GarthBox

It might not seem like it, but there’s a lot of content out there that’s not even slightly polarizing.

It’s safe content. Often unread content. Barely skimmed content.

Same can be said for the brands that we talk about (and the brands we don’t).

This isn’t all to say that content or brands need to run with an us vs. them campaign.

Rather, it’s better to define the “us” is and stretch with that for the long run.

Let the “them” sort themselves out.

Nike is polarizing. So is Samsung. Johnny Cupcakes and Purlin’ J’s Roving Yarn Company, too. It’s why we talk about them.

Stay Positive & Stand For Something (Anything, Please)

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You don’t need to worry about who you compete against when you put a piece of you in all you do.

Said differently, if someone were to be given a piece of your brand, could they build all the other pieces around it without direction?

Stay Positive & That’s How They’ll Miss You If You Were Gone

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You’ve finally been given it or it’s been sitting around for ages.

You finally got the promotion or you’re sitting on finishing the presentation deck.

You’ve got the permission or you have a deadline that’s weeks away.

Whether it’s new or old, you’ve got to do something with it.

And if you’re afraid, then set an expiration date. If you don’t do anything with it in two weeks, then toss it. Move on.

Either way, you’ll take action and action is what we need more of.

Stay Positive & Keep Moving Forward

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Edit: I just realized this is a lot like Godin’s recent post. Funny how that happens.

Chalk up another experience as being extremely mediocre.

The server had zero emotion. Almost robotic. There were pamphlets all over the floor. Menus were wrongly labeled. (They happened to be out of a prized item which added to the disappointment.)

The only difference between that experience and one with rich employee engagement and enthusiasm, attention to detail, and proactive action is that the boss wasn’t there in the first scenario.

Funnily, the best experiences I’ve had didn’t have the boss there, either. Instead someone chose to act as if they were the boss, to take responsibility and put in the emotional labor.

The only difference between an extremely mediocre experience and a remarkable one is showing up, whether you have the title of boss or not.

Stay Positive & Be The Boss (Of Yourself)

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The energy in a room isn’t the result of the decisions being made.

The energy you have to complete a workout or start a new daily habit isn’t the result of how well the workout or habit went.

The energy you bring in influences what happens. Not the other way around.

When in doubt, find ways to influence the energy.

Read something inspiring, take a deep breath, remember someone who means the world to you and you want to impress.

Whatever it takes, influence the energy. But please don’t sit and wait for the energy to magically appear.

Stay Positive & The Energy In The Room Is The Energy You Bring

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When you think about your target, it’s almost certain you’re leaving someone out.

And that’s a good thing. You don’t need to appeal to many, only a few.

Some people investing a lot can keep a business going indefinitely.

However, the oft forgotten group of people are some on the side. Some that you can make a positive impact on. Some that aren’t far or too difficult for you to reach.

It doesn’t make sense to forget those on the edge.

They’re often the ones that can change everything.

Stay Positive & Reach Out

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Fans are fickle.

One moment they’re rallying behind you and the next minute they’ve turned into a mob.

One day it seems they’re cheering for your success and encouraging you through the lows and the next day they’ve disintegrated – they found another shiny object.

I’ll say it again, fans are fickle.

People, though, people are generous. They thrive on long term commitments and stick by you as you keep your promises (and forgive you when you fumble).

You can shake their hands and interact face to face.

People are an investment. Fans, not so much.

Stay Positive & Seek People, Not Fans

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