"Think Different"​: Steve Jobs said it, now it's your turn to "live it"​.

Over the last week I’ve thought long and hard about what I could contribute to the current conversation that would be genuinely useful, uplifting and empowering.

There is lots of great advice about how to navigate the coronaviris crisis – covering health, how to work remotely, how to protect the most vulnerable in our community, mindset shifts, how to thrive even in self-isolation when it comes to that.

I have enjoyed lots of brilliant articles and videos from colleagues, friends and leaders of all fields around the globe (while avoiding not-so-great stuff, I've steered well clear of that!)

But I intentionally held off posting myself until I really knew what I wanted to say.

Mulling over HOW I could really bring something based on my own "lived experience", with TANGIBLE value for the various audiences I connect with.

Something that will genuinely help people’s lives, families, and businesses and empower them to create the impact in their own communities and together create a ripple effect.

And late last night I realized what that is.

I need another day or two to let it crystallise, and think about how it’s all going to play out, but in short it’s this.

This is OUR time to THINK DIFFERENT (nod to Steve Jobs).

Not just as individuals, but as a collective.

Opportunity is everywhere – you just need to know where to look.

It's one of the sayings anyone who knows me hears me quote a lot!

This pretty much sums up how I’ve approached business and life over the last 20 years.

I’ve come to realise it’s a gift, and I want to help others with this too.

In this season, it’s a must. 

It’s our time to embrace AGILITY, POSITIVITY, and OPPORTUNITY at a new level.

There are examples of this everywhere – for businesses, for marketers, for entreprenuers….

-         To serve

-         To help

-         To impact

-         To leave legacy that will remain long beyond whatever unfolds through our current situation.

Yes, I'm a little nervous about doing this. I don't want to bite of more than I can chew. Like many of you, I will still work and look after my kids during this whole season. And some days (well, often, really) I'm a completely frazzled mess.

But there's one difference I feel obligated to share with you - and it's not to boast at all (on the contrary I like to keep my life very private), it's just to help you understand while I feel so motivated to share this.

There is very little about my day-to-day business operations that will change as a result of what’s going on.

• I will still conduct my business from home, or from wherever I choose to.

• My team, who also work remotely, many of whom are parents themselves, are also thanking me that their jobs will continue as usual.

• My clients will get the same level of amazing service and attention and output.

• I will still continue to work part-time and look after myself as best as I can

• I will still be a hands-on parent, just like I am now. Maybe a little more challenged if I have up to five children at home each day instead of at school, but we'll muddle our way through it. Hopefully I will keep it all together

• I will still show up and serve my communities in the same way I have over the last few years.

Why am I sharing this?

Because it's been my life ever since I've had kids, well even before, really.

The difference is that while I made the choice to live like this years ago, now it’s a necessity for most.

But here's the thing. My current way of life didn’t just “fall into place” haphazardly.

It was by design, intention, follow-through, and the result of seeing (and creating) opportunities, even when they weren’t obvious.

And I’m here to help anyone who needs it in this season.

From this challenge there is going to be much disruption to the sectors that have been ripe for while – especially education - and not just from a technological perspective, but cultural and social angle too.

With the imminent closure of schools, universities and many businesses, (and rightly so, to protect our most vulnerable citizens as best we can) there is a lot of opportunity.

I have zero doubt some of the most amazing new businesses, services and forces of positivity in our world will emerge through this time.

Right now for example I'm very thankful that I had the foresight to venture into online education a few years ago and many of my programs and training are delivered 100% online.

It's second nature to me. And after this event it will be for many more as well.

But even for many traditional businesses it’s also the chance to redefine the way we do “community”, and contribute to the world.

I've been having these conversations and uncovering some great new opportunities even with some of the local businesses in my community.

I for one, want to be part of it.

So - here's the plan.

On Wednesday 18 March I’m going to run a “THINK DIFFERENT” session on a Zoom video call. Probably about 11 but I'll confirm that prior.

It's especially for those who feel like they need “face to face” connection, a sounding board, two way dialogue, a video conference call will serve better than a livestream. I"ll share a few thoughts and gladly answer any questions.

I’ll post details tomorrow, but I really want to turn it into a Power Hour and give you examples of how both business and individuals can charter new territory - while also creating so much more positive impact for those around them.

Then in the days that follow, I’ll do some regular Live broadcasts, with a real-life example of how I”ve personally "thought different" in the face of adversity and turned it into an opportunity, or someone I know who has, or show you a business who’s doing that and showing that agility NOW.

I want to give you real life examples to help you see the OPPORTUNITY in your own situation, then help you with encouragement and tools for how to pursue it.

Who's it for?

I run a few communities – young marketers starting out, businesses leaders who are moving into the online space, entreprenuers, senior marketers, business-owners plus more recently I’ve started opening up a bit more about business and family and much of what I’ve learned there over the years.

I was unsure how I was going to ramp up communication, which is needed during this time – and after giving it much thought – this is the direction I am going to take as I feel it will serve all groups best.

Of course I don't claim to have all the answers, far from it - but I am ready to work through this, and would love to connect with like-minded people, help as I can, and forge a way through this together.

If you’re keen to jump in on the ride, click on this link https://bit.ly/2IQiP5G and you’ll get a message with all the details. 

This is not a sales thing, you’re not going on any “list” apart from communicating about what I explained above, and letting you know about opportunities to connect/brainstorm/learn and uncover new possibilities during this season.

It’s about helping people see new opportunities, and embrace new possibilities whatever their situation.

Jump in here - https://bit.ly/2IQiP5G