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Monday Morning Motivators – September 18, 2006 ============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal."
--Hannah More
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean and Solving the Problem – Linda Fayerweather
2. Making the Most of Media Deadlines - Rebecca Booth
3. Don’t Shrug Off Chance Encounters - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean and Solving the Problem
============================================================
How to solve a problem reminds me of untangling the garden hose. It is always getting kinked, twisted and knotted but eventually will deliver the water. Once, I actually went out and bought a new one and threw the old one out hoping it would be kink free. So, take a deep breath and try this 7-Step Problem-Solving Model for serious problems.
-------------------------cut & keep--------
1. Describe the Problem
2. Describe the Current Process
3. Identify Root Causes
4. Develop a Solution and Action Plan
5. Implement the Solution
6. Review and Evaluate the Results
7. Reflect and Act on Learnings
-------------------------------------------
When faced with a problem from a unique employee or a failed process, often we miss steps 1, 2, 3 and go directly to number 4 and forget that implementing the solution must be followed by evaluation and reflection to maximize success. At least I have the winter to contemplate the root cause of my garden hose dilemma.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Making the Most of Media Deadlines
============================================================
Did you know that the best day for your press release to arrive is between Tuesday and Thursday? Monday is everybody’s busiest day and Friday through the weekend there are fewer staffers working at most media outlets.
Here are some basic rules of thumb on the type of lead time the following media need:
• Magazines – allow 3-4 months minimum; 5-6 months is ideal
• Daily or Weekly Newspapers – 2-3 weeks minimum for non-breaking news
• Radio – 1-2 weeks minimum, 3+ weeks if it is a major media event
• TV – 2-3 weeks minimum; 3+ weeks if it is a major media event
Remember, you will have a love/hate relationship with the press – they love you when there’s a crisis at your place of business, they hate you when you’re trying to push a story. So the best way to bridge the gap is to play by their rules. Make sure your releases are newsworthy, arrive on time and answer Who, What, Where, When, Why and How!
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing GoddessImagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Don’t Shrug Off Chance Encounters
===========================================================
Be aware of the value of important chance encounters. Most people don't take advantage of meeting or running into someone they haven't seen in a long time. Instead of believing they crossed paths for a reason, most people shrug off chance encounters as just a coincidence. Even if it is a coincidence, take advantage of it!
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday, September 25, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
Lean and Value Mapping
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – September 18, 2006 ============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.”--Doug Horton
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean and Mapping Value – Linda Fayerweather
2. More on PR – Rebecca Booth
3. First Impressions are Lasting - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean and Mapping Value
============================================================
Every since I was a kid I have played with maps and today we are going to start
making treasure maps for your business. A value stream map uses simple graphics
or icons to show the sequence and movement of information materials and actions in
your company’s value stream. Start a map by asking employees to individually map
a value stream prior to meeting. By comparing ideas, a more accurate map will be developed.
Here are some tips to get started:
1. Don’t work from memory; observe the process in action.
2. Make observations of what is happening not judgments.
3. Use Post-it® notes and a wall to start the map as these can easily be rearranged. Use pictures and symbols to be brief.
4. Identify all activities and materials used that do not add value to the customer.
5. Identify all the storage locations of materials and resources.
6. Time the meeting so this mapping will not get lost in chit-chat.
Once the group feels they have mapped the process, they will ask others that are in the process to review the map to make sure you have not missed an activity. A good map will help you find the treasure of satisfied customers, less waste and more profit.
If you are ready to get started and need some symbol ideas, you can download value stream icons here: Icons
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. More on PR
============================================================
Writing a press release is easy if you follow these few simple rules:
1. Use an “inverted pyramid” style in your lead paragraph. This is what
newspapers/magazines do to entice the reader. The majority of the subject is
featured in this graph. Here’s an example:
The 10th Annual WEN Business Conference is slated for Friday, September 22, 2006
at the Dana Conference Center in Toledo, Ohio. The event features 12 educational
workshops and two keynote speakers including Scott Ginsberg, The Nametag Guy
and Gail Goodman, CEO of Constant Contact. Cost for the event is $99 WEN
members and $149 nonmembers.
