Randy Clark's Blog, page 34

Employees Want Meaningful Engagement

Employees want meaningful engagement. As nice as pizza at lunch, casual dress, or bring your pet to work days are—they don’t engage employees for long. The impact of such engagement is fleeting; it seldom creates long-term motivation. Sure, pizza puts a smile on most anyone’s face, but it doesn’t make them more dedicated employees. The key to employee engagement isn’t doing things for them; it’s doing things with them—involving them.

Employees Want Meaningful Engagement 

To understand how employees want to be engaged, you first have to stop thinking of them as employees and look at them as people. When the question becomes, “How do people want to be engaged?” it opens the mind to new possibilities. People want to be talked to—not at. They want to be listened to—not ignored, and they want to be more than a number—they want to know they matter. Treat them like people, not a commodity.

4 Keys to Engaging Your Team1.) People want to be part of somethingShare more than what to do and how to do it; share why.Don’t be a BISS (Because I Said So) manager.Explain your purpose.Share the organization’s vision and mission.Talk about the history of the organization.2.) People want to know they belongEngage teammates by asking questions.Seek teammate’s advice.Be available—listen.Make them feel welcome and integral to the success of the team.3.) People want to do meaningful workExplain the importance of your team’s work as a group and individually.Talk about how their work affects other departments and the entire organization.Share their positive impact on the organizations’ image.Explain how important the team is to customer service.4.) People don’t want to feel insignificantTell them what they do matters and explain why it does.Share and give recognition.Create a cathedral—a positive work environment where no negatives are allowed but leave the door open so teammates can vent to you in private.Are You an Engaging Leader? 

Employee engagement isn’t brain surgery, and it’s not that hard to figure out. People want to feel important and needed in every aspect of their life—including work. If you want to engage employees, you must talk with them, not at them, ask for their help, not demand their obedience, tell them why, not just what, and let them know they are important. What do you do to engage your team?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo by Alex Kotliarskyi on Unsplash

 

 

 

The post Employees Want Meaningful Engagement   appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Be More Than a Networker be a Connector

How do you, “be a connector”? I’m a connector. I connect people, I connect friends, acquaintances,  and associates. I look for ways they may help each other, but here’s the thing, I wasn’t always a connector. When I was younger, I was selfish. Connectors can’t be selfish. It doesn’t work. Having a “me first” attitude isn’t the way to bring people together. And here’s the other thing, me first didn’t work for me. It drove people away. Being a connector is attractive to others. It’s a magnet of positivity, and it’s a heckuva lotta fun.

How to be a connector

Like, I said I wasn’t always a connector. Where does one begin? It begins with a “coming from help” mindset. The best connectors have pure motivations of wanting to help others with few, if any, ulterior or self-serving motives.

Connect connectors

You know a few connectors don’t you? Do they know each other? If not why haven’t you introduced them to each other? Who knows where it may lead?

Have a plan

Introduce people with an idea in mind about how they might help each other.

Schedule an event

Since October of 2010 I’ve met nearly every third Thursday evening with friends, either in-person or virtually, with only one intention—to help each other. It works. We connect. We call it Friend Up

Don’t let it slide

After connecting people, don’t forget about them. Follow up. One of the things our Friend Up group does is share ways to help each in a private online page. We follow up with our connections.

Give first

There doesn’t need to be any reason other than helping others to connect people. As I said, if it’s all about you it’s not connecting, its promoting. If you want to know how giving first is done follow my friend Kevin Mullett.

Ask Questions

Ask others how you can help, who they’d like to connect with, and what they need. Do this for no other reason than to help and you will. I’ve watched my friend Lorraine Ball do this over and over. Every time we meet she asks about me with no mention of her needs.

Are you Ready to Connect?

I wasn’t until I was (did Yogi Berra say that?). What I’m trying to say is not everyone is a connector and not everyone is ready to be a connector, but if you are and you’re ready it’s a great way to connect. So are you ready? How can I help you? Who would you like to meet? Leave me a comment and we’ll connect.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

The post Be More Than a Networker be a Connector appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

13 Ways to Stay Calm

There are time we all could use ways to stay calm. We all get upset. We all have fears. Everyone gets mad. Sometimes it’s justified, sometimes not. Regardless, it’s no fun, and it’s not good for anyone. Can anger be controlled? Yes. Is it difficult? Yes, but it may not be as hard as you think. Try one or more of these strategies to diffuse your anger and gain control when you feel anger mounting in your chest. Here are 13 ways to stay calm.

