In this competitive business world, client retention is extremely vital to building a Million Dollar business. Learn how to make each and every client feel unique and appreciated with personal attention, perks and an inviting environment.
Why is it that people are willing to pay outrageously high bills at restaurants, spas, and luxury hotels and then complain about paying fees for their doctor, lawyer, or financial advisor?
They're paying for the experience, not just for the product or service. When they feel like celebrities, they don't mind the expense. With so many choices of providers, it's the ones who take that extra step to pamper the client that are the preferred choice. This can be true of prospects in all income levels. And we all
know that clients who may not initially be able to invest huge amounts of money may very well continue to increase their portfolio, as they are able to. With their loyalty to you, you are in position for a long-term client who values your services.
What can you do to provide the platinum service that your clients deserve?
Let's look at five ways that you can distinguish yourself from other businesses.
1. Provide an inviting environment in your office.
Can you think of anything you could do to give your clients an energizing, nurturing experience when they visit your office?
Think of various offices that you have visited for any type of appointment. What do your remember about them? Did you notice up to date decorating? Comfortable furniture? Interesting, non-commercial art and no clutter? Really look at your office environment with the point of view of a client and see how it looks. You may need to have a designer come in and give your office a makeover.
2. Having interesting reading material available shows that you care about your clients and value their time. Appealing and healthy refreshments such as protein bars, nuts, and interesting nonalcoholic drinks can make the office visit memorable.
Provide customized service.
3. Really get to know your clients, asking questions that will determine what they're trying to achieve and why. Not just questions on a form, but in-depth life questions. Having an understanding of your clients' priorities and goals for their finances allows you to give them truly customized advice. Give clear explanation of why you are suggesting one approach over another.
4. Some tangible perk such as a CD on a relevant investing topic sent every quarter shows that you are thinking about them and they'll appreciate receiving more than just their monthly statement from you. This mailing is especially important for personal contact if your services are not offered through an office. Birthday acknowledgments are a great personal touch.
5. Keep communication open.
When you sense any uneasiness in communication with a client, acknowledge the tension and find out what the source of the dissatisfaction is. It can very well be that what seemed like a problem in one area may actually be from frustration about a broader issue. When the concern is out in the open, it is much easier to resolve the problem. Actually acknowledging that you notice the concern and exploring it gives the client so much more confidence in your dedication to serving their needs.
What's it worth to you to have Million Dollar clients?
Having clients who value you not only for your expertise, but for your genuine interest in them can position you to make a significant difference in their lives. And the effect of the legacy they leave can make the world a better place for everyone.
Showing posts with label business coach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business coach. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
First Impressions: 7 Keys To A Million Dollar Image
From the moment you walk in a room, people are immediately forming an impression of the kind of person you are. Those first two seconds can make a difference in whether you will win over an important business prospect.
We'd all like to think that our competence in doing our work is what counts the most. However, you may not have the opportunity even to show the quality of your work due to a poor first impression.
You might say that in today's world there isn't so much emphasis on image. Perhaps clothing is not emphasized quite as much as it once was. But, much of the impression is about our attitude or what it appears that our attitude is. Let's think of some various ways that we present ourselves. I've chosen seven to focus on in this article.
A lot of this is just common sense to most of us. However, we sometimes need a reminder of just how important all of these details are to the success of our business.
As you move into a higher level with your business, you will be dealing with more and more wealthy and savvy individuals who will notice if you are not up to these standards. Some seemingly minor detail could be a real turn off to a potential client and you could lose that account.
1. Handshakes
Handshakes are a traditional greeting in our American business culture. It's important that your handshake is firm and confident. This is an appropriate touch in our business world and it is our only opportunity to have that quality connection. Be sure that you don't have so many things in your hands that you don't have your hand free to be able to extend for a handshake.
2. Body language
Without saying a word, the way we move our bodies speaks paragraphs. How we carry ourselves as we walk says a lot about our confidence and professionalism. And to present yourself as an open and interested person, avoid crossing your arms across your chest. That is a very closed posture, indicating that you want to keep yourself at a distance.
