Atomic Penny

You know the one. The person who everyone remembers from an interaction. He may not be the richest, best looking or most interesting, but the one person wh makes you feel better about yourself and others after an interaction.

The Confetti Project can work the same way. Be “That Guy” to your customers, prospects and suspects. Hugh MacLeod is “That Guy”, author of “Ignore Everybody” leaves his mark with every interaction. His Daily Business Card is amazing artwork for everyman.

Pamela Slim is  ”That Woman”,  dedicated to helping other escape from the corporate abyss. Right now she has an entire series of posts on expanding markets. She is a true confetti spreader.

Be “That Guy” or “That Woman” to your customers. Make the interaction something to remember and give everyone a reason to come back again. It’s not about the budget, it’s about the interaction. Oh, and when you interact, give those you meet a reason to remember you, and not a business card (unless you have one done by Hugh Macleod).

POWER ON–Mark

A very deserving winner with Dave Adams (Adams G3) and myself

Saturday was Atomic Penny’s First Annual Community Share Day at Utah Valley University. During the basketball game I along with the participating partners were able to give away a car to a very deserving single mother.

As you know I am a proponent of spending less and getting more when marketing.

Free luncheon for sponsor and community organizations-Texas Roadhouse

Car Donation to be repaired and given to a deserving recipient-American Family Insurance

Car Repair for donation- Adams G3 Collision and Repair

Certificate for room rental-Noahs

All marketing and prizes, with the exception of $45 for stamps was donated or provided.

Participating Community Organizations:

Boys and Girls Club of Utah County

Second Chance Foundation of Utah

Habitat for Humanity

Turning Point

In Our Own Quiet Way

Little Heroes Foundation

All of these organizations gave away a donated iPod and raised funds and awareness during the basketball game.

All it took was asking, implementing and following up. Ask and you will be surprised at what develops!

Personally, this was one of the most rewarding events I have ever participated in or organized.

POWER ON–Mark

I have a good friend who started sweeping floors at a Kimberly-Clark. He tells the story of pushing the broom from one end of the floor to the other and back, all shift long. Dave went on to hold several jobs before his current venture, he owns a car repair shop. While on the surface that may not seem like much, I can guarantee if you met Dave, you would want to work for and with him, and buy him a drink (or two).

If you walked by him on the street, he would probably smile at you or give you a nod. He has no really distinguishing characteristics other than his thick black and gray hair. He drives a regular car, lives in a nice house and has a great wife and great kids. However there is one thing about Dave that will get you every time. His simplicity.

He has a simple belief that if you stray off course, get back to your center. He believes that if someone needs help, you help them. If you need an ear, he has one.If the state shoots a moose and it  damages your car, Dave fixes it.  No questions, no request for payment, just Dave. No need to reciprocate, just pay it forward.

Now earlier I said Dave was simple. He actually has a simple belief. Treat people like they deserve to be treated, then do it better than anyone else.

Dave is simple–SIMPLY THE BEST

POWER ON–Mark

By now, unless you don’t follow the news, sports or talk to many people about current events, you have heard the story of Lance Armstrong. I now want to introduce you to Dean.

Dean is a successful bicycle racer who has participated in local, regional and even national events. He has probably ridden more miles in a summer than you or I drive and that is before and after work and on weekends. Dean also is a heart attack survivor.

A couple of years ago Dean was racing in Wyoming when his heart attack occurred. According to those at the scene there was no response and he was without a heartbeat for 10-15 minutes. After the EMTs arrived, he was revived and transported to a local hospital, then to a regional med center. Happy to say he is doing great today, in fact he just completed the Elephant Rock Century in 5 Hours 5 minutes including restroom breaks. While I could never do that, Dean’s story serves to help us all.

After the heart attack, Dean and I were talking and he was trying to figure out what to do with his spare time since he believed he couldn’t ride again at the pace he enjoyed. He pictured himself on an adult tricycle going back and forth to the grocery store. As we talked, I offered my suggestions that he could coach, be a trainer, be a team manager, all jobs around cycling but NOT cycling.

Dean had a choice, give up or give it a try. After rehab and some initial hesitation, he started riding again. Each day the passion began to return and the light grew in his eyes. Dean is racing again, knowing his limits and enjoying every minute of it.

We can all learn from Dean. When times are bad we can give in, give up and just wallow. It’s easy, we all know that. But remember the dreams and ambitions you have? Remember the difference you want to make? Remember the passion you have? Find a way to reignite the flame! It just takes a minute to tie up the shoelaces, pick up the phone or ask a favor.

Nothing here is unconventional as is my usual MO. But being unconventional allows me to do that. You can do the same.

POWER ON–Mark