Archive for the ‘Management’ Category
Letting Go of Comfort Zones
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Wednesday, April 27th, 2011 Categories:
In the book Jesus, Inc. by Laurie Beth Jones, the question of, “what treasure are you guarding,” is raised. Too often, we tend to hold on to or protect things that aren’t necessarily good for us because we are comfortable with them. As a business owner or professional, what are you holding on to that [Click Here]
Going Fishin’ for New Business
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Monday, April 18th, 2011 Categories:
Once a quarter, we go fishing. Fishing for business, that is. Each quarter, the members of my sales training classes (President’s Club) dedicate a morning to applying all the prospecting tools they’ve been learning. It’s called “Fishbowl Day.” They show up for class, prospect list in hand. Armed with money and prizes, they dive into [Click Here]
The Root of the Problem
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Thursday, March 24th, 2011 Categories:
I saw the first yellow crocus blooming in the yard not long ago. It’s an encouraging sign of Spring. Pretty soon, my kids and I were walking around the yard excitedly pointing out the hyacinths and tulips poking through the ground. Didn’t take long, however, in my excitement about the “fun” flowers to spot the [Click Here]
11 Questions for Every Business Owner/Manager/Leader
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Thursday, January 27th, 2011 Categories:
What does your business stand for? Besides making a profit, why does your business exist? Why should anyone else care? What differentiates you from your competition? (If your answer is “because we care more” or “because we’re better” you need to try again.) Do your employees/team/staff know what your vision is? If I call them [Click Here]
Don’t Sanitize the Mess
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 Categories:
‘When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love’ (Marcus Aurelius) Joy. Peace. Noel. Words that come easily to mind this time of year. We may even have these words gracing the fireplace mantel as we decorate for [Click Here]
Put Me In Coach, I’m Ready To Play…
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Friday, August 6th, 2010 Categories:
During the past year I’ve been on a growth spurt. No, I’m not getting taller, nor am I getting heavier. In fact, my growth spurt has helped me lose nearly 30 pounds. What I’m referring to is personal growth. Yesterday I was reminded once again at how powerful having an Executive Training Coach can be [Click Here]
Cheeseburger and Fries, Hold the Discount!
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Monday, March 29th, 2010 Categories:
Recently the concept of discounting has found renewed life, mostly due to the perception of a troubled economy and the ease with which it can be measured. Some social media applications have even been tweaked to provide a platform for businesses to discount their products/services to their followers/fans/connections, etc. The topic of today’s post is [Click Here]
Really, Do You Smell?
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Thursday, March 18th, 2010 Categories:
We’re driving home one evening, and my 9-year old asks from the back seat, “Mom, what’s your favorite smell?” I paused a moment before answering because…well…I hadn’t thought about it in a while. And thinking about it made me realize how easily I can slip into “autopilot” as I run through my life. Like many [Click Here]
Playing It Straight in a Crooked World
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 Categories:
I tend to optimistically believe in the inherent good of every person, but know that unfortunately we live in a crooked world. Greed, power, inexperience, or sometimes just plain carelessness will cause a person to act in unscrupulous ways. Fear can cause normally good people to make character decisions that disappoint. Fear can also flame [Click Here]
Staying on Track
Posted by Cathy Atkins on Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 Categories:
Keep track of the right things in 2010. Many business struggled because they weren’t monitoring the numbers that make a difference, and didn’t notice the decline until it was too far gone. One that I consider the most important to track is called a T-12 report, or Trailing 12 month report. It gives you a [Click Here]
$3 and a Cloud of Dust
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 Categories:
I feel like an old grump always complaining about the various acts of lunacy I see committed when it comes to customer service & store policies. At the same time, I want to ensure that you, my faithful readers, don’t make the same mistakes in your business. Please forgive me for yet another negative post, [Click Here]
Action vs. Results
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 Categories:
“People don’t rally around actions…they rally around results.” This profound comment was recently posted by Jason Griffin, Associate Partner at Word Marketing via Facebook. Jason and I are friendly acquaintances, and I was a regular listener to his former radio program. I have great respect for his opinions and talents. In a follow up conversation [Click Here]
Short Term Gain vs. Long Term Survival
Posted by Joe Schmitter on Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 Categories:
Over the last several years a recurring thought kept surfacing in my mind about the constant focus on quarterly profits. So many companies were, and still are, obsessed with how much money they are going to make in the short term. Don’t get me wrong, I am a capitalist through and through, but something about [Click Here]
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