I am in North Carolina with my kids visiting my brothers. So am on holidays enjoying time off with my kids and extended family. So not much business focus now except the odd call and of course email.
My brothers and I did have a charette yesterday. We each have different businesses with unique challenges. Mark mostly sells embedded and specialty computers. Lyle is trying to get his Biodiesel plant going. Glen is in wind power. We also had discussions on blogging (both Glen and Lyle are active bloggers).
Lyle is writing another book. His first one - Biodiesel Power is into the second printing so I am getting tips from him.
Mark is a comedian so we always have lots of laughs.
My brothers and I are very close so always have a great time when we get together.
I was given a book at one of my recent seminars, Younger Next Year, a Guide to Living Like Fifty until you are Eighty and Beyond, by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Loch, M.D. Of course, I am not yet 50 so why should I be thinking about when I am 80? The book does make valid points that the earlier you start, the easier it is to take the clock lower.
Most of the book re-enforces what I already know: eat right and exercise. In addition to that, the book talks about the need for purpose, interaction, and contact with other people. As people get older and consider retirement, etc., they often lose their circle of friends and lose their purpose and that is what causes premature aging.
The book is written in an interesting way. The two authors, one in his seventies, talks about his life experiences and how he has been responded to by the younger doctor author who explains his theories of medicine and why things work the way they do.
I have not read anything else that talks the way this book does about why exercise is so good for us. The thesis is that evolution takes ten of thousands of years and so we have not yet had time to evolve. It was only a few hundred years ago when there was famine and exercise was a huge part of daily lives, just to survive. Our bodies have not had time to adapt and as a result, we often go into "famine" mode where our bodies metabolism slows down and we start storing fat. The book points out that technology has allowed us to eat very poorly and certain innate cravings which are healthy when things are scarce like sugars and fats are tremendously unhealthy because we can end up with hugely concentrated sources of them. They are well within our reach and means.
Technology also allows us to exercise and walk less with simply less motion. This goes every where from cars to elevators to electric can openers. I have always been a big advocate of being careful of watching what I include in automation. (You will notice that I conveniently don't bring up anything about the negatives about computer technology, which of course is different.)
Friday, December 29, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Boxing Day 10 Miler
No business wisdom here so skip this if thats what you want.
The past few days have been family time as expected this time of year.
Today I ran the Boxing Day 10 Miler. Weather was close to perfect. It was 3 degrees C (about 38 F) to start and warmed a couple of degrees through the race. There were 900+ runners. I remember running it a number of years ago with only 200 other runners. This made for a crowded start and a crowded race.
To start about .5 K in (Canadian runners have problems with distance - we run in Km and miles depending on what suits us) there is a short but steep hill. No problem. But after that, the next 2 miles are slow downhill. Reminded me a bit of Boston. The problem with that is I know I will have to come back up hill. The first mile I ran too fast at 7:35 so I eased off.
After a few miles, we came to the marina. Beautiful views. Some headwind though.
Then I just ran. After mile 6, there is a huge long, steep hill up the escarpment (another word for big moutain). I was not trying to do a pace, just trying to get up it.
At about mile 7 we hit the trails. A bit wet but not too slippery. A bit too crowded to pass and at that point, I still had energy to do so. By the time we hit the roads again, I was close to spent. I did not even try to pick up the pace at mile 8 and 9. Usually I try to pick up the pace a bit when I pass the mile markers.
Overall, I finished at an 8:31 pace at 1:25:08. Elizabeth did 1:16:03 winning the top female in her age category.
Not a bad way to work off indulgences of the season.
The past few days have been family time as expected this time of year.
Today I ran the Boxing Day 10 Miler. Weather was close to perfect. It was 3 degrees C (about 38 F) to start and warmed a couple of degrees through the race. There were 900+ runners. I remember running it a number of years ago with only 200 other runners. This made for a crowded start and a crowded race.
To start about .5 K in (Canadian runners have problems with distance - we run in Km and miles depending on what suits us) there is a short but steep hill. No problem. But after that, the next 2 miles are slow downhill. Reminded me a bit of Boston. The problem with that is I know I will have to come back up hill. The first mile I ran too fast at 7:35 so I eased off.
After a few miles, we came to the marina. Beautiful views. Some headwind though.
Then I just ran. After mile 6, there is a huge long, steep hill up the escarpment (another word for big moutain). I was not trying to do a pace, just trying to get up it.
At about mile 7 we hit the trails. A bit wet but not too slippery. A bit too crowded to pass and at that point, I still had energy to do so. By the time we hit the roads again, I was close to spent. I did not even try to pick up the pace at mile 8 and 9. Usually I try to pick up the pace a bit when I pass the mile markers.
Overall, I finished at an 8:31 pace at 1:25:08. Elizabeth did 1:16:03 winning the top female in her age category.
Not a bad way to work off indulgences of the season.
Friday, December 22, 2006
What I Learned
Ben Yoskovitz of Instigator Blog sent a challenge to the blogging world to blog "What I learned in 2006". I learned:
1 - I read books faster than I can post the reviews on my blog (I am way behind in posting my reviews)
2 - Over a long time blog readership increases as long as I continue to get press and mentions. (my blog traffic has doubled+ in 2006)
3 - Life is short (one of my good friends died this year)
4 - More about being a CEO and life in a bigger company.
5 - "successful people do tough things". This is one of my mantras. I did some tough things this year. Short term pain for long term gain.
And mostly I learned that I have a lot more to learn and that I am far from the excellence I strive for.
And I am trying to learn to enjoy the process, not jus the destination.
Have a great holiday!
1 - I read books faster than I can post the reviews on my blog (I am way behind in posting my reviews)
2 - Over a long time blog readership increases as long as I continue to get press and mentions. (my blog traffic has doubled+ in 2006)
3 - Life is short (one of my good friends died this year)
4 - More about being a CEO and life in a bigger company.
5 - "successful people do tough things". This is one of my mantras. I did some tough things this year. Short term pain for long term gain.
And mostly I learned that I have a lot more to learn and that I am far from the excellence I strive for.
And I am trying to learn to enjoy the process, not jus the destination.
Have a great holiday!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Marketing 101 - Add Value
Mark Gibbs of Computer World Canada wrote a great editorial called "Unsubscribe me now!" in the Dec 8th issue. The gist of the message is he wanted no unwanted newsletters and more importantly, no newsletters speaking of personal things like exercise schedules etc. He brings up a very valid point on the noise on the net and asking for permission before sending marketing messages.
One of the things I like about blogging is it is voluntary for the reader to read. Most of my readers do not subscribe (but it is easy to do by just scrolling down and putting in your email list). Most just visit it on their own while surfing. So it is not intrusive.
The challenge for marketers is to cut through the noise. To not irritate but still get peoples' attention. This is increasingly the question marketers have to answer - how. In a word, the way to do this is to add value. The following are 5 ways to add value in marketing.
1 - People will read your stuff if it makes them money or saves them money.
2 - They will read it if it inspires them to do something they want to do.
3 - People will read if they can learn something.
4 - Be fast. Yes - this blog is a lot about time management but even without that thrust, people lack time. So be fast.
5 - Add humour or as the Americans say add humor. Laughter adds value.
In short, people will read if they can benefit. They listen to WIIFM - Whats in it for me. So think when you market - what is the benefit for the reader?
Now I better go and subscribe Mark to my blog, he might want to know about my workout tomorrow.
One of the things I like about blogging is it is voluntary for the reader to read. Most of my readers do not subscribe (but it is easy to do by just scrolling down and putting in your email list). Most just visit it on their own while surfing. So it is not intrusive.
The challenge for marketers is to cut through the noise. To not irritate but still get peoples' attention. This is increasingly the question marketers have to answer - how. In a word, the way to do this is to add value. The following are 5 ways to add value in marketing.
1 - People will read your stuff if it makes them money or saves them money.
2 - They will read it if it inspires them to do something they want to do.
3 - People will read if they can learn something.
4 - Be fast. Yes - this blog is a lot about time management but even without that thrust, people lack time. So be fast.
5 - Add humour or as the Americans say add humor. Laughter adds value.
In short, people will read if they can benefit. They listen to WIIFM - Whats in it for me. So think when you market - what is the benefit for the reader?
Now I better go and subscribe Mark to my blog, he might want to know about my workout tomorrow.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Finding Your Why
Busy weekend with the RIM Holiday Party on Friday night. It was huge. It was held in RIM Park.
Saturday night with Elizabeth's Christmas Party. Thanks to Sam for a great and generous party. It was held at the Millcroft Inn.
I was feeling tired and run down this weekend so not as productive as I would have liked. I ran 21.1 K today (the odd distance is because thats half a marathon). It was all I could do to squeeze out those last few miles. It took me 1:53 which is OK for a training run. Although I am not really training for anything except life. That said, I likely will run the Boxing Day 10 miler.
Have a tough day planned for tomorrow. There are downsides to being a CEO. Tough days are one of them. Exercise is one of the ways I choose to deal with stressful times.
To have a coach or not to have a coach is a personal decision. Some people react well to them and some people do not them.
Sometimes having a personal coach can actually detract from productivity especially during times of extreme busyness.
I recently read a short advertorial book by John Di Lemme called, Find Your Way and Fly. The reason I call it an advertorial book is because he is largely trying to sell his audio programs and other courses. Actually a bit too hard of a sell for my liking.
From what I have seen from his material, it is all good and fairly similar to Anthony Robbins material. I believe using some of this thinking in conjunction with some depth and hard work can definitely help one succeed.
One thing that I don’t like about him is he is promoting himself extensively to network marketers and I have never been much of an advocate of those (it is just not for me, I am sure that there are a lot of people that do well in those network marketing areas).
One chapter that I enjoyed was chapter three, The Habit of Giving. He noted that most successful people give generously of their money. For me, I would say that many successful people also give generously of their time (of course this is always a balancing act because giving too much time can cause even the most successful person to fail because they are not spending time on their top priority items).
One thought that he had was, "if every bill was paid and you had enough money in the bank for the rest of your life, what would you be doing?" His idea is to do this as an exercise as this will get at your true purpose in life.
It is interesting that I faced this challenge myself more than a few years ago and have determined that in order to achieve my purpose, I needed to continue to grow a successful business and I have chosen SYNNEX as my vehicle for accomplishing that purpose.
Saturday night with Elizabeth's Christmas Party. Thanks to Sam for a great and generous party. It was held at the Millcroft Inn.
I was feeling tired and run down this weekend so not as productive as I would have liked. I ran 21.1 K today (the odd distance is because thats half a marathon). It was all I could do to squeeze out those last few miles. It took me 1:53 which is OK for a training run. Although I am not really training for anything except life. That said, I likely will run the Boxing Day 10 miler.
Have a tough day planned for tomorrow. There are downsides to being a CEO. Tough days are one of them. Exercise is one of the ways I choose to deal with stressful times.
To have a coach or not to have a coach is a personal decision. Some people react well to them and some people do not them.
Sometimes having a personal coach can actually detract from productivity especially during times of extreme busyness.
I recently read a short advertorial book by John Di Lemme called, Find Your Way and Fly. The reason I call it an advertorial book is because he is largely trying to sell his audio programs and other courses. Actually a bit too hard of a sell for my liking.
From what I have seen from his material, it is all good and fairly similar to Anthony Robbins material. I believe using some of this thinking in conjunction with some depth and hard work can definitely help one succeed.
One thing that I don’t like about him is he is promoting himself extensively to network marketers and I have never been much of an advocate of those (it is just not for me, I am sure that there are a lot of people that do well in those network marketing areas).
One chapter that I enjoyed was chapter three, The Habit of Giving. He noted that most successful people give generously of their money. For me, I would say that many successful people also give generously of their time (of course this is always a balancing act because giving too much time can cause even the most successful person to fail because they are not spending time on their top priority items).
One thought that he had was, "if every bill was paid and you had enough money in the bank for the rest of your life, what would you be doing?" His idea is to do this as an exercise as this will get at your true purpose in life.
It is interesting that I faced this challenge myself more than a few years ago and have determined that in order to achieve my purpose, I needed to continue to grow a successful business and I have chosen SYNNEX as my vehicle for accomplishing that purpose.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Entrepreneurship Advice
I seem to be getting a lot of blog spam lately. Perhaps I should be flattered. I moderate all comments so they do not get through.
One of my readers sent me the following email (sorry for the late reply - I have been busy):
"First off I just want you to know all I'm asking for is advice, which is the most valuable thing I can get right now.
I have been working in a field of interest for many years now as a hobby. I've always had many very good ideas but I never had the resources to make them happen. I always figured it was because I was too young. Now I'm older, I have a job and I'm plagued with the same problem. I'll have a great idea but it will usually be out of my range because I either do not have the technical ability, the funding or resources to make the idea I vision happen.
My most recent plan evolved from my experience running similar websites, I found there was an un-fulfilled need. I decided to start judging the need for what I was offering so I did my homework and contacted over 130 other similar sites. Within a day I had 20 sites interested in what I had to offer. That's great and all but those 20 sites generate about 6 times the traffic I could handle. So once again I'm in the same position. I do not have the resources I need to properly execute my idea.
My basic question, what is the best route to take when you have a great ideal that is more then you can handle.
A little more about me, I'm 23 years old, I have been running web sites and involved in the industry for around 6 years. I have a good paying job in another industry which makes it even more difficult to make the "jump".
Thank you for your time."
My response:
1 - There is never a right time. Entrepreneurship involves risk. This means yous sometimes need to just jump. This said - I always say "fail often, fail fast, fail cheap" so I always look at the downside.
2 - It is very powerful to be under resourced. It will make you more resourceful and likely allow you to run a leaner more competitive business.
3 - I like to choose opportunities that are the right size for me now. This is a beautiful thing for business - there is always a right size business opportunity for everyone at every size. When you are starting from your basement, you can take a $100,000 opportunity and do well. Bigger companies cannot do this so will leave you alone.
4 - When the opportunity is too big for me, I consider narrowing my scope. Instead of being the biggest seller of bar code equipment, be the bigger in bar code for warehouses etc.
5 - Consider partnering. it is better to have 10% of something that is worth something than 100% of an idea.
6 - Ideas are a dime a dozen. It is the implementation that counts. How often do you see a resturant with a line outside and the one next to it goes bankrupt. All the time. Ideas are easy.
7 - I know a lot of people who almost start businesses. They are not successful. To steal from nike - "Just do it". And do it now. Time is the enemy of ideas and business. Someone else has the same idea. It is the one who perfects it that wins.
Hope that helps.
One of my readers sent me the following email (sorry for the late reply - I have been busy):
"First off I just want you to know all I'm asking for is advice, which is the most valuable thing I can get right now.
I have been working in a field of interest for many years now as a hobby. I've always had many very good ideas but I never had the resources to make them happen. I always figured it was because I was too young. Now I'm older, I have a job and I'm plagued with the same problem. I'll have a great idea but it will usually be out of my range because I either do not have the technical ability, the funding or resources to make the idea I vision happen.