2. Make sure you cover Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. How is frequently
overlooked in press releases and it’s the most important. Think of it as “how to get in touch
with you” for more information! By the way, that was a shameless plug for the WEN
Conference! If you’re in the Toledo area and would like to more information on the
conference simply click this link: www.wen-usa.com.
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. First Impressions are Lasting!
===========================================================
Be aware of the signals you send out by simply entering a room. Ask yourself this
simple question; "If I were to see me walk into a room, would I want to do business
with me?" Are you confident? Are you professional? Are you sloppy? Are you
loud and obnoxious? As the old saying goes, "You don't have a second chance
to make a good first impression!
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday Morning Motivators – September 18, 2006 ============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.”--Doug Horton
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean and Mapping Value – Linda Fayerweather
2. More on PR – Rebecca Booth
3. First Impressions are Lasting - John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean and Mapping Value
============================================================
Every since I was a kid I have played with maps and today we are going to start
making treasure maps for your business. A value stream map uses simple graphics
or icons to show the sequence and movement of information materials and actions in
your company’s value stream. Start a map by asking employees to individually map
a value stream prior to meeting. By comparing ideas, a more accurate map will be developed.
Here are some tips to get started:
1. Don’t work from memory; observe the process in action.
2. Make observations of what is happening not judgments.
3. Use Post-it® notes and a wall to start the map as these can easily be rearranged. Use pictures and symbols to be brief.
4. Identify all activities and materials used that do not add value to the customer.
5. Identify all the storage locations of materials and resources.
6. Time the meeting so this mapping will not get lost in chit-chat.
Once the group feels they have mapped the process, they will ask others that are in the process to review the map to make sure you have not missed an activity. A good map will help you find the treasure of satisfied customers, less waste and more profit.
If you are ready to get started and need some symbol ideas, you can download value stream icons here: Icons
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. More on PR
============================================================
Writing a press release is easy if you follow these few simple rules:
1. Use an “inverted pyramid” style in your lead paragraph. This is what
newspapers/magazines do to entice the reader. The majority of the subject is
featured in this graph. Here’s an example:
The 10th Annual WEN Business Conference is slated for Friday, September 22, 2006
at the Dana Conference Center in Toledo, Ohio. The event features 12 educational
workshops and two keynote speakers including Scott Ginsberg, The Nametag Guy
and Gail Goodman, CEO of Constant Contact. Cost for the event is $99 WEN
members and $149 nonmembers.
2. Make sure you cover Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. How is frequently
overlooked in press releases and it’s the most important. Think of it as “how to get in touch
with you” for more information! By the way, that was a shameless plug for the WEN
Conference! If you’re in the Toledo area and would like to more information on the
conference simply click this link: www.wen-usa.com.
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. First Impressions are Lasting!
===========================================================
Be aware of the signals you send out by simply entering a room. Ask yourself this
simple question; "If I were to see me walk into a room, would I want to do business
with me?" Are you confident? Are you professional? Are you sloppy? Are you
loud and obnoxious? As the old saying goes, "You don't have a second chance
to make a good first impression!
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday, September 11, 2006
Lean and Values
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – September 11, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“A merchant who approaches business with the idea of serving the public well has nothing to fear from the competition.’
--James Cash Penney
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean and Values – Linda Fayerweather
2. Defining Newsworthy – Rebecca Booth
3. On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!– John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean and Values
============================================================
Looking at the value stream of your business refers to all the activities your company must do to design, order, produce, and deliver its products or services to customers. A value stream will have three sections:
1. The flow of all materials from beginning to customer;
2. How the raw materials or knowledge is transformed into finished products; and
3. The flow of information that supports the two above.
Because this often sounds bewildering, value stream maps are created in companies to help everyone identify how their work affects the experience of the customer. Building a value stream map is often the first step a company will do that wants to develop an overall lean-initiative. Creating a value stream map also provides a visual interpretation of the work to be done. Once done, this process will eliminate the need to ever hear again “are we on the same page?” because now, we will have a map of how our business is delivered to our customer. Next week we will build some maps to help you change lanes to a lean business.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Defining Newsworthy
============================================================
We all know that press releases are a “free” way of getting publicity for your company, but what most people don’t know is that it does come with a steep pricetag, if it’s not done right. The price: loss of credibility if you’re not sending newsworthy stories to the press. Here is a listing of appropriate press release topics:
• Changes in your company
• Awards won
• Significant special events – 20th anniversary, sponsorship of a memorial run
• Remarkable business trends
• Human interest stories on service work – especially those involving kids, animals or how the “little guy wins”
• Novel or quirky happenings
• New products
• New facilities
• Events with local-national or global ties
• Solutions to problems
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!
===========================================================
The best antidote for fear is to prepare well then blast out of the starting gate. Successful networkers are not necessarily fearless, they're just not afraid to get out of their comfort zone. Know what you want, figure out how to get and go after it! Will Rogers once said, "You may be on the right track, but if you're just sitting there you'll get run over!"
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday Morning Motivators – September 11, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“A merchant who approaches business with the idea of serving the public well has nothing to fear from the competition.’
--James Cash Penney
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean and Values – Linda Fayerweather
2. Defining Newsworthy – Rebecca Booth
3. On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!– John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean and Values
============================================================
Looking at the value stream of your business refers to all the activities your company must do to design, order, produce, and deliver its products or services to customers. A value stream will have three sections:
1. The flow of all materials from beginning to customer;
2. How the raw materials or knowledge is transformed into finished products; and
3. The flow of information that supports the two above.
Because this often sounds bewildering, value stream maps are created in companies to help everyone identify how their work affects the experience of the customer. Building a value stream map is often the first step a company will do that wants to develop an overall lean-initiative. Creating a value stream map also provides a visual interpretation of the work to be done. Once done, this process will eliminate the need to ever hear again “are we on the same page?” because now, we will have a map of how our business is delivered to our customer. Next week we will build some maps to help you change lanes to a lean business.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Defining Newsworthy
============================================================
We all know that press releases are a “free” way of getting publicity for your company, but what most people don’t know is that it does come with a steep pricetag, if it’s not done right. The price: loss of credibility if you’re not sending newsworthy stories to the press. Here is a listing of appropriate press release topics:
• Changes in your company
• Awards won
• Significant special events – 20th anniversary, sponsorship of a memorial run
• Remarkable business trends
• Human interest stories on service work – especially those involving kids, animals or how the “little guy wins”
• Novel or quirky happenings
• New products
• New facilities
• Events with local-national or global ties
• Solutions to problems
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!
===========================================================
The best antidote for fear is to prepare well then blast out of the starting gate. Successful networkers are not necessarily fearless, they're just not afraid to get out of their comfort zone. Know what you want, figure out how to get and go after it! Will Rogers once said, "You may be on the right track, but if you're just sitting there you'll get run over!"
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Lean and Vocabulary
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – September 5, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“When you meet people, show real appreciation, then genuine curiosity.”
--Martha Beck
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean and Vocabulary – Linda Fayerweather
2. Marketing to Men – Rebecca Booth
3. Don’t Shrug off Chance Encounters – John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean and Vocabulary
============================================================
School has started here in Ohio which always draws me to the school supply section of any store. This year, chanting the Japanese word “Muda” is my key to saving money and being lean when shopping for supplies. Muda is Japanese for waste and it is the opposite of Lean. Anything in your business that doesn’t add value to the customer can be seen as Muda which leads me back to school supplies. If a particular supply will save me time it could be a good choice. My job is to translate that time savings to my customer. Will I be able to provide better service? Will I be able to give a better price? Will I be able to provide a better product? Keeping these thoughts in mind helps me eliminate muda and I recognize when a purchase is really a toy.
Over the next few weeks we will be discussing the vocabulary of Lean. I promise no Pop Quiz, but look for some new definitions to help you create a lean mean profit machine.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Marketing to Men
============================================================
A few months ago, I shared pointers on marketing to women because they make 80% of all buying decisions within a household. Interestingly, this weeks’ BusinessWeek (9/4/06) has “revealed” the Secrets of the Male Shopper. They split the male shopper into these 5 groups:
1) The Metrosexual – an affluent urban sophisticate who’s between the age of 20-50. He believes shopping is an art and likes upscale things like men’s grooming products.
2) The Retrosexual – a pure traditionalist who rejects feminism and is happy to flaunt traditional male behavior. He wants things the way they were done in the “good old days.”
3) The Maturiteen – a teen with a penchant for technology. He does so much research on the net that he becomes the “in-house shopping consultant.”
4) The Modern Man – neither retro nor metro, he’s a sophisticated consumer in his 20s and 30s who’s a bigger shopper than his day but just as much of a football nut.
5) The Dad – probably the most ignored group of all men! Unfortunately, they’re getting stereotyped as the goofy father looking for advice on how to be cool, yet these men tend to be at the peak of their earning years, so to ignore them is a mistake!
To find out more about marketing to the male shopper, visit BusinessWeek online at: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/toc/06_36/B3999magazine.htm
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Don’t Shrug off Chance Encounters
===========================================================
Be aware of the value of important chance encounters. Most people don't take advantage of meeting or running into someone they haven't seen in a long time. Instead of believing they crossed paths for a reason, most people shrug off chance encounters as just a coincidence. Even if it is a coincidence, take advantage of it!
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
Monday Morning Motivators – September 5, 2006
============================================================
Espresso business tips are designed to "caffeinate" your mind while your java
gets you going. Subscribing and Unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“When you meet people, show real appreciation, then genuine curiosity.”
--Martha Beck
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Lean and Vocabulary – Linda Fayerweather
2. Marketing to Men – Rebecca Booth
3. Don’t Shrug off Chance Encounters – John Meyer
4. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Lean and Vocabulary
============================================================
School has started here in Ohio which always draws me to the school supply section of any store. This year, chanting the Japanese word “Muda” is my key to saving money and being lean when shopping for supplies. Muda is Japanese for waste and it is the opposite of Lean. Anything in your business that doesn’t add value to the customer can be seen as Muda which leads me back to school supplies. If a particular supply will save me time it could be a good choice. My job is to translate that time savings to my customer. Will I be able to provide better service? Will I be able to give a better price? Will I be able to provide a better product? Keeping these thoughts in mind helps me eliminate muda and I recognize when a purchase is really a toy.
Over the next few weeks we will be discussing the vocabulary of Lean. I promise no Pop Quiz, but look for some new definitions to help you create a lean mean profit machine.
Copyright 2006 Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Marketing to Men
============================================================
A few months ago, I shared pointers on marketing to women because they make 80% of all buying decisions within a household. Interestingly, this weeks’ BusinessWeek (9/4/06) has “revealed” the Secrets of the Male Shopper. They split the male shopper into these 5 groups:
1) The Metrosexual – an affluent urban sophisticate who’s between the age of 20-50. He believes shopping is an art and likes upscale things like men’s grooming products.
2) The Retrosexual – a pure traditionalist who rejects feminism and is happy to flaunt traditional male behavior. He wants things the way they were done in the “good old days.”
3) The Maturiteen – a teen with a penchant for technology. He does so much research on the net that he becomes the “in-house shopping consultant.”
4) The Modern Man – neither retro nor metro, he’s a sophisticated consumer in his 20s and 30s who’s a bigger shopper than his day but just as much of a football nut.
5) The Dad – probably the most ignored group of all men! Unfortunately, they’re getting stereotyped as the goofy father looking for advice on how to be cool, yet these men tend to be at the peak of their earning years, so to ignore them is a mistake!
To find out more about marketing to the male shopper, visit BusinessWeek online at: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/toc/06_36/B3999magazine.htm
Copyright 2006 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
www.marketingsolutioneers.com
===========================================================
3. Don’t Shrug off Chance Encounters
===========================================================
Be aware of the value of important chance encounters. Most people don't take advantage of meeting or running into someone they haven't seen in a long time. Instead of believing they crossed paths for a reason, most people shrug off chance encounters as just a coincidence. Even if it is a coincidence, take advantage of it!
Copyright 2006 John R. Meyer
District Director, BNI Ohio
http://www.bni-ohio.com
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