Becky Robinson's Blog, page 72

Featured on Friday: Frank Sonnenberg

Last week I shared some of the highlights from our fall book launch season. It was a busy time for us, but also full of great books, wonderful authors, and a talented and generous team of promoters from Team Buzz Builder who made the launch weeks successful for so many. Thank you!

We’re already looking ahead to the launches of 2015, but before we get there we have one more launch this fall, and it’s one that we are quite excited to be supporting.

Though it’s officially launching in November, we’re planning to spread the buzz out through December and on into the new year, so there’s plenty of time to get involved. Want to be a part of the team? Sign up now!

Meet Frank Sonnenberg

I first “met” Frank on Pinterest a couple of years ago. I kept seeing these images pop up that would catch my eye, but more than that, would cause me to think. Frank Sonnenberg is an award-winning author, having written five books and over 300 articles. He was nominated as one of “America’s Most Influential Small Business Experts” and was recently named on of “America’s Top 100 Thought Leaders” – which, if you follow him online, should come as no surprise. In fact, FrankSonnenbergOnline (his blog) was also named among the “Best 21st Century Leadership Blogs.”

His new book (the one you’re invited to help promote), Follow Your Conscience, answers questions such as: How do you achieve better balance in life? How can you spot a counterfeit leader? How do you build a solid foundation for your kids? And what’s the most important lesson in life? Follow Your Conscience has the potential to make a big difference in your life, and in the lives of others.

Connect with Frank Online

Find him on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.

Don’t forget to bookmark his website for Follow Your Conscience.  There you can find graphics from Frank to share, tweets to send, and special bulk order offers, including a special offer for non-profit organizations. Save this site for quick reference if you plan to help Frank spread the word about his book over the next few months.

What are you doing November 17 – 21 (and beyond)? We hope you’ll join with us in building the buzz for this great man and his inspiring new book, Follow Your Conscience.

Living Our Core Values: Flexibility

My life is very different today than it was a couple months ago, and next month it will be even more different still. Turned on its head different, actually. This is because in just a few weeks time, I will be getting on an airplane and temporarily moving to China.

Earlier this year I threw off the bonds of the traditional nine to five, and left my job at a publishing house in San Francisco to join the Weaving Influence team remotely from Los Angeles. The move and new job have been so much more than a change of place and pace, but have resulted in fundamental change of lifestyle. Not having an office I need to arrive at everyday, and not requiring a conference room to meet with my co-workers has opened up a world of flexibility in the workplace I could not have wrapped my head around without having lived it first.

I can do my job from literally anywhere. Granted, living in Shanghai (where I fully intend to take and post selfies with Beau Sides’, Lessons From China, all over the place) will come with its own set of challenges, but it’s this company’s commitment to flexibility that is allowing me to live and work all over the world, as well as being the reason I will cheerfully wake up at odd hours to make myself available to my team members. To reap the benefit of flexibility, one must equally be able to exercise self regulation.

I can balance my life in a way that makes me feel incredibly sane. The success of my clients is very important to me, and I’ve burned the midnight oil more than once to ensure they get what they need, but my personal life and relationships are also a very high priority. Having the ability to put work on hold for a moment to help a friend in need, or to rearrange my work week to fit in activities that make me feel fulfilled on a personal level, has transformed the way I live.

I can wear all my hats at once. I am no longer a sometimes runner, sometimes girlfriend, sometimes artist, sometimes sister, trying to squeeze in time for these different facets of my life between commutes. My role as a Project Manager is now occupying the same space as my role as a friend. I am flexing a new mental muscle as I draw my own lines between where work ends and my life outside it begins–now that I no longer have the sharp line of an office wall to distinguish it for me. Though making the distinction is not always inherent or particularly easy, the flexibility to choose what works best for me proves that the way we work doesn’t have to be one size fits all.

Tell me something! How are you seeking flexibility in your life? What are you doing to better serve others without forgetting to serve yourself?

Featured on Friday: A Book Launch Festival

If you are a part of Team Buzz Builder, if you follow Weaving Influence on Facebook or Twitter, if you’ve connected with us on LinkedIn or Google+, or even if you only know us because of this blog, there’s no way that you have failed to notice that we have been launching a lot of books lately.