My most recent plan evolved from my experience running similar websites, I found there was an un-fulfilled need. I decided to start judging the need for what I was offering so I did my homework and contacted over 130 other similar sites. Within a day I had 20 sites interested in what I had to offer. That's great and all but those 20 sites generate about 6 times the traffic I could handle. So once again I'm in the same position. I do not have the resources I need to properly execute my idea.
My basic question, what is the best route to take when you have a great ideal that is more then you can handle.
A little more about me, I'm 23 years old, I have been running web sites and involved in the industry for around 6 years. I have a good paying job in another industry which makes it even more difficult to make the "jump".
Thank you for your time."
My response:
1 - There is never a right time. Entrepreneurship involves risk. This means yous sometimes need to just jump. This said - I always say "fail often, fail fast, fail cheap" so I always look at the downside.
2 - It is very powerful to be under resourced. It will make you more resourceful and likely allow you to run a leaner more competitive business.
3 - I like to choose opportunities that are the right size for me now. This is a beautiful thing for business - there is always a right size business opportunity for everyone at every size. When you are starting from your basement, you can take a $100,000 opportunity and do well. Bigger companies cannot do this so will leave you alone.
4 - When the opportunity is too big for me, I consider narrowing my scope. Instead of being the biggest seller of bar code equipment, be the bigger in bar code for warehouses etc.
5 - Consider partnering. it is better to have 10% of something that is worth something than 100% of an idea.
6 - Ideas are a dime a dozen. It is the implementation that counts. How often do you see a resturant with a line outside and the one next to it goes bankrupt. All the time. Ideas are easy.
7 - I know a lot of people who almost start businesses. They are not successful. To steal from nike - "Just do it". And do it now. Time is the enemy of ideas and business. Someone else has the same idea. It is the one who perfects it that wins.
Hope that helps.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
What would I like to have...
Too many meetings and calls today and I left for a YPO meeting at 4. Then stopped by for a visit with my brother and parents. So by the time I got home at 11 or so, I had managed to accumulate almost 100 emails (and thats only since 4). Trying hard to get that volume down. On the positive though, I am fast at working through them. And I repeat often "its nice to be so popular".
I am practicing a technique I called, what would you like to have done or accomplished.
The way this works is first thing in the morning (and often the night before also) I make a short list of the things that I would like to accomplish by the time the day is through. Simply the action of making this list keeps my mind focused on these important tasks and I tend to find that I get more of those task completed when i do this.
Simple.
I am practicing a technique I called, what would you like to have done or accomplished.
The way this works is first thing in the morning (and often the night before also) I make a short list of the things that I would like to accomplish by the time the day is through. Simply the action of making this list keeps my mind focused on these important tasks and I tend to find that I get more of those task completed when i do this.
Simple.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
7 Ways to Develop Momentum and Get Things Done
I was honoured to receive one of the top 25 newsmakers in 2006 by CDN. Now I have to do something newsworthy in 2007.
Time Tip of the Day:
7 Ways to Develop Momentum and Get Things Done
By Jim Estill
CEO - SYNNEX Canada
One thing that I learned from bicycle racing (actually, I am not much of a bicycle racer but I do triathlons - biking needs work) is the power of momentum. In bicycle racing the way to do better and use less energy is to pedal very, very fast and powerfully to start with, give it 120% and once you are up to speed, you can simply maintain a good even cadence.
I have often used this technique even with my car which tracks my Km per L (of course I don't do major jack rabbit starts but I do get up to speed quickly and then go easy on the accelerator). I find this technique is the best way to maximize mileage. Save energy and get ahead faster.
I use this same technique to getting projects and tasks done. I find if I can simply start the project fast, I can often use the momentum to carry me through to its completion. So the key is to get started fast. Some techniques I use for this are:
1 - Ask someone to help start. Often just having someone else help gets things moving.
2 - Know your high energy times and start projects with a burst during one of those periods.
3 - Avoid distraction. Focus 100% on the task or priority that you are trying to get started on. Turn off email and the phone. Close your door. Get rid of papers on your desk.
4 - Know your outcome. The clearer you know what you want to accomplish, the more likely you are to accomplish it.
5 - Set a time limit. I know I can do almost anything for a short period of time. By setting a time limit like 15 or 20 minutes to work diligently on a project then give myself permission to quit, I often develop momentum.
6 - Be prepared. It is easier to develop and maintain momentum if you have all the tools and information ready.
7 - Finally, just do it. Dig in hard. Push hard. Remember the bicycle. A few hard pushes to start make things much easier to finish with less energy.
Using these techniques for gaining momentum can help you move any project forward faster and more easily.
Time Tip of the Day:
7 Ways to Develop Momentum and Get Things Done
By Jim Estill
CEO - SYNNEX Canada
One thing that I learned from bicycle racing (actually, I am not much of a bicycle racer but I do triathlons - biking needs work) is the power of momentum. In bicycle racing the way to do better and use less energy is to pedal very, very fast and powerfully to start with, give it 120% and once you are up to speed, you can simply maintain a good even cadence.
I have often used this technique even with my car which tracks my Km per L (of course I don't do major jack rabbit starts but I do get up to speed quickly and then go easy on the accelerator). I find this technique is the best way to maximize mileage. Save energy and get ahead faster.
I use this same technique to getting projects and tasks done. I find if I can simply start the project fast, I can often use the momentum to carry me through to its completion. So the key is to get started fast. Some techniques I use for this are:
1 - Ask someone to help start. Often just having someone else help gets things moving.
2 - Know your high energy times and start projects with a burst during one of those periods.
3 - Avoid distraction. Focus 100% on the task or priority that you are trying to get started on. Turn off email and the phone. Close your door. Get rid of papers on your desk.
4 - Know your outcome. The clearer you know what you want to accomplish, the more likely you are to accomplish it.
5 - Set a time limit. I know I can do almost anything for a short period of time. By setting a time limit like 15 or 20 minutes to work diligently on a project then give myself permission to quit, I often develop momentum.
6 - Be prepared. It is easier to develop and maintain momentum if you have all the tools and information ready.
7 - Finally, just do it. Dig in hard. Push hard. Remember the bicycle. A few hard pushes to start make things much easier to finish with less energy.
Using these techniques for gaining momentum can help you move any project forward faster and more easily.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Great Inventions or Great Marketing
It took me most of the day to get caught up from travels last week. I really need to polish my systems. I have good people, I need to let them do more without my oversight. I likely am adding less value than I want in many cases. Analysing where those areas are.
Is it great inventions or great marketing that makes a company? Tatsuya Nakagawa argues it is marketing that makes the company successful and has a persuasive podcast on the subject.
I agree and I don't. Only superior products can be marketed easily. In many cases, companies spend money trying to market second rate products where often that money would be better spent improving the product or the value proposition. And the better the product or offering, the more likely it is to take less marketing to make the product a success. The best success comes from remarkable products that people voluntarily tell others about. Seth Godin calls this sneezing.
One product that I tell everyone about (that I don't sell or make anything on) is Nike Free runing shoes. Not for the better exercise they suggest or any of those benefits. I love them because they are small and can be easily packed. When I travel, I always go carry on so space is at a premium. Nike Free solves part of that. And of course i am passionate about my Toyota Prius. It costs about the same as any other car in that size class and gets almost double the mileage. They work great, good interior space. And whats more they have serious cool factor. I don't see why more people don't choose them.
I love marketing but need good products or services to be able to market passionately. And what is the point in marketing if it cannot be done with passion?
Is it great inventions or great marketing that makes a company? Tatsuya Nakagawa argues it is marketing that makes the company successful and has a persuasive podcast on the subject.
I agree and I don't. Only superior products can be marketed easily. In many cases, companies spend money trying to market second rate products where often that money would be better spent improving the product or the value proposition. And the better the product or offering, the more likely it is to take less marketing to make the product a success. The best success comes from remarkable products that people voluntarily tell others about. Seth Godin calls this sneezing.
One product that I tell everyone about (that I don't sell or make anything on) is Nike Free runing shoes. Not for the better exercise they suggest or any of those benefits. I love them because they are small and can be easily packed. When I travel, I always go carry on so space is at a premium. Nike Free solves part of that. And of course i am passionate about my Toyota Prius. It costs about the same as any other car in that size class and gets almost double the mileage. They work great, good interior space. And whats more they have serious cool factor. I don't see why more people don't choose them.
I love marketing but need good products or services to be able to market passionately. And what is the point in marketing if it cannot be done with passion?
Saturday, December 9, 2006
Leadership vs. Management
I recently had a comment about my first post (thank you Steven) and I thought I would use the ultimate time management tool - re-use. Below is my first post. My thoughts on Leadership vs Mangement remain the same as when I wrote this 18 months ago. Interestingly, I still struggle with building systems that can support my volume. I have added in italics comments from today:
Why did I call this Blog Time Leadership and not Time Management?
Leadership is about doing the right things, Management is about doing things right. Recently I found it was one of my favourite leadership thought leaders - Peter Drucker who first said this.
Leadership is about having the map and going the right direction (goals). Management is about going there efficiently.
Leadership is about effectiveness. Management is about efficiency.
Leadership comes before Management.
In the 1990s I published an audio tape series on Time Management. And I have republished an updated version as a CD and also an eBook. Since then, I have come to realize that being efficent has its limits and that working on the right things yeilds more results than straight efficiency.
Of course because my interest in time management and efficiency, many of my postings will also be efficiency tips.
My new job as CEO of SYNNEX Canada after 25 years of running my own business (EMJ Data) has caused me to reevaluate my entire set of systems. EMJ was a business with about 300 employees with sales about $350,000,000. SYNNEX Canada is roughly double that number of staff and triple the sales.
Because I had done EMJ for so many years, I had developed systems to handle volume. These systems were starting to break down at SYNNEX because the volume increased. I found that much of my time was spent traveling and addressing CYA issues. Everyone at SYNNEX was concerned because there was a new boss (me) and the EMJ people were concerned because SYNNEX had bought EMJ. 2-3 weeks could pass and I could see little meaningful progress. Recognizing this made me realize I needed to work on the right things - rather than just work. One of my greatest strengths is high energy and high work ethic, long hours etc. This can only get me so far if I do not work on the right things.
This blog will be where I share my journey. I will also share a number of my tips and tricks.
Why did I call this Blog Time Leadership and not Time Management?
Leadership is about doing the right things, Management is about doing things right. Recently I found it was one of my favourite leadership thought leaders - Peter Drucker who first said this.
Leadership is about having the map and going the right direction (goals). Management is about going there efficiently.
Leadership is about effectiveness. Management is about efficiency.
Leadership comes before Management.
In the 1990s I published an audio tape series on Time Management. And I have republished an updated version as a CD and also an eBook. Since then, I have come to realize that being efficent has its limits and that working on the right things yeilds more results than straight efficiency.
Of course because my interest in time management and efficiency, many of my postings will also be efficiency tips.
My new job as CEO of SYNNEX Canada after 25 years of running my own business (EMJ Data) has caused me to reevaluate my entire set of systems. EMJ was a business with about 300 employees with sales about $350,000,000. SYNNEX Canada is roughly double that number of staff and triple the sales.
Because I had done EMJ for so many years, I had developed systems to handle volume. These systems were starting to break down at SYNNEX because the volume increased. I found that much of my time was spent traveling and addressing CYA issues. Everyone at SYNNEX was concerned because there was a new boss (me) and the EMJ people were concerned because SYNNEX had bought EMJ. 2-3 weeks could pass and I could see little meaningful progress. Recognizing this made me realize I needed to work on the right things - rather than just work. One of my greatest strengths is high energy and high work ethic, long hours etc. This can only get me so far if I do not work on the right things.
This blog will be where I share my journey. I will also share a number of my tips and tricks.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Objectives
I am in Greenville at executive meetings. I always learn things at these meetings.
But too much time out of the office lately to be efficient. I am working on my "efficiency while on the road". I am also feeling tired even though I did get a good 3.5 mile run in this morning.
Quote of the day from one of my favourites:
Management by objectives works if you first think through your objectives. Ninety percent of the time you haven't.-Peter Drucker
(This is the guy who said that "Management is doing things right; Leadership is doing the right things.")
But too much time out of the office lately to be efficient. I am working on my "efficiency while on the road". I am also feeling tired even though I did get a good 3.5 mile run in this morning.
Quote of the day from one of my favourites:
Management by objectives works if you first think through your objectives. Ninety percent of the time you haven't.-Peter Drucker
(This is the guy who said that "Management is doing things right; Leadership is doing the right things.")
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
ROI in Marketing
I attended a session on ROI (Return on Investment) in marketing at the HP conference. Hopefully the presenter (who was excellent) was not put off too much by some of the views I shared. HP's focus on ROI should play right into SYNNEX's strengths because one of our goals is to be the best return for vendor marketing dollars spent.
This said, ROI on marketing is foggy at best and a myth at worse. Part of this is because I think long term and measurements tend to be short term (my long term view often conflicts with others who have shorter views)
I wrote this controversial article on ROI in Marketing a while ago that explains the pitfalls.
The Fallacy of Return on Investment in Marketing.
Return on investment in marketing cannot be measured accurately.
Do you buy a Coke because it is on the billboard; because you saw the ad on television; because you saw the Coke truck; or because the Coke machine is convenient? Was it the ad this month or last? Or was it the ad you saw when you were 10? Or is it the fond memories you have of drinking Coke? Or the nice logo?
The answer is - you probably don’t know exactly why you buy the Coke at the particular time that you do. It is a combination of all these factors that make up marketing that cause the consumer to take action.
Marketing is the battle for perception. Good marketing can create the perception needed to cause purchasers to buy.
The only type of product that can have an instant return on investment in marketing is something that is truly commoditized. If you are selling water and there is no perception that your water is any different than anyone else’s water, then if you do a marketing campaign or a promotion or a price reduction, you can shift share from a competitor. Most manufacturers should actually be spending their marketing dollars differentiating their product. It is much easier to sell “Clean Glacier” water over "bottled city" water if Clean Glacier can sell the refreshment and health benefits of their brand.
The only companies that should want to commoditize their markets are ones that are truly the lowest cost to produce (not to be confused with lowest price). To sell at the lowest price without the lowest cost is a recipe for failure.
There is a great book called Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell, that talks about mavens (product experts) and connectors (natural networkers who spread the word). The thesis in the book is that getting products known by enough mavens and connectors can cause a product to "tip" and become pervasive and successful.
I sit on the board of Research in Motion (RIM). When RIM was first introducing their products, they spent most of their marketing budget on giving samples of their product to people they identified as mavens or connectors. Most stockbrokers qualified. Because the product worked well, they evangelized it and eventually that lead to more adoption and ultimate success.
A single influencer can persuade hundreds of customers to buy over a long period of time.
The purpose of marketing, then, can be to influence the influencers. Design any program with that in mind.
