Purpose. The dictionary defines it as "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists." Don't pass by that thought too fast – think about what that statement means for a moment. Based on that definition, purpose is the entire reason we exist. It's why we show up. It's what gets us out of bed in the morning and drives how we spend our waking hours. Soak that up, ponder it, and then answer these three questions..

Over the past year, has the business or organization you call home changed? The answer, without knowing anything about you, is yes. Of course it has. As businesses and professionals, we all exist in a constant state of transformation. Customer needs and wants change, the marketplace changes, our teams change, and our competitors change. Change is inevitable. So with that in mind, shouldn’t your branding be evolving with you? How do you know if it’s time for a refresh?

Yesterday we had the opportunity to spend our day with a Minnesota-based non-profit that serves individuals with disabilities. Facilitating one of our Bootcamp’s with their team, we had the chance to ask questions, then sit back and listen to their conversations. The takeaways from the day were amazing and inspiring. Here are three of them that will immediately impact your organizations and personal relationships if you put them into action today...

We are Minnesota Nice. Stereotypical or not, as Minnesotans we’ve embraced it. We hate to make a fuss, dodge the center of attention, and view understatement as something to be elevated. Yes, we are nice. Possibly the nicest people in America, depending on who you ask. It’s a badge of honor. That’s all fine and good, but here are three reasons that Minnesota Nice makes for a terrible marketing strategy...

When we launched OrangeBall, one of the first things we did was to create the Story of Bounce video. That video planted the OrangeBall flag, letting the world know what we would stand for. It brought our intent to life. We would spend our days bringing bounce and visibility to businesses and organizations that were being overshadowed and crowded out by big, Goliath competitors. It was time to even the playing field. That leads us to today...

One of the reasons we're excited to get out of bed each day is that our clients are just plain awesome. They radiate positivity, goodness, and just an all-around great outlook on the world and how they’re going to impact it through their work. They’re not the ones being sucked in by the dark noise. Yesterday, spending some time with one of them to discuss their vision for the future, they shared this with a twinkle in their eye…

Someone once shared that it is easier to do something 100% of the time rather than 99%. Yes, 99% is good, but there is something powerful about consistency. That’s an easy conversation to have when you have time on your hands, the creativity is flowing, and you’re in your element. When you’re extra busy, there’s a large project on your plate, or you’re in a state of transition, staying consistent can be a lot harder. We’re going to keep this short (because today is a busy day) and get right to the point. 
Here’s why consistency matters...

Finish what you start. Reading that, a project you’ve been working on for a while probably popped into your head – that thing you need to finish. We all have one, personal or professional. It’s the “blood, sweat, and tears” thing you’ve been focusing on, the one that all of the other responsibilities keep derailing, the project that needs to cross the finish line. Here’s how we’ve kept putting one foot in front of the other, and a few things that will help and motivate you as well...

We believe that where we focus our energy dictates our results. Sitting with a client the other day, this belief drove our conversation. Our discussion briefly touched on their competitors in the marketplace. We intentionally kept that part of our conversation short. Here’s why we did that, and where we shifted our attention instead…

Walking into our office this morning, we’re seeing the first few leaves changing color on the maple tree across the street. Soon, the green will be replaced by vibrant shades of orange and red. Our kids are preparing to go back to school, the Minnesota State Fair is open, and pre-season football is in full force. It’s the signal of one season ending and another arriving… a time of transition. Looking back on the last season and forward to the next, it’s a time for beginnings, endings, and “continuings.” We’re asking ourselves three simple questions...