If you haven't heard of Chip Conley and how he reinvented his hotel company in the last economic downturn... and even if you have, I think you'll enjoy seeing this recent presentation, "Stand Out From the Brand Crowd," he made at a forum hosted by The Economist.

Chip Conley is founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, America's second largest boutique hotel company. They're based in San Francisco. I remember first hearing of him and how cool he was in the hotel biz when I lived in SF in the early-mid 90's. One of my favorite massage therapists of the time also worked at a few of the Joie de Vivre hotels. She shared tales about what an innovative thinker and thoughtful employer Chip was. (I think she had a crush on him.)

Rethinking your business model in a way that honors your actualization is a giant leap from how most of us do business. But what if we flip that idea on it's ear and look for ways to create "actualizing" for your employees, clients, vendors and investors -- and ourselves? Can you imagine what' possible?... I can get pretty darn excited about it.

In this presentation, Chip includes a quote from Henry Ford: "If I'd asked my customers what they wanted, they'd have said a faster horse." I'd forgotten this old classic quote, so I laughed out loud, and with a little relief when I heard it!

Rather than yet another client survey that leaves you feeling trapped by their replies. Take the survey to see what really matters, then think beyond what they can imagine to ask for... Chip shares some examples in this presentation.

Here's a link to the video: Fora.tv videos

You can learn more about Chip's and Joie de Vivre Hotel's transformative business practices in his book, Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow.

Enjoy & Let me know how you decide to address the self-actualization / transformation level in your company! I'd love to hear.

Oh one more thing: Check out their hotels... they have great boutique restaurants too. Last summer, I enjoyed an impromptu meal at Hotel Rex, Cafe Andre -- on our way to a jazz concert at the Nob Hill Masonic Center. Meal, setting, service - all delightful a surprise. Gotta say I had a "Joy of Life" experience that night!