13 Ways to Stay Calm       1. Take deep breaths

“Slow, steady, deep breathing has been known to control body temperature and lower blood pressure” – Science in our World.

       2. Walk away for 15 minutes

So, do you think you can’t afford to walk away for 15 minutes? Walking away is preferable to regrettable actions.

       3. Re-engage

Calm yourself by asking open-ended questions. For example:

What happened?How am I feeling?What should I be doing?What caused my anger/fear?How can I overcome this?      4. Picture calming imagery

Such as a laughing child, a special vacation spot, or your favorite food.

      5. Do some low impact exercises

For example, stretching can help diffuse your anger. “A recent study appears to confirm that exercise can reduce anger. According to Nathaniel Thom, a stress physiologist, “exercise, even a single bout of it, can have a robust prophylactic effect” against the buildup of anger. — Psychology Today: Anger and Exercise    

      6. Chant

It can be repeating a phrase, for example, “Stay calm,” can be helpful.

      7. Find the humor

Scathing or sarcastic humor seldom helps; it may even escalate the anger. Self-deprecating humor or imagining ridiculous situations works best. Have you tried picturing an upset person in their birthday suit? It’s hard not to smile.

      8. Do not use angry language

Don’t curse, shout, or use an acrimonious tone. Stay clear of absolutes such as never or always.

      9. Problem solve

Anger may be due to genuine concerns. Becoming angry will solve nothing. Begin exploring solutions.

     10. Avoid triggers

For example, do you allow yourself to become engulfed in road rage? Prepare yourself before you get behind the wheel.

     11. Be aware of timing

Are there times of day you’re more likely to become upset? Do you get hangry when you haven’t eaten? Are you grumpy when you’re tired?

     12. Embrace the outdoors

There are numerous studies on the calming effects of nature. “The University of Essex found that, of a group of people suffering from depression, 90 percent felt a higher level of self-esteem after a walk through a country park, and almost three-quarters felt less depressed. Another survey by the same research team found that 94% of people with mental illnesses believed that contact with nature put them in a more positive mood.” —Psychology Today: The Power of Nature.

     13. Understand you’re in control

Regardless of the situation, other people or circumstances, do not control your anger. If you’re angry, it’s because you decided to be. Decide not to be angry.

Do you want to be less angry? 

There are 13 triggers and strategies listed above. You may adapt some to your circumstances; others may not work. A few of the actions may fit your personality—others won’t. If you agree that anger is something to avoid and that it is unhealthy both mentally and physically, then find what works for you. Here’s your challenge. If you want to control your anger, it’s up to you.

Anger Management Strategies 

List one to three anger triggers

___________________________________________________________________________

Choose one to three strategies to control your anger

___________________________________________________________________________How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me.

Does your business have a management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo by R. Clark

 

The post 13 Ways to Stay Calm appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

4 Networking Questions That Will Save You at Your Next Networking Event

Knowing these 4 networking questions can save you. For example, you meet a total stranger at a networking event. After introducing yourself you ask, “What do you do for a living?” Then, after a brief answer, you stare awkwardly at each other until one of you excuses yourself from the conversation by saying you need a refreshment, the restroom, or you’re heading over to the fire escape. Rather than running for cover, how about coming to the event prepared with 4 networking questions, categories of questions really, that will inspire conversation, help you network, and connect you to others – even strangers.

4 Questions For In Person or Virtual EventsWhat brought you to this event?

Knowing why someone attended an event can help inform you of their needs and wants. It’s also an excellent conversation starter, but be ready to jump to the number two question at any time. Here are some other ways to ask the first question.

How did you hear about the event?Who recommended this event to you?May I ask how you prepare to attend an event such as this?What advice would you offer on attending networking events?How can I help you?

Number two is my number one go-to question. How I ask the question varies by the event and who I’m talking to. Here are a few of those variations.

What did you hope to take-away from this event?What person, company, or industry would you like to be introduced to?Where does your organization need help?What’s your most urgent need?What are your thoughts?

