Zillion Dollar Thought

Approximately 100,000 cubic feet of water pours over Niagra Falls every second. Over a lifetime...Zillions of gallons.

Universality Thinking (AKA) Herd Mentality

So, is there anything else we might use as an alternative mechanism that could relieve the pressure and weight of serious decision making?

Apple estimated that they would sell 10,000,000 iPhones in their first year of introduction. That is just a glimpse of the immense size of the mobile hardware market and the growing demand for portable devices (UDC) that can contribute to herd thinking.

Today, MySpace, Friendster, uTube, Linkedin, TradeKing, Zecco, etc. are  social networking sites. Originally designed as chat rooms, they can act as a platform for someone or some organization to promote their views, and for you to hopefully agree without too much thought applied. In many cases, they are attempting to influence your decisions…via herd mentality.

Through WiFi and enhanced broadband networks, TV, the Internet and other  venues, information comes to the palm of our hands on a 24/7 basis. Beyond the convenience is the danger that these delivery systems can and will attempt to do our thinking and deciding for us. If we are the least bit prone to “herd mentality” (def: simply following the crowd), these developments are only going to feed that habit.

Today, when someone wants to influence your thinking (or your vote), this medium is perfect (for them) and it’s being generated to the tune of 100,000,000+ downloads every day.

Simply put, there are, and will continue to be, a zillion distractions to objective decision making. This blog was created to encourage and help provide alternatives to auto responses e.g. herd thinking.

Zillion Dollar Thinking Compared To What?

The case for the MODELTM System and decision making

Every concept, idea or approach has it’s time and place. Zillion Dollar Thinking could not be considered and evaluated in a more important climate or on a more threatening and pivotal world stage. Let’s see if the following proof bears that out. You decide.

One of the best gauges of authenticity or effectiveness of a subject is to examine it relative to the things around it. From the GOOGLE satellite view, even the world looks small, but as you zoom down to street level you begin to get the feel of relative size of this planet. Point is, when compared to objects that are relative; everything can be examined with more conclusive accuracy. In other words…the MODEL for Intelligent Decision Making TM compared to or relative to what?

The MODELTM System vs. No model

The MODEL in this system applied to intelligent decision making is just that…a model with substance and form. Simply put, you either have a structure, process, platform or model to guide you, or you do not. Extensive research says that generally most people do not. That is not conclusive by itself, but it leads to the problem that is the natural result of not having any tangible system or process to point to…and that is…

"Just A Gut Feeling"

How many times have you witnessed that, when confronted with a reasonably important decision, the conjured response of the individual is “I got a feeling about this one?”

Question? Does that mean that if you “feel good” that day, you will choose positively? Conversely, if you are feeling bad, will you rule negatively on the decision regardless of the analytical, factual or measurable issues that surround the decision?

This is likely the most used, and yet, may be the least reliable decision making mechanism that a thinking person can make…yet it’s practiced a zillion times a day. Question…How could a structured, visual and objective model help guide your decision making compared to abstract and temporary gut feelings? Now, what about this statement…

“I’m too busy to think or consider how I make decisions...I just make them”

Hello….Just look at that sentence. It’s almost laughable when you consider it. Yet, when a reasonable random sampling was collected as research for the book Zillion Dollar ThinkingTM, the same excuse was given time and again. It’s almost like the person who runs the red light with a cell phone to their ear…and when the cop pulls them over…they point to the phone (made me do it) as their excuse of how and why that happened…Same logic?

Here’s the deal…The Universal Communication Device (AKA/SmartPhone) will continue to make it harder for all of us to slow down enough to weigh, analyze and produce a thoughtful decision. So, the more technology squeezes us, the more we will all need a structure or model to keep us on message, analyze and organize our thoughts and then execute on a well reasoned decision.

Becoming too busy to think and decide will never be an alternative or even an excuse (like the cell-phone above) because in the end, we will all have accountability for the decisions we made…or didn’t make. Again, compared to the “too busy” excuse…a simple model and/or technique is a logical alternative…right?

(To Be Continued…)

The Seven Critical Decisions...

