This past week, I had the privilege of being one of three friends asked to speak at a book launch and celebration honoring the life of my friend Joe Bonsall, a 50-year member of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys. Joe’s remarkable legacy was not just in his music, though his voice undoubtedly touched millions. His true distinction lay in something even more profound: his ability to encourage others.
A recurring theme emerged as I listened to fellow speakers and spoke with audience members—Joe was an encourager.
He had a way of making others feel seen, valued, and capable. And it wasn’t limited to those in his industry. Whether it was a young musician dreaming of stardom or someone like me who works outside the entertainment world, Joe offered words of belief and support. His encouragement wasn’t strategic or self-serving. It came from a genuine place of care and connection.
In reflecting on his life, I couldn’t help but think about the transformative power of encouragement. In a world that often feels hyper-critical and divided, encouragement is one of our most underutilized and undervalued tools. But its impact is immense.
Encouragement Creates Belief
We’ve all faced moments of doubt—times when the mountain ahead seems insurmountable. In those moments, a simple word of encouragement can spark a belief we didn’t know we had. Joe’s encouragement often had this effect. His words didn’t just motivate; they instilled confidence. He had a knack for reminding people of their unique gifts, often when they struggled to see them themselves.
Belief is a powerful thing. It’s the foundation of every achievement and every act of courage. When someone believes in us, it’s as though they’re lending us strength until we can build our own. Encouragement, at its core, is the act of transferring belief.
Encouragement Inspires Action
Encouragement isn’t passive; it’s a call to action. When someone encourages us, they’re not just saying, “You can do this.” They’re saying, “You should do this.” It pushes us to move beyond our comfort zones and take that next step, no matter how daunting.
Joe’s encouragement wasn’t just kind words—it was a challenge to live fully and to pursue dreams with everything we have.
Encouragement Leaves a Legacy
Joe Bonsall’s legacy is a testament to the ripple effect of encouragement. Each person he inspired will carry his words with them, passing them along to others. It’s a cycle that has no end. We may not all leave behind platinum records or a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame, but we all have the ability to leave a legacy of encouragement. And that legacy has the power to transcend generations.
How You Can Be an Encourager
You don’t need a stage or a platform to encourage someone. You just need the willingness to notice others and speak life into their dreams. Here are four ways you can start:
1. Acknowledge Strengths: Take a moment to point out the qualities or talents you admire in someone. You might be surprised at how much they need to hear it.
2. Offer Support: Sometimes encouragement isn’t just words; it’s showing up, lending a hand, or providing resources to help someone move forward.
3. Challenge Gently: Encourage people to stretch beyond their perceived limits. Let them know you see their potential, even if they don’t yet.
4. Be Generous with Positivity: Kindness and affirmation cost nothing but have immeasurable value. Share them freely.
You Are Needed
In the spirit of Joe Bonsall, I want to leave you with this: You are capable of more than you realize. Whatever challenges you’re facing, whatever dreams you’ve been putting off—step forward.
The world needs your contribution, and there is someone out there who will be inspired by your journey.
Just as Joe encouraged me, let this post be my encouragement to you. Believe in yourself, take action, and leave a legacy of encouragement for others.
Because, in the end, that might be the most iconic thing any of us can do.
When I reflect on my many clients who have followed the distinction prescription that I propose — either because they are subscribing to my insight, they’ve found their own pathway there, or a combination — I marvel at the transformation that has been the result. Just look at my often-cited case studies like the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, High Point University, St. Elmo Steakhouse, the Savannah Bananas, and more. You’ll see organizations that have not only created marketplace distinction, they’ve moved into the realm of iconic examples that transcends their respective industries.
In today’s crowded marketplace, businesses face a critical challenge: standing out from the competition. You know that I’m convinced that the answer lies in creating distinction—the ability to differentiate yourself in ways that captivate customers and compel them to choose you over anyone else.
But distinction is not just about being different; it’s about being uniquely valuable.
Businesses that embrace distinction as the core strategy will unlock the key to transformation. Instead of competing on price or getting lost in the sea of sameness, they focus on what makes them remarkable—whether it’s delivering unparalleled customer experiences, offering innovative products, or communicating a brand story that resonates deeply with their audience.
Transformation occurs when distinction drives not only marketing but also decision-making. It becomes a guiding principle that informs everything from product development to how employees interact with customers.
The result? Greater customer loyalty, increased revenue, and a brand that people trust and recommend.
Creating distinction is not a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing process of constantly evaluating what sets your business apart and how you can build on that uniqueness. Those who commit to this path see a profound shift in their business performance and reputation.
In a world where blending in means getting left behind, distinction is the catalyst that propels your business forward. The most successful companies don’t just serve customers—they create experiences and value that can’t be found anywhere else.
That’s the transformative power of distinction.
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What do you do when you find yourself in a downturn?
No one enjoys this situation – and often, the result is that we start marketing obsessively, creating an appearance of desperation for business. Ironically, no prospect or previous client is attracted to a company that seems to be hurting for customers.
Instead, we need to consider a more guided and reassured approach.
