I’m not going to mince words here: Request For Proposals (RFPs) are a trap, they are a bad deal and you need to stay away from them. I know, it’s exciting to get an RFP. You are flattered when an organization thinks enough of you that they include you in their RFP process. But you know what is more…
Yesterday I was chatting with a business owner who told me this: ”I just don’t know if my team is as engaged as they need to be. I mean, they are here and they do their work, but none of them are putting in that little bit extra. I feel like it’s all up to…
When I train new advisors, I clue them into something that they will inevitably witness: Business owners cry. Men. Women. Young. Old. All of them. When you think about it, it makes sense why business owners are driven to tears on occasion. Here are four reasons why I think their crying is justified: The stakes…
When social marketing was first introduced, we all jumped onboard just because it was thing to do. We were told it would do great things for our businesses – but we didn’t really know. It was giant experiment that brought about one of two results: Some businesses cashed in big time. Some businesses saw no or little return….
Since switching from my spiral notebook to an iPad, I’ve been working to create a workflow that enables me to take notes on my iPad during meetings, and then make use of them everywhere. The iPad is really the perfect meeting companion. I always felt weird taking notes on a laptop — the screen creates such…
The beginning of the year is always a busy time for hiring. As I work with a number of clients to fill openings, I’m continually amazed by the things I see job candidates say and do during their interviews. Here are a few things that I see regularly that are real deal killers. Electronic buzzes, beeps…
You’re excited about the promise of a new year and what it will hold for you and your business. But then you get back to reality and realize … “It’s hard to soar like an eagle when you are surrounded by a bunch of turkeys!” Well, it’s not really the whole crew, it’s just that one. It’s…
2012 is drawing to a close, and most business owners I talk to say it’s been a pretty good year. Most businesses are making money again, hiring new people and moving forward. That doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine and unicorns. I don’t see anyone resting on their laurels. There’s so much change, so much to figure out. The…
The holidays can be a stressful time for business owners. While your employees (being the selfish people that they are) take time off to prepare for the holidays, travel and spend time with loves ones, you are left holding the bag. It’s clear that no one cares about the business the way you do. Another…
You get back from a meeting at 1:30 p.m. and your office is ghost town. Where did everyone go? You know your staff usually breaks for lunch around noon but they can’t be gone this long – or can they? About 15 minutes later, the whole bunch walks in, laughing and having a great ol’ time. They…