An authentic, warm smile is essential for creating that business relationship.
What we carry with us can give an air of being organized or being very disheveled.
Choose a good-looking portfolio or briefcase that can keep you looking like you have it together!
3. Dress
Your clothing and accessories need to be chosen according to the type of business environment. This can vary according to geographical location, industry, and type of occasion. However, there are certain elements that need to be considered no matter what.
Clothing that fits you well, is in good condition, that is not too revealing, and is clean is always a necessity. Wrinkled shirts give a very poor impression.
Shoes need to be clean and in good repair. That old favorite belt may need replacing if it has started losing its shape and is getting worn.
Jewelry and other accessories should be understated.
4. Grooming
Fresh breath and clean, white teeth are really a welcome part of you!
A clean body without heavy doses of various fragrances is important. Many people have allergies to perfumes and the business environment is really not the place to have you stand out because of your fragrance. Our intention is not to have anything detract from what we are doing.
5. Cell Phones
This deserves a whole category of its own. So many people are talking on their cell phones and text messaging all the time that they sometimes forget that this is not something to do in a business setting. It's time to focus on the people that are there in person and to put your phone on silent and check for messages later. Texting in a meeting is a great way to show how disrespectful you are! And take out that Bluetooth earpiece during business meetings! It looks as though you could be on the phone even if you are not.
6. Punctuality
The ultimate disrespect for others is to have them wait for you when you are late. I know it's difficult to end one task and go on to another meeting and it's tempting to cut time very close. It's such a key piece of your image to be punctual that it is worth it to schedule in a bit more cushion time to avoid the big rush and the negative reception when you show up late.
7. Manners
Standing up when you are meeting someone is critical. This not only shows respect for that person, but it also puts you at their level so that they are not in a power position standing over you.
Table manners may not seem important in our much more casual culture today. However, you never know who is sensitive to excellent table manners and who could be getting a really low opinion of you as an uncultured person. Catch up on the etiquette of table manners so that you can feel confident that you are making a good impression on any of your dining partners.
In Summary:
It's all about presenting yourself as professional as possible, not drawing attention to something other than the business project at hand, and being respectful of others.
These all contribute to how magnetic you will be in attracting new and higher wealth clients. You've put in countless hours improving your business skills. Take a little time to fine tune your own personal package of how you are presenting yourself. It's definitely worth the effort to present that Million Dollar Image!
If you’d like to identify your strengths and learn what kind of impression you are making on those in your work and personal life, you might find the Platinum Rule 360 Assessment helpful. Working with Executive Coach Suzanne Holman, MAEd, you’ll be able to interpret the results and strategize your strengths for Million Dollar Productivity. Receive an Audio Seminar gift and learn more about the assessment at http://www.milliondollarproductivity.com.
We'd all like to think that our competence in doing our work is what counts the most. However, you may not have the opportunity even to show the quality of your work due to a poor first impression.
You might say that in today's world there isn't so much emphasis on image. Perhaps clothing is not emphasized quite as much as it once was. But, much of the impression is about our attitude or what it appears that our attitude is. Let's think of some various ways that we present ourselves. I've chosen seven to focus on in this article.
A lot of this is just common sense to most of us. However, we sometimes need a reminder of just how important all of these details are to the success of our business.
As you move into a higher level with your business, you will be dealing with more and more wealthy and savvy individuals who will notice if you are not up to these standards. Some seemingly minor detail could be a real turn off to a potential client and you could lose that account.
1. Handshakes
Handshakes are a traditional greeting in our American business culture. It's important that your handshake is firm and confident. This is an appropriate touch in our business world and it is our only opportunity to have that quality connection. Be sure that you don't have so many things in your hands that you don't have your hand free to be able to extend for a handshake.
2. Body language
Without saying a word, the way we move our bodies speaks paragraphs. How we carry ourselves as we walk says a lot about our confidence and professionalism. And to present yourself as an open and interested person, avoid crossing your arms across your chest. That is a very closed posture, indicating that you want to keep yourself at a distance.
