Thursday 31 December 2009

My top 10 predictions for 2010

1) Politicians will be less seen as world leaders due to their monumental failure to lead in Copenhagen. World Leaders will be the social entrepreneurs and business people who actually do things that make a difference. I call these folk insightpreneurs™ and differencemakers™. Insightpreneurs™ are experts at turning information into insight into inspiration into ideas into innovation, fast. Differencemakers™ are folk who innovate for the good of people and our planet.

2) Social media will continue to evolve and grow and influence us. The movers and shakers will be those people who turn conversations online into real world collaborations that make a difference.

This is what we do at differencemakers community. Please join us here.

3) Greed and stupid business practice will continue in some sections of the financial services sector. Some folk haven’t learnt their lesson. People with demonstrable ethics, genuine corporate responsibility, and general good business practice will thrive.

4) The number of double (social and environmental) and triple bottom-line (social, environmental, and economic) businesses will continue to grow.

5) Sustainability will still be the zeitgeist of our time.

6) Business leaders who have sustainability and innovation linked and as a core of their growth strategies will thrive

7) Local Government and Non Government Organisations (NGOs) will continue to be the non business places were things that really matter get done.

8) There will be more meetings held online that ever before however savvy people will also begin to reinvent how face to face meetings (1:1, teams, and conferences etc) work and they will do very well.

9) Twitter or something similar not yet invented will replace email as the main means of staying in touch online

10) ebooks and other means of online learning will thrive in 2010 particularly those that focus on self development that is practical and real, making social media work for business, sustainability, innovation, leadership.

I wish all of earth's citizens your best year yet in 2010.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Tuesday 22 December 2009

Avatar - a must see movie for our time and our future

My wife and I were thrilled to watch the Avatar movie today, our 36th wedding aniversary.

James Cameron is one of the great storytellers of our time. This is a story from humanity to humanity and I trust we will heed its profound messages and together build a better world.

Happy holidays to all taking them and may 2010 be the year when our new world really comes to life.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Sunday 20 December 2009

Copenhagen climate change conference was a monumental messup however there is hope

A statement of intent was all the politicians could come up with after 2 years of talk and a failure to collaborate and agree on a legally binding agreement over the past two weeks in Copenhagen.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development President Bjorn Stigson issued a stark warning to ministers on 17th December in Copenhagen: "You will not solve climate change without business at the table as an engaged, involved partner - Governments cannot deliver on the targets which are being talked about without business." I agree with Mr. Stigson.

Social entrepreneurs (I call them insightpreneurs and differencemakers - see my article here) are the business leaders leading the change for good. I have written about many of them on this blog and will continue to do so. Become such a leader yourself. You could do a lot worse in getting started that adopting some of the 142 actions I recommend in my book which you can download here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Thursday 17 December 2009

Post Copenhagen action regardless of the end result of the conference

I don't need any scientific evidence for climate change and the human contribution to it.
I have seen it with my own eyes.

I think the wrong people by enlarged have been at the Copenhagen conference. I think we need to take away the perceived right of politicians and bureaucrats to be making the kind of negotiations that are being attempted at the Copenhagen conference on climate change this week. Why? - because self interest tends to rule among these folk rather than enlightened self interest.

We live in age of collaboration and with one day to go collaboration for the good of all is a long way from being achieved. I am hoping for the best. It seems to me world leaders, again this is a self-proclamation, believe in collaboration, however as yet haven't found a way to turn belief into real action.

Whatever happens in the next 24 hours and way beyond that, entrepreneurs and differencemakers who change what's normal or innovate for the good of people and our planet need to take charge of the agenda and make it happen and politicians and their sidekicks need to get out of the way except for making laws that protect what matters and enhance our innate human ability to collaborate for the common good.

Please joining me in taking charge of the change for good agenda by joining differencemakers community as a first step.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Monday 14 December 2009

Green is good regardless of what they do or don't do in Copenhagen

Want to know more about green business, green urban development, green lifestyle, art, and architecture, food and sustainability, wildlife, ecosysystems, and conservation, climate change, and/or sustainable energy? then check out the 100 lectures available here at online college.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Wednesday 9 December 2009

The ever-growing business case for CSR/sustainability

In a report for IBM Global Business Services, George Pohle and Jeff Hittner make some excellent points from a survey of 250 global leaders that clearly advocate the business case for CSR/Sustainability including:

“A growing body of evidence asserts that corporations can do well by doing good. Well-known companies have already proven that they can differentiate their brands and reputations as well as their products and services if they take responsibility for the well-being of the societies and environments in which they operate.

68 percent are now utilizing CSR as an opportunity and a platform for growth.

Today, a surprising number of companies already regard corporate social responsibility as a platform for growth and differentiation. the shift in thinking from CSR as a cost or risk mitigation effort to CSR as a strategic goal that brings in new revenues.

Over two-thirds (68 percent) of the business leaders surveyed by IBM are focusing on CSR activities to create new revenue streams.

Over half (54 percent) believe that their companies’ CSR activities are already giving them an advantage over their top competitors.

The traditional adage, “buyer beware,” has now become “seller beware.”

A company’s most valuable asset is its ability to convert brand power into customer buying decisions. Only the company that shares reliable information can be a trustworthy “partner in sustainability” for customers who are ready to buy.

What happens when a customer walks into a store, a bank, a showroom, or even a factory floor and asks if the products they see are fair-trade or sourced sustainably? Do employees have the information at hand? Can they answer questions about the company’s labor practices and energy consumption as well as product disposal? Not usually. Are they prepared to have a real dialogue, one in which they learn about the customers’ needs? Not frequently enough, according to the respondents of the survey.

All too often in corporate life, the CEO announces a vision and the average employee is mystified or indifferent. With CSR, it can be different."


Please download the full report here.

I would also highly recommend an article published in the New York Times by Jared Diamond, distinguished author and professor of geography at University of California, 'Will Big Business Save the Earth?' You can read this article here.

Is CSR/Sustainability key to your growth strategy?

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Saturday 5 December 2009

Great insights on climate change from Green Economy Post

For some great insights into the issues facing Government and NGO representatives and others gathering in Copenhagen in the next few days please check out this excellent work by Green Post Economy.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Thursday 3 December 2009

Expect More From 2010

2010 will be my 19th year in business. I know it will be my best year yet because like every other year I have plans to execute that will change what's normal.

What are your plans?

If you feel, think, and do like you did in 2009 the most likely scenario is that 2010 will be a shocker (that's Aussie for bad).

To help you avoid this scenario I have prepared an exercise for you in the ebook Expect More From 2010.

My thanks to Gihan Perera of First Step for making this ebook happen for the 4th consecutive year. There are many great ideas from 43 different authors you might consider in this ebook, all designed to help you make 2010 your best year ever.

