Professional Development

Three Questions That Help Move a Vision from Dream to Reality

Published

8 years ago

February 1, 2016

BY KEISHA JOHNSON

At the start of the year, there is usually much furor about vision casting. For many of us we have been there, done that and seen little results.

Our society tells us that part of our adult responsibility is to have a vision to indicate that we are serious about life, that we have a plan and that we are going somewhere. Ancient wisdom teaches that without a vision, people perish. So we create impressive vision boards and punchy vision statements but the actual realization of the vision eludes some of us.

With every unfulfilled dream we lose hope. At that point, we are at risk of becoming nonchalant, resistant and even dismissive of pursuing the vision we had in mind that once so excited us.

So why are we not realizing the visions we create? What are we missing?

The answer is not simple, so let’s examine some facts about visions and what it takes to attain them, then you can determine where the gaps may be for you.

A starting point is to understand the truth about a vision.

First, a vision is not tangible. It is a picture we have in our imagination of an idea, a concept or object. We need a vision to be clear about what we want to achieve, but without a proper plan and taking the required actions to implement it, a vision is unlikely to materialize.

Second, when we map the vision out on a vision board it is still not yet realized. Even with the most thorough research and strategic planning, the vision is still in the realm of ideation; if we leave it there, without the necessary follow through actions, that’s where it remains, unfulfilled.

The same is true for a vision statement. While it may succinctly capture and articulate the vision and get us excited, it remains an affirmation of our desire, hope or intention. The affirmation is necessary to reinforce the belief we have for and in the vision, to motivate us, keep us focused and to tell others the end result we are pursuing. But affirmations without the requisite supporting actions are not enough to fulfill a vision, much like “faith without works is dead”.

To make the vision real we have to actively pursue it. That means, action your strategic plan. In preparation to launch out, consider the following three questions that could affect your success.

Is the vision plain or clear?

Can you articulate your vision to a 7th grader in language they understand and does your enthusiasm and belief in the vision generate confidence and buy-in from others? To fulfill most visions requires the support and involvement from others. The first step in attracting the right team and talent to move the dream into reality is to be able to articulate the dream and get people onboard with you. Make the vision plain, especially for those whose talent and resources are needed to fulfill it.

Is the vision the right fit for you, for the times, for the place and for the people you wish to engage?

The question of ‘fit’ is often overlooked but has the potential to rob the steam required to persist with your vision especially when you encounter challenges and setbacks.

To determine the right fit for you as the visionary, answer: how does the vision align with your passions and your core values? Your passions are what you care most about and will do whatever is necessary to make time and sacrifices for. Your core values are your uncompromisable principles that you will die for. Your core values and passions are the fuel that will make you relentless and committed to push against the odds to fulfill your vision. Ensure that your vision is complementary to both.

To determine fit for place, times and people, do an assessment of the external factors, trends and stimuli related to each that could affect the realization of the vision. This is necessary to ensure that the people you target, the environment in which you will operate and the times you are in are all conducive to the vision thriving.

Some of the questions to answer are: is there a demand, how big, small and what is the room for growth, what price will the market bear, what edge do you have on the competition if there are competitors, where can you access funding to ensure sustainability, how accessible and available are the other resources required to fulfill the vision, do the people on the team understand and share a commitment to the vision, do they have the required skill set and are fully motivated etc.

Is the vision attainable?

Because our imagination is a boundless creative sphere unhindered by resources (time, people, assets, money, technology etc.), our visions can be large and lofty. That is encouraged so long as the vision – the ideal you imagine can still be practically fulfilled even if it’s a new invention, never seen or tried. To make this determination may require some research and exploration and even possibly a refining of the vision.

When these questions are adequately answered, the strategic plan for implementation is much more feasible and those charged to fulfill the vision can then move forward in unity, confidence and with a clear path to ensuring success.

Up Next

‘Limelight Apprehensia’ – Do you have it?

Don't Miss

The Countdown Has Begun

TOCaribNews

Click to comment

Professional Development

As a community we lack unity. How are we supposed to rebuild the Black Wall Street?

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2022

TOCaribNews

Photo Credit: Christina @ wocintechchat.com

BY DAVID ANDERSON

Do you know what the problem is? We can never stand up as one and unite for change. I am getting really sick and tired of this crab in a bucket mentality. As a community, we have not done enough. We have not built enough. Instead of correcting history, we have chosen the path of repeating it. I mean it is true we cannot hide from who we are but grow and learn from who we were. We cannot be afraid to let our brothers and sisters continue to separate.

As a community, we lack unity. How are we supposed to rebuild the Black Wall Street? How come it has never been remade since the tragic Tulsa race massacre that took place May 31^st and June 1^st 1921? City officials, to attack Black business owners, and residents gave the people weapons. They destroyed homes in Tulsa Oklahoma. What was once a flourishing community in Tulsa Oklahoma was reduced to nothing but campfire stories. This left a negative impact on the Black community.

Have you ever heard the phrase crabs in a bucket? This is a metaphor for people who either live in the same environment or are after specific goals. What we all get confused about is that there is enough for everyone.

I used to hate the saying “Let’s get this bag,” because it puts one trophy at the top of the pedestal. Humans are so competitive that they would rather sabotage their future as long as they beat you or finish first. This is how you burn bridges that you will have to cross again in life.

