September 15, 2008
5S - Sort
Getting started with 5S for your office does mean that Sort will be done first. Sorting takes time and recognize that you may need to stop everything for a day to truly get control of your office. To get started, you are going to create new piles and sometimes labeled boxes will work best. Start with these subjects.
1. Trash - broken, defective, non-recyclable, junk;
2. Doesn't belong here;
3. Return to sender/owner;
4. Recyclable - anything that can be recycled, sold, given away;
5. Used once per day;
6. Used about once a week;
7. Used about once a month;
8. Seldom used;
9. Don't know what it is, why it is, unknown.
When everything on your desk, in your desk, under your desk and hidden around your office has been sorted, you are now ready for the next S - Set the order. Now, don't forget to take out the trash and recyclables.
Copyright 2008 Linda Lucas Fayerweather
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
The Profitable Route to Success
Last week's pocket 5S guides are in the mail. If you would like a pocket guide to 5S, Please email your Name, Address, City, State, and Zip code to linda@changinglanes.biz
Marketing? We don't need no Stinking Marketing.
Part 1 of 4
When the economy starts to falter, most entrepreneurs become cowboys by aggressively cutting their costs. Typically the first to go is marketing. Bad move dude. Here are four vital steps you should take to keep your marketing going during any economic downturn:
I. Assess what's working and what's not. Take a close look at how you spent your money last year. Determine where your new clients came from. Assess how much money was garnered by new clients. How much by current clients? Where did they hear about you? And what was the cost for getting that client? Once you know, you can make a decision as to reinvesting in the marketing method or not. Keep in mind that it costs seven times as much money to get a new client than it does to get business out of a current client. Make sure you can afford to chase after the newbies.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419.855.3399
Celebrating 10 years of delivering results for our clients.
http://www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com/
http://www.marketinginabox.biz/
Abundance is everywhere!
"Abundance will never be a factor of how much money one has. Rather it is always a factor of how one feels about what money one does have."
This quote from Stuart Wilde's book, The Trick to Money is Having Some, gives us something to consider. His premise is that abundance is a feeling. I've found that to be true - people who have limiting core beliefs, such as "you have to work hard for money", "money doesn't grow on trees", or "easy come, easy go", create negative emotions surrounding abundance and thus find it difficult to create sustainable businesses.
Spend some time this week listening to your thoughts and emotions to see what type of energy you are creating regarding abundance and money. If you find yourself worried over money, bills, or the economy, then you will push away what you desire. Instead of worrying, spend some time each day, visualizing your life as wonderful and abundant, even if it is not so, and as you see your world this way, it becomes so. In fact, once you get your mind to agree that abundance is natural and that there will always be enough, you'll begin to see your finances shifting.
Copyright 2008 Pat Altvater
To find out more about releasing limiting beliefs, read Journey to WOW - Ignite the Power Within, http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
Have You Evaluated Your Referral Relationships Lately?
Hello Monday Morning Motivator Readers,
This week's referral marketing scenario was written by one of my colleagues at Referral Institute, Glenna Smith. It's about two long term referral partners that aren't willing to have a difficult conversation to overcome obstacles and move forward in their relationship. Is this you?
Recently, I was working with a business owner, Rob, who had a referral relationship that had gone sour. Rob and Phillip had been active referral partners for the past couple of years. They were more than business associates; they were friends.
When I asked him, "What happened?" Rob shared that he and Phillip had a client in common. Rob had advised the client against refinancing a home in order to buy a new car. Phillip ended up doing the refinance anyway. Rob felt that the client's best interests had not been served and decided that he was no longer going to refer any more business to Phillip. He didn't feel Phillip could be trusted.
Then I asked Rob, "What did Phillip say when you spoke to him about your concerns?" Rob told me and that he'd never discussed the issue with Phillip and that six months had passed since the transaction!
This was surprising to me because they still work in the same business circles and see each other almost weekly. Phillip had no idea about Rob's feelings or his decision to no longer refer business to him.
I have learned that the phenomenon of "avoiding" an uncomfortable discussion with a referral partner is very common.
I know Rob wants to have strong business relationships in which quality referrals are continually given and received. The problem is that if he is not able to have those (sometimes) tough conversations with any of his referral partners, he will never see those important business relationships deepen.
Here are some tips to help you evaluate your business relationships:
1. Meet regularly (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly). These meetings should have purpose and focus but that does not mean that you cannot enjoy yourselves.
2. Set the ground rules at the beginning of the relationship. How will problems be handled? If ground rules were never established, set them now.
3. Discuss Business Expectations. Periodically ask each other if expectations of the business relationship are being met and how those expectations can be exceeded.
4. Be Diplomatic when you do have those uncomfortable conversations. Stay focused on resolving the issue.
5. Remember to Thank your Referral Partner either with a call, a card, or even a thoughtful gift.
In order to "Avoid Avoiding" those sometimes tough situations with your referral partners, remember the importance of evaluating your business relationships and facing those difficult conversations. Show them that you care enough to work through the issues to make the relationship more meaningful and more profitable!