Again, depending on the event and the individual, you could ask this multiple ways. For example:

What do you think of the event?Who have you met that impressed you?What seminars or break-out sessions are a must-see?Tell me your favorite thing so far?What take-aways are tops on your list?What’s the best advice you can give me?

Regardless of the perspective, this can be an excellent conversation starter. If you’re new to an industry and talking to someone experienced, it’s a no-brainer, but it works the other way as well. An experienced person can ask those newer to the profession their advice for helping novices.

What do you wish someone had told you when you were new to the job?What’s the biggest pitfall you’d tell someone to avoid?How can I best prepare for the challenges of the industry?What trends do you see impacting your industry?4 questions, 17 variations, and Unlimited Possibilities

Instead of looking for the darkest corner to hide, muting your screen, or spending the entire evening with an acquaintance, you met once at another event, next time, come prepared. Here’s why these four networking questions work.

People want to talk about themselves: Whether the conversation is about them personally or their business, people like to talk about what they’re doing. All of these questions are designed to allow others to share.

Open-ended questions create conversation: Rather than closed in yes/no or leading questions, open-ended questions require more thoughtful answers.

Before your next event, memorize these four questions, jot them on a piece of paper, or leave a note on your device. Keep it simple, ask what brought them to the event, how you can help, and ask for their thoughts and advice. And then be prepared to vary questions to fit the situation. You got this, and it sure beats hiding in the shadows at your next event.

If you enjoyed this post you might like How to ask Questions for Understanding.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo by Proxyclick Visitor Management Syst

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post 4 Networking Questions That Will Save You at Your Next Networking Event appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Who Makes A Good Salesperson?

So, who makes a good salesperson? I googled this question and got over 6 million results. And, as it’s easy to do, I floated off to the blog-o-sphere, happily reading away, away, away. Is there an echo in here? Much of what I found was as I expected. I didn’t expect the general opinion to include what I consider essential attributes of a good salesperson; however, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the thoughts.

So, to answer this question, we must define a good salesperson. Is it a top producer? I’ve observed top producers who were sociopaths with no regard for the customer, company, or the truth. Is that who you want representing your organization? Keep in mind; these are producers — they’re rainmakers — they will bring profit. On the other hand, I’ve seen people of good character fail to make it rain because they lacked drive and motivation.

Who Makes A Good Salesperson?

A good salesperson represents your organization honestly, profitably, and proudly.

In a University of Florida White Paper, a reference to a Sardar and Patton article, “Who Makes a Great Salesperson, Links Between Our Heritage and Our Future,” was frequently quoted in my online search. Among the traits of successful salespeople, the paper lists the following:

  Possessing high energy  Having self-confidence  Being money hungry  Seeing obstacles as challenges  A compulsive need to win  Desiring the affections of others

For the most part — I agree; however, I’ve seen being money hungry and the need to win drive salespeople to ruthlessness. I’ve watched the need to be liked cause undeliverable promises offered too many times to clients.

In the aforementioned University of Florida White Paper, Greensburg And Greensburg are credited with listing empathy, ego-drive, and ego-strength. No argument there, other than I believe there are additional essential ingredients.

In a Forbes.com post, Lauren Wray lists good listening, integrity, teamwork, follow-through, and swagger as the keys to a great salesperson — all are on my list as well.

However, a Salesperson Without the Following Traits Isn’t Good

Regardless of results, any salesperson without theses bullet points will harm the organization where they work.

• Enjoys helping others. They are empathetic to customers’ needs, and they get a kick out of helping and watching others succeed.
• Is ethical and honest. They’re someone of good character who makes good character choices.
• Uses every resource available to learn their product, company, and industry.

For me, what makes a good salesperson isn’t always, or only the “bottom line.” A good salesperson is first a good person.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

The post Who Makes A Good Salesperson? appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Are Your Sales and Marketing on the Same Page?

Are your sales and marketing on the same page? Are you certain? When sales and marketing work together, forming one team with collective goals based on mutually beneficial outcomes and driven by shared activities, they reach their goals and more. Does that sound like your sales and marketing teams? Do your sales and marketing teams work together, or does it seem like they live and work in separate worlds? Are sales and marketing siloed? Is it a breakdown of communications, or do the departments work against each other? Are your sales and marketing teams on the same page, or are they at odds with each other?

