Randy Clark's Blog, page 41

Can You Be Replaced? How to Replace Yourself

So, do you know how to replace yourself? Do your career plans include promotions? Do you plan on being in the same job that you have been doing ever since you left college? Have you developed, mentored, and trained your replacement?

How to Replace YourselfDoes Job Security Mean You’re Irreplaceable?

No. Often, job security is something you control, not your employer (assuming your employer stays in business and doesn’t make wholesale cutbacks). When it comes to job security, you probably know what tasks will keep you employed. When you do more than expected, you may be considered for a promotion, unless you’ve put yourself in the position of being irreplaceable.

How Do I know If I’m “Irreplaceable?”

If you’re the only person who can resolve an issue, you’re irreplaceable. If you’re off work, sitting at home, or on vacation and aren’t allowed to turn off your smartphone — you’re irreplaceable.

You might be irreplaceable if…

Your vacation request has been declined five times.The company provided you with a smartphone, laptop, iPad, and a beeper, (just kidding)The next most tenured employee has been with the company for three weeksYou’re the only one who understands your job descriptionYou’re reading this blog

It’s possible you’re not the only employee who can help, but you’re the most knowledgeable. In that case, share what you know, teach others, and be sure the company knows they have options, or risk being irreplaceable.

How to Replace Yourself 

How do you avoid becoming irreplaceable? Great question! This really depends on the situation you’re in. In my last full time position, I was the only person with “online marketing” experience.

I needed to teach others what I did and how to do it. Eventually when I was on vacation, I didn’t need to be called to run an update. I prepared others to take up the slack. I gave them the tools necessary to aid me in my position. Doing so showed the business I could be replaced, and that I could move on to other tasks or take a vacation!

I don’t want to sugar coat this. Replacing myself wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. My first obstacle was getting over myself. I didn’t want to let go. And when I did let go I micromanaged. I had to set my ego aside if I wanted to move on.

The first person I mentored left the company just as we were making progress. For a while I couldn’t find anyone available who had the time, willingness, skills, and desire to assist me. But eventually I found the right person.

The bottom line is when you teach others to replace you — you will not be irreplaceable. It’s up to 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.

Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy on Unsplash

The post Can You Be Replaced? How to Replace Yourself appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

What Networking Events Should You Attend and Avoid?

So, what networking events should you attend and avoid? I’ve made fruitful and lasting connections at networking events both in person and virtual. And I’ve sat through awful presentations looking for an emergency exit.

I was introduced to a customer which became a multi-million dollar contract at an event, and I’ve waded through bore after bore attempting to sell me their latest greatest that I didn’t need or want.

So, how do you know which networking events will be worthwhile and which will be a waste of time?

What Networking Events Should You Attend and Avoid?Where to Begin

Before you can pick the best networking event to attend you need to consider a few points.

What’s your purpose – Are you there to meet an existing client and build your relationship, find new prospects, locate a vendor, or look for a new position? What do you need?Who’s attending –Will the people that might be able to help you with your purpose be in attendance?What Type of Event is it?

What type of event is it? Is it a professional or industry related event? Is there an agenda? If so, what are the topics and who are the speakers? Is it a learning opportunity?

All networking events aren’t created equal, some are professional or industry related while others are all encompassing. There are social events, conferences, and seminars that all offer networking opportunities. Regardless of the type of event, if it doesn’t fit your purpose and your target isn’t attending, there might be other events better suited to your needs.

What to Avoid

Let me come right out of the gate and say speed dating networking nights are not the best place to begin. They’re usually random attendees from multiple industries who have nothing in common other than being familiar with the sponsor.

Stay away from gimmicky events, such as contest driven events, or those who make outlandish claims of success. When an event is marketed by sharing testimonials it’s a sales pitch. The question becomes what are they selling?Avoid high fees. I’ve been “invited” to join exclusive groups where I’ll be the only member from my industry. I’ve even attended a few as a guest. Unfortunately, I’ve not been to one that wasn’t more concerned about its own agenda than that of the members.Other ConsiderationsWhere is the event being held? Is it an appropriate venue for your purpose?When is the event? I like morning and breakfast events. People are there for a reason and it’s not only cocktails and socializing.How many will attend? I like smaller focused groups (10-12 attendees) or mid-sized open events (30 or less). When it gets much bigger it’s difficult, at least for me, to make strong connections. There are too many people and too much going on. It might be the ADHD.Who is the organizer? What do you know about the individual or organization that put the event together? What’s their track record?What do You Need and Want?

