Volkmar Völzke's BLOG

Recently, the marketing guru, Seth Godin, wrote an excellent short article describing our habits, which are often in the way of dealing effectively with change. 

He brings a good example: If an alien watched people in an elevator, he would notice the people usually stand in a corner and stare at the display over the door (or their smartphone). 

To conclude that these are the decisive actions for moving the elevator would be wrong. The almost unnoticed action that someone pushes the button, however, is decisive. 

The analogy is perfect: We all believe that what is done most is the most important and forget to push the right buttons. 

Here are three ideas on how to use this knowledge for your success: 

1. The buttons. What exactly moves the success of your company, your team, and yourself? What are the crucial levers? Ask your people and your customers. Often, these are very different views than your own.
2. You. What habits do you have that might be useful, but do...

Every now and again, I think we should remember where we truly are, what we have achieved and what we still should improve. In the daily routines of never ending news, demands and requests, we tend to forget our true situation and our endless opportunities. 

Here are 7 reminders, purposefully published around Christmas, a time to traditionally stop for a moment and reflect.

1. Overall, we live in the best world ever. Almost all indicators for our health, wellbeing, safety, life expectancy, etc. go up constantly (see graph). This truth contradicts te flood of negative news reaching us each and every minute. I’m not denying all the tragedy that is actually happening; however, there has never been a better time in history.
   
2. Each of us can change a lot. Yes, we are powerful beyond belief, and today we have more means than ever to make this world a better place. You can reach millions of people in a heartbeat. Each of us in this part of the world can publish books, can speak up,...

Sometimes, we talk as if we truly appreciate the forgotten ones, those that stay in the shade and never make it even close to the top. However, whenever it comes to any emotional appeal, we want to see winners. We cheer for those who score and those who make it to the top. 

You think you are different? Well, each championship – like the currently running Euro 2016 in soccer – is proof of what we all truly love: winning! And seeing winners. 

Let me explain in this week’s video why this always works and how this simple fact can be utilized in your business. And I’m not just talking about things like “team spirit”. No, the focus on winning has some other aspects that most people never think of – and wonder why other teams score better, i.e. their competition wins over and over again. 

Your homework for this week is simple:

Just identify three possibilities where you in your business can leverage the people’s hunger for...

This headline might sound weird, but stick with me and watch the video.

In my workshops, I love to tell this story: When you walk on the streets, there will be somebody passing you who could have a huge impact on your future life. This person will open up an opportunity for you that you didn’t even think of before. After your conversation with this person, your life will completely change to the positive, whether it’s relationship, money, impact or the like. 

Here comes the trick: You don’t know what this person looks like and who he or she is. How much chance do you have to find this person? If a thousand people or so will pass you, can you stop everybody to ask? Theoretically yes, but nobody would. Why not? Because you don’t believe entirely that this opportunity is real. You will think: ‘that’s too much effort for this tiny chance. ‘

Let’s change the game completely by changing just one little detail: This time I tell you...

The start of the year is the perfect time to change behaviors that harm your productivity. Learning to focus only on important tasks and, consequently, saying NO more often is one of the critical changes. This is a continuous effort: even the most productive people never stop getting better at it.

Watch this short video to learn about seven things in your daily life you could be saying NO to more often.

Your assignment:

1. Watch the video and take notes.
2. Decide which items you will say NO to more often.
3. Start with your first NO TODAY.

Let me know how it worked.

I hope you started the new year full of energy, enthusiasm, and joy. I also hope you didn’t make any new year’s resolutions—which will never become reality anyway. Instead, watch the video below to get five ideas on how to make 2015 the most exciting year of your life and business.

And now, ignite the fire in the people around you! I wish you a great 2015!

This is the time when most people spend more time with their families and loved ones than during the rest of the year. It is also the time to reflect on what is most important to us.

Watch this video for a brief personal message to you. I hope it makes you think about something you might have forgotten.

Best wishes for a great start into the new year!