- The Power of Asking People What They Think - AND then Really Listening and Hearing What They Say
It truly amazes me how often in too many businesses there is such an aversion to sincerely asking people (employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, et al) what they think. During my 35 year professional career, I have witnessed countless missed opportunities to gain insight and powerful information in business because someone did not stop and ask "What Do You Think?" Or if they did ask, they "listened" but did not "hear" what the person said. Although many people and businesses tout their ability to "listen," I want to know the more important attribute of whether they also have the ability to "hear." - he Awesome Power of Testimonials For Marketing Your Business
One of the most extremely powerful marketing tools that we have in business is the testimonial. Yet many times we use the excuse of being "too busy" or "I am not comfortable asking" to not actively request testimonials from our clients and customers. Well, I want to tell you that testimonials can have a tremendous impact on people deciding whether or not to do business with you and your company. And why is that true? People feel more confident about doing business with you if they know there are other satisfied customers. Frankly, the use of testimonials is one technique that is virtually guaranteed to increase your business. - More Business Coaching & Strategic Planning Success Stories
It is a real great feeling to be able to share additional affirmations of success in someone's life or business. This month, In the spirit of continuing to celebrate success and sharing positive stories of success in what we do, I want to talk about Darek Potter and Harbor Engineering, Inc - Power Marketing Advice to Grow Your Business
It is important to understand that power marketing begins with leadership from within. It means knowing yourself, having a vision, having passion and taking risks. Power marketing is an extension of who you are as the source, the force and the power behind your marketing. - Networking Tips from the Networker's Networker
One of the best compliments related to networking that I ever received was when a highly respected chief executive introduced me to speak as "The Networkers Networker." Networking is a very powerful marketing tool and one that can be very positive and valuable if done properly and very costly if done improperly or not at all. In thinking about what tips to share with you, I decided to think back over my own personal experiences and what has worked well for me and my clients. What I have developed is called my MVP (Most Valuable Professional) Networking Tips. Here they are. - More Business Coaching Tips and Results – Why Hire A Coach?
In today's competitive business world, one needs to be at the "top of their game." The pressure of business can be overwhelming. Where can business owners, senior executives, executive directors of not-for-profits and others turn to handle the pressure and be powerful performers? My recommendation is to hire a coach! And your question back to me is why hire a coach? - Managing Your Time - 20 More Tips
Every day we hear someone say, "I am so busy. I just don't have enough time to get things done!" And I imagine each of us has fallen into that same feeling from time to time. Are you a good manager of your time? - Major Benefits of Using An Outside Professional Facilitator
Are you and your team, task force, committee, or any other working group struggling with issues and divergent viewpoints? Do you attend meetings that take up hours of your time but do not produce actionable plans at the conclusion of the meetings? I believe a majority of you answered YES to both questions. - More Public Relations Advice from the PR Doctor
The reputation of a company or organization is an intangible asset, but it is an extremely important and valuable asset. Some people believe and have written that a good reputation is an organization's most priceless asset. Unfortunately businesses face inevitable crisis situations with the potential to seriously damage a good reputation. - More On Strategic Thinking
On February 20th, I returned from St. Augustine, Florida, where I attended the 7th Annual Meeting of The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) and was a featured speaker on Strategic Thinking and Planning. It became clear from the reception and comments I received after my power point presentation, that I had accomplished my goal of sensitizing the attendees to the benefits of strategic thinking and planning and getting many of them to commit to starting the strategic planning process soon after they returned home. - Year End Strategic Planning - To Plan or Not to Plan? - That is the Question
Reflecting recently with very fond memories of my educational path in life, I thought of my commencement speech entitled: "To Be or Not To Be Involved - That is the Question." Well, this made me think that perhaps the end of each and every year is the right time to start thinking about a similar question - "To Plan or Not to Plan." - Your Estate Does Matter
In my business coaching and strategic thinking and planning consulting work, I have found too often that the owners and managers of small to medium size businesses frequently fail to do adequate estate planning and lack suitable estate planning documents. The lack of effective planning can result in costly probate proceedings or unnecessary estate taxes. Therefore, my real mission with this article is to try to convince you that "your estate does matter!" and you need to make sure you have committed to take the needed action to get your estate planning in order now. I believe it is fair to say that business owners and managers do not intentionally plan to neglect this type of planning. However, it probably is fair to say that it is something that is "put off" because of the conflicting advice and confusing laws and regulations that cover this subject. - Why I Love to Hear From Clients and Why You Should Too
I love to hear from my clients (and my business associates, fiends, et al) because I value their feedback. One of my favorite questions is a simple one, but one that yields great value to me. I love to ask, "What do you think?" about any number of items and then listen carefully to the response. Over the 35 years in my professional life, I am still amazed at how many businesses and individuals will tell me that they know what their customers think & want. Yet, when I challenge them and inquire if they actually asked their clients or customers, they say NO very often. Not asking for, not encouraging and not valuing feedback is a huge mistake. No matter what business or organization you are in; getting feedback from your customers & clients is a critical success factor. No matter how good or great you are, you always can be better by learning from feedback. - How To Brand Your Business Using Ten Action Items
In the world we know today, business is becoming more and more competitive. And, small business is the fastest-growing segment of business in most parts of the world. The competitors we face are no longer just the businesses in our own community. The competition now comes from businesses in other communities, in other states, countries and possibly from somewhere halfway around the world. One of the most valuable assets a business, service, product or individual can own is their brand, their reputation. Recognition and value of your business, service, product and yourself determines marketing potential. So, branding must be an integral part of building your business. You need to have customers & clients remember your name, service, product so they can easily refer you to others and so you can build loyalty for repeat transactions. What are some action items you can take to build your business brand and become a "household" name? - Immunizing Your Business Against Recession By Using Marketing Tools
One of the hot topics of discussion in the fall of 2005 is the concern about various types of flu and how people, especially those in high-risk categories, should get immunized. And I also note that there are some people talking about a possible recession in the world. So I thought we should look at immunizing our businesses against recession by using marketing tools. In researching for this article, I turned to one of my talented marketing strategy sources, Steve Hackney, the "Service Business Profit Wizard," of Hackney Marketing Ltd. located in the United Kingdom. I have learned much from Steve and I most strongly agree with his advice "DON'T STOP MARKETING! in any economic situation, good or bad." Steve developed what he calls "recession proof service business marketing tools." I happen to believe these tools work well for other businesses too and I want to share them with you. Here are Steve Hackney's 8 Recession Proof Service Business Marketing Tools- - How to Go From Dreams & Vision to Reality
