Tag: innovation

Hark! Ye’ Ol’ Philosophy Card

Better than Average Philosophy CardPhilosophy didn’t die with the downfall of the Grecian Empire. Just because the Acropolis is in ruins doesn’t mean personal beliefs are shattered. Where does it state philosophy can only be created by old men wrapped in bed sheets?

Each of us already has our own personal philosophy somewhere inside. How we live our lives. How we treat our customers. How we run our businesses. It’s already part of us.

 

But when was the last time you consciously thought about your philosophy?

Clearly articulating your personal philosophy makes you stand out from the crowd. Not many people sit down, put fingers to keyboard, and root their beliefs for the world to see.

If you have read my book, Better than Average: Excelling in a Mediocre World, seen one of my speeches, or sat with me at 30,000 feet while crossing the country, you have seen these principles in action.

If you’re a first-timer or passerby, welcome, and here is what I believe.

 

The Better than Average Philosophy

  1. Stand out, not stick out.
  2. It doesn’t need to be grand to be glorious.
  3. Position is irrelevant to potential.
  4. Average is average for a reason.
  5. Richness comes to those who punch their own ticket.
  6. Work where you’re needed, not where you deserve.
  7. Create your own truths.
  8. Value leads to loyalty.
  9. Greater gratitude and less gimme gimme.
  10. Match strengths to best practices.
  11. You have in your power the ability to change your world now.

How do I make a Philosophy Card?

If you want to make your own philosophy card, answer the following question.

If you could have the world any way you wanted, what would it look like, feel like and be like in every way? List out your responses. Each statement completes the sentence, “I believe…”

Your responses are your philosophy.

Print it on some glossy card stock and you are in business!

 

What do I do with it?

  • Pass it out in addition to your business card
  • Use it as a handout
  • Challenge others to make their own cards

Average people have business cards. The Better than Average carry philosophy cards.

Next time someone hands you his business card, hand him your philosophy card (and a business card).

The world needs more transparency, honest conversation, and open books.  Let them read you and they will respond.

Acknowledgement

The idea for the philosophy card came from a fellow author and speaker, Scott Ginsberg. You may read more about him on his site here.

 

QUESTION FOR YOU –

What do you stand for?

SOMETHING FOR YOU –

Worldwide visibility. If you create a philosophy card and send it to me, I will include it in a future post. I bet you won’t do it.

_____

Todd Brockdorf
Better than Average Guy
#1 Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Thought Leader
[email protected]

 

 

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What is “innovation”?

Nissan Pathfinder Concept 2013, InnovationI was recently asked, “What is innovation?” in reference to the automotive industry. I said something like, “It is standing out from the crowd. In automotive, it is typically bringing features and functionality that has not previously been seen in that class of vehicle.”

But is that really innovation?

At the North American International Auto Show, held annually in January in Detroit, the Motor City, there are some days dedicated to the media. There are some days that are open to the general public. And there are some days which are dedicated to the industry. I find these industry days most intriguing.

If you’ve never seen this show, just imagine a convention center filled with cars, floor to ceiling displays, and hot models who actually know a something about the vehicles.

During industry days, hundreds of engineers from the automotive manufacturers and their suppliers swamp the auto show with all kinds of engineering-related tools –computers, cameras, tablets, tape measures and calipers. The show is totally open to industry personnel, so they can go sit in each other’s vehicles, examine components, and take measurements. It’s not uncommon to see grown men crawling on the floor under the cars. It’s unofficially known as “Spy vs. Spy” days at the auto show. And it’s perfectly legit.

The gist is that they take these ideas back to the lab and use them as a basis for “innovation.”

But is it really innovation?

What is innovation?

Merriam-Webster defines innovation as “the introduction of something new; a new idea, method, or device”.

So is it new? Or just a rehash of something old? Apple didn’t invent the portable MP3 player. They improved it. Tomislav Uzelac actually invented the first successful one in 1997 while working at Advanced Multimedia Products. It was called the AMP MP3 Playback Engine.

The Better than Average don’t necessarily need to be “innovative” to stand out from the crowd. They merely need to have enough differentiation from competitors so that it is “not typically found in an industry.”

Bringing sleek styling to an SUV, like the Nissan Pathfinder concept vehicle did at this years’ show might be considered “innovative.” When the competition still looks like you’re driving a box on wheels, they may have just changed the market.

 

QUESTION FOR YOU –

What have you improved to stand out from your crowd?

SOMETHING FOR YOU –

For the first chapter of the forthcoming book Better than Average: Excelling in a Mediocre World, send an email to me and you score it for free!

_____

Todd Brockdorf
Better than Average Guy
Author, Speaker, Consultant
[email protected]

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