Do You Know Who Your “Sneezers” Are?

Hey SCG,

I am SO humbled , that I can “ship” today’s post. I have been waiting for this shipping moment for more than 6 months. Only now I feel eligible to introduce you a concept of sneezers.

Do you know who is a “sneezer”?

This term was brought into my  and world’s attention in March 2010 in a video-book= vook by THE Seth Godin – Unleashing the SuperIdeavirus.

Why did I have to wait for more than half a year to talk about sneezers? Well, because Inspiring Shipments (#IS) is a blog for doers and for those who can tell stories of walking the talk. I don’t talk theory, I talk about experienced experiences. Therefore,  let me share with you my story about sneezers, so you can get inspired and you too can reflect on: Why are “sneezers” important for you, for your business and for sustainable future of your art?

So, who is a sneezer?

Let me borrow Seth‘s words: Sneezers are people, who are more likely to tell their friends about a great new idea. These people are the heart of the ideavirus. Identifying sneezers is a key success factor for idea merchants.

<Are you with me on sneezer’s role for your endeavors?>

Great!

So, let’s move on to my story about sneezers.

Before I have quit my job (almost 13th months ago), I was very clear about what my heart’s desires are and how I want to serve my best to the world. I also knew who are the people, who I admire and learn from. I have dreamed in silence, that one day I will interact with the authors, leaders and entrepreneurs who inspired me to take my leap into unconditional shipping of my art.

My (so far) the most powerful “sneeze” arrived after one year of shipping.

On 2nd of August, just one day after “working for free” one year anniversary (call it coincidence or synchronicity?) huge sneeze took place. And who was my sneezer? The sneezer was THE Jim Kouzes. (see the sneeze bellow)

Oh, boy what an honor!

Such a tribute from a person who I have met for the first time via his speech for Google on Youtube one and half year ago…. After connecting with Jim via Facebook, many people (especially those in posh consulting office) laughed at my excitement with words:

So, what that you are friends on Facebook?

I have kept quiet and waited for the right time to respond to all of my “nay” and “so, what?” sayers, that time is NOW and my reply is :

Facebook – online friendship and sincere building of credibility and trust with Jim resulted in publishing my story and NGLS project story as the last chapter of the new book – The Truths About Leadership, book written by the authors of the bestselling book on leadership ever – The Leadership Challenge.

I was humbled and excited (long time before any sneeze) about preciousness of this connection with Jim…Plus I had faith in my art and ability to walk my talk..So, all of that combined with patience and generosity were reasons for miracles, which took place!

And Jim carried on sneezing….

His next sneeze was at The Leadership Forum Conference in San Diego, where Jim has played my video?! So,  “Ivana Sendecka’s  ideavirus” has started to spread (see tweets bellow) when THE Steve Farber, the bestselling author of  many influential leadership books was tweeting about me and my video (originally posted on Inspiring Shipments for you Super Cool Gang!)

How super cool is that?

SCG,

I must confess, that there are many more loyal and powerful sneezers talking about Inspiring Shipments and NGLS and my art. Thank you, ALL for that. I want you to know, that I am not taking you for granted and I will talk more about you, shortly, because I believe that “sneezing topic” is pretty new to the most of us and we all need to educate each other in this essential area of ours art success.

Bottom line:

Have infinite patience!

Ship with heart and don’t give up.

Walk your talk and testimonials will come to you!

Know who you want your sneezers to be!

Be grateful, don’t settle and carry on shipping no matter how much applause you will or you will not receive.

YOU are the most important person to believe in meaning of your art, only then others will follow and they will appreciate your passion and dedication!

Be ready for miracles to happen!

SCG,

who are your sneezers? Who do you want your sneezers to be? Are ideas about your art/business/products spreading through “right mouth”? How long did it take you to be talked about in the circles you are proud of to be talked about?

I cannot wait to hear your thoughts in comments!

i.

P.S.: If you have liked this post, please sneeze about it;-)