Blog | Risk the Reward

Moving Lessons: Overcome Fear With Knowledge

January 24, 2012 By scott

Recently, my wife and I have decided to move to Austin, Texas. This decision was not an easy one for us. In fact, it’s pretty scary, considering we’re downsizing to a one bedroom and we’re going to, temporarily, live on half of what we are used to.

Yes, these are big changes. Yes, the decision was hard. But, in making the decision there was an incredible learning experience, giving us insight that would not have been available to us. Not only was the experience filled with countless debates, numerous pro and con lists, several budget reworks, but it really forced us to examine our lives, our faith and personality.

It’s reasonable to assume that, at some point, we all have to make huge, life-changing decisions. But, we all know that those types of decisions will be few. Most of our lives will be filled with day-to-day work, savings and holidays. Because life-changing decisions are so novel, I think it might be of some value to someone to talk about a few of the realizations behind my decision to make a risky move.

We are all risk averse. It’s about context.

I’ve always considered myself to be someone who has no problems taking risks. I’d talk a good talk…that’s all…talk. But, as soon as I was faced with the decision to move or stay I became very, very risk averse. When everything is on the line, everyone gets a little fearful. If you have any chance to really take that next step, you have to get a new perspective.

As I was experiencing the fear, I knew it wasn’t right. I knew fear can be seductive and easy to live in, making people feel smart as they accept a less-than scenario. But, I just couldn’t shake it. It was too much. The fear began when I thought about income, housing, friends and all the things that I could lose. I’d focus on the potential loss so much that I couldn’t see any positive. I didn’t consider the market, long-term benefits or the idea that starting over could be more profitable. I just couldn’t see any other scenario where I didn’t loose everything. I was stuck at the horror floor.

It wasn’t until I began to gain a new situational context that I became more comfortable with the move. I put aside the potential loss aspect of everything, which isn’t reality, and began to find the facts and learn what was the true reality. I asked my friends, family and gained their opinion. I looked into different statistical measurements about the area and find where I might be able to make an impact in the community. I began to look at the move in a long-term context and how that might impact me personally and professionally. The more research I did the more it was apparent the move would be worth it. I realized that I wasn’t going to lose everything and end up under a bridge.

The more knowledge I gained, the more reality became more…real. I saw my fears for what they were..unreasonable. And the more I dug, the more I began to think, “Hey, this could work.”

In the end, I learned that fear really is paralyzing and can only be fought by knowledge. If you’re faced with the chance to jump at somthing, but can’t get past your own horror floor, get knowledge. Even if you end up not taking that chance, knowledge will let you know you’re making the right decision. Otherwise, you’re letting fear win.

Filed Under: Being Resolute, Leadership, Small Business Tagged With: Being Resolute, Fear, Leadership, Lessons

How To Make Resolutions Stick

January 23, 2012 By scott

Reviewing who we are, in the light of a new year, is as much of a tradition as it is a part of our human existence. How many times have you marked the ending of something and the beginning of another by a certain event in your life? By choosing New Years Day as your starting point, you are continuing a noble tradition passed down throughout the generations. However, if you don’t take the time to prepare, you set yourself up for failure and regret.

The real point behind marking a specific day (like Jan 1^st) is to create a milestone, a point upon which you can look back and identify as the beginning of…something. This “something,” usually, has specific importance to your life and can be, appropriately, marked by a specific day.

Stereotypical…yes…but, by making Jan 1^st the start of your journey to accomplish your something, you are continuing to hope for a better life. It doesn’t matter how many resolutions you’ve failed to stick to. What’s past is past. Kindling the hope and desire to bring your something into fruition is where real change happens.

To start things off right, here are a few ideas you can use in your pursuit of something.

1. Fully understand why you need to change:

We all have something that we need to change in our lives. But, before we start showing our strength and how white our knuckles can get, we need to understand what needs to be changed and why. If it’s an addiction, understand the effects of that addictions, it’s source, causes and side effects associated with withdrawal. If it’s a specific goal (climbing a mountain, running a marathon, getting more sleep), research your goal, understand what needs to be in place and have an idea of how long it should take.

