One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur Challenge

Posted on May 16, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

walking on the sky by medii 300x225 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur ChallengeStart up my own new business!

Wooo Hooo!   I’m on my own!  I’m flying solo!  I’ll keep my own schedule!  Make my own rules! Oh, and I’ll make lots of money$!

how to get your boss off your back 300x241 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur ChallengeNo more bosses!  No more looks! No more aggravating jerks!

Okay. Now, Your Reality Check?

If you expect your new solo business to thrive, examine your truths about startup, operating, and delivering products and services on your own will not likely satisfy your personal freedom quest. Solopreneurs must build on success and prepare for very different kind of competitive business. We find that many of these gifted entrepreneurs can feel lonely or isolated, and most dangerously, demotivated by less inspired friends and family.

Successful solopreneurs are a unique brand of entrepreneurial leaders.

With the unyielding tenacity of a prize fighter, they are equipped with grit for the challenge. They are experts, and are inclined to specialize with appeal to a particular niche or market.

nosy dog 300x225 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur ChallengeJust as an accomplished news reporter, they are alert and inquisitive. Their ability to multitask is supported by a well-balanced blend of emotional maturity and natural talent. And, because they are tethered so closely to each task, they understand that their ability to create a sustainable business rests firmly on their own shoulders. Their business idea emerged from their dream; and their willpower and resilience is critical to its success.

visionary business group 462x297 300x192 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur Challenge

Earlier this year on 30 Minute Business Dig, we discussed the importance of self-awareness, an understanding of natural talents and unique attributes that helps to strengthen the solopreneur. We discussed the qualities that help to make the most of their resources and their abilities. But how does the solopreneur generate and sustain the self-inspiration and motivation that is the required ingredient for business success?

Owning and running a business can be rewarding, but it is complex and demanding work.  Business owners may be working very hard, and yet feel discouraged and unable to stay on task. What can we do to keep our spirits high, when we have a series of challenges that affect our sales, our ability to effectively market, or when a health issue rears its ugly head? Self-accountability is a critical habit for solopreneurs, and, because we are so close to the operations, our attitude affects momentum more directly than larger organizations.

How do we keep our spirits up? 

Create habits to refresh your vision and review your goals.

cravings 2161 200x300 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur ChallengeRevisit your cravings; what fueled your business ideas and energized you to start up. In his recent best seller, The Power of Habit, author Charles Duhigg reminds us that,

“Cravings are what drive habits….Every night, millions of people scrub their teeth in order to get a tingling feeling; every morning millions of people put on their jogging shoes to capture an endorphin rush they’ve learned to crave. And when they get home, after they clean the kitchen or tidy their bedrooms, some of them will spray a bit of Febreeze.”

Find your laughter.

Or better yet, find your yoga class! Billie Frances, founder of Guiding Mindful Change and a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader conducts free community-based Laughter Yoga groups. Billie recommends that taking a time out for a good belly laugh is good for your health and will promote your overall well-being.]

Develop a routine (a habit) of positive behaviors.

Exercise, a pet, a daily phone call to a friend, whatever helps you smile.  For many years I have been inspired by the renowned author and speaker, Tim Sanders. One of the activities that Tim recommends in his book, The Likeability Factor, is to find your L-Factor features. The reason I recommend this activity is because Tim directs us to reflect on self-validations.  His instructions include:

Think about your biggest fan.

worldcup fan 300x200 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur Challenge

Not a family member, but someone who does not feel obligated to say nice things about you.  As you think about this person, consider what converted them from an acquaintance to a supporter. Was it a thing that you did, or a series of events? If he or she were to list your two most likeable features, what would they be?

Now this is only one of many activities where Tim guides he readers, but the lesson learned here is that validation is very important to keep our spirits high. Surround yourself by validating memorabilia, artifacts that remind you of your recognition, and stay in touch with people who have been supportive.

Develop short-term diversions.

Throughout the day, briefly immerse yourself in something that is 100% pleasing. I am a coffee person. I LOVE it! So, when I’m knee-deep in a project that I cannot abandon, I take a moment to brew a fresh cup of coffee. Aaaaaah! The aroma alone is a calming reward, and the step away from tasks helps to lighten the physical and mental load. Because you are a solopreneur, the burden of many administrivia-driven tasks is yours alone. It is amazing what 10 minutes away from the desk can do for your body and your mind.

How can we generate new ideas?

spring5 300x168 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur ChallengeThe self-inspired nature of the successful solopreneur feeds their ability to renew their own creativity. The solopreneurs competitive advantage rests in their ability to stay fresh and aware. Our ability to be creative is very relevant to our ability to embrace our inner child.  When we are entrenched in the demanding routines required to manage the tasks of a business, we can be swept away from the curiosity that inspired our original startup.

Reading, or if you are an audio person, listen, to materials that depict interesting images, explore new trends and viewpoints.

Irene Kelly, creator of JICT Images shares photographic images to inspire creativity at JICT Images.    (http://jictimages.com/). Another avenue to “shake off the cobwebs” on your creativity is to use some of the tools available online. CAUTION! Solopreneurs must calibrate time spent on indulgences to get creative with online tools. We know they are time suckers! So, set aside a block each week to “play” online.  Some great sites to nudge your brain are: Entrepreneur.com, Stumbleupon.com, Focus.com, and for writing,  explore the Plinky.com tool for prompts.

Revisit a (we suggest device-free) activity, something reflective, that takes you completely d 300x300 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur Challengeaway from your routine for a few hours.

Your creativity is like a muscle; if you do not exercise it, it will atrophy.  Expose your eyes and ears to colorful, sensory provocative objects and activities. Frankly, some of my best ideas come after I have strolled around the local arts and crafts store, or a garden or “do it yourself” center. For me, there is little more liberating that making something with my hands, decorating a gift package, planting something, painting a piece of old furniture, or designing something with stone or glass.

Explore what experts are talking about.

Meet new people.

make new connections 0 300x127 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur Challenge

Get out of the office and yes, mingle. Cultivate your curiosity about other folks. Ask questions. Go to a conference. Travel and explore. And never be caught without a pen and paper!  Write down your wandering thoughts and observations. These notes are invaluable when you return to your office.

wondering 300x157 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur Challenge

Nurture your curiosity and perspective of the world.

Be the person who wonders. What would happen if…? How does that work? There are endless possibilities if you observe circumstances in the world around you. Observe people and processes in a pragmatic way, and make notes.

How do we continue to work hard, especially when others are playing? 

Solopreneurs are uniquely motivated people who must embrace methods to stay inspired. The most satisfying outcomes are a result of working hard, using the most effective systems at our disposal, and putting in the long hours of service at our business. The commitment can sometimes be difficult when we are pressed by many more appealing options, especially entertaining ones.  So,

have willpower 300x200 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur ChallengeDevelop willpower.

Like any skill, self-control can be learned. I know earlier that I mentioned reading. In her book, The Willpower Instinct, Kelly McGonigal provides activities, “Willpower experiments”, to help us to better use our ability for self-control. In the chapter, Your Body Was Born to Resist Cheesecake, Dr. McGonigal describes specific activities that can help when temptations are luring us away from necessary tasks, such as “The 5-Minute Green Willpower Fill-Up”—

  • Get out of the office and get to something green!
  • Cue up a favorite song on your iPod and walk/jog around the block.
  • Play with your dog, on the lawn.
  • Yard work or garden
  • Fresh air and stretches.
  • Anything outdoors—fresh air and green.

