10X-ing 🚀 🌌 💰#56

10X-ing 🚀 🌌 💰#56

Winter has chilled Melbourne in the past week with over 1m of snow falling on my beloved Mt Hotham hills.

I’m writing from Bali, visiting a dear friend temporarily living here and celebrating my (tropical) birthday next week. The lush green surrounds are relaxing and as always the food is stylishly presented and scrumptious. It brings a grin to my face seeing so much life, relaxing on the shores at sunset.

May all be well in your environs.

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I’ve been working with three organisations to have them become more focused and agile. Interesting the topic of conversation has increasingly been about roles – new roles at that.

Here are the insights ~

The Strategic Advisor + Performance Coach

I find working with high performing leaders fascinating and rewarding. Being in strategic conversations, using natural instinct to hone people’s aspirations into realistic business plans and actions, clearing their way when needed, seeing individuals fly and surprise themselves – it’s good fun.

Recently clients have been wondering ~

a) how growing organisations with high performers set themselves up to ‘self organise’ – the impossible dream that may be possible – where individuals can be self-led in a culture and environment that has them progress, perform, develop, enjoy life,…

b) what high performers need to succeed

c) how to differentiate an organisation to attract high performers

In high performance environments trust can be built quickly as people deliver what they say they’re going to, or maturely communicate and reset if they can’t, and agility can happen in part because individuals know what they’re fascinated by and what they’re good at, and communication can be direct with this undercurrent of respect and vision alignment.

When people are operating in these environs, new ways are required to support their progress, enjoyment and development.

Instinctively, and from experience, one of the solutions is having access to strong and respected supporters, guides, leaders and trusted peers to listen, to suggest practical solutions, and nudge (kindly, sometimes strongly).

Such people can use their intuition to sense what the person needs to gain progress (as an individual AND in their projects/activities/organisations), so they feel heard, supported, weight lifted off their shoulders, understood, appreciated, have clear direction and more.

Cue: [some aspects of] Wendy from the show “Billions” who’s known for contributing value that correlates directly to the company’s great success.

She’s a strategic advisor and performance coach who meets with individuals at set and spontaneous times and does all of the above. She’s there when needed to uplift performance and outcomes and involved in strategic decisions, planning and is constantly aligning people’s direction to the detailed vision.

In high performance environments people are motivated to improve so tailored support makes a difference. Perhaps your organisation could do with a character(s) like this?

(Hey Aussies, you can watch Billions on Stan)

The Digital Researcher role.

For close to ten years I’ve encouraged clients to engage a Digital Researcher in their organisation: a person who can track and explore trends, emerging tech, products and new entrants via relevant forums and sites such as Kickstarter, social media and their (expanding) wide network of industry and market experts. As delivery becomes faster / instantaneous, having a person delivering these insights (and inspiring others to do so) seems obvious. I’ve often worked with wise Eddie Harran to provide these services for clients.

Opening up to opportunities and being aware of the risks is good business. Get started!

Your role in this research

Being connected to what fascinates you as an individual affords a natural tendency to the research just mentioned.

 

An organisation of aligned individuals, all contributing insights to what’s happening, what’s coming and highlighting risks to be mitigated sounds great to me.

What has enthralled you online recently?

Enjoy these gems ~

10X your thinking. Sounds simple. It could be!

This may have you believing your BIG ideas are possible and lead you in to protecting your crazy thinking.

I love the idea of running fast with experience and instinct – perhaps that means checking business cases/plans at the door of the “crazy factory of your organisation” and getting on with bringing your moonshots to life.

There’ll be more of this happening in the future. “Here’s to the crazy ones”, hey Steve Jobs?

“This is a very short, roughly 10-minute, episode. It explains how to ..escape incremental thinking and think truly BIG. I loved it so much that I now listen to it on a regular basis as a reminder. Perhaps you’ll end up doing the same…. Astro is currently Captain of Moonshots (CEO) of X, Alphabet’s moonshot factory for building magical, audacious ideas that, through science and technology, can be brought to reality.” Tim Ferriss

I’m excited. Thanks Claire 🙂

“I can’t understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I’m frightened of the old ones.” — John Cage 

Thanks Derek.I love that Andō posted a reply – you may be interested to become a patron..

.

Hey Aussies – I hope you meet James ~

Have fun,
Sam
Writing tips 😍 😮 ✨ #55

Writing tips 😍 😮 ✨ #55

The Value of Culling

Years ago I picked up the nickname “the reverser” because people sent me words and presentations to cull / review / enhance / ‘make snazzy’ for the monied decision-makers and 80+% I’d find the most important messages in the last few sentences or last page and move them to the start.

I’m all for writing that quickly grabs the reader and is succinct, valuable, engaging, direct, useful and more.

What’s the learning for you?

  1. Write things out.
  2. Then check: Are the most important sentences at the end? Could they be the first soundbites, the first impression, for others?
  3. These quotes help me ~
“Keep taking words out” ~ maybe Ogilvy.
Often we say much with few words.
“Make the complex simple and the simple compelling.” ~ unknown

Less is more: especially with online medias that encourage shorter-attentions.