It’s counterproductive for two teams, as dependent on each other, as sales and marketing are, to work against each other, but it happens more frequently than you may think. If marketing’s job is to fill the lead funnel and sales is to convert leads into customers, doesn’t it make sense that the more aligned the teams, the more successful they’ll be? Yes, it does so. What’s the answer? It begins with communication.

How to Align Your Sales and Marketing TeamsEstablish Lines of Communication

“One of the problems with modern communication is there are so many medias available. Phone, text, email, and face-to-face are just a few of the options. The problem is no one communication network works universally. If you’ve ever missed an urgent email because you were off the grid, you know the frustration. You may have thought, why didn’t they call or text me, but the question is, did you give them your communication expectations?” — How to Set Communication Expectations that Work. 

Share Meetings

Share interdepartmental meetings and action sessions. But it can’t end there. Meetings need to be followed up, repeated, and supported by management. The most effective meetings end with an action plan and a commitment to follow through. Actions and commitments should be at the top of the list for conducting sales and marketing meetings.

At the beginning of the meeting, introduce the topic and announce the end goal of the meeting is to devise an action plan and commit to the plan.Share actionable ideas throughout the meeting.Allow team members to devise an action plan of their ownAt the end of the meeting, ask for each member’s action plan and their commitment to follow through.Note the actions plans for follow-upCross-train

One of the best ways to learn to work together as a team is to understand each other’s jobs and how each team affects the other. This can be as simple as having marketing and salespeople shadow each other, or it can be planned cross-training time. Regardless of the method, any cross-training will improve teamwork. It’s more difficult to ignore other departments when you understand what they do and know who they are. I’ve had more than one manager tell me cross-training sounded like a good idea, but there just wasn’t time for it. My answer is cross-training saves time by reducing mistakes and developing more efficient systems that help everyone.

Set Mutual Goals

The key to effective goal setting is to concentrate on activities, “Although the degree of difficulty, time limits, measurability, conditions, objective criteria, etc., should be discussed—it will be difficult to achieve the goal without a clear plan of activities needed to reach the goal.” — You Cannot Do a Goal You Can Do Activities.

Setting community goals for sales and marketing doesn’t need to be an all-day process. Last month I spent 15 minutes each with two production departments. The department managers and I had previously discussed improving teamwork by developing team goals. We wanted the teams to be integral in creating the goals. For goals to work, they must be reviewed, adjusted as needed, and supported by all team members and management.

Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Can’t we just all get along? Can sales and marketing work together? Yes, they can, especially two teams as interconnected as sales and marketing. It begins with communication and ends with shared goals based on activities that benefit the whole. So, are your teams working together?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.

Photo by Kaleidico on Unsplash

 

The post Are Your Sales and Marketing on the Same Page? appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

5 Steps to Improving Verbal Communication

Improving verbal communication begins with understanding, and to understand, one must listen. Before anyone can delve into the nuances of communication, such as identifying ambiguous words or recognizing the arguments supporting a conclusion, it must be heard. Improving verbal communication begins with better listening.

Are You a Good Listener? 

Most people suck at listening. I know I do. I must focus my attention during conversations because if I don’t, I drift away. The good listeners I’ve met are few and far between. And that’s why it’s so important that we’re all aware of what diminishes our ability to listen.

A Few years ago, I was at a gathering where several past co-workers and friends attended. I sat and chatted with a few. One excitedly told me about what she’d been doing and asked where I worked? I told her, and she said she’d heard of TKO. She shared about her life and job and then, after 10 or 15 minutes, once again asked me where I worked.

I’m not throwing any stones because I can’t name the number of times I’ve been introduced to someone and couldn’t recall their name or occupation five minutes later. It’s something I’m working on. If you’d like to join me in an exercise on improving verbal communication, let’s begin with these five areas.

5 Steps to Improving Verbal CommunicationListen Actively

Listen to understand, not to reply. Here are a few tips that help me.

Make and maintain eye contactConcentrate on what’s being saidClarify your understanding by repeating pointsAsk questionsPay attention to the speaker’s body languageTake notesDon’t Interrupt

There is no surer sign of a lack of listening than interrupting. Few would argue that interrupting someone in mid-conversation is acceptable behavior, and it’s not. It’s rude, self-centered, and disruptive. So, why do people interrupt others?