Visit your values. eyeglass 300x199 One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur Challenge

Because our priorities shift and we can become distracted, at FreyWorks & Associates, we use the Values Index Assessment to help our clients clarify what is most important to them. Based on Spranger and Allport’s studies of human value, motivation and drive, this brief activity provides deep insights into how we:

  • Set goals that are inspirational–Dream!
  • Create roles that are aligned with what motivates us.
  • Select jobs that are aligned with our unique talents.
  • Manage our performance.

FreyWorks badge logo One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur ChallengeFind out what makes you tick!

Learn more and experience the insights provided in the Values Index activity TODAY! Contact Dr. Deborah Frey at FreyWorks & Associates to sign up for this free assessment. Email at debfrey@freyworks.com.

Revisit your strategic plan.

Sometimes we need a refresher about our business.  Review your goals and your dreams. Remember, if you are working outside of your strategic plan, then you may need to reexamine your vision and evaluate your goals. Things change. Are you working smart, or simply working hard? Evaluate your processes and your time strategies.

Keep in mind that although you may not often get to “play hooky”, if you have aligned your business goals with your values, you will LOVE your work. When your work activities have meaning for you, it is fun. And, when you are doing what you do best, you will have fun. The key is to develop systems that help you get to the “fun” work.

negativity One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur ChallengeStay away from negative influences and negative people!

REALLY! When possible, find avenues to avoid negativity. As you participate in, or listen to, conversations, learn to detect negative patterns and move on. Just as positive attitudes influence and affect us, negative attitudes are infectious, truly highly contagious! If you permit critics to damage your momentum, you will burn precious hours and risk an injured ego.

Try these tips and learn more about the journey of solopreneurs on 30 Minute Business Dig with me, Deb Frey and my co-host, Lisa Kanda!

Solopreneurs, do you have a story, a technique, a strategy that may help others in their success quest?  Please share with us by sending your comments to debfrey@freyworks.com. Tell us how you manage your challenges and successes!

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One Can Be a Lonely Number: The Solopreneur Challenge
Posted in Coaching, Entrepreneurship, Goal Setting, Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Planning, Professional Development, Small Business, Solopreneur, Visioning | Leave a comment

Solopreneur: It’s About Time and Money

Posted on April 20, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

Ro Solopreneur: It’s About Time and MoneySolopreneurs, a uniquely talented brand of business leaders, are creating a powerful enterprise community in the United States. Regardless of the inspiration, the promise of autonomy and potential profitability that rests solely on the strengths and talents of these lone rangers, and rangerettes, offers an appealing alternative to traditional business models. The challenges rest within the independent, self-governing model; solopreneurs do everything themselves. The solopreneur is, among many roles, the self-supervisor, marketing executive, sales professional, research and development department, production line, delivery system, and bookkeeper. Results rest firmly on the solopreneur’s ability to wrangle time and money management systems into a sustainable lifestyle and business.

The focus is on two fundamental principles: time and money. Although all business owners measure, streamline and evaluate revenues, weigh time investment, and develop strategies to avoid losses, because they are on their own, solopreneurs must challenge the traditional methods to realize profits. And with the competing priorities and demands of

various roles, focus can be fleeting and the bottom line of profitability and time management can slip away.

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock

It’s about time. There are 6clock money Solopreneur: It’s About Time and Money0 minutes in each hour, 24 hours in each day. That’s it! We all experience the same quantity of time. Your 60 minutes can liberate you or trap you. Your perception of time (your personal reality of the time space) is critical to shape your view of your business landscape. Consider:

  • When you are working on a challenging, stimulating project where you are using your talents and you feel your skills kicking the tasks.  Time flies!
  • When you are bored, or struggling with a task that is unpleasant (something for which your skills or talent is not a match), you can feel frozen or like your feet weight 70 pounds each!
  • When you are under extreme deadline pressure without time to effectively accomplish what is needed in your window of time, your stress level can be crippling and can threaten your physical health.

Just as we develop our attitudes in early life about our interactions with others, determination, expectations, our potential, we also frame our attitudes about time. For example, think about scenarios in your early conditioning, from childhood. Consider the following situations:

  • disappointed child 300x199 Solopreneur: It’s About Time and MoneyIf, in childhood, you experience, harsh criticism or punishments for making mistakes, it is likely that as an adult, you will be more inclined to play things safe—stick with safe/know tasks where you know what to do, and how long it will take. This does not work well for a solopreneur who, by the nature of their independence, must do many tasks, some that are very uncomfortable, some new, or that have an unknown time frame to accomplish.

raise a brat 300x199 Solopreneur: It’s About Time and MoneyIf as a child you received unwarranted, surplus praise or accolades for achieving a simple task very quickly, with disregard for time or quality of work, then you may encounter planning problems to work within time constraints.

As children we gain rewards from obedience. These rewards define us as adults. Then, when we find that we cannot do everything that we are asked to do all of the time, we can feel like we are out of control, or even worse, we have failed.

Someone once shared this single driving thought that guides me through my more productive days; “If you have a time management system, regardless of the brand, use it!” And it is true. Many of us attend seminars, take courses, and purchase lovely binders and software tools to help us wrangle time in our days, but if the system stays in the box, or the file folder, it will not work.

Kathy Prochaska-Cue, Extension Family Economics Specialist, in her article, Thirteen Timely Tips for More Effective Time Management, shared some valuable and practical guidance for all of us. For example,

Invest Time for Planning: To Do, or Not To Donot to do 300x227 Solopreneur: It’s About Time and Money

Solopreneurs, if you are not planning, you are reducing your own expectations for success.

Yes, “To Do” listing can help to begin each day in a purposeful way. As you reflect on each day, write down what has been accomplished toward the goals of your plans. Then, identify goals to accomplish tomorrow. Before you sleep or over breakfast, write them down!  Remember, a goal that is not written, will not be achieved.

Tip: Goals drive purposeful lives and build businesses. Solopreneurs must build each day in a purposeful way to optimize all of their resources. Your coach can help you to identify resources and design planning tools that work best for you. Use your tools every day. Daily planning is foundational to fuel your business engine.

Practice (Your Version) of Intelligent Neglect. All of us have trivial tasks that consume many hours from our productive days.  These tasks have no long-term consequences, yet we can easily dive into them to avoid more challenging, intellectually or physically demanding tasks. Take a very close look at your “To Do” list for tomorrow. Identify the tasks which you alone can do.

yoga ss tight 1 300x200 Solopreneur: It’s About Time and MoneyFlexibility and Your Biological Prime Time

Build your days for interruptions and distractions. Experts suggest planning for just 50 percent or less of your timeframe. Interruptions happen. Flexibility to field the interruptions and emergencies with 50 percent of your time planned. Also, implement routine activities for blocks of time when you might expect interruptions. Identify and reserve larger blocks of time for more complex or creatively-driven activities.