Have you evaluated your referral relationships lately?
Glenna E. Smith is the owner of the Referral Institute of Nevada and works strictly by referral. She is a passionate writer, speaker, and facilitator that specializes in referral marketing. Glenna can be reached at Glenna@referralinstitutenv.com .
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. You can connect with Paula at paula@referralinstitute-va.com or paula@bniswva.com .
To Do This Week
Start small - sort a closet.
Enjoy a wonderful week.
Sincerely,
Linda Fayerweather
Changing Lanes LLC
Monday, September 08, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
Sort - Market - Workaholic - Referrals
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – September 1, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at http://www.mondaymorningmotivators.com/
“God give me work, till my life shall end and life, till my work is done.”
--Epitaph of Winifred Holtby
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. 5S Review - Linda Fayerweather
2. Professional Develop will keep you FRESH - Rebecca Booth
3. Workaholic? - Pat Altvater
4. Referrals shouldn’t be Lonely - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. 5S Review
============================================================
Today is a three marker day! It marks the beginning of September; in many minds it is the last day of summer; and it is Labor Day in the United States. At the end of a season, process or event many of us like to start with a fresh slate. I usually look to Lean and the 5S as a way to clear out the old and get the new going. Use these five simple steps as a method to tackle that messy desk.
1. Sort out what is needed and what is not. When in doubt –throw it out
2. Simplify – keep everything that is needed in an orderly easily accessible fashion
3. Sweep and clean everything focusing on sources of disarray
4. Make Standards so that “stuff” out of place is obvious
5. Sustain the process with Self-discipline
If you would like a pocket guide to 5S, Please email your Name, Address, City, State, and Zip code to linda@changinglanes.biz
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Professional Development Key to Keeping Your Attitude FRESH!
============================================================
There’s probably no better way to ignite your business than by attending a workshop, convention or seminar. Not only does it give you an excuse to get out of the office, but if you’re open it you’ll learn something new and make valuable contacts with others. You can take classes on time management, lean manufacturing and marketing among other things. Each with the simple goal of helping you build a stronger business.
One of the best opportunities for taking your business to the next level is the WEN Peak Performance Clinic which is happening in NW Ohio on September 26. This clinic is different than a “talking head” type seminar or workshop. It’s an event where you’re expected to roll up your shirtsleeves and get some major planning done. E-Myth Certified Instructor, Jeffery Lawrence is the clinic leader and seating is limited to only 100 business owners.
When you’re assessing professional development opportunities for yourself or others, look at what you expect to gain from the event. Is it motivational in nature or is it more of a clinic where you’re actually receiving face-to-face time with a professional business consultant who teaches you new things and expects you to apply it to your business.
Whatever your needs, here are some websites you can use to “shop” for the perfect seminar for you:
http://www.skillpath.com/
http://www.nationalseminarstraining.com/
http://www.businessgrowthworkshops.com/
http://www.wen-usa.com/
The key is to take action. Sign up for a class today!
Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419.855.3399
Celebrating 10 years of delivering results for our clients.
http://www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com/
http://www.marketinginabox.biz/
===========================================================
3. Workaholic?
============================================================
Do you work too many hours and sometimes resent it?
Is your spiritual, social, and marital life suffering?
If you answered YES, it could be that your life is out of balance.
Labor Day is a perfect day to examine where you spend your time and how you feel about it. There's that old saying that no one ever said on his or her deathbed, "Gee, I wish I'd put more time in at the office." However, for many of us building a sustainable business, the office has a tendency to take over our lives, leaving us out of focus and out of balance.
Here are a few things you can do to feel more balanced:
1. Get perspective. Putting your life, family and career, into perspective will give you more focus and assist you in making choices for how to spend your time.
2. Visualize your perfectly balanced day. Find a quiet place and ask yourself what your perfect day would look like? Be very specific. What are you doing, feeling, experiencing. Then each day, intend that your day will be exactly as you visualized it would be.
3. Maintain an appreciation of yourself and your life. Appreciating and savoring the good events in your life can build reserves that you can draw upon during stressful times. Instead of moving on automatically to the next thing on your list, savor the moments of completion and accomplishment.
These three strategies will help you feel more in control of your life, which always leads to more balance.
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
http://www.pataltvaterandassociates.com/
===========================================================
4. Referrals shouldn’t be Lonely
===========================================================
In referral marketing you are never alone - there’s you, your referral partner and the person they’re referring you to. I find a lot of comfort in that. I also know that it takes all three components working in harmony to make it happen.
You know that there are folks out there that would benefit from your products and services. That’s where referral partners enter the equation. Your referral network must be an active community of committed connectors; people willing to genuinely listen to the people they’re in relationship with and take action on your behalf.