Whew! In the last six weeks we have been a part of seven book launch and relaunch teams. It has been an exciting, invigorating experience that so many of you have been a part of, and we want to share some of the highlights from each launch with you today. I’m only sorry we don’t have the time or space to share all the links from each launch, as so many of you were generous with your time and efforts.

 The Secret: 10th Anniversary Edition (Sept. 1 -5)

This 10-year best-selling leadership book isn’t showing any signs of slowing down! Find it on Amazon and leave a review.
Read Jane Anderson’s review of The Secret.
Check out Stan Phelps post on Forbes about The Secret.

Overcoming Fake Talk (Sept. 8 – 12)

This book is still ranking on Amazon (for Kindle) a month past the relaunch – a huge triumph! Find it on Amazon and leave a review.
Check out Dan Rockwell’s thoughts about Overcoming Fake Talk.
John Smith (our favorite “Strategic Learner”) wrote a great post about this book.

Hello, My Name Is Awesome (Sept. 15 – 19)

Although our team only joined with Alexandra shortly before the launch, we still celebrated her best-seller status! Find it on Amazon and leave a review.
Find Christopher Lewis (a.k.a. Dad of Divas) talking about Hello, My Name Is Awesome in .
Whitney Johnson (one of our first clients) opened her blog up to host this guest post from Alexandra during the launch week.

A World Gone Social (Sept. 22 – 26)

We were part of a larger team for this launch, but honored to support Ted and Mark. Find this book on Amazon and leave your review.
Our mutual friend, Deborah Mills-Scofield, wrote a post in support of the launch that you won’t want to miss.
Kate Nasser shares her interview with Ted and Mark.

The Culture Engine (Sept. 29 – Oct. 3)

September 29 – October 3 we launched two books, with book #1 written by S. Chris Edmonds. Find it on Amazon and leave a review.
This is just one of the many posts that Jennifer Miller wrote in support of Chris and his book launch.
Shawn Murphy did a great interview with Chris which was then shared on Switch & Shift.

Why Motivating People Doesn’t Work… And What Does (Sept. 29 – Oct. 3)

Book #2 of our 2-book week comes from Susan Fowler. Find her book on Amazon and leave a review.
Dan Rockwell came through again with a giveaway for Susan and a post based on his interview with her (leave a comment on that post to enter).
Chantal Bechervaise opened her blog up again (she’s always generous in that way) to host this guest post from Susan.

Leaders Open Doors: Second Edition (Oct. 6 – 10)

All this week we’ve been supporting the launch of the second edition of Leaders Open Doors from ATD Press. Find it on Amazon and leave a review.
Chip Bell, another client we love, showed his support of Bill and Leaders Open Doors in this post (and by sharing a store in the second edition).
A tried and true member of Team Buzz Builder, Andy Uskavitch wrote a great post about Bill and his book.

You tell me! Did you read any of our fall books? Have you left your review yet? Would you be interested in learning more about our upcoming launches (we still have one more this November – sign up now)? The spring launch season is filling up, so sign up today!

The Thing About Open Doors…

Bill Treasurer’s son Ian inspired his book Leaders Open Doors. Talking about being the leader at school, he shared “I got to open doors for people.”

For the 2nd time, my team is launching this amazing book. The 2nd edition, published by ATD, is available this month.

The idea of leaders opening doors is both a powerful and simple one, and one which we can all relate to.

While in San Francisco last month, I had the opportunity to have dinner with a woman who opened doors for me that led me into a future I could not have imagined, the one I am now living as an entrepreneur. Jesse Stoner referred our first client (Whitney Johnson) and her endorsement of me and my work also opened a door to a strong partnership/collaboration with Berrett-Koehler Publishers, which has resulted in more tremendous opportunities.

When I thanked Jesse for opening those doors, her humble response was this: “I have opened a lot of doors, but not everyone walks through them the way you have.”

As a leader, this sentence gives me hope. While I can make a big difference by opening doors for people, and supporting them through the journey, what people ultimately do when we open doors for them is beyond our control, ultimately.

When we open doors for people, some people will take advantage of what we’ve offered and enjoy the benefits of our door opening.

When we open doors for people, some people will not even walk through the door at all. Or they will walk through, stumble through, or lose their way.

When we open doors for people, a rare few will maximize the opportunities we offer. They will learn, grow, accomplish, succeed, and go on to open doors and create opportunities for others.