Reflect on your internalized habits. Are you a “morning person”, a “night owl”, or are you brilliant in the afternoon? Tap into your psychological and physical best hours for the most demanding work in your business.  This is a two-fold activity.  First, what areas of your business require more intellectually demanding energy from you? In other words, what kinds of activities challenge your mind and require complete focus? What physical part of your work is most taxing and when are you physically at your best? Second, determine when you feel most fatigued, mentally or physically? At what time of day do you fight the temptation to take a nap?  Use your hour-to-hour calendar tool to track your habits (or temptations for distraction). When you have analyzed your habit trends, you can more effectively plan your best “To Do” tools. Your business coach can help with all aspects of goal planning and developing a personalized time strategy to most effectively support your solopreneur challenges.

Nobody’s Perfect!

Beware of the minutia that can suck your time and deplete your energy for very necessary duties. For example, many seminar or workshop speakers will use a creative tool such as a website or PowerPoint slides to enhance the presentation. Preparation for the event includes materials, rehearsal, staging, as well as, enhancements.  Too often presenters will obsess with graphic materials, “the crayons” of this craft, to build a perfect visual aid, as they fail to fully develop other aspects of the job. Unnecessary attention to detail is another form of procrastination. In other words, a focus on the artwork is easier to do than writing content for the marketing flyer. Consequently, the marketing flyer is late to print.

Concentrate on doing the right thing. And as we are reminded by the great Peter Drucker, doing the right thing is about your best, most effective actions; doing things right is about efficiency, use of minimal resources to deliver the product or service. First, concentrate on effectiveness (identify the right thing to do), then focus on efficiency (doing it right).

The Pricing Puzzlepricing strategy 300x257 Solopreneur: It’s About Time and Money

How do you determine the value of your product or service? Are the charges covering your invested time and resources?

Solopreneurs, you are a one-person team. One hour you are a web-designer, the next hour, you are a sales professional, the next hour may find you working at a local charity! You invest yourself each day, sometimes thinly, to accomplish more goals than many people expect to accomplish in one week. You effectively multitask, think and move quickly. However, simply because you have the expertise, skills, and physical capabilities to do many tasks in a short time, and that you can easily access information quickly, should not diminish the market value of these amazing abilities.

As a solopreneur, by necessity, your system of delivery is designed within a comfortable framework to accomplish more with less. You are able to design complex services and do the manual tasks of packaging or assembling materials. Time truly is money. Your ability to streamline a process adds value to the delivered product or service. There are many preparation techniques to help you frame activities, compress the sales process, and price your offerings. A business coach can help you with:

  • Crafting your conversations with prospects to derive the goals (the needs or wants) and avoid meandering conversations that lack direction
  • Focusing on information that can help to support the purchase of your service or product
  • Examining your market, the distinctions (nuances that differentiate you) for the kinds of products or services that you sell
  • Evaluating and comparing other resources and businesses that offer what you do
  • Developing realistic foundations and boundaries for delivery such as; preparation of materials, assembly time, the administrivia involved in details, and, travel or medium (equipment, e-media, getting there and back)
  • Creating easy to understand, complete pricing tools with options for the buyer.

Always remember, there are many factors that influence a buying decision; price, convenience, and attentive service. If you have determined a price that is competitive, and the consumer believes your product or service has the value that they seek, price is a non-issue, but other factors may affect the buying decision. To sustain the competitive edge you must study your business, invest in your prospect relationships, and stay current with your competition.

You, the Solopreneur, and Your Follower: It’s not easy, but it doesn’t have to be so hard

As a solopreneur, your leadership abilities have never been more critical. What? You are flying solo, so why are we talking about leadership? As the leader of your business and captain of your life, your closest follower, YOU, is the contrarian, the challenger. Your ability to thrive in business hinges on your talent to self-lead and, to create and utilize fluid, agile delivery systems.

When you have the ability to lead yourself, so be self-guided and self-inspired, all goals are easier to achieve. Executive Leadership and Entrepreneurial Leadership and Strategic Thinking coaching processes can help you thrive as a solopreneur. Contact FreyWorks & Associates Consulting, LLC at debfrey@freyworks.com to learn more about this specialized coaching process and enjoy a FREE opportunity for a one-on-one assessment via telephone or Skype!

Also, check out our recent broadcast series, How to Soar as a Solopreneur, on 30 Minute Business Dig on BlogTalkRadio.com! Dr. Deborah Frey, FreyWorks & Associates, and Lisa Kanda, of Elkay Corporate Advisors, provide powerful nuggets of value to improve your personal and professional life!

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Solopreneur: It’s About Time and Money
Posted in Coaching, Conversations, Entrepreneurship, Goal Setting, Leadership, Planning, Small Business, Solopreneur, Visioning | Leave a comment

Why Do We Hide? Because We Can!

Posted on March 28, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

acct1 201x300 Why Do We Hide? Because We Can!Accountability = Insurance policy to show up, or not.

Accountability, integrity, credibility, caring, helpfulness; all qualities we seek in others. These attributes are critical players in success-driven relationships in the workplace. And yet, people continue to disappoint.

  • People hide. They scurry from responsibility.
  • People shrink away from challenging work.
  • They show up late, or not at all.

worried1 300x300 Why Do We Hide? Because We Can!

Consider the plight of small business owner, an entrepreneur, who  needs to hire right, as the great Jim Collins told us, “get the right people on the bus”.  Many entrepreneurs, who strive to implement their best, most expeditious hiring techniques, may not have the resources, or time, to thoroughly vet a candidate. After credentials are reviewed and interviews have ended, owners often “follow their gut” and hope they have somehow accurately identified some aligned values in the new hire. Sometimes the process works out. Sometimes it doesn’t.

As expert Gary Klein, of Klein Associates, Inc., stresses, “Let go of the idea of the perfect answer. You cannot possibly get all the info, nor can you foretell the future and calculate all the risks.”  So owners choose, train, and hope that their systems are in place to cultivate  an engaged, passionate worker.

Accountability

Whether we are developing a new employee or working to help a team member improve their performance, one fundamental principle drives their potential: accountability. Regardless of the tasks or goals, when people enter a relationship with their believed understanding that they are responsible for the outcome, they are more likely to perform better. With the truth, a clear understanding of where they must go, they will show up. They will try. And, they will value the rewards, and manage the consequences, of their results. In his book, Stepping Up: How Taking Responsibility Changes Everything, Dr. John Izzo draws some highlights from neuroscience research, that we change our brain, our thought processes, when we take responsibility for our actions. Accountability strengthens the potential for high performers.

Be a Trust Builder

If you want to create a sense of ownership, of responsible, creative behaviors in your organization, the relationship balance hinges on trust-building. Leaders must exercise and demonstrate  integrity. In practice, design performance requirements with clear framework, direct guidance:  What is needed or desired? Who will be achieving the goal? How will we know when the goal is met? What is the time frame to fully satisfy the goal?

OMG 300x300 Why Do We Hide? Because We Can!Never assume anything! Expecially, with new hires. Conversation is critical to help establish expectations and  tap into creativity.  Charles Feltman, author of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust at Work, describes the hazards of “drive-by requests”, when the “yes” is assumed, can be a source of broken trust. Leaders must remember that stellar performance is a result of engaged thinking, consensus on expectations, and a strong commitment to develop people. Trust. High performance teams are strengthened with trust. People will step up. They will strive to create and improve their results, and they will form lasting, rewarding  commitments.

