Keep those changes coming

What else could be wrong with behemoth PGA TOUR?

Communication: When one person does not clearly explain something to another individual it creates a hole. A hole to be filled with the imagination and creative thinking. Lack of clear communication creates massive problems.

Creating channels and a culture of clear communication and questions if the point is not clear is crucial to any organizations' success. The more effective/non-time wasting communication takes place between different levels of a tall organization, the better that organization will be.

I have a hearing problem. I make it an extra point to make sure I heard what was said, and if not to ask again until I understand. It is crucial for my internship that am able to hear and comprehend what I am being told.

What improvements can the PGA TOUR make?

Start by finding out what their customers want out of a golf tournament. Talk to the people who regularly attend and see what excites them about the product. Instill change in the tournaments from year to year to see these changes through. Ask questions like what was the worst part of the tournament this year? What did you like best about it? They could go to their marketing department and ask them to come up with a survey and a nice incentive as a free round of golf or a putter or something tangible that the person/people would like.

Asking questions, do the results, and be patient for the people to come back and see the changes that were made.

Grab Your Shield

Someone is about to talk about you.

Instead of focusing on what isn't positive, let's focus on what is: People are talking about you. If it is a critic who is widely acclaimed, you may consider changing whatever that person recommended. But as Seth points out, reacting to critics allows the lizard brain to be turned on pleading for you to stop what you are doing and go back to what was easy and comfortable.

Let your shield down, allow a couple of blow to land. See how that feels. If you can’t take it, find another profession. If you feel nothing, take out a pen and a piece of paper and come up with “Ideas to Shake Up the Marketplace.”

Say cheese...

What has happened to our daily impressions of people? Why aren't we smiling more?

I have found the successful people that I know are pleasant to be around. They smile a lot. They look me in the eye when I talk to them. They know how to make me feel good about myself.

My best business example is Chick-Fil-A. Every time you walk in the restaurant, you are noticed, and smiled at. Why isn't every company like this?

A smile means friendliness in any language.

The beginning

This is my first blog.

What have I gotten out of college?

I took a lot of test and studied for a lot of finals. I got grades based on what my teacher thought I should get, but what am I taking with me that my diploma will represent?

A network. Time management skills. A more clear view of my political stance. A better understanding of what love is. I know what industry I want to work in. I experience significant loss of loved ones. I played a sport that people were passionate about. I have the respect and admiration of one of my professors that I wouldn't exchange for any price. I made children smile. I taught Bible class. What have you done that has inspired others? Or changed the way someone thought?

It seems strange to me that I won't get graded for any of the above, but the longer list is what I will remember most. The interactions, the parties, the phone calls, the traveling.

It's that kind of connection that universities, colleges, and trade schools should market with. Not how big the school itself is. Seth Godin said once, "Are we getting bigger to get bigger, or bigger to get better?" Georgia Southern should stop growth and get better. After that, get people that like the school to help them with their marketing through connections like I had.