People often ask me about my hashtag for Twitter of #GIFB – which is Get in Front Blogging. The name of my public relations and communications training company is Get in Front Communications.
Get in Front is a constant reminder to me to be proactive. It goes back to one of my ”signature stories” when I speak and train people. It’s about my husband Andrew, our son Danny and the game of ice hockey.
When Danny was seven years old and learning to play hockey, Andrew, who has been on skates since he was four, told him, ”Get in front of the net, get in front of the puck and get in front of the other players.”
Danny didn’t understand, and with a puzzled look and a shrug of his shoulders, he quizzically asked, ”Why? Why should I get in front?”
Andrew’s response was simple and it applies to each of us.
“Because that’s where all the action is. Nothing exciting happens to the guys who hang out in the back. Get in front of the net, get in front of the puck, get in front of the other players. Get in front and make something happen.”
Something obviously clicked in Danny’s mind. After that conversation, Danny made a commitment to himself and his team that he would Get in Front. His entire game, attitude, communication and success changed because he decided to be proactive. To making something happen.
How about you? Are you ready to make something happen?
Here are 7 tips to help you Get in Front:
1. Think of yourself and your company as special. Focus on a personal branding and marketing plan that truly differentiates your expertise, products and services from your competition. It’s there. You have to find it. Be creative. If you have to, hire a coach to pull it out of you.
2. Get out! Your prospects and ideal customers won’t come banging on your door begging to give you their hard-earned money. You must find them. Get out of your office. Get out of your comfort zone and the usual places you like to network. Get out from behind the keyboard. Above all, get out of your own way.
3. Speak up. When you are at meetings, lunches or conferences, use your voice. Get involved in the dialogue, ask a question, offer your insights, and volunteer. Avoid blending in with the crowd.
4. Donate your products and services. Offer one of your CD’s, books, or a gift certificate to your business as a door prize. You’ll be announced and you may be invited to give a quick introduction or ”elevator speech.” If you don’t have products, go to your local bookstore and spend a few bucks for a copy of a popular business book. Scotch tape your business card to the inside cover.
5. Get involved in your community. Target groups and places where your ideal customers spend time and offer to serve on committees and boards that need your expertise. Nonprofits, foundations and schools are especially grateful when they can connect with savvy business leaders.
6. Learn something new every day. Find a topic that will help you grow professionally and personally. Read books, take courses, and speak to people about it and you will soon be expanding your horizons and widening your circles. In a year or two, you can be on the road to becoming an expert.
7. Start writing. One of the best ways to Get in Front is to write something that others can apply to their own situations to be successful. Write a blog, article , tipsheet, launch a “Tip of the Day”, e-zine or short newsletter. You may have heard this mantra: “Publish or Perish.”
Get in Front is a mindset. Being proactive in our businesses and lives helps us avoid complacency and mediocrity. It forces us to keep moving, learning, contributing and growing. Just ask Danny.
Danny in New York City, age 14, 2010
{ 3 trackbacks }
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Susan, This is a fabulous blog. Thank you for the inspiration, motivation and actual tangible activities to make it happen for each of us. As I was reading this “Get in Front” message, I kept thinking the word, “Leadership”.
Your approach really teaches a person to be in the lead position and take on the role. Congratulations to Danny for having a mom who knows how to inspire at such a young and tender age.
All the best,
Debby
Homeopathy World Community
Dear Debby,
Thank you for your kind words. Indeed, this is about leadership and motivation. I wish you continued success.
Susan
Great advice Susan,
Doing something different ,trying something new everyday and especially getting out of our comfort zone and our own way is definitely the key.
Surrounding ourselves with positive people(like you) and people that have something meaningful to say is another step to success.
Thank you for pointing out to us things we already know but need to refresh every now and then.
LorenaHeletea
It’s been nice sharing Tweets and now seeing your comment on my blog. Thank you for reading and contributing!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Loving your site & your message. Not only is your message crystal clear, but it’s on the money! Impressive work. I would love to learn more.
I train people to be crystal clear & highly effective communicators so your message really hits home for me!
Best,
Ita Olsen
OlsenSpeech
I very much appreciate your comments Ita. Working through the clutter in our busy world and communicating effectively can be tough. Glad to have you as a regular!
Best wishes for a successful 2010—-
Susan
Susan:
Nice story and relationship of conveying your point to be proactive. So many times people are stuck in the event, like your son who couldn’t understand why he should be in front of the puck – even after being told.
Everyone has a different learning style and curve and many times people complain rather than be proactive. As a former employer once told all of the managers in a meeting, “Either offer a solution or don’t say anything.” That stopped the bickering and turned their stinking thinking, like Zig Ziglar says, into creative problem solving.
Thanks.
This is the best blog post I have read in quite some time. You get really specific about the detriment we can do to ourselves when we let our professional guard down. What is even better, however, is that you are so encouraging! I don’t know what it is yet, but I’m going to learn something new today.
Thank you!
Kate
Hi Kate,
So glad you took away some lessons from my “Get in Front” post. Please let me know what you discover today :))
Best regards~
Susan
Great advice. Nothing happens if you don’t crash the net. That is one of the first lessons they teach you in hockey.