...of most people's life.

Beliefs (eternity, religions, life/value proposition )
Relationships (spouses, mates, friends, associates, etc.)
Health (conditions, habits, choices, lifestyles)
Finances (spending, saving, good/bad values, degrees of severity)
Family (children, care, commitment, growth, life style)
Occupations (abilities, training, vocation, interest, education, income)
Legacy (short/long views, accomplishments, gifts, final epitaph…)

Question: In your own world, how would you re-arrange or rank each of these decision catagories? Then, how will you make the decisions that will follow?

Worth considering…

Zillion Dollar Thought

“Toilet paper was invented in 1857.
Since then, zillions of sheets.”

Imagine this “what if?”

Because hiring requirements are getting much tighter in this economy…in your next job interview, suppose the manager asks you this question: “Could you show me how you make important decisions? (Since this is important…you may take a few minutes).”

The manager continues, “we have looked seriously at your resume, accomplishments, and work history which are all great indicators, but what they never really show is HOW you arrive at important conclusions. There are several ‘turning point’ issues before us, and making the right decision on each of them will be critical to the future of this company.”

Are you ready for this question? How would you currently answer it? Could or would a model or a system help? Have you ever thought about it? Does this seem like a reasonable request for a company that is serious about its future in this economy?

There is a MODELTM System found in the book Zillion Dollar Thinking TM. It could be the differentiating job catcher in this environment.

Google Search: How Do You Make Decisions?

Results 1 - 10 of about 38,200,000…

As I started to click, the first hit had 10 long steps, no graphic model, not generally user friendly…

The next hit named several complicated and scientific type techniques, e.g.:
Pareto Analysis
Paired Comparison
Analysis Grid PMI
Force Field Analysis
Six Thinking Hats
Starbursting
Stepladder Technique
Cost/Benefit Analysis
Decision Trees

Next hit, another lengthy several-step approach with several side caveats…and, on and on. You get the picture. Check it out with google or any other search engine.

You will find that decision making techniques and systems are all over the place. What is increasing clear is that with the compounding rate and ease of retrival of digital information, it seems that authors feel the need to create more complex and more confounding products. This is a true contridiction of what should be happening. With our information overload, any reliable model or system needs to be hyper-simple and easily understood at most any age or gender.

In order for any system to be effective it should be simple, repeatable, memorable, graphic, transferrable and contain universal applications at the very minimum.

Question? Do you have and do you use a method like that? If not, please refer to the book:

Zillion Dollar Thinking TM

Can any System or Method be too Simple?

Let’s make the case for simplicity, and again…you can decide.

During my lifetime, I have personally been to scores of training courses and seminars on sales, marketing and the deciding process. I’ve read countless books, articles and materials. The common denominator of most of this experience is that it was not simple…in fact most methods were complicated, confusing, not memorable or transferable (or I would be enthusiastically recommending them now).

Many of these authors sincerely believe that unless they have a complicated, mystic or revolutionary system or method, then the user may not think that they are getting their money’s worth. That is really no way to justify confusion and/or misunderstanding. It is really the antithesis of the reasoning behind a functional or practical method. In today’s digitally overloaded information universe, simple has the best opportunity of being memorable.

Psalm 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

Ironically, if the Gospel of Christ were complicated, it would mean that only the intelligent and ultra-smart person could get to Heaven. Thankfully, His promises are based on man’s spiritual condition and need instead of his intellect (or I would not have had a chance). God’s Word implies that “the simple things will confound the wise.” And, He gave us the scriptural roadmap for acceptance into his Kingdom and even mentioned the faith of a little child…a simple path to an eternal destiny where all people have an open invitation…not complicated.

Here’s the deal, you want a method or system as simple, understandable and memorable as practically possible. Please do not let the simplicity of the MODELTM System found in Zillion Dollar Thinking TM distract you from its effectiveness. It works for that very reason.

Zillion Dollar Thought

You breathe about 10 million times a year. That’s at least a Zillion breathes over the lifetime of past and future generations.

