For the past month I’ve been busy at work with some critical end of the year Projects. I’ve also been busy with of course the planning of that benefit party of mine I keep talking about all over Twitter, the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party benefit (I hope you are coming!!!). Anyways — in the mix of it all, I’m realizing one of the biggest investments anyone can give me and/or what I give to others is my time and attention.

Think about it. In this world where marketing is everywhere screaming for attention, alerts, electronic devices allow you to multi-task your friggin’ brains out — the biggest contribution you give that’s even larger than money, is your time and attention.

You give your time and attention is to things like this everyday:

• Read that billboard
• Attend that meeting
• Watch that TV show
• Visiting family over the holidays
• Writing this blog post at 2 AM.
• Download that song
• Look/use that website
• Attend that party
• Follow someone’s updates on Twitter
• Read that article

Today’s world is the biggest world there’s ever been with more choices than the day previous. The one thread that is common throughout it all is the dedication of your time and attention. Choosing to listen, read or watch holds more value than ever before. With so much to choose from, people are smarter than ever because there are too many viable alternatives for everyone. The days of just “telling and selling” just does not work. I’ve realized on any given day the things I choose to do (work or play), for the most part, are all very carefully calculated choices. Everything has rationale, justification and is prioritized accordingly. Furthermore, anyone who is willing to give me their time and attention is deserving enough of a good experience. If I’m lucky enough to get to hold their attention I better make best use of it. It also brings to the forefront the reason why the aspect of “conversation” is so effective and compelling. Being able to illustrate value and listening will get you the most mileage.

Experiences satisfy the soul.

Illustrating value isn’t a new concept. However, I’m finding with the advent of technologies — the importance and prominence to continually illustrate value quickly, easily and effectively is a vital skill to be especially good at.
–