Thanks Lis & Ryan :)

What has enthralled you online recently?

Enjoy these gems ~

Here’s a great explanation of tokens using the example of allowing your neighbour to charge their electric car at yours. Click through to start @ 17:55 mins. This may inspire you to learn about blockchain tech.

Claire – you may want to share this 🙂 

Peace and grace flows from Andō. Soak in this refreshing, written river ~
[thanks Ross]

#BrainExpanding: Great to hear the new opportunities from roads moving to tunnels.

I really enjoyed this “The Midas Touch and Mind-Bending Futures” podcast on what’s coming in life and business from Steve Jurvetson and Tim Ferriss – especially the start.
[thanks#2 Ross]

This bright main image from Abbotsford Convent‘s Facebook page attracts ~

Sweets from Tove Jansson, author of the acclaimed Moomins childrens books ~

Who enjoys billiards?

Thanks to Sarah for sharing her morning walk today around the farm ~

How good is that!

*High fives!*
Sam

Newsletter Tips ⛅ ⚡#15

Newsletter Tips ⛅ ⚡#15

Welcome to a previous issue of Online Highfliers. To get the latest issue delivered to your inbox sign up for the newsletter here.


“Safety” Meetings, B Corporations, Newsletter Tips & Politics ⛅ ⚡

Hi,

Welcome to the 15th edition of this email. Did you know you can read all past editions in the archive?

The subject this time round is, well, Safety Meetings (trust me, it’s fun).

_____

Which newsletters are you enjoying? I find a moment of peace with this one, feel the laughter bubbles coming before I read this one and love the quick fascination dose here.

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I met amazing people in the past fortnight who hand-balled me short films and new brands to check out. Enjoy the favourites here. Thrilling!

B Corporations and organisations trying for B Corp status are wonderful. Could you be a Benefits Corporation?

I really enjoyed this interview with Richard Betts (world-class hospitality expert and top sommelier) and loved hearing about his quick “Safety” Meeting in really intense times. It consisted of being mindful of the intensity… taking a moment… racing into the cool-room, throwing down a drink and coming out ready to take on the world. Fun name, quick result! Listen to the interview to get the full meaning. Keep it in mind for your next intense moment?

_____

Just in case politics is getting you down >> get a pep talk from the Kid President 😉

I’m here to help you look amazing online. Reply to this email with any queries or questions.

I wish you all a wonderful new week. If you enjoyed this email, let me know on Twitter @sambe11.

Fly high online,

~ Sam
RunwayDigital.com

PS. Make it happen. You can do it.

PPS. Inspiration and ideas ~

  • I really enjoyed Pandora then Rdio and more recently I tried Apple Music (inspired by my Apple Watch). This week I started using (free) Pandora again and it’s reminding me why I loved Rdio – when music that WOWs you plays with very little effort (not having to do too many thumbs up or down), life is enhanced. I’m currently listening to Zero 7 radio – great for writing a newsletter 🙂 What digital tunes / radio stations do you like?
  • Have you been to a Creative Mornings event? There’s possibly one near you. Last week Anna Ross had the audience in stitches explaining how she used fantasy in building her business Kester Black. Well worth looking out for the fascinating story via video of her talk here (check out the other talks here too).
  • If you’re in London this weekend, head on over to the Do Market. Oh yeah. Plan to stay a while!
  • I’m often blogging about new tech, how to gain clients online, how to enhance your online profile, LinkedIn tips and more here. Similar (though slightly tweaked for LinkedIn) is here.
  • The Golden Record still amazes me. You?
  • Thanks again for your replies and insights. This week as I researched the future of health and foods, I was reminded of Russell’s comments from the AgTech newsletter and that we could feed the increased population if we reduced consumerism as well as wasteful food industry practices (especially animal agriculture). Food for thought (dare I say this pun? yep.). Your comments are fascinating 🙂 Hit reply!
  • Last idea for now: Doctor Strange – great CGI. Worth a watch.

Make this Quick LinkedIn Update To Attract More People

You’re on LinkedIn to advance your work and show your experience right? Let’s get your profile in front of the relevant people. You know, the people who are searching for someone with the skills and experience you have, your industry peers, people you can learn clever tips from, and the people who will help your work in ways you can’t yet comprehend.

I’ve found great benefits from adding to my profile the words that people will use when they’re searching for someone with my capabilities and experience. You could too?

Make this Quick Linkedin Update To Attract More People…

On your profile, just under your name are words that are often the second or third thing people see after your photo and name. Mine says “Designer of Digital Leadership…”

Quick Linkedin Update To Attract More People

I use words that the people I wish to reach may type into LinkedIn search when they’re seeking someone with my experience. Or perhaps someone in their network shared an article I’ve published on LinkedIn and they’ve clicked through to see who wrote it – in this case, these words will complement what they’ve read.

Jumping in to your LinkedIn profile…

Add words here that have lots of powerful punch for the reader and make it easy to understand in a quick glance.

Use all the available space to grab people’s’ attention.

