Hold Me Accountable? You Talking to me?

[Diogenes Ruiz]

Yes, I'm talking to you.

We all could use a bit of nudging every once in a while. I know I do. I'd like to try an experiment with you all. If you are working on something in your business and have not had luck with getting "whatever it is" done, dare you be brave enough to post a short summary here, we can chime with a thought our two that might help. Then perhaps check in with you in a week to see if it has helped or you have made progress. With so many talented folks on this network, I thought it might be helpful and fun.

[Gaynor Fries, 919 Director]

Love this post Diogenes - featuring. Something that could really help others. Jim Vogel does a little of this in his Tuesday morning coffees - all Insiders share a business success and then a business challenge and those who are able to, try to offer advice on the challenge.

[Diogenes Ruiz]

Thanks Gaynor, I think we can all get something out of this. Looking forward to seeing what folks bring up.

[Drew Becker]

Diogenes, please remind me to contact one medium-sized business a week for instructional video.
How can I help you? Thanks.

Drew

[Diogenes Ruiz]

Drew, I would be happy to do that. I noticed that you specified "instructional" video. FYI - The Big Easy in Cary just started a dart league. You might approach Kevin, one of the owners, to see if an instructional video about the dart league and the rules etc., might be something they need. Tell him I recommended you. I don't recall his last name, but there is only one Kevin there. Next week when I remind you to call a medium sized business, you can let me know how it went.

How can you help me? Thanks for asking. Since I just finished a book I am trying to get eyeballs on it. It's on Amazon, see description at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BEIQYPC. I am using a blog to generate exposure, http://easterbunnyblog.wordpress.com/. I would appreciate being top of mind with as many folks as possible so my readership can grow.

Thanks for responding to this post.

[Deb Zechini, Home Organizer]

Wow Diogenes, looks like not many have issues with follow through! This is a great exercise to do because I see that it works for many of my clients. Just having me present to help them stay focused and accountable is huge for them.
Just a gentle nudge or reminder works for most people. Knowing in the back of their mind that someone will be checking on them helps them to take action.

[Diogenes Ruiz]

Deb, I agree! I also think many folks don't realize that they have issues with follow through because it is so easy to mask. We're all busy, have budgets to live with and have priorities that often conflict with each other. Follow through can be very difficult at times.
Thanks for taking the time to chime in on this discussion.

[Fred T. Gruber Jr.]

I am on the verge of pursuing more commercial carpet cleaning accounts and probably could use some help getting going. Once I get the ball rolling, I will do great. I've had great success, in the past but just need to get some momentum.

[Diogenes Ruiz]

Fred, I will keep you top of mind and hope everybody else on this threads can do the same. Just a thought... there are lots of commercial tenants whose leases will expire this year. Perhaps one strategy would be to approach a company like Keystone properties out in RTP. The lease a buch of commercial space out. You could pitch cleaning the carpet for those tenants who leases are running out. It might be a nice incentive to have them stay.

[Thomas R Schaffer]

Diogenes - My theory is to hold people "capable", instead of accountable...it is more positive then penal!
Good Idea though!

[Diogenes Ruiz]

Thomas, thanks for your comment. Perhaps I'm turning into Scrooge, but I don't want to hold people capable. That's like saying there are no winners or losers. As a society we've watered down a lot of things trying not to make people feel bad. To me the key is "account" to be able to account for what you've done or failed to do. It's a verb and implies that there must be action taken. If action is not take, then you penalize yourself. If you take action, then you can reward yourself. There result can be that you are one small step closer to your goal or completed a goal. There is no sense of urgency in being "capable". Though I must admit that the bottom line is to do what works for you and your clients. I fully respect that.

Thanks for your comment. It was great!

~Diogenes