In its essence, leadership in an organizational role involves (1) establishing a clear vision, (2) sharing (communicating) that vision with others so that they will follow willingly, (3) providing the information, knowledge, and methods to realize that vision, and (4) coordinating and balancing the conflicting interests of all members or stakeholders. A leader comes to the forefront in case of crisis, and is able to think and act in creative ways in difficult situations. Unlike management, leadership flows from the core of a personality and cannot be taught, although it may be learned and may be enhanced through coaching or mentoring. I'm here and ready to lead.
...because organizations are no longer what they once were. In the not too distant past, organizations really were little societies with real boundaries that did a pretty good job of keeping the outside world out. But, no more. Today organizations are not much more than mental constructs for delivering value, which is a good thing. Today's organizations cultivate and channel resources to achieve particular aims, specifically to generate value in one form or another that people will pay for with time, attention...
I wish there were more than 24 hours in a day. Like most of you, I struggle with the ongoing challenge of trying to fit a series of seemingly endless tasks into one short day. Unlike the 9-to-5 routine we once knew as employees, being an entrepreneur is a job that never ends. But there are ways to take control of your time and get more done each day. Here are some suggestions: 1. Consolidate. How do you keep track of your schedule? Are you forever jotting notes down on Post-Its that you stuff in your wallet...
The Internet and search providers such as Google have revolutionized the way we access and interact with information. Nowhere is this more evident than in our purchasing decisions, whether as consumers considering major appliances for our homes, or as businesspeople considering goods and services for our firms. Our desire for information, the time required to deliberate, and the potential for post-purchase dissatisfaction all seem to have grown exponentially. Marketing expert Jon Miller agrees that the availability...
People always ask me how many failures I encountered before I had a successful business. They also like to know how to improve their current ventures. Here are some of my thoughts, based off of questions from readers. Q: My 12-year-old has often tried to launch little businesses, but he becomes frustrated when he fails. He tried making and selling wallets. Then he tried selling his artwork. He also set up a lawn-mowing service, but his mom and dad were his only customers. I want him to continue to pursue...
As a small business in the process of creating a brand, or rebranding your existing materials, you are juggling logo designs, brand impact surveys and demographic studies – plus trying to manage your everyday business. It can be challenging to keep all the steps straight. Should you launch your new web site immediately? Or wait until the matching business cards are done? Should you roll out your new materials as they are ready? Or in one fell swoop to create impact? And what about your advertising strategy? Should...
My father is an avid tennis player. After he moved into a senior living center, he volunteered to organize tennis lessons for the residents. Since I am also a competitive tennis player, he called me and asked my opinion on the local tennis instructors. To my father, this was an important decision. He wanted to ensure that the lessons went well and his new friends would be pleased. And like most people when faced with an important yet risky purchase, he asked for references. This is what businesses do when they are...
Recently, a colleague was lamenting the lack of etiquette he deals with on a daily basis. “You would not believe how some of these people speak and act,” he said of salespeople at businesses he frequents. “They don’t know how to answer the phone, they text while talking to you, and when you walk in, they don’t greet you appropriately. They don’t even seem to know how to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you." Do I need to mention that he is in his 50s and he was mostly referring to younger workers? No, I don’t think...
As a HubSpot marketer, I'm a firm believer in the use of social media as a powerful tool for not only driving traffic to a company's website but also generating leads for your business. That said, the applications of social media don't stop in marketing. Social media can also be a very helpful tool in the sales process when Sales is following up with leads and opportunities, especially considering the fact that, SiriusDecisions projects that by 2015, 71% of initial BtoB inquiries will be web-driven, and "a sound...
Do you think other people in the workplace are rude? If you have a pulse, the answer is probably "yes," or "hell, yes." I've yet to talk to someone in the last 20 years who doesn't think workplace manners could be improved. A recent story said that some concerned parents -- and even embarrassed employers -- are paying up to $400 an hour because young workers are committing so many social blunders in professional settings. Of course, we all know that texting is as common to young workers as breathing -- but others...
I believe it is not just a logo or a name that establishes a company’s identity, but rather a collection of feelings, attributes, promises and expectations that a name symbolizes. Much like a human relationship, a brand should meet expectations, deliver on its promises and remain true to its ideals in order to build trust. I strive each day to reflect my core values to inspire, share, evolve and exceed; all the while, maintaining a “100% jerk free” policy. Leadership is in my blood and carved in my DNA. These next 10 years will be my time to lead. Who knows I might be the next captain of your Sales organization. Get to know me here.
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