They will take up the legacy of open-door leadership and pay forward the gift we gave when we opened a door for them.

I want to live my life each day in a way that honors the leaders who have opened doors to make a way for me. When I open doors for others, I am continuing the legacy Jesse and others started when they opened doors for me.

Will you take up the legacy of open-door leadership?

To learn more about the importance of opening doors for others, buy Bill Treasurer’s book — today! Or buy it as a thank you for someone who opened a door for you. 

Living Our Core Values: Integrity

I don’t want to intimidate you, but I think you have the right to know — I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Granted, I received my black belt when I was twelve, and nowadays I would likely topple over trying to do a roundhouse kick… however, my time spent sparring and breaking plastic boards still taught me some valuable lessons.

Everyday at the start of class, we had to recite the tenants of Tae Kwon Do. Standing at attention, we earnestly listed the foundational principles, one of which (and the only one I remember, honestly) was integrity. In simple terms, we were taught that integrity was “doing the right thing, no matter what, even when nobody is watching.”

A reputation of integrity is built through shared experiences. Though integrity might be doing right “even when nobody is watching,” these days it seems that someone is always watching. With the advent of social media, our principles are always on display. It is more important than ever to consistently seek the ethical path, even when we think nobody is looking. As Frank Sonnenberg so wonderfully puts it, “trust is built through a series of experiences shared with others.” Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and LinkedIn are all about sharing experiences. Through honest and authentic interactions across all platforms, our team at Weaving Influence strives to continually build a reputation of integrity for both our clients and ourselves.

Integrity is in the small things. At Weaving Influence, we strive toward integrity in everything we do — whether it is in interactions between coworkers or hosting webinars with clients. Integrity should be central not only to keynote speeches, but also to daily emails and phone calls. It takes a diligent and concentrated effort to maintain integrity, and we are committed to this effort.

When focused on integrity, we cannot buy into the myth that the ends always justify the means. Integrity asks us to acknowledge our interconnectivity with one another and our responsibility to interact with honesty at all times. A person with integrity must acknowledge that everything they do, no matter how small or how private, should be held to the same ethical standard.

To truly have integrity, we must transcend strategic kindness and embrace radical authenticity.

Tell me something! How do you pursue integrity? What are the pitfalls of neglecting it?

 

Taking the Next Step on Core Values

My team and I are working to incorporate our core values into our company culture. We’re talking about our core values regularly and writing blog posts to talk about how we live out our values every day.

But yesterday’s webinar (watch now!) with Chris Edmond’s reminded me of an important area we’ve missed.

Every core value needs to be tied to desired behaviors in our organization. We cannot measure performance and alignment of behaviors to our values without first identifying the behaviors we desire.

It’s nice to be able to rattle off our values: generosity, responsiveness, integrity, partnership, growth, and flexibility. Far more important is living the values, and values are lived and displayed by our behaviors.

What do we do that shows we value responsiveness? What do we do that shows that we value growth?

I asked Chris: What is the ideal number of core values for any organization?

Chris says 3 values is desirable because 3 values = 9 behaviors. 9 behaviors are manageable to measure. If you have 10 values = 30 behaviors, it becomes far more difficult to track.

With our 6 values, our next step as a company is to identify the 3 most important behaviors for each value. Once we do that, we will have 18 desired values-aligned behaviors to work toward, measure, and celebrate. This feels do-able.

Has your organization identified values? Have you crafted an organizational constitution?

If not, Chris’ new book, The Culture Engine: A Framework for Driving Results, Inspiring Your Employees, and Transforming Your Workplace is an excellent resource. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy for yourself and other leaders in your organization — today.

Find more inspiration from Chris’ book at thecultureengine.com and send him a tweet @scedmonds to congratulate him on the launch of his book.

 

The Small Gestures Matter

This year my husband enjoyed his birthday on a Saturday.

When I heard the loud noise from his Blackberry signifying an incoming email, I likely sighed. His position in a government agency requires that he stay connected 24-7. After 12 years, I should be used to the weekend emails, texts, and calls out, but I still feel cranky when work overtakes family time.

Except that this time, my husband smiled. “Look at this, ” he said, handing me the phone.

The subject line: Happy B-Day. The message:

Good morning.

