The Story Co.

05/08/2020

I had a blast as the guest speaker at the WESK Uncorked event last month.

I loved the chatty chat line.

We might not have been able to see each other but we sure knew that each other were there. I soaked up all the vibes like a sponge.

The pandemic has asked us to make mindful, generous, and difficult decisions. There has been very clear language around what we cannot do. And it has worked! We listened.

But when we gather at Uncorked we are there to honour the art of the possible.

So it only seemed natural to flip the “can’t” talk on its head and think about what we “can” do.

I asked listeners to finish this sentence: Now is a great time to …………….

Below are the answers that came flying in faster than we could read them and I can’t resist sharing the main threads of the responses with you:

Business growth
Stretching what I can do and be in this world
Follow the opportunities
Own a business
Re-launch
Re-focus
Be bold
Tell your story
Pivot
Re-commit to what matters
Believe in myself
Be the leader you want to become
Mentor
Find my purpose
Re-invent myself
Lean in
Become who you really are
Personal growth and self-care
Be grounded in your why
Brand building
Hold on to calm
Get grounded
Get loud
Love myself
Can we keep this conversation going?

What resonates for you?

How will you finish the sentence? Now is a great time to…….

05/05/2020

Could you feel the shift?

I felt it this weekend.

I am not sure if it was that the buds on the trees seemed to burst in front of my eyes, that the grass was tinged with green, or our puppy Stella’s insane spring fever, but I felt it!

It echoed what I have been experiencing at The Story Co., too.

Since the pandemic clients have been gradually shifting from crisis mode to vision mode. Now, we are asking, “where to from here?” The questions are more hopeful and also more helpful. There is an openness to new ways of thinking.

This time last year our whole family was wrapped up in the Raptors’ triumphant run for the playoffs. (I’m seriously missing the Raptors but I promise no pivot analogies!)

Remember that game winning shot by Kawhi? There was a collective gasp at our house and all across the nation. With each exciting game I became really impatient, craving to know how the story would end.

I feel the same way now!

With the Raptors story I only saw it ending one way.

There was so much to cheer for; the nation, the underdog, the star, the hustle, the fans.

And at that pivotal moment was the shift.

We went from a nation shaking our heads at the luck of having a chance to win it all, to a nation believing we were champions.

Maybe it feels like all you have been doing is shifting and changing gears lately.

But all this shifting is making us into believers.

Retailers began this pandemic by shaking their heads wondering how they could possibly get an online store up and running so quickly, to seeing it now as a permanent income stream.

The gyms and yoga studios that now know that online classes will be here forever. Universities and educational institutions, not designed for being nimble, shifted gears completely getting online classes up and exams written. Masks were produced in basements; factories were re-tooled.

In the process raving fans have been created. The kind that never forget how when the chips were down you were there and willing to help with what you do best. That is what we live for. That is the soul of a purpose brand.

The “what” and “how” we do business has changed radically.

The raw innovation is profound.

The shift is real.

Keep going.

04/29/2020

Simplify. I think that might be one of the words that I remember the pandemic by (that and chocolate). Or at least today that is how I am feeling. It can be a moment-by-moment adventure!

I have this persistent visual that life right now is going through a sieve and only what is essential remains.

Last year I read the book “Essentialism: The disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown and I loved it and it stuck with me. The tagline for the book could not be more apt for the times.

The crux of his work is not about doing more with less, it is actually about asking yourself if what you are spending your time and resources on is the “right” thing. We can remove a lot of overwhelm if we stop trying to do it all, stop saying yes every time and instead concentrate on doing the right things. Taking a “less but better” approach.

And to get to what is essential we rely on our purpose.

Our purpose becomes the sieve through which all of our options can sift. What is our genius work? What does matter to us? How can we do what matters to us and to others?.

It is a mindful way to live life and to do business.

Over this last month I have in many different voices asked myself “what does matter?” And on the more insightful days, usually when I am out walking Stella I might be able to come up with an answer. I then have to push myself further and say, “okay, now that I know what does matter, do that.” (Maybe it’s Stella who inspires me she always knows what matters – sticks!)

One of my favourite quotes from the book:

“Whatever decision or challenge or crossroads you face in your life, simply ask yourself, ‘What is essential?’ Eliminate everything else.”

As we move forward businesses will be tried, and it will not be an easy road. We will have to zone in on our “essential” by knowing what matters most to us, and to others, and to have the courage to “do that”.

This pandemic has required us to eliminate much, to purge more than just our closets.

Perhaps it has also helped us to embrace the simplicity of the essential. That we can manage and thrive focused on the right things, one piece at a time.

If you are looking to get clear on your purpose to grow your business and enrich your life let’s chat.

www.thestoryco.ca

04/17/2020

WESK Uncorked

WESK has always been an important organization to me personally. They were there when I started my first business and the vital importance of their good work right now in unqualifiable.

Every third Tuesday of the month an incredible thing happens. Uncorked is held.

Each month there is a different speaker and we gather, to learn from each other, to swap stories, to sip and nosh.

But it so much more than just that.