2. Set reasonable time limits:

When celebrating the New Year, there is a sense of optimism that acts more like a drug than anything else. Although it’

s exciting to romanticize about all the possibilities your future life will bring, if you fail to plan realistic milestones, you WILL run out of steam and, ultimately, fail. Use the knowledge you gained from understanding and plan a workable, measurable and realistic way to achieve it. You know how your life works. You know what you’re capable of. Use that to your advantage through smart planning.

3. Reward yourself:

As you move forward and reach your milestones, be sure to reward yourself. Give each step in your progress its own New Year’s party. It doesn’t have to be much. But, it does have to be something that you look forward to and enjoy. With each reward, you mark the passing of another phase and reinforce your commitment to the next.

4. Find your role models:

We all need people to look up to. Chances are, there is at least, one person who has been through the change you want to see happen. Find that person and learn everything you can. Find out about the hardships, the unexpected consequences and the mindset that that person had to have to get to where you want to be. These people are never perfect. But, they could give you insight into what to expect and help you get through the tough times.

5. Go easy on yourself:

Nothing worth having is easy. You’ll have to work at it….hard. If this is something you’re serious about, you’ll have to be prepared to go toe-to-toe with your weaknesses. Don’t get hung up on your setbacks. Let them happen, understand why they happened, have a plan to get through the next time. Most importantly, get on with your life. Dwelling on how you don’t measure up, is the quickest way to giving up. We all don’t measure up…that’s why we are all trying to change. The faster you can get over your setbacks, the quicker you can get to your goal.

This New Year can be your best yet. As you put these suggestions to use, you’ll start to see yourself grow closer to your goals. Of course, these are just a few pointers. It’s up to you to find the tools that work best for you. The important thing is that you give it your best shot and keep working…no matter how hard it gets.

Filed Under: Being Resolute, Leadership, Strategy Tagged With: Leadership, Motivation, Resolutions, Strategy

The Lazy Nephew: What Determines The Quality Of Your Decisions

December 24, 2011 By scott Leave a Comment

Since I’ve begun helping small businesses, I’ve found myself in the middle of countless awkward situations, difficult conversations and tough decisions. As I grow into this type of work, the more I’m finding that I enjoy the hunt of the solution. More to the point, I’ve enjoyed learning about people, and how we make decisions. And the biggest lesson I’ve learned thus far is that intelligence and knowledge do not guarantee good decisions.

The key attribute, which determines the quality of our decisions, is the ability (or lack thereof) to face difficult realities. To put it another way, an inability to face difficult situations is a key indicator that that person cannot realize sustained success. This is not to say that that person will not reach their goals. But, if they can’t face tough realities, they will waste more time, energy and opportunities getting there.

To illustrate this point here’s a story about a lazy nephew.

A long time ago, there was a business owner who had hired his lazy nephew. The owner regarded this nephew as his favorite family member and had allowed him to work as an employee.

As the years passed, other employees noticed the owner showing favoritism toward the lazy nephew. They became resentful towards the owner and the nephew. Soon, productivity decreased, and the company had difficulty making a profit. When the profit-making ability of the company weakened, the owner took immediate action. He he hired consultants to work on the problem. It became evident that the reduction in profit was a result of low employee moral. The owner told the consultants that he’d do anything they suggest, as long as their suggestions didn’t involve his nephew.

The consultants went to work right away. People were interviewed, stats were examined and mountains of data were crunched. Finally, the consultants presented their solution.

For the next year, the owner spent thousands of dollars on a new productivity program. He introduced profit-sharing and even gave all employees a 20% raise. Everyone was happy, pumped and productivity immediately went up.

But, these positive results were short-lived. As time went on, the excitement faded and attention started to return to the nephew. They began to complain about his laziness and the injustice the favoritism was creating. Attitudes become sour, productivity decreased and profits returned to their low levels.