Do you have a dream or vision for your business or organization? Do you have a personal dream or vision? How many dreams or visions have you had in your life that you did not act upon? How many did you pursue? And what happened? If you have a dream or vision now, do you know how to turn that dream and/or vision into reality? In my multi-disciplinary multi-faceted professional services practice, I deal with dreams and visions of clients as a facilitator, guide and coach. I love my work, especially when it involves helping people achieve their dreams and vision. I want to believe that you do have dreams and vision and so I want to share some thoughts with you about how to turn them into reality. - Team Reconstruction in Challenging Times
Building or rebuilding successful teams in challenging times is a very difficult job. One must restore productivity and profitability in the workplace that has been hit by change. One must also deal with angry, confused, distracted, emotional, irritated, stressed, etc. employees. There is a need for a strategy to handle the pressure of this type of change and rebuilding your team(s). Recently my professional business and strategic thinking coaching practice has been working very closely with team reconstruction during challenging times. During my research and review of past experiences and approaches used successfully by others, I was fortunate to find a very useful reference and handbook by Price Pritchett & Ron Pound. The title of this publication is- "Team ReConstruction Building A High Performance Work Group During Change A Handbook for Managers." - Why Small Business Fail
Michael Gerber, author of the mega-best sellers "The E-Myth" and "The E-Myth Revisited," is one of the people I admire and respect and who has had a significant impact on me and my businesses. Although I have listened many times to Gerber's audio tape about the E-Myth, and have read and reread his book, I always come away learning more. In addition, I have read a booklet by Michael Gerber entitled- "Why Most Small Businesses Fail and What You Can Do About It." In this booklet - Gerber lists the 10 reasons why most businesses fail - and how you can avoid them. - Manners Always Matter
Business manners always matter. And hat subject has a high priority with me and my professional practice. The highest compliment ever paid to me about manners was in the following quote from Pamela Hillings of Hillings Enterprises. "I have been in the business of 'Business Manners' for over twenty years and I have never worked with anyone who is the perfect example of professionalism except for Glenn Ebersole. I have been engaged in several business dealings with him and every single time he has been detailed, punctual, polite, follows up and is extremely professional. He could easily consult my clients on an appropriate business image. Glenn is also excellent at communication and public relations. We worked on a national survey together and he was on top of the project at all times in terms of national exposure and contacting me. I would highly recommend him to anyone- you won't be disappointed." Here are some of my favorite manners tips from Pamela Hillings. - Building Up Or Selectively Demolishing An Image Through Customer Service
Is your customer service building up a positive image for you as a builder or is it selectively demolishing your image? Do you simply talk about good customer service or do you provide and promote a daily customer service commitment? And is customer service really important to individual builders and the entire building industry? The answers are crucial to you specifically as a builder and to the building industry, in general. - Creating An Environment of Trust, Support and Teamwork In Your Business
One cannot hear or read about any success story without a reference to teamwork, trust and support. I believe that teamwork, trust and support are paramount to every business success. And I also know that most business owners and managers agree that they are still struggling to achieve a respectable level of trust, support and teamwork in their businesses. - Building A Better Brand in the New Year
The new year is well underway and many of us have been using the start of the new year to review, refine and-or restart various things in our businesses. For this article I want to concentrate on writing to encourage you to seize the opportunity to look at your branding for this year. First, let's define branding. Branding is the process of building a favorable image for a product or company that differentiates it, in the minds of prospects and end users, from other competitors. Secondly, I hope you will agree that branding is strategically important to you and your business. And thirdly, if you have not thought about branding, I hope this article will cause you to start thinking about it for you and your business. - Change Is Here To Stay - Thoughts From A Change Agent
"The trouble with the future is that it usually arrives before we're ready for it." Arnold H. Glasow Whenever someone refers to me as a "Change Agent," I accept it as a real compliment because that is a very accurate description of what I am. Since change is here to stay, I wanted to share some thoughts about change and some strategies on dealing with change. - Coaching Solutions For You
Let's be honest! Do you ever feel overwhelmed, stressed, tired, stuck in the same old rut, unorganized, underappreciated, lacking direction or focus on your goals, bored with your work and/or without balance between your time working and your time spent with family and friends? Remember, I did say be honest! If you answered truthfully, you said YES and I can tell you that you have lots of company. So, is there a solution to be found that can change these negative feelings? Yes there is and it may be time you discover that coaching is a solution that more and more people are turning to in order to change and improve various aspects of their lives. In today's business world coaching is being recognized as one of the major methods of developing people's skills and helping solve problems in the workplace. - Do You Know Where Your Disaster Recovery Plan Is?
Disasters of major magnitude are major news again after the Gulf coast region of the United States was hit by 2 major hurricanes. So it is very timely for me to ask each of you: "Do you know where your disaster recovery plan is?" "Do you even have a disaster recovery plan or crisis management plan?" "What business contingency plans do you have?" I am very concerned that in too many cases the answers would be "No" "No" and "None!" The plain hard truth is that if your business is going to continue to perform at a profitable or administratively adequate level when a crisis occurs, crisis/emergency planning is imperative. You must have a properly prepared disaster recovery plan in place and have the appropriate staff fully briefed on their responsibilities. - Coaching to Success in 2006 and Beyond
Business and personal coaching, in addition to the athletic coaching I have had over my career have played a monumental role in my development, personally and professionally. If I reflect upon more than 35 years in my professional career, I would offer the following as what I believe are some golden keys to unlock your potential for achieving success in business and life. - Bringing The Power of Passion Into Your Business
Do you recognize where your passions lie in your business? What are you truly passionate about in your business? Are there additional ways that you can bring passion into your business?I believe that caring about your work and taking personal pride in whatever you do in your work are qualities that are essential to achieve. Working hard, doing one’s best and being ready to accept new challenges are what probably 80% of people do. So what makes some people stand out, way above this 80%? What is it that differentiates Steve Jobs and Lee Iacocca from others? I say it is PASSION! If you are wondering how to bring the power of passion into your business, here are a few tips to do so. - Effective Business Communication Tips
Do you consider yourself to be an effective business communicator? Have you honed your skills when communicating via E-mail and voice-mail messaging, in addition to the more traditional formal business writings? Could you use a little help improving the effectiveness of your business communications in each of these forms? Regardless of how you responded to my questions, I am going to say that I believe each of us can always use some help in improving the effectiveness of our business communications. And I want to assist you and guide you in finding ways to do just that. And I will start with the more formal or traditional written business communications form. Tina Miller is a freelance writer who’s been published in Corporate & Incentive Travel and the Milwaukee Business Journal and she offers the following tips: - Clearing Up The Myths About Strategic Thinking and Planning
I continue to be amazed at the amount of misinformation and the number of myths that exist about strategic thinking and planning. During my entire career, I have heard business owners, senior executives and not-for-profit board members and executive directors utter “mythical” statements about strategic thinking and planning. And I have observed that these same people truly believe that these myths are reality. My purpose in writing this article is to share what I believe are the 5 biggest myths and also provide some insights into what I believe are the 5 biggest “realities” of strategic thinking and planning. - Do You Want To Become A Rainmaker?
