WHY PROCESS MATTERS
Clarity of Purpose Clarity of PROCESS Clarity Communication
These three topics are covered in my forthcoming book, BREAKTHROUGH BRILLIANCE. Let me illustrate why they matter with a specific focus on process in this article.
Doctor's Office, Car Repair Shop or Apple Store - you know when you're experiencing a well-honed process, and you know when you're not. I want to share a well-honed process I recently experienced. It was a great reminder of why process matters.
In preparation for publishing my book, I have interviewed four different publishers. Each had their unique offerings and specialized skill sets. But it was Everett that stood out. Why?
He had a recognizable process that walked me down a pre-determined path and led me to sign his agreement. As an observer of anything related to success and achievement, it has been a pleasure to watch his process unfold. It’s been even better to experience it personally.
First came the hour-long conversation we shared about my book. I think it was an hour and 15 minutes to be exact. I expected him to cut me off at the hour, but he didn't.
Then his book showed up on my doorstep. The Power of the Published is a compelling book that convinced me I should publish my book. Plus, there was a very well-designed, luxurious postcard inside the front cover with a handwritten note. The weight of the card and his striking logo were notable.
The proposal meeting included a PowerPoint presentation with outstanding graphics and content. I could print off a pdf copy of it, and all the signatures were electronic making the next step fast, easy, and convenient.
I was given a two-week timeline to make my decision. During that period, I had process questions about the things I would need to participate in this hybrid arrangement. Several SOP's or standard operating procedures were provided in response to my inquiries. This interaction went beyond the consideration of a publisher with whom to partner. Now I felt like I was getting the benefit of instruction and a coach, too.
The SOP's were well-formatted and visually attractive. They looked so much better than an email response or an attached document as a reply to my questions. The format was branded and sophisticated. Even the term Standard Operating Procedure exuded a sense of expertise.
Mental translation: "Mmmm??? My book must be going to look as good as the PowerPoint Presentation and the SOPs. Everett seems to be a knowledgeable, sophisticated professional. I think he’s an expert. I want to work with him."
But it didn't stop there. Upon signing the agreement, because that 2-week deadline pushed me to action, I received another package in the mail. This time it was a coffee mug that said, "Future Bestselling Author." Now that certainly amped up the excitement and made me say, "Wow! This is really happening."
Our first meeting was on the calendar. And then I received an email from Everett that included a welcome video with two social media post images. I can use them to start sharing the milestones I will be crossing with my social media followers as my manuscript turns into a full-fledged book. Now, he only sent the image for the first post...Publisher Selected! But I'm getting a whole series of them. I can't wait. He has made this process fun!
At this juncture, I have been sufficiently WOWED at every step.
But now let me return to Clarity of Purpose, Process, and Communication. I share this experience because it is a perfect example of what Clarity can do for ambitious achievement.
His book represents a riveting understanding of purpose. From there the process was developed by supporting not just the tangible elements of clarity but the intangible ones, too. My decision was an emotional one and my experiences with him have triggered so many positive reactions. The proposal and the SOP's are both forms of outstanding communication techniques that go beyond verbal communication. They are visual communication.
I share this experience because there are lessons about ambitious achievement for you to learn in every example. Let me present some Reflection Prompts for you to stop and ponder this.
Reflection Prompts
- What processes stand out for you in these examples about ambitious achievement?
- What ideas bubble up for you regarding process as I share the actions I experienced with Everett?
My responses to these two questions included both intellectual and emotional reactions every connection created. The ideas are relevant for business, life, or leadership applications.
In today's virtual world we have become less connected. But Everett minimized the miles between us (he's in California and I'm in Florida) by his kindness, actions, and behaviors already generously shared.
He also taught me solid marketing principles which will be beneficial not only for my book launch day but for my own professional development as well. The principles make me evaluate what I'm doing or not doing myself to grow the business.
Everett also instilled a sense of accountability in me because I certainly want to make the saying on that coffee mug come to fruition. I am going to be a “Future Best-Selling Author”!
So, please look at the Reflection Prompts and think about the two questions posed here. Do you have Clarity of Purpose, Process, and Communication in your business or the way you lead? Do you exercise “process” in life, too? Process matters. It brings intentions to fruition.
Mmmm? I wonder what else I'm going to be learning from Everett. The party has just started!
