Archived Newsletters

Here is a list of recent articles. Please check back frequently for updates to this list.

• Blind Spots - (If you don't check your mirrors, you're going to crash…)
  As humans (and executives!), we have blind spots in our lives and businesses as well, and these blind spots cause all sorts of trouble.
  How do you know where your blind spots are? Blind spots aren't bad--they simply exist. Once you find your blind spot, you can put a "mirror" (process) in place to make sure it doesn't cause you further trouble.
• Eliminate Misunderstandings -- Outcome-Based Conversations Save the Day!
  Executives often ask for help because their employees or co-workers aren't getting "the job" done. This topic discusses a common pattern we see, and a solution that provides outstanding results.


• When You Stop Making Excuses, "Miracles" Happen!
  Executives often ask us to help them increase their team's productivity, and we regularly hear "all the reasons" they can't achieve their objective. This topic discusses a common pattern we see, and a solution that provides outstanding results.


• The Pace Of Success…Does It Matter?
  If you were a farmer, would the spring season be more important than fall? For your crops to grow strong, will the sunshine or the rain make them grow faster? Does it matter if some crops are ready to be harvested in one month and other crops are ready in six months?
  
• Twelve Tips For Tapping Your Creativity and Problem Solving Skills
  As business coaches who work with successful executives, we often discuss creativity and problem-solving skills. A frequent topic is how even the most prolific and creative executive can get "stuck" and have difficulty bringing out new ideas. This article presents our top twelve tips for tapping your creativity, and getting past those "mental blocks" we all suffer on occasion
  
• Microinequities: Can Office Snubs Cause You Stress?
  Entrepreneurs know that by increasing morale, productivity also improves. One way to accomplish this is to help yourself and your team understand each other, and learn not to take things personally.
  
• The Brilliance Factor
  Yes, this is a repeat, but I get constant requests for helping people figure their "brillliance factor."
  
• Six Tips for Reclaiming Your Life
  Rather than simply work more hours, successful executives recognize how important it is to take care of themselves as well as get the job done. This topic today gives you six tips to top productivity.
  
• Taking the Initiative -- Putting the Bounce Back Into Your Career
  Business owners and executives often share their frustration when their business or career stalls, or they don't get the promotion they feel they deserve.
  This topic discusses one way to ease some of that frustration by becoming aware of the power of initiative and turning challenges into opportunities.
  
• Building A Team - Playing In Harmony
  Business owners and executives deal with a wide range of people on a daily basis, and often run into conflicts. This topic discusses one way to ease some of that conflict by becoming aware of different styles in the way people handle problems and challenges
  
• Suffering is Optional - How Judgment Causes Pain
  Executives live in a fast-paced and stressful world. This topic discusses one way to ease some of that stress by becoming aware of options we have as we deal with the people we work with.
• Using Perks Wisely – Why Recognition is the Best Team-Builder
  Executives know that to accomplish their initiatives, it is vital to have motivated employees. The realities of the corporate world, however, place multiple demands on people, making it difficult to stay focused and motivated. One tool many managers use to help build their teams is perks, but they don't always give the desired result.
  This article provides some insight and alternatives that successful executives use to keep employees engaged and happy.
• Managing Interruptions
  Executives are busier than ever, and many are reporting that they often work twelve hour days. Studies are showing, however, that the most effective executives have mastered their time, going home at 5:00 p.m. The good news is time and interruptions can be mastered -- allowing you the freedom to work on your Brilliance Work.
• The Power of a Business Case
  Previously, we looked at an overview of Return On Investment, a vital concept underlying every business decision (and many personal ones, as well). Now let's put it into practice by outlining the steps for building your business case for your boss and clients, and illustrating your power.
• ROI -- More Than A Numbers Game
  Many people don't realize that it is possible to improve their decision making skills. As a foodservice leader, it is vital to make a conscious effort to hone this ability -- and the payoff is huge -- both professionally and personally.
• Building Bravery: From Wimp to Winner…One Day At A Time
  Successful executives continually work to develop their skills. One skill that is vitally important is courage....backbone....bravery. It takes a brave person to speak up, challenge the status quo, face criticism, stand their ground. Bravery is a skill that can be learned, but it takes time and conscious effort....and it is well worth the time expended.
• Stop, Listen And Learn
  Many complaints I hear from small business executives are about employee and customer issues. Extremely successful executives don't seem to have that problem. What is the difference? One skill that differentiates is the ability to listen well. This article explains a technique that many successful small business executives have discovered -- a means of looking closely at their contacts and interactions and finding deeper connections.
• Targeted Strategic Networks
  This article explains a technique that many successful corporate executives have discovered -- a means of looking closely at their contacts and interactions and finding deeper connections.
• Refresh Your Career And Break The Rules
  Many years ago I vowed to never again make a resolution. I hated feeling like a failure and most of the people I talk to feel the same way. That doesn't mean we quit striving to improve, but there are better ways to make that change occur.
• Say Yes! To Opportunity And Change Your Life
  One of my favorite abilities is inspiring people to believe in themselves and achieve phenomenal results. Our world is so jam-packed that we forget to look at our gifts and abilities, leveraging them to help us grow. This article provides a simple tip that can change your life!
• Simplifying Projects...Starting Today
  Overwhelmed? Stressed? Can't decide where to start, let alone how to complete your project? This newsletter will help you deal with those difficult projects.
• Pricing for Profit
  Stuck on pricing? This newsletter discusses how to think about developing a pricing structure that works for you.
• Converting Customers From "Fly-By" to Loyal
  How a print shop converted a "fly-by" customer to a loyal customer who never quibbles about price.
• Thinking On The Beach
  Those outrageously successful consistently step away from work to refresh their thinking and design their business and life. Do you?
• Chasing Rabbits
  Do you feel like you are "chasing rabbits" in spite of all your delegating and time management?
• Associations--Are They Worth Your Money And Time?
  Associations work hard to gain and support members. What do members gain from joining associations, and what makes the fee worthwhile?
• Taking A Customer's Pulse: Making Surveys Work For You!
  Customers want to tell you what they think. Make it easy to listen and learn from them. Are you ready to provide gold-standard service?
• Testimonials: Making It Easy To Buy Again!
  Companies are looking for ways to increase profits. This topic is one of the easiest ways to increase revenue, but it also serves employees as well, by providing evidence of the individuals value.
• Networking, Part 2: Making It Easy!
  A continuation of the previous networking newsletter. Actual tips and skills you need to be successful.
• Networking--It's Not Just For Sales People!
  Is networking a struggle? Do you network? This topic covers why you want to change your attitude towards networking from a view at "50,000 feet".
• Motivating Yourself
  Have you ever felt "stuck"--frustrated, disgusted with their work/performance, overwhelmed and unmotivated? We are so busy surviving each day that we totally forget what gets us "jazzed".
• Trade The Good For The Great!
  If your vision were to focus on "X" (the Great!), would doing "Y" (the "good") get you there?
• Would You Come Back?
  What are you doing for your clients/employees that you are NOT doing for yourself? If you treated your clients like you treat yourself would you come back?

Are you interested in one or two of these articles? If so, please send an email to . Please include your name, your company name, your email address, and the titles that interest you in the text section of your email.