During my 35 year career, I have had the privilege of being referred to as a "Rainmaker" in several news articles and stories during interviews with some of my clients. I take that as a very kind compliment. Some may ask, what is a "Rainmaker?" The American Indian tradition would say that the Rainmaker used magical powers to bring rain to nourish crops to feed the people of the tribe. Today, the most common and simplistic definition I can offer would be this: A "Rainmaker" is a person who brings the most revenue into a company or organization and the revenue or money is the rain. Today's "Rainmaker" makes things happen, generates the most new customers, new business and takes the art of the doing business to new levels. - Communications Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
"The Greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished." George Bernard Shaw The great quote by George Bernard Shaw confirms what I have experienced in my 35 plus year career. And in my past 23 years in my own business, I cannot think of a single instance where "communication" was not listed as a problem, challenge, frustration, irritant, etc. in the focus groups, discussion groups and other strategic planning endeavors I have conducted. Communication is a challenge. And it is an opportunity for very positive impressions if one works at doing it effectively. - Another Client Success Story
It is always a pleasure to hear good news and to receive feedback about what you have done to positively impact someone's life or business. In continuing our tradition of celebrating success and sharing positive stories about our clients, I want to share another client success story with you about the coaching side of our business. - Are You Building or Demolishing Trust In Your Business or Organization?
Do you believe that trust is important in your business? Many of you probably answered yes and in fact many experts believe trust is perhaps the most important element of an efficient, cooperative, collaborative and unified work environment. I strongly believe that trust is not just important – it is critical - to creating a great work environment. Almost every one of my client focus groups during the first stages of strategic planning will list trust and the lack thereof as a challenge, frustration and issue in their workplace. And so the management team wants to know how they can build trust in the workforce and how they can avoid losing it. The first part of the answer is that it all starts at the top of the organization, where the CEO, President and top management set the example. So I ask you – are you building or demolishing trust in your business or organization? Here are five (5) questions to ask to verify if you are building trust in your business. - Achieving "Swift" Vision for Your Business or Organization
At first glance you may have read the headline of this article and immediately interpreted "swift" as fast, quick, hurried, rapid, etc. But, the "Swift" I am referring to is Jonathan Swift. And one of my favorite quotes related to strategic thinking and planning is from Jonathan Swift, who said, "Vision is the art of seeing things invisible." And that very succinctly describes what I do everyday on personal and business levels and what I guide and facilitate others to do also. The strategic plan model I use includes a vision statement, a mission statement, a list of core values or guiding principles and short and long term goals. And the entire model begins with "vision." And let's face it, the vision is invisible at first. Over my career, it has been very important for me to develop the art of seeing things invisible. This has been true in the visioning of buildings from an owner's description in words to the visioning of a dream of what a person’s business could be. - Five Deadly Decisions in Business and How to Avoid Them
Think about this for a moment - Thousands and thousands of business decisions are made every day. Many of those business decisions can be and are deadly! And think how very difficult it is to avoid making some of those deadly decisions. Here are five examples of some of the most common deadly business decisions. - Why News Releases Are Quickly Tossed Into The Trash, According To Your PR Doctor
Did you ever wonder why your news release never resulted in an article or story in the media to which it was sent? Or did you ever wonder if the release was ever read? Do you know why some news releases always get tossed into the wastebasket? Your PR Doctor and your strategic thinking business coach shares the following several reasons why news releases end up in the trash. - Twelve Tips From Strategic Thinking For Home Builders To Produce More Strategic Marketing Efforts
All businesses need to engage strategic thinking and planning in all aspects of their business, especially the marketing plan for the business. In working with custom home builders as part of my business coaching practice, I discovered only a few of them ever recognized the value of being strategic in their thinking and planning and had limited themselves to lower levels of success. Fortunately, after they opened their minds to being more strategic, their outlook changed and they started putting some tips on strategic marketing to good use. One of the most vivid and remarkable examples was one custom home builder that went from one of their worst years in business to a record setting best year in business after committing to a strategic marketing approach. Here are twelve (12) tips to home builders for more effective strategic marketing of their business. - Tips On Effective Business Presentations From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
What are the real keys to effective business presentations? Many presenters believe they must be entertaining, witty, and authoritative and use all sorts of technical bells and whistles in Power Point presentations or other medium. However, there is some evidence that contradicts and states that audiences really have five basic requirements for business presentations. And those basic requirements are: a focus on a single relevant message- support of the message with convincing evidence- organized presentation of information in comprehendible amounts- clear and enthusiastic articulation- and a limited number of visuals. There are many tips for creating and delivering effective business presentations. Here are ten (10) tips your strategic thinking business coach has chosen to share with you. - Tips On The Strategic Use of Handouts At Seminars, Workshops and Other Venues
Being a presenter at seminars, workshops and other venues is an awesome opportunity to make strategic use of handouts. Every attendee at a seminar, workshop or other venue should depart with at least one document that describes your business services and-or products. These documents would include your handouts and business cards. Your handouts are one of your prime strategic marketing tools and it is imperative to make maximum use of them when you have the opportunity. You should never make a presentation without giving out at least one handout. These handouts should always be something the attendees want to keep. The more people keep your handouts, the better chance you have of converting them to clients and customers. Your strategic thinking business coach wants you to be a strategic marketer and offers the following tips to maximize the use of your handouts at your presentations. - Ten Tried & True Ways To Irritate Reporters, According To Your PR Doctor
Do you know what really irritates reporters? Many business people are totally uneducated as to how the media works and totally unprepared to deal with the media. And every day those people do things that totally irritate reporters. To help you become aware of and then avoid these irritating behaviors, your PR Doctor and your strategic thinking business coach has listed ten (10) tried and true ways to irritate reporters. - Ten Tips For Writing Successful Business Proposals, From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
