One thing that I have come across more and more frequently lately is hollow words…..
Now hollow words is something that you expect from Councillors and Politicians as this is something they seem to relish in especially more after being elected as well as maybe television, film and music celebrities as it seems to be very much in their genes, yet it is becoming more and more prevalent into today’s business marketplace and environment.
With Social Media becoming more and more part of our lives and how it can detail every part of our life, make sure you really put yourself in the limelight so you don’t seem to swap and change like there is no tomorrow.
Time to be a success does indeed take time – whilst some ideas or personalities can do this over night – so if you don’t tell a consistent message about what you do or provide, this can lead to doubt’s about your offerings and credibility. Whether via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and now Google Plus being so open (even though you can restrict access this does not always work), plus people’s greed for success and money – it’s easy for you to be shot down by other’s or by yourself un-intentionally.
So, if you are going to do something, plan what you are going to do over say the next year’s and think this through like this:-
– What I am wanting to do over the next three year’s?
– Where do I plan to be in three year’s time?
– What do I need to do over the next three year’s to achieve this?
– What have I done over the last three year’s to help me achieve this?
– If the last three year’s mirror what you are doing over the next year’s (or similar) – make the message consistent
– If you have done several or many different things over these last three year’s – do they impact or explain what you are planning to do next?
Social Media and on-line information, provides a playground for people to search and research you, so, whilst people may query and question what your work or methods, would you not trust this person more because they have been consistent over the last three year’s with what they offer – over someone who has flitted from one idea to another over the same period?
Can a variety of roles prove to add credibility? Of course it can, if the message and common theme is clear. Whilst my career may seem to have varied over the last 20 plus odd year’s, each aspect of what I have done and do, all interlinks. And, in times of trouble and hardship, I have still kept a consistent view and message. So yes, I may not be to your cup of tea but the message and offering is consistent and clear from myself and I am able to explain how thing’s all interact.
So, before listening to other’s and being quick to run people down, make sure you speak to that person and understand what they are trying to achieve and offer. If you have something on your mind or can’t understand what they do, have done and through to what they do now, ask them!
Is it not better to hear the truth from the horse’s mouth (so too speak?), so you can fully understand their plan and reasoning and thus help you to plan not only your future but whether this person can be helpful and influential with assisting over your journey over the next three year’s…..
So, never be afraid to ask about someone and see what the truth is instead of just listening to hearsay and gossip – be open transparent. A prime example of this is Nigel Botterill (of N5 Group which includes The Best of Group and The Entrepreneurs Circle ) who is very clear about not only his successes but his failures too plus Brad Burton of 4Networking is also very open about is up and down’s and struggles.
In a nutshell, be clear, be open and honest. You may not be everyone’s cup of tea or flavour of the month, but if your message is clear and very consistent, then your credibility will shine through and silence your doubters. As these people will not have the same as yourself, history which equals credibility.
Remember, what I said I earlier about on-line history? What happens grow’s on-line with yourself. So, if you are open and clear from day one and keep that message consistent, they you are proving a credible past to your future.
If someone bursts on the scene and all over sudden they story appears, does this provide you with credibility to trust this person? Think about it, would you hire, trust or employ someone without knowing their CV or history? Of course not, you what something you check and seek references from.
In essence, make yourself open, transparent and clear because if you don’t – aren’t your words just hollow and what your doubter’s and competition will use against you?
For more information on Ian Calvert and what his career has involved and the path’s it has taken, read his profile on LinkedIn and thus you will / may understand why his profile was one of the top 1% Worldwide of most viewed profiles on LinkedIn last year.
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