Next week I’m attending a breakfast event at a local financial institute. It’s a speaker series. I’ve attended two previous events in this series. At each the speaker offered valuable takeaways for small businesses and there was time to network as well as participate in a round table discussion. This event may not be a traditional networking event, but it’s an excellent networking opportunity. What’s your next event?

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.

Photo by Antenna on Unsplash

The post What Networking Events Should You Attend and Avoid? appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

How Working for Your Team Can Work for You

How can working for your team help you? I recently met with a young sales manager who wanted to be an effective team leader. After offering a few ideas and discussing accountability procedures, he asked me about a particular situation.

His top salesperson had recently taken off several days. He took time off to care for a family member, two days for the death of a friend, and then asked for two additional days for the passing of his aunt, his mom’s sister. All of these days were in the first 20 days of the month.

The company had a bereavement policy, but it wasn’t  uniformly enforced. During this period of absenteeism, the sales rep had maintained his production, even surpassing his quota. The sales manager confided to me that he was considering talking to the salesperson about limiting his absenteeism, and possibly completing a corrective action. I asked the sales manager, “Does your team work for you, or do you work for your team?”

How Would You Respond?

Next, I asked the sales manager if he had verified the time off. He said it was all true. Then I asked the sales manager what he expected to gain if he critiqued the employee for his absenteeism or tried to limit the time off. For example, the salesperson asked for two days off for his aunt’s funeral, how would the salesperson react if he was only allowed one day? The sales manager wasn’t sure how his top seller would respond so I asked the manager how he would react if roles were reversed. He said he’d be upset, unproductive that day, and would probably hold a grudge. I agreed, I would as well, and his employee most likely would too.

Working for your Team, Becoming a Team Leader  

I suggested the manager be a leader, sit down with his teammate, give him the time off, thank him for his hard work and efforts in the light of the obstacles he’d recently faced, and ask how he could help.

The lesson here is any critique might have led to disruption, but by standing up for his teammate, he could foster loyalty from his top performer. In other words, cultivating a teammate committed to giving his best to the company and his team leader.

Would the story be different if he wasn’t a top performer, or if the time off requests were questionable? Absolutely, but that wasn’t the case. Leaders work for their team. By thanking the salesperson for his continued performance in the face of adversity, the sales manager turned a situation that might have corroded their working relationship into team building exercise. How would you have handled this?

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.

Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash

The post How Working for Your Team Can Work for You appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Why You Should be Networking Internally

Networking internally is a thing? Yes, well at least it can be. I’ve written quite a bit about networking but so far everything I’ve discussed has been virtual and in person networking events set after hours or away from the office. Isn’t networking at the workplace just as important?

What Networking Internally  Isn’t

Networking at the office shouldn’t be brown nosing or politicking. Its sole purpose shouldn’t be self-promotion either by sucking up to influencers or campaigning for personal initiatives. The difference between a brown nose and a kiss butt is—depth perception, and that’s exactly how those practitioners are perceived. Attempting to schmooze or ingratiate yourself to others seldom leads to meaningful connections, it’s often quite the opposite.

How to Network Internally

Begin by planning time away from your work area—your comfort zone. Visit other departments and divisions; introduce yourself to team members you don’t work with directly—ask, watch, learn, and listen.

Find out what others do. Ask others to tell you about their position, responsibilities, and challenges. You’ll be rewarded with a better understanding of the entire operation, and most people enjoy sharing.

Ask how you can help. Look for specific areas where you may assist and don’t end it there, leave the door open for others to call on you in the future. If you become known as the person who helps, people will want to help you.

Seek out mentors and mentees. Who can you learn from and who can you teach? Determine areas of self-improvement then search for those within the organization that can help you improve. Share what you’ve learned with others, share the mistakes you’ve made and what you’ve learned—offer to be their guide.

Network 360. Network with peers, trainees, and C-level staff—you never know what connection will help you. A new trainee today may be the head of production in two years and probably won’t forget the interest you showed in their success.

Share recognition. Congratulate others on milestones, awards, and project completions. Nearly every survey and study on employee engagement lists recognition as the number one motivator for most employees. Give people what they need.

Connect people. Putting folks together in win-win situations may be the best way for you to connect with them. Teammates won’t forget what you did for them.

Why you should  be Networking Internally?

Getting to know others, what they do, they’re challenges, and offering help is often, but not always reciprocated. In the least, it opens the doors to ask for help. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve needed to fill a position and was rewarded with employee referrals because I knew teammates in every department at every level.