Why did this happen? Why didn’t the owner’s productivity program work? Why weren’t the consultants able to fix the problem? The answer has everything to do with the owner’s inability to face tough facts. Specifically, his relationship with his nephew. Because he was unable to fire his nephew, he as inhibited from making the right decision, resulting in his attention being turned toward multiple peripheral issues. Without letting himself address the right problem, he wasted money, time and attention, realizing only short-term success. If he were able to face the difficult reality of his nephew hurting profits, the owner could have spent less money, less time and had longer/better results.

This may seem too simplistic of a story. But, if we are going to become resolute leaders, we must understand its implications.

What are we doing about our figurative lazy nephews? Are we taking care of all the symptoms and not the problem? If we let them, our lazy nephews will stay there for years. That’s why we have to be proactive and begin to develop an ability to look at the hard things. We need to base our decisions on what is in the best interest of our goals, not our emotions. You can intellectually agree that refined sugar is bad for you. But, until you actually use that information and stop using refined sugar, you’ll never reap the benefits of possessing that information.

Resolute leaders have to make the tough decisions. So fire your lazy nephew. Choose to put your money and time where it really counts. Our goals, businesses and dreams are too valuable to let them be sacrificed in the name of avoiding difficult situations. Your level of success depends on your ability to make these types of decisions. And your ability to make difficult decisions depends on your ability to face the hardest of facts. So, let’s start accepting difficult realities in hopes that it’ll bring us closer to a better reality for ourselves and companies.

Filed Under: Human Resources, Leadership, Managing, Small Business Tagged With: change, Decision Making, Leadership, Resolute

Write Your Own Story: Lessons In Entrepreneurship From The Author Of “The Last Election”

December 15, 2011 By scott

When you think about 2012, what comes to mind? Is it ancient predictions of the end of the world? A new president? John Cusack? With all that’s going on in the world, 2012 seems to have a mysterious, and looming, connotation associated with it.

The mystery and intrigue that surrounds 2012 is the backdrop for Kevin Carrigan’s new novel, “The Last Election.” Set in the near-future, it’s part political thriller and part supernatural mystery. The plot is a twisted tale that involves Mayan prophecies and political conspiracies. Check it out here.

A while ago, I got the chance to sit down with Kevin (Last Election author) for a brief interview about his new book. He was the first bona-fide author I’ve met, let alone interviewed. So, this was an exciting meeting. I mean, how much more entrepreneurial can you get than an author? I’ve always felt that authorship would be more difficult than other ventures, mainly because authors can’t hide. Their work is on display, permanently connected with their name. It takes a special kind of person to put himself out there like that, and Kevin is definitely one of those people.

I’ve always wanted to be an author. Sure, I have a blog, but that doesn’t mean I can call myself an author. Anyone can jot down his thoughts. It takes dedication, practice and determination to become a true author.

My interview was the perfect opportunity to learn from someone who’s actually done something pretty significant….becoming an author.

So, here’s what I wanted to have answered during my interview…if someone like me (blogger) wants to reach a high goal (becoming a real author), what do I need to have? Here’s what I found.

1: Have a plan

Brining a story together takes a lot of mental thought. There are various story lines to keep up with, characters you have to develop and an audience you have to guide. With everything that goes into writing a book, you have to have a plan. Kevin used color-coding system for his story lines and made sure that each one was meticulously thought-out and planned. Sure, inspiration can’t be planned, but you have to have, at least, an idea of where you are going.

2. Push Past Walls

Every time you do something worthwhile, there will be resistance. Resistance is, as Steven Pressfield puts it, our “true-north.” Meaning, every time we are faced with resistance, we can know we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. Kevin is no exception. To bring his book to market, he’s had to push past having his computer (the one with his story in it) stolen in Afghanistan, throwing out entire chapters and working ridiculous hours. Ultimately, his ability to face down resistance made way for him to accomplish something that many people want to have done but not do…write a book.