Marketing is also best done with multiple media. It is best to not only send a flyer but to telemarket, email, fax, press release, demonstrate products in trade show, advertise etc. The different messages reinforce each other and different people get different things from different media.
All marketing tends to be more effective if it is repeated often. It has been said that the first time a person sees something about the company, they don’t see it; the second time, they are vaguely aware of it; the third time they look at it; the fourth time, they read it; the fifth time, they absorb; and the sixth time, they buy it. All marketing effects occur over time.
Because of the difficulty in measuring ROI, some companies will just stop marketing. This is great news for those that keep marketing. In time share will shift to those that continue to invest.
I am a time management person. I pride myself in using my time well. I even authored an eBook and audio CD on the topic. People ask me why I Blog and do I get a return on the time I spend blogging. I do know it has given me a higher profile. It has added to the tradition press I get (I have been written about in the Globe and Mail, Forbes Magazine and many computer trade journals like CRN). Can I measure the ROI? No - but no long term company can measure ROI accurately.
Jim Estill is the CEO of SYNNEX Canada
This said, ROI on marketing is foggy at best and a myth at worse. Part of this is because I think long term and measurements tend to be short term (my long term view often conflicts with others who have shorter views)
I wrote this controversial article on ROI in Marketing a while ago that explains the pitfalls.
The Fallacy of Return on Investment in Marketing.
Return on investment in marketing cannot be measured accurately.
Do you buy a Coke because it is on the billboard; because you saw the ad on television; because you saw the Coke truck; or because the Coke machine is convenient? Was it the ad this month or last? Or was it the ad you saw when you were 10? Or is it the fond memories you have of drinking Coke? Or the nice logo?
The answer is - you probably don’t know exactly why you buy the Coke at the particular time that you do. It is a combination of all these factors that make up marketing that cause the consumer to take action.
Marketing is the battle for perception. Good marketing can create the perception needed to cause purchasers to buy.
The only type of product that can have an instant return on investment in marketing is something that is truly commoditized. If you are selling water and there is no perception that your water is any different than anyone else’s water, then if you do a marketing campaign or a promotion or a price reduction, you can shift share from a competitor. Most manufacturers should actually be spending their marketing dollars differentiating their product. It is much easier to sell “Clean Glacier” water over "bottled city" water if Clean Glacier can sell the refreshment and health benefits of their brand.
The only companies that should want to commoditize their markets are ones that are truly the lowest cost to produce (not to be confused with lowest price). To sell at the lowest price without the lowest cost is a recipe for failure.
There is a great book called Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell, that talks about mavens (product experts) and connectors (natural networkers who spread the word). The thesis in the book is that getting products known by enough mavens and connectors can cause a product to "tip" and become pervasive and successful.
I sit on the board of Research in Motion (RIM). When RIM was first introducing their products, they spent most of their marketing budget on giving samples of their product to people they identified as mavens or connectors. Most stockbrokers qualified. Because the product worked well, they evangelized it and eventually that lead to more adoption and ultimate success.
A single influencer can persuade hundreds of customers to buy over a long period of time.
The purpose of marketing, then, can be to influence the influencers. Design any program with that in mind.
Marketing is also best done with multiple media. It is best to not only send a flyer but to telemarket, email, fax, press release, demonstrate products in trade show, advertise etc. The different messages reinforce each other and different people get different things from different media.
All marketing tends to be more effective if it is repeated often. It has been said that the first time a person sees something about the company, they don’t see it; the second time, they are vaguely aware of it; the third time they look at it; the fourth time, they read it; the fifth time, they absorb; and the sixth time, they buy it. All marketing effects occur over time.
Because of the difficulty in measuring ROI, some companies will just stop marketing. This is great news for those that keep marketing. In time share will shift to those that continue to invest.
I am a time management person. I pride myself in using my time well. I even authored an eBook and audio CD on the topic. People ask me why I Blog and do I get a return on the time I spend blogging. I do know it has given me a higher profile. It has added to the tradition press I get (I have been written about in the Globe and Mail, Forbes Magazine and many computer trade journals like CRN). Can I measure the ROI? No - but no long term company can measure ROI accurately.
Jim Estill is the CEO of SYNNEX Canada
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Time Budget
I am in Niagara Falls at an HP convention. Big change from the weekend. I lead a surreal life. Moving from hiking and canoeing to 5 star hotels.
A friend of mine recently asked me about the concept of a time budget. This would be similar to a money budget where we decide how much time to spend on each task and function and figure out how we should be spending our time.
The more I have thought about this, the more I think that it is an awesome idea and is something that I am going to try.
One concern that I have with calling it a budget is that budgets tend to make people feel restricted and are often daunting for people so I guess as with any budget, it would require self-discipline and control as well as realism. One knock people have against time management is they say they will never be able to have fun or take time off. Totally wrong. Good time management allows one to do more of what they choose to do. (of course in my case that is building a great company)
Might be a good idea to add to my eBook.
A friend of mine recently asked me about the concept of a time budget. This would be similar to a money budget where we decide how much time to spend on each task and function and figure out how we should be spending our time.
The more I have thought about this, the more I think that it is an awesome idea and is something that I am going to try.
One concern that I have with calling it a budget is that budgets tend to make people feel restricted and are often daunting for people so I guess as with any budget, it would require self-discipline and control as well as realism. One knock people have against time management is they say they will never be able to have fun or take time off. Totally wrong. Good time management allows one to do more of what they choose to do. (of course in my case that is building a great company)
Might be a good idea to add to my eBook.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Weekend Off
If you are looking for business insights - this is the wrong post. This would come under what Stephen Covey calls Sharpening the Saw. Rest so I can come back stronger.
This post is in honour of one my fellow SYNNEX executives I was speaking to on Thursday who was complaining that the weather in California was cold at 45 degrees farhenheit. It was a bit colder here (but still quite mild at minus 3 degrees Celcius or about 25 degrees farhenheit.)
Friday at 6:30, Elizabeth and I set off up north to the Haliburton Area. We did not get back until 8:30 tonight.
We portaged and canoed into a small shack of a cabin. Then hiked for a few hours. I like hiking in the snow, knowing as long as there is daylight, you can follow your tracks back. Lots of fresh air and exercise. It was beautiful. I loved it.
I let the photos below tell the story.
You can see the cabin across the lake in this one.
This post is in honour of one my fellow SYNNEX executives I was speaking to on Thursday who was complaining that the weather in California was cold at 45 degrees farhenheit. It was a bit colder here (but still quite mild at minus 3 degrees Celcius or about 25 degrees farhenheit.)
Friday at 6:30, Elizabeth and I set off up north to the Haliburton Area. We did not get back until 8:30 tonight.
We portaged and canoed into a small shack of a cabin. Then hiked for a few hours. I like hiking in the snow, knowing as long as there is daylight, you can follow your tracks back. Lots of fresh air and exercise. It was beautiful. I loved it.
I let the photos below tell the story.
You can see the cabin across the lake in this one.
Friday, December 1, 2006
More Press
I seem to be receiving quite a bit of press lately. I was fortunate enough to be named one of the Top 20 Bulders and Visionaries for 20 years in Canada by Computer Dealer News.
I had an interview on startupspark.com and one of my articles was featured on helium.com's homepage.
Connect IT published one of my articles on the 12 Rules of Time.
One of my articles was printed in a new magazine called the Highland Marketer.
The following is the article that printed in the Highland Marketer.
Time to Sell
One of the challenges in sales is finding enough time. With unlimited time, we can clearly sell more. Given that our time in finite, we need to devise systems to help us sell more.
The following are my seven rules to finding time:
1 - Some of the reasons that people procrastinate on making sales calls and don’t make enough sales calls is because they have "cold feet". A lot of the techniques have to do with how to get over "cold feet". Some of the techniques include:
Make the calls warm by doing marketing, mailings, emails, etc.
Make them warm by getting referrals.
2 - Count failures as wins. I like to always set three goals whenever I make a sales call: one goal is to close the big sale; the second is to close a smaller sale; and the third goal is to introduce myself, leave a card and brochure. That way on every sales call I can achieve a goal. Count how many mini-goals that you achieve because they add up and in time will help keep you motivated.
4 - You will never know enough. Often sales people, especially those who sell technical products (like my business) might spend hours learning about the new technologies and the new products that are available. The fact is that you could study full-time and still not know everything. At some point you have to just jump in; so the rule is to not make any excuses, you have enough knowledge to sell now.
5 - Use mantras. One of my mantras is, "What the heck, go for it anyways." This is what you say to yourself when you are nervous about making a sales call or stopping in on someone unannounced. The answer is, "What the heck, go for it anyways." Another mantra I use is, "Back to work." Use this whenever you find yourself doing something other than spending time on sales.
6 - It is all about statistics. The more sales calls that you make to more quality clients, the more time you spend with them, the higher the quality of time that you spend with them, the more sales you will make. It is all about getting your statistics right and moving more time into selling time.
7 - Delegate and outsource non-selling tasks. Often the best things to delegate are the things that someone else can do considerably easier, faster, or better than we can. If we are in procrastination mode, we often allow some administrative tasks to take an inordinate amount of time.
I had an interview on startupspark.com and one of my articles was featured on helium.com's homepage.
Connect IT published one of my articles on the 12 Rules of Time.
One of my articles was printed in a new magazine called the Highland Marketer.
The following is the article that printed in the Highland Marketer.
Time to Sell
One of the challenges in sales is finding enough time. With unlimited time, we can clearly sell more. Given that our time in finite, we need to devise systems to help us sell more.
The following are my seven rules to finding time:
1 - Some of the reasons that people procrastinate on making sales calls and don’t make enough sales calls is because they have "cold feet". A lot of the techniques have to do with how to get over "cold feet". Some of the techniques include:
Make the calls warm by doing marketing, mailings, emails, etc.
Make them warm by getting referrals.
2 - Count failures as wins. I like to always set three goals whenever I make a sales call: one goal is to close the big sale; the second is to close a smaller sale; and the third goal is to introduce myself, leave a card and brochure. That way on every sales call I can achieve a goal. Count how many mini-goals that you achieve because they add up and in time will help keep you motivated.
4 - You will never know enough. Often sales people, especially those who sell technical products (like my business) might spend hours learning about the new technologies and the new products that are available. The fact is that you could study full-time and still not know everything. At some point you have to just jump in; so the rule is to not make any excuses, you have enough knowledge to sell now.
5 - Use mantras. One of my mantras is, "What the heck, go for it anyways." This is what you say to yourself when you are nervous about making a sales call or stopping in on someone unannounced. The answer is, "What the heck, go for it anyways." Another mantra I use is, "Back to work." Use this whenever you find yourself doing something other than spending time on sales.
6 - It is all about statistics. The more sales calls that you make to more quality clients, the more time you spend with them, the higher the quality of time that you spend with them, the more sales you will make. It is all about getting your statistics right and moving more time into selling time.
7 - Delegate and outsource non-selling tasks. Often the best things to delegate are the things that someone else can do considerably easier, faster, or better than we can. If we are in procrastination mode, we often allow some administrative tasks to take an inordinate amount of time.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Motivational Speakers
Yesterday I attended a YPO seminar with 3 great inspireational speakers. Vern Harnish, Seth Godin and Pat Lencioni.
The theme of the day was growth. Clearly a motivational topic for any entrepreneur. The reason I like growth it is th painless way to efficiency. Sell 20% more but only add 10% more staff and overheads is to most painless path to efficiency.
The speakers challenged me to think big, think major change, think different. Separate from the crowd. Do not do what everyone else does - choose something different. I came away with pages of notes. Now I am thinking...
Changing topics.
I am a very goal focussed person. I read on the instigator blog a project that he is doing where he is encouraging people to set goals between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I find setting goals for me is inspirational and good as it keeps me ontrack anytime so why not participate.
The best goal setting exercise is still the 60 minute goal setting exercise that I have written about previously.
This specific challenge that I need to solve now is further refinement of my time systems and processes to help me efficiently handle volume. Specific issues around the time to do email.
At the same time, I need to polish my time systems and I need to make sure I maintain my health. The only area that I really need help with may be sleeping more (although I do need to keep the discipline up on exercising and eating right).
The theme of the day was growth. Clearly a motivational topic for any entrepreneur. The reason I like growth it is th painless way to efficiency. Sell 20% more but only add 10% more staff and overheads is to most painless path to efficiency.
The speakers challenged me to think big, think major change, think different. Separate from the crowd. Do not do what everyone else does - choose something different. I came away with pages of notes. Now I am thinking...
Changing topics.
I am a very goal focussed person. I read on the instigator blog a project that he is doing where he is encouraging people to set goals between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I find setting goals for me is inspirational and good as it keeps me ontrack anytime so why not participate.
The best goal setting exercise is still the 60 minute goal setting exercise that I have written about previously.
This specific challenge that I need to solve now is further refinement of my time systems and processes to help me efficiently handle volume. Specific issues around the time to do email.
At the same time, I need to polish my time systems and I need to make sure I maintain my health. The only area that I really need help with may be sleeping more (although I do need to keep the discipline up on exercising and eating right).
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Sleep Deficit
These have been busy days for me. Today I was at an awesome YPO seminar. More on that later.
I read a very interesting article from the Harvard Business Review, October 2006 Edition called, Sleep Deficit the Performance Killer. A conversation with Harvard Medical School Professor Charles A. Szeisler is highly discouraging. His view is that we all get too little sleep and not getting enough sleep hurts our performance and our productivity. He even goes as far as thinking companies should have a "sleep policy" that don't allow people to take red-eye flights and allow for people to make time zone adjustments.
In reading the article, I do believe there are a number of valid points and I do think I should work more on sleeping properly.
There was a short paragraph on how to stay awake when you need to stay awake (certainly not a main point of the article which strongly encourages sleep). The obvious points were:
- drink caffeine (I rarely drink coffee except when I need to stay awake), although I do drink the occasional soda and tea (usually green tea)
- take naps if they are brief (less than an hour) (and I am a big advocate of a 21 minute nap. )
- exercise (I use this one)
- being in an upright position (duh)
- and exposure to bright light
One comment he made is "it is not heroic to deprive oneself of sleep". Food for thought.
I read a great book by Marty Neumeier called the Brand Gap (even though I am busy, I still take some breaks). As you know, I am a big fan of marketing and branding books. One of the quotes from the books is, "Trust creation as a fundamental goal of brand design."
The book talks about the value of brand versus no brand and usually uses the example of how much people are willing to pay for Coke versus a no name product that arguably tastes substantial similar but doesn't have the brand.
The three questions about branding to ask are:
Who are you?
What do you do?
Why does it matter?
I always remember that branding is not in the mind of the company rather it is in the mind of the customers. It is what the customers truly perceive you as.
Branding is not about logos, slogans, or advertising. Those all help create a brand but those are not the brands in itself.
Part of my interest in branding has to do with my interest in strategy as I believe they are linked.
