Uncategorized
HERE’S HOW SYLVIA STARTED SIX SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES!
I recently had the blessing of speaking with Sylvia McNiel, a Mary Kay business owner. In our discussion, I was touched by the experience and wisdom of her words. Due to a series of moves around the U.S., Sylvia has successfully started six different businesses from scratch. Three times Sylvia’s business was successful enough to…
Read MoreYOUR CORPORATE VALUES SHOULD BE SPECIFIC AND ACTIONABLE
I’ve had the opportunity to review dozens of business values from different companies. Most use only single-word values, like: Accountability Honesty Quality Teamwork Communication Nothing wrong with the intent. It is just that single-word values are difficult to practice because they are subjective and lack clarity. Single-word values may be beneficial in describing “do-nots”, but…
Read MoreHERE’S HOW DAVID BECAME GOLIATH
At the end of 2012, T-Mobile found itself in a troubling situation. A planned merger with AT&T had just fallen through, leaving it the smallest of the four national providers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile). Compared with the top two brands, T-Mobile only had about 30% of the subscribers, weaker national coverage, and a consumer…
Read MoreGOOD TO GREAT REDUX
Small business owners are struggling with a lot these days, COVID-19 health fears, correctly applying for and spending stimulus funds, regulatory limits on business, erratic supply chains, and protecting employees (and customers) in the workplace. Stacked upon that is the need to reinvent or pivot their businesses for the future economy. With all the pressure…
Read MoreA Real Life Leadership Story
A Real Life Leadership Story A college senior I know was the Director of a team of engineering students competing in SAE Aero Design, an international competition to design, build and fly an original aircraft. I was asked to coach him in leadership and team building. The time came for the competition. There were dozens…
Read MoreWARNING: “HEROES” CAN BECOME “ARSONISTS”
As companies emphasize process to accommodate growth, a key concern becomes what to do with one’s “heroes.” “Heroes” are those people in your company whom everyone depends on to fix things and get things done. So what is the conflict between “heroes” and growth? Here are three. “Heroes” are unable to be duplicated. Each “hero”…
Read MoreThe First Three Answers You Need Each Week To Run A Business
At times in my career I was asked to take the helm of organizations that were struggling. Sometimes it required a turn around. Other times a jumpstart out of malaise. Either required a closer than usual monitoring of financial performance. Here are the first three questions I asked each week. Do We Have Enough Cash?…
Read MoreThese Three Questions Will Raise Your Income By 10% (And Customer Satisfaction Too)
Here are three fundamental questions you should ask your customers every time you speak with them. Why do you buy from me? Why did you choose me over my competitors? How can I earn more business from you? I remember working with one company about to launch a new marketing campaign. We had called several…
Read MorePractices That Dull Competence and Integrity
Competence is the ability to do something successfully or efficiently. Competence is fundamental to efficiency, good work and performance. Integrity is the state of being whole and undivided. This requires honesty, and having strong and unified principles. Integrity is essential for teamwork, quality and customer service. Why highlight these two traits?Og A lack of competence…
Read More