3. Write Your Own Story

Everyone has an opinion. That doesn’t mean every opinion is valid. Sure, when you’re trying to bring something to market, be sure to do research first. Ask people, “What do you think about _____.” Doing this could give you a gold nugget of clarity and positively impact your business. However, you have to know when to stop asking for other’s opinions and do what you know you should do. Kevin put it in simpler terms. Just write your story. In the end, you’re trying to accomplish something that’s your own. Don’t try to please everyone. Take into account what other people think (don’t ignore your markets), but don’t overdo it. You’re the one that’s creating. Why not make it yours?

Accomplishment is too easily described as the outcome….like, “…they climbed Mount Everest.” But, that isn’t the story at all. The value of accomplishment is in the journey. I want to know what happened while you were climbing the mountain. What’s it like writing a book?

If you’ve ever wanted to do something significant, but are hesitant about facing the problems and pressures that go along with it, ask yourself why. That’s the best part! Think about all that you will learn and experience. Even if you fail, you’ll be smarter for it.

When we talk about our lives, we say things like “I’m a doctor” … “I’m an author.” Even though it’s true, it’s not interesting or important. The biggest (and most interesting) aspects of being who we are can be found in the experiences we’ve had, are having and will have. So, embrace the hard times. Dig deeper. Start out to do that thing you’ve been putting off. Because, these experiences build endurance, create hope and give the world something new…like a well-written book.

Check out Kevin Carrigan’s book here.

Check Out The Book’s Facebook Page

Filed Under: Being Resolute, Interviews Tagged With: Authors, entrepreneurship

Get Into The Driver’s Seat-KPIs

November 27, 2011 By scott

This post is going to be real quick. But I’d like to discuss the importance of Key Performance Indicators or KPIs. KPIs are metrics used to determine performance. Think about the dashboard in your car. Your car, through indicators like the speedometer and odometer, communicates important information so that you can make decisions: adjust speed, trip distance, fuel levels, etc. Many peopledon’t think about the types of information communicated and how it determines your behavior. The truth is, without knowing these things, there would be more accidents, more tickets and more break-downs.

Your business is a lot like your car. This is especially true if you start talking about your business in terms of how you’re “hanging in there.” The organization is the vehicle through which you and your employees receive incomes. You need to choose the main aspects of your business that impact your performance and review them on a constant basis. There is no perfect dashboard. Just choose what works best for you and allow room for improvement.

Here are a few tips to get you moving with your dashboard.

Plan how often you will review:

This will be different for everyone. If you are an architect, measuring daily sales isn’t really relevant. But if you own a candy shop, you definitely need to know how many dollars come in the door every day. So, choose your KPI reporting based on your industry’s business style and rhythm.

Start with the basics:

The best place to begin with a dashboard is to measure the most obvious signs of performance. These are, usually, sales, COGS (cost of goods sold) and expenses. These will help give you a broad idea of how things are going and what to expect.

Measure productivity:

Every business is different. But you need to have a way to determine your employee’s productivity. This can come in the form of sales/employee, sales/square foot (for my retailing friends), deliveries/hour and the list goes on. If you have that figure in front of your face, you’ll be able to manage your team and managers appropriately and more effectively.

Measure what’s on the balance sheet:

Many people, when talking about the financial performance of their company, refer to their income statement, without mentioning the balance sheet. There is a reason the balance sheet exists. One of them is to help you understand the overall “health” of your company. One great balance sheet metric is your AR or Accounts Receivable. Solid management of your AR protects your cash flow and can help you be more attractive to investors and bankers. Look over your balance sheet and ask yourself, “What’s in here that I need to know?” Then add it to your KPI list.

Know your marketing:

Don’t neglect your marketing. Just handing money to an outside marketer doesn’t mean all your problems are solved. You need to know how your markets are performing. And it’s not just financial performance. It’s perception as well. You need to look at things like sales per market, customer feedback and survey results. By constantly monitoring how people are relating to your business, you’ll be able to put your marketing dollars to the best use…not just to help your ego.