So let’s build a referral network! It’s a matter of getting out, meeting new people (admittedly the right new people), strategically building credible relationships over time and then educating and developing them as referral sources. It’s not quite as easy as it sounds!
I used to say that building your business by referral isn’t rocket science. Okay – it’s not “rocket science” but I’ve come to believe that it is a science. Hazel Walker is a leader in the referral marketing industry. She taught me that “networking is an art and referral marketing IS a science”. Now that makes complete sense.
That being said, I have a huge concern regarding business owners and their marketing endeavors! When I ask them how much they’re investing in traditional advertising and public relations activities, they often tell me “not much” or “none”. Those that are making concerted cold calling efforts admit that they’re experiencing about a 1% return. What’s left? Referrals. Something to keep in mind as you build your referral network is that it should not involve an investment of large sums of money from you or your referral partners. It will however require that you share (with one another) one of your most precious, limited resources – TIME.
What does that mean? The majority of small business owners seem to be relying heavily on referrals but they’re not investing in learning the science of referrals! They’re literally waiting for referrals to magically materialize rather than proactively, purposefully making them happen.
What are you going to do to move your referral marketing efforts into the 21st century and to get out of your cave before your business becomes extinct?!?
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. To learn more about the science of referrals contact Paula at paula@referralinstitute-va.com or paula@bniswva.com .
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Practice retrieving a file from your computer system’s backup.
Monday Morning Motivators – September 1, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at http://www.mondaymorningmotivators.com/
“God give me work, till my life shall end and life, till my work is done.”
--Epitaph of Winifred Holtby
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. 5S Review - Linda Fayerweather
2. Professional Develop will keep you FRESH - Rebecca Booth
3. Workaholic? - Pat Altvater
4. Referrals shouldn’t be Lonely - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. 5S Review
============================================================
Today is a three marker day! It marks the beginning of September; in many minds it is the last day of summer; and it is Labor Day in the United States. At the end of a season, process or event many of us like to start with a fresh slate. I usually look to Lean and the 5S as a way to clear out the old and get the new going. Use these five simple steps as a method to tackle that messy desk.
1. Sort out what is needed and what is not. When in doubt –throw it out
2. Simplify – keep everything that is needed in an orderly easily accessible fashion
3. Sweep and clean everything focusing on sources of disarray
4. Make Standards so that “stuff” out of place is obvious
5. Sustain the process with Self-discipline
If you would like a pocket guide to 5S, Please email your Name, Address, City, State, and Zip code to linda@changinglanes.biz
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
============================================================
2. Professional Development Key to Keeping Your Attitude FRESH!
============================================================
There’s probably no better way to ignite your business than by attending a workshop, convention or seminar. Not only does it give you an excuse to get out of the office, but if you’re open it you’ll learn something new and make valuable contacts with others. You can take classes on time management, lean manufacturing and marketing among other things. Each with the simple goal of helping you build a stronger business.
One of the best opportunities for taking your business to the next level is the WEN Peak Performance Clinic which is happening in NW Ohio on September 26. This clinic is different than a “talking head” type seminar or workshop. It’s an event where you’re expected to roll up your shirtsleeves and get some major planning done. E-Myth Certified Instructor, Jeffery Lawrence is the clinic leader and seating is limited to only 100 business owners.
When you’re assessing professional development opportunities for yourself or others, look at what you expect to gain from the event. Is it motivational in nature or is it more of a clinic where you’re actually receiving face-to-face time with a professional business consultant who teaches you new things and expects you to apply it to your business.
Whatever your needs, here are some websites you can use to “shop” for the perfect seminar for you:
http://www.skillpath.com/
http://www.nationalseminarstraining.com/
http://www.businessgrowthworkshops.com/
http://www.wen-usa.com/
The key is to take action. Sign up for a class today!
Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419.855.3399
Celebrating 10 years of delivering results for our clients.
http://www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com/
http://www.marketinginabox.biz/
===========================================================
3. Workaholic?
============================================================
Do you work too many hours and sometimes resent it?
Is your spiritual, social, and marital life suffering?
If you answered YES, it could be that your life is out of balance.
Labor Day is a perfect day to examine where you spend your time and how you feel about it. There's that old saying that no one ever said on his or her deathbed, "Gee, I wish I'd put more time in at the office." However, for many of us building a sustainable business, the office has a tendency to take over our lives, leaving us out of focus and out of balance.
Here are a few things you can do to feel more balanced:
1. Get perspective. Putting your life, family and career, into perspective will give you more focus and assist you in making choices for how to spend your time.
2. Visualize your perfectly balanced day. Find a quiet place and ask yourself what your perfect day would look like? Be very specific. What are you doing, feeling, experiencing. Then each day, intend that your day will be exactly as you visualized it would be.
3. Maintain an appreciation of yourself and your life. Appreciating and savoring the good events in your life can build reserves that you can draw upon during stressful times. Instead of moving on automatically to the next thing on your list, savor the moments of completion and accomplishment.