I just wanted to wish you a Happy B Day and hope you  get a chance to relax and enjoy the day..at least a little…sure the family is taking good care of you.

I don’t say it enough but thanks for what you do each and every day in support of our  efforts in the “identifying information removed, specifics about the ways my husband contributes added here.”  Needless to say we are lucky to have you here in the division and your commitment, and partnerships are greatly appreciated. Please know your hard work and  dedication do not go unnoticed. It is an honor to serve with you.

Again, Happy B Day and enjoy the day!

Leaders first name here.

It likely only took this leader a few minutes to share the message, but the result in how his gesture made my husband feel was incredible.

My husband serves in a division that includes more than 400 workers, and the top leader works in a city two hours from here. Typically, he gets a phone call at his desk from this leader on his birthday, but this year, since his birthday landed on a Saturday, he got this note instead.

As leaders, we can’t motivate those we lead; they are already motivated.

However, our actions can create an environment in which our team’s psychological needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence are met. When we do, we increase the likelihood that employees will have a sense of positive energy and vitality about their work.

Susan Fowler’s new book, Why Motivating People Doesn’t Work and What Does: The New Science of Leading, Energizing, and Engaging, explains and explores the true nature of motivation and how leaders can make a difference by helping people understand why they are motivated. As Fowler writes, “Being a leader is a privileged position. What you say, how you say it, and why you say it make a difference in the lives of the people you lead.”

Even gestures that seem small, like a few lines in a birthday email, can make a huge difference.

What are you waiting for, buy and learn from Susan Fowler‘s new book — today! Or share some of the graphics and tweets from her book, here.

Featured on Friday: Leaders Open Doors

On July 12, 2013 I wrote our very first Featured on Friday. And who did we choose to highlight? None other than Bill Treasurer, author of Leaders Open Doors.

In 2013, we had the opportunity in help Bill launch Leaders Open Doors – and many of you joined us. Now, in 2014, we all get to be a part of Bill’s team again!

Bill’s book – originally inspired by his 5-year-old son, Ian – has been picked up and traditionally published by ATD Press. So what’s changed? Bill’s royalties just got bigger. And what hasn’t changed? He’s still donating 100% of those royalties to organizations that open doors for people with special needs, like his daughter Bina.

What’s New This Time Around?

In addition to coming out as a hardcover book this time, Bill has also included a new epilogue in this edition.  Renowned leadership authors like Ken Blanchard, Jim Kouzes, Kevin Eikenberry, and Chip Bell have shared stories about leaders who opened doors for them during their careers, and made a lasting impression on their lives. The epilogue alone makes buying a new copy worth it.

I already mentioned that he’s getting more royalties this time around with a traditional publisher, but here’s the full scoop on his goal for the coming year. With the proceeds from his first edition of Leaders Open Doors, Bill was able to donate more than $7000 to charity. Over the course of the next year, his sights are set much higher: $50,000 – raised and donated through the sale of Leaders Open Doors from ATD Press.

Bill has timed the release of his book on October 1st with World Cerebral Palsy Day – a cause that is near and dear to his heart. The goal is not only to use it as a jumping off point for his goal of raising $50,000 for charity, but to also bring new awareness to those living with and affected by Cerebral Palsy.

Find Bill Online

Find him on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and don’t forget to visit his new website for Leaders Open Doors.

Want to Learn More?

Bill is joining with ATD as part of the launch for a free webinar about his book and leadership ideas. In order to join you’ll need to sign up for a free account with ATD, and then sign up for the webinar – and if you already have an account, you’re half-way there. The topic of the event will be Leaders Open Doors: Radically Simple Ideas For Effective Leadership, and it begins at 2 pm ET on Wednesday, October 1st. Sign up to join Bill and the ATD team.

No time to attend the event? Hang out here a little longer and watch this new video from Bill, created in celebration of his new launch. Then join us in helping Bill open doors for others by telling everyone you know about Leaders Open Doors and the cause it’s supporting. Send this Tweet Now!

Living Our Core Values: Responsiveness

Merriam Webster defines responsiveness like this: reacting in a desired or positive way; quick to respond. We all probably think about speed when we think about responsiveness, too, but how many of us take the time to make sure our responses are positive?

I think a positive response is as important as a speedy one, which is why responsiveness is the core value that resonates most with me, and it’s the core value that proves the most challenging for me. Let me explain.

