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How to Win Raving, Life-Long Fans

In case you haven’t noticed from my recent posts, tweets, and Facebook updates, I’m a Milwaukee Brewers fan. Don’t stop reading just yet, because this post really isn’t about that. It’s about fans in general.

Have you ever noticed how a winning team draws far more fans than a losing team? I’ve been noticing a great many more Brewers’ T-shirts, hats, and clothing around our fair city. I guess that’s evidence of what many long time fans would call “bandwagon fans.”

I’ve noticed a goodly number of family and friends who haven’t cared too much about the Milwaukee Brewers in recent years, let alone early this very summer. And yet it seems that they have become raving fans now that the team has seen success. I noticed it already in 2008, the last time the Brewers went to the playoffs. There seemed to be more evidence of fans late in that summer. Now that the team has made the League Championship Series, the evidence of fandom around the city is greater than ever.

Some long-time, dedicated fans resent fair-weather, bandwagon fans. I used to be that way, too. But I’m changing my mind about that. I’m noticing that the winning and excitement is an entree to true fandom. People who, in the past, only paid cursory attention to the sport, are now learning more, engaging more, and caring more. Many are going to be baseball fans for years to come.

There are lessons in all of this for churches*, non-profits, and small businesses:

  1. Create energy and excitement. A neighborhood event, article in the local newspaper, or creative energy around regular happenings draw attention and win “fair-weather fans.”
  2. Take advantage of the energy and excitement of newfound “fans.” No one has more energy in your organization than a new, raving fan. Use that energy to create even more attention and buzz.
  3. Take that growing energy and excitement to tired and worn out members and employees. Energy and excitement is contagious. When long time members and employees see a newfound  spark in others, it’s inspiration for their own renewal. Intentionally put newfound “fans” together with your long time “fans.”
  4. Cultivate sustained energy and excitement through creative use of well-planned events. Intentional forward planning and well-spaced events sustain both new and old “fans” for the long haul.
If you had one chance to create a raving “fan,” how would you do it?

*Please note: Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes hearts, makes Christians, and enables the sanctified life. However, there is certainly human choice in terms of choosing a local church or identifying with a specific congregation. Any human “success” is only the result of God’s grace and mercy to sinners.

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How to Take a Message National

Did you know that September 29th is National Coffee Day? Neither did I…until this past September 29th. On that day this year there was no way around knowing it was National Coffee Day. Facebook status, after Twitter update, after email blast came across my screen. There were free cups of coffee offered, people buzzed on caffeine all day, and a greater awareness of local coffee shops all over the country.

National Ice Cream Day is July 18th. National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day is April 2nd. National Kiss Day is July 6th. National Best Friend Day is June 8th. National Corn Chip Day is January 29th.

I predict that you’ll become more and more aware of these “National” days every year. Media, screens, and messages are everywhere. Marketers are getting increasingly savvy about getting their messages out.

With the prevalence of social media, “National Days” are much more national now. I don’t even like coffee, and I was tempted to stop at a local Starbucks on September 29th. Repeated messages in many forms really do have an impact.

We live in a time where it is much easier to get a message out. But there is also much more clutter, distracting from a message. So when you have an important message, and the church has the most important Message on the planet, it’s essential to use every tool possible to broadcast it to the world.

When you want to get a message out, consider these things to clear the clutter:

  1. Repeat your message. Once isn’t enough. If you want your message heard and remembered, it must be repeated (some say at least seven times).
  2. Be creative in the use of media. Tie your message together throughout Facebook, Twitter, your web site, and email blasts.
  3. Make your message distinct. Give something away. Use intriguing art. Tell a story. Ask readers to take action. Do something surprising.

What message will you take national today?

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7 Reasons Playoff Baseball is Perfect in Person

I have been a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers most of my life. I still vividly remember when they moved from Seattle to Milwaukee in 1970. I have stuck with them through thick and thin…mostly thin. The construction of Miller Park brought hope to the Milwaukee fan base. We thought it would generate the revenue to field a contender. When the construction was almost complete fans were invited to come and sign the last piece of the stadium that would be put into place high in the rafters. I signed my name and wrote: “World Series here we come.” But the years of futility continued.

I wasn’t able to go to the rare postseason games in 1982 or 2008. Instead, season after season I enviously watched fans of the Yankees, Red Sox, and others on postseason TV living and dying with their teams. I always wondered what it would be like to actually sit in the stands for the most meaningful games of a baseball season.