There comes a time for businesses when they must submit successful business proposals to gain clients, projects, interviews, potential development rights, etc. And for many businesses, successful business proposals are mandatory for their survival. How many of your proposals get accepted and how many get rejected? Or don’t you keep track of the outcomes? It is interesting to note that most successful businesses have more of their proposals rejected than accepted. Your strategic thinking business coach endorses strategic thinking in the preparation of all business proposals. Here are ten (10) tips from your strategic thinking business coach for writing successful business proposals. - Ten Tips For Strategically Scheduling Your Time, From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
The efficient use of time gives you a real strategic advantage in your business and personal life. And the first step to make efficient use of your time is to have a plan for routine and repetitive tasks, such as checking your email, attending daily, weekly or monthly meetings, returning phone calls, etc. The routine and repetitive tasks and their time slots need to be placed on your calendar before all other items. Then after doing that, you look at determining the best use of the time that remains unfilled. There are many ways to make more efficient use of your time. Your strategic thinking business coach offers the following ten (10) tips for you to be more strategic in scheduling your time. - Ten Survival Strategy Tips For Hostile or Sensitive Media Interviews
Have you ever been interviewed by the media in a hostile or sensitive situation? Did you feel prepared to handle that interview? Do you ever notice or even pay attention to how many times people are embarrassed or made to look foolish or ignorant during tough interviews? Do you realize the positive impacts that can result from a superb performance in those hostile interviews? Well, if you have noticed and do realize the potential benefits of strong interview performance, what have you done about it? If you want to increase your preparedness when coming under fire from the media or when being interviewed on very sensitive subjects, then you might be open to some advice to help you in your future experiences. Your strategic thinking business coach offers the following ten (10) survival strategy tips on handling sensitive and hostile interviews. - Symptoms To Confirm Your Decision To Look For A New Job, From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
I have heard that people leave or fire management, not the company where they worked. And you probably have heard people say they love what they do but hate where they work. There are many things occurring in today's workplaces that are depressing, disruptive, disturbing and dysfunctional. How can you determine when it is time to look for a new job and quit the old job? Your strategic thinking business coach believes there are several symptoms that confirm it is time to leave. Here are ten (10) of those symptoms. - Strategic Actions For A Strategically Structured Succession Planning For Company Leadership
Succession planning is very important to the long-term success of any company. Leadership transitions in business affect the entire organization’s continuity, employee retention, client retention and returns on investment. It is essential to create and implement a process that creates visibility, accountability and greater integration of all facets of the business. The rapidly changing demographics in the workplace, especially the aging baby boomer segment, there is a real challenge to find talent for leadership roles. Companies that are able to respond proactively with strategically developed and implemented effective leadership succession plans are in a superior position in the marketplace and global economies. Your strategic thinking business coach offers the following list of recommended strategic actions to structure a leadership succession planning process. - Strategic Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach To Improve Personal Communications
Personal conversations are one of the most common aspects of our human conversations. Personal conversations are an essential facet in almost every one of our relationships. And one might say that the quality of those relationships is dependent upon our abilities to verbally communicate. Have you ever had any training to help you develop your personal conversational skills? Have you ever wished that you could be a better conversationalist? Do you realize that personal communication skills are one of the most powerful and strategic assets you can possess? People with effective communication skills have a real strategic advantage for business and social success. Your strategic thinking business coach has the following strategic tips to improve personal communications. - Strategic Tips From Strategic Thinking Business Coach To Manage A Multi-Generational Workforce
One of the most impactful current dynamics in today’s workplace is the presence of four (4) generations of workers at the same time, which has increased the level of challenges to manage, retain and recruit a skilled work force. These four generations of American workers are: The Veterans - people born prior to World War II The Baby Boomers - people born between 1946 and 1964 The Generation Xers – people born between 1965 and 1980?The Generation Ys or Boomerangs – children of Baby Boomers, born after 1980 So what can we do to address the challenges of this multigenerational phenomenon? Your strategic thinking business coach offers some strategic tips for managing a multigenerational work force. - Strategic Thinking For A Successful Employee Retention Strategy
Look around you in today's business world. It is no secret that it is becoming more difficult to recruit and retain skilled employees. In fact, one could say that select businesses and industries are desperate or becoming desperate to find people with the needed skills and attitudes. Have you anticipated and responded to the challenge of employee retention? Or are you like too many businesses that do not focus on employee retention until turnover increases. The successful businesses today have a formalized employee retention program as part of their business strategy. They take a proactive approach to prevent unnecessary employee turnover. Your strategic thinking business coach suggests that you use some strategic thinking to develop a successful employee retention strategy. Here are some steps to use in developing such a strategy from your business. - Strategic Marketing Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Being strategic and thinking strategically in developing your marketing plan means you understand the needs and desires of your clients and customers, and you show them how your product/service satisfies those needs. You must know - what value your product or service offers and what benefits it provides; what differentiates you and your product/service from the competition; who are your stakeholders, which may include- your suppliers, your bank, your subcontractors or vendors, your associates, your staff, your clients or customers, and of course the general public; where your clients and customers are located geographically; and what are the most effective distribution channels to deliver your product or service? When developing a strategic marketing plan, your strategic thinking business coach provides the following ten (10) strategic marketing tips. - Strategic Business Greeting Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Do you realize that you only have about 5 seconds to make a positive first impression? And do you understand that the way you approach and greet someone will have a lasting impression on him or her and may set the direction for your future relationship with him or her? Well I hope you answered YES to both questions and are open to some business greeting tips from your strategic thinking business coach. Your strategic thinking business coach offers the following tips on how to gain a strategic advantage when greeting people in a business environment. - Mobile Manners – Cell Phone Etiquette Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Cell phones are all around us every day and they produce numerous experiences of obnoxious behaviors. And to make matters worse, there is an onslaught of new ways to use our cell phones. The annoying behaviors range from annoying ring tones interrupting movies, meetings, and other places to people talking loudly on their cell phones in meetings and public places. So where are the boundaries, the guidelines and the etiquette for cell phone use? Here are ten (10) positive etiquette rules for cell phone users. - Insight Into Incompetence Of Managers And Executives From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
