Randy Cantrell is the founder of Bula Network, LLC - an executive leadership advisory company helping leaders leverage the power of others through peer advantage, online peer advisory groups. Interested in joining us? Visit ThePeerAdvantage.com
Writing and speaking in the active voice is more powerful than the passive voice. Big surprise, huh?
“The line drive golf ball shattered the car’s windshield.”
Or…
“The car’s windshield was shattered by the line drive golf ball.”
Yes, that first sentence conveys more power. More action.
It’s hard to break the habit of using passive voice. It’s just easier to be like that lazy ferret in the picture.
No effort.
Brevity is also hard.
George Bernard Shaw wrote, “Sorry for the letter, I didn’t have time to write a postcard.”
“I’d have written a shorter letter, but I didn’t have the time.” That quote is attributed to both Blaise Pascal and Mark Twain. Whoever said it got it right.
It takes time to be brief. Being concise demands greater effort and more upfront time.
Editing is hard.
But worth it.
Active voice. Short sentences.
Combine them for a powerful two-punch communication combination.
I admit it, I’m a notebook snob. It’s not that I have to have a high dollar notebook. None of these are terribly expensive, but they’re high quality. A regular ‘ol spiral notebook that kids use in school just won’t do for me. I need something better.
Businesses have to take better aim if they want an improved shot.
Business building for the solopreneur or entrepreneur begins with answering some personal questions! If you’re going to have a business that hits the mark, then you must answer some tough questions about yourself. It’s all about you!
If it is to be, it’s up to me.
If the shooter looking through this scope is going to hit his target…he’s got to take responsibility for the shot. He’s holding the rifle. He’s taking the aim. He’s pulling the trigger. If he misses, he’s got only himself to blame.
You have to take responsibility for your business. No excuses!
Jack Welch was noted for this saying during his days with General Electric…
Control your own destiny or somebody else will.
Today’s show focuses on three steps you must go through so you can improve your aim in business. In your business.
I probably begin where you wouldn’t expect. It’s not a traditional approach to figuring out the most important things, but in my experience – it’s among the most profitable ways to start this process.
Step One – The Negative
What are the things you absolutely don’t want to do?
Who are the people you don’t want to associate with?
What are the things you’re unwilling to devote yourself to?
What are the identities you don’t want to assume? These are the things you don’t want to be.
Step Two – The Positive
What are the things you’ve been interested in for a long time?
Who do you most want to spend time with?
What are the things you are willing to devote yourself to?
Be specific. Very specific.
Step Three – The One Thing
Pick one (1) thing. Just one.
Right now, what do you most want to do?
Who do you most want to be?
What do you most want to be known for?
Soar with your strengths. Follow your natural aptitude.
You don’t have to be world-class, but you need to be competent.
It’s important that you avoid aiming at some things so you can improve your aim at one thing. Do you want to hit a business target or not? If so, you have to aim at only one thing. Else, you won’t hit anything!
Next time we’ll start making some application of these things to your business.