An authentic, warm smile is essential for creating that business relationship.
What we carry with us can give an air of being organized or being very disheveled.
Choose a good-looking portfolio or briefcase that can keep you looking like you have it together!
3. Dress
Your clothing and accessories need to be chosen according to the type of business environment. This can vary according to geographical location, industry, and type of occasion. However, there are certain elements that need to be considered no matter what.
Clothing that fits you well, is in good condition, that is not too revealing, and is clean is always a necessity. Wrinkled shirts give a very poor impression.
Shoes need to be clean and in good repair. That old favorite belt may need replacing if it has started losing its shape and is getting worn.
Jewelry and other accessories should be understated.
4. Grooming
Fresh breath and clean, white teeth are really a welcome part of you!
A clean body without heavy doses of various fragrances is important. Many people have allergies to perfumes and the business environment is really not the place to have you stand out because of your fragrance. Our intention is not to have anything detract from what we are doing.
5. Cell Phones
This deserves a whole category of its own. So many people are talking on their cell phones and text messaging all the time that they sometimes forget that this is not something to do in a business setting. It's time to focus on the people that are there in person and to put your phone on silent and check for messages later. Texting in a meeting is a great way to show how disrespectful you are! And take out that Bluetooth earpiece during business meetings! It looks as though you could be on the phone even if you are not.
6. Punctuality
The ultimate disrespect for others is to have them wait for you when you are late. I know it's difficult to end one task and go on to another meeting and it's tempting to cut time very close. It's such a key piece of your image to be punctual that it is worth it to schedule in a bit more cushion time to avoid the big rush and the negative reception when you show up late.
7. Manners
Standing up when you are meeting someone is critical. This not only shows respect for that person, but it also puts you at their level so that they are not in a power position standing over you.
Table manners may not seem important in our much more casual culture today. However, you never know who is sensitive to excellent table manners and who could be getting a really low opinion of you as an uncultured person. Catch up on the etiquette of table manners so that you can feel confident that you are making a good impression on any of your dining partners.
In Summary:
It's all about presenting yourself as professional as possible, not drawing attention to something other than the business project at hand, and being respectful of others.
These all contribute to how magnetic you will be in attracting new and higher wealth clients. You've put in countless hours improving your business skills. Take a little time to fine tune your own personal package of how you are presenting yourself. It's definitely worth the effort to present that Million Dollar Image!
If you’d like to identify your strengths and learn what kind of impression you are making on those in your work and personal life, you might find the Platinum Rule 360 Assessment helpful. Working with Executive Coach Suzanne Holman, MAEd, you’ll be able to interpret the results and strategize your strengths for Million Dollar Productivity. Receive an Audio Seminar gift and learn more about the assessment at http://www.milliondollarproductivity.com.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Leverage Your Strengths for Million Dollar Productivity
Do you know what your strengths and challenges are? Better utilizing your talents and surrounding yourself with complimentary behavioral styles will help put you on the path to a million dollar business.
"My strengths?
Hmmmm. Let me think for a minute."
If you hesitate when asked what your strengths are, you are not alone. What happens for us is that we are so used to being with ourselves that we don't even notice an outstanding trait we have. It takes someone else observing us and actually telling us for us to realize our gifts.
Take a little time to give others feedback as to what strengths you see in them. What can be difficult is listening carefully and really accepting the positives you hear from others. It's all too easy to just say and feel that it's nothing. Receive the gift of acknowledgment you are being given.
Another hazard to appreciating our strengths is that we judge ourselves harshly if we don't have the strengths that someone else has. We are all very different.
Assessments that measure our behavioral styles show that over and over again.
There are many highly regarded tools available including those that have others answer questions about you that will give you another perspective other than just your own. Platinum Rule Assessment is one of these "360 assessments". This term, "360", is used to describe that you are receiving input from the full circle of your business and personal associates.