I’ve been able to introduce policies and procedures, improve workflow, and ask for help—all because I took the time to introduce myself, learn what others faced, and asked how I could help. There’s another reason to network internally, and maybe it’s because I’m a type A extrovert, but it sure makes work more fun and interesting when you know who you’re working with.

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.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like,

Why Recognition is Nice but Specific Recognition is a Game Changer

Photo by HIVAN ARVIZU @soyhivan on Unsplash

The post Why You Should be Networking Internally appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

How Recognizing Employees Helps your Organization

Recognizing employees isn’t only for the employee. Yes, employees seek recognition. They want to be appreciated, but recognizing employees helps your organization as well.

But What Does Recognizing Employees Do for me?

Last week I was talking with one of my favorite managers. He shared his belief that you can’t expect most people to do their job without direction. He said, “If that was the case we wouldn’t need managers. But there comes a point where I’m not going to recognize employees for just doing their job.”

I asked for an example, and he shared getting to work on time. For example, if an employee has been chronically tardy to the point of impending termination and then he or she begins coming to work on time. He asked, “Why would I recognize them for something they’re supposed to do? Isn’t that just being a responsible adult on their part?”

Do it for You

One of the best ways to encourage repetition of positive behaviors is to recognize those behaviors. For example, what if the chronically tardy employee was in all other respects a good worker? Recognizing the positive change in behavior of getting to work on time increases the likelihood that the behavior will continue. As long as a manager looks at recognizing positive behavior as coddling employees and not as a tool to modify behavior, they’re missing the point.

Why Recognize What They Should Be Doing?

Yes, recognition is appreciated by most employees, and the positive effects of recognition on employees are real and measurable, but the most important reason for recognition is to reinforce positive behavior, and that’s called leadership. Leaders use the tools they have available to improve individual performance, team production, and the organization’s bottom line. And recognition is one of the most valuable tools in the leaders tool belt. If recognizing the positive behavioral change of arriving to work on time helps the employee continue this behavior why wouldn’t a manager use this tool?

Consider this study reported by Harvard Medical School as conducted by researchers from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Researchers randomly divided university fund-raisers into two groups. One group made phone calls to solicit alumni donations in the same way they always had. The second group—assigned to work on a different day—received a pep talk from the director of annual giving, who told the fund-raisers she was grateful for their efforts. During the following week, the university employees who heard her message of gratitude made 50% more fund-raising calls than those who did not.”

“According to OC Tanner research:

79 percent of employees who quit their jobs claim that a lack of appreciation was a major reason for leaving65 percent of Americans claimed they weren’t even recognized one time last year82 percent of employees feel their supervisor doesn’t recognize them for what they do60 percent say they are more motivated by recognition than money”

— The Psychological Effects of Workplace Appreciation and Gratitude

What’s in Your Tool belt?

Wouldn’t it better to use every tool in your leadership tool belt to improve your company? Use your recognition tool to encourage behaviors that will make your job easier and your business better. Whether it’s recognizing someone for being on time or completing a task without mistakes, do it for the employee and for your organization. You do want your team to repeat positive behaviors, don’t you?  Believe me; it will make your life easier.

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.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like,

Why Recognition is Nice but Specific Recognition is a Game Changer

The post How Recognizing Employees Helps your Organization appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Sell More by Selling Less

Salespeople in many industries could increase their sales IF they stopped selling. As counter intuitive as sell more by selling less may sound, the best sales approach may be no sales approach at all. Instead of (or at least along with) improving small talk, sales presentations, and closing skills — work on improving product knowledge, industry news, and your customer’s needs.

Sell More by Selling LessKnow Your Industry

Stay on top of trends, innovations, and changes. Strive to become an expert by knowing more than anyone in your field. There is no excuse in the 21st century for not staying on top. Google your industry, find the thought leaders, and read, read, read. We expect our MD’s to stay abreast of the current accepted medical practices. Why should you and your industry be any different? Be a doctor of your industry, and consult your clients with their best interest in mind.

Know Your Client’s Industry

This is not one size fits all. What may work and be appropriate in one industry or for one client doesn’t mean it’s universal. Do your homework. How can anyone possibly advise a business without understanding what that business does?

Know Your Organization

Learn every department, and how they interact. Know your organization’s strengths and weaknesses. If it’s possible, spend time working in every section. Have a complete understanding of what your company does, which you can use to best advise your client.

Know Your Product

Learn your product or service inside out, backwards and forwards, know what it can and cannot do, and know what product best fits the customer’s needs.

