False promises lead to nowhere other than to demise of your own credibility and respect across an organization. Follow the process and confirm whether something can or should be accomplished before you make any promises or commitments. Do not commit to people just to see them smile. As a leader, you are not in a “people pleasing” business and you …
Don’t sell yourself short
Don’t sell yourself short and know your value. Be flexible in your negotiations process and allow for an acceptable range to be considered whether it is a new job, consulting engagement or a speaking opportunity. However, don’t be desperate and set yourself back too far and always be aware of what you are worth and what you would be contributing …
Don’t fall in love with your product, service or industry
Respect and value your mission, vision and values, stay true to who you are and what you stand for, but be flexible and innovative when it comes to your products and services. Consistently review and re-imagine what you are doing, redesign them, augment them with the right strategic partnerships and focus your effort, energy and actions on areas that you …
Circle of trust
Do you know who is in it (at the very core) and have you recently asked each of them individually to share what they truly think about you? It is important to go through this exercise at times in order to supplement your own self-awareness about your strengths and areas for improvement.
Annual performance reviews
Annual performance reviews. We can do better in most instances, I am certain of it. First, they should be more frequent in order to provide guidance for any needed corrections and they should be multi-directional at the very least.
Courtesy is not consent
Courtesy is not consent. If someone is kind to you and answers your e-mail or a message on LinkedIn that does not mean they have agreed to meet with you, have a call or to be added to your mailing list.
Get feedback from your clients
Continuous, honest feedback on your performance is an integral part for future growth, improvements and advancement. You and your teams must know how well they are doing and they should hear the truth from their clients and partners, not simply rely on internal and somewhat subjective opinions. Ask people how you (and your teams) can improve. Ask your boss, ask …
Listen to your customers
Listen to your customers as they are among the greatest sources of information in order to continue to improve, expand and grow. On this improvement and growth process, listen to what folks are saying and engage with them across all avenues, in particular across social media. This focus on customer service and proactive approach is what distinguishes you from others. …
Book review: Jab, jab, jab, right hook
Jab, jab, jab, right hook is the latest book by Gary Vaynerchuk. In short, in reminds all (and teaches some) brands to care about their customers and communities by providing value, engaging and building trust prior to asking for that sale (aka. the right hook). If you are familiar with Gary and his work you have probably read his first …
Your service or product
Over the past month or so I have been asked to review some 4 or 5 services/websites/products and have to say that I have enjoyed doing it. All of these have been in either their beta or pre-release stages. A couple of them are very cool ideas and hopefully they will be able to position themselves properly and gain decent …