As the lone employee of my own fledgling business and business coach to others in a similar spot, I am struck with the irony of how hard we are working to grow our networks, in service of growing our business yet often we feel so alone. Most business owners spend time at networking events making connections in hopes of new clients. This is as it should be.
Read MoreGone are the days when employees are just glad to have a job and will do whatever the boss says without any question. If your employee isn’t meeting performance expectations, it is your job to uncover why. Some managers explain the task that needs to get done, only to become disenchanted with the lack luster way the employee does the task….if they do it at all.
Instead of jumping straight to punishment or training, I suggest 4 areas to explore
Read MoreIt’s a good time to begin thinking about your goals for next year and how you can smartly allocate your precious resources of time, talent and treasure to achieve them. Whether you are up for the rigor of developing a multi-year strategic plan or just 2013 goals, I recommend starting with a revisit of your organization’s values and purpose.
Read MoreSeveral years ago my husband made me a fabulous colorful star light fixture to hang in my craft room at home. When we moved to Hood River, I didn’t have a craft room so I wasn’t sure what to do with it. He asked me if I was going to hang it in my office. I hadn’t really considered that because it is cheery and fun and I was afraid that my leader and business owner clients would see it and think that I don’t take my work seriously or their businesses seriously.
After some reflection on my own business I realized
Read MoreAs I work with first time entrepreneurs on their fledging businesses (that includes me) I am struck by the pattern of behavior. We all have strong passions and grand dreams. When asked simple questions about our businesses by curious friends and neighbors, we play small.
Read MoreI love using graphics and models, or charts as my clients say, to help people think through complex and abstract concepts. I spoke with a dear friend today who is contemplating a significant life decision.
Read MoreA helpful tip I got from an advisor at the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was to recognize that as a business owner, I am a target of donation requests. She recommended planning for some contribution to at least one organization in order to keep a positive reputation in the community. Of course I want to help my community but I had just started my business and didn’t have any money so I hadn’t yet thought about planning for my community contribution. As she predicted, philanthropic requests started pouring in
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