SPRING FORWARD, CATCH SUCCESS!

The past month has been very exciting. Finally, I have a few moments to catch up on my blogging and spread the wealth with you. Highlights include:

Professional Development

A recent advertising conference got me thinking about my decades of experience, mentors and industry colleagues.

I recently reconnected with friends from Carol H. Williams Advertising (CHWA), including Kay Lucas and Herb Kemp. We’re all pioneers in the field of ethnic marketing; still standing, still contributing and proud of it!

CHWA Founder/CEO Carol H. Williams provided the keynote address at the recent “Diversity in Advertising Conference and Career Fair,” sponsored by New York University - Business Development Institute. Carol’s agency bills $350 million; not bad for a woman from the South Side of Chicago. More on her talk later via a more extensive blog post.

True to form, I bolted to the front of the room to shake her hand after her talk. After a meaningful exchange, she said, “Let me know how I can help you.” Carol didn’t know how much she already helped via her inspirational words.

PR 101: never forfeit an opportunity to personally connect with an industry guru; true leaders are always open and receptive. I shared my genuine pride in Carol’s accomplishments and revealed how her words that morning buoyed me to excel. She responded in kind.

Since that conference 10 days ago, I can’t tell you how much I’ve achieved! Immediately after the Carol-Lynne connection, I was on the phone with Jerome Smith of BrandEvolve; our initial conversation expanded to what we could ultimately do in support of South Africa, a country we both love. That led to a connection between Jerome and Ana Julia Ghirello of Ghirello Design—a brilliant young web developer; both companies are in growth mode.

True to my corporate branding, Millynneum is “Your catalyst for connections in a climate of change.”

It’s empowering to listen, learn and implement your ideas! Each day is a unique case history, a course in human relationships. Use each interaction to graduate to the next level of success!

Suzy Welch & The Power of Blogging

A January 11 Millynneum Insight blog entry about Suzy Welch’s forthcoming book 10-10-10 led to an email from the author and former editor of the Harvard Business Review! Yes, I'm very excited and look forward to conversation with Suzy in the next few days.

As I tell my students, thoughts and ideas don’t count big. The world is now paying attention, thanks to the internet. Remember to “tag” or index your blog content, which allows search engines to find you and your ideas.

Continue to push your ideas and unique perspective via the World Wide Web. Work your own brand of magic on a grassroots to global level!

Twine.com

Tip: Register for the beta test of Twine. The new application automatically “tags” your writing, allowing entrepreneurs, writers and scholars to connect visionary concepts. Why not work with a colleague in Brazil? Authorize connections with entrepreneurs who live in Australia!

Think of Twine as an overblown Linked In. Register now and get ready to dramatically expand your network and resources. All systems are go for 30,000 more to join the elite research network.

Like Gandhi says, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Get ahead of the curve and put your thoughts in overdrive!

Politics

The Presidential election inspires us all to cultivate a better understanding of what makes this country tick.

Delegate convention seating (or lack thereof) at the Democratic National Convention for Michigan and Florida representatives forces us to think about back room political maneuvering. As Michelle Obama so eloquently says, “politics is a sport.”

Face it. Maneuvering and manipulation is part of the system. It will continue, and quite frankly, is what gives the USA its A-1 rating! As we’ve all honed our crafts in various professions, politicians are also pros at what they do. Never underestimate the depth and breadth of politics.

While we’re all working our plan A (the vote), the people who control the world are implementing their plan B and plan C.

Realize “the plan” was crafted years ago. If you’re serious about what you do—you’ve got to think ahead! No excuses. Plan, spring forward and catch success!

And, don’t forget plan D (discipline, diligence) and plan E (energy, enthusiasm and efficiency). Deploy these sport-life techniques and you’ll come out ahead.

Here’s a quick example of the RNC’s political savvy. When I was a reporter for the St. Petersburg Times, a local politico, Dunedin City Commissioner David Ramsey approached me about running for office. Did it matter that I was a registered Democrat? Guess not.

“We need people like you,” he explained. Further, he said the RNC would send me to a political training camp to hone my skills. I’ve relayed this story to scores of people over the years, as a testament to the organization and effectiveness of the Republican Party. They stay on message and work their plan. And, it helps that my father was a loyal Republican.

Thus, I have an appreciation for our two party system and democracy as the best plan E— development of an elite group thinkers and contributors to society.

Always think out of the box and understand you never know who you’re talking to. Your connections can give voice to your values and ideas in ways you don’t understand for years to come.

Spread Your Enthusiasm

Whenever you have good news, spread your enthusiasm!* In some cases you might write a blog entry or share news with a family member, trusted colleague or valued client. Enthusiastic exchanges keep you upbeat, engaged and receptive to nuggets of insight from others. I’ve consciously tried this over the past few days and it makes a difference.

Like Suzy Welch says, think about what can make the most impact in your life or others over a 10 minute - 10 month - 10 Year period.

The rest: take 10 seconds (or less), and let it go!

*In the vein of one of my favorite comedies, HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, starring Larry David; favorite character, Susie Green, a woman who’s never afraid to speak her mind!