Working towards one goal usually is beneficial to each individual or as a collective (team). Every sports team makes it clear what their goals are in the pre-season. This allows coaches and players to develop a relationship that is based on trust and personal development. Each time they step out on the field or court they have their teammates’ best interest at hand. This will create chemistry, which only strengthens relationships and performance. We have to be able to depend on and trust one another. We need to learn from our mistakes and be proactive in correcting them.

As an entrepreneur, you need to be able to build strong relationships and communities. This might not be easy, but it is beneficial for you, family, business and community. As a leader you must have the ability to rally people in your community towards a cause. You have the ability to start a community organization. You possess the skills to make a change in your life, for your family and community. Don’t let opportunities pass you by. We need to learn more about our history, or it will repeat itself. We need to learn from other great cities, villages, and kingdoms.

Professional Development

How to Boost Your Marketing Agency’s Growth in 2022

Published

2 years ago

November 24, 2021

TOCaribNews

Want to boost your marketing agency’s growth over the course of the next calendar year? If so, you’ve found the right article. Below, you will find insightful information regarding the current scalability of the advertising sector, as well as comprehensive advice on what you can do to play an active role in this ongoing development.

Here are three things you can do to boost your marketing agency’s growth in 2022:

Home in your niche market
You aren’t going to grow your marketing agency until you showcase your skill, credibility, and reliability. In order to cultivate this type of reputation for yourself, you need to offer a specific service incredibly well. Distracting yourself with unnecessary service ranges will detract from your ability to build this authority, which is why you are advised to home in on a niche market segment. This will entail you providing a narrow yet effecting promotional service until you are capable of taking your agency to the next level.

There are plenty of niche marketing markets for you to tap into, eight of which include:

Digital marketing
Outbound or inbound marketing
Content marketing
Social media marketing
Voice marketing
Email marketing
Influencer marketing
Word-of-mouth marketing

Embrace white label SEO
If you choose to go down the digital marketing route in your expansion endeavor, you should seriously consider embracing white label SEO. This will allow you to expand your web-based advertising initiative without draining your time, effort, money, or resources.

To ensure that you receive a substantial ROI from white label SEO, it’s recommended that you partner up with a reputable reseller such as Click Intelligence Canada. This industry authority will help you to generate a new source of revenue, they will offer SEO solutions tailored around your specific expertise, and they will provide a cost-effective platform for your agency’s growth. Ultimately, this level of assistance will allow you to focus on what truly matters — your company’s ongoing scalability.

Simplify your project management
The way in which you manage your projects will have a profound effect on your marketing agency’s success going forward. In this instance, it’s important that you avoid overcomplicating things at all costs. This will only make life ten times harder for yourself, s it will eat away at both your time and effort. Ultimately, this will decrease the likelihood of you meeting your crucial advertising campaign deadlines.

When attempting to simplify your project management process, your first port of call should be to prioritize your daily tasks by level of importance. This will help you to screen out unimportant tasks and subsequently aid you in your attempt to focus on critical marketing matters.

Are you determined to take your marketing agency to the next level in 2022? If so, be sure to heed the growth and development advice laid out above. Home in on a niche market, embrace white label SEO, and simplify your project management — do all of that, and you’ll be scaling the lofty heights of your niche industry sooner rather than later.

Professional Development

Ergonomic Home Office- Choosing The Best Furniture Pieces

Published

4 years ago

June 3, 2020

TOCaribNews

BY ELLA BRAUN

The COVID crisis has brought a sudden transition for the world, particularly in the form of the work from the home switch. The biggest challenge, however, is that most of us are not equipped with a proper working area at home. Like everyone else, you would also want to have a dedicated office space that makes you feel productive. When it comes to creating such a home office, comfort is important. After all, you cannot expect to do your best in the workspace if you are not comfortable enough. If you are planning to create an ergonomic home office, choosing the right furniture pieces matters the most. Here are some tips to pick the best ones.

Assess the available space
Even before you start preparing a wishlist of furniture pieces, assess the available area. Not everyone has a spare room for creating a dedicated office, so space struggles are more real than you think. Measure the area and consider the essential pieces you would want to fit in. You may have to differentiate between needs and wants and skip some things if there isn’t enough room.

Consider the work hours
From the ergonomic perspective, it is important to consider the number of hours you would be working every day. For example, you can give precedence to style if you plan to use the home office for only a few hours in a day. However, comfort is absolutely essential if you have long working hours. You may even consider having a standing work desk apart from the sitting arrangement to prevent the ill-effects of prolonged sitting.

Have a budget to start with
Right now, you may be pressed for cash but a proper workspace is something that you can’t do without. Having a budget before you start shopping is a good idea. You may even look for deals like an IKEA flyer or coupon online to fit the best-branded furniture in your budget. Quality is vital when it comes to ergonomics because good brands go the extra mile to create designs that are easy on the body.

Choose pieces that fit you
If comfort is your top priority while picking furniture for your work area, you need to go the extra mile to find pieces that actually fit your body. Consider proportioned height for your chair and table if you are too tall or too short. Exploring and trying before buying is a great idea. Of course, your office furniture should look great but ease is something that you cannot ignore.

Don’t forget your personal style
Even as you look for pieces that are comfortable, don’t forget your personal style. Also, make sure that it blends with your home decor, particularly when you are creating a workspace in your living room or bedroom. Consider the aesthetic elements such as colour and design. At the same time, invest in durability and quality as well.

Although creating a home office can be easy, you need to be extra sure about ergonomics. After all, an easy space makes you feel more productive and keeps you healthy as well.