Simplicity and Why I love Lacross Bros

1. The Art of Simplicity: Plan on a Page

A strategy poorly communicated is not a strategy. 

I find the 'Plan on a Page' works magic - it turns complex strategies into clear, actionable works of art. This single-slide wonder is much more than a summary; it's a strategic compass that guides teams and delights clients with its clarity and precision. But what are the secrets to creating a 'Plan on a Page' that truly resonates and drives results?

Clarity in Vision: The heart of an effective 'Plan on a Page' is a crystal-clear vision. It’s not just about stating goals but articulating a compelling vision that acts as a north star for the entire strategy. This vision should be inspiring, succinct, and easily understood at all levels of the organization.

Concise Strategic Objectives: A great 'Plan on a Page' distills strategic objectives to their essence. It's about prioritizing what truly matters and presenting these objectives in a way that’s both accessible and engaging. Remember, simplicity is key; the aim is to create a document that can be quickly grasped and remembered.

Highlight Key Levers and Initiatives: Every strategy has its drivers - the key levers and initiatives that will propel it forward. In your 'Plan on a Page,' these elements need to be front and center, clearly linked to the strategic objectives they support. Use concise bullet points or impactful graphics to make these levers stand out.

Visual Appeal and Accessibility: A well-designed 'Plan on a Page' isn’t just about content; its visual appeal is equally crucial. Utilize colors, fonts, and layouts that enhance readability and draw the viewer's attention to key elements. A visually engaging plan is more likely to be remembered and referenced. Use our tried and true Plan on a Page template for the sure thing. 

Repetition for Reinforcement: As the adage goes, repetition is the mother of learning. Display your 'Plan on a Page' in team areas, include it in presentations, and refer back to it in meetings. This consistent reinforcement helps embed the strategy in the team’s consciousness, ensuring alignment and focused action.

Creating a 'Plan on a Page' that cuts through the noise and captures the essence of a strategy is an art. It requires distillation of complex ideas into simple, compelling narratives. By following these secrets, you can craft a 'Plan on a Page' that not only informs but inspires, turning strategic visions into tangible successes.

2. A Masterclass in the Power of Personal Brands

Michael. Serena. Beckham. Not only are they some of the greatest to have ever played their respective sports, but they all found ways to market themselves as individuals. These athletes of my generation built a loyal fan base through traditional means - winning championships that led to a limited set of sponsorships. There’s only one Nike. 

Times have changed.  Digital channels have democratized the ability to build a brand. More than that, digital branding and followership are prerequisites for anyone in a public role. 

Does that make you uncomfortable? It might. But I don’t think you have a choice. I’d argue that executives today must have a well-established digital brand - reaching customers, employees and industry media. Influence is a prerequisite, and a digital brand is the key indicator.

Meet Paul Rabil, whose journey from playing for pennies in the MLL to founding the PLL was shaped by his own approach to building a personal brand. He’s like the Connor McGregor of preppy east coast sports - he’s the champ, but he’s also the most marketable guy.  If you’re into lacrosse, you know him and you effing love him.

A significant aspect of creating a brand as a PLL player revolves around showcasing their backstory, athletic strengths and character. They showcase their on-field skills, work ethic, and community involvement to build a personal identity that resonates with fans. 

This step forms the foundation for building their personal brand.  

At our firm we start by identifying the headlines. We think of the composition of this story in terms of 100 pennies: 80 pennies for You the Professional; 15 Pennies for Your Special Interest; and 5 Pennies for You the Human Who Cares.

It’s formulaic and it helps me mentally separate my digital presence as a separate entity that’s a lot less complicated and a lot more consistent than actual me. The formula factors into distribution too - we allocate roughly 80% of digital content to professional storylines, and so on.

For example, for a recent PE-backed CEO client, we identified: 

(80) Professional = Operational Leadership + Financial Performance & Acumen + People Growth & Support

(15) Special Interest = Marathon runner (this exec placed in the top 30% of the Boston Marathon)

(5) Warmth & Caring = Family (this exec happens to have a blended family where everyone gets along)

Read the full [Business Breakdown], and, if you missed the first installment, check it out in The 2×2. Archive.

