Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Unconventional Wisdom


By: Joseph Norman

“Above all else, be daring, be bold, be unconventional.” - Kevin Rampe

What’s the best way to get out of a rut or simply spice up your personal or professional life? Make it a point to do something a little unconventional. Why? It takes you out of your comfort zone and opens you up to new possibilities.

There’s a lot of doom and gloom going around in the world right now. In fact, the evening news is becoming one of our psyche’s worst enemies. Admittedly, I barely even watch it anymore. I mostly just pay attention to the local happenings, some political updates, and specific articles relative to my business pursuits. I aim to be informed enough to stay well equipped for conversation, but sheltered enough to stay positive.

It’s easy to get caught up in the routines of the day to day so my recommendation is to try something unconventional. For me and my business partner, it was taking our efforts to a new state and trying out our first mini road show to drum up new business. Phone time with potential real estate investors is great, but we decided that face time is even better. So, we dropped our Rochester specific obligations and bought a couple tickets to Florida.

Just the act itself helped us discover new avenues in which we can improve our real estate business. We work with many out of town investors, so we thought to ourselves, “Why not head out of town and meet some?” So, we did and it’s been a very productive trip.

Furthermore, in the spirit of unconventional wisdom, the website Half.com used a unique approach to marketing. They got a small town in Oregon to rename itself “Half.com.” Before that point they pushed thousands upon thousands of dollars into advertising. With just this act, they got more press then they ever got before and for minimal cost; all because they did something a little unconventional.

What can you bring back to your life in Western New York? Despite all the culture, art, and music, there is plenty of opportunity to do something a little bit outside of the box. So, this week’s challenge is to do just that. Break out of the norm and start thinking with some unconventional wisdom.

If we all take a little time to think outside the box, than we can make a more dramatic impact on our community. We live in an ever-changing world which requires unconventional wisdom to make things better. As Mahatma Gandhi would say, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Let’s start trying a few new things in our lives here in Western New York and start shaking up the routine!