I read a very interesting article from the Harvard Business Review, October 2006 Edition called, Sleep Deficit the Performance Killer. A conversation with Harvard Medical School Professor Charles A. Szeisler is highly discouraging. His view is that we all get too little sleep and not getting enough sleep hurts our performance and our productivity. He even goes as far as thinking companies should have a "sleep policy" that don't allow people to take red-eye flights and allow for people to make time zone adjustments.
In reading the article, I do believe there are a number of valid points and I do think I should work more on sleeping properly.
There was a short paragraph on how to stay awake when you need to stay awake (certainly not a main point of the article which strongly encourages sleep). The obvious points were:
- drink caffeine (I rarely drink coffee except when I need to stay awake), although I do drink the occasional soda and tea (usually green tea)
- take naps if they are brief (less than an hour) (and I am a big advocate of a 21 minute nap. )
- exercise (I use this one)
- being in an upright position (duh)
- and exposure to bright light
One comment he made is "it is not heroic to deprive oneself of sleep". Food for thought.
I read a great book by Marty Neumeier called the Brand Gap (even though I am busy, I still take some breaks). As you know, I am a big fan of marketing and branding books. One of the quotes from the books is, "Trust creation as a fundamental goal of brand design."
The book talks about the value of brand versus no brand and usually uses the example of how much people are willing to pay for Coke versus a no name product that arguably tastes substantial similar but doesn't have the brand.
The three questions about branding to ask are:
Who are you?
What do you do?
Why does it matter?
I always remember that branding is not in the mind of the company rather it is in the mind of the customers. It is what the customers truly perceive you as.
Branding is not about logos, slogans, or advertising. Those all help create a brand but those are not the brands in itself.
Part of my interest in branding has to do with my interest in strategy as I believe they are linked.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Productivity
We had a great holiday party Saturday night for our Toronto staff (Guelph's was last week). It was well attended, well organized and a good time.
I was tired this weekend. 4 trips in 2 weeks might be part of it. Multiple time zones also serves to mess me up. 10 mile run on Saturday would contribute.
I did not feel too productive this weekend. I am fighting busy work. I can spend a few hours "working" but get little of value accomplished. My challenge is to cut through the busy work to get to the important. Devise ways to dispense with it quickly. Devise ways to eliminate it. I find the larger our company is, the more people want a part of my time. At the same time this is happening, admin and paperwork increases. One place this busy work is huge is in email. I can spend a few hours each day just to keep on top of it. And I have awesome filters, folder systems, a Blackberry etc.
There is a quotation by Goethe (but I might not have ti right because I could not find it on the net)
"Things which matter the most should not be sacrificed in favour of those that matter the least."
I recently read a book called, "Retail Selling Ain't Brain Surgery, It's Twice As Hard – 9 Steps to successful sales relationships", by James E. Dion. As the title suggests, it is mostly about retailing. He has nine steps that every retailer should use to treat their customers well. As an occasional retail customer, I know that retail selling etiquette is sadly lacking and I think most retailers could benefit from reading this very simple and quick reading book.
His nine steps are:
The greeting
Needs determination
Product knowledge
Suggestion selling
Trading up
Answering objections
The close
Maximizing last moments
After sales service
Best read the book for full details.
This is a great read for any retailer.
I was tired this weekend. 4 trips in 2 weeks might be part of it. Multiple time zones also serves to mess me up. 10 mile run on Saturday would contribute.
I did not feel too productive this weekend. I am fighting busy work. I can spend a few hours "working" but get little of value accomplished. My challenge is to cut through the busy work to get to the important. Devise ways to dispense with it quickly. Devise ways to eliminate it. I find the larger our company is, the more people want a part of my time. At the same time this is happening, admin and paperwork increases. One place this busy work is huge is in email. I can spend a few hours each day just to keep on top of it. And I have awesome filters, folder systems, a Blackberry etc.
There is a quotation by Goethe (but I might not have ti right because I could not find it on the net)
"Things which matter the most should not be sacrificed in favour of those that matter the least."
I recently read a book called, "Retail Selling Ain't Brain Surgery, It's Twice As Hard – 9 Steps to successful sales relationships", by James E. Dion. As the title suggests, it is mostly about retailing. He has nine steps that every retailer should use to treat their customers well. As an occasional retail customer, I know that retail selling etiquette is sadly lacking and I think most retailers could benefit from reading this very simple and quick reading book.
His nine steps are:
The greeting
Needs determination
Product knowledge
Suggestion selling
Trading up
Answering objections
The close
Maximizing last moments
After sales service
Best read the book for full details.
This is a great read for any retailer.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
YEO
Today was a good day. I met with a few customers which is always good (although at the same time I always learn how we need to do a better job). I spoke at a YEO group. They were enthusiastic and appreciative - exactly what a speaker likes. And I was mentioned on Steven Streight's blog as a blog to watch. Life is good.
The only part of life that could be better is my dysfunctional relationship to sleep. I am about to get on the red eye back to Toronto. What makes it worse is I am tired to start with. Oh well...
Mantra for the day:
"Successful people do tough things"
Repeat this often. Whenever going gets tough.
The only part of life that could be better is my dysfunctional relationship to sleep. I am about to get on the red eye back to Toronto. What makes it worse is I am tired to start with. Oh well...
Mantra for the day:
"Successful people do tough things"
Repeat this often. Whenever going gets tough.
Small is the new Big
I am always amazed at the viral nature of the internet. A few months ago I wrote an article called "3 must-red books for bloggers". That article is now mentioned 348 times on different internet sites.
One of the authors I spoke about in that article was Debbie Weil. She has a good podcast interview with Mike Sippey.
It is great that articles propogate. I am just now sure how much that helps SYNNEX. Definitely increases our profile.
I read an awesome book on strategy by Seth Godin on the flight here called "Small is the New Big and 183 other riffs, rants and remarkable business ideas".
I seem to be drawn to strategy books lately. Strategy is what I am thinking about. Being in a low margin business makes me think.
Seth's challenge is to be truly unique, edgy, new, add value. He give many examples of companies who have done this. Part of what he pushed is the next big idea. I like that but also know ideas are cheap, excellent implementation is what is difficult. I am a big believer in acting small but being big. Take the best from both worlds.
Seth's challenge on CEO blogs are they need to offer at least 4 of the following 6:
Candor
Urgency
Timeliness
Pithiness
Controversy
Utility
To that, I would consider adding humour. People never mind that.
Thinking about how I stack up...
I loved his comments on lawns. Why have a lawn? Just because everyone else does. Of course those who know me well know I have no lawn and grow strawberries, squash, potatoes etc on the "front lawn". Probably drives the chemlawn neighbours crazy. Just FYI, this is definitely not a time saver. It takes more work to care for a garden.
Overall - an excellent highly recommended read.
Now my question to you. What strategies might SYNNEX employ to be unique, add value etc?
One of the authors I spoke about in that article was Debbie Weil. She has a good podcast interview with Mike Sippey.
It is great that articles propogate. I am just now sure how much that helps SYNNEX. Definitely increases our profile.
I read an awesome book on strategy by Seth Godin on the flight here called "Small is the New Big and 183 other riffs, rants and remarkable business ideas".
I seem to be drawn to strategy books lately. Strategy is what I am thinking about. Being in a low margin business makes me think.
Seth's challenge is to be truly unique, edgy, new, add value. He give many examples of companies who have done this. Part of what he pushed is the next big idea. I like that but also know ideas are cheap, excellent implementation is what is difficult. I am a big believer in acting small but being big. Take the best from both worlds.
Seth's challenge on CEO blogs are they need to offer at least 4 of the following 6:
Candor
Urgency
Timeliness
Pithiness
Controversy
Utility
To that, I would consider adding humour. People never mind that.
Thinking about how I stack up...
I loved his comments on lawns. Why have a lawn? Just because everyone else does. Of course those who know me well know I have no lawn and grow strawberries, squash, potatoes etc on the "front lawn". Probably drives the chemlawn neighbours crazy. Just FYI, this is definitely not a time saver. It takes more work to care for a garden.
Overall - an excellent highly recommended read.
Now my question to you. What strategies might SYNNEX employ to be unique, add value etc?
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Simple Abundance and Beating Fatigue.
I am in the airport lounge awaiting my flight to Vancouver.
I hate technology. Trouble logging into the wireless network in the Air Canada lounge cost me 10 minutes.
Imagine a day when computers are fast and wireless just works.
Despite my complaining, Air Canada does have the best lounges. They have green tea. Food is better than many other lounges. And I do make my living selling technology so in reality I love it. And it is remarkable that we even have wireless.
I ran last night at about 7 PM after getting back from flight from Ottawa. Very unusual for me since I usually run in the mornings. I did not run yesterday morning because I was in Ottawa which is a poor excuse. I was dead tired when I started and felt more like napping. It was all I could do to force myself to run. Still, did 5K and then felt great for the rest of the evening. Likely even stayed up later than prudent since I was so pumped. My time tip today is "when you are tired and need to stay up - excercise vigourously for 20+ minutes".
I read a book on the weekend called, "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It is more targeted towards a female audience and is not meant to be read in a weekend. I tend to read any book that people refer to me which is why I ended up reading it. It is a series of daily vignettes. Most of the entries are about good things and charitable thoughts. Things like "there is no scarcity" and "gratitude awakening the heart", and "nurturing your authentic flare", and "ask, ask, ask". Many topics on being calm and relaxed. I suppose I can use those.
I tend not to like books that are meant to be spread over a year because perhaps I am too impatient. However, for those who like daily thoughts, it is not a bad read. In one sense, it is too bad it is so gender specific.
I am a big believer in the concept of abundance. Too often in business things are looked at as a zero sum game when in many cases there are opportunities that expand the game adding to the win for all.
I hate technology. Trouble logging into the wireless network in the Air Canada lounge cost me 10 minutes.
Imagine a day when computers are fast and wireless just works.
Despite my complaining, Air Canada does have the best lounges. They have green tea. Food is better than many other lounges. And I do make my living selling technology so in reality I love it. And it is remarkable that we even have wireless.
I ran last night at about 7 PM after getting back from flight from Ottawa. Very unusual for me since I usually run in the mornings. I did not run yesterday morning because I was in Ottawa which is a poor excuse. I was dead tired when I started and felt more like napping. It was all I could do to force myself to run. Still, did 5K and then felt great for the rest of the evening. Likely even stayed up later than prudent since I was so pumped. My time tip today is "when you are tired and need to stay up - excercise vigourously for 20+ minutes".
I read a book on the weekend called, "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It is more targeted towards a female audience and is not meant to be read in a weekend. I tend to read any book that people refer to me which is why I ended up reading it. It is a series of daily vignettes. Most of the entries are about good things and charitable thoughts. Things like "there is no scarcity" and "gratitude awakening the heart", and "nurturing your authentic flare", and "ask, ask, ask". Many topics on being calm and relaxed. I suppose I can use those.
I tend not to like books that are meant to be spread over a year because perhaps I am too impatient. However, for those who like daily thoughts, it is not a bad read. In one sense, it is too bad it is so gender specific.
I am a big believer in the concept of abundance. Too often in business things are looked at as a zero sum game when in many cases there are opportunities that expand the game adding to the win for all.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Zag
On my flight yesterday (and I am flying a bit much these days - 4 destinations, 8 flights, 24 hours in the air in this 2 week period), I read an awesome book on branding and strategy called "Zag - The #1 Strategy of high Performance Brands" by Marty Neumeier. I love marketing so always enjoy good books on the subject. The one thing that surprizes me is how many people do not understand the topic. And of course I love strategy.
One of the great analogies Marty uses is strategy to the game Rock, Scissors, paper. When companies are small they are like scissors - they cut small niches successfully. In time they grow and gain size and resource to become a rock and are able to break scissors. Then they grow even more and become paper and are able to cover the medium sized businesses like paper. And then a start up scissor company comes and cuts a niche from their business.
I like the analogy and have seen growth like this. When I started EMJ, I did small opportunities in small niches (EG French Character generators for computers). As our resources grew, we were able to do larger niches (like Apple and bar code) and as we grew even larger and combined with SYNNEX we were able to move to more mainstream products like HP, Microsoft, Lexmark etc. And I see small companies taking small pieces of business.
I am behind in posting my book reports. Need to post more often.
One of the great analogies Marty uses is strategy to the game Rock, Scissors, paper. When companies are small they are like scissors - they cut small niches successfully. In time they grow and gain size and resource to become a rock and are able to break scissors. Then they grow even more and become paper and are able to cover the medium sized businesses like paper. And then a start up scissor company comes and cuts a niche from their business.
I like the analogy and have seen growth like this. When I started EMJ, I did small opportunities in small niches (EG French Character generators for computers). As our resources grew, we were able to do larger niches (like Apple and bar code) and as we grew even larger and combined with SYNNEX we were able to move to more mainstream products like HP, Microsoft, Lexmark etc. And I see small companies taking small pieces of business.
I am behind in posting my book reports. Need to post more often.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
SYNNEX Party and 10 Steps to Healthy Eating.
Tonight was the SYNNEX Guelph Holiday party. Seems a bit early but booking halls is tough near Christmas. It was a great event. Well attended. Great venue, great food. Lively crowd. I enjoyed myself and so did most who attended so it was a success.
One of my interests is health so I often read books about health. One book I just read is called "10 Steps to Healthy Eating" by Leslie Beck. I enjoyed it (but I am a health guy so like stuff like this). It reinforces everything I already know and what my mother always said.
I liked the sections on how much protein, etc I should eat.
The book reinforces the need for exercise. It also has a lot of recipes but since I do not eat red meat and don't even eat chicken at home, many were not for me.
I eat well at home but I only eat at home a few times per week so my challenge is healthy eating on the road.
I am not big on supplements so I liked that she did not push that too much. I prefer food to pills.
Her steps (but you have to read the book to get the real sense of them all).
1 - get ready
2 - eat enough protein (I likely am deficient here)
3 - Choose the right carbohydrate
4 - eat more fruits and vegetables
5 - choose healthier fats and oils
6 - boost vitamins and minerals.
7 - eat more often
8 - Don't forget about fluids
9 - Control your weight
10 - Be active every day
One of my interests is health so I often read books about health. One book I just read is called "10 Steps to Healthy Eating" by Leslie Beck. I enjoyed it (but I am a health guy so like stuff like this). It reinforces everything I already know and what my mother always said.
I liked the sections on how much protein, etc I should eat.
The book reinforces the need for exercise. It also has a lot of recipes but since I do not eat red meat and don't even eat chicken at home, many were not for me.
I eat well at home but I only eat at home a few times per week so my challenge is healthy eating on the road.
I am not big on supplements so I liked that she did not push that too much. I prefer food to pills.
Her steps (but you have to read the book to get the real sense of them all).
1 - get ready
2 - eat enough protein (I likely am deficient here)
3 - Choose the right carbohydrate
4 - eat more fruits and vegetables
5 - choose healthier fats and oils
6 - boost vitamins and minerals.
7 - eat more often
8 - Don't forget about fluids
9 - Control your weight
10 - Be active every day
Thursday, November 16, 2006
More CRN Hall of Fame and Geoffrey Moore
I am back from California.
