Starting Pointhttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/en-US2012-02-22T21:17:49ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Lessons from the Silver Screen: INSTALLMENT SIXhttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2011/8/24/lessons-from-the-silver-screen-installment-six.html[Your Name Here]2011-08-24T22:25:42ZTHE FIELD is a chilling confrontation with the human nature to protect and defend -- at all costs. Actor Richard Harris was nominated for an Oscar by bringing to life (or death?) the stop-at-nothing passion to own three acres his tenant family had tilled for generations. Protecting what we value is important, yet selfish desires can quickly trump common sense or community good. Marketing efforts, even those ascribing social good, need the leavening of decency to thrive and multiply. The need to contribute to the dignity of others may, in the final analysis, mean walking away from the siren song of personal and corporate wealth.

]]>Lessons from the Silver Screen: INSTALLMENT FIVEhttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2011/4/30/lessons-from-the-silver-screen-installment-five.html[Your Name Here]2011-04-30T15:41:06ZTHE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU faded and flopped on the Big Screen, largely due to confusion between the science fiction focus and a romantic storyline. The premise, however, is worth considering. Is there such a thing as free will? Is destiny ordained or earned? Can we change the world or does it direct us? This is critical for the market-focused entrepreneur who strives to carve out a meaningful niche in the landscape of global commerce. Too much belief in "destiny" could lead to apathy and slow response to economic imperatives. Too much belief in "clean slate" might encourage the ill-equipped or poorly-suited to believe all things are possible. Without being a spoiler for the Redbox DVD renters out there, there's reason to consider how -- and who -- shapes your future.

]]>Lessons from the Silver Screen: Installment Fourhttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2011/2/8/lessons-from-the-silver-screen-installment-four.html[Your Name Here]2011-02-08T14:15:13ZDAWN PATROL was an early aerial combat movie, set amid the balsa-and-canvas airplanes of World War I. The heavy losses of nearly every Allied patrol became the background for an emerging crisis.

Would the squadron's commander stand by as young fliers continued to die either by crash-inducing mechanical failures or enemy fire over the trenches? Would sacrifice extend beyond the soldier to the officer? Would honor mean death -- or saving another for at least another day?

Contemporary theories about LEADERSHIP abound, but the idea of sacrifice as a core attribute elude many of them. DAWN PATROL's message is that, at some point, leaders enter the fray if they believe the cause truly is worthy.

]]>Lessons from the Silver Screen: Installment Threehttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2011/1/13/lessons-from-the-silver-screen-installment-three.html[Your Name Here]2011-01-13T13:51:59ZINCEPTION has captured the imagination of many as a new model for film production. An original screenplay devoid of super heroes, aliens or middle-aged men acting like sixth graders, the film illuminates at least one important concept.

The mind's power to create and destroy -- and turn thoughts into palpable reality -- is beyond debate. Understanding this double-edged nature is key to constructive persuasion in which new, positive connections can be made with past experiences.

Whether product or service, demonstrating how problems get solved, obstacles are overcome and potential is realized all are viable paths to greater sales. Instead of having to go three levels down in the mind, influence can occur on a more visible and transparent basis.

]]>Insights from the Silver Screen: Installment Twohttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2010/12/30/insights-from-the-silver-screen-installment-two.html[Your Name Here]2010-12-30T22:33:21ZTRUE GRIT has come back again with a vengeance, pun intended. The Western classic has been reborn with a precocious protagonist and Jeff Bridges scooping up the redemptive role of Rooster Cogburn.

Insights abound, but one stands out regarding the power of intentionality. In pursuing her father's killer, a young woman must continually overcome skepticism about her 1) motivation, 2) capabilities and 3) resources (as in, budget to underwrite the manhunt).

In every case and with each step, she keeps her eyes on the prize even through dark nights and semi-warm campfire beans. She gains her results at the cost of limb, not life, as those she recruits prevail in large part because of her unrelenting passion.