Please download the ebook here. My exercise is on page 8.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Wednesday 2 December 2009

It seems a majority of politicians don't understand that we live in an age of collaboration

I watched an interview yesterday with Tony Abbott the newly elected leader of the major political party in Australia not in government. He said "our job is to oppose the government." He later in the interview tried to correct himself by saying "our job is to hold the government to account."

Mr. Abbott got elected after extraordinary scenes in his party where one minute they were supporting the governments climate change bill and then they weren't. These decisions and indecision followed 5 weeks of collaborating and the former leader Malcolm Turnbull telling the government our collaboration has been successful, lets pass the bill.

Australia now has egg on its face going into to the Copenhagen summit this weekend on climate change. Our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, unless there is yet another change of mind by Mr Abbott's party, will go to Copenhagen a follower instead of a leader.

Seems to me that Mr Abbott, like most old school politicians, hasn't yet realised we live in an age of collaboration. My hope is that he and everyone who thinks and acts like him will soon come to their senses or we vote these kind folk out and replace them with people who will do what needs to be done for the good of people and our planet.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Sunday 29 November 2009

CSR Reporting Best Practice

Cindy Mehallow of Triple Pundit has put together some excellent insights about CSR reporting including some great work being done by FedEx and Gap.

Please read Cindy’s blog with the links here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Friday 20 November 2009

The greatest movement on earth by Paul Hawken

Great insights about the greatest movement on earth by Paul Hawken, one of the great social and environmental justice leaders in the world today.



A must watch video.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Please affirm the charter for compassion

On the 12th November The Charter for Compassion was offically launched. I encourage you to join me and thousands of people (hopefully millions) in affirming the charter and living its words. It’s just one page. Please read and affirm here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Friday 13 November 2009

Just showing up isn't enough

I came across the following at Persistence Unlimited.com

"80 percent of success is just showing up" —Woody Allen

"I often think about that quotation. It may sound easy to shrug off, but not if you look a little deeper. It doesn't just mean show up for job interviews or to work for an 80% increase in success. Showing up also means ... starting.

"For instance, did you show up at the gym today? Just showing up means you're 80% of the way to a good workout. The hard part of fighting yourself to get dressed in workout gear, dealing with traffic and the worry about pain you might experience is over. Now all that is left is to just do the workout. Pretty simple, huh? Even a child could do it.

"Same thing with opportunity. It's easier to make significant progress on a project if you simply show up to do it. Candidly, one of my hardest tasks of the day is 'showing up' for development Visual Studio. It seems simple enough ... just double click on an icon. But if I think too much about the seemingly 10,000 things I have to do once I launch it, I am much more likely to 'accidentally' launch my web browser or fiddle with e-mail.

"But once I'm in there, the work is typically easy and fun. Some days I can knock out more tasks than I planned. And I feel like a success at the end of the day.

"You can be or do whatever you want just by showing up. If you want to be an author, show up to write your manuscript every day, show up to writing classes, show up to phone calls to editors. Doesn't it make sense that someone who arrives at the door of opportunity has more success than someone just sitting at home?

"So increase your chances by 80%. Show Up!"

I have reflected on this a lot in the past few weeks where I have really been focusing on how I show up and my mantra has been to show up joyful. This has made an incredible difference to my life and work. I agree showing up is a key to being successful. I am firm however that the attitude we bring to our showing up is the real key.

How are you showing up?


Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Monday 9 November 2009

Celebrating the walls we take down

Today we can all celebrate the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. When visiting Berlin last September I was really taken by the willingness of the Berlin people to talk about their past and how well they have moved on.

May today be a day when we not only remember and celebrate the courage of those who have stood and today stand against tyranny, may we also celebrate the walls we have torn down in our own lives that have made us better and more of who we truly are.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Saturday 7 November 2009

Talk about doing what we love in the service of people who love what we do



John Nese owner of Galco's Soda Pop Shop in Los Angeles has much to teach us about living Steve Farber's words of wisdom "doing what we love in the service of people who love what we do."
Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Thursday 5 November 2009

Letting go of our rule books

Of recent times I have been done some great personal development sessions with one of my mentors.

In one session my mentor asked me if I was willing to give up my rule book? I was, however, I found it very hard to do!

There are rules in society that are there primarily to protect us and fellow beings from ourselves and each other. Otherwise there would be so much chaos we would probably cease to exist.

We have our own rules as well however.

My rule book used to say:

*Nobody should give bad service so I should tell people off when they do
*If something is wrong I’d better fix it before it gets worse
*Before this or that gets off the rails I should say something to help (and I used to say it)
*I should be appreciated more often
*People don’t deserve to be treated poorly and if I don’t do anything about it nobody will
*People who don’t to reply to emails should be sanctioned

I could go on and on. I once had a lot of rules.

My mentor pointed out to me that my rules are often fantasy or completely irrelevant or unknown for others.

I spent a lot of time and energy thinking about this and agree with my mentor. I have thrown out my rule book.

I have learnt that what is, is. I am learning that the more I accept this and not try to control things, judge others, or make things better, which is what my rule book used to be all about, I am much more peaceful, powerful, inspirational, and many times more effective.

Instead of my rules I now focus on rules of engagement when the possibility of collaborating or engaging with others presents itself. The best rules of engagement are those we have agreed to work with, which means building a relationship with others really matters before we can properly engage.

There are three worlds. The one in here is my world. The one out there is your world. Neither matter as much as the third which is our world, the world we share.

Have you got your own rule book?

Maybe if you discarded it your life would be better. I can’t comment. What you do is none of my business.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Tuesday 3 November 2009

Life's challenges are really opportunities

This Lemonade Movie Trailer will inspire you I’m sure to view your challenges as opportunities.



Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Partnering passionate people to change what’s normal for the good of people, our planet, and for profit.

Thursday 29 October 2009

And the good news is

Good.is magazine is inspiring reading. Their good 100 is brilliant. I’ll bet you want to go and do something good as a result of reading about their best 100. And I hope you do.

My favourites are
Hilliary Clinton

Ideo and their social impact program

Bundanoon Australia

Bulldozing cities

Cash for grass

Women are the key to development

TED X

Cowpooling

Check out the full 100 here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Tuesday 27 October 2009

Raise your profile through thought leadership

At just about every conference and meeting I have presented at this year the subject of thought leadership has been on the agenda. And rightly so.

I thought you would enjoy this article by my friend Shelley Dunstone as inspiration to improve your thought leadership.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Saturday 24 October 2009

change management in 60 seconds

Some great insights into why change management often doesn't work and how it can from Management Consultancy International



Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 18 October 2009

The Real Power of Collaboration

The Rhythm of Business 13th October blog The Real Power of Collaboration is excellent. I highly recommend dowloading the PDF by Jeffrey Shuman and Janice Twombly. Go to their blog here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Thursday 15 October 2009

Three types of corporate responsibility managers by Toby Webb

I encourage you to read an excellent article here by Toby Webb the Founder of business intelligence company Ethical Corporation. I like his take on change-makers or as I call these wonderful folk, differencemakers.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 11 October 2009

Please support President Obama

US President Barack Obama's 2009 Nobel Peace Prize is an award for the future yet to be created.