The Hall of Fame event was inspirational. I am always inspired when I see and hear great people. Seeing people like Craig Barrett of Intel and Carol Bartz of Autodesk and seeing a bit about what they have accomplished was great. It drives me to do more.
I also like the trade show part of events like this. I get to meet many vendors and customers in a short period of time. It appeals to my sense of efficiency.
One of the speakers at the event was author Geoffrey Moore of Crossing the Chasm and Inside the Tornado fame. He is a great speaker. Well researched. Good thinker. Good theoretician. Simplifies things well. Thought provoking.
After his talk, I spoke with a few of my colleagues about what he had said and how it applied to SYNNEX. One valid point was just because someone writes or says it does not make it a fact. Like I always say, filtering is good.
Moore thinks low cost commodity distribution is incompatible with specialty or value added distribution. SYNNEX applies a low cost back office model to some of the more technical products in our TSD (Technology Solutions Division). There is high logic in doing this. Customers want the expertise, knowledge etc. but do not need higher costs from the distribution, warehousing, invoicing etc. part of the business.
The Hall of Fame event was inspirational. I am always inspired when I see and hear great people. Seeing people like Craig Barrett of Intel and Carol Bartz of Autodesk and seeing a bit about what they have accomplished was great. It drives me to do more.
I also like the trade show part of events like this. I get to meet many vendors and customers in a short period of time. It appeals to my sense of efficiency.
One of the speakers at the event was author Geoffrey Moore of Crossing the Chasm and Inside the Tornado fame. He is a great speaker. Well researched. Good thinker. Good theoretician. Simplifies things well. Thought provoking.
After his talk, I spoke with a few of my colleagues about what he had said and how it applied to SYNNEX. One valid point was just because someone writes or says it does not make it a fact. Like I always say, filtering is good.
Moore thinks low cost commodity distribution is incompatible with specialty or value added distribution. SYNNEX applies a low cost back office model to some of the more technical products in our TSD (Technology Solutions Division). There is high logic in doing this. Customers want the expertise, knowledge etc. but do not need higher costs from the distribution, warehousing, invoicing etc. part of the business.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Apollo 11
I heard a captivating speaker tonight at a SYNNEX TSD event. Jim Lovell was the captain on Apollo 11, the almost failed moon landing. Failed because they did not land on the moon. Succeeded because Jim was live to talk to us tonight.
Apollo 11 had problems before landing on the moon. The main oxygen failed. This not only was required to breathe but was their fuel (fuel cells mix hydrogen with oxygen to make electricity and water). They had to use the oxygen in the small shuttle attached to propel the larger vessel safely back to earth.
Captivating speaker. I need to rent the movie.
Lead a charmed life to be able to see such a speaker (and have a great dinner as well). The world is conspiring to make me see that all challenges I have are small. I have food. I have oxygen. I am charmed.
Apollo 11 had problems before landing on the moon. The main oxygen failed. This not only was required to breathe but was their fuel (fuel cells mix hydrogen with oxygen to make electricity and water). They had to use the oxygen in the small shuttle attached to propel the larger vessel safely back to earth.
Captivating speaker. I need to rent the movie.
Lead a charmed life to be able to see such a speaker (and have a great dinner as well). The world is conspiring to make me see that all challenges I have are small. I have food. I have oxygen. I am charmed.
Vote and CRN Hall of Fame
I am in California. Flew out early today for the CRN Hall of Fame event which runs through Tuesday night.
On my flight out, one of the books I read was Miracle in the Andes - 72 Days in the Mountains and My long Trek Home by Nando Parrado. Great book especially since it is true. Fascinating page turner. As I mentioned in my Nov 7th post, I heard Nando speak live. Stories of courage like this reinforce the need for persistence in the face of adversity. Also sure helps me to keep myself in perspective.
One of my favourite time strategies is my don't do list. One of my more controversial "don't yet do" things (almost as controversial as I do not yet golf) is that I do not do politics. If I did, I would be sure to offend some of my customers, suppliers and staff. And it could be very time consuming which is why I have a don't yet do list to start with.
Although I do not yet do politics, clearly I vote. I have already voted in the municipal election advance polls since I am going to be traveling tomorrow. I encourage everyone to get out and vote. Details on how to vote in Guelph are posted on Blog Guelph.
On my flight out, one of the books I read was Miracle in the Andes - 72 Days in the Mountains and My long Trek Home by Nando Parrado. Great book especially since it is true. Fascinating page turner. As I mentioned in my Nov 7th post, I heard Nando speak live. Stories of courage like this reinforce the need for persistence in the face of adversity. Also sure helps me to keep myself in perspective.
One of my favourite time strategies is my don't do list. One of my more controversial "don't yet do" things (almost as controversial as I do not yet golf) is that I do not do politics. If I did, I would be sure to offend some of my customers, suppliers and staff. And it could be very time consuming which is why I have a don't yet do list to start with.
Although I do not yet do politics, clearly I vote. I have already voted in the municipal election advance polls since I am going to be traveling tomorrow. I encourage everyone to get out and vote. Details on how to vote in Guelph are posted on Blog Guelph.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Framing
One of my friends emailed about my last blog post on perspective:
"Interesting......I have always found it useful to "frame" issues/problems/ a situation within its proper "context". Provides a different and more positive way of approaching things. Perhaps a variation of prospective thinking. Example would be to frame a problem as an opportunity."
Framing or reframing is a technique I use all the time. Sometimes is is as simple as thinking "isn't it great everyone wants to meet with me" rather than "my schedule is way too packed".
And another friend emailed me a great time management device I can use while I run.
"Interesting......I have always found it useful to "frame" issues/problems/ a situation within its proper "context". Provides a different and more positive way of approaching things. Perhaps a variation of prospective thinking. Example would be to frame a problem as an opportunity."
Framing or reframing is a technique I use all the time. Sometimes is is as simple as thinking "isn't it great everyone wants to meet with me" rather than "my schedule is way too packed".
And another friend emailed me a great time management device I can use while I run.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Perspective
I had an article published in the highly influential Connect IT today. It is on Time Management and Procrastination. The title is "Seven ways to beat procrastination".
Tonight I heard Nando Parrado speak for the second time at a YPO event tonight. His story is incredibly powerful and moving. From Wikipedia:
"Fernando Seler "Nando" Parrado (December 9, 1949 - ) is one of the sixteen Uruguayan survivors of the airplane crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 which crashed in the Andes mountains on October 13, 1972. After spending two months trapped in the mountains with the other crash survivors, he, along with Roberto Canessa, climbed through the Andes mountains over a ten day period to find help. His efforts, supported in various ways by the entire group, have been recognized through books and other media."
His mother and sister died in the crash. The story stuck a chord worldwide at the time because of the cannibalism involved to survive.
I did get a copy of his book "Miracle in the Andes". Have not read it yet though.
I was impressed with how Nando seems to have not only survived but lived without bitterness. I was impressed by the great power of the human will and the survival instinct.
His message is that he is not a hero. His message is that family and friends are paramount. His message is think about what is truly important.
Mostly it put things in perspective. Although I may think I have problems, everything is relative.
Tonight I heard Nando Parrado speak for the second time at a YPO event tonight. His story is incredibly powerful and moving. From Wikipedia:
"Fernando Seler "Nando" Parrado (December 9, 1949 - ) is one of the sixteen Uruguayan survivors of the airplane crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 which crashed in the Andes mountains on October 13, 1972. After spending two months trapped in the mountains with the other crash survivors, he, along with Roberto Canessa, climbed through the Andes mountains over a ten day period to find help. His efforts, supported in various ways by the entire group, have been recognized through books and other media."
His mother and sister died in the crash. The story stuck a chord worldwide at the time because of the cannibalism involved to survive.
I did get a copy of his book "Miracle in the Andes". Have not read it yet though.
I was impressed with how Nando seems to have not only survived but lived without bitterness. I was impressed by the great power of the human will and the survival instinct.
His message is that he is not a hero. His message is that family and friends are paramount. His message is think about what is truly important.
Mostly it put things in perspective. Although I may think I have problems, everything is relative.
Sunday, November 5, 2006
You're in Charge - Now what
I am beating yself up for not being productive today. No work out. Although I did run 12K yesterday in 58 minutes. Last night I attended the wedding of one of my staff. High attention to the smallest detail. Very well planned event. It was a great party. Lots of SYNNEX people attended so it was a bit like a SYNNEX party which I always enjoy.
I read a great book that is of interest to anyone who is starting running a company called, You're in charge – Now What? The 8 Point Plan, by Thomas J. Neff and James M. Citrin.
The book is a how to guide for first time presidents and CEOs who are taking over a new position. It goes through eight steps to take; however, I am not trying to do a book summary here so I will let you buy the book if you want to know the eight steps.
One thing the book emphasizes is having a 100 day plan. I find this very interesting because I always believed in having 90 day plans and have been a big advocate and used them for a long, long time. I would tend to break a 90 day plan into a three 30 day segments and when I completed the first 30 day segment, I would add another segment so I always have a 90 day rolling plan.
The gist of the message in the book is the first 100 days is for a new leader in the organization to set the tone for the rest of the leader's tenure so they become the most critical. During the 100 days, the leader needs to study well; set and align proper expectations; shape the management team; craft the strategic agenda; start the transformation process.
I strongly recommend the book for anyone who is a new leader in an organization. I question if the audience is large enough to have a book written specifically for new leaders of organizations.
I may have been more interested in it than others because of my position.
I wish I had read this before I started at SYNNEX two years ago.
Although it is interesting that many of the ideas in the book are ideas that I already use.
I read a great book that is of interest to anyone who is starting running a company called, You're in charge – Now What? The 8 Point Plan, by Thomas J. Neff and James M. Citrin.
The book is a how to guide for first time presidents and CEOs who are taking over a new position. It goes through eight steps to take; however, I am not trying to do a book summary here so I will let you buy the book if you want to know the eight steps.
One thing the book emphasizes is having a 100 day plan. I find this very interesting because I always believed in having 90 day plans and have been a big advocate and used them for a long, long time. I would tend to break a 90 day plan into a three 30 day segments and when I completed the first 30 day segment, I would add another segment so I always have a 90 day rolling plan.
The gist of the message in the book is the first 100 days is for a new leader in the organization to set the tone for the rest of the leader's tenure so they become the most critical. During the 100 days, the leader needs to study well; set and align proper expectations; shape the management team; craft the strategic agenda; start the transformation process.
I strongly recommend the book for anyone who is a new leader in an organization. I question if the audience is large enough to have a book written specifically for new leaders of organizations.
I may have been more interested in it than others because of my position.
I wish I had read this before I started at SYNNEX two years ago.
Although it is interesting that many of the ideas in the book are ideas that I already use.
Friday, November 3, 2006
Seven Reasons Why Blogging Should Be Part of Your Marketing Effort
I wrote the following article for Selling Essentials magazine.
Seven Reasons Why Blogging Should Be Part of Your Marketing Effort
By Jim Estill – CEO – SYNNEX Canada
I started my blog (www.jimestill.com) 18 months ago as an effort to increase communications with my staff but very quickly realized the power of it with my customers and my suppliers. Now I consider my blog to be an integral part of my marketing efforts.
As an active blogger I have come up with seven reasons blogging should be part of any marketing program.
1. Blogs increase communication Anytime you increase communication, you increase profile and sales.
2. Although blogs have been around for awhile, they are still new and topical. People who see that you have a blog will think you are more leading edge. Even if you do not sell technology products, it helps.
3. Owning a blog is like owning a media. Similar to a newspaper, magazine, or a radio station. The advantage of owning a media is that you can say whatever you want where all other media tend to filter what you have to say.
4. You noticed that I said a blog should only part of a marketing program. Blogs on their own tend not to get much readership, rather they have to be crossed promoted so you need to put it on your email tag line, your website, your business cards, etc. People who see your blog address in another media are likely to come to it.
5. Blogging like writing tends to make you an expert. People tend to believe what they read. For this reason you don’t want your blog to be totally self-promotional. Add value. Provide information that helps your customer, amuses them, teaches them etc.
6. A blog should have an angle. People don’t want to log on and hear some promotional material about you and your company. They want to hear something that is a bit edgy, interesting, humorous, and resonates with them. Although you own a media, you still are in competition with all of the other media available. In my case, I have chosen Time Leadership/CEO as the title of my blog and I blog about personal self-development with a focus on time management and efficiency.
7. Blogging will often get picked up by other media and this added press can help you sell. For example, because I blog I have been featured twice in the Globe and Mail and once in Forbes magazine, as well I have been in our industry trade journals. I have also had many speaking engagements as a direct result of my blog.
Blogging doesn’t need to be technically intimidating. Anyone can set up a blog in five minutes. My suggestion is to get an experienced blogger to show you how to start. Or ask your kids.
Blogging is not for everyone. If you want to blog, you need to be willing to dedicate some time and you must enjoy writing. Because I blog about efficiency, I spend a lot of time focusing on my blogging efficiency and I spend less than 20 minutes on each of my blog entries. I do four or five a week; so I spend less than two hours a week on my blog.
I have received some direct sales as a result of my blog. I know from the feedback I have received that many of my customers and suppliers read it.
Blogging is one part of the marketing program.
Seven Reasons Why Blogging Should Be Part of Your Marketing Effort
By Jim Estill – CEO – SYNNEX Canada
I started my blog (www.jimestill.com) 18 months ago as an effort to increase communications with my staff but very quickly realized the power of it with my customers and my suppliers. Now I consider my blog to be an integral part of my marketing efforts.
As an active blogger I have come up with seven reasons blogging should be part of any marketing program.
1. Blogs increase communication Anytime you increase communication, you increase profile and sales.
2. Although blogs have been around for awhile, they are still new and topical. People who see that you have a blog will think you are more leading edge. Even if you do not sell technology products, it helps.
3. Owning a blog is like owning a media. Similar to a newspaper, magazine, or a radio station. The advantage of owning a media is that you can say whatever you want where all other media tend to filter what you have to say.
4. You noticed that I said a blog should only part of a marketing program. Blogs on their own tend not to get much readership, rather they have to be crossed promoted so you need to put it on your email tag line, your website, your business cards, etc. People who see your blog address in another media are likely to come to it.
5. Blogging like writing tends to make you an expert. People tend to believe what they read. For this reason you don’t want your blog to be totally self-promotional. Add value. Provide information that helps your customer, amuses them, teaches them etc.
6. A blog should have an angle. People don’t want to log on and hear some promotional material about you and your company. They want to hear something that is a bit edgy, interesting, humorous, and resonates with them. Although you own a media, you still are in competition with all of the other media available. In my case, I have chosen Time Leadership/CEO as the title of my blog and I blog about personal self-development with a focus on time management and efficiency.
7. Blogging will often get picked up by other media and this added press can help you sell. For example, because I blog I have been featured twice in the Globe and Mail and once in Forbes magazine, as well I have been in our industry trade journals. I have also had many speaking engagements as a direct result of my blog.
