Yesterday while we were streaming live I posted in the Sitizens chat that anyone who wanted free rubies just had to call Larry on the support line up and ask. It was pretty hilarious listening to Larry talk to the first caller.
We do things like that here for a few reasons.. Well, because we like to play jokes on each other, and it also helps in the fan department.
Over the years there have been countless people who say this or that is a waste of time or unprofessional or insert complaint here. But the thing is, most of this stuff you just can’t measure. There are no analytics for how many customers love a site because the people running it are having fun.
So that’s my tidbit for today. Have fun with your business and your customers. Make it so when people think of you they think wow I really enjoy doing business with them. It’ll create loyal fans who have fun with you making your job enjoyable too.
Nugget!!! Nugget!!!! Nugget!!!!
Yup, we’ve been pleading with folks to keep it fun for years. You create such a positive attitude and fun place for customers to be in…This is the biggest message I think anyone could ever get this Friday morning.
It’s YOUR business…Have FUN!
The last two jobs I had as an IT dude, were exact opposites, one was hell and one was heaven.
The only thing that was different in both projects, were the people.
On the DEVIL’S job, my position was unique (and highly interesting) but I also was one dude working with other 112 IT pros (we were 113 in total and I know this because I also handled some payroll processes).
Every manager there was my boss and this included my project leaders, team leaders, subdirectors, directors and several other dozens of people that I never even knew they existed.
Just so you have an idea of how beyond stressful was working there, one of our project leaders always puked before entering the weekly big conference room held on Saturdays.
I used to tremble and shake the WHOLE TIME during those meetings, it was simply hell on earth and I endured almost two years doing that.
(I got sick and the story gets a lot worse but I won’t bore you with those details.)
On the other hand, on the HEAVENLY job, it was a huge project but we were just two persons.
We were supposed to have one project leader but he bailed on us right before starting the project and we were hired as project leaders ourselves.
We thought “oh well this is odd, we’re just two persons and we’re both project leaders…”
So we continued with the project, hired two extra programmers and one information analyst and I have to tell you, that was one of the BEST jobs I have ever had in my life.
I even liked it so much that I offered myself to work on Saturdays with no extra raises or anything and do you want to know what the others did?
They agreed to go on Saturdays too!
It happened because we were having FUN the whole day and I never was as productive as in that job anywhere else.
There was no quality control, no metrics, no six sigma, no ISO, no anything, we ended up taking that university from #92 to #3 (in online transparency) nationally.
So I have to agree, keep it FUN and you’ll go places!
Sergio
It’s so wonderful when work is fun! Did I say WORK?!!! Must not be at a Tim Tech site, cuz that is all fun!
Hi Tim,
I found your blog through Sergio Felix.
You’re damn RIGHT. I mean if it’s not fun, why the hell we’re doing the business right? Might as well get a job and work for other people!
There’ll be always people who will say we’re unprofessional, this is not right, that is wrong.. bla bla bla.
But I bet there will also be people who will love us!
So let’s have fun!
Cheers,
Chetz
It was funny when Larry took the first call. He caught on pretty quick.
You discovered for yourselves one of the principles taught in the FISH Philosphy, which started at Seattle’s world-famous Pike Place Fish Market where visitors love to watch the spectacular fish-throwing exhibitions.
In today’s competitive market, there’s no room for error. The four principals of our FISH! Philosophy deliver key insights proven to build a world-class corporate culture that will increase your organization’s productivity – and profits.
#1– Be There
Trains how to be there mentally and physically, so you can seize opportunities and maximize your performance.
#2– Make Their Day
Shows how to genuinely connect with customers and colleagues alike. Lessons you can apply daily in creating an engaging work environment or delightful customer experience – the kind that builds loyalty and repeat business.
#3– Play
Teaches how to embrace a playful state of mind that makes you more energetic, enthusiastic and creative. Result: enhanced customer relations and elevated productivity.
#4– Choose Your Attitude
Cultivates self-sufficiency and control in consistently making smarter business decisions. A mental state optimized to “be there” with an attitude that ignites success.
If you ever get the chance read the book and watch the video. The book is told in parable form about a new manager in a toxic work environment and a friend who takes her to the fish market. The video was shot at the real fish market and is amazing.