Obama himself says he's "surprised, humbled" and doesn't yet deserve it -- but he's accepted the Prize as a call to action, "to confront the common challenges of the 21st century".

Please send President Obama an encouragement message through the Avaaz organisation here.

“Avaaz” means “Voice” in many Asian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European languages.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Saturday 10 October 2009

Leading the responsibility revolution

We can all lead the responsibility revolution.

This time magazine article by Richard Stengel gives some good pointers as to how. Although the article is about American consumers read it as though it is about all of us, because it is. You can read the article here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 5 October 2009

Where have all the people of character gone?

Heavy storm clouds stay hanging over business, religion, politics, sport and the media. Almost daily many so called icons are continuing to have their character questioned. These clouds always produce rain and wash away the stars like twigs in a river.

Like never before the world needs ordinary people of character to stand up and be counted because many of the people leading us don’t understand leadership, have sacrificed their characters in their quest for power, and in some cases their behaviour threatens our very lives.

Recently the father of a good friend passed on. He was a man of character and an inspiration to my friend. His passing caused me to reflect on my own father who passed 10 years ago.

Life my friends Father, my Dad never had his name up in lights too often but left a legacy to be proud of in his world nonetheless. I miss him. Dad was a man of character. We never always saw eye to eye. It was the words of the Mike and the Mechanics song ‘In the Living Years’ that urged me to settle my differences with Dad not long before he died.

“It’s too late when you die” the song says “to admit you don’t see eye to eye” Towards the end Dad came to hear me speak and said before I spoke “I probably won’t agree with everything the speaker says this morning but I am proud he is my son”

People of character lay it on the line like that.

People of character are unafraid to speak their minds.

People of character always tell the truth as they see it

People of character are trustworthy

People of character have integrity

People of character enjoy being popular but don’t seek popularity

People of character seek win / win but do not compromise their principles

People of character do what they believe is best for the common good regardless of the resistance they encounter

People of character praise in public and criticize in private

People of character put others first

People of character are givers not takers

People of character focus on building people’s self esteem and never engage in put downs or the blame and shame game

People of character are those we really look up to and admire

People of character are those we follow when it matters most.

Be a person of character. You are needed like never before.


Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Thursday 1 October 2009

"Doing well by doing good"

"Doing well by doing good" and "reaching out and giving back" are key strategies for growth of some of the world's largest organisations. Why not you? Find out more by reading an excellent article in Harvard Business Review by Sylvia Ann Hewlett here. The article is headed "Boost Performance By Tapping Employees' Altruism"

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 28 September 2009

Have Insight - Will Travel - introducing my upgraded mentoring services

I have recently upgraded my mentoring services and thought you would be interested.

We live in an age, largely due to the internet, where information is abundant and mostly cheap or free, yet time consuming and often energy sapping to access.

Insight on the other hand is scarce, mostly expensive, yet still time consuming and energy sapping to discover.

Are you an Insightpreneur™?

Insightpreneurs™ are experts at turning information into insight into inspiration into ideas into innovation, fast. Differencemakers are people who innovate for the good of people and our planet.

Real innovation means the implementation of ideas that change what is normal whether that be attitudes, emotions, thoughts, feelings, or actions; indeed true innovation usually requires changing all of these!

Changing what is normal is what sets the most successful individuals and organisations apart from the rest; think Roger Federer, Barak Obama, Annika Sörenstam, Mother Theresa, Tiger Woods; Apple, Cirque Du Soleil, Grameen Bank, Starbucks, Virgin; whether you admire these people and organisations or not.

We are in a new era that is characterised by cooperation that leads to collaboration that makes a difference. Competition has largely gone from everywhere except sport, politics, fundamentalist religion, some sectors of education, and in businesses that are just for profit.

The really exciting thing is that anybody can be an insightpreneur and a differencemaker.

Insight and ideas are part of a new currency. Innovation linked to doing good for people and our planet is where the fortunes of the future will be made. Innovation is also how the ever widening gap between the financial rich and the financial poor gets closed. The most successful organisations were once those who made something. Today the most successful organisations are those who provide insight and ideas and they can be an organisation of just one person!

What business are you in?

If you make stuff someone will soon make it cheaper and faster. Sure people will always make stuff. Is this your future however? Or will you become and insightpreneur and a differencemaker?

“As a mentor to me and my family members who lead and manage our businesses Ian Berry made a significant difference to our personal and business success, and was a catalyst for our 570% growth over 4 years.”
Peter Taylor, Chairman, Townsend Building Services
+61 419 438 021

What’s in it for you?

My Insightpreneur™ 1:1 Mentoring Programs cut to the chase and save you time, energy, and money by helping you discover your unique fast track to personal and organisational innovation.

I offer no turnkey or cookie cutter programs, rather a genuinely customised program just for you.

Depending on your unique situation and needs, expectations, and desires, I offer 3, 6, 9, or 12 month programs that comprise:

1) scheduled sessions for one hour on skype or telephone that are recorded with your permission and sent to you for ongoing use

2) as well as 1/2 day or 1 day sessions in person

3) plus unlimited telephone and email access to me during the course of your program and for six months following

4) plus 24/7 access to my life-long learning vault that contains numerous resources for you to tap into whenever you wish to.

Full details including try before you buy option are here.
or contact me on +61 8 7122 4663

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Friday 25 September 2009

David Connor - one of the most inspiring and challenging writers on CSR/Sustainability

One of the most inspiring, challenging, and thought provoking blogs about CSR/Sustainability on the web is David Coethica’s Blog by David Connor. His recent post A Green Football Pitch? is one of the best blogs of its kind I have ever read.

Please check out David’s work here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Tuesday 22 September 2009

Are the values on your wall lived in the hall?



Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Saturday 19 September 2009

The Buyers Journey by David Ednie

My colleague from France David Ednie recently made the home page of slideshare with this brilliant story of how selling should be in the 21st century.



Please enjoy and take action.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Another ebook I thought you might like to have

Of the many ebooks I personally read there a few better for learning easy ways to grow your business than The 13 commandments of turning relationships into profits by my colleague in the United Kingdom, Rob Brown. You can download this ebook here.


Best wishes
Ian

Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Saturday 12 September 2009

Who am I - the power of a personal brand ebook



This ebook Who am I - the power of a personal brand was written to celebrate The World Day of Interconnectedness held on 090909 and was co-authored by Leo Sonneveld the founder of the World Day of Interconnectedness and fellow differencemakers community members Jane Chin, Remi Cote, Shelley Dunstone, Joel Graham-Blake, Pat Nautin, Kwai Yu, and myself. This ebook was designed and produced by Carol Berry. This was a remarkable collaborative effort.