 

 

 

Klein featured in article, Reinvention Strategy, Oprah Magazine online.  http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Reinvention-Strategies-Follow-Your-Gut

 

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Why Do We Hide? Because We Can!
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The Road Less Traveled: Solopreneurs, Are YOU Prepared for Success?

Posted on March 14, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

Are you considering the leap into business ownership?

Luisa The Road Less Traveled: Solopreneurs, Are YOU Prepared for Success?

Today’s solopreneur is maneuvering around and through obstacles and challenging conditions on their “Road Less Traveled”.  And although many people believe that solo-driven business would be the proverbial “dream come true” for independent thinkers, successful solopreneurs understand that the path is NOT for everyone. In fact, solopreneurship is so much more than business ownership–It is a life conversion that requires passionate commitment. Solopreneurs must answer these questions:

  • Am I prepared for the challenges, the fluid conditions, of business ownership today?
  • And, am I prepared for my success?

More than any other organizational player, solopreneurs can achieve high levels of personal and professional success if they enter the competitive business environment with conviction, resourcefulness, and, most importantly, self-awareness.

80sdeb 300x207 The Road Less Traveled: Solopreneurs, Are YOU Prepared for Success? As today’s solopreneurs begin their journey with a better understanding of their natural talents, and their unique attributes, they will be equipped to make the most of their resources and their abilities. Let’s find out how you can be better prepared and ready to navigate the challenging road of entrepreneurship. For the solopreneur, the “Road Less Traveled” twists and turns through a highly competitive matrix of strategies, relationship-building, sustainability, and cash-flow challenges. It’s NOT easy!

Some serious contemplation and thoughtful analysis is absolutely necessary to determine personal readiness, and to find direction armed with the necessary confidence for the challenges, and rewards, of success.

As our good friend, Jay Niblick, author of What’s Your Genius: How the Best Think for Success, tells us, something amazing happens when an entrepreneur becomes self-aware of his/her natural talents, and when they use their talents authentically.  It is not about fixing who we are, it’s about trusting who we are, and letting our natural talents deliver. And, it is important to acknowledge that there are only two kinds of talent: natural and acquired. When our talents are aligned with what we are doing, we are equipped for success. To better understand our natural talents, we must examine our internal qualities that serve as driving indicators. In other words, our growth as a person and our success as a solopreneur depends greatly on our ability to examine all parts of our life to see if they add up to the total person we want to be.

So, what do you need to know about your Critical Success attributes? In other words, what do you need to know about you that is crucial for your business to succeed?

Considering your attitude toward honesty: Can you handle the truth?jack The Road Less Traveled: Solopreneurs, Are YOU Prepared for Success?

  • Can I hear the brutal truth? Can I appreciate all of the truthful information that is shared with me?
  • Will I use the truth in a reasonable, generous way to help my company?
  • Do I seek opportunities for truthful conversations with others?
  • Or, do I tend to avoid thoughtful interactions with others?
  • Do I know how to develop and reinforce trusting relationships?

What is my attitude toward others?  group 300x249 The Road Less Traveled: Solopreneurs, Are YOU Prepared for Success?

  • Do I enjoy achieving results with other people?
  • How am I most satisfied with my work? Doing it all myself? Or, working with a high-performing team?
  • Can I develop other people to be effective as my business grows? Or, will I be better served to hire coaches or trainers for support?

How do I feel about standards?

  • Can I determine quality standards that will serve my customers, clients, and partners?
  • Will I consistently meet those standards? How will I do it?
  • What is my system to align my company with customer-driven practices? Do I need to reach out to a partner who can help with strategic planning?

What about my personal commitment?

  • Am I able to embrace the balance required to achieve business success?
  • How will I align my personal and professional life?
  • What actions will I take to ensure that business goals are achieved, and that personal relationships are nurtured and preserved?

Another area that can be a challenge for solopreneurs is Getting Results. Consider the following questions:

  • How do I feel about being accountable for myself, or for the performance/nonperformance of others?
  • Do I struggle with attention to detail? Or, am I able to release control so that others may fulfill detail tasks?
  • No one can make me consistent or reliable. How will I commit and act to achieve consistent, reliable results?
  • Do I allow myself to be goal-driven? How do I structure my goals?
  • Do I have a tendency to be project and goal focused?
  • Am I results-driven and do I consistently make deadlines?

Angry Old Man 232x300 The Road Less Traveled: Solopreneurs, Are YOU Prepared for Success? Consider the important requirement for solopreneurs to interact with others. Your ability to effectively interact with people can significantly impact your potential for success. However, not all solopreneurs or entrepreneurs are “People people”. In other words, many people are simply shy when the opportunity to network or share a space is available. Fact, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs need people to help promote their company and to buy their products and services.

Some questions for you:

  • What is my attitude toward other people?
  • Am I free from personal prejudices?
  • Do I have realistic expectations towards others; customers, business partners, employees, agency representatives?
  • Am I inclined to willingly surrender control to others?

One of the most challenging activities in our lives is our ability to make decisions. Every day solopreneurs must be able to confidently make decisions. Some examples of questions about decision making that you must answer to better understand your success attributes are:

  • How am I at conceptual thinking? Do I possess strong envisioning skills?
  • Am I able to quickly identify reliable resources?
  • How well do I hear, listen and follow directions?
  • Am I able to visualize a possible problem? How am I at theoretical problem solving?
  • What are my tendencies and attributes of my personal intuitive decision making style?
  • How is my common sense? Am I able to focus and listen to internal signals to make the best decisions?

The answers to these questions, and hundreds more, can provide deep insights about our natural talents.  When we understand and embrace our business challenges with self-assurance and direction, our performance is focused and amplified.

How can you find answers these questions? How can you identify your unique natural talents that will fuel and support your ongoing success?

Rely on proven assessment tools to guide and inform your process. Seek certified analysts and coaches with the skills to identify patterns that inform and prepare you for the important decision you face in your business.

Learn more about this discussion that will help guide and inform you about your natural talents on: “How to Soar as a Solopreneur: The Road Less Traveled” on 30 Minute Business Dig with Deborah Frey and Lisa Kanda on BlogTalkRadio.com. And, as a part of this series, we are offering an opportunity for you to participate in the Innermetrix® Attribute Index assessment, including a free 30-minute debrief session. The Attribute Index is a quick assessment that will clarify your answers to these questions and provide deep insights about your unique natural talents. Essentially, the AI provides clarity about your  personal, practical, and analytical decision making styles; how you make decisions in high velocity mode (when things are happening fast).  Your unique AI will indicate how you operate at your best.

Don’t delay! Begin your self-awareness journey now! Contact Deborah Frey at debfrey@freyworks.com to schedule this free online activity and coaching session. You will begin the journey that will give you the self-assurance to build and grow your business, and balance your life!

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Speaking Easy: How Leaders Connect

Posted on March 4, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

Kev Steve1982 300x212 Speaking Easy: How Leaders Connect

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words don’t bother me.” Joe Cocker (Mad Dogs and the Englishmen, “I’ve Been Abused” Intro, 1970)

  • Do words bother you? Is hypersensitivity in your DNA?
  • Do you struggle with an approach to real discussions?
  • Do you postpone conversations?