3. The Power of Short Videos

Let’s face it. We’re all slammed. And aligning calendars to share your vision isn’t always an efficient process. Enter the how-to video. And we’ll just put it out there, Loom is our all-time favorite app for doing it. What better way is there to explain our love for videos and how to create one than a video? 

We also love that they’re personal. It’s almost as good of an experience as a 1:1. To create effective videos: 

• Be Concise: Keep videos short and to the point. Focus on the essential steps of the task to maintain the viewer’s attention.

• Use Good Structure: Start with an overview, then move into the step-by-step process, and conclude with a summary or next steps. This structure helps in retaining information.

• Engage Visually: Use visuals effectively. Highlight where to click, use zoom-ins for detail, and complement with text or annotations where necessary.

• Keep Clear Audio: Ensure your voice is clear and paced appropriately. A well-articulated narration is key to effective communication.

While Loom is a popular choice, other tools offer similar functionalities:

• Screencast-O-Matic: Great for screen recording and editing, offering an easy-to-use platform. Screencast-O-Matic Website

• Camtasia: A more advanced tool that combines screen recording with powerful editing features. Camtasia Website

• Snagit: Best suited for quick, informal videos and image captures. Snagit Website

Check them out and let us know your favorite.

4. Merry Mixology: Is Drinking in Secret a Problem?

Is drinking in secret the sign of a problem? 

In the bustling streets of cities across the USA, a trend is emerging: the modern revival of speakeasies. These hidden bars, a throwback to the Prohibition era's clandestine drinking spots, offer a unique blend of mystery, nostalgia, and contemporary flair.

Today's speakeasies, often tucked behind unmarked doors or disguised façades, transport patrons into a world reminiscent of the 1920s. Inside, you'll find an ambiance of dim lights and vintage decor, but with a modern twist. The highlight of these bars is their innovative cocktail menus, where mixologists create both timeless and avant-garde drinks, turning each sip into an experience.

But it's not just the drinks that draw crowds; it's the allure of exclusivity and discovery. Many speakeasies host live jazz, themed parties, and secret shows, making every visit a unique adventure.

One of our favorites is Social in Fort Collins, Colorado. This speakeasy, tucked away beneath the bustling streets of Old Town, epitomizes the speakeasy ethos with its underground allure and a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. It's an ideal location for treating your teams, impressing your clients, or ringing in the new year flapper style in a setting that's both intimate and enchanting.

Not near Fort Collins? Here's a list of other notable speakeasies that encapsulate this intriguing blend of the past and present:

• Please Don’t Tell (PDT) - New York City: Hidden behind a phone booth in a hot dog shop, this spot is known for its creative cocktails. 

• The Gibson - Washington, D.C.: A classic speakeasy with a contemporary menu, offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere. 

• The Violet Hour - Chicago: Famous for its high-end cocktails and mural-covered exterior that changes regularly. 

• Bourbon & Branch - San Francisco: A password-protected bar offering an authentic Prohibition-era experience. 

• The Varnish - Los Angeles: Nestled in the back of a historic building, known for its handcrafted cocktails and live jazz. 

• The Green Light - Raleigh: A cozy, hidden gem with a speakeasy vibe and expertly crafted cocktails. 

• Williams & Graham - Denver: A bookstore facade leads to an intimate bar with a focus on classic cocktails. 

Imagine the stories that will emerge from an evening spent in these secret havens. The shared laughs over expertly crafted cocktails, the collective awe as you soak in the unique ambiance, and the strengthened bonds forged in these exclusive settings with your clients, partners and friends. This holiday season, choose to make your celebrations unforgettable. Swing open the hidden doors, descend into the world of speakeasies, and usher in the holidays with a touch of mystery, a sprinkle of history, and a whole lot of style. 🎩🥂🎄

Remember, the path to success is paved with continuous learning and embracing fresh perspectives. So let's stay connected, share ideas, and elevate your consulting business.

Stay curious, our friends.

TheConsult.co brought to you by Keenan Reid Strategies

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