One of the most common topics of conversation in today's workplace is the incompetence of managers and executives. And there does not seem to be any evidence that this subject is going away anytime soon. In addition, the managers and executives are very fearful that their subordinates will discover how really incompetent they are. And again, this fear of being "found out" is actually well founded. What is the magnitude of failure among managers and executives? According to research conducted by Manchester, Inc., a leadership development firm located in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, 4 out of 10 newly promoted managers and executives fail within 18 months of starting their new jobs. In the research, failure was defined as being terminated for performance, performing significantly below expectations or voluntarily resigning from their new position. Think about this – that is a 40 PERCENT FAILURE RATE! Your strategic thinking business coach offers a list of ten (10) top reasons for failure. - How To Strategically Raise Your Warm List To Your Hot List In Five Steps With Strateegic Thinking
How strategic are you in your marketing efforts? Are you using strategic thinking in the development of a strategic marketing plan for your business? Are you still frustrated by having too few "hot list" prospects? My experience indicates that there are too many businesses that are not being very strategic in their marketing and therefore are wasting energy, time, talent and resources. Recently I have read and have been hearing about "warm lists" for prospects. From my perspective, I would rather talk about "hot lists" for prospects. So let's not forget or dismiss the "warm lists," but let's look at how to strategically raise the "warm lists" to "hot lists." And the method to do that involves strategic thinking and planning with the use of your definition of your ideal client profile and a series of questions that may have been used to generate your "warm list" of prospects. Here is a suggested 5 step approach. - Tips On How To Strategically Plan For A Successful Media Conference
A majority of information sent to the media today is through media releases. Another very powerful delivery method is the media conference, where your company spokesperson makes important and newsworthy announcements. Please note the words "important" and "newsworthy." Media conferences provide a great platform to reach multiple reporters at the same time and give wide prominence to your story. It also is critical to remember that there are challenges and risks in planning and conducting media conferences and it is extremely important to strategically plan them. Here are some tips from your strategic thinking business coach to help ensure your media conference will be successful. - How To Strategically Develop Referral Network Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Positive word-of-mouth endorsements, referrals and testimonials are extremely effective and powerful means to help grow your business. And in my experience it seems that solid strategic referrals are the most powerful. Therefore it would behoove you to include the development of a powerful referral network as one of the key elements of you strategic marketing plan. Your strategic thinking business coach heartily endorses developing a strong referral network and offers ten (10) tips on how to do that. The ten (10) tips are- - How To Strategically Develop Your Ideal Client Profile - From Your Strategic Thinking Busines Coach
It seems to me that if one takes the time to strategically think and plan a list of characteristics to define an ideal client and then uses that as a "filter"to evaluate prospects, the probability of success in their marketing efforts would be enhanced over the non-strategic efforts of thinking everyone is a prospect and chasing too many non-productive leads. You are basically spending some time "pre-qualifying" suspects and prospects before you begin your efforts to approach them. The characteristics of the ideal client will also provide information so you can strategically design your marketing message, contact method, call to action and follow-up. This is a very popular and passionate topic with my business coaching clients and I have developed a list of the types of characteristics (which is certainly not meant to be all-inclusive) you may consider in defining the profile of your ideal client. Here is a list from your strategic thinking business coach to assist you in your efforts. - Strategic Tips On How To Strategically Develop Successful Cause-Related Marketing Programs
Cause-related marketing has become a part of strategic marketing plans. Cause-related marketing is an activity where businesses and charities form a partnership with each other to market an image, product or service for mutual benefit. Embracing a cause does make good business sense. A business’s genuine commitment to a worthy cause enhances a company’s image and helps build brand loyalty. Cause-related marketing is a strategic way to highlight a business’s reputation within their target market. Cause-related marketing has the power to be a very positive differentiator from competitors and to realize many benefits. These benefits include increased visibility; increased customer loyalty; enhanced company image; positive media coverage; increased good will; and increased sales. Cause-related marketing also provides an emotional engagement of your client and other stakeholders. Using a strategic thinking approach and more than 35 years of marketing experience, your strategic thinking business coach developed a list of ten (10) tips to follow to develop successful cause-related marketing programs. - How To Recognize Your Ideal Client, Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Do you know how to recognize your ideal client for your business? Do you have any idea of the characteristics of your ideal client? Have you taken time to select criteria you will use to decide whether you will do business with someone or not? The honest answer from too many of you will be NO to these questions. And the sad truth of this is that too many businesses try to be all things to all people and believe that anyone that breathes or has a credit card is a prospect. This approach is definitely not strategic. My suggestion to you is to take a more strategic approach. And this means that you must define your ideal client. What questions might you ask to define your ideal clients? Here are ten (10) questions your strategic thinking business coach suggests you can use to help identify your ideal clients. - How Professional Service Providers Can Break Through Resistance to Requesting Referrals
One of the most powerful strategic marketing tools is referrals. Are you resisting the opportunity to request referrals? If you answered YES you are resisting, why are you resisting? In doing some research on this subject I learned that many, if not most, professional services providers resist because of fear. Strategic marketing principles and experience show that your best source of new business comes from your existing clients. So, if you ignore this fact and permit fear of asking for referrals from your clients, you will be missing a tremendous opportunity. So, what can you do to break through and overcome this resistance? Your strategic thinking business coach has eight (8) suggested "break through" strategies for you to consider. - Critical Qualities To Achieve Credibility, According To Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Achieving or earning credibility is something all of us need to strive for in business and in our personal life. Achieving credibility means gaining the ability to be recognized for one's capabilities and knowledge. In today's business world, credibility is a critical attribute for everyone. There are a number of qualities that need to be mastered in order to achieve credibility. Here are twelve (12) of those critical qualities, according to your strategic thinking business coach. - Your Strategic Tool Kit of Commitments For Success During Radical Change