Please download your free copy here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 7 September 2009

Business fights poverty is a great blog by Chris Jarvis.

In a recent post Chris lists his 50 (plus 1) Great Sites For Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability. His list is a fantastic resource for anyone keen to stay in touch with the great actions that are taking place in the corporate responsibility space. See the list here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Thursday 3 September 2009

What Really Motivates Us? Daniel Pink has some great answers

Daniel Pink’s TED talk about what really motivates us is a beauty.



Daniel is a builder of our new world and his three key insights in this talk; “autonomy, mastery, and purpose” are key for anyone wanting to make a difference.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Please take up the Make a Difference Challenge before 090909 

Friday 28 August 2009

World Vision and Water

I am a proud supporter of World Vision’s work. In their latest supporter magazine that focuses on saving and making clean water available to all, there are several great examples of how easy it is to make a difference.

Stratco’s Water for the World project raises funds for World Vision throught an ebay style auction.

Jetstar and World Vision created Star Kids to help change the lives of some of the world’s poorest communities. 100% of donations given by customers go to World Vision.

Very small gifts to World Vision make a big difference. Just $50 for example could provide jerry cans to 8 families to help them collect water; a $100 can help protect the health of eight entire families through the distribution of hygiene kits.

Do you support organisations of stature like World Vision?

What small actions are you taking that make a big difference?

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Please take up the Make a Difference Challenge before 090909 

Thursday 27 August 2009

Business in the community - Timberland

A great example of a company who really gets involved at the grass roots level in the communities in which they operate is Timberland the outdoor apparel and shoemaker.

Timberland's candor endears them to many people and is a key reason for their success. Please read a great story by Fast Company blogger Christine Arena here. Timberland are a great example of how to grow a business that is for people, our planet, and for profit.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Please take up the Make a Difference Challenge before 090909 

Monday 24 August 2009

Gihan Perera - guru to thought leaders

Gihan Perera has been my webmaster since I first established my presence on the web. He has saved and made me thousands of dollars through his insights and advice.

Gihan is passionate about helping thought leaders get more from the ideas in your head, the words that come out of your mouth, and the amazing potential at your fingertips.

If you want to better leverage your expertise, individually and in groups, on and off the Internet. If you want to deliver your ideas to more people for more impact, Gihan can show you how.

Gihan is obsessed with higher standards - in the areas of better thinking, greater influence and getting things done. He works in three key areas:

- As the CEO of an Internet technology company First Step, he shows speakers, trainers, coaches, consultants and thought leaders how to find, develop and leverage their expertise and influence on and off the Internet.

- As a consultant, he understands the impact of technology in our rapidly-changing world, and translates it into practical, meaningful strategies for business owners and entrepreneurs.

- As a prolific author of books, e-books, audio programs, on-line courses, webinars and other resources, he leverages his expertise to show business owners how they can leverage their uniqueness to make a difference.

Find out what Gihan is doing at www.GihanPerera.com and what he's thinking at www.GihanPerera.info

Gihan is an accredited mentor for business members of Differencemakers Community.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Please take up the Make a Difference Challenge before 090909 

Monday 17 August 2009

Innovation must mean changing what’s normal

Innovation is the successful implementation of a idea. Why innovate? My simple answer is, to change what’s normal.

Right now in our world it is normal that:

*people die from preventable disease, under-nutrition and over-nutrition, every day
*not everyone has clean water
*at least 600 million people haven’t yet learned to read and write
*governments are slow to act and we all suffer as a result
*fundamentalism, both religious and otherwise, persists as a basic abuse of human rights
*climate change is killing our planet and us, and yet we still mainly sit our hands and allow our politicians to engage in petty, point scoring debates
*more than 2 billion people are expected to live on less than a dollar a day
*starving people don’t receive the food they so desperately need because of terrorism
*biodiversity loss is so great many of the world’s inhabitants are disappearing overnight
*economic instability and the lack of corporate accountability mean many people are suffering through no fault of their own
*electronic waste is a massive problem most people turn a blind eye to
*the social divide is getting bigger
*redefining growth has long been our agenda and yet we persist with old, worn out, and broken ways to develop
*peace is still a pipe-dream for half the world’s people
*democracy as we know it fails most people and yet we persist with the model
*opportunity for every person, a basic human right, is not possible for most the world’s people

The above are our world’s big challenges in my view. I find each of them unacceptable.

On perhaps a more personal level it is normal that:

*Most organisations provide mediocre service
*Lying, cheating, and bribery are accepted ways of doing business
*The majority of organisations have less than 50% of their employees fully engaged in their work
*Many so called great companies aren’t
*Fake leaders rule
*Most abuse comes from people in our families
*Most of what we really feel remains unsaid because we are afraid of what other people might think if we actually expressed how we feel

I could go on and on. Yet I won’t because I would get depressed. You might be already.

Who we are and what we do makes a difference, whoever we are and whatever we do.

I plead with you today to become more of who you are capable of becoming, and to do more to solve our problems and challenges, to change what is normal, because to do so is real innovation.

My 3 steps for innovation are detailed here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Please take up the Make a Difference Challenge before 090909 

Thursday 13 August 2009

Make a difference - take the differencemakers challenge 1

Here is a simple yet profound way to make a difference. Please watch the movie and take action.
Everyone can do this.



Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 9 August 2009

There are rarely rewards without first taking risks

I have often wondered why many politicians who were very successful prior to entering politics, become but mere shadows of themselves inside politics.

One of my answers to this is that they stop taking risks for fear of losing their seats!

Compromise is the result. Compromise rarely achieves anything great. Politics where there is the Government, an Opposition, and a few Independents and minor parties, like in Australia, fails to understand that success in the 21st century is about collaboration not compromise.

Co-promises rather than compromise work. And they are the result of collaboration. Effective collaboration requires risk.

Right now the world is stalled on economics, climate change, and a host of other issues where change is urgent, because we lack risk takers and are being lead by compromisers.

To get to the point of achieving a co-promise with others we must lead by example. We must take risks. We must risk having our view challenged, risk being seen as out of touch, and even clueless. We must risk being ridiculed, berated, and even abused. We must risk losing in the short term.

Risk takers know what they stand for and stand. They accept what others say as a view and don’t take anything someone else says that may seem derogatory, personally.

Risk takers know that we are responsible for our own intentions, feelings, thoughts, and actions. We are not responsible for other people’s intentions, feelings, thoughts, and actions, and, we are only affected by them when we choose to be.

Risk takers know that short term pain often leads to long term gain, for all.

