David Searns | Co-CEO
Ever wonder why some people just "get it"?
You know the ones I mean...
Those marketers who consistently nail their messaging. Those salespeople who seem to read prospects' minds. Those recruiters who match candidates perfectly, every time.
What's their secret?
In a word (or three): Frame of Reference
These people have rich, diverse life experiences that expand their frame of reference.
And trust me, that changes everything.
Let me explain...
THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE
Think about your brain like a library.
Every experience you have? That's a new book on your shelf.
Every person you meet? Another chapter.
Every place you visit? A whole new section.
The bigger your library, the more creative connections you can make. The more solutions you can envision. The more deeply you can understand others.
But here's the thing...
Many of us get stuck in our own little bubble. Same routine. Same people. Same thoughts.
That's like watching reruns on Netflix!
Let's break out of that bubble...
TRAVEL: YOUR CREATIVITY PASSPORT
I'm writing to you today from Barcelona, Spain.
Nothing expands your perspective quite like travel.
But it doesn't take overseas vacations (though those are nice!). Even exploring a new neighborhood can shift your perspective.
Every new place you visit teaches you:
- Different ways of seeing the world.
- New approaches to communication.
- Fresh perspectives on what matters.
So, what have I learned from my time in Spain?
The art of building relationships. I met some incredible people from the Netherlands, and through our conversations, I learned new approaches to management that could positively impact our company…as well as a few profound life lessons.
The power of getting outside your comfort zone. Traveling in a place where you don't speak the language can feel intimidating. Yet, once you take that first step, you develop greater confidence, the same kind of confidence you need to be great in sales, recruiting and marketing.
The importance of finding joy in the journey. Okay, confession time. When things don't go right, I can get pretty stressed out. Now, maybe it's just vacation, but when things don't go as planned, I've had some of my greatest experiences. I've found the same in marketing—lots of great successes came just after a big failure. It's all part of the journey!
But travel isn't the only way to expand your perspective.
Pick up a book!
READING: THE FASTEST WAY TO GROW
According to Newsweek, Americans are reading fewer books than at any point in the last 35 years.
But reading is essential—if you want a broader perspective!
What can reading do for you?
- Challenge beliefs and assumptions
- Build empathy
- Expand your vocabulary
- And most importantly, spark new ideas!
Here's a pro tip: Don't just read business books.
Read fiction to understand human nature. Read history to spot patterns. Read science to grasp innovation. Read philosophy to deepen your thinking.
Each genre adds another tool to your professional toolkit.
DIVERSE CONNECTIONS: YOUR EMPATHY ENGINE
Want to really level up? Connect with people different from you.
Different backgrounds. Different viewpoints. Different experiences.
Why? Because understanding diverse perspectives helps you:
- Craft more inclusive messages.
- Relate better to clients.
- Build stronger teams.
- Spot hidden opportunities.
Remember: Every person you meet knows something you don't!
GREATER FRAME OF REFERENCE. GREATER SUCCESS!
So how does all this make you better at your job?
Let me count the ways...
For Marketers:
- Fresh metaphors for complex ideas
- Deeper understanding of human motivation
- More creative campaign concepts
- Better cultural awareness
For Salespeople:
- Stronger rapport-building skills
- More relatable examples and stories
- Better problem-solving abilities
- Increased emotional intelligence
For Recruiters:
- Broader candidate assessment skills
- Better cultural fit evaluation
- More nuanced job matching
- Stronger candidate relationships
THE SECRET SAUCE: ACTIVE LEARNING
Here's the catch...
Just having experiences isn't enough.
You need to:
- Pay attention (really observe what's happening)
- Reflect (think about what you've learned)
- Connect (link experiences to your work)
- Apply (use these insights deliberately)
Think of it like this...
Every new experience is a potential solution waiting to be applied to a future challenge.
THE CHALLENGE TO YOU
Starting today:
- Plan one new experience each month.
- Read something outside your comfort zone.
- Connect with someone different from you.
- Keep a journal of your insights.
Watch what happens to your creativity, your empathy and your effectiveness.
Because here's the truth...
In our rapidly changing world, the person with the richest frame of reference wins.
They see opportunities others miss. They understand needs others overlook. They create solutions others can't imagine.
And good news! Just reading this article added to your mental library. Keep building that collection! |
