Footprint and our client the FSB have made it into the Star Workplace! 

Thanks to the AVO’s who have supported the Footprint team on this project. We have invaded your space, which you have taken so graciously, used your man-power and learned from your abilities and skillls. Thank you! Click on the Footprint logo to your right to read the article!

For many of us it has been a struggle to find focus at the beginning of this year. The financial situation in the country is forcing us to look at new ways of doing things. A number of us were chatting about how difficult it has been to find our way into this year. Now that we have attended our sales conference, we have a direction for the year. The next challenge is to stick to our goals and keep the momentum going. You might find these pointers from ‘The Saint, the Surfer and the CEO” Robin Sharmas latest book helpful in manifesting your heart’s desire! (or sticking to your goals!) 

He reiterates the importance of taking the steps towards our goals. Having a great dream or goal is not enough to get us there!
 

Articulate your vision:
Name it, write it down, see it, feel it, smell it.

Develop a strategy:
Doing something tangible towards your dream makes it a reality, bridging the gap between vision and getting the result. A big dream broken into manageable steps is easier to realise.

Set up a self contract:
Make an agreement with yourself, stating with what you plan to do, write it out, you can even sign it. Too many dreams die because the “Law of Diminishing Intent” holds that the more time passes after you have set your goal the less likely you are too breathe life into it and make it happen”.  Our inner critic takes over and our dream starts dying. One way of holding yourself accountable is working with a coach or a good friend!

Measure yourself along the way:
What is not measured can not be mastered. Take ten to fifteen at the end of each day to measure yourself against your vision. This way you become acutely aware of what is working and what is not, you can learn and grow from mistakes. Let your past serve you! Celebrate your Proud moments!

Implementation:
The reason many companies fail is because they are weak in execution. So get things done!  Instead of a new years resolution, how about a new years vision with an implementation strategy! Lets get ourselves focused and give it be best bash we can. Unfortunately it does take work and awareness, but I think it might be worth it in the end! Surround yourself with people who understand your vision with hold you accountable and encourage you!

Last week in our weekly Kudos and Cock-ups meeting (staff meeting), my kudo was that I am feeling rejuvinated, motivated and somewhat excited! I think part of this certainly had to do with attending our annual sales conference. I came to a few realisations over the two-day conference. One of which was that I belong to a tough sales team, each fully aware of their vaule-add and more importantly ensure that they maximise on it… a perfect survival kit!

With the credit crunch and tougher economic times, almost every business is tightening up, strategizing and conditioning their minds to survive and even thrive in a time that seems gloomy. This was the theme of our conference-Avo Solutions being business critical.

It was wonderful to confirm that are indeed business critical, our solutions speak to resilience, self-insight, organisational effectiveness, all the ingridients that one needs to be a “motor-boat” and not a “cruise-ship”. We realised the how importance of the motor-boat mentality if we going to thrive. Being lean, sharp and resilient are the name of our game! As trusted advisors to our clients, this will be the same tune we will sing to them.

Our business critical conversation continued at our quartely ‘Cooking Conversations’ evening attended by both sales and training teams. Our strategy was tightened as we ensured that our business critical solutions are delivered in a buisness critical manner. The bottom line is that our trainers help the participants survive their work and workplace, give them insight on their value-add which encourages participation in the workplace, which enevitably leads to increased productivity!

Our MD reckons that tough times are the economy’s way of shedding off deadwood, only the dedicated, hardworking high performers will thrive. So I think that means if we continue to do the same things, we will get the same results and unfortuantely, today that’s not nearly enough!

The music scene has the Grammies, Hollywood has the Oscars and the business / political world has the World Economic Forum (WEF)… Davos 2009 and I was there! Not because I am a big shot business leader (…not yet anyway), but as an ambassador of South Africa and to help fly our flag high, and boy did we do that. Let me backtrack and give you an idea of what kind of a big deal the WEF is. It is an annual general meeting where political, economic and environmental leaders come together for 3 days and talk about the matters of the WORLD, the state of the enviroment and find solutions to the world’s political problems. So we’re talking about the presence of the likes of Kofi Anan, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Richard Brandson, Dali Lama, Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu… 2500 of the most powerful individuals and companies in the world! All in one small, but luxurious, ski resort. Security was insane, we had local police, Swiss Army, USA FBI, secret service individual body guards.

How did I fit in?

Well, with so much happening in South Africa in the next year or two, we have the attention of the world. The International Marketing Council of SA decided to grab more of that attention, the SA way. Our country’s presence was splashed over all of that resort. We had our own taxi’s-painted with the SA flag cruising all over town, we had our delegates dressed with scarfs with our beautiful flag printed all over it, we took over the entertainment area of the Belvedere Hotel (where most of the forum took place), we hosted a hospitality lounge, with our very own ‘mixologist’ who created the most awesome South African cocktails. All to the sounds of Freshly Ground, Hugh Masekela and the late Mariam Makeba, the lounge introduced our best South African wines, beers, Amarula, ginger beer, dry fruit and of course… biltong (which we eventually got there - long story…involving the president’s jet!).

People flocked to our lounge after a hard day of back-to-back meetings and conferencing. The South African amabassadors (Raelene, Michelle, Latisha and Kamo-representing different facets of South African society) were strategically placed to engaged in conversation about our country, reasons to come to the world cup, our achievements and the reason South Africa has such a great future ahead. This was such an EASY job, simply because we are a great country and I didn’t have to convince anybody. The international delegates were raving about our country, calling us an INSPIRING country that many countries around the world could learn a lesson from. Of course I handled all questions on crime and politicals diplomatically, and I even made it into the Swiss Sunday paper!

Our hospitality didn’t stop there, we hosted a truly South African dinner party, with our own chef, that prepared a delicious dinner of ostrich, kudu and koeksisters. Our president was introduced by Trevor Manual who was there with new wife and business woman, Maria Ramos. Present were ministers, CEO’s of all major banks, financial institutes, and energy and mineral moguls. In total there were 150 guests, who then enjoyed an after party led by the jazz sounds of Jimi Dludlu. The night was a success with evey guest going home with a goodie bag that consisted of an Anan Singh dvd and the official FIFA 2010 World Cup soccer ball.

Other great parties that I attended were the Google party, where one had to keep their cool and not get star struck even if you saw the likes of Bill and Melinda Gates within arm’s reach. Davos is just one of those places - simply INCREDIBLE!

South Africa definitely showed the world that we are alive with GREAT possibility, it was an honour to be part of this sunny, friendly and reconcilled country… our international friends reminded me of how lucky I am to call myself a child of Mzansi!