I spent 20 years working in television news. Speed matters. In fact, most journalists would say they live and die by their deadline. I prided myself on never missing a deadline. I responded to every assignment quickly. I learned to talk fast, walk fast, read fast, write fast. I even sign my name so fast it’s become illegible. That deadline mentality has traveled with me into my work with social media. I like to respond to email quickly and tackle tasks sooner rather than later. My speedy work is appreciated by clients who value a quick answer or quick work. Our goal at Weaving Influence is to respond to all messages or requests within 24 hours unless, of course, there’s an emergency need. I can do this in my sleep. Mr. McFeeley isn’t the only one who believes in speedy delivery.

Responsiveness becomes a challenge for me when it gets in the way of accuracy or thoroughness. Mark Miller cautions us “not to move so fast we miss the obvious things.” I need to paint that on the wall above my desk. Because speed or responsiveness has become such an important part of how I work, it occasionally edges out quality, and that’s not acceptable. A speedy response that is sloppy or inaccurate or comes across in a sharp way doesn’t help anyone. It’s not offering value or a service. Yes, we all make mistakes and we always will — but sloppy mistakes because we were moving too fast? We can do better than that. I can do better than that… well, I’m trying to do better than that.

So the challenge with responsiveness comes down to balance. We have to balance our days so we respond in a timely manner, while taking the necessary time to offer a thorough, positive response. We have to find the ways to motivate ourselves to speed up or slow down- whichever is our greatest challenge- and we must always find a moment to take a breath and look at the quality of our response.

Responsiveness is the core value that is teaching me the most right now. I will be honest — I’m not always a willing student. Years of a deadline-driven mentality aren’t easy to shake, but I’m trying. Everyday.

Tell me something! How are you trying to be responsive?

 

 

 

Featured on Friday: Alexandra Watkins

When I started working with Becky in 2012, I came on just four days prior to Whitney Johnson launching her book, Dare, Dream, Do. In fact, the first post I wrote for the Weaving Influence blog was in support and celebration of Whitney’s book. If I’m being totally honest, I will admit that I had no idea what I was doing.

Two and a half years later, I chuckled to myself as we began the launch week for Hello, My Name Is Awesome and I came across a guest post hosted by Whitney. Every now and again, it’s good to take a step back and see how far we have come.

When Whitney launched her book, Weaving Influence consisted of Becky and five contractors, four of whom have since moved on to follow different dreams. Today, we have a team of more than 20 professionals who work together to provide outstanding service for our ever-expanding group of clients. We dared, we dreamed, and we did… and that’s pretty AWESOME.

Meet Alexandra Watkins

Brand name expert Alexandra Watkins is a leading and outspoken authority on brand names with buzz. A winner of the Make Mine a Million $ Business program sponsored by American Express, she has turned her passion for naming things into a thriving company, Eat My Words.

Frequently quoted in the press, Alexandra’s been featured in leading business publications including The Wall Street Journal, Inc., and Entrepreneur. She’s a popular speaker at MBA programs and has been a guest presenter at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, SF State, USF School of Management and their alumni association.

As previously mentioned, this week she’s been busy with the launch of , which has already made the Amazon Best-Seller list, and is sure to stay there for a while!

When she’s not writing books or naming software, social networking sites, serums, or seafood (among other things), she’s probably getting her passport stamped again. At last count she’s visited 45+ countries and enjoys sinking her teeth into local delicacies like barbequed squirrel in Tanzania and lobster marinara in Cuba.

Connect with Alexandra Online

Find her on , Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Definitely plan on visiting her website for Hello, My Name Is Awesome. Filled with graphics, links to buy the book, a free sample chapter, easy to share tweets and more, if you’re short on time but want to help with the promotion, this is your go to spot for quick sharing.

What People Are Saying About the Book

The following bits of praise were pulled from Amazon reviews, written just this week – !

“This isn’t a book just for marketers, brand specialists or advertising professionals. It’s a book everyone can enjoy.”

“Clear, concise and wildly creative. This gem should be required reading for start ups, execs, students, and know-it-alls.”

“Simply brilliant! Wickedly funny. In-the-bank ideas you can use NOW.”

“This book nails it. I felt more creative and idea-filled as I read it.”