These three strategies will help you feel more in control of your life, which always leads to more balance.
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
http://www.pataltvaterandassociates.com/
===========================================================
4. Referrals shouldn’t be Lonely
===========================================================
In referral marketing you are never alone - there’s you, your referral partner and the person they’re referring you to. I find a lot of comfort in that. I also know that it takes all three components working in harmony to make it happen.
You know that there are folks out there that would benefit from your products and services. That’s where referral partners enter the equation. Your referral network must be an active community of committed connectors; people willing to genuinely listen to the people they’re in relationship with and take action on your behalf.
So let’s build a referral network! It’s a matter of getting out, meeting new people (admittedly the right new people), strategically building credible relationships over time and then educating and developing them as referral sources. It’s not quite as easy as it sounds!
I used to say that building your business by referral isn’t rocket science. Okay – it’s not “rocket science” but I’ve come to believe that it is a science. Hazel Walker is a leader in the referral marketing industry. She taught me that “networking is an art and referral marketing IS a science”. Now that makes complete sense.
That being said, I have a huge concern regarding business owners and their marketing endeavors! When I ask them how much they’re investing in traditional advertising and public relations activities, they often tell me “not much” or “none”. Those that are making concerted cold calling efforts admit that they’re experiencing about a 1% return. What’s left? Referrals. Something to keep in mind as you build your referral network is that it should not involve an investment of large sums of money from you or your referral partners. It will however require that you share (with one another) one of your most precious, limited resources – TIME.
What does that mean? The majority of small business owners seem to be relying heavily on referrals but they’re not investing in learning the science of referrals! They’re literally waiting for referrals to magically materialize rather than proactively, purposefully making them happen.
What are you going to do to move your referral marketing efforts into the 21st century and to get out of your cave before your business becomes extinct?!?
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. To learn more about the science of referrals contact Paula at paula@referralinstitute-va.com or paula@bniswva.com .
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Practice retrieving a file from your computer system’s backup.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Solving Problems - Personal Touch - Judgmental Thoughts - One is the Loneliest
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 18, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The work of the individual still remains the spark that moves mankind ahead even more than teamwork.”
--Igor Sikorsky
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Solving Problems - Linda Fayerweather
2. Never Underestimate the Personal Touch - Rebecca Booth
3. Eliminate Judgmental Thoughts Today! - Pat Altvater
4. One IS the Loneliest Number! - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Solving Problems
============================================================
A big “Oops” starts off your Monday Morning. Before you try to “solve” the problem, take a deep breath and realize that 80% of the time companies are fixing the same problem over and over again because the true cause does not get identified. If your problem is a repeat, returning issue, you need to find the root cause. Here are six steps to discovering and solving a problem for good.
1. Describe the problem.
2. Implement temporary containment.
3. Analyze the problem and generate potential solution(s).
4. Determine root cause and select solution(s).
5. Implement solution(s).
6. Verify effectiveness of solution(s).
These six steps are a disciplined approach to problem solving and discovering the root cause. You will also find that when you take a step by step approach (and yes, these need to be done in order) you are less likely to jump to conclusions and will encourage teams to use their skills and ideas. In the end, you will find the root cause and once the this cause is identified, the solution will stop the same ole’ problem from resurfacing.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Never Underestimate the Personal Touch
============================================================
When’s the last time you really connected with someone? I’m not talking about a generic birthday card with your signature and company logo pre-printed on the card. I’m talking about a personal phone call or greeting card that asks the person about something important in their life. I just got off the phone with a previous client whom I hadn’t spoken with in a year. I started out the conversation with movie going – because she and her husband are movie buffs. We shared comments on what was worth the “full price” ticket and what wasn’t. Then we got down to business. This approach was a win/win for the both of us: as it started out the conversation on an “up” momentum (she was a little uncertain about calling as they had started doing things in-house versus outsourcing to me) and I got the “skinny” on the new Batman movie!
Connecting personally is so easy. A simple phone call, greeting card or even “I was thinking about you” email does the trick. Your focus should always be about them and their interests – kids, grandkids, pets or hobbies. Business will follow much more easily – and with much more success – if you start out this way.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Eliminate Judgmental Thoughts Today!
============================================================
Have you heard the saying that “Every blade of grass has an angel bending over it whispering, grow, grow!” However, I’ve found that most of my clients hear a persistent whisper that is a bit less encouraging. In psychology it’s called “The critic”. It’s that fault-finding voice within, with a knack for reminding us of our weaknesses. If you close your eyes you might hear it now. “You’re not smart enough. You’re not special enough. What makes you think you can do that! Didn’t those shorts fit looser last summer???”
Experts say that a full 70 – 80% of our thoughts are negative. The unfortunate reality is that we are constantly judging ourselves and others. Listen to yourself during one day and see how many judgmental thoughts you have. Do you look in the mirror in the morning and criticize your appearance? Do you reprimand yourself if you make a mistake, realize that you’ve said the wrong thing, or heaven forbid, eaten a cookie or two??