Recently my older sister and I took an informal assessment measuring our behavioral styles. We found out that we were exact opposites. We each acknowledged that we would like to have characteristics of the other. From sharing that experience of looking at our strengths, we walked away with a greater appreciation for each other and for ourselves.
For years I've been critical of myself for not being more "left-brained" like the rest of my family. These characteristics are also the ones applauded most in school where we are expected to "stay inside the lines" and be very neat and organized.
It's not that I'm terribly disorganized, but I have the judgment that I should do things one certain way. My creativity has me doing things in very different ways from how others might do them.
This can work the opposite way for someone who has trouble being creative. It could be very simple for that person to take care of details effortlessly. Everything is under control and routine is followed flawlessly. But coming up with innovative ideas can be a real challenge.
Some people have the strength of leadership and find it enjoyable to forge the path for others to follow. For these people, following someone else's plan is extremely difficult and confining. Others find being in charge a very uncomfortable place to be. Their forte is implementing what the leader has started.
We need all behavioral styles in our businesses in order to be successful. All of our strengths work together for a stronger whole than we can have when working alone. If you work by yourself in your business, you may need to hire a part-time assistant to perform tasks that are not your unique strength. You can even do this with a virtual assistant who can work for the number of hours you need from his/her own office. Your success will be greater and your satisfaction sweeter when you focus on your best skills.
Take time to reflect on what your greatest strengths are. Take time to recognize them and be grateful. Be aware of any judgment you may be having against yourself for not being good at something. Appreciate your strengths.
If there is an activity that is not your strength, it definitely needs to be delegated to someone else so you can concentrate on maximizing your strengths.
When you focus your efforts on those areas of your business where your strengths are, you’ll find your energy staying much better and your productivity moving you to a million dollar business!
"My strengths?
Hmmmm. Let me think for a minute."
If you hesitate when asked what your strengths are, you are not alone. What happens for us is that we are so used to being with ourselves that we don't even notice an outstanding trait we have. It takes someone else observing us and actually telling us for us to realize our gifts.
Take a little time to give others feedback as to what strengths you see in them. What can be difficult is listening carefully and really accepting the positives you hear from others. It's all too easy to just say and feel that it's nothing. Receive the gift of acknowledgment you are being given.
Another hazard to appreciating our strengths is that we judge ourselves harshly if we don't have the strengths that someone else has. We are all very different.
Assessments that measure our behavioral styles show that over and over again.
There are many highly regarded tools available including those that have others answer questions about you that will give you another perspective other than just your own. Platinum Rule Assessment is one of these "360 assessments". This term, "360", is used to describe that you are receiving input from the full circle of your business and personal associates.
Recently my older sister and I took an informal assessment measuring our behavioral styles. We found out that we were exact opposites. We each acknowledged that we would like to have characteristics of the other. From sharing that experience of looking at our strengths, we walked away with a greater appreciation for each other and for ourselves.
For years I've been critical of myself for not being more "left-brained" like the rest of my family. These characteristics are also the ones applauded most in school where we are expected to "stay inside the lines" and be very neat and organized.
It's not that I'm terribly disorganized, but I have the judgment that I should do things one certain way. My creativity has me doing things in very different ways from how others might do them.
This can work the opposite way for someone who has trouble being creative. It could be very simple for that person to take care of details effortlessly. Everything is under control and routine is followed flawlessly. But coming up with innovative ideas can be a real challenge.
Some people have the strength of leadership and find it enjoyable to forge the path for others to follow. For these people, following someone else's plan is extremely difficult and confining. Others find being in charge a very uncomfortable place to be. Their forte is implementing what the leader has started.
We need all behavioral styles in our businesses in order to be successful. All of our strengths work together for a stronger whole than we can have when working alone. If you work by yourself in your business, you may need to hire a part-time assistant to perform tasks that are not your unique strength. You can even do this with a virtual assistant who can work for the number of hours you need from his/her own office. Your success will be greater and your satisfaction sweeter when you focus on your best skills.