The Case for the Helicopter View

When things on the ground are going great, or else…
When they are in the tank…
That is the very time to take the larger or broader view.
The view you may get from a…

Helicopter. As a strategic vehicle, it can hover at varying distances, at variable speeds and has the agility needed in comparison to other distant viewing options. For instance, a piper cub or even a jet liner is too far up and runs at a very high speed in a straight line, and it is not conducive to variable tracking or a detailed or closer analysis. A space shuttle is even a more distant option offering a very limited view. And in contrast, a car on the ground awards little to no oversight (maybe if it did there would be less accidents).

In other words, we are looking for the perspective that allows us to see the bigger picture, from a flexible, realistic and yet objective viewpoint, while creating the insight and oversight necessary for sound decision-making and strategic analysis.

One of the most difficult perspectives an individual or a business owner has to maintain is the one called "objectivity." One does not have to look beyond the best athletes in the world for the truest examples of those seeking objectivity. The golfing greats do not need to learn any thing new about the game of golf. But, most of them retain advisors. Butch Harmon, for example, serves as an objective advisor to some of the world's best.

Question: If the world's best golfers (some say best athletes) need “objectivity" consistently...why wouldn't the best small to medium sized businesses and individuals (let alone the one's who are not on top of their game and are even in more serious trouble). The answer is that we all need that objective viewpoint. In other words, we need the "Helicopter" view. All considered, the helicopter image is an unmistakable icon to trigger the idea of creating and viewing practical objectivity. It is also vital in decision making.

Helicopter View Definition
noun (informal)
A broad general view or description of a problem, e.g.; The project manager should have a helicopter view and understand how the project fits into the company’s general business plan. The head of the firm wanted to take a helicopter view and engage in long-term strategic planning. You need to be able to stand back and grasp the helicopter view of events. As a consultant, her role involves taking a helicopter view of how businesses are managed. This method allows us to gain a helicopter view of the marketing process.
Copyright © Oxford University Press 2010

Zillion Dollar Thought

A honey bee must tap two million flowers to make one pound of honey. A honey bee will also travel an estimated 43,000 miles to gather one pound of honey. A pound of honey consists of 29,184 drops (talk about commitment).

Why Commitment is critical in decision making

This is the step that is most likely to be omitted from any form of decision making. Why? We generally have a hard time confronting the simple word and the act of "commitment."

Why is the marriage proposal so hard for many people? Maybe it is not the prospect of rejection that looms so large, but rather the enduring lifetime commitment that is attached to the wedding vows…which will come before “I now pronounce you…”(As the word "commitment" is vital in marriage, it is also vital in the military, team sports, skydiving, first responders, emergency workers and many other similar endeavors).

That said, in most any decision making process, the critical step of commitment is avoided for the same reasons. Many times the word commitment invokes feelings relating to sensitive subjects such as sacrifice, pledge, bond, vow, individual character, endurance, performance, and on and on. In other words, this step should have a do or die attitude or attachment to it. In fact, the dictionary meaning is: "an obligation to fulfill...a promise to act upon...a duty to achieve...a responsibility...a guarantee...a trusted action...a steadfast purpose."

Sounds serious, doesn't it? If not, it should. The major point here is unless you can get committed to your decision; there is really no need to go any further. The best way to demonstrate a commitment is to establish it in writing. That may sound radical, but it is just one additional step to help remind you and/or others (in a weak moment) that you are determined to see your decision through no matter what it is or what it takes.

Commitment is critical in decision making.

Zillion Dollar Thought

A pencil will write in zero gravity, upside down and under water. And, the shortest pencil is better than the longest memory…recording zillions of thoughts.