We think we know what the speaker is about to sayWe believe what we have to share can’t waitWe’re impatient, and we think the speaker is taking too long to get to the pointWe’re in a hurry, and rather than share our time restraints; we abruptly cut the speaker offKeep an Open Mind

It’s easy to get sucked into believing you’ve heard what is about to be said. We must think we’re mind readers or psychics, we stereotype people rather than listen, and we drift off because we believe we’ve heard it all before. Or we hear a keyword or phrase that signals us that we’re about to hear something we’ve previously heard. Both instances might be true. However, we can’t know for certain unless we maintain an open mind and listen.

Limit Distractions

I watched a speaker recently who laid her phone on the table before presenting. Throughout her presentation, she would glance at her phone. Twice when her phone pinged, she picked it up and read the information. Once, she responded with a quick type and swipe. It was a lesson for me. Next week I’ll be presenting on blogging. My phone will stay in my car.

Limiting distractions includes visual distractions, interruptions, and media. Turn it off. Go to a quiet place. Don’t allow others to interrupt.

Stop the Head Talk

Stop having a conversation with your subconscious. Whether you’re thinking about your to-do list or formulating a response—just say no. When you find you’re talking to the voice inside your head, shut it off and get back to concentrating on the speaker.

Improving Verbal Communication Begins with You

If you’re ready to improve your verbal communication skills through better listening, here’s your challenge. Over the next five days, at home and work, take on the five methods. For example:

Tuesday– Listen activelyWednesday – Don’t interruptThursday – Keep an open mindFriday – Limit distractionsSaturday – Stop the head talk

Are you ready to take this on? Are you listening?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out. It might help you stop putting off what you want to do.

Photo by Bewakoof.com Official on Unsplash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post 5 Steps to Improving Verbal Communication appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Where Does Your Business Cause Customers Pain?

Where Does Your Business Cause Customers Pain? 

Where does your business cause customers pain? Our internet at home was down Sunday evening. It took my wife over 30 minutes to fight through the maze of automated customer service questions to reach someone who could help us. Last week, I went online to buy a friend’s new book. I had to sign up, join in, and tell the retailer everything except my oldest child’s middle name (they only wanted her first). And another time, I was at a brick-and-mortar store when… that’s enough about me — I’m sure you get the idea and have your own stories. It seems we’re all quick to complain when we find businesses that are difficult to work with, but do we apply those same expectations to our places of business?

Where Does Your Business Cause Customers Pain? 

Every business cause customers pain. Ask your team these questions to start a conversation on where your business causes customers pain. Think about what other questions you should ask of your organization.

Is your business more difficult to work with than it needs to be?How and when could your business improve communication?When and how does your business underdeliver?How could your customer service be improved?How well does your company listen to its customers?

Great organizations look for ways to alleviate the pain. Where can you ease the pain?

Types of Pain

Actions — How, what, and when you do things, positively or negatively, and their effect on customers.

Systems — How company procedures impact the customer’s experience.

Attitude — How customers are perceived (are they a nuisance or a privilege?) This makes all the difference in their perception of you.

First, Identify the Areas of Pain

Whether they interact directly with the customer or not, every department of every organization affects the overall customer experience. You have a choice; you can either cause pain or begin the healing by identifying areas of pain and striving to make improvements.

How can you make it easier for customers to work with your company?What systems cause your customers pain, and how can they be improved?What does your company do that disappoints customers?Does your staff’s attitude toward customers ever cause customers pain? If so, how can you change that?

You have the power to reduce your customer’s pain. It begins by reviewing every job you design, produce, install, or service – and simply asking, “How can I make this easier?” Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you’re not going to change every customer-unfriendly system in your organization, but if you look for the pain, you’ll be surprised how much can be improved by simple actions and attitude adjustments. What have you done to make it easier for your customer to do business with you?

Postscript

I used this post as the outline for a meeting with a management team. First, I sent them the questions then facilitated a discussion. Our goal was to form an action plan based on each attendee recognizing an area of pain and committing to a plan to solve or reduce the pain. I mention this because if you’re part of a team, you can copy this post and do the same.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out. It might help you stop putting off what you want to do.

Photo by Julien L on Unsplash

 

 

The post Where Does Your Business Cause Customers Pain?  appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Is it Time to Quit Your Day Job and Start a Business?