WOW! What a great time to be alive and to witness the accelerating change and increased complexity in our global world of work. The economy is shifting to a new economy and a new age where jobs are becoming "virtual" and we are conducting business in ways not even dreamed of a few years ago. The economy is moving rapidly toward services and knowledge work. And top management absolutely must realize that the old way of managing is not going to work. We must understand that we will jeopardize our future if we resist change, get angry and hold onto our old ways of doing business. A strategic thinker knows that change brings opportunities. And with the speed and scope of changes we see occurring all around us, we can anticipate many great opportunities at a rapid pace for us personally and for our companies and organizations. Strategic thinkers will choose to identify astounding opportunities, more job freedom and more personal growth. And that is why I am so excited about these changes. I have chosen a set of ten (10) strategic commitments as a strategic tool kit to recommend to you. - Your Strategic Thinking Coach Shares Six Smart Marketing Strategies For Professional Service Firms
Over the past 35 years, I have observed many professional service firms struggle with their marketing efforts. Time after time I would witness a firm spending large sums of money doing the wrong type of marketing to the wrong market segment with the wrong marketing message and with the wrong marketer. And to see failed after failed attempt at marketing. On the other hand, I also got to see some very smart marketing done for the right reasons, to the right markets, with the right message and with the right marketer with very solid results. Too many professionals continue to think that "everyone" is a potential client, rather than selecting a targeted market and niche. The very successful professionals think strategically and use some smart marketing strategies. Here are six smart marketing strategies for professional service firms from your strategic thinking coach. - Your Strategic Thinking Coach's Ten Questions To Diagnose Fear Of Marketing
Whenever I hear complaints about not attracting enough new business, I start asking many questions. As a strategic thinking business coach I need to ask those who complain many questions to find out if there is a fear of marketing that is preventing the growth of their business. In order to determine if this fear exists, I developed ten (10) questions to ask them. The ten questions are: - Your Strategic Thinking Coach's Top Ten Positive Impacts From Coaching
There has been a tremendous growth of interest in coaching during the past ten years and coaching has evolved into a culture in many successful companies and organizations. I believe that in today's business world, individuals and businesses need to view coaching as a dynamic and strategic organizational culture that has great potential for positive impacts for individuals and their businesses. And you may ask why do I believe this is true? I truly believe that the potential of positive impacts from coaching is awesome. And having said that, here is Your Strategic Thinking Coach's selection of the Top Ten positive impacts from coaching. - Your Strategic Thinking Coach's List of Ten Key Components of Effective Strategic Alliances
Let me start by defining strategic alliance. A strategic alliance is a partnership, a collaborative agreement and/or a relationship between two or more companies or organizations formed to pursue a set of agreed upon goals while remaining independent companies or organizations. Strategic alliances exist in a variety of shapes and sizes and include a wide range of scopes of cooperation levels. Strategic alliances usually are most effective when the entities involved have complementary strengths. What makes a strategic alliance effective? What are the key components of effective strategic alliances? Here is my list of ten (10) key components of an effective strategic alliance. - Your PR Doctor's Tips for Getting Media Attention on Radio
One of your "PR Doctor's" favorite public relations elements in an integrated marketing communications plan is talk radio. Talk radio provides opportunities for profit and non-profit organizations to gain extended exposure in an interview format. And there are many opportunities that exist in communities around the United States to capitalize on this media offering. And many times these radio stations are very eager to find new people to interview about new and interesting subjects.Many radio stations have public affairs programs that are prerecorded and then aired on weekend mornings, particularly Sunday. These programs provide an opportunity for you to have your spokesperson and your message in an uninterrupted format or in discussion with others who have similar causes, interests or issues. Here are 10 tips for getting your company or organization's message on radio. - Your Business Coach's Top 10 Tips on How to Demonstrate Respect Where You Work & While You Work
Every one of us needs respect. And this is true at home and at work. In most, if not all, of the focus groups I have facilitated over the past fifteen years, the lack of respect is identified as a critical issue in the workplace. We know when we have respect and we know when we don't have respect. Whenever I hear the word respect, I am always connected to Aretha Franklin singing, "R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find out what it means to me." People in today's workplace are literally crying out for respect for who they are, for what they do and for what value they bring to the organization. There are some simple and very powerful actions to demonstrate respect. Here is a top ten (10) list of tips from your business coach on how to demonstrate respect. - Working A Room – The Top Ten Tips, From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
"WOW!" That is just one word that comes to mind when I walk into a business function room and there are many people I already know, but many more people whom I have never met. And I envision the many new opportunities that exist in that room for contacts and connections, and maybe even some new friends. And as a strategic thinking business coach I also know that WOW is the last word some of you will think of when facing this situation. The words might be "OH NO!" So I decided to write this article to address both reactions. It is true that working a room is a combination of an art and a science of managing how you mingle and how you become a savvy networker. It is an art because it involves having charm, confidence, creativity and chutzpah. It is also a science because it involves developing clear focused vision, goals, strategies and follow-up actions. - Why Business Coaching? Why Me? And Why Now?
Business coaching is now being used in more and more businesses and organizations. There is a growing body of research that is indicating some evidence that supports business coaching and its positive results. Benefits are being realized by individuals and by the companies using business coaches. Some of the major benefits are being seen in financial performance, development and retention of executives and in internal communications. - Where is the "U" In Accountability In Today's World?
Do you know where the you ("U") is in accountability in your company or organization? Does your organization struggle with accountability as an issue in the workplace today? Is there a culture at your company that holds everyone accountable? What is accountability? A straightforward definition could be: being responsible for one’s activities, conduct and performance of responsibilities. Based upon my life experiences and my business coaching and consulting work, I can tell you that accountability, and the lack thereof, is one of the major issues in business (and life) today. So why is accountability ignored or not held seriously enough and what are the consequences of not holding people accountable? Here are a few thoughts. - A Good Recipe For An Ad to Produce Higher Yields? A Bakers Dozen Ingredients For Effective Ads!
