Monday, April 18, 2011

Time for an Upgrade?


Those of us who live in Michigan are exceptionally blessed because we're able to enjoy four seasons that reflect the plurality of God's majesty!  

The varied seasons serve as a reminder that change is inevitable and whether we choose to embrace it or protest it - it's coming, i.e SNOW in mid-April!



With each new season the temperature changes, the sky either gets cloudier or brighter; flowers, trees and foliage either bloom, hibernate or wither away.  Animals change body temperature, color, shed or grow thicker fur to accommodate the season.


When seasons change nature gets a makeoverand from time to time, we [human beings] should update ourselves as well.  "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" doesn't cut it for Christian authors.  If it's old, stale, overworked, faded, ill-fitting, boring, etcera, etcera...it actually isbroken and does actually need to be fixed.  This is not limited to sprucing up the outward appearance but also it also means discarding negative thoughts, distructive speech and counterproductive deeds.


Like the plant and animal world, human beings also need to update or as Dr. Stacia Pierce puts it, Upgrade ourselves.  Particularly those of us who are in a position to attract the lost to salvation and to encourage the body of Christ to continue fight the good fight. 


Your most effective calling card is a polished image that epitomizes the glory of our Savior.  By nature we're attracted to others first by the image they project, THEN most evaluate character and skill levels. 


The adage that says "you can't judge a book by its cover" really isn't true. As an author, I realize that my book might be the greatest story ever told, but if the total package isn't solid, potential readers might never bother to so much as skim the back cover.  

The same is true of any area where you need to "sell yourself" or persuade someone to buy into your idea.  That could mean a job interview, running for office or even applying for a business loan.  

Take inventory of your package soon.  Discard what is old and outdated; take the plunge and be courageous enough to try new things.  Research what is out there.  Attend workshops and seminars to learn the hottest trends.  Technology has made it easier than ever for almost anyone to learn just about anything - particularly social media.  My friends Pam Perry and Sylvia Hubbard are two towers of power when it comes to social media and technology.  Both offer excellent teaching tools to help you get out of the dark ages.

Whoever your audience is, understand that you can't influence this iPad generation using 8 track methods.  Keyword: Upgrade

No comments:

Post a Comment