As I have written about elsewhere, we live in three worlds. The world in here (my view), the world out there (your view) and the world we share (our view). In the scheme of things only the world we share really matters because from shared view comes a co-promise to stand together and take action for the common good.

Risk takers are innovators more than problem solvers. When we solve problems almost always that means a return to what is normal or the status quo. When we innovate on the other hand, we change what is normal.

Are you are risk taker?

One sign that you are, or are not, is whether or not you are “doing what you love in the service of people who love what you do”, a wonderful phrase from Steven Farber the author of a great book about leadership The Radical Leap.

Other signs you are a risk taker. Your willingness to:

*speak out against injustice
*go against the flow when you see a possible better way forward for all
*speak up even when no one else does
*say what you mean and mean what you say even when it is uncomfortable
*put your insights and ideas forward not worrying about how they will be received
*work hard on relationships (which also require risk) knowing that outcomes are a consequence of processes

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

“A life lived in fear is a life half lived.” From the film Strictly Ballroom.

Sunday 2 August 2009

Coincidence often leads to clarity - introducing B1G1

Keith Abraham CSP is an Australian Professional Speaker I admire greatly. Recently I went to his website to get his phone number (my phone died with all the numbers on the phone not the sim card!) While visiting Keith’s site I noticed his support of B1G1 and asked him about it. I then had email conversations with Paul Dunn the Chairman of B1G1. Long story short, Carol (my wife) and I decided our search for an easy way to give via Differencemakers Community was over and we joined B1G1. On the same day Carol and I decided this was our direction I received an email from Richard, a Torchbearer member of Differencemakers Community in Scotland, recommending B1G1! Coincidence often leads to clarity!

From 1st of August a percentage of all Torchbearer membership fees will go to B1G1. The result is two families are fed for a day in Africa/Kenya through World Youth International and we help further the work of Room to Read who believe that “world change starts with educated children- and that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.”

About Buy1GIVE1

Buy1GIVE1™ or B1G1™ matches businesses with charitable causes right around the world so that every business transaction makes a difference somehow, somewhere, every second, every day. But it doesn't just 'match' businesses with worthy causes; it does it at a level never seen before by matching every transaction in some way to a specific outcome. And it does more than that too. Its adds a powerful branding and marketing 'engine' that actually builds business. And that simply means that businesses can give even more to make a difference.

“We’re not here to give in order ‘to get’. We’re here to have more to give more.” - Masami Sato, Founder of Buy1GIVE1

Find out more about free membership of Differencemakers Community here and about Torchbearer membership here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 27 July 2009

Scott H Young - get more from life

Canadian Scott H Young's get more from life is a fascinating blog with more than 700 archives including Scott's top 20 motivation articles which I found provide fascinating insights into what works and what doesn't in life.

Check out Scott's blog here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 20 July 2009

A regular dose of Deepak is good for the heart and mind

In their June 1999 issue Time Magazine named Deepak Chopra as "one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century, and credited him as the poet-prophet of alternative medicine.”

Deepak has written more than 50 books and produced more than 100 audio albums. I confess to reading at least half Deepaks books and listening to many of his tapes, however not in recent times until the weekend when rearranging my bookshelves I again paused for a dose of Deepak. His immense wisdom and simple yet profound insights into being human again left me in awe and I promised myself to have more regular doses of Deepak.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Thursday 16 July 2009

"Say it better" Kare Anderson

For a rich blog full of great ideas about effective communication and collaboration check out Kare Anderson's Say It Better

Kare also has a great website moving from me to we

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 12 July 2009

Lateral thinking and action a must in tough times

I get much inspiration from the lateral action blog. Check it out here.

One of the contributors Rajesh Setty, an entrepreneur, based in Silicon Valley, also has a great blog called life beyond code.
Check it out here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Wednesday 8 July 2009

My daughter is making a difference by spreading joy

There is perhaps no greater joy for a parent than to be proud of who our children are and the difference they make to the world.

My daughter Jessica's purpose in life is to spread joy and she does a remarkable job. Check out her blog here, buy some of her art and bring a little more joy into your life.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Wednesday 1 July 2009

"Engaged philanthropy" a new way to serve by Phil Hayes-St Clair

I first met my Differencemakers Community colleague Phil Hayes-St Clair on a plane some years back.
From that first meeting I knew Phil was a builder of our new world. In our many conversations since I have always left inspired.

Phil's concept of "engaged philanthropy" is a brilliant one. You can read about it here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 29 June 2009

Search for what makes Australia special

All of Aus is a site that enables conversations all Australians can take part in. I encourage all Aussies to get involved and if you don’t have such a site in your country then why not start one! And if you already do please let me know.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 22 June 2009

The CEO of the Future - Indra Nooyi

On 12th May 2009 PepsiCo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Indra Nooyi addressed The Economic Club of Washington. Her topic was The CEO of the Future.

Mrs. Nooyi explores
“performance with purpose”
why companies of the future have to think of what they are for as well as what they do
why companies of the future have to be guided by their obligation to society
thinking long term
understanding the way public and private sectors are coming together
thinking global and acting local
adaptability
bringing “an abundant dose of emotional intelligence to the job”

It is a profound address. I highly recommend it to you. You can download Mrs. Nooyi’s full address here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Friday 19 June 2009

Choose a life of contentment

Saw an interesting car bumper sticker the other day “a bad day at golf is better than a good day at work.” Humourous yes, sad yes!

Most of us spend a third of our lives at work. It is a waste of our lives if that time is miserable. For me it comes down to attitude and intent. We can live our lives in “quiet discontent” or travel the contentment road which means being content even in the moments where we don’t feel content!

We have one life to live. And it’s short. Better to live the time we’ve got contented than miserable or negative. A key is to view each aspect of our lives, work, rest, and play, as an opportunity to be all that we are capable of becoming, which Robert Louis Stevenson once said is the only purpose in life.

As Norm Murray says “ "Our greatest gift in life is contentment. Our greatest regret is not experiencing it."

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 14 June 2009

Internet shopping can be convenient and support a cause

Internet shopping can be not just convenient, it can also be a way you make a difference to others.

I came across a great website recently where you can purchase over 4000 products you would normally buy from the shop, online. The great thing about 4 life brands is that 36% of the profit margin goes to a charity you choose.

Check out 4 life brands here

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Wednesday 10 June 2009

June 24th is International Self Esteem Day

A member of Differencemakers Community, Janice Davies, The Attitude Specialist, created this day.

Please contact Janice or Email janice@attitudespecialist.co.nz for ideas about what you can do to make this a special day for you, your family, friends, and colleagues.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Friday 5 June 2009

Kevin Ryan and a better way to sell

My friend and business partner Kevin Ryan CSP has always been ahead of the game in sales, service, communication, pitching, and presentation skills. His latest work TILT™ is simply brilliant. Kevin has been kind enough to make his ebook TILT Sell available to me to pass onto you. You can download it here.