Listen:

Some things can’t be measured but still impact your company. While you’re thinking about what will go on your KPI list, take a few minutes to think about things that aren’t on paper. Are your employees satisfied? What’s being said around the water cooler? What new ideas are you shrugging off that deserve to be taken seriously? Pay attention to these subtle queues. You don’t want to pass up a great opportunity to improve. So, keep your eyes and ears open…something is always being said.

Do it. Do it. Do it!

I know not everyone can afford an accountant or business guru to help you with this. Maybe you’ve let your organizational skills slip and you couldn’t find any of this information if you wanted to. My advice is to give it a shot. Sure, it’ll take sweat-equity. You may even think you’re wasting your time (you will if you give up). But I’ve seen it work too many times to think otherwise. Just gathering the information and organizing it will open your eyes like never before. And once you have a KPI system in place, just the fact that you are measuring key aspects of your company can almost guarantee that you’ll improve. Anything measured grows.

Be Excited!

This is an exciting time for you and your company. I’m excited for you. If you give yourself permission to take as long as it takes and have the courage to really look at the uncomfortable sides of your business, you’ll get it right. Do it. You’ll be amazed.

Filed Under: Finance, How To, Managing, Small Business, Strategy Tagged With: Finance, Leadership, Reporting, small business

Don’t Be A Purist. Indulge Your Customers

November 21, 2011 By scott

Markets are changing, rapidly. When people start to worry if they’ll have a job a month from now, they begin to rearrange their priorities. They begin to consider prices, brands and value propositions more methodically. They have a vice-like grip around their cash. And, only the best companies, who can best meet specific needs can get it.

This isn’t your dad’s market. It’s new, fast and savage. Just like new micro chips are used to build the next new micro chip, the marketplace is experiencing exponential growth in what it demands. General products, at low prices, delivered efficiently will not win any more. To survive in the marketplace, you need to get on board with what the customer needs, desires and hopes for.

The first half of the 2000s left the market accustomed to getting what they needed, when they needed it, exactly how they needed it. Economic environments are putting a strain on their wallets, causing anxiety.

Now, the we’re left serving nervous markets that expect to be indulged and will only give money to whoever best-indulges them.

What does that mean for businesses, especially small businesses? You cannot expect your product/service to be a one-size-fits-all operation anymore. You have to pull a Classico and give the market a thousand different variations of one really great product. You have to be able to offer the same product in a customizable way. Maybe it’s offering specialized services, for different types of clients. Maybe it’s making a menu of services/products from which your market can choose (cable companies…are you listening?) Whatever strategy you choose, make sure it’s applicable to your industry.

The short and sweet of it is…don’t be a purist. Sticking to one thing that you’ve perfected without even considering offering different product/services is a sure way to lose. Purists say (usually with their last breath), “That’s the way we’ve always done it. Why change?” Innovators say, “What more can I do with what I have?” With a little rearranging and a lot of thought, amazing things can happen.

Filed Under: Marketing, Small Business, Strategy Tagged With: customers, growth, Ideas, marketing

Hurriquake 2011: Lessons I Learned From The Weirdest Natural Disaster(s)? Experience

August 30, 2011 By scott

Last week was pretty amazing. The East Coast, where I live, was hit by an earthquake and hurricane, all in the same week. The odds of that happening, in that order, has to be incredibly low. But still, it happened. That’s the reality. Life will move on. This week, for the majority of us, will become a distant memory, an excellent trivia question.

Having lived through something that weird, I have begun to look at life a little differently. No, it’s not a near-death thing. It’s an if-that-can-happen-what-else-is-possible-? type of thing. What else will I experience? What else do I not know is, simply, possible?

Motivational posters, clichés and awards are all crap. We are motivated by what we value. But, if we had an expanded portfolio of things we could find value in, how much more motivated would we be do ____. To put it in entrepreneurial terms, it’s like not merging with that startup because you don’t know to value the potential of risk. It’s like not opening a business because you don’t know to value personal fulfillment (and hopefully lots of money). I never thought about an earthquake because I never thought to think about an earthquake.

