30-SECOND
INSPIRATION
Growth is a process. I like the idea of 30-second inspirations because they're bite-sized ideas, and maybe even insights, that you can apply today. Something you can try on and hold yourself too as it's helpful.
Question: I attend a lot of networking events and am never quite sure of how best to present myself in my 30 second pitch. Can you help?
January 27, 2017
What you really do not want is a canned memorized speech. Ugh. The goal is to be totally clear about what you bring to your clients and customers, and to be so in LOVE with what you do, that the words roll off your tongue. You want to be engaging, not boring. It needs to be about you and your passion. If someone else in your business could give the same pitch don’t say it.
Here is what people really want to know… “what can you do for me?” Listen for that unasked question and answer it with what you will provide, not what you do. Here you need to be specific about how your business will help them. When you are specific you will engage in meaningful conversation. This is a conversation which builds relationships and moves you towards a sale. What will you do today to prepare for your next 30-second pitch?
The "I'm Irreplaceable (and stuck)" Syndrome
January 21, 2017
It's very common for high-performers and especially business owners to feel irreplaceable. After all, they started the business and are driving success. Perhaps the most important question to ask yourself is: If you leave the business, what happens to it? It’s never too late to set your business up as if you were going to sell it. All of your decisions need to be focused on building value in your company. Here are five factors that will make your company appealing to an outsider.
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a healthy income stream
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a profit after all costs and overhead are paid out
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a proven marketing plan that produces consistent sales
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a strong and diversified client/customer base
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an organized, efficient work-flow system
If the business relies solely on you how much less valuable can you imagine it will be? It’s nice to feel irreplaceable but it will hurt the value of your business when you are ready to sell.
Question: I have an employee who is doing a terrific job. I want to give him a raise but it’s just not in the budget right now. How do I keep him motivated and happy?
January 06, 2017
Cash rewards can be terrific and greatly appreciated, but are not the only way to reward a team member…and in some cases, not even the most effective way. There are other, proven ways that don’t cost money.
Public praise is one of the best rewards. Money cannot buy the power that public praise bestows. Be careful here; ask your employee how he/she likes to be honored. Some really are embarrassed by public praise, ask first. Praise results in increased self-confidence, self esteem, peer respect, and a heightened sense of personal value to the company.
Another non-monetary reward is to allow team members to set their own work schedule. They decide when to take breaks, lunch, etc., and for how long. You allow them to work to a flexible schedule … provided they put in the minimum required hours. They’ll gain a sense of importance and increased value and will rarely abuse the trust placed in them.
You may also reward them with participation in a special task force or focus group. This added prestige and stimulation can go a long way in maintaining enthusiasm and loyalty