The Elusive Power of Words

Although many people with leadership responsibilities have mastered the craft and delivery of inspiring words, globe-spanning empirical research conducted by leadership development experts, Kouzes and Posner indicates that the substance and quality of words constitutes true leadership. The research continues to support the collective view that a leader’s honesty is the most important attribute to earn the respect and devotion of followers. We know that words plus action fuel the leader’s ability to sustain lasting influence with their followers. And yet, it is the initial impact of our words (written or spoken) that begins, and ends, powerful, potentially fertile, relationships.

Words, and no-words.. As so many communication experts know, we send signals in everything we do, yet the connection, the powerful link between people, is routinely elusive.  John Maxwell, brilliant author of Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently, stresses that connections, meaningful linkages between people, are intentional. Connections require energy. Engaging communication is priceless, and yet, can be frustrating, intimidating, and emotionally exhausting.

Recently, “Confessions of a Reformed Facilitator” blog author Simon Bailey, shared insights about a dramatic change in his already supercharged, communication style. His high-energy, in your face, approach had provided a bedrock of success, but his approach needed an overhaul to tap the potential of today’s adult learners. Today he provides time for people to reflect and discuss their experiences, and encourages his groups to exchange information, “swap stories, successes, and concerns”.

shoes 300x91 Speaking Easy: How Leaders ConnectSimon tells us that although the transition to this communication style was not easy, he appreciates the rewards. Why is this kind of transition not easy? Because telling is so much easier than engaged listening. When we listen, we must focus 100% on receiving, processing information provided through another person’s lens. The proverbial, “put yourself in his (her) shoes” applies here.

Power-Up Your Conversations

Many aspects of effective coaching include helping clients to integrate planning methods and to develop small action steps for day-to-day challenges in their lives. Essentially, if we plan, we make more effective decisions and we become more effective communicators. So, think before you speak. Better yet, listen before you speak. The emotionally mature way to prepare for conversations through listening can powerfully affect the outcomes of any communication. In her book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain shares a meaningful insight for trainers and mentors; it is important to groom listeners, as well as talkers, for leadership roles.

Consider how your words may affect others. Prepare for the impact. And, most importantly, learn to appreciate the value of a productive conversation. Let’s consider how you might integrate the following coaching cues to improve your connection skills.

Get Your “Speak” On!

FTF-Speak, e-Speak, Blog-Speak, or Tele-Speak. It doesn’t matter. Speaking is speaking–BUT, your ability to appreciate and respect the medium differentiates your leadership communication style.

Did you ever wonder where the term speakeasy originated?  Speakeasy was a term used to describe a place as a scenario during U.S. Prohibition (1920-1932). People in the community, and especially patrons, were admonished to use discretion and be alert when speaking of the illegal bar. The label “speakeasy” described a communication style that was hypersensitive to the potential presence of authorities and neighboring listeners. 

Speaking Easy

It is important to learn how to crystallize issues before entering a potentially challenging conversation. Much like goals, clarity is rarely accomplished if not written. Take a few moments to reflect on the situation that has created the challenging conditions between you and the other person.

writing Speaking Easy: How Leaders Connect

Write a few statements, facts, that specifically describe the situation, the event, or the problem.

  • Examine and identify your feelings about the issue, or how the condition or problem impacts others. Use as many words to describe these feelings as possible.

    step4 300x267 Speaking Easy: How Leaders Connect

    (For this activity, it sometimes helps to draw, stick figures work, a picture that helps you to visualize the current situation. You may end up with a drawing that mimics the NFL coach’s instructions preparing for the Super Bowl, but the idea is to be clear.)
  • Thoroughly describe what you are striving to achieve with the conversation.
  • Explicitly illustrate what actions you believe should be taken. (Again, sometimes sketches or drawings can help to visualize the action and progress toward your goals.)
  • And, explain the possible specific consequences of inaction or failure to alter or change the situation.

If done routinely, the activity of scripting, or conversation preparation, becomes part of your autopilot discourse process. Of course, you will not have your notes with you when you have an actual conversation (please don’t), but consider how much more emotionally prepared you can be if you take some time for analysis before you speak.

When there is a real, or perceived, problem, scripting helps us to design questions and honestly address critical issues. For each statement that you wrote as you described the facts and your view of a situation or condition, you can easily develop questions to achieve a better understanding and create a listening and learning environment.

Now, let’s explore that listening thing. Explore ways to refine and amplify your listening skills. One of the most effective tools is to design relevant questions. Relevant! When you are engaged, you will be immersed in the information and feedback necessary to become dislodged from a problem. Try out your version of some of the follow samples.

The Scenario Relevant Question Samples
Describe the situation, the event, or the problem. Be specific.
  • How do you see the situation?
  • Do you see the situation differently than I do?
  • What do you believe happened?
  • Please describe how you understand the problem.
Examine and identify your feelings about the issue, or how the condition or problem impacts others.
  • How are you feeling about…?
  • What is your opinion about…?

Create “safe harbor” situations for this conversation. Remember, the most valuable colleague that a leader can have is an honest follower. Honesty requires a safe conversational space.  stickman waving Speaking Easy: How Leaders Connect

 
Thoroughly describe what you are striving to achieve with the conversation.
  • Will you help me set some goals for this talk?
  • What would you like to ensure that we talk about?
  • What goal can be achieved here today?
Explicitly illustrate what actions you believe should be taken.
  • How can we make progress?
  • Will you help me develop an action plan?
  • What steps can we take to put fuel in this plan?
Explain the possible specific consequences of inaction or failure to alter or change the situation.
  • What will happen if we do nothing?
  • What if we fail?
  • What can we do to prevent, or lessen the impact, of future problems?

When you prepare for challenging conversations by listening and scripting some details, you significantly diffuse your fear of confrontation, and enhance your potential to successfully navigate through, or avoid, unproductive conversations. When you ask questions, you empower your people. Essentially, you are letting them know that you understand that they have information, knowledge or insight that is valuable and need to be shared.

Fact, vast research supports that we admire leaders who are humble, who listen, who communicate with sensitivity, and who have integrity. Leaders, your ability to harness skills that demonstrate your powerful and effective connection attributes will win appreciation and help you solve problems with a cooperative team.

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Posted in Coaching, Conversations, Entrepreneurship, Goal Setting, Interviewing, Leadership, Planning, Professional Development, Small Business | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Confidence: How to Get It and Keep It

Posted on February 20, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

self confidence Confidence: How to Get It and Keep ItConfidence is the difference between feeling unstoppable and scared out of your wits! Your self-image is the source of confidence that makes an enormous impact on how others see you and how successful you will be.

Regardless of your roles; entrepreneur, organizational or community leader, or family, your success is delicately hinged on your confidence. Because perception is your reality, your confidence has a direct connection to your results.

So how do people see you? For example, have you ever asked, “With what version of me does..

  • my friend respond to and enjoy,
  • my team member cooperate, or
  • my customer buy? ”

Yes, each person who interacts with us in our many roles, perceives us differently. So, here is a tip to own the best version of you. And yes, as “they” say, this is not rocket science. Take a few moments every day for one week (no skipping), to acknowledge and appreciate each person who has encouraged you, made you laugh, shared an insightful story, or mentored you through a challenging problem. Whatever their gift of validation, remember that, if given the opportunity, people will communicate. When acknowledged, these validations can help us to reinforce our good qualities, and adjust our behaviors to improve on, or eliminate, attributes that are lacking or harmful. It does not matter what medium was used to communicate (e.g., conversation, e-mail, a note, or an action), but take a moment to reflect on each, maybe write a few words on a notepad or “note to self” on your cell phone.

listening1 300x200 Confidence: How to Get It and Keep ItWith the frantic pace of productivity, demanding schedules, and layers of responsibility, how can you learn to hear your peeps? How do you observe and absorb information?  Do what highly successful leaders do, pause. Look around, listen, (eyes and ears), and appreciate and validate others. Consider what you might receive if you said to a friend or colleague, “Ted, thank you for making me laugh today.” Or, “Susan, you always charge in to tackle the tough problems. Thank you for your courage.” Or, to a server or clerk, “Your attitude just made my day a lot better. Thanks!”

