Recently I reconnected with an old friend from childhood who reminded me of a cherished schoolyard activity. As very young elementary kids we would sit at the base of the monkey bars during recess and lunchtime in the hot Tucson Sun and sift the play sand looking for small red specks we called sand rubies […]
Sorting Sand Rubies to Find a Jar of Gems Read More »
Many of us use associations, chambers and other groups as a way to expand and perpetuate our networks. This is a good practice, but one which must be navigated carefully, politely and respectfully. Recently I ran across a situation where a committee chairman for a group at an organization I frequented took their leadership to
Playing by the Rules Read More »
Today was haircut day with my personal favorite, positive thinker and doer, Phyllis. She reminded me of something we all need to be aware of: do you have the skills to back up your claims? Only she said, “I can go anywhere with my scissors and comb and succeed as long as I can back
Be Sure Your Mouth Can Back Up Your Scissors and Comb Read More »
On a recent afternoon of listening to sports talk in the car, I heard another recounting of the pedigree of a coach based upon their “coaching tree.” This time it was the Dallas Cowboys‘ hiring of Monte Kiffen and the where-he-came-from-and-who-he-knew history that justified his hiring. It got me to thinking that we can create
Seeing the Network for the Trees Read More »
It doesn’t take much. A simple gesture or phrase, one that can brighten someone’s day. All it takes are a few minutes and some genuine words. Sometimes the simplest of gestures and a few words can go along way. In changing a job recently, a friend experienced just that: after a few weeks on the
Over the past month or so I have had projects that have required me to speak on the phone to people. While this may seem a novel thing to do in this age of email, texting, IM’ing, LinkedIn and other social media, when it came to getting an honest direct answer to my questions: It
So, who are you, really? Are you the person you think you are in your own head? Or are you the person people think you are? Or are you the person that you are when you are just being yourself? This past week I heard Kenny Rogers (the singer not the pitcher) on NPR’s Fresh
The Three Yous: Being Who You Really Are Read More »
We all have a tendency to look for our next client by casting a wide net, when in reality we may already know them. Take a look through your current contacts list and evaluate if someone you already know could be your next customer. Seriously, it can happen. In my own experience, I can cite
You Already Know Your Next Client Read More »
It can happen to any of us and probably has happened to many business owners: somebody steals from your company, you get involved in a lawsuit, a product fails or your company is subject to takeover. When something like that happens, timing and urgency become major factors when a company chooses how to respond. So,
Handling a Crisis Involving Your Business Read More »
Just about the time you think you are important or more important than something or somebody, an event or person comes along and proves otherwise. Whatever makes this point to you, step back and consider if something is really all that important for you to take it so seriously. In other words, know your role
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