What ingredients make an effective ad that produces higher yields? After thinking about this, I thought of thirteen (a bakers dozen for the non-bakers in the audience) essential ingredients for an effective high yielding ad. Here are the thirteen ingredients. - What I Learned From Coach Vince Lombardi That Guides Me in My Business Coaching
Coach Lombardi believed that running a football team was no different than running any other kind of organization or business. He believed that you have to be smart to be number one in any business and more importantly you have to play with your heart and every fiber of your body. Vince Lombardi believed that people deep down in their hearts, appreciate discipline and competition and emphasized that the objective is to win fairly, squarely, by the rules. The most impactful book I ever read about Coach Lombardi is "When Pride Still Mattered A Life of Vince Lombardi" by David Maraniss. After reading the book, I knew the time was NOW to really put the "lessons learned" from Coach Lombardi into my business coaching practice, as well as recommit to them in my personal life. I selected 10 key character traits and 2 quotes from Coach Lombardi for each trait to represent the lesson learned from each character item. - Strategic Thinking To Media Visibility - A Healthy Media Visibility Prescription From Your PR Doctor
Are you getting your name, photo and the name of your business in the newspapers and professional publications? Or are you reading stories about your competition all the time? Do you have a dismal record of getting articles published? How healthy is your media visibility? It is critical to understand that the media is not in business to promote you or your business. The media’s role is to produce articles of interest to their readers. That means you need to provide interesting and relevant information to the journalists so they will want to publish your article. Here is a prescription from your PR Doctor on how to gain healthy media visibility. - Twelve Strategic Thinking Steps For Effective Change Management In Your Career
It seems there are more and more articles, surveys, reports and stories about changing careers and particularly among people above 50 years of age. This is becoming very true among the "baby boomers" that started turning 50 back in 1996. And it is interesting to observe that more and more of these 50 years old and older people are switching careers and starting over, but this time at jobs they love and have a passion to do. t is not very easy to manage such a career change and in my business coaching practice, I have worked with people who have switched careers successfully in their 50s, 60s and above. The principles of managing change are very powerful in making an effective career change. Here are 12 strategic steps for effective change management for a career. - Twelve Major Benefits For Being Well Organized, According To Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Recently I have been coaching more and more clients on organizational skills because they now understand the importance of being well organized. Let me ask you, "Have you ever paused long enough to ask yourself how you could benefit from being better organized?" There are many benefits for being well organized and I have selected twelve (12) major benefits to share with you. These twelve (12) major benefits are- - Twelve Causes For Small Business Failures, According To Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
On a regular basis I meet or am contacted by someone who wants to start his or her own business. Typically the person has specific skills and experience in a specific industry, but lacks business management experience and self-employment experience. The vast majority of them are in fact totally naïve about how business really works. - Twelve Strategic Ways To Improve And Maintain Strong Healthy Client Relationships
How would you describe the current health of your client relationships? Extremely healthy and fit? Just okay or average? Poor health? Critically ill? On life support? When was the last time your client relationships and your client relationship program had a review? Could you and your company benefit from improvements in your existing client relationships? These are critical questions in today’s world of business. For the purpose of this article, I am going to presume that most readers will admit to stating they could benefit from improved client relationships. And with that in mind, I want to share twelve (12) strategic ways to improve and maintain strong healthy client relationships, according to Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach. - 12 Strategic "Grow Goals" To Grow Your Business, According To Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Any time is a good time to think about how to grow your business. The last month of your calendar year or fiscal year is a very good time to think about and plan for the growth of your business. Companies need to think strategically about the coming year and what "grow goals" they should establish to grow their business. For the purpose of this article, I am going to presume that you are near the end of your fiscal year or your calendar year and are ready to plan for the growth of your business in the coming year. And with that in mind, I want to share twelve (12) strategic "grow goals" to grow your business in the year ahead. - Twelve Essential Characteristics of MVP (Most Valuable Performing) Leaders
We often hear some people referred to as leaders. And sometimes they are called great leaders. What makes a leader or great leader? What are the essential characteristics of those leaders that are the most valuable performers? I did some research and also did some recollecting of my own experiences with some great leaders and developed what I believe to be the 12 essential characteristics of MVP leaders. - Top 10 Reasons Strategic Planning Meetings Fail - From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Strategic planning is an awesome and powerful process that sometimes gets a bad rap because of some bad experiences people have had when engaging in some form of strategic planning meetings. Many times the combination of personal agendas, absence of open minds, and preconceived judgments about the strategic planning process can turn strategic planning meetings into real disasters. And frankly, there are many reasons why so many strategic planning meetings are unsuccessful. Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach has developed a list of the top 10 reasons why strategic planning meetings fail. And the Top Ten Reasons are- - Your PR Doctor's Ten Top Reasons To Tell You It's Time To Hire A Publicist or Public Relations Firm
Today’s businesses and business professionals wonder how they can possibly know if they need to hire a publicist or a public relations firm. Obviously there are many factors to consider when making this decision. To provide some guidance to businesses, here are ten top reasons that provide confirmation you need to hire a publicist or PR firm. - Ten Top Benefits of Strategic Thinking and Planning For Business and Not For Profit Organizations
What are the real benefits of strategic thinking and planning for business for a not for profit organization? This is one of the most frequently asked questions I have encountered in more than 30 years of work in strategic planning endeavors. In preparing to write this article I reflected on those years of experience and chose what I believe to be ten top benefits of strategic thinking and planning. These are not listed in a priority order. - Top Ten Tips To effectively Work With Policy Makers
We are sometimes called on to work with policy makers in a variety of organizations we are associated with in our personal, business and volunteer lives. Working with these policy makers can be very rewarding and can be very frustrating. Since 1970 I have been working with policy makers at all levels of government, non-profits, businesses, institutions and other organizations. And from the experience of those years, I developed a list of the top 10 tips to effectively work with policy makers. I have summarized those tips below- - Thirteen Tips For Entrepreneurs When Making Oral Presentations to Investors
Let's say that as an entrepreneur you have decided you need to seek investors for your business venture and you now have the opportunity to make oral presentations to potential investors. In order to capitalize on your opportunity, you want to and need to make the most effective presentation possible. - Time - Is It Our Enemy or Our Friend? Choosing Time as A Friend - Some Strategic Coaching Advice
It is probably safe to say that many, if not most, people struggle with the management of their time. Time is priceless and we each are allotted the same 24 hours each day. However, it seems there is an eternal struggle with the clock and that we are very challenged in trying to mange out time. The sense of pressure and constant urgency at home, at work, and elsewhere in our daily lives leads to us believing that there is simply never enough time. So what can we do? How can we deal with this conflict and choose time as a friend? Succinctly expressed, It would mean that we make peace with time and declare time our friend. Here are seven (7) suggestions - Thirteen Thoughtful, Tried and True Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs
Do you know any successful entrepreneurs? What do you believe are the characteristics that are common among the successful men and women who start and succeed in their own businesses? Here are thirteen thoughtful, tried and true characteristics that I believe define the successful entrepreneur. - The Top Ten Public Relations Errors That Are Hazardous To The Health Of Your Media Relations
Developing and maintaining strong healthy media relations and positive media coverage is a real challenge. Today we have a very competitive and a 24/7 information overload news environment. Your "PR Doctor" and other professionals must adapt to the increasing importance of electronic communications and related technologies to remain professional and competitive. And strategic thinking and processes to manage PR programs and campaigns have become essential. - The Top Ten Benefits Of An E-Newsletter
Much research has been done to indicate the benefits of e-newsletters. Obviously it is more cost effective to grow your business by increasing revenue and referrals from existing clients than in pursuing new clients. And a subscriber list of your business relationships is on very valuable asset for your business. So what are the top ten benefits of an e-newsletter for your company? As a strategic thinking business coach, I would list the following as the top ten benefits of e-newsletters. - The Top Ten Traits Of A MVP (Most Valued Professional) Business Coach
We know that there are many business coaches out there in the marketplace. But what sets the high performance, or what I call the MVP (Most Valued Professional) Business Coach, apart from the good or average business coach? From my personal research and experiences, I believe that these MVP business coaches have a top ten set of traits that really distinguishes them from the average business coach. In my opinion, the top ten traits of a MVP Business Coach are - The State of Customer Service or Disservice in The U.S. – Awesome, Adequate or Abysmal?
