellites. They unfailingly get us to the destination based upon our input, that is our beliefs, intentions and assumptions, into our system.
If we commit to and urgently prepare for survival our belief satellites put us on the scarcity, subsistence and lack highway for as long as we intend that. If we commit to and are poised for success and a huge demand for our services, then that’s the road on which we’ll travel and the destination we’ll arrive at.
What do you call your positioning system? I like FPS (Field Positioning System). Other possible replacements for global are: universe, spiritual, source, etc. Whatever you call your positioning system, be vigilant about what you choose to believe, and then just set cruise control and D.R.I.V.E.
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self-awareness, solo professional service firm