What else are we missing and being surprised by… just because we don’t know to ….something? Does that mean the more we know to…something…the richer our lives become?

I’ll tell you one thing. I’m placing a higher value on experiencing new things. And by “things” I mean “stuff.” After earthquakes and hurricanes in SE Virginia, it’s knida pointless being more detailed than that.

Filed Under: Being Resolute, Leadership Tagged With: Leadership, Perspective

Using July As Your Halfway Point

July 16, 2011 By scott

Independence Day is the halfway point of 2011 (I know that’s not true, mathematically,…cut me some slack here) Being as such, I have come to regard this season as my half time, my seventh inning stretch, my commercial break. It’s a perfect time to reflect upon the year’s events and to begin to mark a strategy to finish the year strong.

Why have set times to reflect?

New Years seems to be the only time people lay out a plan for their lives. Everyone gets really excited and begin to commit themselves to specific goals. The intent is to reach goals that improve quality of life (losing weight = more confidence = better living experience). But as we all know, life gets in the way. We get distracted, demotivated and lost. Time seems to slip away and, suddenly, the life we were supposed to have created doesn’t exist. Not only does it not exist but it’s traveled miles away than it was December 31st.

The July halfway point is your chance to rekindle your commitment to your goals and resolutions. Here, you have every reason and ability to resurrect your lost hope and begin again, start over or go even stronger. Unlike New Years, however, you’re not starting anew. You’re renewing. This is a huge difference. It’s easy to picture a new life when calendars are changing, countdowns are shouted and your surrounded by countless symbolic references to transition. But, when you’re in the middle of all your problems and you’re facing another round of the same-old-same-old, it takes more effort and mental strength to be resolute in your pursuits.

To help make the most of your half-way point, here are a few questions to consider. If you take this seriously, you will be on your way to a stellar last half of the year.

Is your vision compelling?

A compelling vision is like a lawnmower. As an entrepreneur, you are, by default, okay with going off the beaten path. You take your ideas and move into uncharted territory. But the further you travel, the fewer people have gone before you, making the path less traveled and defined. You begin to notice weeds are growing taller. Thoughts start to wonder into your head,…why am I doing this? Where am I going? Why didn’t I keep that cushy corporate job? Having a compelling vision cuts all those weeds down and shows you how to move forward. Somehow, a compelling vision gives you the bearings and wisdom that make it easy to know where you are and for others to follow.

Are you willing to abandon things that slow you down?

This is your resetting point. It’s a moment in which you can stop fighting, and let go of what doesn’t add value, improving your fighting ability. The best way to think about it is you’re the captain of a ship that’s arrived at a distant shore. You’ve been traveling and have learned a lot about what does and doesn’t work for you. You see that you’re coming up to a mountain. So, you use your half-way point and get rid of the supplies, people and materials that weigh you down or are not suited for climbing mountains. Why do you do this? Because, as a result of your experiences, you know what has and will slow you down. So, you shed the weights of addictions, mindsets, friends, jobs, relationships…anything that is holding you back from finishing strong.

Can you handle your biggest fear?

If what you want to accomplish has any worth, you’re going to fight. The more that’s at stake, the bigger that fight will be. And just like every human walking the globe, you’re prone to fail. Before you get on with the second half of your journey, you need to be sure you can, physically, emotionally and spiritually, fight the biggest battle possible. If you want to know if you can accomplish something great, picture the worst outcome you can possibly be faced with. Now, ask yourself if you could handle it? Are you strong enough to take that failure head-on? If you can, then there’s nothing holding you back. You’ve already faced your greatest demon and you’ve won. The only thing left to do is to turn the potential energy into kinetic energy.

Are you really committed?

To maximize Your July halfway point’s value, the last, and most important, thing you need to do is to recommit yourself to your goal. Become RESOLUTE. Become that person that books, movies and legends celebrate. Be willing to push all the limits that your second grade teacher, parent, ex-lover, best friend, dog-walker has put on you. See yourself as someone who is about to do something few people will ever do…accomplish something.

