and A few Firsts along the way…
There’s something inherently invigorating about combining physical activity with mental stimulation. On a crisp beautiful sunny morning not too long ago, I embarked on a 7-mile plus walk to and from a networking group breakfast meeting. This wasn’t just any walk, though. It was an opportunity to dive into the world of “The Power of Moments,” an audiobook by Dan and Chip Heath. This journey not only allowed me to absorb valuable insights from the book but also to contemplate how I could apply its lessons to my awards business, with a special focus on creating “Popsicle Moments.” As I walked, the ideas I encountered began to intertwine, forming a tapestry of inspiration for both my personal journey and my business endeavors.
The sun was just beginning to rise as I set off on my journey, and the audiobook queued up. The title, “The Power of Moments,” piqued my interest from the moment I read the book summary. Little did I know that the walk itself would become one such powerful moment, etching its own memory in my mind. The book’s concept of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories intrigued me, setting the tone for what would become a walk filled with reflection and newfound enthusiasm. Amidst these reflections, the “Popsicle Moment” concept emerged. It demands an element of surprise, a gesture that exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression. Following are a few Lessons Learned from “The Power of Moments”…
- Elevation: The concept of elevation teaches us that creating memorable moments often involves going above and beyond what is expected. As I strode along, I thought about how this idea could be applied to my business efforts. How could I elevate the experience for myself and others? Perhaps we could offer a unique experience or find ways to encourage deeper connections with our customers. I realized how it could translate into my awards business. Beyond creating beautiful awards, how could I elevate the experience for the people creating “Trophy Moments” for others. Could I surprise them with unexpected recognition and thanks to make the ordering of the awards they are going to present truly special and unique?
- Insight: The second lesson, insight, focuses on moments of sudden realization or understanding. While I walked, the authors’ words prompted me to reflect on my customer experiences. I realized that the book itself was providing me with new insights, which I could later share with my partners and team.
- Pride: This lesson delves into moments of achievement and pride. The book encouraged me to think about our own achievements and how they could be highlighted and celebrated. As I walked, I felt a sense of pride in the steps I was taking – both in the literal and metaphorical sense. I was actively learning, growing, and contributing to my own development.
- Connection: Lastly, the power of connection emphasizes the importance of shared experiences and relationships. The walk to the networking meeting allowed me to ponder how I could foster stronger connections within the group and with our customers. Could I initiate activities that encouraged collaboration or create opportunities for members to share their own stories and experiences? The audiobook’s message resonated deeply as I visualized these potential connections.
As I reached the end of my 7-mile journey, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Not only had I completed a physically demanding walk, but I had also immersed myself in the insightful world of “The Power of Moments.” I will look to infuse my awards business with the spirit of “Popsicle Moments,” because I recognized that the true power lies in the thought, intention, and creativity invested in each contact and connection with our customers. Just as my walk became an extraordinary moment, I aspired to make the trophy moments in dealing with us a cherished memory, an emblem of recognition and gratitude, and a testament to the power of crafting exceptional moments. This was THE FIRST time I had every listened to and completed an audio book on a walk. AND the FIRST time I walked to and from a networking group meeting – 7 plus miles no less. A few cherished firsts along the way.