Jim Blasingame's Blog, page 26

RESULTS: Do you read business books, either ebooks or physical?

The Question:

Do you read business books, either ebooks or physical?


52% —I still buy and read business books.

14% —I no longer buy or read business books.

16% —I will buy and read a book if it’s recommended by a friend.

18% —I will read a business book if it’s a gift.

Jim’s Comments:

Whether purchased or not, 86% of our respondents read business books. As an author of business books, these results make me very happy, even if 16% only buy a business book if it’s recommended and 18% wait until someo...

Create a workplace “safe harbor” for your employees

Since those whom we manage look to us for guidance, we should think of ourselves as teachers. We teach others what we have learned so that knowledge can be leveraged through their performance.

Don’t be afraid to show passion for your ideas. Allowing employees to see passion and conviction in our words, actions, and style is a good thing. It’s also contagious.

The marketplace is rude, indifferent to our very existence let alone whether we succeed or fail. Perfection has never been attainable by...

The irony of successful sales growth

The following scenario plays out every day on Main Street:

“My business is really growing these days,” a small business owner confides to his friend, “but we’re still experiencing too much negative cash.”

And then, with that deer-in-the-headlights look on his face, he completes his concern, “I thought by now, with sales and profits up, cash flow would be the least of my worries. I used to be afraid I couldn’t grow my business; now I’m worried that’ll collapse.”

[image error]This entrepreneur’s lament is one...

RESULTS: Which July sporting event are you most interested in?

July has several overlapping major sporting events. Which one are you most interested in?


[image error] 10% — Tour de France bike race
17% — Wimbledon tennis
10% — World Cup soccer/football
13% — British Open golf
50% –None of the above

Jim’s Comments:

July is always a big month for global sports: Three sports, golf, tennis and bike racing, all conduct their pinnacle contest during July every year. And the year you add soccer’s World Cup four-year cycle to the mix, it can really test the time, attention and DVRs...

A mistake’s value depends upon lesson learned

Mistakes are worth contemplating, and yet we often don’t. The reason, I think, is because it hurts a little to focus on them. It’s not fun to see ourselves that way. Mistakes are definitely not ego food.

But there is something very important to remember about mistakes: not focusing on them can ultimately be more painful.

In Tom Feltenstein’s inspiring book,Uncommon Wisdom, I found this quote from Michel de Montaigne,” Those things are dearest to us that have cost us the most.” Think he’s talkin...

What the Tour de France and small business have in common

With 21 stages ridden over 23 days-some almost 150 miles long-navigating cobblestones, assaulting at least two mountain ranges and dealing with thousands of over-enthusiastic crowds, the Tour de France bicycle race is arguably the most grueling of all sporting competitions.

Here are four reasons why competing in the Tour is like running a small business.

1. Team structure

Tour participants are part of 22 sponsoredteams of about 25 members, and each have individual roles to play. Some members are...

VIDEO: Are you practicing Age of the Customer prospecting rules?

The rules of prospecting have changed and control of the primary elements have shifted along with it. As the Age of the Seller is replaced with the Age of the Customer®, it’s more important than ever to prepare for the moment of relevance. Are you ready?

Click the link below or click the image to begin the video.

Are you practicing Age of the Customer prospecting rules? from Jim Blasingame on Vimeo.

Small business owners have Founders’ spirit and drive

The date was September 19, 1796. In his farewell address to the nation, in which he declined to serve a third term as president, George Washington gave us a name, a distinction and a bond.

“The name American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, and successes...

The Four Levels of Performance Consciousness

Ever wonder why some people are effective in their work while others aren’t? The answer may be found in their consciousness. But it’s about being aware, not just awake.

Take a look at the four levels of performance consciousness.

1. Unconscious Incompetent

The Unconscious Incompetent doesn’t know that he doesn’t know. He’s also called a DK2, which is short for, “don’t know, squared.” He’s not only incapable but actually clueless about his inability.

In truth everyone is a DK2from time to time. T...

VIDEO: Acquire and create intangible assets for your small business IP Strategy

I recommend every business have an IP strategy, but how do you acquire those intangible assets for yours? You can think of both kinds of assets — tangible and intangible — as a new way to succeed and draw in customers. After all, it is the Age of the Customer.

Click on the link below or on the image to start playing the video.

Acquire and create intangible assets for your IP Strategy from Jim Blasingame on Vimeo.