Blogging doesn’t need to be technically intimidating. Anyone can set up a blog in five minutes. My suggestion is to get an experienced blogger to show you how to start. Or ask your kids.
Blogging is not for everyone. If you want to blog, you need to be willing to dedicate some time and you must enjoy writing. Because I blog about efficiency, I spend a lot of time focusing on my blogging efficiency and I spend less than 20 minutes on each of my blog entries. I do four or five a week; so I spend less than two hours a week on my blog.
I have received some direct sales as a result of my blog. I know from the feedback I have received that many of my customers and suppliers read it.
Blogging is one part of the marketing program.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Importance of the Unimportant
I was quoted in the Globe and Mail yesterday:
"The importance of the unimportant: Jim Estill, CEO of SYNNEX Canada, wonders why he is bothering to refine his systems for handling unimportant tasks rather than ignoring them. The answer: Sometimes because for others it is important, and sometimes because there is something important buried within the unimportant."
Also had a good plug on Blog Guelph on my Time Leadership eBook.
So blog traffic should be up.
My brother Glen had a full page story in the Report on Business Magazine. While searching for the URL for that I notice he was also quoted in Business Edge. He was also interviewed on the BBC.
My youngest brother Lyle has always been a genius at getting press.
Mark by older brother (sorry no hot link as he has no blog which is surprising since he has a degree in journalism and worked as a news reporter for 10 years) does not strive for press.
Not sure why I am thinking about press lately. I do know that people are influenced by press. Influence helps us to shape our world. It increases profile which helps people get things done.
Profile does have its challenges. People sometimes expect the super human. (I sometimes even expect that of myself). It is tough to be "just Jim". People always expect the profound. In his book "">Purpose - The Starting Point of Great Companies" by Nikos Mourkogiannis he writes:
"Another attitude I had to confront, again and again was magical thinking. Many people, consciously or not, grow up looking to someone greater than themselves - a father or mother figure with perceived magical powers - to step in and solve major problems."
Off to see if I can be magical today.
"The importance of the unimportant: Jim Estill, CEO of SYNNEX Canada, wonders why he is bothering to refine his systems for handling unimportant tasks rather than ignoring them. The answer: Sometimes because for others it is important, and sometimes because there is something important buried within the unimportant."
Also had a good plug on Blog Guelph on my Time Leadership eBook.
So blog traffic should be up.
My brother Glen had a full page story in the Report on Business Magazine. While searching for the URL for that I notice he was also quoted in Business Edge. He was also interviewed on the BBC.
My youngest brother Lyle has always been a genius at getting press.
Mark by older brother (sorry no hot link as he has no blog which is surprising since he has a degree in journalism and worked as a news reporter for 10 years) does not strive for press.
Not sure why I am thinking about press lately. I do know that people are influenced by press. Influence helps us to shape our world. It increases profile which helps people get things done.
Profile does have its challenges. People sometimes expect the super human. (I sometimes even expect that of myself). It is tough to be "just Jim". People always expect the profound. In his book "">Purpose - The Starting Point of Great Companies" by Nikos Mourkogiannis he writes:
"Another attitude I had to confront, again and again was magical thinking. Many people, consciously or not, grow up looking to someone greater than themselves - a father or mother figure with perceived magical powers - to step in and solve major problems."
Off to see if I can be magical today.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Lazy weekend and Doubling Your personal Effectiveness
Lazy weekend. I had intended to run the Horror Hill 15K but the weather was miserable so I did not. I did run 16K on Sunday in 83:20 so that sort of makes up for it but it was not a race. I even slept for the extra hour of time savings. I did go to a meeting with my credit group on Saturday for a while. Also cleaned my car and den which both needed attention.
I am behind in posting my book reviews.
I read a classic self-development book called, Super Self Doubling Your Personal Effectiveness by Charles J. Givens. Charles is one of the long-time motivational speakers and rags to riches type person that people like to read about. Often I find these people to be somewhat shallow but the basic message is right. And of course, I want to doubling of personal effectiveness.
In the book he shares a number of success strategies. The first one is to learn from the experience of others rather than your own. In my opinion, this is true wisdom and this is something that I still seek.
Charles Givens' outline is very basic and is what you would see in almost any self-help book:
Have dreams and goals.
Develop strategies to achieve these (I always thought the difference between dreams and goals is that goals were dreams with action).
Practise – consciously and continuously apply the strategies at every opportunity.
Habits – as I have often said before, we become what we repeatedly do.
Results, with these new skills and abilities, you will achieve results.
I would not make it as linear as that, I would make it into a circle. As results start to happen, then new dreams and goals need to be set.
Overall this is a great book and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in improving themselves and achieving goals in life.
I am behind in posting my book reviews.
I read a classic self-development book called, Super Self Doubling Your Personal Effectiveness by Charles J. Givens. Charles is one of the long-time motivational speakers and rags to riches type person that people like to read about. Often I find these people to be somewhat shallow but the basic message is right. And of course, I want to doubling of personal effectiveness.
In the book he shares a number of success strategies. The first one is to learn from the experience of others rather than your own. In my opinion, this is true wisdom and this is something that I still seek.
Charles Givens' outline is very basic and is what you would see in almost any self-help book:
Have dreams and goals.
Develop strategies to achieve these (I always thought the difference between dreams and goals is that goals were dreams with action).
Practise – consciously and continuously apply the strategies at every opportunity.
Habits – as I have often said before, we become what we repeatedly do.
Results, with these new skills and abilities, you will achieve results.
I would not make it as linear as that, I would make it into a circle. As results start to happen, then new dreams and goals need to be set.
Overall this is a great book and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in improving themselves and achieving goals in life.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Blogs as Media and Tim Connor's books
Blogs are a type of media or press. The challenge, like all media is getting and keeping readership. The most effective way to do this is to get the blog mentioned in other media.
I have recently been quoted in the KW record. One of my lawyers, David Petras, wrote an article on blogging.
Edge Magazine also printed a full page story about my eBook.
Tim Connor was good enough to send me a couple of his books.
Tim's books are fairly short and very easy to read.
Tim has been a motivational speaker for years and although I have never heard him, from what I see of his material, he looks to be one of the more prolific and certainly understands human psychology and self-development.
One of the books was called, Nit-pickers, Naggers and Tyrants Turn Them Off or Tune Them Out - How to take BACK control of your life and re-awaken the real you.
The gist of this book is if you understand who you are and understand that it your choice to react the way you do that you can take control of your life. I totally agree with the premise of the book.
I know that this is always easier said then done. The gist of the message is it is not what the world does to you; it is how you choose to interpret what happens.
He does have a number of practical suggestions that are helpful.
The second book that he sent was called, You Call That $elling - 91 Dumb Things Salespeople Say and do to Sabotage Their Success - Plus 91 Smart Things to do Instead.
What I like about this easy and fast to read book is each one of the suggestions can be read one at a time. It does not have to be read cover to cover like a book.
Of course, me being a positive guy, I would have preferred for it to be the other way around, but I suppose negative titles sell better than positive ones.
A sample of one of his dumb things is #86 - Failing to Improve Everday, in that he talks about how sales are becoming more and more competitive. In order to remain competitive, you need to keep learning. (I am big on this.)
Of course this is an easy one to solve, spend time everyday improving your skills and attitude.
I have recently been quoted in the KW record. One of my lawyers, David Petras, wrote an article on blogging.
Edge Magazine also printed a full page story about my eBook.
Tim Connor was good enough to send me a couple of his books.
Tim's books are fairly short and very easy to read.
Tim has been a motivational speaker for years and although I have never heard him, from what I see of his material, he looks to be one of the more prolific and certainly understands human psychology and self-development.
One of the books was called, Nit-pickers, Naggers and Tyrants Turn Them Off or Tune Them Out - How to take BACK control of your life and re-awaken the real you.
The gist of this book is if you understand who you are and understand that it your choice to react the way you do that you can take control of your life. I totally agree with the premise of the book.
I know that this is always easier said then done. The gist of the message is it is not what the world does to you; it is how you choose to interpret what happens.
He does have a number of practical suggestions that are helpful.
The second book that he sent was called, You Call That $elling - 91 Dumb Things Salespeople Say and do to Sabotage Their Success - Plus 91 Smart Things to do Instead.
What I like about this easy and fast to read book is each one of the suggestions can be read one at a time. It does not have to be read cover to cover like a book.
Of course, me being a positive guy, I would have preferred for it to be the other way around, but I suppose negative titles sell better than positive ones.
A sample of one of his dumb things is #86 - Failing to Improve Everday, in that he talks about how sales are becoming more and more competitive. In order to remain competitive, you need to keep learning. (I am big on this.)
Of course this is an easy one to solve, spend time everyday improving your skills and attitude.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Sample Chapter from my Time Leadership eBook
I've just published a new Time Leadership eBook, which you can now purchase online. My previous Time Leadership Audio CD is also available.
Here's a free sample chapter for you:
Why have a To Do List?
In the most basic sense, a To Do list keeps track of tasks at hand and helps you prioritize your commitments and tasks.
A To Do list makes you reliable; if an item is on the To Do list then it will not be overlooked or ignored.
You will be able to determine your workload and scheduling with a To Do list. If someone asks you to do something, you can look at your To Do list and easily ascertain if you are available or not. The answer might be, “Sure, I will be able to get to that later this afternoon,” or it might be, “I’m very busy this week and won’t be able to get to that until next Wednesday.” Regardless of your answer, a To Do list allows you to be honest with yourself and with others about your commitments.
To Do List Hints
An action item is something that you can accomplish immediately. If you have a large task on your To Do list, you can write down your first step to the completion of that task. This first step is your action-item. As with goal-setting, breaking down a task into smaller parts helps you reach your objective. Often, the first step to completing a task is simply to think about how you will go about the job, and considering the first action-item will lead to beginning the task, which is the first step to finishing a task. This powerful To Do list hint has helped me accomplish many more things.
Write down the time it will take to complete a task next to the task. One advantage of this is that you will always know your workload. I might have 200 hours of To Do’s to complete in the next few weeks so know I cannot take more on. I am jumping ahead a bit but one time tip is to focus on one task at a time. Sometimes I have only 15 minutes so can choose a 15 minute task to complete. Over time, it has become a game I play with myself to see if I can beat the allotted time.
To Do List Traps
Some people come up with an overwhelming To Do list. If you have too many things on your list, then you will not be able to accomplish any of them because all of the small things that jostle for your attention. The simple solution to this problem is to take a blank piece of paper, write your top three or four things that you are going to work on for the day. This Today list helps keep your desk and mind uncluttered so you can better focus on your listed priorities.
Another trap is over-listing: listing things that shouldn’t be on the To Do list, or even putting things on the To Do list after the fact so you can cross it off. Over-listing leads to over-planning and can be a waste of time and resources: you can never plan for every contingency, so stick with what you know needs to be done, and adjust things when necessary. It is not productive for you to write down items on your To Do list simply to cross them off, so break that habit right now.
The Magical To-Do List
Mary LoVerde created the concept of the Magical To Do list. On this list, you start by dividing your page in half vertically. On the left side, you write only the things that absolutely must get done today. This does not include the things that you want to do, or the things that you have to do at some point this week. She stresses that it is important to be realistic and only put down a few items (this list should be a fraction of the normal list that you normally write: that list that could only accomplish if you worked for two weeks without sleeping).
In the right column, you write down the other things that you want to happen. This is your magical column. You will put them down and ask for magic help getting these tasks done. More often than not, those tasks get accomplished without even any attention from you.
Once you have your magical To Do list, then transfer your regular To Do items over as well. You will probably want some extra help with these ones because often they are the most important.
This is a perfect example of distilling your To Do list to manageable proportions, and keeping a positive attitude that keeps you open to possibilities.
Here's a free sample chapter for you:
Why have a To Do List?
In the most basic sense, a To Do list keeps track of tasks at hand and helps you prioritize your commitments and tasks.
A To Do list makes you reliable; if an item is on the To Do list then it will not be overlooked or ignored.
You will be able to determine your workload and scheduling with a To Do list. If someone asks you to do something, you can look at your To Do list and easily ascertain if you are available or not. The answer might be, “Sure, I will be able to get to that later this afternoon,” or it might be, “I’m very busy this week and won’t be able to get to that until next Wednesday.” Regardless of your answer, a To Do list allows you to be honest with yourself and with others about your commitments.
To Do List Hints
An action item is something that you can accomplish immediately. If you have a large task on your To Do list, you can write down your first step to the completion of that task. This first step is your action-item. As with goal-setting, breaking down a task into smaller parts helps you reach your objective. Often, the first step to completing a task is simply to think about how you will go about the job, and considering the first action-item will lead to beginning the task, which is the first step to finishing a task. This powerful To Do list hint has helped me accomplish many more things.
Write down the time it will take to complete a task next to the task. One advantage of this is that you will always know your workload. I might have 200 hours of To Do’s to complete in the next few weeks so know I cannot take more on. I am jumping ahead a bit but one time tip is to focus on one task at a time. Sometimes I have only 15 minutes so can choose a 15 minute task to complete. Over time, it has become a game I play with myself to see if I can beat the allotted time.
To Do List Traps
Some people come up with an overwhelming To Do list. If you have too many things on your list, then you will not be able to accomplish any of them because all of the small things that jostle for your attention. The simple solution to this problem is to take a blank piece of paper, write your top three or four things that you are going to work on for the day. This Today list helps keep your desk and mind uncluttered so you can better focus on your listed priorities.
Another trap is over-listing: listing things that shouldn’t be on the To Do list, or even putting things on the To Do list after the fact so you can cross it off. Over-listing leads to over-planning and can be a waste of time and resources: you can never plan for every contingency, so stick with what you know needs to be done, and adjust things when necessary. It is not productive for you to write down items on your To Do list simply to cross them off, so break that habit right now.
The Magical To-Do List
Mary LoVerde created the concept of the Magical To Do list. On this list, you start by dividing your page in half vertically. On the left side, you write only the things that absolutely must get done today. This does not include the things that you want to do, or the things that you have to do at some point this week. She stresses that it is important to be realistic and only put down a few items (this list should be a fraction of the normal list that you normally write: that list that could only accomplish if you worked for two weeks without sleeping).
In the right column, you write down the other things that you want to happen. This is your magical column. You will put them down and ask for magic help getting these tasks done. More often than not, those tasks get accomplished without even any attention from you.
Once you have your magical To Do list, then transfer your regular To Do items over as well. You will probably want some extra help with these ones because often they are the most important.
This is a perfect example of distilling your To Do list to manageable proportions, and keeping a positive attitude that keeps you open to possibilities.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Excellence
The sales retreat is done and was a great success. Energy is high. People are pumped. Only one minor misunderstanding which is causing me great strss which I need to clear up today and it will be close to perfect.
I went into the office when it was done so even have most of my follow up done, which is great.