Know Your Customer

If you recommend a product or service without knowing how your customer operates, how they will use the product, or what they’re trying to accomplish — then you are only selling. Ask questions, learn their needs, their problems, and what they hope to accomplish — not just what you want to sell.

If you understand both your industry AND your customer’s needs and how to solve their problems, you will become a valuable adviser. Given the choice, who would you prefer to work with — a knowledgeable consultant or a pitchy salesperson? Do you want to sell more? Stop selling and start helping.

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.

If you enjoyed this post you might also like,

13 Pieces of Sales Advice for my Grandson

7 Steps to a Sale. 

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

The post Sell More by Selling Less appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Don’t Confuse Networking with Hijacking

So, what does don’t confuse networking with hijacking mean? Here’s an example. I once had a person, I thought was my friend, ask me to exaggerate and “Just stretch the truth a little. You know, a white lie.” The key word for me was lie. A lie is a lie regardless what color it is. The intended fabrication was a recommendation for a job. I refused. I was civil, but it was evident I wasn’t happy. He was disappointed. We’re no longer close. He wasn’t networking—he was hijacking our friendship. Don’t confuse networking with hijacking.

Don’t Confuse Networking with HijackingAre you a helper or helpless?

I believe in help networking—helping others first. It’s simple, before asking for help ask others how you may assist them. Being the selfishly needy friend isn’t being a friend, it’s using people. Let me be clear, there are times friends need help, and should ask for help, but friends that never help others aren’t friends they’re hijackers. Don’t confuse networking with hijacking.

What are your motives?

Have you ever had a friend invite you for coffee or a drink believing they wanted to visit or catch up on your friendship only to learn they had ulterior motives? I have friends, I wouldn’t think twice about helping, but I’d share my expectations of clarifying their intentions before meeting. Be straightforward, if your purpose is to ask for help, share that from the beginning.

The sneak club

As a child, my father instituted a sneak club. For membership, my siblings or I had to be caught sneaking. It wasn’t a club we wanted to belong to. The club meeting often was alone in our bedroom as the family played games around the table or watched the Ed Sullivan show. I’d like to reinstate the sneak club for people who try to sneak my connections, whether face-to-face or on social networks. If you want a connection ask, but be prepared if I think the connection is inappropriate and I refuse to offer my help. To name drop without consent is a hijack. It’s sneaky. Don’t confuse networking with hijacking.

Don’t steal time and talent

Have you ever had someone ask for help that would require an inordinate amount of your time? Most of us have, and for a good friend who is always there, it’s no problem, but sometimes it is. Don’t make it time-consuming and challenging for others to help you. Do the footwork. Make the preparations, Make it easy. For example, if you’re asking a friend to write a recommendation offer to outline or write an example for their approval. Don’t hijack others into doing all the work.

Networking shouldn’t become a hijack

Don’t ask anyone to lie for you, don’t steal connections, don’t expect others to do the work you should do, and put your motives on the table. Networking should be a positive helping experience, not a hijack. Have you been hijacked, what happened?

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.

Photo by Gabriel Benois on Unsplash

The post Don’t Confuse Networking with Hijacking appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

8 Steps to Improved Writing

So, 8 steps to improved writing. It’s intimidating to write a how to (or should that be how-to) post about writing. I mean, readers are going to search for my mistakes. I know I would, and that’s my first point. Your writing will never be perfect, so don’t sweat it.

8 Steps to Improved WritingIf you wait for perfection, you’ll never publish

I have the advantage of deadlines for my work content. I don’t have time to obsess over perfection. However, I’m often struck down with perfection paralysis when writing fiction for fun. The way I get past my fear is to pick up my pen and write. (Okay, I don’t use a pen.) For almost one year I’ve committed to 30 minutes a day writing fiction. I have more than 40,000 words. Make a commitment to write.

Write every day

The best way to improve as a writer is to write. Write a lot. Write about multiple topics. Try many genres. It’s not a complicated plan, but it is hard work.

Read a lot

Read books, stories, and blogs. Dissect what you like. Learn from your favorite writers.

Take a class or attend a workshop

One of the best four hours I ever spent was at a business writing working shop held by a local university. There are classes, workshops, and webinars available to everyone.

Join a writer’s critique group

I belonged to a group that met weekly. When I joined, the group said they didn’t sugar coat their critiques. It was what I needed. I only cried twice.

Keep it simple

Use the best word, not the biggest. Cut sentences to the essentials. Be precise. Avoid insider jargon.

