Comments on: Taming the Anxious Beast in Uncertain Times

By: Lynn Johnson

Lynn Johnson — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:32:09 +0000

I came upon this post this morning because I googled “Anne Morriss” and found this. I was having a very similar week last week. My business provides high quality theater camps and parties to children. We have been very well received but all of these recession fears sunk in that caused me to question the work I do. “What do families really need that’s practical?” I started to ask myself. Sunday morning, I was at my lowest and I went to Starbucks. And, like you, I never read the cup…until now. This quote literally changed my mood around. And your post is truly more inspiration. It reminds me that, all of us, because we are human, seek more than just practical. And when you provide people high quality experiences, they want more. Thanks for your work!

By: Jeff Shuey

Jeff Shuey — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:46:46 +0000

Great post. I think that people (firms) that deliver “intangible services” with commitment and true value increases their “EXPAND-ability” and will allow them the opportunity to play another day. This is the corollary to the point you made about “Expendability” – where those that are not perceived to provide value or commitment will have the unique opportunity to do something else. I agree with your point and I’m sure you were using it as a negative and what firms should not be doing.

By: barndance Twitter

barndance Twitter — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:21:27 +0000

Really interesting, thoughtful and useful post. Also, a nice non-narcotic tranq, too, given my own “intangible” queasiness. But am also resonanting to & want to build on JBordeaux comment about giving away more … I’m working with a company that’s been a client for years and now can’t be. It feels really good to be useful in a situation of real need — to be creating not just brand awareness, but to be helping drive activity that could literally save the business’ life. Especially since this is a business that most def ‘delivers true value, and is genuinely committed.” Maybe any ‘intangible workers’ feeling the anxiety you describe, should attempt to do something similar — help former or existing clients in their time of need. Or, pick small businesses that are threatened and help them. It feels good, but more importantly, it puts a kind of tangible/redemptive energy “out there”…And,on the self-serving end of things, it might also help you sharpen your chops. Heck, you might even get a valuable case study out of it …

By: Gregory Anne Cox

Gregory Anne Cox — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:08:24 +0000

Here here! A great invitation to look closely at what we do deliver–tangible or not and I’m in the biz of the intangibles as well–to see if it is indeed as valuable as it can be. And I love this “To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life” How frickin true!
First time here Terry but I’ll be back. Thanks for helping me set a higher intention for value in all I do.

By: Janice Cartier

Janice Cartier — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:00:40 +0000

I have to thanks Chris Brogan for tweeting this post. Zen from a coffee cup. The person who decided to put that on the cup was delivering an intangible…and look how it is going to ripple and create steady energy…renewable, dedicated, energy. Thanks to you, thanks to Chris…

That’s the kind of flow that can make just that bit of difference between getting the pipes fixed, and letting them rust.

By: John Bordeaux

John Bordeaux — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:26:07 +0000

Excellent way to start an icy Wednesday, thanks. The only difference I am seeing is fewer clients and more potential clients. The problems aren’t going away, but their budgets are limiting their ability to proceed. So I’m giving more away for now, building out the network to sustain the business.

We solve problems. They’re not clogged sinks, broken bodies, or divorces – but they are problems all the same. They haven’t gone away, and neither will we.

By: Mykl Roventine

Mykl Roventine — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:10:33 +0000

Intangible workers UNITE! Once again, you’ve hit the nail on the head, Terry. Times have changed and it constantly surprises me when I hear from those who haven’t seemed to notice. Look at how many “tangible” jobs have been lost so far. I believe the information economy will react differently to the recession and it all hinges on your point about value and quality of service. Some new industries have become just as valuable to consumers as plumbing or nursing. We need to stand up against the illinformed trying to sweep us into irrelevancy.

The days we can’t gain strength from a Starbucks cup, both from it’s content and contents, are dark ones indeed.

By: Meikah Delid

Meikah Delid — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:19:30 +0000

I love the quote! And I agree with you. Commitment, or the more active term, to commit works wonders in anything that we decide to do.