The headlines are dramatic, and appear to swing from one end of the pendulum to the other: Stock market has best day of the year; Dow up 188, US jobless rate falls to 5-year low of 6.6 percent. Are we actually seeing the beginnings of the much promised recovery, or are we experiencing a minor bump in an economic plateau. Many of the businesses I'm in touch with are seeing signs of hope -- in the form of new business activity. But with scary times still in our very recent memory, how much can we count on this growth? Is it time to stomp on the gas, or fill the coffers and hunker down? 1. Check in with your peers and customers The returning strength of the economy is real, but it … [Read more...]
Look at your team through a different lens
Is your business getting better? Showing some signs of growth? If so you might have tried to go out and hire some new team members only to discover - it's getting hard to find good people again. When the labor market gets tight (as it is right now) it's time to find ways to get more out of the people you have. If I told you that you could grow your sales another 25% - 50% without adding any more people, how would that sound? What would that do for your bottom line? For managers and leaders usually more people mean more problems - so let's see if we can get more out of the team we have first. You need your team to perform for your business but there are things they need from you … [Read more...]
How do I know it’s time to hire?
One of the most agonizing decisions that a business owner has to make is deciding when to hire a new employee. It's a huge risk! You're bringing on additional salary, you have the cost and distraction of the search, there's training the new person... And what if they don't work out? It's a difficult process On the other hand, if you have work coming in and paying clients, that have given you their money, but you don't have enough people to service them, you have a different problem. You're risking disappointing customers, losing out on referrals and you end up spending your nights and weekends digging yourself out of that hole. So how do you know if it's time to hire a new employee … [Read more...]
How to listen to a podcast (on your computer or phone)
The world of podcasting is exploding. Every day, smart people put up excellent material that informs and, if we’re lucky, entertains. Interviews with the best and the brightest are available on practically any subject, in any field. Whatever your interest, there is a podcast out there to engage and enlighten you. But if you’ve never listened to a podcast, getting started can be daunting. We don’t want you to be daunted! Take a couple of minutes to check out this quick tutorial on listening to a podcast:”Breaking down your Business“ How to listen to a podcast on your computer One of the most common ways to listen to a podcast is by using your computer. There are two easy ways to do … [Read more...]
Running your business in the fog? 5 ways to get clear
The turning of the calendar from one year to another is traditionally a time to wipe the slate clean and start new. We make resolutions, we attempt to remake ourselves, it's a new year -- anything is possible. So as we head into the holidays where many of us will spend some time away from our businesses, let's take this chance to clear a few things up. When we identify roadblocks, eliminate confusion and establish priorities, it releases new energy and engagement for you and your team. Clarity is one of the leader's most powerful allies. So let's make clear a few basics. 1. Get clear about what you do. What does your company do? No, really. If you had to fill in the blanks of … [Read more...]
5 Small Gestures of Gratitude That Go A Long Way
‘Tis the season for gluttony! Business owners are some of the biggest culprits of gluttonous behavior during the holiday season. Constant ads fill inboxes, TV shows, websites, and mailboxes as businesses try to end their year on a high note. But it is precisely this time of year that business owners can really benefit from taking a step back and giving thanks. Gratitude is something that is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of holiday preparation. Taking a few moments to stop and show a small gesture of thanks can have a profound impact on someone’s day, and on your business. Here are five easy gestures of gratitude you can make that will leave an impression: 1. Give Your … [Read more...]
Mom said there would be days like this — even in Australia
I wake up late because my iPhone is stuck in "Do Not Disturb" and with my first step out of bed I step on a Transfomer. Ouch, that hurts! It's raining outside and I can't find my car keys. I reach down to pick up my briefcase and spill my coffee all over the floor. I look in the mirror and realize I forgot to shave. I think this is going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Arriving at the office, I find a cluster of people around my office manager's computer. She just sent an unfinished email to my whole email list. As I walk to my desk, the phone starts ringing. It's my biggest client, she's really upset! It takes me 40 minutes to talk her off the ledge...Finally I look at … [Read more...]
5 books every account manager must read
When you are in the client services business, whether it's a professional service firm (lawyer, accountant, consultant) or a creative services firm (marketing, advertising, PR, web design. etc.) you make your money by serving clients. You need to diagnose a client's needs, educate and advise them so that they agree with your diagnosis, then engineer a solution that most likely involves you doing some work and them doing some work. And in the end, you want them to like the work you do. It's a challenge -- and not one that you learn about in school. This client services dance doesn't come naturally to most anyone. That is why the most precious commodity in any professional services firm … [Read more...]
Best personality tests and how to use them in your small business
Personality profiles, personality types, and personality tests are all instruments that can be used to predict how a person might act or what type of environment a person might be most suited to. This information can be very helpful in quickly getting to know someone so that you can facilitate team building and communication with people who have different personality tendencies. Because of this, they are commonly used in the workplace to help co-workers improve communication, to screen applicants, understand a candidate’s "fit" for a position, and to help managers be more effective with their team members. There are several personality profiles that are commonly being used in the marketplace … [Read more...]
Stop reacting like the Hulk and be the boss
Take a deep breath In a typical day there are a variety of potential triggers that might get my blood boiling... My daughter texts me as I'm trying to get out of the house in the morning about a ride she needs that night. I get an email from my team member about their (now late) deliverable. I review my financial statements and, *surprise*! The Internet goes out (again). I receive word from my "tech team" that my website revisions are still not done. The mail arrives with a "*friendly*" notice from the IRS. My phone beeps with another text from my daughter and another email from my team member. Why is that guy riding my bumper? My spouse is calling, "The hot water … [Read more...]
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