Implementing small changes can make big differences. Baby steps can lead to bigger goals. That’s the whole idea behind Caroline Arnold’s book “Small Move, Big Change: Using Microresolutions to Transform Your Life Permanently.” She suggests using “microresolutions” to kickstart change and higher productivity. Here are a few of her recommendations in her own words: Resolve …
Tighten your writing – The Sunday Snippet – [4.13.14]
How to make every word count in your writing. If you want people to absorb and act on what you write, whether it be a report, memo, or email – it must be short and every word must count. Here are three ways to trim your writing and say what you want in fewer words: Refine …
What success looks like: using personas to sell – The Sunday Snippet – [4.6.13]
Using personas to sell: How to identify and visualize your ideal clients and customers. My friend and sales pro Brad Roderick recently wrote an article for ENX Magazine on how to create marketing personas to better reach and convert clients and customers. Brad has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years and is …
Next play – The Sunday Snippet – [3.30.14]
Commiserate. Celebrate. Move on. The Final Four teams for the NCAA Basketball Championship are being decided this weekend and this post from a couple of years ago seemed timely. Duke was bounced early from the tournament, but the lesson is a good one. Duke’s coach Mike Krzyzewski has won more games than any other men’s …
Increasing the urgency – The Sunday Snippet – [3.23.14]
A sense of urgency motivates. Here’s how to do it right. Moving people to take action can be a challenge. Calendars and to-do lists are full. Time is short and distractions are everywhere. Whether you are selling, leading or serving, at some point you need to move a person from understanding what needs to be …
What do you think? – The Sunday Snippet – [3.16.14]
Why these are four of the most important words in business. When you’re in a leadership role and expected to be decisive and firm it can sometimes narrow your thinking. And the natural instinct is to assert your authority and maintain it. Control tactics and narrowed thinking can also occur in teams and organizations: “We’re …
Give it to me straight – The Sunday Snippet – [3.9.14]
Candid and constructive feedback is difficult to deliver to family, friends and co-workers. Pointing out a shortcoming or area of improvement can feel mean and rude. But it’s not. It’s compassionate. Above all, it’s helpful. How else can we know about our blind spots unless someone tells us about them? Providing honest and direct feedback shows …
The power of a smile – The Sunday Snippet – [3.2.14]
Smiling is an easy way to lower stress and improve performance, plus the price is right. If you remember the TV show Fantasy Island from the 70’s and 80’s, you probably recall Mr. Roarke’s famous line at the beginning of each show as new guests arrived at the island: “Smiles, everyone, smiles!” Mr. Roarke knew …
Start a sales conversation – The Sunday Snippet – [2.23.14]
Start conversations instead of pitching. It’s simple and it works. The hard sell is still alive and well, unfortunately. Many companies and their people still think that the best way to gain new business is to lead with a sale pitch. This ham-handed approach is a common one: Describe your offering and benefits as quickly …
Bacon and business – The Sunday Snippet – [2.16.16]
Why breakfast meetings bring business. Mornings can be busy and challenging. Commutes, kids, carpool, and simple fatigue or dread (if you’re not a morning person) can turn mornings into messes. But breakfast can be an excellent time to do business. And there is some correlation to being a morning person and being successful. I find …