Any one who follows Seth Godin knows that his latest book, Tribes
Liz Strauss is a leader. Liz Strauss leads a tribe. A tribe of people connected to a very powerful idea: Be Nice.
It may sound simple, over-simplified in fact, but it is actually not natural for humans these days. But one thing I can tell you for sure: I have been to a lot conferences (although only one other blogging one) and many networking events, and I have never had such an easy time speaking with and connecting to people.
Liz (and Terry Starbucker) cultivates a following of quite diverse people from all walks of life and segments yet she fosters a culture of kindness and generosity that connects people in very profound ways.
Over the past two days of SOBCon, Liz had spoken little, letting Terry lead panels, present topics, lead Q & A, but today as the afternoon wore down, Liz stood in front of the room, without a PowerPoint and walked us through a very simple, yet profound concept about building and maintaining a business. But she opened with a statement about numbers. She said something that struck me…well she said many things that struck me, but one in particular: numbers don’t mean anything until you label them.
Stop and think about that for a minute.
How true is that!? The importance assigned to numbers is purely subjective. The implication being decided by the person who is receiving or interpreting the information. I love that!
People focus on numbers a lot. What’s your traffic? How many comments do you get? How many books have you sold. But – but – but – in comparison to who? Under what circumstances? With how much investment? It is all subjective, that requires a unique perspective.
Don’t worry about other people’s labels. Focus on you: decide who you are and what you stand for and stick to it, be genuine, and most of all…be nice!
Heart photo credit bohohideaway
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I like the Be Nice idea…it seems a struggle sometimes…not to Be Nice, but to get it in return. But I guess it needs to start somewhere…will have to look into this further. Interesting as always, Andi
Andi,
Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be seen, heard, and understood. You came with an open mind and a wide-open heart. Your brain made the conference what it was as much as mine did. Thank you.