Take a look around your world and invest a few moments to give and receive. We achieve more in our lives with the underpinnings of others. When people believe in us, we validate our confidence.  And, when you act on your appreciation, in this act alone, you will be validated and more confident. Your validated confidence will fuel your success!

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Are You Ready to be a Solopreneur? Questions to Ask Before You Start

Posted on February 13, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

solo 300x2256 Are You Ready to be a Solopreneur? Questions to Ask Before You StartAre you considering the rewards and realities of flying solo? Today’s business landscape includes a rapidly growing group of highly motivated business owners, the solopreneurs. More than ever before, the world of solopreneurs is delicately balanced on their management and leadership savvy combined with powerful self-discipline tools, including: visioning and planning, resource management and cash flow oversight, and accountability.

So who are solopreneurs? And how are they different than entrepreneurs?

We are living and working in an exciting era!  Technology has been part of the productivity fabric for several decades. Consequently, people with highly developed, fine-tuned technology skills can become hyper-productive business managers. Tech tools make it possible for us to achieve deep layers of productivity and social networking tasks with the ease of a few keystrokes or mouse clicks. Hence, the power of technology can be very liberating for creative business building.

Today, we recognize that many people who have taken the proverbial quantum leap into a solo-run business are highly motivated, and they are idea enthusiasts who have extensive, often sophisticated business and technical skills. As the great Peter Drucker anticipated, we are knee-deep in the “knowledge economy”.  Fast Company describes the “flux generation” as a high-potential segment of today’s movers and shakers who have the ability to navigate through chaos and savor uncertainty.  Our successful solopreneurs of this millennium are certainly members of the “flux generation”.

“Multitasker”, a term often considered a highly desirable quality to list on our resume, is a power source for solopreneurs; enabling them to communicate, produce and serve customers with minimal external support. “Doing it my way” can be the mantra for many of them.

Some urban dictionary sources describe an entrepreneur as:

  • Someone who works alone, “solo,” running their business single-handedly.
  • They might have contractors for hire, yet have full responsibility for the running of their business.

I share one of our blogosphere colleague’s views (from the blogsite http://brandandbloom.com) that, “….this makes being ‘solopreneur’ sound a bit uninspiring.”

Our blogger, Andrea, describes an entrepreneur as someone who:

  • “Capitalizes and expands on an idea”
  • “Not necessarily an idea that they are attached too, just a really good one.”

Entrepreneurs are fully invested in the development of a unique, never-been-done before idea.  Many entrepreneurs, after the prior idea is a running business, move on to the next never-been-done before idea. In our American society, we thrive on these entrepreneurs who fortify a business toward success, develop people to lead, manage and produce for the new business.  Many entrepreneurs act on the expansion ideas generated from the initial enterprise to create new businesses.

Andrea, our blogger, appropriately describes the solopreneur as “one who capitalizes on their passion”.  The solopreneur has their never-been-done before idea and holds onto this core idea to fully develop the business enterprise. The business may include all of the trappings of entrepreneurial challenges and rewards, but the impassioned idea is the business driver.

300px Alice par John Tenniel 2314 Are You Ready to be a Solopreneur? Questions to Ask Before You Start

Visioning and Planning: Critical Skills for the “Road Less Traveled” Solopreneur

“Would you tell me, please which way I ought to go from here?” she asked.

“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” was the reply.

“I don’t much care where–” she said.

“Then, it doesn’t matter which way you go.”

Alice and the Cheshire Cat, from Lewis Carroll’s, Alice in Wonderland

Poignant reminder that the path we take will determine our destination. Whether it’s the path that we are taking for ourselves, or the one on which we want to lead others, it really does matter where we want to go. No matter what happens, you will end up somewhere in the course of the next month or the next year.  So where will it be? Like Alice, it depends on what path you take.

Most solopreneurs are inspired! They have places they want to go. And typically, they want to go to a place where they will have sales or donations, lowered costs, new and evolving markets, new systems and networks, upgraded equipment and facilities, etc. These might be considered objectives or goals. But are these goals part of a bigger mission, or vision?  Does it really matter? YES it does!

The solopreneur vision identifies and closes the gap of the distance between “where we are” or and “where we want to go”. When the vision is crystallized, the solopreneur must tactically plan how to most effectively arrive and sustain success. Some fundamental solopreneur questions that must be answered:

  • How will I get there?
  • What will I need?
  • Who will go with me?
  • How will this vision compel investors?

The answers to these important questions are how the enthused solopreneur prepares for their inspired journey.

Money Grip 620x480 300x2323 Are You Ready to be a Solopreneur? Questions to Ask Before You StartCash and Resources: How Will You Fuel the Dream?

Of course, the bottom line, cash flow, can be a relentless problem for every solopreneur. Cash flow is the fuel for your business. According to the Business Insider, as of last March (2011), Discover Card’s monthly survey of owners of companies with fewer than six employees (i.e., microbusiness owners) showed that 43 percent reported experiencing temporary cash flow problems.

Many experts emphasize that cash flow projections are the key to making wise and profitable business decisions. So how does a solopreneur manage this sometimes challenging, and often detail-burdened task?  Many of my readers may remember the profound quote from the movie, Bladerunner (1982), “The light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.” Character, Eldon Tyrell. To keep their light burning brightly solopreneurs are burdened to keep the cash flowing to support product development, marketing, and other areas that required funding.

In a recent online forum, John Mariotti, of Small Business Trends shared the reality that many solopreneurs underestimate how long it is from when they spend their cash to when they start collecting it back (in any significant quantity). Solopreneurs must develop and continuously refine their pragmatic skills. And although they are especially effective multitaskers, for the business to survive and thrive, solopreneurs should engage financial partners who can help them to refine their cash management skills and help to ease the task load.

In the new series, How to Soar as a Solopreneur, 30 Minute Business Dig on BlogTalkRadio.com will explore and share tools, and tips on outside resources, and techniques that can be smoothly integrated into businesses to help with some, often tormenting cash flow issues such as:

  • Pricing models (where to begin, when and how to respond to changes)
  • Undervaluing  (market awareness strategies)
  • Collections, payment plans, deposits (efficiency tools to sustain business operations and maintain customer loyalty and explore common pitfalls).

Cash flow, the solopreneurs bottom line, provides business continuity and sustainable success.

One is the Loneliest Number: Accountability is Your Internal Cheerleading System

Scott Eblin, acclaimed author and executive coach, clarifies the difference between accountability and responsibility this way:

  • If you’re accountable, you answer for it.
  • If you’re responsible, you do it.

When you are flying solo, accountability is NOT an option, it is mandatory. Because the solopreneur is the key player in the business, an accountability system that can be an autopilot when times get tough, is the fundamental tool that sustains high levels of productivity.