Take time to reflect on what your greatest strengths are. Take time to recognize them and be grateful. Be aware of any judgment you may be having against yourself for not being good at something. Appreciate your strengths.
If there is an activity that is not your strength, it definitely needs to be delegated to someone else so you can concentrate on maximizing your strengths.
When you focus your efforts on those areas of your business where your strengths are, you’ll find your energy staying much better and your productivity moving you to a million dollar business!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Have you emptied your pockets yet?
What are you still carrying in your pockets from 2007 that you could do without in this New Year?
I loved the story our minister told New Year's Eve at the Burning Bowl Ceremony at our church. He shared his experience with having a suit tailored. The tailor was very passionate about his work and told Richard that the suit was a living thing that needed care for it to thrive. He stressed the need for emptying the pockets of the suit before hanging it up at night. Weight in the pockets caused unnecessary strain on the suit, weakening the fabric and seams. Over time the suit would be out of shape and falling apart.
What a great metaphor for the long-held negative emotions that we carry from year to year to year!
This strain of the negative emotions weighs us down, keeping us from thriving and moving forward with what we'd really like to be doing in our lives.
In the Burning Bowl Ceremony we had the opportunity to write all that we'd like to release on a small piece of "flash" paper. Mine was pretty full! I categorized these items under emotional categories. I was surprised that some items were still showing up for me that I felt I had handled long ago. Apparently the residue of these was still hanging around.
What an incredible feeling it was to see the "flash" paper go poof! as it hit the flame in the receptacle!
After going back into the church, we took time to write out what we envisioned for 2008. What an energy-filled experience this was for me! Without the weight of those old negatives, I felt light and energized! We folded these and put them in a self-addressed envelope to be mailed to us in June of 2008.
I invite you to do a similar exercise to free you up for a rich and joyful year. What would you like to leave behind? Things that you do that rob your time? Negative emotions left over from bad experiences?
Why ruin your "suit" by carrying around all that stuff?!?
Aren't you ready to let it go?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Million-Dollar Businesses Can Benefit from Yoga Principles
Practicing yoga is very much like running your Million-Dollar Business. There are principles that are necessary for either the business or the yoga to be outstanding.
Yoga is not just for relaxation.
Believe me. I know. Hatha Yoga is a vigorous and demanding practice!
During one of the classes this week, I started thinking about how practicing yoga is very much like running your Million-Dollar Business. There are principles that are necessary for either the business or the yoga to be outstanding. Let's look at four of these principles.
1. Focus is everything.
Yoga: It is virtually impossible to keep your balance in poses if you are not totally focused on what you are doing. When you find yourself having difficulty in holding a posture, notice what is going on in your mind. You've probably started thinking about something you need to do later in the day.
Your Million-Dollar Business: You are focused on the actions that will bring about the most significant results. Your intentions are clear as you begin each day. You keep your attention on the important items and are not pulled off course by not so important urgent matters.
2. Letting go is essential for clear thinking.
Yoga: In order to achieve postures that require a great deal of flexibility, it's essential to let go and let the muscles and tendons relax and stretch. To do a forward bend with the hands on the floor, you cannot be tight in your leg muscles.
Your Million-Dollar Business: For a clear mind and connection to your creative genius you let go of matters that really aren't your concern. You move forward in the way you know is best, not from what others are doing or saying.
3. Consistency is the key to effectiveness.
Yoga: With consistent practice of yoga positions, your body gets stronger and more flexible and your cardio strength improves. Step by step, you are able to move toward a level of strength and flexibility that you never imagined you would have.
Your Million-Dollar Business: In order to have the greatest effect on your target market, you are consistent with your marketing efforts. You also consistently communicate with clients to ensure their satisfaction.
4. It looks easy when you are masterful.
Yoga: Until someone actually participates in a yoga class, there is no way to understand the amount of strength and agility that is required. Looking at a yoga class, it appears that there is not a whole lot of action going on. Actually, in that still pose, there is a tremendous amount of power. The body is centered and solid, using multiple muscles to keep itself in place.