Be prepared to write

Do you block out time to write, sit behind your keyboard, and then wonder what you will write? How difficult is that? Before you write, take time to choose a topic, form an idea, make an outline, and complete research. How to Defeat Writer’s Block

Edit, edit, edit

Turn off spellcheck and write. Let it sit 24 hours before you begin editing. Read it out loud—review one sentence at a time, starting with the last sentence. Invest in software such as Grammarly and find a like-minded editor that compliments your weaknesses.

Are you ready to commit to being a better writer? 

You can read, write, prepare, and edit your way to improved writing, but it takes discipline to stay focused on the goal. Are you ready to commit to six weeks? Here’s your assignment.

Week one – Write 1000 words every day for the week. I didn’t say it had to be great.

Week two – Spend a minimum of one hour reading daily.

Week three – Attend a workshop or webinar on writing.

Week four – Join a writer’s group face-to-face or online. If you can’t find one, start one, it only takes two of you to begin.

Week five – Write 1000 words on Monday, cut it in half on Tuesday repeat twice.

Week six – Complete the six actions in 6 Ways to Never Run Out of Blog Post Ideas

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. When you have completed all six, I’d love to hear from you. Okay, how many mistakes did you find in this post?

How Can I Help You? 

Let me know if I can offer any help or advice. If this post struck a nerve, you might want to check out my book, How to Stay Ahead of Your Business Blog Forever. The book is full of action plans to create a blogging/writing system that works for you.

Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash

 

The post 8 Steps to Improved Writing appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

Are You Managing Your Business or is it Managing You?

So, are you managing your business or is it managing you? I want to share two stories about small business owners. One is about managing your business the other is about being managed by the business.

A Tale About My Dad

My father worked in the grocery business for more than 50 years. He began as a stock boy in the late 1940s and worked his way up to managing a supermarket. Later he represented a flour processing company, and eventually, he became a district manager for a grocery chain. Next, he bought a store. Clark Foods was a seven day a week 7 am until 11 pm convenient mart. At first, my father worked every hour. However, he hired, trained, and delegated, eventually building a staff he trusted. Five years later, his daily routine was to open the store, complete paperwork, assign tasks, and then spend afternoons on the golf course. He returned in the evening to follow up on the day’s business and tasks. Life was good. He was managing the business. It wasn’t the other way around.

Uncle Paul’s Story

My Uncle Paul bought a trailer park. Paul was handy. He grew up on a farm and learned to fix almost anything. Although he worked full time as a butcher, he maintained a small family farm. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of Aunt Betty’s and Uncle Paul’s farm. I can still remember riding on his orange 1950’s Allis-Chalmers tractor. After they had bought the trailer park, they had little time for the family farm or their beloved cabin on the Wabash River. Uncle Paul and Aunt Betty tried to do it all from maintenance to collections. Eventually, they sold the business. It was managing them.

Are You Being Managed by Your Business? 

Are there not enough hours in the day? Do you bring your stress home? Do friends, family, and hobbies take a backseat? If so, there’s a way out. It begins by admitting your business is managing you, and your life is out of balance. The good news is you can start managing your business today. Here are a few suggestions to get started.

Turn Off

Set hours to get away, make them known, and then turn off your phone and devices. Many of you reading this are thinking it isn’t impossible, you’d miss a communication from a customer, or your employees wouldn’t know what to do! That’s a training issue. Remember my father’s story. Years ago, I was at my friend, mentor, and manager’s home. My friend Joe was the regional VP, and I was the district manager. It was after 9 pm when he received a call from one of our team leaders.

The team leader began the call by telling Joe he was sorry that he was bothering Joe at home. Joe said, okay, thanks, and hung up. We learned later the team leader’s call wasn’t of an urgent matter, but regardless, it was after 9 pm, so what was to be accomplished? Besides, Joe and I had one, maybe two martinis. Yes, Joe was a bit of a smart-aleck, but he was managing the business. Are you managing your business?

Delegate or Outsource

If you’re trying to do it all, how’s that plan working for you? A good friend who is an excellent solopreneur headshot photographer recently retained a marketing company to handle social media and content creation for his business. He realized he needed social media, but he didn’t like doing it. He was better off outsourcing or delegating the marketing than doing it himself.

Begin training employees from day one to take over as many of your responsibilities as possible. If you believe only you can do it, or if you want it done right, you have to do it. Your ability to grow will be limited. If this is your belief, you need to take a hard look at how you train your direct reports.