Keep in mind, too, that our criticisms of others always reflect how we feel about ourselves. Those judgments mask our own fears that we don’t measure up and typically what we judge in others is what we don’t like about ourselves and haven’t had the courage to admit!
So it’s time to give it up, don’t you agree? Just STOP!!! The minute you hear yourself think a judgmental thought say “Cancel that” and instantly substitute a new and powerful thought about you. Keep doing this and eventually those judgmental comments will subside and you’ll free up your brain to think other more creative and empowering thoughts!
Copyright 2008 Pat Altvater
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.thesecretofpermanentweightloss.com
www.permanentweightlossebook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. One IS the Loneliest Number!
===========================================================
Even if you are a natural networker and were born and blessed with the networking gene you’re gonna have to get out of your cave to apply your referral marketing techniques and to build your referral network. But far too many of us are cave dwellers – and we don’t even know it!
We wake up each morning in our cave called a house. We jump into a cave on four wheels and drive to work. We enter another cave commonly known as an office. We may even venture out into a few other caves – the bank cave, the local coffee shop cave, the restaurant cave and sometimes even the chamber cave. It FEELS like we’re getting out but we’re truly hanging out in the same old caves with a big bunch of other cave dwellers.
When you’re a cave dweller 1+1+1 can still equal 1 – YOU all by yourself – ALONE! Believe it or not, you can experience different results even if you’re not comfortable venturing out into new caves. There are three words that BNI Executive Director, Neal Frazier, loves to share – GO WITH PURPOSE:
1. Have a goal to meet one new person in smaller venues and 5-10 new people in larger venues.
2. Invest about 15 minutes with each person to learn a bit about them and a bit about their business. Be sure to share a bit about yourself.
3. Actively listen. Be fully present and participate in the conversation.
4. As appropriate- follow up to schedule a meeting with the people that could be prospective referral partners (or clients)and follow up to schedule a face to face introduction when you’ve identified needs that one of your referral partners can potentially give them help them.
5. Send a thank you card to everyone you strategically introduce yourself to. You never know who they know. It increases the likelihood that they’ll remember you.
As the song goes, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever know” when you’re counting on building your business by relationship, by referral.
What are you going to do to move your referral marketing efforts into the 21st century and to get out of your cave before your business becomes extinct?!?
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published internationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! To learn more about the science of referrals contact Paula at paula@referralinstitute-va.com or paula@bniswva.com.
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Review the waste you are throwing out – can you do a bigger part of recycling.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 18, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
“The work of the individual still remains the spark that moves mankind ahead even more than teamwork.”
--Igor Sikorsky
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. Solving Problems - Linda Fayerweather
2. Never Underestimate the Personal Touch - Rebecca Booth
3. Eliminate Judgmental Thoughts Today! - Pat Altvater
4. One IS the Loneliest Number! - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. Solving Problems
============================================================
A big “Oops” starts off your Monday Morning. Before you try to “solve” the problem, take a deep breath and realize that 80% of the time companies are fixing the same problem over and over again because the true cause does not get identified. If your problem is a repeat, returning issue, you need to find the root cause. Here are six steps to discovering and solving a problem for good.
1. Describe the problem.
2. Implement temporary containment.
3. Analyze the problem and generate potential solution(s).
4. Determine root cause and select solution(s).
5. Implement solution(s).
6. Verify effectiveness of solution(s).
These six steps are a disciplined approach to problem solving and discovering the root cause. You will also find that when you take a step by step approach (and yes, these need to be done in order) you are less likely to jump to conclusions and will encourage teams to use their skills and ideas. In the end, you will find the root cause and once the this cause is identified, the solution will stop the same ole’ problem from resurfacing.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Never Underestimate the Personal Touch
============================================================
When’s the last time you really connected with someone? I’m not talking about a generic birthday card with your signature and company logo pre-printed on the card. I’m talking about a personal phone call or greeting card that asks the person about something important in their life. I just got off the phone with a previous client whom I hadn’t spoken with in a year. I started out the conversation with movie going – because she and her husband are movie buffs. We shared comments on what was worth the “full price” ticket and what wasn’t. Then we got down to business. This approach was a win/win for the both of us: as it started out the conversation on an “up” momentum (she was a little uncertain about calling as they had started doing things in-house versus outsourcing to me) and I got the “skinny” on the new Batman movie!
Connecting personally is so easy. A simple phone call, greeting card or even “I was thinking about you” email does the trick. Your focus should always be about them and their interests – kids, grandkids, pets or hobbies. Business will follow much more easily – and with much more success – if you start out this way.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Eliminate Judgmental Thoughts Today!