Your Million-Dollar Business: It looks as though your work is effortless. To others, it looks as though it is easy for you to have a million dollar business. And when there is a great system in place and good leadership, it can be a smooth process. The power is within.
It's that solid foundation, consistent focus, and the flow of creative ideas that will take you to that Million-Dollar Business and keep you moving forward!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Five Ways To Destroy An Important Discussion
Of course you want to have a positive outcome to an important discussion!
But sometimes it just doesn't happen and you're not sure why.
Let's look at five possible ways you may have been jeopardizing the success of a conversation. Each of these can have a huge impact on how the communication will develop.
CANCEL THE APPOINTMENT AT THE LAST MINUTE
What better way is there to show that you don't value the meeting you've scheduled?
Setting a time and keeping to it AND being right on time shows the importance you have placed on the discussion.
TALK MORE THAN YOU LISTEN
You may feel as though you have so much wisdom that you just have to share it all! The fact is that your listening will make all the difference in knowing how the situation could be improved. By your intent listening you are able to hear the nuances that may not have been so obvious and you'll know what needs to be said to be resolve a conflict or have a positive influence.
AVOID TALKING ABOUT ANY FEELINGS
Sure it may be a business meeting, but we are all human beings and the feelings that are present can make a huge difference in how productive a company can be. When there are concerns that are not being addressed, there can be an energy drain and less work can be accomplished. So take the time to inquire about feelings and listen carefully to what is being said and avoid reacting defensively to what you hear.
ANSWER EVERY CALL THAT COMES IN DURING YOUR MEETING
Ouch! Having a conversation interrupted by phones ringing AND your answering the calls is so disrespectful of the other person in the discussion. The interruption can also break the flow of thoughts and good ideas can be lost. Turn your cell phone off and forward your phone or turn off the ringer if possible. If there are any calls the do come in, ignore them and let them go to voice mail.
DON'T WORRY IF YOU RUN OUT OF TIME
Yes, you do need to be concerned if you run out of time and don't come to closure. Running out of time during a discussion and not determining the next most important step means that the time and energy expended to have the meeting may have been wasted. It is really important to allow time for winding down from the discussion. With both people working together to determine the next steps, it creates a strong forward moving direction. Set intentions for what both of you would like to see happen and what needs to be handled first.
If these five fatal flaws can be avoided, you will be guaranteed to have more satisfying and productive discussions. This can result in a better relationship, increased productivity, and employee retention.
If you'd like to have more positive outcomes from your important discussions, perhaps you could benefit from working with a business coach. Visit http://www.exuberantproductivity.com to find out more about coaching and access resources and research that may be helpful in resolving the sticky situations in your life. Suzanne Holman, MAEd is your Exuberant Productivity Coach and can be reached at suzanne@suzanneholman.com.
* 2007 Suzanne Holman, MAEd and Exuberant Productivity.Com
Friday, July 6, 2007
Difficult Conversation Needed To Resolve An Issue? Six Questions To Prepare You For The Talk
I just heard an amusing story that illustrates how a lack of communication can create some real problems.
A photographer for CNN was assigned to cover southern California's wildfires last year. He wanted pictures of the heroic work the firefighters were doing as they battled the blazes. When the photographer arrived on the scene, he realized that the smoke was so thick it would seriously impede, or even make impossible, his getting good photographs from the ground level. He requested permission from his boss to rent a plane and take photos from the air.
His request was approved and he used his cell phone to call the local county airport to charter a flight. He was told a single engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.
Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger. He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, "Let's go".
The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and roared down the runway. Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, "Fly over the valley and make two or three low passes so I can take some pictures of the fires on the hillsides."
"Why?" asked the pilot.
"Because I'm a photographer for CNN," he responded. "And I need to get some close-up shots."
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, "So, what you're telling me, is you're NOT my flight instructor???"
If you want to avoid getting yourself into a similar situation, it’s important to be aware of what needs to be discussed!
