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Greetings!
Gung Hay Fat Choy! The Chinese New
Year 4704 of the
"Fire" Pig has begun. And if I might add, with
quite a BANG!
Some Chinese astrologers refer
to 2007 as an auspicious "golden
year". I see
this time as an accelerating opportunity to
clarify our
intentions, launch reinventions, and manifest our
visions collaboratively.
"Always be on the lookout for ways
to turn
a problem into an opportunity for success.
Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture
your dream.?~ Lao Tzu, ancient Chinese
philosopher
May you be happy and at peace. May you be
healthy and free.
In heartfelt collaboration,
Sheryl R. Sever (Shera)
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Do You Know Your Audience?
February Small Business Tip
"We can see our purpose in the lives and
eyes of others."
The small business question I proposed
last month
,"What do you and your
business stand for? ", encouraged you to
look at your
vision and your values in order to develop a
mission statement.
A mission statement defines the core
purpose of an organization- the reason
why your
business exists. It is the guiding
principle
for decision-making, and it is
the platform from which we
launch our goals and objectives.
Another obviously critical element in the
development of
your business plan is to KNOW YOUR
AUDIENCE.
Understanding your customers and clients
(current and future)
will assist you
refining your branding and defining
future marketing
methods. How well do you know your
customers, clients and business partners?
SIX QUESTIONS: DO YOU KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE?
- WHO ARE THEY? (Demographics)
- WHERE ARE THEY? (Geographic)
- WHAT DO THEY VALUE?
(Psychographics)
- WHAT ARE THEIR NEEDS?
(Motivation)
- HOW CAN MY BUSINESS SERVE and FULFILL
their
needs?(Benefits & Features)
- WHAT ARE THE EXTRA STEPS and ACTIONS
I can
take to allow my audience to feel
special and cared for? (Trust-Building)
WHAT'S BEAUTIFUL about these SIX
QUESTIONS is their VERSATILITY.
They can be used in a variety of initial
planning situations, for example:
- A Human Resources Director assessing
training and development needs within her
organization.
- A Solopreneur starting her new
business.
- A Speaker compiling material to
include in a presentation.
- An Author writing an article for a
publication.
- A Grantwriter developing a funding
proposal.
- A Job-Seeker creating a cover
letter and
resume.
Currently, I am using these questions
as a framework and guide to examine
high-level
organizational functions and processes in my
initial analysis of the Wave 2-3
Redesign of
OUSD. It
has been a very effective process for
efficiently
gathering the "as is" situation along with
the wins
and challenges of key leadership and
service areas.
Synthesizing complex concepts without losing
the essence of your message takes expertise and
practice.
Do you speak the language of your audience:
culturally, emotionally, and
physically?
Clear, concise, potent
messages that inspire your audience to take
action, supported by a well-crafted
strategic
plan, will have a long-lasting, positive
impact on building and sustaining strong
client relationships.
Want to learn more about crafting a powerful
message?
Click to schedule a complimentary consultation
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The Great Work-Changing the Dream
Hope Emanates from Having a Good Plan
Last month, Awakening the Dream, Changing the
Dream Symposium facilitators held a weekend
strategic planning summit to discuss next
steps in "creating an environmentally
sustainable, socially just, spiritually
fulfilling presence on this planet as a
guiding principle for our time."
Pictured above is Randy Hayes,
President and Founder of the Rainforest Action
Network, and Sheryl Sever, Executive
Editor of the 2006 Sustainable World
Sourcebook.
Randy was the keynote speaker at the ATD
Facilitators' Summit. His vision greatly
influenced me
and my team's work
in creating the sourcebook which is
available here
as a free pdf download.
In the past 18 months,The Awakening the
Dreamer, Changing the Dream
Symposium has been presented to
audiences across the USA and in over six
countries. This impactful symposium allows
participants to gain a new insight into the very
nature of our time, and the opportunity we
have to
shape and impact the direction of our world
with our everyday choices and actions.
Curiously enough, it all boils down to,
"Do we all win, or do we all lose?"
If you haven't yet attended an Awakening
the Dreamer Symposium, please click on
the link
below to find out about an upcoming symposium
in your area, or contact me at 510.336.9161
to discuss hosting one in your workplace or
community.
Attend a symposium. Find out more...
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LOVE with ALL your HEART!
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