Under Staffed, Over Worked, Under Paid and Under ‘Passioned’

OK, so passioned is not a real word but that’s the beauty of blogging. I’m not a real journalist either so I call that here at Frank Thinking, grammar rules and proper writing technique are not required. Having said that I can now move on. Thank you.

So what do I mean by ‘under passioned’? Well, let’s first look at the other common cries of the SMB and anyone in today’s workplace for that matter. When marketers / business owners / stakeholders are asked if they are able to do something more to help promote their product or service the typical responses include being under staffed, over worked, under paid and let’s throw in under funded as well. All have their degree of validity and that degree varies from business to business.

The trouble with those responses is that they are losing their validity very quickly. How? First, because they are old responses that are threadbare and they represent an ‘old school’ mindset. Second, there are other options that exist out in the marketplace. These options allow you to do a lot more with a lot less staff and capital. I dare not say less time because that is a fallacy that needs to be stopped in its tracks.

So why are people still using these tired and worn out excuses? I think it is because they are under passioned. It takes passion to push through the barriers that business can throw in your way.

Many people are not passionate about their jobs. In many cases it’s easy to see why since there are many things that people do for a living that are not inherently exciting. While not naturally exciting and cool it doesn’t mean that there are not passionate users of these less than exciting things does it? They have passion for the boring product you market so you need to tap into their passion. Even more importantly you need to ignite yours.

The familiar cry of social media being a way to reach more people who are better qualified and relate to them on a deeper level, however, is true. What it doesn’t do though is stir the passion of the marketer. If that is not coming to the top then it may be time to look for something else to do with your days.

I talk to people all the time who have passion around their product / service or cause but they are doing the same things they have done year in and year out and wondering why they are losing their edge. It’s because they have worked too long with too little and not received too much in return. The old way has sapped some of their enthusiasm and passion and it shows.

Enter social media. If you are passionate about something whether it’s your work or a cause or whatever but have lost your edge stop doing things the way you always have. There are people out there right now that will never see your tired old flyer or Yellow Page ad or newspaper ad or whatever because they are talking and interacting with passionate people in the realm of social media. They are not being talked at rather they are talking with. Big difference. Until you enter into their conversations then you are going to be scratching your head wondering why the same old things aren’t working the same old way.

So if you are complaining about being ‘under anything-ed’ I submit that you need to find the passion again or for the very first time. Otherwise, you will do the worst thing possible and that is to under utilize your considerable talents. Don’t do that disservice to yourself and to those around you. Re-ignite your passion and get involved. There are people that are waiting to hear from you.