============================================================
Have you heard the saying that “Every blade of grass has an angel bending over it whispering, grow, grow!” However, I’ve found that most of my clients hear a persistent whisper that is a bit less encouraging. In psychology it’s called “The critic”. It’s that fault-finding voice within, with a knack for reminding us of our weaknesses. If you close your eyes you might hear it now. “You’re not smart enough. You’re not special enough. What makes you think you can do that! Didn’t those shorts fit looser last summer???”
Experts say that a full 70 – 80% of our thoughts are negative. The unfortunate reality is that we are constantly judging ourselves and others. Listen to yourself during one day and see how many judgmental thoughts you have. Do you look in the mirror in the morning and criticize your appearance? Do you reprimand yourself if you make a mistake, realize that you’ve said the wrong thing, or heaven forbid, eaten a cookie or two??
Keep in mind, too, that our criticisms of others always reflect how we feel about ourselves. Those judgments mask our own fears that we don’t measure up and typically what we judge in others is what we don’t like about ourselves and haven’t had the courage to admit!
So it’s time to give it up, don’t you agree? Just STOP!!! The minute you hear yourself think a judgmental thought say “Cancel that” and instantly substitute a new and powerful thought about you. Keep doing this and eventually those judgmental comments will subside and you’ll free up your brain to think other more creative and empowering thoughts!
Copyright 2008 Pat Altvater
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.thesecretofpermanentweightloss.com
www.permanentweightlossebook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. One IS the Loneliest Number!
===========================================================
Even if you are a natural networker and were born and blessed with the networking gene you’re gonna have to get out of your cave to apply your referral marketing techniques and to build your referral network. But far too many of us are cave dwellers – and we don’t even know it!
We wake up each morning in our cave called a house. We jump into a cave on four wheels and drive to work. We enter another cave commonly known as an office. We may even venture out into a few other caves – the bank cave, the local coffee shop cave, the restaurant cave and sometimes even the chamber cave. It FEELS like we’re getting out but we’re truly hanging out in the same old caves with a big bunch of other cave dwellers.
When you’re a cave dweller 1+1+1 can still equal 1 – YOU all by yourself – ALONE! Believe it or not, you can experience different results even if you’re not comfortable venturing out into new caves. There are three words that BNI Executive Director, Neal Frazier, loves to share – GO WITH PURPOSE:
1. Have a goal to meet one new person in smaller venues and 5-10 new people in larger venues.
2. Invest about 15 minutes with each person to learn a bit about them and a bit about their business. Be sure to share a bit about yourself.
3. Actively listen. Be fully present and participate in the conversation.
4. As appropriate- follow up to schedule a meeting with the people that could be prospective referral partners (or clients)and follow up to schedule a face to face introduction when you’ve identified needs that one of your referral partners can potentially give them help them.
5. Send a thank you card to everyone you strategically introduce yourself to. You never know who they know. It increases the likelihood that they’ll remember you.
As the song goes, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever know” when you’re counting on building your business by relationship, by referral.
What are you going to do to move your referral marketing efforts into the 21st century and to get out of your cave before your business becomes extinct?!?
Copyright 2008 Paula Frazier is a referral marketing trainer, coach, consultant and keynote speaker. She is an Executive Director for BNI and part of a select team of Master Trainers for Referral Institute. Paula’s business networking articles have been published internationally. She is also acknowledged in the New York Times best seller, Truth or Delusion – Busting Networkings Biggest Myths. Check out #33, Delusion with a twist! To learn more about the science of referrals contact Paula at paula@referralinstitute-va.com or paula@bniswva.com.
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Review the waste you are throwing out – can you do a bigger part of recycling.
Monday, August 18, 2008
"We Tried That Before"
============================================================
Monday Morning Motivators – August 18, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing."
-- Warren Buffet
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. “We Tried That” - Linda Fayerweather
2. - Rebecca Booth
3. Gratitude and Generosity - Pat Altvater
4. Can I Borrow Your Car? - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. “We Tried That Before”
============================================================
Last week when I mentioned brainstorming, I suggested that the phrase “We Tried That Before” not be allowed and the more I think about it, Leaders need to always be ready to squelch that phrase. It is a very vague phrase that needs examining to really drive home the point.
1. Who was “we”? Were “we” given the resources and empowered to succeed? The very fact that someone thought it was a good idea then, may merit a relook.
2. How hard did someone try? How long did they try? Watch a child try something new and you will observe them trying many times and doing different things to make it work, especially if the child saw an adult do it. Ah, there is part of the problem – we often don’t know if it can really work, so giving up early is easier then sweating!
3. What really was “That”? Often the idea sounds familiar but may not be exactly the same. Believe it or not, a small change in something you did before could have wildly different results when redone.
4. “Before” when? What was tried before may not have been viable but is now! Wind power has been around for centuries and for the last 40 years, people have been saying “it is not cost effective”. That is changing.
When all else fells to stop the naysayers from expounding “We Tried That Before”, tell them to bring a solution that will work. They may end up with a new appreciation for something tried and true.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Don't Stop Marketing
============================================================
Wringing your hands and moaning about the impending doom discussed by the media pundits is one way to deal with recessionary times but your business doesn't have to slide during slow times. Some of the most successful businesses have been launched during economic downturns. Looking for the silver lining is a start in the right direction for any business.