The act of truly accomplishing something is the pinnacle of existence. But, accomplishment is (explicative) difficult. It’s difficult because, you have to face down and put into submission the toughest of all critic

s, bullies, whiners, demotivators, saboteurs and couch potatoes…this diabolical thing that would rather bathe itself in relaxing mediocrity (another word for death) is your own lazy self. Don’t believe me? Ask any AA member. Ask a writer. Ask a PhD candidate. Ask a personal trainer. We have to recognize that the biggest battle we will ever face is with ourselves. We must train our bodies, transform our minds and never rely on our own strength…ever.

Is perfectionism hurting your relationships?

Lastly, your business, idea, work of art can only be what you make it. Life can be distracting, disheartening and downright tough. Setbacks and letdowns are to be expected. You’re dealing with a fallen and messy world. So, leave room for grace and forgiveness to show to others and yourself. Don’t let perfectionist tendencies destroy your relationships. No goal is worth the pain that comes from a highly critical and unhappy mom, dad, husband, wife and friend.

Are you pumped?

This is an exciting moment. You can finish this year out well. You have what it takes. You know you have to do it. Put your half-way point to good use. Ask yourself these few questions and get serious about how you will finish out this year. Be encouraged and show grace to all those around you. 2011 isn’t over. You’re work isn’t either. Get pumped! You’re about to live out the second half of your year. Move forward with resolute determination. Don’t let yourself get in the way. Let’s all take a deep breath and…now…get to work.

Filed Under: Being Resolute, Leadership, Strategy Tagged With: July, Measurement, Productivity, Resolute Goals

Make a Decision-When to GO!

June 28, 2011 By scott

Are there important decisions you’re putting off? What needs to be done that hasn’t gotten done? One of the most important aspects of moving an organization forward is a definite “yes” or “no.” Keeping a team in a permanent holdposition can frustrate, disable and defeat even the strongest teams.

As a leader, people are looking to you for direction and a clear vision. Waiting too long and second-guessing is not a sign of true leadership. Right and wrong, good and bad, someone worthy of being called a leader has to be willing to
make a decision. What are you? Are you someone who lets tough decisions “incubate” for years on end? It’s time to draw a line in the sand and let yourself say, “Go!”

If you’re going to go for it, GO BIG!”

Right now, times may be tough. But if you are going to stay in business, why settle for safe? Why keep thinking in terms of “good enough.” You have the skills, the assets and know-how; It’s time to take them to the next level. Go all out. Say to yourself and team, “People, if we are going to do this, we are going all the way. And if we fail, we’ll fail knowing that we tried our best!” That’s the type of leader everyone wants to follow…myself included.

Reject bad ideas.

I don’t know you, personally. But I’ve consulted with several business owners who accept every idea as valid. This creates excitement and validation within organizations, sure. And being a listening leader is a key aspect of servant leadership, of which I fully support. However, to keep the business from falling off the track, there needs to be a clear distinction between a listening ear and acceptance of an idea. So, when someone comes to you and presents their idea, thank them for their thoughts and quickly let them know if it’s going to work for the organization you are trying to maintain and grow. Don’t’ say, “I’ll think about it,” if you’re not. Let them know if the idea lives or dies. Then, they can go on doing their job and living their lives.

Keep the troops in line.

We all have them, the people who are born leaders but don’t have enough experience to hold the position. You want these people and the initiative they bring to the table. But if you don’t set clear boundaries, they have the potential to influence and run your team and organization in the wrong direction. You can’t fault them for their behavior. It’s what they do. No matter how bullish they may seem, they, generally, respect authority and direction when it’s given. Just let them know their limits of authority and decision-making and they will thrive. Not to mention…your business will too.

Do what you say.