I particularly love the trust scale and the connection wheel in the ebook. If you want to sell the 21st century way you can't go past Kevin's TILT Sell.

Be remarkable
Ian

Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 1 June 2009

Ray Anderson - the business case for sustainability

One of the business people I admire greatly is Ray Anderson the founder of Interface. He is one of my heroes because he has successfully made the case for business sustainability. Watch Ray's TED talk here. I have no doubt you will be inspired to do more in your business.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 25 May 2009

Steve Simpson Workplace Culture Creator

A professional speaker colleague of mine that I really admire is Steve Simpson CSP. Steve is the creator of the UGRs® concept (unwritten ground rules). I have had Steve work for my clients so therefore I can give a strong recommendation.

If you want to build and grow a workplace culuture to be proud of you can’t go past Steve. Check out his Inspiring Cultures blog here and the UGRs® website here

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Tuesday 19 May 2009

Monday morning webinars

I am really excited to announce that after starting out 18 months ago to find the technology I was happy with to conduct webinars, I am now ready to go.

Every Monday morning unless otherwise noted I will be conducting seminars on the web as follows:

9 am - 9:30 Australian Eastern Standard Time
11:45 am - 12:15 Singapore Time
9 am - 9:30 United Kingdom Time

Each webinar will be high in content, value and interaction. All for just $20 AUD per person.
(It can be arranged for me to conduct a webinar with just you and 9 members of your tribe for just $125 AUD. Please contact me for further information ian@ianberry.au.com)

The next 7 subjects:

Please note you will have the opportunity to ask me questions before, during, and after each webinar. I will be ready for questions via email as soon as you register and have received your login details.

June 15th 2009: The remarkable rewards of resilience - 3 ways to thrive in recessions and whatever other messes poor financial services leadership gets us into.

June 22nd: Why leadership fails miserably without management and vice-versa and how to lead and manage well at the same time.

June 29th: 3 ways to do good and therefore do great in your business.

June webinars are now open for registration. Each is limited to 10 people to allow maximum opportunity for interaction and learning. You can register now for a time that suits you here.

July 13th: The upsides of the downturn - 3 essentials for turning challenges into opportunity.

July 20th: 3 ways to recruit and retain your best people in tough times.

July 27th: Why performance appraisals are dead and 3 ways to ensure your performance management system is alive and well.

August 3rd: Why teams have evolved into tribes - 3 ways to move beyond teamwork.

Registration will be open for July and August from June 30th. Register here now for June webinars.

I look forward to sharing with you on the web. Of course these kind of seminars can never replace in person work, however I am confident they will add more value to my clients as an addition to my other services, as well as standalone value.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 17 May 2009

Seth, Sonia, and Scott - building our new world through the new marketing

If you are fed up with marketing the old way and being marketed to in the old way check out 3 of the best thinkers on the new marketing I have come across.

Seth Godin probably needs no introduction. I get every blog he writes (and that’s almost every day!) via email. Seth always makes me think.

“Remarkable relationships begin with remarkable communcation” says Sonia Simone who is Senior Editor for Copyblogger and Founder of Remarkable Communication.
Sonia says of herself “I’m the marketer for people who hate marketing.”

Scott Stratten he said “If you are your authentic self in your business, you have no competition.”

There are a zillion marketers out there vying for our attention and our money, Seth, Sonia, and Scott are 3 folk providing insight to make life easier and more enjoyable for us all.


Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Tuesday 12 May 2009

Want to save money and help the environment?

I highly recommend Nicholas Bernhardt and Tony Hall, Directors of Greenbizcheck. They are new world builders and have developed one of the best environmental impact assessment tools that I have come across.

Greenbizcheck is an environmental certification company. Clients complete an entry-level, online, best-practice assessment which has been heavily researched and which comprises the latest European and Asian environmental best practice standards. Clients are then provided with an in-depth, high impact assessment report containing a wide range of practical measures to reach an efficiency threshold.

The assessment covers:
Energy conservation
Water consumption reduction
Waste reduction and recycling
Transportation and travel
Supply chain sustainability
IT / Data Centres

The benefits of GreenBizCheck certification:
Save thousands of dollars at the office and at home
Attract and retain staff
Create new revenue opportunities
Independent verification of green credentials
Utilise for PR and Marketing
Creates healthier work environment
Take the lead and help protect our planet

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
International business speaker on how doing good is great for business

Friday 8 May 2009

The Rise of the Social Intrapreneur

For me there are, broadly speaking, three kinds of people that I meet in the modern organisation:

The happy being miserable: these folk complain about everything and are disengaged from their work. It is not that these people aren’t good people, they just haven’t found their place as yet.

The happy being mediocre: these folk sit in silence, however they are open to inspiration and influence, and therefore can be engaged.

The happy being magnificent: these folk refuse to complain about anything and are fully engaged in their work.

For years the typical organisation’s people engagement percentages have been, 10% miserable, 80% mediocre, and 10% magnificent.

The happy being magnificent are on the rise. I have had the great privilege and honour to work with many of these folk. Often they have been part of “change champions” teams we have selected with our clients to implement the changes myself and my colleagues have recommended and helped to instigate.

The happy being magnificent have had enough of fake leadership and have taken their destiny in their own hands. In some circles they are being referred to as “social intrapreneurs”.

“I am convinced we are about to go over the awareness tipping zone,” says Bill Drayton of Ashoka, “to an ‘everyone a changemaker’ world.

The happy being magnificent have a sense of self that is inspiring:

*I am a one-of-kind. Therefore I am obligated to be the best I can be
*I can’t wait for other people to take action. I will do what I can regardless of what others do or don’t do
*I will do today what others won’t be doing until tomorrow
*I am doing what I love to do in the service of others
*I know my life’s work and I am fulfilling it
*I live with passion
*I am responsible for my own feelings, thoughts, and actions
*I know it is not what happens that is important, rather how I respond to what happens
*I don’t judge how others live their life, I simply follow my own path
*I am aware of my talents and I am putting them to good use
*I know my shortcomings and collaborate with others who have strengths that I do not
*I maintain “an attitude of gratitude” no matter what
*What I do matters. I make a difference.

Are you happy being miserable, mediocre, or magnificent?

Read more on ‘Social Intrapreneurs and Entrepreneurs’ by reading a special report by the wonderful folk at Volans.
You can download the report here

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community


PS There are many homes away from home for the magnificent. Robert Frost once described home as “the place, that when you go there, they have to let you in.”

Differencemakers Community is such a place. You might like to join. Discussion forum membership is free.

Monday 4 May 2009

Becoming a member of The Differencemakers Community

My reasons for founding this community are explored in an interview with Ann Villiers of Mental Nutrition.

play now


or download to your player: Differencemakers Community

Discussion forum membership of the Differencemakers Community is free. Sign up here.