My closing speech was on excellence. I covered what I thought were the 7 Steps to Excellence.
1 - It is a continuum so we must always continue to strive to achieve it.
2 - Be responsive. We need to be lightning fast on email and vmail response. This is one of my pet peeves.
3 - Always learn. We need to all continue to learn all the time.
4 - Change is Opportunity. We need to embrace it.
5 - Help resellers win. We will be successful if our customers our. The more we can help our customers win, the more they will buy.
6 - Polish process. We need to look at all of our processes and always question how we can do them faster, better, more effectively.
7 - Do smart business. We need to make sure our business is sustainable long term.
I am going to cover these same points on my quarterly update meetings today.
Off to the gym.
I went into the office when it was done so even have most of my follow up done, which is great.
My closing speech was on excellence. I covered what I thought were the 7 Steps to Excellence.
1 - It is a continuum so we must always continue to strive to achieve it.
2 - Be responsive. We need to be lightning fast on email and vmail response. This is one of my pet peeves.
3 - Always learn. We need to all continue to learn all the time.
4 - Change is Opportunity. We need to embrace it.
5 - Help resellers win. We will be successful if our customers our. The more we can help our customers win, the more they will buy.
6 - Polish process. We need to look at all of our processes and always question how we can do them faster, better, more effectively.
7 - Do smart business. We need to make sure our business is sustainable long term.
I am going to cover these same points on my quarterly update meetings today.
Off to the gym.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Sales Retreat
I am at my annual sales retreat. My mind is swimmming with ideas. I have made a ton of notes of things I want to do, look at, try, change, polish, research etc. Some of the ideas come by listening to the vendors and staff but surprisingly a lot of the ideas just flow from the environment. I have a huge amount I need to do.
The retreat is going great. Vendors and reps are both happy. Everyone is learning.
I am tremendously impressed with our staff. We have a lot of excellent people. It gives me great hope for SYNNEX. Like Jim Collins says in "Good to Great" - first get the right people. We have the right people.
I am very proud of the awesome job of the product managers, marketing people and staff that orchestated this. They did a great job.
I am tired so need to get some sleep before the morning run at 6:45. I doubt that more than half the staff will show for it though.
The retreat is going great. Vendors and reps are both happy. Everyone is learning.
I am tremendously impressed with our staff. We have a lot of excellent people. It gives me great hope for SYNNEX. Like Jim Collins says in "Good to Great" - first get the right people. We have the right people.
I am very proud of the awesome job of the product managers, marketing people and staff that orchestated this. They did a great job.
I am tired so need to get some sleep before the morning run at 6:45. I doubt that more than half the staff will show for it though.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Super Self
I am surprised how dark it is in the morning - even at 7:20. Winter is coming.
This weekend is my sales retreat. I am always daunted by this. It is a huge undertaking (and I am not doing much of the work or orchestration). I want so much for it to be a great experience for everyone. We have lots of learning planned.
I will come away with tons of ideas and things I need to implement.
I read a classic self-development book on my recent flight called, Super Self Doubling Your Personal Effectiveness by Charles J. Givens. Charles is one of the long-time motivational speakers and rags to riches type person that people like to read about. Often I find these people to be somewhat shallow but the basic message is right.
In the book he shares a number of success strategies. The first one is to learn from the experience of others rather than your own. In my opinion, this is true wisdom and this is something that I still seek.
Charles Givens' outline is very basic and is what you would see in almost any self-help book:
1. Have dreams and goals. (I always thought the difference between dreams and goals is that goals were dreams with action)
2. Develop strategies to achieve these.
3. Practise – consciously and continuously apply the strategies at every opportunity.
4. Habits – as I have often said before, we become what we repeatedly do.
Results, with these new skills and abilities, you will achieve results.
I would not make it as linear as that, I would make it into a circle. As results start to happen, then new dreams and goals need to be set. I feel a need to constantly revisit goals.
Overall this is a great book and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in improving themselves and achieving goals in life.
His program takes it right from the goal setting through the time management area. It is a great refresher on what we need to do to be successful. I always seem to need this. I know what I should do but I frequently fall back into not doing it. books like this challenge me to once again play at the top of my game all the time.
This weekend is my sales retreat. I am always daunted by this. It is a huge undertaking (and I am not doing much of the work or orchestration). I want so much for it to be a great experience for everyone. We have lots of learning planned.
I will come away with tons of ideas and things I need to implement.
I read a classic self-development book on my recent flight called, Super Self Doubling Your Personal Effectiveness by Charles J. Givens. Charles is one of the long-time motivational speakers and rags to riches type person that people like to read about. Often I find these people to be somewhat shallow but the basic message is right.
In the book he shares a number of success strategies. The first one is to learn from the experience of others rather than your own. In my opinion, this is true wisdom and this is something that I still seek.
Charles Givens' outline is very basic and is what you would see in almost any self-help book:
1. Have dreams and goals. (I always thought the difference between dreams and goals is that goals were dreams with action)
2. Develop strategies to achieve these.
3. Practise – consciously and continuously apply the strategies at every opportunity.
4. Habits – as I have often said before, we become what we repeatedly do.
Results, with these new skills and abilities, you will achieve results.
I would not make it as linear as that, I would make it into a circle. As results start to happen, then new dreams and goals need to be set. I feel a need to constantly revisit goals.
Overall this is a great book and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in improving themselves and achieving goals in life.
His program takes it right from the goal setting through the time management area. It is a great refresher on what we need to do to be successful. I always seem to need this. I know what I should do but I frequently fall back into not doing it. books like this challenge me to once again play at the top of my game all the time.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Patience
I see on Darren Rowse's blog that the top 100 blogs have an average age of 33.8 months. Interesting post to read.
I agree that persistance and patience pays in many things and now this includes blogging. I daresay most of those bloggers also did a lot of other things to gain traffic and following - not the least of which is to write good and interesting blog posts.
I agree that persistance and patience pays in many things and now this includes blogging. I daresay most of those bloggers also did a lot of other things to gain traffic and following - not the least of which is to write good and interesting blog posts.
Eat That Frog
I study time, efficiency and effectiveness so you would think I do not have a problem with procrastination but sometimes I do. So, of course, I bought a book.
"Eat that Frog - 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less time" by Brian Tracy.
It is a short and easy read. Good book. I did not put off reading it - I read it instead of cleaning up my den. As the title suggests, it has lots of ideas on how to get over procrastination.
Brian Tracy is one of the most prolific self development authors and speakers. His stuff is good, although sometimes too shallow.
One quote from the book:
"There is one quality that one must possess to win and that is a definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants and a burning desire to achieve it"
By Napoleon Hill.
Busy day today.
"Eat that Frog - 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less time" by Brian Tracy.
It is a short and easy read. Good book. I did not put off reading it - I read it instead of cleaning up my den. As the title suggests, it has lots of ideas on how to get over procrastination.
Brian Tracy is one of the most prolific self development authors and speakers. His stuff is good, although sometimes too shallow.
One quote from the book:
"There is one quality that one must possess to win and that is a definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants and a burning desire to achieve it"
By Napoleon Hill.
Busy day today.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Legacy Thinking
I am just back from Vancouver and the Xchange Conference in Whistler. It is a well run event (run by TechnoPlanet). I strongly recommend it to anyone who is invited (it is a by invitation only event). I was a guest speaker. Speaking on blogging and Time Leadership. I received very positive feedback which is always reinforcing.
I also had lots of time to meet with resellers at the conference. I always enjoy speaking to customers. It is energizing and at the same time daunting to realize the things we still have yet to do to be truly excellent. I have lots of things I now need to follow up on.
The following is an article I wrote recently:
Your Leadership Legacy, One Way to Set Goals
I might be one of the few people who like setting goals. Fortunately, I have read people who set goals are much more apt to be successful than those who do not.
I have studied how to set goals as part of my time management studies. From this study, I have found many different ways to set goals. I use multiple methods. One of the latest ones that I am working on is thinking about my leadership legacy.
What inspired me to start thinking this way was a book called, "Your Leadership Legacy" by Robert Galford and Regina Fazio Maruca.
Think where would you like to be at some future point. One way to do this is to write a document that says, I am now "x" years old and have accomplished the following things. I am at the following point in my life, etc. The more vivid the vision can be, the more likely, you will achieve it. Imagine how it will feel, what it will be like, how proud you are etc. I do this exercise at least two or three times a year as part of my goal setting.
It is always interesting to look back at what I wrote at different times and how close I have come in many cases to what I envisioned. Sometimes I fall short but many times, where I end up far exceeds what I thought.
I am now adding a section to that on what is the legacy that I leave behind in the various projects that I was involved in? What will the culture be? How will the decisions be made? What will the impact be on the organization as a result of my being involved in it?
I am not thinking of what people will think of me, rather how will the business sustain itself? How will the business be successful and what parts of that have I helped put in place and have I put the right parts of it in place to be successful?
Thinking in terms of legacy can change current thinking. It helps me to focus on what is truly important.
I also had lots of time to meet with resellers at the conference. I always enjoy speaking to customers. It is energizing and at the same time daunting to realize the things we still have yet to do to be truly excellent. I have lots of things I now need to follow up on.
The following is an article I wrote recently:
Your Leadership Legacy, One Way to Set Goals
I might be one of the few people who like setting goals. Fortunately, I have read people who set goals are much more apt to be successful than those who do not.
I have studied how to set goals as part of my time management studies. From this study, I have found many different ways to set goals. I use multiple methods. One of the latest ones that I am working on is thinking about my leadership legacy.
What inspired me to start thinking this way was a book called, "Your Leadership Legacy" by Robert Galford and Regina Fazio Maruca.
Think where would you like to be at some future point. One way to do this is to write a document that says, I am now "x" years old and have accomplished the following things. I am at the following point in my life, etc. The more vivid the vision can be, the more likely, you will achieve it. Imagine how it will feel, what it will be like, how proud you are etc. I do this exercise at least two or three times a year as part of my goal setting.
It is always interesting to look back at what I wrote at different times and how close I have come in many cases to what I envisioned. Sometimes I fall short but many times, where I end up far exceeds what I thought.
I am now adding a section to that on what is the legacy that I leave behind in the various projects that I was involved in? What will the culture be? How will the decisions be made? What will the impact be on the organization as a result of my being involved in it?
I am not thinking of what people will think of me, rather how will the business sustain itself? How will the business be successful and what parts of that have I helped put in place and have I put the right parts of it in place to be successful?
Thinking in terms of legacy can change current thinking. It helps me to focus on what is truly important.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Calm
I am in Vancouver now. Heading for a conference in Whistler. On the flight out here, one of the books I read was awesome.
The book is "Calm - A Proven Four Step Process Designed Specifically for Women Who Worry" by Denise Marek. Ok why would I read it with a title like that? I don't consider myself to be a worrier. Denise is my friend and she sent it to me.
The book is well written, simple, fast to read and well organized. It would be a positive pick me up book but has enough depth to still add value.
She uses the word CALM as an acronym for "Challenge your assumptions", "Act to control the controlable", "Let go of the uncontrolable", and "Master your mind".
One of the great quotes in the book was "The times in your life you will regret are not the times when you looked foolish, they are the times when you took no action at all".
Like me, she also uses the word yet. I do not yet speak Italian. I do not yet play polo etc. As opposed to I don's speak Italian.
Denise used highly personal examples that personalized the book. (I find women often do that better than men).
Awesome book. Highly recommended! Good work Denise.
The book is "Calm - A Proven Four Step Process Designed Specifically for Women Who Worry" by Denise Marek. Ok why would I read it with a title like that? I don't consider myself to be a worrier. Denise is my friend and she sent it to me.
The book is well written, simple, fast to read and well organized. It would be a positive pick me up book but has enough depth to still add value.
She uses the word CALM as an acronym for "Challenge your assumptions", "Act to control the controlable", "Let go of the uncontrolable", and "Master your mind".
One of the great quotes in the book was "The times in your life you will regret are not the times when you looked foolish, they are the times when you took no action at all".
Like me, she also uses the word yet. I do not yet speak Italian. I do not yet play polo etc. As opposed to I don's speak Italian.
Denise used highly personal examples that personalized the book. (I find women often do that better than men).
Awesome book. Highly recommended! Good work Denise.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Low Priority
The snow has arrived. Traffic will be bad today.
This time tip came from one of my friends:
Use "low priority" on less important emails. You are doing the person you send it to a favour. Most people read all email anyways. It also give more emphasis to any emails that you must send as "high priority".
Off to work out.
This time tip came from one of my friends:
Use "low priority" on less important emails. You are doing the person you send it to a favour. Most people read all email anyways. It also give more emphasis to any emails that you must send as "high priority".
Off to work out.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Your Leadership Legacy
The authors of "Your Leadership Legacy", Robert Galford and Regina Fazio Maruca asked for my thoughts on the type of leadership legacy I want to leave.
I read their book and was thoroughly impressed. Although I had not given a lot of thought to the approach, I am completely sold on it. The thesis of the book is to think about what legacy you want to leave and work backwards. This is the best way to have the greatest impact.
I think I will find this approach particularly worthwhile to keep me working on the big picture as opposed to getting too much into the little things.
The book talks about legacy thinking. In their words, legacy thinking helps you recognize when you are wasting time at a given spot. Legacy thinking helps you put planning in prospective.
This book is very fast and easy to read with a tremendously powerful message. I would strongly recommend this for any leader.
I plan to use this legacy thinking in my decision making.
I read their book and was thoroughly impressed. Although I had not given a lot of thought to the approach, I am completely sold on it. The thesis of the book is to think about what legacy you want to leave and work backwards. This is the best way to have the greatest impact.
I think I will find this approach particularly worthwhile to keep me working on the big picture as opposed to getting too much into the little things.
The book talks about legacy thinking. In their words, legacy thinking helps you recognize when you are wasting time at a given spot. Legacy thinking helps you put planning in prospective.
This book is very fast and easy to read with a tremendously powerful message. I would strongly recommend this for any leader.
I plan to use this legacy thinking in my decision making.
Monday, October 9, 2006
Finding Uninterrupted Time
Blogging for me tends to be inversely proportional to how busy I am and how much I travel. Hence the poor blogging record last week.
This weekend, I took 2 days off in Niagara on the Lake. Beautiful town. Saturday, I cycled from NOTL to Niagara falls and back. About 2 hours round trip. Add to this a 10K run on Sunday and I am a bit sore. I did not work out all all during the week because I was too busy so was feeling appropriately guilty.
I read in Harvard Business Review that sleep deprivation is bad. I have often approached sleep as a neccessary evil. Now I am trying to get more sleep. So far, I have a record of one day with 8 hours of sleep. Not sure I am going to target 8 but will try for 6 ir 7.
Although today is Thanksgiving (I am Canadian), I will work most of the day to get caught up. I also have a number of calls with the US scheduled. I also have lunch with my family which will be good.
I find I can be more than twice as productive when I have a good block of uninterrupted time like today or a weekend. So one trick to to find more uninterrupted time.