If I could generalize the very thing that makes someone a poor leader it is the lack of follow through. Logically, this is statement is extremely obvious and deserves little support. But I’ve seen too many business leaders fail in this area, to think otherwise. It’s one thing to get everyone jazzed up about a new direction, plan or strategy. It’s another to implement it. The easiest way to give life to your strategies is to, at least, have an idea of how you’re going to do something. Saying, “We’re going to be more efficient,” means nothing without knowing what the efficiency-improving mechanism is going to look like. It’s okay to improve you marketing or get more fiscally responsible, but, at the minimum, you need to know which direction you are going to move. Then, back that up with consistent and measurable follow-through. Because, once you announce it to the team, it’s set in stone…no turning back. Your people need to trust, when you say something’s going to change, change will come.

Always keep moving.

Being a leader is a heavy and exciting place to be. All eyes go to you for direction, support and answers. Many businesses are facing incredible difficulties and are having to make gut-wrenching decisions. No matter how you feel, especially in this economy, remember you are in this position for a reason. It’s your job to dig-deep and live life worthy of your calling. It’s not about money, it never will be. It’s about the opportunity and blessings that come from employment and providing your customers with excellent products and services. Focus on what truly matters and face your challenges with vigor and resolution. God may be letting you face struggles to teach you something. Be willing to listen and rest, knowing that, no matter what comes your way, nothing is too great for the One who lives inside you.

Filed Under: Being Resolute, How To, Leadership, Managing Tagged With: Decision, Decisions, Go, small business

Social Media Overload

June 25, 2011 By scott

Customers are getting fatigued. Any new medium that is introduced makes room for advertisers and marketers to reach new audiences in amazing ways. On the other hand, consumers are able to benefit from this, by deriving value that would have gone untouched. But, in these transformative years, we are seeing consumers being so “plugged in” that they are reaching a point of connection fatigue.

The question we have to ask is, “At what point is being connected too much?” Our smart phones, Ipads and social networks (not to mention TV, radio and other “old” marketing channels) all force us, in one way or another, to hear a company’s message. You can’t go on to a FaceBook page, without seeing an ad, specifically targeting me based on your likes or dislikes. At first, we appreciate that creativity and coding skills it takes to create this type of socialized marketing. As time goes on, and the messages come at you faster, harder and with more force, connection-fatigue starts to set into your market.

This starts to create a problem. As a marketer for your business, your job is to be where the eyes are, grab attention and prove why you are better. That means, you have to be on the internet, in their phone and wherever else your market is looking. But just like being invisible is your nightmare, your market becoming numb is just as difficult. At least, while being invisible, you can make a splash and get noticed. But when you are commonplace, you could be everywhere, shouting at the of your lungs, and no one would care. The question is, what’s next?

The holy grail of marketing has always been being able to connect with customers. The less genuine customers perceive companies, the more they become disconnected. Larger companies have already noticed this. That’s why you’ll see them promoting cause-specific gimmicks like sponsoring a charity, “going green” or pure water campaign. However socially responsible these good corporate citizens are, the problem is human nature.

People don’t really care about something, unless it impacts them, personally. Sure, most people have a caring heart and enjoy contributing to a national or world-wide charity. But, when it comes down to it, the problems and issues facing consumers in their own backyards are what matter the most.

The companies that will reign the future marketplace will be the ones who are committed to communities. And we’re not talking the half-hearted, pr-driven, semi-annual fun-run. It’s a continued presence in the community, where the employees are natural evangelists and are involved in schools, ministries and fundraising events. These companies will be noticed as having a genuine interest in furthering the interests of the community. As such, loyalty will increase and markets will draw these companies into their trust, knowing that the more they enable these companies, the better the community will be for it.

People are smart, you’re smart. It doesn’t matter how many apps, commercials, mailing lists or online friends there are; you can smell a phony a mile away. And as this recession draws on, these concepts of connection fatigue and meeting needs will be all the more relevant and required for any business strategy.

Filed Under: Marketing, Small Business, Strategy Tagged With: customers, Leadership, marketing, Media, Social