Think and decide while you can

Individually and collectively, we have the opportunity to affect our personal lives and the future of this country simply by becoming more effective as decision-makers. But, if you don’t think about certain things and their consequences, you can check out of here early…for example, consider these “Famous Last Words:”

It’s supposed to be fireproof.
He’s probably just hibernating.
What does this button do?
It’s probably just a rash.
Are you sure the power is off?
The odds of that happening are a million to one!
Pull the pin and count to what?
Which wire was I supposed to cut?
I wonder where the mother bear is?
I’ve seen this done on TV.
These are the good kind of mushrooms.
I’ll hold it and you light the fuse.
Let it down slowly.
It’s strong enough for both of us.
This just doesn’t taste right.
I can make this light before it changes.
Nice doggie.
I can do that with my eyes closed.
Don’t worry, I’ve done this before.
Well, we’ve made it this far.
That’s odd.
Don’t be so superstitious.

Funny, but some folks would rather not think about the result and just run with herd thinking, adopt wishful thinking or rely on gut instinct. Remember, we don’t have to worry about the responsibility of decision making once we are gone. So, let’s make the best decisions while we are here on this good earth.

Again, if only one person (like you) gains that one very big successful decision or avoids that very big bad one…You are a Zillion Dollar Thinker!

What's Your Station?

Is your favorite radio station WIIFM (what’s in it for me)? For most people, this is where their frequency is set. If you approach them with a new paradigm, idea, product or viewpoint, this is the filter that your proposition will have to go through. Are you prepared for that? We want to be.

This blog (Zillion Dollar Thinking) is dedicated to serve your best interest at a critical level. From the WIIFM perspective, it was created to demonstrate models, guides and templates to use in one of the most difficult areas of the average person’s life…making important, difficult and objective decisions. It was also built to challenge you and me to continue getting sharper and more aware of how significant objectivity is in decision making.

The reason this is so important should be obvious today. Look around you, and you will see the product of individual decisions that have morphed into disturbing collective results. From social, economic and religious movements to criminal, habitual and destructive choices, we are all affected by these decisions. If there is any room or ability for improvement and effectiveness, please bring it on!

The intention of Zillion Dollar Thinking is, and will continue to be, to help simplify and make transferable a decision process that can actually benefit you. Sure, we can search the web for most any subject and get millions of hits. But, your interest and my interest will be driven by the same filter of “practical” use. That will narrow down those immense numbers (zillions) substantially, and in that range, I hope that Zillion Dollar Thinking will be a player for you.

Just saying, let’s develop this site together to actually make a positive difference in the decisions that we will make in the days ahead. It will be vital to our future.

Zillion Dollar Thought

“A Diamond at heart of a star

outweighs any on Earth”

Astronomers announced that a White Dwarf Star they’ve been studying for a long time is a chunk of crystallized carbon that weighs 5 million, trillion, trillion pounds. That’s the same as a diamond that is approximately 10 billion, trillion, trillion carats, or a one followed by 34 zeros.

That is:

1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.

A Zillion is way bigger than that!

Zillion Dollar Thought

Average lifespan of a major league baseball: 7 pitches. Since the lifespan of the game…Zillions of baseballs!

Why we have a major interest in your decisions

We all have a great interest in your decisions or indecisions because, most often, your decisions do not live alone. They can affect others as well. And, vise versa.

For example, if you make the decision to fly a plane into an office building…you decide to get real drunk and grab the car keys…you decide to get a gun and get even with a bunch of people…or you decide to run for president…you get the picture. Endless scenarios can be pictured here. The constant is that you typically do not decide in a vacuum. When you vote, you are influencing an election that will make laws that will influence others. Even when you decide to buy certain things, you are influencing a market or markets…including the demand for designs-pricing-features and benefits.

When you make certain decisions within a family, there is generally a chain effect that results. Say, the father decides to (Hobbies-Job change-Larger Purchase…develop this with interesting scenarios).

We are all interconnected. Others are affected by your choices and decisions in both unnoticeable as well as overt ways. To compound this issue, look at our emerging technology. With UCDs (Universal Communication Device) that are virtually always on and connects us to the world…the mushrooming effect and influence of one’s decisions now becomes almost cancerous in nature…for good or bad (examples of MySpace-UTube-FaceBook-Others).

Since we cannot escape this cause and effect relationship, what can be done about it? The primary thing is to make good decisions. But, who does that if they are simply following the herd, winging it or ignoring the facts and following their feelings?

Could we use an objective model?