]]>Insights from the Silver Screen: Installment Onehttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2010/12/9/insights-from-the-silver-screen-installment-one.html[Your Name Here]2010-12-09T20:32:37ZTHE GODFATHER continues to garner acclaim as one of the top films ever produced. According to this observer, the central message of the film is worthy of attention no matter your film preferences.

Question: What was the Godfather seeking in the middle of all the mayhem and criminal conspiracy?

Answer: Respect, the one thing he valued more than life itself (at least the lives of others).

Follow-Up Question: How many of those to which we sell or serve are looking for the same thing?

Follow-Up Answer: Most, even if they don't express it or offer their rings for kissing.

The desire to be a) acknowledged, b) valued and c) considered transcends gender, culture and age.

Anyone advancing a sales agenda would be wise to learn from the Master of Respect, The Godfather.

]]>Lessons from ZOMBIELAND: Part Six and One-Halfhttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2010/11/3/lessons-from-zombieland-part-six-and-one-half.html[Your Name Here]2010-11-03T18:38:58ZBefore running too fast and far from the zombies, it's instructive to ask at least one question: Are the lumbering zombies happy with their ravenous lifestyle? In point of fact, few chose to sign up for their new club -- most were "recruited" under extreme duress. Based upon their restlessness and insatiable appetites, one could surmise the answer is NO. Yet, compared to the challenges of those struggling to remain out of their clutches, the daily calendar is simple and straightforward. Trade-offs? Some big ones -- including a diminishing food supply and relentless competition. All things being equal (which they are not), perhaps being pursued carries greater freedom and potential than being the pursuer.

]]>Lessons from ZOMBIELAND: Part Sixhttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2010/10/19/lessons-from-zombieland-part-six.html[Your Name Here]2010-10-19T04:10:42ZTHERE ARE DAYS when joining the zombies seems appealing. Plenty of company, not much to lose and a very simple agenda are part of the package. The trouble becomes one of resources. As in, lots of zombies means dwindling foodstuffs and overlapping territories. Unable to think for themselves or rise above their circumstances, the zombies lumber along until they've run out of obvious options. Commodity markets are full of zombie-like companies, and a visit to any major trade show makes one thing apparent: Too many competitors means the end is in sight.

]]>Lessons from ZOMBIELAND: Part Fivehttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2010/9/27/lessons-from-zombieland-part-five.html[Your Name Here]2010-09-27T17:29:26ZThings could be worse in ZOMBIELAND (the one in the movie and the one we may face in business). Everyone could be a zombie (foe) and nobody's a friend. All of the food and water (resources) are gone. No green spaces or little luxuries exist. The simple point: Perspective is critical in maintaining a balanced view and avoiding paralysis or panic. The survivors in ZOMBIELAND discovered some little joys in life, even while under assault. Business owners can find moments of encouragement, relaxation or even escape in exercise. Without such moments, the zombies will win simply by default. Don't make it that easy on them.

]]>Lessons from ZOMBIELAND: Part Fourhttp://www.theguidesgroup.com/starting-point/2010/9/16/lessons-from-zombieland-part-four.html[Your Name Here]2010-09-16T18:01:18ZAn entire body of literature is emerging around the idea of ZOMBIES, and the term ZOMBIE is being used to describe loans and commercial property gone bad: A feature story in the WALL STREET JOURNAL today enumerated the horrors of ZOMBIE condominiums in grossly-overbuilt Spain. Why this fascination -- and how does it apply to business? Indeed, the reality of rampant, negative changes in global economics is a human-induced plague of sorts (as are many of the human-to-zombie transformation stories). Like inthe movie ZOMBIELAND, there is often little time to prepare but a window of opportunity to react and then respond. The lesson both of fiction and fact can be summarized quite succinctly: Pay attention, exercise a measure of caution and then step boldly into a new world. Fear is not the antidote, cure or coping strategy in either case.

]]>