Torchbearer membership of the Differencemakers Community requires a one-off investment of $275. As soon as you join as a Torchbearer you receive:

*two of my ebooks, Differencemakers - how doing good is great for business (contains 142 actions you can take to make a difference), and 52 Actions of The Wise (many folk have used this ebook as a self directed personal development course they work on weekly)

*enrolment in my 26 sessions over 1 year What Real Leaders Do and fake ones don't elearning course. This course includes a 91 page ehandbook which contains:
20 breakthrough ideas for effective leadership and efficient management 100 ways for you to take action in your own way
42 ready-to-use tools, tips, and techniques for leading and managing high performing people
11 unchangeable laws for life / work harmony and 55 ways for you to take action in your own way

*unlimited access to my vault full of tools, tips, techniques, podcasts, and other learning tools

*ability to meet with me at any of my Coffee Stops around the world to explore ways to make a difference for the price of a cup of coffee

*participation in our special live and interactive online forums

Become a Torchbearer member here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Thursday 30 April 2009

‘The Art of Non-Conformity’

One of the most interesting bloggers and builders of our new world is Chris Guillebeau.
Check out his ‘The Art of Non-Conformity’ site for many great and unconventional strategies for life, work and travel. If you have a special interest in conducting business from home and on the internet I also highly recommend you download Chris’ 279 days manifesto.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 26 April 2009

Reciprocity - one of the key laws of building a new world

Confucius (551 - 479 BC) knew the secret to building a sustainable world. It has been recorded that one of his disciples Tsze-kung asked for one word that might serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life. Confucius asked, “Is not reciprocity  such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”

For more on Confucius’ wisdom visit here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 19 April 2009

Susan Boyle on YouTube One of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen

View the video here.

I have no doubt you will be inspired. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things like Susan does here is one way we are building our new world.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community

Friday 17 April 2009

Standing out from the crowd

I am offering my 90 minute seminar, ‘Standing out from the crowd - how differencemakers individually and as organisations stand out from the crowd’ to any leadership team, wherever in the world you may be. You decide the fee (after travel and accommodation expenses)
Details here.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 12 April 2009

Pay It Forward Day

Drawing inspiration from the book and movie ‘Pay It Forward’ Differencemakers Community Member Blake Beattie has taken the concept to new heights by creating a Pay It Forward Day. This year the day is 30th April. Pay It Forward is simply about doing one to three good deeds for others without asking them for anything in return and asking the recipient to pay it forward to someone else. For ideas on what you could do visit the Pay It Forward Day website.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Wednesday 8 April 2009

"Get up and get back in the game"

I read a great blog post recently by Gayle Turner "Get up and get back in the game." Please read it here

This is what we all have to do to be builders of our new world; get up and get going, bringing all our one-of-kind talents to everything we do.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Saturday 4 April 2009

Doing good is great for business

On this podcast I am interviewed by Tom Murrell of Media Motivators on how doing good is great for business.

play now


or download to your player: Ian Berry talks about how doing good is great for business

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Friday 3 April 2009

Tell President Obama Yes we must

I have just signed an urgent petition urging US President Obama to ignore dirty industry lobbyists and to support stronger targets for reducing global warming pollution.

This is really important and I thought you might like to take action as well. Click on the link here to sign the petition urging Mr. Obama that when it comes to bold targets on climate change: Yes we must!

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Thursday 2 April 2009

The G20 summit must not allow any slippage

End poverty by 2015.This is the historic promise 189 world leaders made at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000 when they agreed to meet 8 goals. The end poverty site here suggests 50 million people may end up in poverty as a result of the financial crisis therefore causing a major setback to ending poverty. The site referred to suggests some great actions you can take if you happen to be in London. I recommend them to you. If you are not in London, do something. The world needs us all to do whatever we can.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Wednesday 25 March 2009

Hope from future leaders

The lost generation video on YouTube makes very compelling viewing.


I commend this 1 minute 44 seconds video to you. It renewed my trust that the future is in good hands. Watch it here

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Sunday 22 March 2009

Anna Bligh - first woman elected to high political office in Australia

Yesterday Anna Bligh become the first woman ever elected to high political office in Australia as the Premier of the State of Queensland where I live. She was not expected to win so comfortably if at all due to the fact, I suspect, that her party has been in office for 11 years, and we Aussies tend to dump political parties after that long regardless of who is leading them at the time.

Premier Bligh (I am not a member of her party or any political party) who took over the leadership 17 months ago, strikes me as an authentic person who stays on message no matter what. This is a key to leadership and making a difference, being authentic and staying on message. My key message is that doing good is great for business. Some who agree are a bit shaky taking action because of the financial crisis. Anna Bligh is a great example of "when the going gets tough, the tough get going".

If you are feeling frightened of doing what you know you must stay true to your yourself and your message, and you will triumph.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Saturday 21 March 2009

The future according to Keith Suter and Thomas Moore

Futurist Keith Suter's podcast with author Thomas Moore is well worth a listen to.

Check it out here

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Saturday 14 March 2009

Which organisations are truly making a difference?

Find out where the business world is headed, check out Fast Company’s top 50 most innovative companies The slideshare link makes interesting viewing.

What struck me was the number of companies who appear to be geniunely embracing doing good.

Contrast this Fast Company's list with Forbes latest top 100 so called best corporate citizens list here.

You may, like me, find the comments below the list more interesting than the list.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Monday 9 March 2009

Introducing the Fabulous Dr Froth - entertainment and education combined

In the past 10 days I have had a wonderful time in mini retirement (thanks to Tim Ferriss for the concept in his great book ‘The 4-Hour Workweek’

I have been with my wife, daughter, and 7 year old grandson enjoying the delights of Fremantle and other places in Western Australia. On two occasions I was able to chat extensively with Dr Froth (alias Andrew Suttar, a long time friend of my daughter) about his marvelous and unique work with bubbles as a metaphor for life and work.

Andrew has given more 3000 presentations for children, business people, and folk from all walks of life worldwide. This number of presentations puts Dr Froth right up there with the very best presenters/educators. Check out this website for more details and consider Dr Froth next time you want someone to both entertain and educate your audience.

Be remarkable
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community
Writer and International Business Speaker on how doing good is great for business

Friday 6 March 2009

A great remedy to maintain staff engagement

My daughter Jessica works part time for Remedy, a natural homeware business with stores in Fremantle and Leederville, Western Australia. Each month, or more frequently in busy times, owners Joe and Mel buy breakfast for all their staff. The gathering is a time to connect with each other and is a great way to maintain staff engagement.

Be remarkable
Ian
International business speaker on why doing good is great for business
Founder Differencemakers Community

Sunday 1 March 2009

Differencemakers book - how doing good is great for business

I am very pleased to announce that my book Differencemakers - how doing good is great for business is now available.
It contains 142 possible actions you can choose to ensure your personal and business environmental sustainability, social responsibility, economic prosperity, and more.