Before you can have an effective conversation to resolve an important issue, it’s essential that you clarify exactly what the issue is and all your concerns about it. Issues come up in all aspects of our lives: strategic planning, employees, career planning, marital problems, relationships, or children.
Strategic plans at work may have looked good on paper, but implementation is just not happening as expected. Employees may be making mistakes and not creating the kind of progress that is necessary. There could be indiscretions showing up with employees that must be addressed.
Even though a job is paying well, it may not be one that you can imagine doing long term and that issue needs to be discussed with one’s spouse. Children may be off track from good performance in school and into self-defeating behaviors that need to be addressed.
The more honest you can be with yourself about the issues, the more ready you will be to bring up the subjects for thorough discussion. Here are six important questions to prepare you for a productive conversation:
1. What is the most pressing issue that needs to be resolved?
2. What exactly is going on right now?
3. How is this issue currently impacting me?
4. If things stay as they are, what’s likely to happen as time goes on?
5. How have I personally contributed to the problem?
6. With a positive resolution, what enjoyable results can we expect?
Actually taking the time to write down your answers to these questions is a great way to get focused for an extremely productive discussion. Without a clear focus, it is easy to get off track, place blame on the other person, and leave the discussion without resolution.
Working with a coach can really be a support to getting yourself focused for any difficult conversation. Visit http://www.exuberantproductivity.com/ to find out more about coaching and access resources and research that may be helpful in resolving the sticky situations in your life. Suzanne Holman, MAEd is your Exuberant Productivity Coach and can be reached at suzanne@suzanneholman.com.
A photographer for CNN was assigned to cover southern California's wildfires last year. He wanted pictures of the heroic work the firefighters were doing as they battled the blazes. When the photographer arrived on the scene, he realized that the smoke was so thick it would seriously impede, or even make impossible, his getting good photographs from the ground level. He requested permission from his boss to rent a plane and take photos from the air.
His request was approved and he used his cell phone to call the local county airport to charter a flight. He was told a single engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.
Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger. He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, "Let's go".
The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and roared down the runway. Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, "Fly over the valley and make two or three low passes so I can take some pictures of the fires on the hillsides."
"Why?" asked the pilot.
"Because I'm a photographer for CNN," he responded. "And I need to get some close-up shots."
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, "So, what you're telling me, is you're NOT my flight instructor???"
If you want to avoid getting yourself into a similar situation, it’s important to be aware of what needs to be discussed!
Before you can have an effective conversation to resolve an important issue, it’s essential that you clarify exactly what the issue is and all your concerns about it. Issues come up in all aspects of our lives: strategic planning, employees, career planning, marital problems, relationships, or children.
Strategic plans at work may have looked good on paper, but implementation is just not happening as expected. Employees may be making mistakes and not creating the kind of progress that is necessary. There could be indiscretions showing up with employees that must be addressed.
Even though a job is paying well, it may not be one that you can imagine doing long term and that issue needs to be discussed with one’s spouse. Children may be off track from good performance in school and into self-defeating behaviors that need to be addressed.
The more honest you can be with yourself about the issues, the more ready you will be to bring up the subjects for thorough discussion. Here are six important questions to prepare you for a productive conversation:
1. What is the most pressing issue that needs to be resolved?
2. What exactly is going on right now?
3. How is this issue currently impacting me?
4. If things stay as they are, what’s likely to happen as time goes on?
5. How have I personally contributed to the problem?
6. With a positive resolution, what enjoyable results can we expect?
Actually taking the time to write down your answers to these questions is a great way to get focused for an extremely productive discussion. Without a clear focus, it is easy to get off track, place blame on the other person, and leave the discussion without resolution.
Working with a coach can really be a support to getting yourself focused for any difficult conversation. Visit http://www.exuberantproductivity.com/ to find out more about coaching and access resources and research that may be helpful in resolving the sticky situations in your life. Suzanne Holman, MAEd is your Exuberant Productivity Coach and can be reached at suzanne@suzanneholman.com.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Michael Gerber and The E-Myth Revisited
Last week I had the privilege of being on a conference call with
Michael Gerber.
