by David Nour

I’m re-reading a really interesting book, Business Model Generation, in which, the first of five sections describe the business model canvas – a tool for describing, analyzing and designing business models.  The authors define a business model and provide nine building blocks which form the basis for a tool – resembling a painter’s canvas which allow you to paint pictures of new or existing business models.

by David Nour

Let’s say you started a relationship with a customer, a partner, a supplier, or an employee as PMP a couple of years ago. Over this time, you became interested, intrigued, engaged, and exchanged value. You did your share of conference calls, debriefs, planning sessions, go to market campaigns, text messages, webinars, and necessary visits – for the social networking junkies, you’ve done your version of Facebook, Yelp, and Groupon. But all the bells and whistles haven’t been enough to deliver significant value to either side. In short, the relationship hasn’t significantly improved the outcome of either side. You can’t say that you’re dramatically better off because you’ve known or worked together. Now what? It’s time to push the relationship restart!

The Nour kids have been attending an amazing local camp by the Museum of Design Atlanta to design and build robots from LEGOs. The two of them can’t stop talking about it and having visited their final creations, it reminded me of the child-like wonder in all of us. My question of you is when do we lose that? Why do we lose that? How can we get it back? And most importantly, how can we infuse it in our purpose, work, and relationships in 2012?

by David Nour

I have a mentor who continues to drive into me the power of language. When used effectively it is incredibly impactful. So, I’m reading more often, writing more often, listening and watching how others use language to engage and influence. What I’ve noticed is that as a society, we also use a lot of catchphrases.

by David Nour

When I hear someone say they’re too busy, you know what that means? That it’s not important enough. Think about it – we make time for things that are important. Most people I know took time during the holidays to appreciate their time with loved ones. We make time to return calls to some people but not others. We make time to meet with some people but not others. We make time to respond to emails by some people not others. Most of our day is about choices. I would submit, it’s also about the relationships we choose to invest in.