Within the professional speaking segment of my career — as opposed to the consulting and education/training aspects of what we do — I’ve noticed that spring often brings a bit of a slowdown in activity. A smaller number of conferences and conventions are held when school is not in session, and families are taking vacations, so we typically get fewer calls in the spring to book speeches for meetings in the summer months. (It’s why the National Speakers Association has always scheduled their annual convention in the summer!)
And 2024 is part of the four-year cycle of both a Presidential election here in the States and the Olympic games occurring in the same year. This often means that keynote slots usually filled by professional speakers will now go to political analysts and successful athletes.
Is there a typical time when you experience a lull in your business?
It’s tempting to view these quieter periods as detrimental. However, it’s crucial to recognize them for what they are: seasonal adjustments, part of a natural ebb and flow in the cycle of business.
Understanding the patterns of our professional landscape can transform how we perceive and react to these lulls. Instead of succumbing to frustration, we can view them as an opportunity to regroup and realign our strategies. Here are four approaches to re-motivating oneself during these slower periods:
1. Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
Use the quieter times for strategic planning and setting new goals. It’s an opportune moment to reflect on your business’s direction, evaluate past performances, and set clear, achievable objectives. This is not merely about continuation but a strategic recalibration to ensure that when the pace picks up again, you are ahead of the curve.
2. Skill Enhancement and Learning
Slow periods are ideal for personal and professional development. Whether it’s attending online workshops, reading the latest in your field, or learning a new skill that can add depth to your offerings, the investment in your growth will pay dividends when the demand picks up.
3. Strengthening Connections
Networking doesn’t only have to occur in peak business times. Reaching out to your network, checking in on colleagues, or even setting up informational interviews can foster relationships that yield future opportunities. This is also a perfect time to collaborate on new ideas with peers. Knowing you aren’t alone in this situation can provide assurance, as long as it does not become a “woe is me!” conversation. My mastermind group meets every summer – and a small group of pals and colleagues meet on Zoom every week. We help keep each other motivated and encouraged.
4. Innovative Experimentation
With more time at your disposal, experiment with new ideas that you wouldn’t during busier periods. Whether it’s a new marketing technique or a fresh topic for your speaking engagements, experimentation can lead to innovation and renewal. It was during a slower period in speaking that I created the concepts that became my bestselling book, “ICONIC.” You never know where your experimentation might lead!
Reflecting and Renewing for Enhanced Relevance
Reflecting on past successes can indeed be a double-edged sword, particularly for seasoned professionals who might worry about remaining relevant in a rapidly evolving market. Here’s how to reflect on your achievements and use them to foster continuous renewal:
Analytical Reflection: Examine your past successes to understand the qualities that distinguished you then and consider how these can be adapted or expanded upon to meet current trends and expectations.
Feedback Loops: Engage with peers, mentors, and trusted clients to get feedback on your current offerings. This can provide insights into how the market perceives your relevance and where there might be opportunities for innovation.
Personal Branding: Update your personal branding to reflect both your legacy and your adaptability to current market demands. This shows that while you respect and acknowledge your past work, you are also fully engaged with your industry’s present and future.
Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and curiosity. Being open to new ideas and approaches not only enhances your skill set but also signals to your industry that you are a dynamic and evolving leader.
Embracing Reverse Mentoring for Fresh Perspectives
Another powerful strategy I’ve employed to stay engaged and relevant during quieter times is reverse mentoring.
This involves partnering with younger professionals who not only value my experience but also challenge my thinking with their fresh, generationally unique perspectives. Here are four reasons why reverse mentoring is a critical element of staying motivated and relevant:
1. Cross-Generational Insights
Reverse mentoring allows for an exchange of ideas across generations, fostering a deeper understanding of emerging trends and consumer behaviors that are shaped by younger demographics. This can be particularly valuable for tailoring our strategies to meet the expectations of a broader audience.
2. Challenging Established Norms
Young professionals often bring a different approach to problem-solving and innovation. By engaging with reverse mentors, seasoned professionals can challenge their established norms and potentially outdated methods, ensuring that their strategies remain dynamic and adaptable to new market conditions.
3. Fostering Inclusivity
Reverse mentoring encourages a culture of inclusivity by validating the contributions of younger team members. It demonstrates a commitment to hearing diverse voices within the organization, which can inspire loyalty and a positive work environment.
4. Mutual Benefits
While reverse mentoring is designed to benefit the more experienced professional, it’s a reciprocal relationship. Young professionals gain from exposure to the seasoned insight and strategic thinking of their mentors, enriching their professional growth and understanding of the industry.
Incorporating reverse mentoring into your professional life not only bridges the gap between generations but also injects new zest into your career.
It’s a testament to the idea that learning and motivation are lifelong processes, invigorated continually by new challenges and perspectives.
Every professional will experience cycles of peak activity and slower periods. The key is to use these quieter times as strategic periods of growth and development.
By embracing these lulls as opportunities for strategic planning, learning, and innovation, you can ensure that you remain motivated and ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of your next busy season.
