I got a call from a client. “I’ve got an appointment tomorrow to talk to a prospect about the biggest deal I’ve ever closed!” “Congratulations!” What are you thinking about as you go into that call?” “I’m terrified that they are going to say no. I really think they will cut the price, and I’m…
In the US, we have this concept of earning vacation time. Your HR system accrues so much vacation time for every pay period. It does that for accounting reasons. I’m not saying that’s “wrong” – it’s just a misunderstanding of time-off. When we work hard, we deplete ourselves. That’s why, no matter how engaged you…
When I ask my clients, “Why are you working on vacation?” They tell me that they feel guilty if they don’t. Their staff is hard at work, they don’t want to let clients down, and there’s just so much to do I have to keep going. I’ll let you in on a little secret…your team…
Sorry I missed talking with you all last week. It’s not that I didn’t have things to share with you; I’ve got some good stuff brewing. Neither is it that I don’t care about you or prioritize this conversation. I was simply taking some time off to have fun! I could have scrambled around the…
In August, my family and I are going to a dude ranch. It’s a place I’ve been to before, and I have fond memories of the times I spent there with my parents and my older kids. But it’s been 20 years since I went, and none of the people I’m going with this time…
Very few things give you the same improvement in physical and mental health as a good dose of nature! If you follow the thread and look at the studies, you’ll find Two hours per week outside in nature significantly improve physical and mental health. As little as 10 – 20 minutes of sitting or walking…
There’s a Japanese white pine bonsai in the National Arboretum in Washington DC that is 391 years old. It was planted in 1625, and it survived the bombing of Hiroshima. Six generations of the Yamaki family have cared for it. When I think about that tree, I have tremendous respect for the commitment, skill, and…
One of the keys to maintaining momentum when progress is slow is having people who are ready and willing to cheer for you. Celebrating small wins doesn’t come naturally for most founder-types, and we need folks who will cheer with us. When I first started my business I realized I needed someone who would cheer…
I’ve made a solid plan, considered every angle, and committed myself to the actions I need to take to execute the plan. I’m seeing progress, and there are signs of hope, but I haven’t seen things “turn the corner.” It will get really stressful around here if things don’t improve soon. I need to see…
“Don’t get too high with your highs, don’t get too low in your lows.” I have heard my clients, agency founders, describe leading their firm like they are riding a rollercoaster. One minute they were on cloud 9, they closed a big deal or had a client presentation dripping with insights, and their clients clearly…