He is the author of several books including the E Myth Revisited mentioned later in this newsletter. He talked with us about his new 2.5 day program called the Dreaming Room.
He was a great fan of Walt Disney and followed his lead in using this name.
The Dreaming Room is a place where entrepreneurs can practice a new kind of dreaming--Intentional Dreaming®--which has nothing to do with problem solving and everything to do with transforming your whole life and business in a radically creative and strategic way. The surprising reason that most small businesses fail is not because their dream is too big, but rather too small, too realistic-it isn't big enough to sustain more life!
Michael is also writing a new book, Awakening The Entrepreneur Within.
If his passion on the call is any indication of how powerful the book is, I'd say it is a winner! You can hear his commitment as he speaks. Michael Gerber is about to have his 70th birthday and he is certainly not retiring!
Michael is well known for his book The E-Myth Revisited.
The E-Myth Revisited
Michael E. Gerber
Michael Gerber dispels the myths surrounding starting your own business and shows how commonplace assumptions can get in the way of running a business.
Next, he walks you through the steps in the life of a business - from entrepreneurial infancy, through adolescent growing pains, to the mature entrepreneurial perspective, the guiding light of all business that succeed - and shows how to apply the lessons of franchising to any business, whether or not it is a franchise.
Finally, Gerber draws the vital, often overlooked distinction between working ON your business and working IN your business.
After you have read The E-Myth, you will TRULY be able to grow your business in a predictable and productive way.
Below is an article I wrote for my Exuberant Productivity Journal on this subject:
Are You Working On Your Business or In Your Business?
Suzanne Holman, MAEd
"How did it get to this point? Why am I working, working, working with my head down in my business and feeling as though I don't have a moment to think ahead?"
You probably started your own business to have freedom of choice, to have freedom to create and to have freedom to have limitless income without the constraints of a salary.
You may have left a J.O.B. and now you are feeling as though you are once again at a J.O.B. with your worst boss ever......YOU!
Generally, businesses are started by someone who has a particular skill. You may have done great work with the finances in a corporation so you decide you'd like to have your own financial services company.
Just because you have the skills to do the technical work of a company doesn't mean that you can be a successful entrepreneur. Anyone who has gone through this transition would agree. There are so many different skills needed to run a business!
Until you are ready to delegate the tasks that are not your specialty, you will not be able to fully utilize your best talents.
Creating a system that others can run without you can give you that freedom that was your goal to having your own business. This takes discipline and careful attention to all the details that you are presently handling.
Oh, how tempting it is to think you can handle it all!
Maybe you think you need to get bigger and have more profit before you deserve to have the support you need?
It may seem risky to be paying for the support when your funds are tight, but without the support in place you are apt to stay stuck where you are.
You are also a perfect candidate for overwork and overwhelm. When you are overworked and overwhelmed, the passion that drew you into the business starts to shrivel and die.
Ask yourself, "How many hours am I actually working in my business each week?"
Would you ever have worked that many hours in ANY job you've ever had?
I didn't think so.
The challenge facing most business owners is how to come up with the time to work ON the business so that they can improve the function of their company. Now it's time to look for the time wasters that steal some of your valuable time away.
Is it email? That is a problem for many of us. How easy it is to get sucked into checking email and then get distracted by any number of interesting topics. Disciplining yourself to check email only at certain times of the day could free up some valuable time for your business planning.
Another roadblock to our productivity can be avoiding something (like business planning) because it seems too major of a project. If you can break the project down into smaller segments, it will be easier to fit the work on one of the segments into any free time that you have.
Actually creating appointments with YOURSELF for a change would be a way to create time for this business planning. And keep that appointment!
Show yourself and your business as much respect as you show the rest of the world.
If you have problems in disciplining yourself into making some of these changes and creating a business plan, it may be the time to think about hiring a business coach.
A business coach would be able to support you in getting through this transition into a systemized business structure that will allow you to grow profitably and to have the freedom and creativity you wanted in the first place!
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