The solopreneur’s commitment to a new business is anchored by responsibilities that include:

  • Self (health and wellness: emotional and physical)
  • Values (ethics and beliefs)
  • Personal relationships (family, friends, community)
  • Professional relationships (colleagues and business partners)
  • Financial (personal and business cash flows)
  • People Skills (influencing and sales)

leader wheelbarrow 300x2242 Are You Ready to be a Solopreneur? Questions to Ask Before You StartYes, this complex list clearly indicates the need for solopreneurs to groom and refine the important leadership quality of accountability. Many executive coaches stress that entrepreneurs, and especially solopreneurs, recognize and honor these important responsibilities.  Remember, the solopreneur operates from a uniquely passionate psychological place. Like many artists, such passion can cause isolation from people who are not engaged in the work. In other words, if others do not share the vision, the solopreneur can become discouraged and lonely. Thus, the disconnection with people can set the stage for ineffective decisions or actions.

Accountability partners are trusted confidants who are committed to the solopreneur’s success. An executive coach can provide valuable support at all phases of business development. From the critical startup to the day-to-day challenges of an operating business, a coach is the layer of accountability that asks the questions to keep fuel in the business. The coach listens without judgment, provide tools to overcome challenges, helps to navigate failed actions, and celebrates all, tiny and large, achievements.

How will you optimize your accountability resources, as you strive to squeeze every penny out of your daily business? Learn to be self-inspired with a skilled coach. Engage in activities that position you with peer coaches. And share challenges and insights (and pain) with trusted accountability partners. Your coach, your accountability partner, can be vital to help you engage more fully with others, give and receive honest and supportive feedback, and fully develop your leadership qualities that are critical to business success.

Success is Yours to Earn

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly know how far they can go”.

(Dr. Walter Bishop, Fringe episode 47)

The life of a solopreneur is risky, creative, exciting, and demanding. Every reward is earned. And, although success is beaming on the horizon, the solopreneur is the business leader who must have a keen, appreciative eye on details, people, trends, business processes, themselves, and so much more. In the next few months, join us on 30 Minute Business Dig as we explore the exciting and demanding world of solopreneurship.  And, be sure to share your thoughts with us as we research and develop content for your programming: Go to our Facebook business page, and key 30 Minute Business Dig  in the search bar.  In each broadcast, leadership develop expert and executive coach, Dr. Deborah Frey, FreyWorks & Associates joins cliché buster extraordinaire, Lisa Kanda of Elkay Corporate Advisors, to deliver the content that you want to know more about. What do you want to know about flying solo?   

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Good Times, Noodle Salad: How Some CEO Stories Build America

Posted on February 1, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

“Some of us have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad…a lot of people, that’s their story. Good times, noodle salad. What makes it so hard is not that you had it bad, but that you’re that pissed that so many others had it good.” 

Melvin Udall, Screenplay, As Good As It Gets (1997)

Many CEOs, leaders of today’s large corporations enjoy abundant financial wealth. And yes, our American community has witnessed some unscrupulous behaviors in some CEO circles.  However, let us not forget the roots of many CEO stories—Feel good stories that are worth telling because of the lessons learned and the appreciation earned. The spirit of American success is embodied in these great stories.

NewShoes 229x300 Good Times, Noodle Salad: How Some CEO Stories Build America

Small business stories are fascinating. Perhaps my affection for these stories was a result of my youth. In the late 1950s and into the 1960s, I spent summer weeks working, and playing, in my grandparents shoe shop. The friendly folks in the tiny village of Ava, Illinois were happily supported with the craftsmanship of my grandparents, and in return, Helen and Bob had a comfortable home, a new car (every ten years or so), and they were able to manage an nontraditional schedule. Grandpa left for his hour-long commute every day at 2:00 p.m. to work the swing shift as a prison guard. Yes, the prison employment provided a solid platform with a pension that would sustain them both in retirement.

Even as a girl, I respected and appreciated the pride of my grandparents’ business ownership. For them, ownership of this small business was a means to a respectable income and a comfortable, not lavish, lifestyle. And, they were beholden to no one. The liberty provided through business ownership was the key to their satisfying lives together and enriched their relationships in the community. And although their shop remained small and success was delicately, and exclusively, hinged on their skills and wisdom, Helen and Bob were able to create and sustain lifelong financial independence.

Many of our most wealthy U.S. CEOs are benefactors of their own determination, leadership, and, like Helen and Bob, their passion to make things better for their community. They worked hard and many of their business models evolved from their creativity and with honor and consideration for the customers they wanted to serve. Many from humble roots, not only sought to achieve sustainable income for their families, they envisioned the capabilities of their successful businesses to strengthen their communities, to invest in charitable projects, and to be part of the bond that is the American fabric.

It is difficult to understand how so many Americans believe that our nation’s economy will improve if we structure regulations and taxation policies to suppress, or kill, small business growth. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio poses some pithy, but concise questions, “How does raising taxes create jobs? How does raising my boss’s taxes help me keep my job?”

It is quite possible that if we choose to over-regulate and penalize the business-builders, we will be saying “goodbye” to the humble startups that gave us Starbucks®, Amazon.com, Home Depot®, Dick’s Sporting Goods®, Apple®, McDonalds™, WalMart™, and thousands more. Must we, as an America looking for answers to the challenging conditions of unemployment and under-developed talent, resort to punitive campaigns targeting wealthy CEOs? Can we overlook the massive benefits we enjoy because of our largest charitable corporate contributors? Many companies not only contribute financial support, but also provide services, food, software, medical supplies and products for needy institutions.

In fact, USA Today reported that WalMart™ was top cash donor in 2010 contributing

300px Bentonville Wal Mart Good Times, Noodle Salad: How Some CEO Stories Build America

$288.1 million for 2009. What an amazing legacy that began in Bentonville, Arkansas with Mr. Walton’s dream!

Why not create policies that liberate entrepreneurs to build competitive businesses that can challenge greedy practices?  Every day we witness great things, even acts of kindness, from large American organizations. Large corporations build wings on hospitals, sponsor internships for college students, use research to develop products and services that support our tech-hungry American lives.

The challenge:  Take a closer look at what we can do to build American business. Embrace and support the entrepreneurs in your community. Identify the best run businesses; promote them and encourage others to buy their services and products. And, we know that some franchise locations and store branches are better run than others. Let the owners know how they are doing. If their services or products are great, make a call, send a note, simply say “thank you” to your clerk or server. If the service or products are not so great, share your constructive feedback all the way to the top (owner or store manager). And in this important election year, before you go to your local polling place to vote, carefully consider the opinions and proposals that may affect the growth potential for United States businesses.

Reject the flawed, desperate notion that “so many others had it good”, and act on inspiration that builds leadership in America.

 

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Take a Journey to Self-Belief: They Hire WHO You Are!

Posted on January 22, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

 

Your résumé may get you in the door, and, you may pass all of the critical scrutiny ofspyglass 300x225 Take a Journey to Self Belief: They Hire WHO You Are! background checks, personality assessments and career testing, but when the offer happens, your success hinges on WHO you are.    