Aim high – explain what you do, be as specific as possible and perhaps who you do it for.

What are you best at and what will your prospective customers enjoy seeing?
Show off your best and go for it!

Go beyond your current role words of Director/Owner/President/Manager and use words that people will be searching your industry.

A few examples:

Director at Virgin Consulting Group | We speed up your product development cycle through clever digital solutions

Operations Manager, Finance / Banking Industry, Experienced with Cloud-based Solutions

VP Sales. Product Development & Sales Operations Leadership. Revenue Growth in Technology Solutions

Remember that you have words below that cover more about your current and previous roles below so take out words that you’ll explain ‘later’ in the Summary or Roles sections.

Like many others, I use marks between skills (see image above).

If this LinkedIn profile was setup for the purpose of being emailed to potential clients it’s engaging, though the general words wouldn’t attract potential customers or clients who are seeking specific skills:

Helping successful companies implement strategies to double their leads in 90 days

Maybe you’ll give your readers a laugh, like Tim:

Quick Linkedin Update To Attract More People

Add a bit of mystery and humour…

Bringing the world’s best Creatives to play in San Francisco

Screen Shot 2016-06-09 at 7.28.54 AM

Get to it

  1. Brainstorm your words
  2. Type them up and add to your profile.
  3. If you’ve too many words, tweak so the most important words are first.

I use a text editor prior to entering in to my profile as this part of LinkedIn can be fiddly. If you’re using Microsoft Word you can do a quick check to see if you’re within 120 characters though it’s just as quick to try entering in to LinkedIn and if it’s too long, tweak on your editor and try again.

Good luck!

Use this approach for your role titles too. Plus, add to your Summary words that your intended audience will use in their search.

When you’re done, send me your profile so we can learn from what works for you.

~

More LinkedIn tips are here.

~

Rid yourself of nagging online concerns. Check in to the 7 day Online Flight Training.

After the course, we promise you’ll have many moments of relief and joy seeing your online profile attract your desired audience.

Top Performance Podcasts #2

Top Performance Podcasts #2

Welcome to a previous issue of Online Highfliers. To get the latest issue delivered to your inbox sign up for the newsletter here.


 

Best Podcasts for Top Performance

Best Podcasts for Top Performance

Hi Online Pilot,

I hope this reaches you grinning!

I’ve been sending the list below to friends and thought you’d like it too. It has my favourite interviews with top performers in sports, tech, business, mindfulness, health and more.

My HOT TIP before you listen is to purchase a set of bluetooth in-ear headphones.

I really had no idea headphones would improve life so much. The Jaybird X2 pair I bought in February have taken me from rarely listening to a podcast to 3+ a week.

I’ve learnt from top performers in the world while I’ve been at the gym, driving, doing chores, on public transport, walking to the market,… They optimise in-between times.

They also sit comfortably around my neck when I’m not using them as there is no cord to the phone.

I press play more often (even if it’s a few minutes) and it doesn’t matter if my phone is close or in another room.

I’m excited about headphones!

Knowing you’re interested in top performance, future trends, and/or new technology, I imagine you’ll highly enjoy these Tim Ferriss interviews. Tim is the author of the Four Hour Work Week book which is really useful for a productive and globally-aware mindset.

Either access these podcasts via searching for Tim Ferriss in the Podcasts app on your smartphone or head here. I download a few at a time to my phone so that I can listen whether I’m connected to the internet or not.

These are my favourite podcast interviews in suggested listening order:

Bryan Johnson
Naval Ravikant
Joshua Waitzkin (all episodes)
Tara Brach
Caroline Paul
Maria Popova
Charles Poliquin
…check the longer list here.

Listen to at least one in the next week and reply to this email and let me know what was useful. I’ll be fascinated.

Do share the love by forwarding this email as your friends might enjoy these podcasts too.

We’re receiving truly fascinating comments from entrants to our competition – thankyou. If you’ve not yet entered, please do here as it is closing soon and we’d love to see you look amazing online. You could win 2 coaching sessions and support in between (valued at $1,500).

Have fun!

~ Sam
Runway Digital.com

Previous issues / We’re on FacebookTwitter &Linkedin / I’m on Instagram

P.S. The Jaybird X headphones have a known power issue – they sometimes don’t turn on with full charge. I’ve experienced this only a couple of times though not often enough to be concerned. The buds are a bit big for my ears too though they work fine with the smallest earbud covers. The battery life is fantastic! I can use them for a day – which is about 4 or more hours of on and off use. Jaybird also have the Freedom pair coming out soon. I highly recommend purchasing some sort of bluetooth in-ear headphones now – there’s learning to be had!

P.P.S. These headphones save time too. Try out handsfree calling: press and hold the bottom button on your iPhone for a moment, let go then say “Call Tess” and hey presto the phone is ringing for Tess. So easy! For reminders, press and hold the bottom button then say “remind me tomorrow at 9 to call Geoff”… and at 9am tomorrow you’ll be reminded and given the option to call too! Try it out a few times and you’ll get the hang of it. Enjoy!