Know the Difference Between Urgent and Important tasks

There’s no more significant indication of being managed by your business than spending your day and night putting out fires. Urgent tasks are defined as sudden problems that seem to require your immediate attention. Urgent tasks take you away from the important tasks that help you reach your goals. Before jumping to an unexpected and uninvited task, stop and consider:

If I jump to this, what am I putting off?Could someone else do this?Does it require my attention right this minute?Quit Trying to Multitask 

Have you bought into the multitasking myth? The human brain isn’t a computer. The autonomous nervous system handles simultaneous functions such as heart rate and breathing, but our thinking brain doesn’t manage multiple activities. We switch from one activity to another, often using different areas of our brain. At a networking event, a friend volunteered to take over note-taking while I ate. He used my laptop. Later he asked why I didn’t have spellcheck. I explained writing and editing used different areas of your brain, so I turn spellcheck off when I write. I turn it on when I edit. Attempting to multitask diminishes your ability to focus on a task and complete it to the best of your ability. Stop Setting Your Team Up to Fail: The Multitasking Myth

Are You Managing Your Business or Being Managed?

Are you managing your business or being managed by it? Do you want to begin managing your business rather than being managed? If so, here’s your challenge. Choose one of the four actions listed above, turning off, delegating, reducing multitasking, or limiting jumping to urgent fires, and then begin improving it today.

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.

Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash

The post Are You Managing Your Business or is it Managing You? appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.

What Makes a Blog Attractive to Readers?

What makes a blog attractive to readers? What makes one blog attractive to readers while another bounces visitors at alarming rates? Is it content, layout, grammar, or images? The answer is yes.

What Makes a Blog Attractive to Readers?Layout 

Layout and structure are critical to readability. A well-written post with compelling content that isn’t laid out to fit the needs and expectations of readers will not, regardless of the quality of writing or how compelling the topic, capture and hold the reader’s attention.

For example, have you ever clicked open a post only to find a mass of words with no breaks? No subheads, paragraphs, images, or bullet points? Did you read the post? And if so, did the layout distract from the content?

A successful blog layout attracts and engages visitors. The key to creating a successful blog layout is twofold, understanding the medium and how readers consume blog posts.

Grammar

I’m a proponent of casual-voiced business blogs; 90% of the time, a human voice, rather than some stylized robotic voice, will connect with a target audience better than corp speak.

However, I’m not talking about text talk, slang (for the most part), and poor grammar. A business blog is no place to use casual abbreviations and street talk.

The truth is you’ll make mistakes and bend the rules; I do daily. My point is to be aware of proper grammar. You should know the rules you’re breaking.

I can’t keep track of all the rules. So, I rely on online sources such as Grammar Girl when I’m at a loss or have a question.

I keep a copy of My Grammar and I…Or Should That Be Me? As well as a copy of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Creative Writing at my home office where I do most of my writing.

Many writers refer to Strunk and White’s Elements of Style, and still, others rely on style guides such as the AP Stylebook or the Chicago Manual of Style. 

The more you study these sources, the more you’ll learn and retain, but you’ll still make mistakes, so have a plan to find and fix them.

Content

What makes people want to read your content? Ask yourself this, what compels you to read a blog post? I’d wager your answer includes the following:

Problem Solving – There may be no more engaging content than how to solve a problem.Humor – We all like to laugh, right?Appealing to a sense of larceny, which means gaining a benefit or avoiding a loss by consuming the content.Attractive Titles – And not only titles that pique our interests but posts that follow through on the promise of the title. The truth is appealing.How to – My last search was how to cut down smoke smell from a fireplace, what was yours?How much – We want to know what’s fair in love and pricing.Behind the scenes – Getting an inside look makes us feel like insiders.Images

My friend Carol Stephens, who is a master of using images in her posts,  shares this advice, “If you’ve written something without any images, add an image or two. Or use a different featured image. Since we’re all visual creatures, sometimes the image is more important than the words, unfortunately. And a positive image can change the feel of a piece of content.” — How to Cure Writer’s Block: Ten Best Ways

Here’s an excellent guide for adding images to your blog post. Neil Patel — 11 Best Practices for Including Images in Your Blog Posts

Content Isn’t King

Content isn’t king. Useful, well-planned, easy to consume content is king. There’s more, but you get the idea. The bottom line is, write for your audience.

How Can I Help You? 

So, if this post struck a nerve check out, How to Stay Ahead of Your Business Blog Forever. The book is full of action plans to create a blogging/writing system that works for you.

And please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like to discuss this post.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like, How to Create Content When You Don’t Have Time.

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

 

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