The truth is, today’s organizations have options.  In many fields, the numbers of qualified candidates are at glut levels. The competition is hungry and aggressive. During tough economic times, organizations use the most lean strategies available to sustain operations and increase revenues. Translation: Organizations use a few, highly skilled managers to achieve their goals. So how can you find your place among those fortunate managerial hires? 

Like any successful project, your successful placement in the job that fits your potential hinges on your preparation tactics. Your process must include investigation, planning, and preparation to showcase your most advantageous “Who I Am” attributes. Yes, many people wake up every day with self-respect, humility, creativity, assertiveness and integrity. However, those same people may not necessarily communicate these images during an interview. Why? Self-belief goes all the way to the bone! Self-belief can be challenging, especially after a layoff experience, long-term unemployment, or underemployment below one’s skill grade.      

As you prepare for the application process, prepare your interview presence with strategies that validate your fit for the position. If the position is the one that fits, and you effectively authentic your qualities, the interviewer’s favorable impression will suggest that you are already working in the organization. Yes, you belong. 

How to Begin Your Journey to Self-Belief

  1. Write a summary of achievements and contributions. Compile information to support these items for your career portfolio. For example: performance appraisal forms, commendations and awards for service. When you develop this summary, identify and write down important personal characteristics or attributes that supported your success. In other words, ask yourself, “What is it about me that helped me to succeed at this job or role?” For example, consider qualities such as; integrity, detail-oriented, results-driven, tenacity, or customer relations skills. If you are looking for work as a supervisor or manager, you should hire a qualified coach who can provide tools to assess your natural talents, such as your decision-making attributes, and interpersonal communication style and preferences.
  2. Identify and list personal and professional referrals. Names, titles, contact information including address, phone, email, a description of your relationship with them and time frame when you are/were acquainted. This is a key piece of your collection! Career professionals should be forward-looking when interacting with all contacts. Consider the seasoning of relationships and parlay goodwill between people into meaningful tools. In other words, when someone has done a good job for you, in any work group, take a moment to write your observations and appreciation for them. Conversely, ask them to do the same for you to add to your portfolio. And remember, work groups are anywhere you have contributed with others to achieve goals. Consider the work you have done not only in the traditional workplace, but also at volunteer organizations, clubs, or charity work. Remember to embrace and respect what others have said about you. Your self-esteem is reinforced when you accept favorable comments and own the qualities that prompted them. The recommendation process used at the LinkedIn.com networking site is an excellent model for appreciation.
  3. Compile a “reading” list. What are you are reading and/or planning to read?  Career journals, books, hobby or career related magazines. Remember!! Aside from the personal benefits of learning through the writings and research of others, readers are respected, admired, and are viewed as a resource in the workplace.
  4. Assemble artifacts and descriptions of memorable events in your life and work. Very often, memorable events are the most significant portion of a portfolio that provides some flexibility when selecting items to emphasize your values. Include items that reflect times and circumstances that most dramatically affected you and formed your view of the world. This section can include life-changing situations and challenges, achievements and public recognition for a deed or accomplishment, or a small (in scope only) event such as a meaningful conversation with a mentor that affected your development and perspective. Memorable events can, and likely should, include times when you believed that you failed or confronted very difficult circumstances.  There is opportunity to reveal your true personality, resilience, and creativity as you describe the manner with which you dealt with the challenges. And if you failed, there is deep value in the description of lessons learned and how you applied the tools later in your life or career to succeed.
  5. Explore jobs that fit your qualifications and goals. Using your collections from the first four items listed here, identify a position for which you believe you are most qualified. Develop your new résumé and write an application letter that describes your fit and your value in the job role. Read the documents aloud (yes, let your ears hear the words) to help you develop a writing style that works and eliminate errors.

There are thousands of resources for resume writing and application processes. Self-belief requires an adventure and validation journey that only you can take.

 

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Two Weeks In! So Far, What Changes Have You Made and Sustained to Gain Bragging Rights Next January?

Posted on January 18, 2012 by FreyWorks & Associates

 

 

excited sales 217x300 Two Weeks In! So Far, What Changes Have You Made and Sustained to Gain Bragging Rights Next January? A 2011 study reported that effort levels were not affected by anticipated  positive emotions[1]  Translation→No matter how excited and psychologically pumped we are about a goal, our potential to successfully achieve it, is determined by our day-to-day, hour-to-hour actions. Goal planning is essential to craft momentum. And sadly, Excitement ≠ Momentum. 

WHAT?!!  Does this mean that my joyful anticipation of the “svelte, 20 pounds lighter, me” will not fuel my desire to jump on the elliptical for 30 minutes every day? That’s right. The confounding reality is: Our potential to achieve ongoing personal and professional goals requires planning and behavioral changes that are easily manipulated by our attitude flux, the ebb and flow of our emotions and logic.

So What About Your 2012?  

The Proud Puppy 200x300 Two Weeks In! So Far, What Changes Have You Made and Sustained to Gain Bragging Rights Next January?

If you have not considered your 2012 plan, you are running out of January days to do it. How will you do it? How will you develop attitudes, create realistic and attainable goals, and design a strategy that increases your capacity for achievement? Achievement is a result of one key element: decisive action. After all,

  • Achievement = Success!
  • Success = Bragging Rights!
  • Bragging Rights = Fuel for 2013!

So Be Decisive!

As a rule, most decisions are really a series of choices. Large or small, the ability to be successfully decisive has little to do with personality, but more to do with our ability to analyze a situation and plan actionable ways to approach each piece, or step, of the challenge.

Another aspect of decisiveness is the combination of our logic and the emotional facets of our personality. This combination, our intuition, will influence our best made decisions. Intuition, some call it our sixth sense, can serve us well as we apply our personal experiences and daily applications of formal learning to a scenario. However, intuition is sometimes elusive. We simply cannot always sense the right outcome.

So, What Do You Do?

Set clearly defined goals. Establish long-range, intermediate, and short-range goals. Tether the goals to specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely elements (SMART Goals). Setting goals will help you to determine if the decisions you are about to make will accomplish your goals. Your top priority must be to make decisions that are consistent with your goals. So, consider the process of decision-making, the process each of us uses, as an habitual way of choosing between alternatives. Develop your style for decisive behaviors and you will make 2012 a year to brag about! [2]   

♦♦♦

[1] Nelissen – 2011 – British Journal of Health Psychology – Wiley Online Library

[2] Dr. Deborah Frey is CEO/Founder and Lead Coach for FreyWorks & Associates Consulting, LLC.  FreyWorks provides processes to improve lives and provide organizations with unlimited potential. Deborah holds an earned Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership, and a Master’s of Education in Workforce Development.  Deborah is a certified analyst for the Innermetrix® Assessments Series for Advanced Insights, Attribute Index (AI), DISC and Values Index. She is a lifelong educator and learner to improve attitudes and behaviors. Inspired by more than 30 years of work in business, higher education, manufacturing, and technology, Deborah is devoted to helping others live more satisfying days on and off the job. An inspiring keynote speaker and facilitator, she will challenge, entertain and, most importantly, provide takeaway tools to use RIGHT NOW!  Dr. Frey can be reached via email at: debfrey@freyworks.com Listen to Deborah on 30-Minute Business Dig, with her Co-Host, Lisa Kanda on BlogTalkRadio.com! 

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Two Weeks In! So Far, What Changes Have You Made and Sustained to Gain Bragging Rights Next January?
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