This past weekend I finally had the chance to attend a Brewers’ postseason game. What a game it was. The 4-1 Brewers win was one of the most incredible sporting events I have ever attended. Even a casual baseball fan would have loved the atmosphere. Since seven is the number of “perfection,” here are seven reasons why:

  1. Mood and Attitude. Already on the walk through the parking lot there was an electricity in the air that was far more evident than a regular season game. People were happy and amped up for meaningful baseball in Milwaukee.
  2. Bunting. Not the type where a hitter dribbles a batted ball in front of home plate…the red,white, and blue kind. You don’t see that kind of bunting in a regular season game. It signifies that something special is happening. Something is different.
  3. Fan Unity. Playoff baseball crowds are more unified than maybe any other segment of society. The home town fans are all cheering for the same team. Nobody cares who’s Republican or Democrat, Christian or Jewish, black, yellow, or white. A home run means high fives all the way around with perfect strangers.
  4. Educated Fans. When I attend regular season games I refuse to participate in “the wave.” It’s for amateur fans who aren’t paying attention to the game. Not once did anyone try to start the wave at the playoff game. Everyone was hanging on every pitch, too “busy” to start the silly wave.
  5. Championship Banners and Field Markings. The new banners and markings on the field meant that the goal of the 162 previous games has been met. There is no mistaking that it is the post-season.
  6. Importance of Every Pitch. The stakes are much higher. The strategy is amplified. Every hit, error, and throw could mean a change in momentum, a win, or a loss. It’s the ultimate “reality entertainment.”
  7. The Roar of the Crowd. The cheering is great at regular season games. But watch a baseball leave the park during the playoffs, and the roar is deafening.

Leaving Miller Park with a first-game win in a five-game series put a bounce in my step the rest of the weekend. There’s almost nothing like that kind of exhilaration…at least not for a baseball fan like me.

What’s been your most exhilarating experience at a public event?

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Enhancing Collaboration with the S.T.O.P. Method

Apparently stop signs are optional in our neighborhood. I have had an increasing number of close calls with drivers who, at worst, refuse to comply to a stop sign, or, at best, simply tap the break.

Another favorite driving method of people in our neighborhood is the famous “alley honk.” One drives down an alley at a high rate of speed, approaches the sidewalk at the end, and, instead of slowing down, honks so that any potential pedestrians can fend for their lives by diving out of the way.

They think they own the road!

It got me to thinking that I am too often like those drivers. As I drive down the road of life, I sometimes charge forward, without slowing down, and without consideration for the thoughts, needs, or desires of those around me. Plato is supposed to have said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” It doesn’t take much for me to make someone’s battle even more difficult by charging ahead without slowing down and being sensitive.

I think I own the road. But I share the road of life with all kinds of other travelers. Some go flying by me like they’re on the autobahn. Others pull in front of me and slow me down in the middle of my busy day. Still others are in the left-hand lane with their right turn signal on, happily oblivious to it all.

One of the keys to both creativity and effective ministry is collaboration. It’s difficult to move forward without others giving direction and providing protection. Consider the “stop” method of slowing down and avoiding the “alley honk”:

  1. S = Stop. Each morning stop and consider the people with whom you will interact throughout the day. Think about the challenges, struggles, and difficulties they may be going through. It will prepare you for the interactions you may be having. You can approach each encounter in a unique and caring way.
  2. T = Talk. Instead of a texting or email exchange, talk face to face as much as possible. Try to avoid the “alley honk,” where you just shout your position and keep on moving. Listen carefully to other thoughts and ideas. Come to agreement and move forward knowing that each member of the team is protecting the other.
  3. O = Observe. Instead of just plowing through the day, or a meeting, or an activity, take some time to observe body language of those with whom you are working, creating, or planning. Body language speaks volumes and may help you understand the climate of the room before moving ahead into work. Observe body language and move ahead accordingly.
  4. P = Proceed. Once you have stopped, talked, and observed, it’s time to move forward. Caution has been observed in the previous three steps. Now it’s time to take action. Work with your team, family, or colleagues to reach common goals and objectives. As long as you have consensus, move boldly.

It’s always a good thing to observe stop signs and proceed with caution. It’s just as important in life as it is on the road. Stop, Talk, Observe, and then Proceed. When done collaboratively these steps will result in creative and excellent work.

What steps would you add to the “S.T.O.P.” list?

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Finding Art in Funny Places Feeds Creativity

Art pops up in some funny places. My wife, Tammy, likes a certain kind of kleenex because they are thicker and supposedly anti-viral, killing 99.9% of cold and flu viruses. What intrigues me about this type of kleenex is the box.

I love the art. It’s supposed to be pictures of little viruses. Whoever created the art thought “outside the box” (haha). The colorful little creatures brighten up a room and add some whimsy to a countertop. The boxes are bright, eye-catching, and fun.