You can purchase the eversion of the book here. for just $15.

Best wishes
Ian
Founder Differencemakers Community

Friday 27 February 2009

Take the time you need

For the past two weeks I have been in the United Kingdom on business and have used the London Underground Rail system on numerous occasions. It is a great system with a train coming every few minutes to a multitude of designations. I have been flabbergasted, given the frequency of the trains, that many people run up and down escalators and run for trains as if their life depended on it.

It has struck me how much most of us rush about and yet most of the time we don't need to be in a rush!

Take the time in your life to stop and enjoy the moment. Reflect on how much you rush about and decide to rush less and be more considered. For me this means less stress and more joy in our lives.

Be remarkable
Ian
international business speaker on how doing good is great for business
Founder Differencemakers Community

Friday 20 February 2009

Leo Babauta has a great blog

One of my favourite blogs is zenhabits.net
Written by Leo Babauta is it a great blog for learning about ‘The power of LESS. Do Less. Get More Done’ the title of one of Leo’s books.

Leo is one of the top bloggers on the internet and I am sure you will gain much from his wisdom.

Be remarkable
Ian
Writer and international business speaker on why doing good is great for business

Thursday 12 February 2009

Perhaps the whole world needs a hug

Juan Mann is a builder of our new world.

He started a hugs campaign and it spread all over the world.

See it on YouTube here and here and be inspired.

Be remarkable
Ian
writer and international business speaker on why doing good is great for business

Tuesday 10 February 2009

Our Prime Minister calls it ‘mass murder, and I agree with him

Bushfires still ravage the State of Victoria in Australia. More than 170 people have died in what is our worst natural disaster or so called because it is believed the fire was deliberately lit. Our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has called this ‘mass murder’ and I believe he is right.

Good will come out of this. It always does.

In the meantime please join me and thousands of others in spairing a moment or two for the many families affected and all those working desparately to bring the fire to an end, and if you can donate blood or money to the Red Cross

Best wishes
Ian

Friday 6 February 2009

Become a Tedster

I have just watched 2 and a bit hours of wonderful inspiration from the folk at TED and the winners of this years TED prizes. I encourage you to become a member of TED and join perhaps the greatest idea sharing and instigation forum on earth.

Be remarkable
Ian
International business speaker on why doing good is great for business
Founder The Differencemakers Community

Wednesday 4 February 2009

Are you waiting or creating?

Everyday I meet people waiting: business waiting for government; government waiting for business; folk waiting for the economy to improve; people waiting to see whether President Obama can bring about change (he can’t on his own) People waiting ...

I also meet the “pessimistic optimists”, now that is a paradox.

The good news is I am also meeting people not waiting, rather they are getting on with with the job of building a new world.

Are you waiting or creating?

Be remarkable
Ian
International business speaker on why doing good is great for business
Founder The Difference Makers Community™

“I thought someone should do something. And then I realized I was someone.”
President John F. Kennedy

Saturday 24 January 2009

The Difference Makers Community

The following are some of my observations about who difference makers are and what they do.

Difference makers:
*put other people first
*never knowingly do anything that harms our planet
*show kindness at every opportunity
*speak up about issues affecting the welfare of people, our planet, and for peace
*have a cause beyond profit
*don’t wait for other people to take action
*serve without attachment to getting back
*put people and the planet before profits
*collaborate
*strive for a shared view being prepared to let go previously held view/s
*turn information into insight
*turn insight into inspiration and ideas
*perservere until ideas are successfully implemented (innovation)
*pick themselves up and dust themselves off when ideas don’t work or fail
*inspire others by example
*co-create workplace cultures that are empowering and often like great families
*give away a percentage of their income
*know how much is enough
*raise children who take personal responsibility
*volunteer to help others less fortunate than themselves
*see themselves as global citizens who know that what they do has huge effects locally, nationally, and internationally

If the above is you, then you may wish to join The Difference Makers Community which I formed on the 1st November last year. There is no fee for the online discussion forum membership. A second level of membership, Torchbearers, requires a one off fee of $275.

Torchbearer Members of The Difference Makers Community have unlimited access to a life-long learning vault where there are tools, templates, tips, techniques, podcasts, ebooks, and all kinds of resources, to help people make a difference. Torchbearer members also get access to my around the world Coffee Stop Schedule, meaning we can meet for coffee and chat about making a difference, and maybe take action together.

Further information here or download the PDF
here
You can either join online or simply send me an email asking to join and I will send you an invitation.

Be remarkable
Ian
International business speaker on why doing good is great for business
Founder The Difference Makers Community™

Wednesday 21 January 2009

From 'Yes we can' to Now We are

As a speaker I watched President Barak Obama's inauguration speech in awe and with tears in my eyes. As a fellow human being I was struck by his use of the word we. I felt in my heart that this is the beginning of a ‘now we are’ time like never before in history.

I am trusting that the 20th January 2009 is the day we will look back on as the day we really began to

make poverty history
provide clean water for every human being
stop people dying from preventable disease
make peace with one another regardless of our religious or political beliefs
collaborate to tackle climate change
build sustainable businesses
allow every human being the opportunity to have a home, earn a livelihood, receive an education and health care
free the world from violence

I am pessimistically optimistic!

Be remarkable
Ian
International business speaker on why doing good is great for business

Saturday 17 January 2009

New Years Resolutions often result in no change?

I have no resolutions for 2009 except a resolve to make changes in my life as soon as I become aware of the need to change. Lately as I have been working on some changes I have become aware I need to make, I have resurrected an exercise I used some time ago that had fallen of my radar.

You may find the exercise valuable.

On the left side of a sheet of paper write the heading 'Everything I am I wish I wasn't' and make a list underneath. On the right hand side write the heading 'Everything I am that I'm glad I am' and make a list underneath. You may find as I have that the list on the right is often opposite to the list on the left.

I am carrying my list with me. I have already made some changes and when I have made all the changes I am aware I need to make, it will be time for a new list!

Be remarkable
Ian
International business speaker on why doing good is great for business

Saturday 10 January 2009

Room to Read - builders of our new world

Over the recent holiday season I read several books as is my practice.

My favourite was John Wood’s 'Leaving Microsoft to change the world'. This is the inspirational story of how social enterprise ‘Room to Read’ came into being. It is a wonderful story about how one person has a dream, shares it, others join in, and transformation occurs.

Since its inception in 2000, Room to Read has established over 5,600 libraries in the developing world.

My already enduring passion for corporate social responsibility has been uplifted by John Wood and his team. They are builders of our new world. You can find out more about Room to Read here
I love their tag line "World Change Starts with Educated Children®"

Be remarkable
Ian
International business speaker on why doing good is good for business