Archive for Starting a new Business
Born Leaders
To get ahead, you must be at least capable in each of the above areas of Emotional Intelligence. Even if you are not “The Leader,” these qualities will allow you to do your work with effectiveness and support from your team. Furthermore, it’s never too late to acquire these traits.
Small Business Advice
I totally agree that training for coaches is so important. But it seems odd to me that someone who may have no or very little experience as a small business owner would be dishing out advice. That reminds me of the person who has big opinions on child rearing; yet has no children.
Toyota’s Apology Reveals Teamwork
I found it interesting that Toyota shows many different employees in the commercial, from the salesman on the showroom floor to the assembly line workers inside the factory, soberly laboring away while a compassionate voice apologizes for the whole mess. No heads on sticks, but no heads in the sand, either.
It’s Tax Time
As a small biz coach, I see that the role of “taxpayer” is perhaps the most stressful job our clients have.
Feedback
Respect your customers by acknowledging that you don’t know better than them. Use their generous input to help shape your company’s future or, if you disagree, provide a point from which to “continue the conversation.” Your business may look different from what you originally envisioned, but you will gain the goodwill of potential clients and customers who are looking for integrity in their vendors, shopkeepers, and consultants.
Up in the Air
Are you ready for the ax?
The only time you should stop when you’re almost finished.
I find this keeps creativity on two wheels, sort of in mid careen, so that the next day it’s not so difficult to get going again. Delayed gratification of finishing a thing keeps your creative edge a little sharper, and if all you have to do is finish one small part, it’s all downhill from there, right? Pretty great way to start the day.
To COD or not to COD
Sure, growth was hard. I could only grow at the level of my internal funds. But as a business, nobody could shut me down. No single vendor, no single supplier and no single customer could control me. What a strong position I ended up in.
Putting One Foot in Front of the Other
The Winter Warlock learned pretty easily how liberating it is to be reborn by taking baby steps: a lesson we should absorb at any age.
Living the Dream, Part 2: Back to Basics
“Gentlemen, this is a football.” I am reminded of the story of Vince Lombardi: at the beginning of every season, and even when the Packers just came back after a really big win, he would have them start the next practice by getting back to basics. So what are your basics? What are your core [...]