For an hour we breathe in the art of the possible. We are inspired and challenged, and we leave more confident (and more loved) than when we arrived.

It is the warmest crowd anywhere.

This month I get to be the guest speaker and of course the physical event had to be cancelled but I suggested we try it virtually.

I will be inviting you personally into my home office (which is really one of my favourite places to be), and Lisa Peters and I will chat with you. It might get a little cozy all of us in there but I am ready for cozy :)

We will talk about transitions and pivots and starting over and pushing through, how success is repeatable and why you (as you are) are exactly what the world needs right now. There has never been a more urgent time to have the conversations we need to have about life, business, fear, generosity and opportunity.

We also plan to engage each and every one of you as much as possible and keep the chat line humming, and jam up the Q+A box because we are missing you so much!!! We want to know how you are, and what is happening with your business and how you are feeling.

This event has always been free and continues to be free and this time we can open our arms wide and invite everyone!! Which is so exciting. No matter what part of the world you live in - you can join us.

We are “in this together” and I am hoping next Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. CST or 7:00pm EST we will all be “at this” virtual event together.

Cuddle into the couch, put on your sweats or kick it up in your heels, order in local or grab some popcorn, or a bag of mini eggs or hmm put the mini eggs in the popcorn! Let’s make this fun.

It is time to breathe in the art of the possible.

Let us know in the comments if you can make it. I would be thrilled if you can :)

Have any burning questions you want us to make sure we delve into? Add those to the comments too.

Grab a seat right here ... right now because we can’t wait to see you.

Join us for a night of VIRTUAL casual couch conversation! Register for free for our first ONLINE Uncorked!

03/28/2020

We have a puppy named Stella.

She works with me, and after having her for three months I am smitten, all in, and sometimes losing my mind!

I have a bag of tricks to keep us both happy but sometimes she gets annoyed and wants my full attention. And she has now literally found a way to “pop up” between me and my desk. She is like Houdini, and then she stares me down, all the while madly wagging her tail.

I started to laugh thinking she is the furry version of a pop up ad in a world that has been very interrupted!

I wonder how many brand messages we turn off or frantically X out of in a day, maybe 500?

We have so many ways to tell our stories, but interrupting isn’t the best way to do it. I mean really, who likes the interrupter who never lets you finish a thought? Do you picture your brand as the annoying person at the cocktail party (remember, we used to have those!) who, while you are in the midst of a fabulous conversation with someone else, butts in to control or change the dialogue? It is simply rude and annoying and the fastest way to get you off the invite list. The same holds true online.

The pop up is a poor way to start a relationship (unless you are as adorable as Stella), yet it is the core of so many campaigns. Realize that this is the old and out-dated model. The model of unrelenting frequency and reach, because we can, is still interruption-based marketing and not what drives a purpose brand.

Yes, by all means reach out to your beautiful community, reach out with empathy and reach from the very core of your values and purpose. Give them a meaningful experience.

Make the shift from a transactional relationship to a transformational experience and let me know what happens. Not sure what this might look like? Check out a video on Yeti’s storytelling website called “Shut Up and Paddle” (https://stories.yeti.com/story/shut-and-paddle) on the Texas Water Safari. I bet you will watch the full 7 minutes and share it on. No one is screaming the Yeti brand except for a few well-done product placements. They sell very expensive coolers but what hooks us in is the inspiration and the desire to be part of the story, to join the community, the desire for us to feel transformed.

Ditch the pop up for real engagement (at the proper distance of course) that goes beyond transaction and then take your dog for a walk :)

03/24/2020

After 18 years of working remotely, together, Kelly and I feel like we’ve kind of got this figured out.

You see I work out of Regina, Saskatchewan and Kelly works out of Alliston, Ontario. There are 2,684 kilometers between us and our working relationship is seamless, rewarding, and fun too! Not only do we zig and zag in the same creative direction we have supported each other through every zig and zag that life has thrown our way. And wow this is a big zig!

Kelly has her kids at home with her in this new reality, so her suggestions are golden! And my family is now working remotely so there is that too! Different perspectives, lots of suggestions!

If you suddenly find yourself working remotely you might feel a bit lost? Maybe the whole family is now at home and you have no idea how this will really work to actually get work done. Here are some tips to keep you grounded in the present so that you can tick a few things off your to-do list, and keep your business moving forward too.

1. Get dressed! It might be cool to work in your sweats and slippers for the first few days, it may even feel liberating. You might not need office attire but get dressed and look your best. It is all about mindset. Getting dressed helps you get there.

2. Whatever your morning routine is keep it up. Get up at the same time and since you don’t have the commute add some self-care into that time – exercise, meditate or journal.

3. Define your space. It doesn’t matter whether it is a coffee table or a corner of the kitchen table, declare it yours. Let all of your family members know that this is your space and when you are working there you need to devote your attention to your work. Also, train yourself that the physical trigger of being at your space is when work happens. When you are there you must be present.

4. Set your hours. Depending how busy your household is this might need to be short sprints or longer marathons. Let your family know you need 20 uninterrupted minutes, or 40 or 60. Let them set the timer and when it goes off be present with them until you start your next work interval. And if you have no one in the house set the same parameters for yourself. And when the timer dings get up and do something – stretch, throw in a load of laundry, doesn’t matter what it is, just move your body.