If you keep your eyes open you can find art almost anywhere. Design, composition, and creativity can be seen on billboards, in grade school classrooms, and at offices. Some is excellent. Some is kitschy. Some is awful. But it can all be inspirational and add to your own creative process.

Opening your eyes to art in your daily life can spur on thoughts that lead you down a creative path. Even bad art can tell you where you don’t want to go with your current project.

Finding art in funny places is an excellent exercise for creatives of all ages. If you teach a class, ask them to look around the room and use something familiar as a starting p0int for an art project. If you write, use a catchy phrase from an ad as a starting point for your daily writing exercise. If you paint, imagine what a virus might look like.

Find art in funny places and feed your creativity.

Where have you seen funny art that inspired you?

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How to Get Ahead with Preparation and Professionalism

Please understand. I am not recounting this incident as a way to brag. I learned a lesson from it, and I want to share that lesson with you.

Our son, Ben, was “managing” a girl who was auditioning for a showcase at Belmont University. Showcases are a big deal at Belmont. Only four acts make a Showcase. They are presented in the Curb Event center, which is the basketball arena at Belmont. Industry professionals are judges and Music Row professionals attend.

The girl that Ben managed happened to win the Showcase. The first thing the judges spoke about when they awarded the win was the winner’s “manager.” They said that of all the acts, this was the one manager who came in prepared. At the initial audition he carried a notebook and took notes. He politely introduced himself and then introduced his “client” to the judges. He carried himself professionally and took it seriously.

The industry judges were wondering if he was available to intern at their companies. The industry professional from Word Records made it clear that Ben was already interning there, and none of them could have him.

In the end, it was the talent and presentation of the act that won the showcase. But it obviously helped her to have better management than anyone else.

Think about your daily life, your work, or your organization:

  • Are you, and everyone else, paying attention? Ben demonstrated that he was paying attention when he carried his notebook and actually used it.
  • Are you prepared? When he walked into the room, Ben knew ahead of time what he was going to do. He was going to make sure everyone knew who he was, and who his client was.
  • Are you acting in a professional manner? Do your dress and your posture exude confidence? Do your manners and mannerism show respect?
  • Are you putting the needs of others before your own? For the good of his “client,” everything Ben did in front of the judges, and behind the scenes at the show, was not for himself but for the good of the team.

Ben’s experience taught me that preparation and professionalism create opportunities for individuals and for teams. People notice those who distinguish themselves. They recognize excellence. They want to associate themselves with people who stand out.

What suggestions do you have for making a mark and distinguishing yourself or your organization?

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Embracing Change (Even Facebook Change)

Maybe it’s just my personality, but I enjoy change.

Even Facebook change.

This is probably the fourth iteration of Facebook that I have passed through since I first joined the social media giant. Every single time there has been an explosion of protest. Every single time it takes about two weeks for people settle in, learn the changes, and completely forget what they were complaining about.

The thing that really surprises me about the current outcry is the people who are crying the loudest. It seems to me that the most vocal complainers are the ones typically associated with pushing for change in other areas of life: young people; those in their late teens to late twenties.

It just goes to show that change is difficult for most everyone. If you take someone out of his comfort zone, if you mess with her status quo, if you make an alteration in what he expects, well…then you can expect to hear about it. You may even lose a fan, customer, or church member.

Change must be crafted carefully and gently by those making the change. But I believe that those on the receiving end of change have the opportunity to respond and react in ways other than crying, whining, or complaining about it.

When my new Facebook screen popped up, I embraced the change and took five steps. These five steps can help in the face of any kind of change:

  1. Accept it as a challenge. I saw the new lists, groups, and sidebars, and started exploring. I did a bit of research on the internet. I wasn’t going to let Facebook defeat me. I was going to accept the challenge, overcome the obstacles, and conquer that which I feared.
  2. Learn from it. The new Facebook provided me the opportunity to learn and discover things that could help me navigate my way around the change. It helped broaden my perspective and open my mind to new possibilities and ideas with this wonderful tool for communication.
  3. Discover the benefits. I learned that with the new Facebook there is an emphasis on pictures (which I really like; who doesn’t enjoy looking at pictures?), a new way to group people so that I can more closely follow certain groups of friends, family, or acquaintances, and an up-to-the-moment “ticker” of what my friends, family, and acquaintances are doing. It’s cool stuff that adds a whole new facet to this tool.
  4. Help others. When there is change there is always someone who will need help getting along with that change. One of the first things I did was share a link on my “wall” that provided information about some of the new Facebook features. People appreciated it. One person even commented that she wished Facebook itself would have provided such a learning tool.
  5. Be prepared for more change. On the heels of rolling out the new Facebook format, its founder (Mark Zuckerberg) announced that there will be another new feature rolled out shortly. It’s called the “timeline.” It’s a complete revamp of the profile page, and will allow people the opportunity to create a personal online history with words, pictures, and videos. The possibilities are incredible. But, of course, people are already complaining about this coming change.