Many companies are touting world class, first class, and/or high quality customer service today. However, as a strategic thinking business coach, I wonder about the true state of customer service in the U.S. What is the real level of customer service being delivered – is it Awesome, Adequate or Abysmal? So, what is the "state of customer service" in the U.S.? I found a source of information to help answer that question in survey results released by Accenture, the giant consulting firm. Some highlights from the Fall, 2006 results include - The Power of Questions
As a business coach and a multi-disciplinary consulting professional, I totally believe that questions have awesome power. Since 1982 when I started my professional consulting practices, I have used the power of questions. Questions have the potential to be one of the most effective communication tools available. One of my most effective and powerful techniques I use in my consulting and coaching practices is asking many questions. - The Importance and Awesome Power of Project Management in Today's Business Environment
Why is project management important and what awesome power exists with project management in today's business environment? The first reasons that come to my mind about why project management is important (based upon more than 35 years of my personal project management experience), are tighter budgets, diminishing resources, more and more time constraints, and competition to improve the ways we do business. The awesome power of project management makes it possible to focus on priorities, track and measure performance, overcome challenges and problems, become flexible enough to adapt to change and achieve higher performance and a higher probability of success in each project. - The Awesome Power Of To-Do Lists
The power of TO-DO lists can be truly awesome when used properly. Personally, I have witnessed and realized the awesome power for more than 35 years in my professional career. Are you using TO-DO lists in your professional and personal life? Do you know the power of TO-DO lists? I can imagine there are many readers who have not used these lists or have tried to use them and not used them properly. Based upon my experience and observations, here are ten (10) powers gained through the use of TO-DO lists. - The Business of Business Manners at Meetings
In addition to a lack of business ethics today, there is also a lack of business manners. I have chosen to focus on business manners at meetings for this article. Business manners are essential to build relationships in today's business world. People, who present themselves very favorably, will maximize their business potential. I must tell you that I am very passionate about business manners and believe very strongly in the results that follow the use of good business manners. The potential for negative impacts is considerable in business meetings. Improve your business meeting etiquette and you will witness positive results in such forms as attentiveness, comfort, clear communications, and trust. Let's look at a few tips to ensure good business manners at your meetings, both the informal and the formal meetings. - Ten Effective Ideas For Maintaining TOMA (Top Of Mind Awareness) With Your Clients
So you have clients and you want to keep and continually serve them. Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach wants to remind you that it is always in your best interest to maintain TOMA (Top Of Mind Awareness) with your clients if you want to keep them. It has been my experience that satisfied clients usually welcome frequent contact (let's say once a month) from businesses that have delivered superior, value added service in the recent past. I have also found that the frequent communications will reinforce the bond you have with your client, renew or refresh their positive feelings about you and keep you and your company "on their mind." - Ten Confessed Marketing Sins From Clients To Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
Business coaches need to be excellent listeners and hearers. During business coaching sessions, considerable time is spent with the coach asking questions and then listening to responses from those people being coached. And what business coaches hear many times are client confessions of what they have not been doing or what they have not been doing very well. Marketing is a major topic of business coaching sessions. And the discussions definitely include confessions of what clients are not dong or dong wrong in their marketing efforts. Reflecting on what confessions I have heard over many years of business coaching, here are ten of the top confessed marketing sins from clients to Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach. - Ten Tips For Making Effective Calls To Your Prospects
Competition in business today is keen and those in business need to seek a competitive edge whenever possible. A strategic approach to making calls to your prospects is one area to gain a competitive advantage. With that in mind, I chose to use some strategic thinking skills to develop a list of ten top tips for making effective calls to your business prospects. Those top ten tips are - Ten Strategic Tips For An Effective Internet Marketing Strategy
Attention business owners and marketers! Please read the next sentence very carefully to make sure you get the message. Business-to-business (B2B) Internet marketing strategy and tactics have been reinventing themselves and are changing. The B2B consumer is now more demanding when it comes to your online information. I believe it is safe to say that the Internet is the most powerful business communication system in the world today. So, accepting that as true, here are ten (10) strategic tips for you to use to ensure an effective Internet marketing strategy for you and your business. - Strategic Alliances and Their Powerful Benefits
A strategic alliance is a partnership, a collaborative agreement and-or a relationship between two or more companies or organizations formed to pursue a set of agreed upon goals while remaining independent companies or organizations. Strategic alliances exist in a variety of shapes and sizes and include a wide range of scopes of cooperation levels. Strategic alliances usually are most effective when the entities involved have complementary strengths - Stop Resisting and Start Reaping The Rewards of Referrals
Recently I was asked to provide some expert advice on networking for introverts and I did so in an article entitled, "Networking Tips for Introverts or How to Break The Ice Without Fear of Falling Through." After completing the article, I thought about the similarity between the introvert's fear of networking and the fear and resistance of business people to ask for referrals. Over the past 25 years in my private consulting practices, I have observed that many, if not most, professionals are uncomfortable and resistant to requesting referrals from colleagues, clients, business associates, et al. There appears to be some psychological fear in their minds of what might happen if a request for referral is made. My own observations along those lines are that usually the worst thing that happens is someone declines the request. And maybe that is more than many people can handle since it is seen as rejection.
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