Dave Gordon - TIP

Dave Gordonis an internationally recognized brand, marketing, and communications expert. He is an inspirational speaker, author, coach, and leader on a mission to help people identify, communicate, and deliver their unique value to build stronger personal, team, and corporate brands. Dave’s work has positively impacted leaders, teams, organizations, and associations in countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Companies, teams, schools, and associations that have benefited from Dave’s involvement include: The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International, American Express, Novartis, PwC, Arthur J. Gallagher & Company, AutoZone, Gallagher Bassett, Alliant Credit Union, Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, Samsung, Hospital for Special Surgery, Apple, Twin Peaks Restaurants, Quanta Services, VF Outlet, Manpower Group, Whole Foods, Oklahoma University—Price College of Business, Baylor University Center for Professional Selling, and the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association.

Dave is the co-founder of Gordon Creative, a brand alignment and communications consultancy. He is also the Chief Marketing Officer of Gallagher Bassett, the premier global provider of risk and claims management services, dedicated to helping people face adversity and uncertain futures with confidence. Dave is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University. He’s not a doctor, but he did play one on TV.

Dave invites you to visit at www.davegordon.net, follow on Twitter and Instagram @davegordon_9, or connect on LinkedIn.

Your reputation is the most important asset in your career and your life. When nurtured and managed correctly, it can bring you limitless and lasting success. When ignored, you allow others to define your value, and control your future.

I was compelled to write TIP to help people who desire a simple way to take charge of their careers, improve their performance, manage their reputations, and enhance their lives.

TIP is for the professionals and high potentials who want a resource and a plan to help them make a name for themselves as valued stand-out performers for their teams and organizations.

TIP is for leaders, managers, and coaches who want to inspire their people and improve the productivity of their teams. TIP creates a common language of expectations and value, on which you can build stronger relationships and better results.

TIP is for young professionals and the next generation of talent entering the workforce who need a guide and a plan to build their career of a lifetime.

TIP is for anyone in any stage of work or life who needs the inspiration to remember, or discover, their passion for what is most important. You always have the power to create a new beginning for your own story.

Lastly, TIP is for my kids, and anyone who wants to help their kids have a positive future. In a world where we are judged by every word and every action, we must be strategic in how we promote ourselves today, and protect our reputations for tomorrow. TIP allowed me to have those conversations with my kids and encourage them to make the best decisions for lasting success. I hope it helps you to do the same.

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I believe in “infotainment.” We learn better when we are not bored. We remember more when we are entertained and engaged. As the late Last Lecture author and professor Randy Pausch said, “Don’t tell people how to live their lives. Tell stories. They’ll figure it out for themselves.”

Rather than a typical how-to book, TIP is a story and a strategy written to remind people in any position judged by performance that the only way to achieve high performance, and lasting success, is to consistently take accountability for your reputation and your results.

Based on personal experiences and the lessons I’ve learned as a C-level executive, brand strategist, communications coach, sales leader, motivational speaker, performance trainer, bartender, actor, husband, and father, TIP is meant to engage you as only a story can. It is also meant to help you remember that the lasting success you desire is dependent on one thing. You.

Your thoughts. Your words. Your actions. And the value you create.

I believe everyone has value. You are not put on this earth unless you are meant to bring value to another person, community, team, or organization. When you do the work and give everything you’ve got, you will be valued greatly and rewarded in return.

TIP is my story, not just because I wrote it, but because in many ways, I lived it. It’s a business story, but it’s also a story about second chances, redemption, reinvention, and love. When you love what makes you unique, and discover what you truly stand for, it’s much easier to acknowledge your purpose and value in this world. And when you know your value, every word, action, and decision in work and life becomes so much easier. You pick a career you love, surround yourself with the right people, and create the best situations to help you achieve the results, recognition, and reputation you deserve.

Enjoy the story, and most importantly, follow the strategy.

It really works.

Brian Davis was like most people. He did some of his best thinking in the shower. Yet, today, all Brian could think about as the water hit the back of his neck was which underwear he was going to wear to work.

Black?

It’s strong. Black makes a statement, even if no one can see it.

But, Brian was going to wear the blue suit, so maybe blue to match the suit. Although, matching the suit was not the intention. It was the tie that really mattered.

Yes, this was the biggest day of his career and his life. So, why was he focusing on his underwear instead of the real decision that was about to take place, that would affect so many things in his life?

Brian stepped out of the shower, wrapped the towel around his waist, and began shaving his face as his wife, Jen, came into the bathroom.

“Suit, shirts, and ties are on the bed,” she said as she grabbed her hairbrush.

“I’m thinking black at this point,” Brian replied.

“Uh-huh,” she answered.

After 24 years of marriage, she knew him better than he knew himself.

“You don’t think so? You think blue?” he asked.

“Brian, you have agonized over your colors every big day of your career. I love you with all my heart, but don’t drive me nuts before you even have all your clothes on.”

“This is the biggest day. You know that.”

“I know,” she said.

“I need all the good vibes I can get today. It’s a big day for all of us.”

“Right, and wearing the right colors will send the forces your way. I understand.”

“You’re mocking me,” he said.

“I would never do that to the potential future CEO of a Forbes five-star luxury brand,” she smiled.

Brian smiled back at her. She was still playful and sarcastic. She challenged him in all the right ways.

“Finish shaving, do that thing with your hair I always like, and meet me in the bedroom. We’ll help you like we always do.”

“Thank you,” Brian smiled.

Maybe the color thing was his way of not dealing with the stress of the meeting, or the pitch, or the promotions he faced throughout his life. Maybe it was his way of maintaining control of what was about to change.