So, is it time to quit your day job and start a business? The great resignation has shown us that many people aren’t happy with their jobs. Do you know what, if you’re unhappy with your work, you should look for something else. However, if the new job is starting a business, you should also consider if you’re prepared to take that next step.

For example, let’s say you’ve been doing freelance work on the side for the last couple of years. Going out on your own often crosses your mind, especially after a rough day at work. How do you know when it’s time to cut the cord, take a leap of faith, and go to work for yourself? No one can be certain the time is right, but you can take a lot of the guesswork out of your decision.

Is it Time to Quit Your Day Job and Start a Business?

In the summer of 2008, I left my job of over ten years and went out on my own as a freelance consultant. I had things in my favor, including funds to match my income (savings and severance) for at least one year, insurance for 18 months (COBRA), and the complete support of my family.

How Can You Take the Guess Work Out of It?Set aside enough incometo match your current full-time pay for as long as you believe it will take your new venture to replace that income. If you’re not in that position, my best advice is to start saving.Consider your family. If it could put your family in immediate jeopardy, you’re not ready.Replace the benefits. The income needed to pay for insurance needs to be part of your plan. If you can’t replace it, wait until you can. You and your family need insurance.Have work contractedor pre-ordered for at least three months in advance. You don’t want to begin your solo career with the pressure of having to sell, sell, sell. Release the pressure by being ahead of the game.Take a vacation. Who knows when the next one will be?Think about your health. How will the stress and pressure of owning a business affect you? How is your current health and mental state? Are you ready for the physical and mental rigors you will face?Is it your true calling? Is this what you’re supposed to be doing? Are you passionate about the opportunity? If not, what areyou passionate about?Research your competition. Whoever you’re competing with has a foothold — they’re ahead of you from the start. Is there room for you? Do you have a unique position in the market that solves prospects’ problems?Find a way to have fun. Work can’t be fun all the time (or can it?), but it needs to be fun some of the time.So, Is it Time to Quit Your Day Job and Start a Business?

Are you ready to take on the challenge? If you aren’t prepared to handle the first three bullet points, you aren’t ready. Instead of quitting your day job, create a plan to meet the first three points. The other seven points will help you be successful sooner, happier, and longer.

I have several friends who have disregarded all or most of these bullet points and, despite themselves, are successful. Have you broken the rules and made a go of it? If so, tell us how — we’d like to hear from you.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out. It might help you stop putting off what you want to do.

Photo by Magnet.me on Unsplash

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The Importance of Planning

You know the importance of planning, but you’ve done okay so far without trying to plan everything. Besides, you want to make plans—you just haven’t gotten around to it. Who has time for planning? Sound familiar? However, you define success, how important is it to you? I challenge you to choose any successful person in any field and research their strategy for achieving their desired results—for getting what they wanted. You’ll discover planning was one of the keys to their success.

The Importance of Planning“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” ― Benjamin Franklin“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” ― Yogi Berra

In today’s world, most people complain there aren’t enough hours in the day. At work, it’s easy to spend too much time on unimportant, seemingly urgent matters and put off the important activities that help you reach your goals. Or you squander time waiting for things to happen rather than making them happen. The answer is—make a plan of activities, work them, and learn from them.

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.”

― Abraham Lincoln

 “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

― Warren Buffett

Making time to plan isn’t a nuisance or a chore. It’s what gives you direction. Plans and activities seldom provide instant gratification. What they provide is a roadmap. Granted, it may be full of wrong turns, but those are opportunities to learn. Learning from your mistakes puts you closer to your desired destination.

“Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.” ― Peter Drucker“Plan Your Work For Today And Every Day, Then Work Your Plan.” ― Norman Vincent Peale

Making a plan isn’t where the planning ends. Plans based on activities will affect change—planning without action is only a wish or a hope. If you don’t have a plan, you aren’t in control of your destiny. A plan is an essential ingredient to success.

Taking the time to plan isn’t a time-waster; on the contrary, it may be THE most effective use of time. Rather than squandering time on things that don’t help you reach your goals or mysteriously waiting for success to happen, make time to plan. Planning is your map, and without it—you’re lost. Are you a planner? How important is planning to your success?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out. It might help you stop putting off what you want to do.

Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash

 

 

 

The post The Importance of Planning appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.