Happy Thanksgiving.
This weekend, I took 2 days off in Niagara on the Lake. Beautiful town. Saturday, I cycled from NOTL to Niagara falls and back. About 2 hours round trip. Add to this a 10K run on Sunday and I am a bit sore. I did not work out all all during the week because I was too busy so was feeling appropriately guilty.
I read in Harvard Business Review that sleep deprivation is bad. I have often approached sleep as a neccessary evil. Now I am trying to get more sleep. So far, I have a record of one day with 8 hours of sleep. Not sure I am going to target 8 but will try for 6 ir 7.
Although today is Thanksgiving (I am Canadian), I will work most of the day to get caught up. I also have a number of calls with the US scheduled. I also have lunch with my family which will be good.
I find I can be more than twice as productive when I have a good block of uninterrupted time like today or a weekend. So one trick to to find more uninterrupted time.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Finding High Productivity
Sometimes I find that I am highly inspired and can accomplish great things in an hour. Other times, I can spend a few hours and not feel I get anything done. Part of what I work on is trying to figure out how I can get myself into this state of high productivity. I am looking at the following:
1 - I am studying what leads up to these periods of high productivy. I track my productivity.
2 - I am looking at my environment. Can I create an environment that supports this high productivity.
3 - I am even tracking sleep, exercise and diet.
4 - I am looking at what advance preparation I did.
Simply being aware of this self study is making me more productive.
I had some interesting press in the Globe and Mail today. Interesting because I was not expecting it, the writer just gleaned his comments from my blog. Cool.
1 - I am studying what leads up to these periods of high productivy. I track my productivity.
2 - I am looking at my environment. Can I create an environment that supports this high productivity.
3 - I am even tracking sleep, exercise and diet.
4 - I am looking at what advance preparation I did.
Simply being aware of this self study is making me more productive.
I had some interesting press in the Globe and Mail today. Interesting because I was not expecting it, the writer just gleaned his comments from my blog. Cool.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Reverse Time Planning
Later on this morning at 10, I am speaking at "Canada's Largest Entrepreneurship Event" at the University of Waterloo. Then meetings, will squeeze in a workout, then a birthday party for one of my friends.
I am undertaking the following exercise today. I write it in the form of an article because experience has shown me that it will get republished many times on various sites on the internet and that in turn generates blog traffic.
How to Plan Time so I can Stay Highly Productive.
I have learned that not all time is the same quality. In times when I am very alert, rested, focused and efficient, I can be three to five times as productive as other times. My goal is to have more of these highly productive hours.
This harkens back to Stephen Covey's Seventh rule of Highly Effective People - sharpening the saw. The vignette is of a wood cutter who is desperately sawing at a huge tree. A passerby asks the woodcutter why he does not sharpen the saw so he can cut more easily and quickly. The woodcutter replies, I don't have the time, I have to cut the tree down.
Lately my life has been like that of the wood cutter. I have spent too much time sawing and not enough time sharpening the saw.
So my exercise today is to figure out what things sharpen the saw for me and plan to put those in my days and weeks first. Then allow the wood cutting to take the other time as opposed to the other way around. I call this Reverse Planning. Rather than planning what I have on my to do list and trying to get that done, I plan my down time and deliberately work to get that done.
This exercise is particularly good for highly driven people. Highly driven people tend to feel guilty if they are not working. So good things to put on the list are things that make you feel a bit guilty. Most of what I put on my list are things that I like to do a lot and if left unchecked would likely do too much.
For me, I think the following are my ways of sharpening my saw:
1 - Sleep. I tend not oversleep. I have pushed myself so hard for so long, I am not really sure how much sleep might help me be more productive. I am going to schedule 6-7 hours per night to see if that helps productivity.
2 - Exercise. I become resentful when I push so hard that I do not have time to work out. I will schedule one hour workouts 5 days per week and 2-3 hours once per week. For me this is also tied to sleep. If I push too hard, I end up choosing between sleep and working out. Not good.
3 - I will allow time for a 15-20 minute walk each evening. I find this clears my head.
4 - Tidying and Organizing. I know I like my environment more and am more productive if things are neat. I will schedule an hour per week plus 10 minutes per day on that.
5 - Social time. I will schedule a couple of evenings per week of social time.
6 - Intellectual challenge. I will play bridge, chess or soduko 5 hours per week. (this tends to be guilt time for me as I enjoy it too much)
7 - Reading for pleasure. I will schedule a few hours to read for pleasure.
My list is not yet complete. I am still working on it. My challenge now is to stick to my reverse time plan and not allow myself to get caught up by the usual daily volume.
I am undertaking the following exercise today. I write it in the form of an article because experience has shown me that it will get republished many times on various sites on the internet and that in turn generates blog traffic.
How to Plan Time so I can Stay Highly Productive.
I have learned that not all time is the same quality. In times when I am very alert, rested, focused and efficient, I can be three to five times as productive as other times. My goal is to have more of these highly productive hours.
This harkens back to Stephen Covey's Seventh rule of Highly Effective People - sharpening the saw. The vignette is of a wood cutter who is desperately sawing at a huge tree. A passerby asks the woodcutter why he does not sharpen the saw so he can cut more easily and quickly. The woodcutter replies, I don't have the time, I have to cut the tree down.
Lately my life has been like that of the wood cutter. I have spent too much time sawing and not enough time sharpening the saw.
So my exercise today is to figure out what things sharpen the saw for me and plan to put those in my days and weeks first. Then allow the wood cutting to take the other time as opposed to the other way around. I call this Reverse Planning. Rather than planning what I have on my to do list and trying to get that done, I plan my down time and deliberately work to get that done.
This exercise is particularly good for highly driven people. Highly driven people tend to feel guilty if they are not working. So good things to put on the list are things that make you feel a bit guilty. Most of what I put on my list are things that I like to do a lot and if left unchecked would likely do too much.
For me, I think the following are my ways of sharpening my saw:
1 - Sleep. I tend not oversleep. I have pushed myself so hard for so long, I am not really sure how much sleep might help me be more productive. I am going to schedule 6-7 hours per night to see if that helps productivity.
2 - Exercise. I become resentful when I push so hard that I do not have time to work out. I will schedule one hour workouts 5 days per week and 2-3 hours once per week. For me this is also tied to sleep. If I push too hard, I end up choosing between sleep and working out. Not good.
3 - I will allow time for a 15-20 minute walk each evening. I find this clears my head.
4 - Tidying and Organizing. I know I like my environment more and am more productive if things are neat. I will schedule an hour per week plus 10 minutes per day on that.
5 - Social time. I will schedule a couple of evenings per week of social time.
6 - Intellectual challenge. I will play bridge, chess or soduko 5 hours per week. (this tends to be guilt time for me as I enjoy it too much)
7 - Reading for pleasure. I will schedule a few hours to read for pleasure.
My list is not yet complete. I am still working on it. My challenge now is to stick to my reverse time plan and not allow myself to get caught up by the usual daily volume.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Achieve more - work 75% of the time
Someone great once said:
"I can do my job in 75% of the time but I cannot do it in 100% of my time"
Thats the way I feel now. I am spending most of my time dealing with the urgent tasks I face. This is leaving me little time for the larger planning, visioning, contemplation and preparation I need to do. Because I am spending 100% of my time working, I cannot do my job well.
Of course my regular readers know this means I need to look at my systems. How can I better do what needs to be done and free up some time for the bigger picture. I always figure there is no point complaining, solve it.
And completely off topic:
I notice in reading Scientific American that the vapour left by jets is contributing to climate change. This comes from studying the few days after Sept 11th. Interesting. Perhaps better for my brothers Glen and Lyle to comment on (they both do alternative energy and conservation blogs)
"I can do my job in 75% of the time but I cannot do it in 100% of my time"
Thats the way I feel now. I am spending most of my time dealing with the urgent tasks I face. This is leaving me little time for the larger planning, visioning, contemplation and preparation I need to do. Because I am spending 100% of my time working, I cannot do my job well.
Of course my regular readers know this means I need to look at my systems. How can I better do what needs to be done and free up some time for the bigger picture. I always figure there is no point complaining, solve it.
And completely off topic:
I notice in reading Scientific American that the vapour left by jets is contributing to climate change. This comes from studying the few days after Sept 11th. Interesting. Perhaps better for my brothers Glen and Lyle to comment on (they both do alternative energy and conservation blogs)
The Power of Questions
I have been swamped for the last while, hence the poor record on blog posts. I thought I would share an article I wrote recently for our internal employee publication:
THE POWER OF QUESTIONS
One of the things that I like about SYNNEX is our tremendous efficiency. And although efficiency isn’t always a simple task, in the short time I have been here, I have come to see a willingness to change as long as it increases our efficiency. For example, look at the number of new positions in China. Look at the number of changes made to the systems and think how differently you did your job two years ago versus how you do it today.
After 25 years of running EMJ, I had developed systems and methodologies to deal with my time and my schedule. When I started working at SYNNEX, those systems that had served me well for so many years, no longer worked. All of a sudden I had too many emails; I had too many meetings; I had too many people asking for a piece of my time. I wasn’t being efficient and I needed a change.
The question that I asked myself was "How can I change my systems to allow me to handle the increased volume?"
For a company to continue to thrive, we need to ask ourselves these "how" questions and never accept the status quo. We need to look at every process to figure out if there is a better way of doing it. There is tremendous power in the questions that we ask.
If I were to ask the question, "How can we ship 5 percent more?", usually the answer is that we keep doing the job the same way that we have always been doing it except we need to work a bit harder. If we ask big questions like, "How can we sell 50 percent more?", our mind automatically figures that we need to do something differently than what we have been doing and come up with more creative solutions.
Other companies depend on us to provide such efficient work on a daily basis, so by asking the question "How," we can open up the possibilities.
THE POWER OF QUESTIONS
One of the things that I like about SYNNEX is our tremendous efficiency. And although efficiency isn’t always a simple task, in the short time I have been here, I have come to see a willingness to change as long as it increases our efficiency. For example, look at the number of new positions in China. Look at the number of changes made to the systems and think how differently you did your job two years ago versus how you do it today.
After 25 years of running EMJ, I had developed systems and methodologies to deal with my time and my schedule. When I started working at SYNNEX, those systems that had served me well for so many years, no longer worked. All of a sudden I had too many emails; I had too many meetings; I had too many people asking for a piece of my time. I wasn’t being efficient and I needed a change.
The question that I asked myself was "How can I change my systems to allow me to handle the increased volume?"
For a company to continue to thrive, we need to ask ourselves these "how" questions and never accept the status quo. We need to look at every process to figure out if there is a better way of doing it. There is tremendous power in the questions that we ask.
If I were to ask the question, "How can we ship 5 percent more?", usually the answer is that we keep doing the job the same way that we have always been doing it except we need to work a bit harder. If we ask big questions like, "How can we sell 50 percent more?", our mind automatically figures that we need to do something differently than what we have been doing and come up with more creative solutions.
Other companies depend on us to provide such efficient work on a daily basis, so by asking the question "How," we can open up the possibilities.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Half Marathon and the weekend that got away
Such a busy weekend, I am not sure where it went. Out Friday night. Saturday I went to the office for a while (but still di not get caught up) then to Toronto to stay overnight with good friends, Warren and Maureen Spitz. Warren runs Upper Canada Forest Products. I first got to know the Spitz's well when we ran the Boston Marathon together last year. I had met Warren previously though YPO.
Sunday I ran the Scotiabank half marathon. Although it started at 7 AM, I did not get home before 3 since we had to wait for the awards. Elizabeth won first in her age with a 3:18:39 Marathon. Although she was not pleased with her time, she did win. Sounds a bit like me.
The weather was perfect although it was a bit windy in places. Warren and I started the race together. We started well back in the corrals. With 6500 runners, it was shoulder to shoulder. It took almost 3 minutes to cross the start line (which is why runners speak in terms of chip time - the time to cross the start mat to the end mat. We are all equiped with RFID chips on our shoes.)
The first 5 to 7 kilometers went quickly partly because Warren and I were running and talking together. Because we started well back in the corrals, we were generally passing people. The course was generally flat with just a few hills. By 7K, I was feeling the strain of the race but not so much that I did not keep up with Warren (who was running the full marathon as a training run for Athens only which means he was running slowly for him). 7 to 12K I mostly just ran, often thinking I would just tell Warren to go on. Finally at 12K, I told him to go and slowed my pace considerably for a couple of kilometers.
Kilometers 15 to 20 were hard. I felt slowed by the wind. I stopped for each water stop and had problems picking up my pace again. At about 20K, I saw a 2 hour pace bunny (these are designated runners that pace a certain speed). Well of course I could not do more than 2 hours so I kept up.
With about 1/2 K to go, the runners were stopped for what seemed like 20 seconds but was likely only 10 or 15 to let ambulances through.
From there, I ran fast for the finish passing at least 25 runners.
I finished with a chip time of 1:58:49 which put me in the top half of the runners. Not as fast as I would have liked but I guess I would need to train harder to achieve a better place.
In races, I have 3 goals. In this case: 1 - to finish, 2 - to beat 2 hours, 3 - to beat 1:45. 2 out of 3 is not bad.
Sunday I ran the Scotiabank half marathon. Although it started at 7 AM, I did not get home before 3 since we had to wait for the awards. Elizabeth won first in her age with a 3:18:39 Marathon. Although she was not pleased with her time, she did win. Sounds a bit like me.
The weather was perfect although it was a bit windy in places. Warren and I started the race together. We started well back in the corrals. With 6500 runners, it was shoulder to shoulder. It took almost 3 minutes to cross the start line (which is why runners speak in terms of chip time - the time to cross the start mat to the end mat. We are all equiped with RFID chips on our shoes.)
The first 5 to 7 kilometers went quickly partly because Warren and I were running and talking together. Because we started well back in the corrals, we were generally passing people. The course was generally flat with just a few hills. By 7K, I was feeling the strain of the race but not so much that I did not keep up with Warren (who was running the full marathon as a training run for Athens only which means he was running slowly for him). 7 to 12K I mostly just ran, often thinking I would just tell Warren to go on. Finally at 12K, I told him to go and slowed my pace considerably for a couple of kilometers.
Kilometers 15 to 20 were hard. I felt slowed by the wind. I stopped for each water stop and had problems picking up my pace again. At about 20K, I saw a 2 hour pace bunny (these are designated runners that pace a certain speed). Well of course I could not do more than 2 hours so I kept up.
With about 1/2 K to go, the runners were stopped for what seemed like 20 seconds but was likely only 10 or 15 to let ambulances through.
From there, I ran fast for the finish passing at least 25 runners.
I finished with a chip time of 1:58:49 which put me in the top half of the runners. Not as fast as I would have liked but I guess I would need to train harder to achieve a better place.
In races, I have 3 goals. In this case: 1 - to finish, 2 - to beat 2 hours, 3 - to beat 1:45. 2 out of 3 is not bad.
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