In Summary:
1. Have a Marketing Plan
2. Work the Marketing Plan
3. Have a Sales Plan, too.
Do NOT stop marketing, just do it smarter and more personal. You will come out of the recession with happy customers and maybe some new ones.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Gratitude and Generosity
============================================================
The Ninth Principle of Manifesting Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer is Reacting to Your Manifestations with Gratitude and Generosity. I love to discuss gratitude because I believe it is our perfect expression! According to Dyer, “The nature of gratitude helps dispel the idea that we do not have enough, that we will never have enough, and that we ourselves are not enough.”
To practice an attitude of gratitude and generosity:
1. Be thankful and avoid complaining as much as possible. When you hear yourself complaining about a situation or person, stop yourself and instead become a love finder (instead of a fault finder).
2. Become a person willing to tell others how much you appreciate them. Practice this with your family and strangers. Say something appreciative to the waitress or store clerks who wait on you. Just be sincere!
3. Begin and end each day with an expression of gratitude. At both of these times, beginning and end of the day, take in a deep breath and be grateful for your life and everyone in it.
4. Practice generosity every day. Generosity includes offering kindness, care, love and nurturing where it is needed as well as freely giving what is needed.
This week practice gratitude and generosity!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Can I Borrow Your Car?
===========================================================
When you accept a referral, one of your primary responsibilities is to make your referral source look GREAT!
Active referral partners demonstrate that they care about you and your success by lending their credibility to you. Ultimately they put their reputation on the line and entrust you with the needs of someone else they’re in relationship with. Your actions can reflect well on your referral sources, and enhance their relationship with the prospects they place in your care, or they can reflect poorly on your referral sources and literally damage their associations.
Let’s look at it this way - At one time or another nearly everyone has the need to borrow a car. You ask a friend a favor, “Can I borrow your car?” You can generally count on a positive response when they trust you and want to help you. The same is true when you ask to “borrow” relationships in your referral marketing efforts.
You would NEVER grab the keys and go! You forgot you already started the car? Start it again. Don’t you love the sound that it makes? There’s no time to waste securing your coffee in the cup holder. Whoops – it just spilled all over the passenger seat. Just back it up, throw it in gear and DRIVE IT LIKE A RENTAL until it’s time to take it back! Your friend will completely understand if you bring it back late with an empty tank of gas. Right? Wrong! Do you honestly think you’ve got the slightest chance of ever borrowing their car again? No way!!!
Don’t laugh. People are guilty of referral high-jacking ALL the time. They snatch the keys to your most valuable relationships and assume that they’re now the new owner – no negotiations, no instructions, no payment plan. They just take them!
Borrowing referral relationships can be a lot like borrowing your best friend’s car. After all, the referral source “owns” the keys to their relationship. They’re acutely aware of how the prospect prefers to be handled and interacted with. Within reason, a referral partner must be comfortable with the route you’re taking. If there’s a breakdown, you should call them immediately. They’ll be in a position to advise and support you. You can think of them as the AAA of the referral process. If you need help, one call can sometimes take care of it all!
At minimum, a responsible borrower should return the car (the relationship) exactly like they found it. No better, no worse.
If you want to increase your chances of borrowing their car again, or any other mode of transportation parked in their garage, you should consider returning each one BETTER than you found it! They’ll actually ENCOURAGE you to borrow their car as often as you’d like. Over time you will earn trust, confidence and the keys to bigger, better and more valuable cars.
What can you do to “soup up” your relationships with your referral partners and have them encouraging you to take their best clients, colleagues and friends out for a spin?
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Take time to teach someone something this week.
Monday Morning Motivators – August 18, 2008
============================================================
Enjoy your java with an eclectic collection of tips and ideas to use today and to get energized for the week ahead. Subscribing and unsubscribing at www.mondaymorningmotivators.com
"Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing."
-- Warren Buffet
============================================================
Table of Contents
============================================================
1. “We Tried That” - Linda Fayerweather
2. - Rebecca Booth
3. Gratitude and Generosity - Pat Altvater
4. Can I Borrow Your Car? - Paula Frazier
5. To Do This Week
6. Fine Print
============================================================
1. “We Tried That Before”
============================================================
Last week when I mentioned brainstorming, I suggested that the phrase “We Tried That Before” not be allowed and the more I think about it, Leaders need to always be ready to squelch that phrase. It is a very vague phrase that needs examining to really drive home the point.
1. Who was “we”? Were “we” given the resources and empowered to succeed? The very fact that someone thought it was a good idea then, may merit a relook.
2. How hard did someone try? How long did they try? Watch a child try something new and you will observe them trying many times and doing different things to make it work, especially if the child saw an adult do it. Ah, there is part of the problem – we often don’t know if it can really work, so giving up early is easier then sweating!
3. What really was “That”? Often the idea sounds familiar but may not be exactly the same. Believe it or not, a small change in something you did before could have wildly different results when redone.
4. “Before” when? What was tried before may not have been viable but is now! Wind power has been around for centuries and for the last 40 years, people have been saying “it is not cost effective”. That is changing.
When all else fells to stop the naysayers from expounding “We Tried That Before”, tell them to bring a solution that will work. They may end up with a new appreciation for something tried and true.
Copyright 2008 Linda Fayerweather
Storm the Barn with New Ideas
Changing Lanes LLC
www.ChangingLanes.biz
============================================================
2. Don't Stop Marketing
============================================================
Wringing your hands and moaning about the impending doom discussed by the media pundits is one way to deal with recessionary times but your business doesn't have to slide during slow times. Some of the most successful businesses have been launched during economic downturns. Looking for the silver lining is a start in the right direction for any business.
In Summary:
1. Have a Marketing Plan
2. Work the Marketing Plan
3. Have a Sales Plan, too.
Do NOT stop marketing, just do it smarter and more personal. You will come out of the recession with happy customers and maybe some new ones.
Copyright 2008 Rebecca Booth
Marketing Goddess
Imagine That!
419-855-3399
www.rebeccaboothmarketinggoddess.com
===========================================================
3. Gratitude and Generosity
============================================================
The Ninth Principle of Manifesting Your Destiny by Wayne Dyer is Reacting to Your Manifestations with Gratitude and Generosity. I love to discuss gratitude because I believe it is our perfect expression! According to Dyer, “The nature of gratitude helps dispel the idea that we do not have enough, that we will never have enough, and that we ourselves are not enough.”
To practice an attitude of gratitude and generosity:
1. Be thankful and avoid complaining as much as possible. When you hear yourself complaining about a situation or person, stop yourself and instead become a love finder (instead of a fault finder).
2. Become a person willing to tell others how much you appreciate them. Practice this with your family and strangers. Say something appreciative to the waitress or store clerks who wait on you. Just be sincere!
3. Begin and end each day with an expression of gratitude. At both of these times, beginning and end of the day, take in a deep breath and be grateful for your life and everyone in it.
4. Practice generosity every day. Generosity includes offering kindness, care, love and nurturing where it is needed as well as freely giving what is needed.
This week practice gratitude and generosity!
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
Pat Altvater
Author, Journey to WOW – Ignite the Power Within
www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com
www.transformationsinstitute.com
===========================================================
4. Can I Borrow Your Car?
===========================================================
When you accept a referral, one of your primary responsibilities is to make your referral source look GREAT!
Active referral partners demonstrate that they care about you and your success by lending their credibility to you. Ultimately they put their reputation on the line and entrust you with the needs of someone else they’re in relationship with. Your actions can reflect well on your referral sources, and enhance their relationship with the prospects they place in your care, or they can reflect poorly on your referral sources and literally damage their associations.
Let’s look at it this way - At one time or another nearly everyone has the need to borrow a car. You ask a friend a favor, “Can I borrow your car?” You can generally count on a positive response when they trust you and want to help you. The same is true when you ask to “borrow” relationships in your referral marketing efforts.
You would NEVER grab the keys and go! You forgot you already started the car? Start it again. Don’t you love the sound that it makes? There’s no time to waste securing your coffee in the cup holder. Whoops – it just spilled all over the passenger seat. Just back it up, throw it in gear and DRIVE IT LIKE A RENTAL until it’s time to take it back! Your friend will completely understand if you bring it back late with an empty tank of gas. Right? Wrong! Do you honestly think you’ve got the slightest chance of ever borrowing their car again? No way!!!
Don’t laugh. People are guilty of referral high-jacking ALL the time. They snatch the keys to your most valuable relationships and assume that they’re now the new owner – no negotiations, no instructions, no payment plan. They just take them!
Borrowing referral relationships can be a lot like borrowing your best friend’s car. After all, the referral source “owns” the keys to their relationship. They’re acutely aware of how the prospect prefers to be handled and interacted with. Within reason, a referral partner must be comfortable with the route you’re taking. If there’s a breakdown, you should call them immediately. They’ll be in a position to advise and support you. You can think of them as the AAA of the referral process. If you need help, one call can sometimes take care of it all!
At minimum, a responsible borrower should return the car (the relationship) exactly like they found it. No better, no worse.
If you want to increase your chances of borrowing their car again, or any other mode of transportation parked in their garage, you should consider returning each one BETTER than you found it! They’ll actually ENCOURAGE you to borrow their car as often as you’d like. Over time you will earn trust, confidence and the keys to bigger, better and more valuable cars.
What can you do to “soup up” your relationships with your referral partners and have them encouraging you to take their best clients, colleagues and friends out for a spin?
===========================================================
5. To Do This Week
===========================================================
Take time to teach someone something this week.
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