Kevin Kelly released a manifesto on things that are better than free – eight ‘generatives’ that cannot be copied, one of which is findability. I’m not talking about being found when you’re lost in the wilderness but being found among the millions of other people clamoring for attention from companies, customers, media and even friends.
- Be authentic in all you do. I’m amazed at how difficult it is for people to truly be authentic. It’s about showing up in conversations, telling it like it is or what you really want from someone rather than making up stories, half truths and hinting about what you want. Just say it – constructively. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not – like my friend. I know of an individual who talks about his ‘pals’ and looks to be everyone’s best friend but only to get information – he consistently backstabs these very same people when it suits him. And there’s a neighbor who consistently says thanks I really owe you but will never reciprocate. In both of these cases, these people are destroying their personal brands. Just be real – it’s easier and you’ll feel better. People will notice.
- Show up – be on time. Many people over schedule and over promise their time commitments because they tell people what they THINK they want to hear. But disappoint through missed deadlines and late arrivals. Being late shows disrespect – be realistic on what you can commit to. If you are going to be late – let people know in advance. You’ll gain much trust and credibility by showing up on time ready to engage.
- Cut the drama. Leave it to Hollywood and Bollywood. Obama was criticized for being aloof and elitist when he remained calm and unflappable throughout his campaign, giving him the name of No Drama Obama. Cut the drama at work and at home. There are many people who like to stir the pot and create excitement around them via drama – magnifying all of their daily woes and work politics. I work with someone who makes everything much more difficult than it needs to be through drama; long, drawn out explanations and stories, tales of coworkers ‘really not having a clue’ and various indiscretions, and tales of how he can fix it all if they give him a chance. Every company has treated him poorly and is completely messed up. In short, he’s a victim – at work, as a consumer, in life. You know people like this. Don’t be one of them – it’s not endearing. It’s not a way to be remarkable.
- Communicate to offer value. Don’t just talk to hear yourself talk. There’s so much drivel out there – at work, online, in the media. Send emails that matter. Contribute to the discussion at meetings with productive, actionable insights. Run constructive meetings that end early and leave people energized. Use facts, examples and memorable stories in person and in writing. Spell check and write simply with real words.
- Be trustworthy. Demonstrate that people can trust you with private information and that you can be counted on to do what you say you’ll do by when you promise it. Show discretion and avoid gossip.
- Show, don’t tell. This is concept I learned from Bill Winter, a great copywriting professor at the University of Oregon. And it’s one I’ve used ever since. Don’t tell me or anyone else that you can do something or will do something and do it. Show me that you’re capable. Show me that you are smart. I don’t need to be told – I’ll believe it when I see it. How many people do you know who spend more time talking about they’re going to do and how they’re going to do it but never do it? If you complain, make sure you offer solutions. Don’t just say something’s broken. Be the one that says I have a problem with X and here are a couple of possible fixes. So many complain as if they’d do it so much better, but deliver empty promises.
- Don’t be a jerk. Show restraint and be constructive in you interactions. You’ll get farther and gain more respect that way. If this is a challenge, read Bob Sutton’s great book on the matter.Have a spine. Be a compassionate manager who’s not afraid to make the tough decisions and risk losing ‘friends’. You’re in management to manage a business or part of a business to success. Sometimes that means making people unhappy. The ability to do so based on sound business practices is part of what makes a good manager. There’s a way to do it with compassion and a way not to do it. Long term, you’ll earn the respect of people that matter.
- Focus not on your competition. There’s always someone richer, smarter, more attractive and more successful. There’s also always someone less so. What matters is the difference you make and creating the life that fulfills your needs and those around you. Keeping up with the Jones’ is a very empty pursuit – there is no finish line. But doing what matters – by focusing on what you’re good at and executing well will bring the success and fulfillment. And make keeping up with the Jones’ irrelevant. Pay attention to the competition, just don’t make it your life’s work.
Kevin’s point on findability is that value comes from being found in the sea of free stuff. I want to talk about why you should be found – what are you doing to make people want to find and connect with you versus someone else. It’s the “Pretty Good Problem” Rob Walker talks about in Buying In – there are a lot of pretty good people out there just like you.
What are you doing everyday to be remarkable? The ideas here are not rocket science, but it seems few people embody them. When I meet someone who does – on a professional or personal level, I remember them.
Here’s what you can do to increase your findability:
