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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
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Table of Contents
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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
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1. Lean and Solving the Problem
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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.
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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
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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
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2. Making the Most of Media Deadlines
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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
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3. Don’t Shrug Off Chance Encounters
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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