Following these five steps presents a whole new, positive way to receive and embrace change. The next time you face major change in your life, I dare you to try it.

What’s your best tool for dealing with change?

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What to Do When It Feels Like Things Are Falling Apart

Every once in a while it simply seems like things are falling apart. Someone lets you down. Something doesn’t work out. More tasks get piled up. A perfectly structured plan gets all messed up. Your life, or at least one aspect of it, is swirling out of control.

This week I found out that we lost a youth volunteer, a musician for one of our main worship services, and a teacher for one of our classes. On top of that, we have major events taking place in our church and school over the next week. In the mean time, “regular” work like planning services and writing sermons goes on.

Guess who’s responsibility it is to make sure this is all covered? Yep. Yours truly.

I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you a few extra anvils were placed on my shoulders. It takes its toll. But it’s not insurmountable.

With a little regrouping, the pieces can be put back together. When things seem like they’re falling apart, try this strategy:

  1. Prioritize. Make a list of the most pressing, most important, most compelling items in need of your attention. Number them from one to ten. Instead of trying to get everything done at once, begin with what’s most important and work your way down the list
  2. Organize. This especially applies to your time. Going through a stretch like this takes focus. Do the most brain draining work at times when you are your best. For some its the morning; for others its later in the day. Organize your tasks around your most productive times.
  3. Downsize. Cast off and bail out things that can wait, things that aren’t necessary, and things that could be done by someone else.
  4. Energize. Keep your energy up by taking mental and physical breaks, make time to exercise, and get a decent night’s sleep. Do all you can to retain your energy while you make your way through this temporary time until things come together again.
  5. Harmonize. It takes at least two people to create musical harmony. Work together with others and delegate responsibilities during an an overwhelming time to create harmony in your life, church, or organization.

When things feel like they’re falling apart all around you, take a deep breath, take a look around, use the resources at your disposal, and forge ahead. Before you know it, those anvils will feel like feathers.

What’s your strategy for dealing with difficult times?

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How to Be an Everyday Hero

Why is it that true heroes never think they are heroes? This past week I have seen two examples. One was a war hero who entered into the midst of a firefight to try and rescue comrades who were being ambushed. He survived. They did not. He received a Medal of Honor, but refuses to call himself a hero. Had he been a hero, he surmises, they all would have survived.

The second example includes a small group of people who lifted a car off of a motorcycle driver who had been hit by a car. They dragged him out from under the car, and he survived. They all say they are not heroes. They simply did what anyone else would do. But they are heroes to the one whose life has been saved.

True heroes are ordinary people who encounter an extraordinary situation and respond. But, in their mind, it isn’t out of the ordinary. To them, it’s what most anyone would do given a similar situation.

Every day we face situations that have the potential to be extraordinary:

  • A decision to do this and not that
  • A word of advice that changes a friend’s direction
  • A happenstance action that changes the path of two lives
  • An unexpected apology
  • A token of encouragement to one who needs it most

When you go to bed tonight, will there be someone you encountered today who will call you a hero? You simply did what anyone would do in a similar situation. But no one else did. You would never call yourself a hero. But the one impacted will.

As you make your way through the day be:

  • An Encourager
  • A Cheerleader
  • A Motivator
  • A Listener
  • A Giver
  • A Mover
  • A Shaker

You never know when an ordinary day will make you a hero of epic proportions. You may even literally save a life.

Who is your hero? Why?

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Finding a Niche Which Contributes a Unique You

Did you know there is a man whose only job is to keep track of injuries in professional sports? His name is Will Carroll. I heard him on the radio discussing specific baseball and football injuries, and the impact those injuries would have both on individual players and on their teams.

At a time when millions of dollars are riding on each and every game, injuries have a big impact. Someone needs to keep track of them for fantasy sports players, those who wage their hard earned money on games, and even casual fans. Will Carroll has carved that niche. He has made a career involving the things he loves: writing, talking, and sports.

Seth Godin says that’s the way to become a linchpin. Be indispensable. Discover your passion. Do what nobody else is doing (or not doing very well).

Examine your life right now:

  • How can you contribute in a unique and distinct way in your workplace?
  • What passion can you pursue outside of the workplace that will find its own niche?
  • What gap can you fill at work, at home, or amongst your friends?
  • What is it that makes you indispensable?

Don’t let your passion die. Find a way to live it out. Write down your dreams and goals. Make a way for your gifts, talents, and knowledge to provide a unique contribution.

You can do it. I know you can. I’d love to see what my readers discover, create, or start.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?