Kelly’s tip here: be prepared for this to also not work at all! Sometimes they might need more from you and you have to try to give it. If they need a movie and a cuddle, you need to adjust your day accordingly. You may need to prioritize your tasks, get what you need done and then spend some time with them.

6.Equal living reigns! Everyone can help. Chores cooking and cleaning keep everyone busy and will keep you sane.

5. Find an accountability partner. If you are used to working in an office environment, ask a colleague to be your accountability partner. Do a check in at 8:00 am saying, “I am at my desk where are you?” Check in at what might be your regular coffee time and say, “hey what did you get done?” or just quite simply “how are you?” These are challenging times and knowing you are not alone is just what we all need right now.

6. Walk it out. Whether you are frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed a trip around the block can clear your head and reset your soul. Grab the kids, the dog or the neighbour’s dog and breathe in…from a social distance.

7. One fun thing a day. Better than a vitamin! If kids are part of your co-work life, playing cards, art projects, kitchen dance parties, building a fort projects always win. Combine it with exercise. I loved Kelly’s idea that on their walks, every block someone got to pick an activity. Walk like a penguin for a block, do 25 mini arm circles or do a funny dance…come on don’t you wonder if you could walk like a penguin? It’s not easy! We think play is not just for kids, some time to just be silly is good for everyone.

If you are leading a team, get some tips on www.thestoryco.ca/blog on how to keep your team engaged remotely. Most of all do what you can to keep your mind and body healthy. Together we can make sure isolation is not a lonely experience.

03/19/2020

Huge shout out and virtual hug to all those businesses and organizations that are allowing their teams to work remotely, doing their part to help flatten this curve. We know that is not possible for all, but for those who can, we are here (at home) cheering you on!

It is a bit nuts right now trying to find our way in such uncharted waters. Yet, we still need to lead others, show up for others, and get our work done. In challenging times strong teams forge bonds that will propel them forward. Below are a few ways to do just that.

1. Recognize that remote working might be perfect for some and terrifying for others. As well, many will be juggling work and kids at home. Offering a few different ways for engagement allows your team to find just what might work for each individual.

2. Encourage team members to find an accountability partner. Keeping a schedule while at home can be challenging but if you know you have an 8:30 check in with another team member, or your whole team, it sets your day up. Do you normally peek your head into an office every morning to say good morning – continue to do that, just virtually.

3. Are you used to lunching with co-workers? Do a potluck Zoom lunch once a week. Everyone can Zoom in and visually share what is for lunch that day and just chat about anything or nothing, just being present and doing something you normally do (just a bit differently). It might also be a great time for your social club to support local, buy some gift cards and each team member can order in from their favourite restaurant.

4. This might sound like a crazy suggestion but I have done it and it is really effective. I was part of a group where all of us had a project we were working on that we felt we could not find the time to get completed. So we dedicated one hour twice a week for silent working. We were from all over North America but we Zoomed in and worked silently. It was a nice way to stay on task and feed off the collective energy of others doing their genius work. And projects got finished!

5. Weekly “beers and cheers”. Friday at 4:00 p.m. is a great time to celebrate success, or lament over tough week, and it still can be. Zoom in on Friday and have each member toast their success for the week, and share their challenges too.

Watch for more team engagement tips and be sure to add your great ideas below.

For more great stories, check out: www.thestoryco.ca

12/02/2019

In a creative funk, out of good ideas? Get Silly!

Fun November 29, 2019 In a creative funk, out of good ideas? Get Silly! We have a new puppy. And I am the one with puppy dog eyes – only my eyes are puffy like a pug, and I look a bit exhausted, and hers are bright and alluring.  This puppy makes me silly. She loves silly, and I love her, so on i...

10/18/2019

It’s always the messy middle that is so sweet! And when the middle isn’t there we miss it – except in donuts! But in story telling the middle is where the heart of the story lives, breathes and races. Right there, in the middle is our why, our fragile bits, our swirling tummy. It is where we say our purpose out loud not just in the quiet, or the disquiet of our own minds. Getting to the core of your story is liberating, inspiring, and brings your genius work to the world. It’s essential to building a high performing, sought after purposebrand©. And who does not want that? We are going to explore how to get to the middle of your story at the Social School conference in Regina Oct 22. You just have to be there! It’s almost sold out – eek! Run now get signed up for 4 days of social bliss! Use Storyco for a 10% discount and let’s get to the middle of your story.

04/28/2017

http://www.thestoryco.ca/great-stories/joy/

Eyoalha Baker’s message is “don’t underestimate the power of joy”, and she challenges us to embrace joy in our businesses.

04/13/2017

New post: 1440 https://t.co/6oWAPTTB2P

One of my goals this year is to remove from the phrase “Where has the time gone?” from my life. I want to know what I have done with this very precious thing called time. (Last year I removed the word “busy” from my vocabulary so it seems to be a trend.)

03/28/2017

This is the process we use at The Story co.

https://t.co/XZD8147qji