See the Vision...Capture the Dream

No Pain, No Gain

2012-02-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

By Darren Hardy, the visionary force behind SUCCESS magazine as its Publisher and Editorial Director.

My dad taught me to snow ski when I was 6 years old. By the time I was eight, I was skiing on my own. At the end of a full ski day, I eagerly announced, “Dad, I didn’t fall once all day!” My dad replied, “If you didn’t fall, you didn’t get any better.” What? This was the opposite response I was expecting and hoping for. The bewildered look on my face compelled him to elaborate, “If you are going to get better, you have to push yourself. If you push yourself, you are going to fall.”

My dad was a former university football coach, so we had a full Olympic standard weight set in our garage. On the wall he had painted, “No Pain, No Gain.” To build bigger muscles, you have to inflict pain on them, literally tearing down the fibers of the muscles and bringing them to the point of failure. That’s actually the goal. Then in recovery, the fibers will rebuild bigger and stronger than they were before. Building a muscle is a lot like the process of building success in life.

I owe much of the success I have been able to achieve to my dad and this philosophy. My dad taught me it was not only OK to [fall], but it was proof you were improving. I never saw setbacks, obstacles, rejection or even pain as things to avoid; rather, they were markers on the journey toward greatness and should be appreciated, even celebrated. – DH

"Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fall in order to practice being brave." Mary Tyler Moore

“It’s not how many times you fall or how many times you get up, the true measure of success is knowing that falling IS NOT failing.” - BG

“Never let a day go by without falling. Several times.” - DH

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The 58-35-7 Rule

2012-02-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

A potential client asked me the other day;

“Bob, I heard you prefer face-to-face coaching only, is that true? If yes, why?

“Yes! I answered with sincere confidence and then went on to say…

Most people do not realize that, based on research, it has been established that:

The content (what you say) of your communication is only 7% of the actual message.
Your tone of voice (how you say it) represents 35% of the message.
Your body language (non-verbal) represents 58% of how your total message is received.

So, why face-to-face? Because in order to customize my coaching experience to your needs and goals, I believe, only a face-to-face approach will achieve the required results.
Face-to-face is what I do and what my clients deserve.

Dan,The Umbrella Man, Barie (a client of mine) said it best, "…I would leave every [coaching session], re-energized and equipped to conquer the business world. "

“Copyright (2-3-2012) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

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Roads of Success

2012-01-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

Some time ago, a client of mine asked me, what is the difference between a coach and a consultant? ...a teacher and a trainer? ...and a mentor and a coach?
He inspired me to write the following:

The Roads of Success

Show me the road,

and you are my teacher.

Show me how to travel the road,

and you are my trainer.

Show me the road that you traveled successfully,

and you are my mentor.

Show me the road that you have improved for me to travel successfully,

and you are my consultant.

Show me the road that you and I will travel together successfully,

and you are my coach.

***This is just a sample!... be sure to indulge yourself in my book:
"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order"

BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM

“Copyright (1-27-2012) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

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Riddle Me This! (Leaders need to have fun too!)

2012-01-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

Three men rent a hotel room. Each pays $10 for a total of $30 spent on the room.

The next day the hotel owner tells the three men that they over paid for the room as it only costs $25.

The three men tell the owner to give them each a dollar back and he can keep two dollars.

If you do the math, each man paid $9 a piece for the room for a total of $27. The owner kept $2 which brings the total to $29.

The question is where did the other dollar go?

Email bobgambone@bobgambone.com for the answer.

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The Role of Leadership in Referral Marketing

2012-01-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

By Michelle R. Donovan

"Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen." - Alan Keith of Genentech

The usual complaints I hear from business professionals include phrases like “My clients don’t refer me”, “My networking group is not productive”, and “I give way more referrals than I receive”. If “leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute”, then it would stand to reason that if we want to lead our referral results, we need to create ways for people to contribute to our referral efforts.

Leadership means that you’ve got to be proactive and productive in enabling people to refer you. You’ve got to make it easy for others to refer you or quite frankly, they won’t. You’ve got to give them the tools they need to be successful at referring you and empower them to use those tools. You’ve got to literally create the ways for people to contribute because without your help, they won’t or they can’t.

Not sure what I mean? Here are two things that you can do today to make it easy for other people to refer you.

1) Create a template email that other people can use to introduce you to someone they think might be a good prospect for you. Send this email to your top referral sources and ask them to simply cut and paste (modify as needed) when they want to promote you.

2) Create a list of the top ten ways that other people can refer you. Give that list to your primary referral sources. Use this as an educational tool when meeting with them and ask them for their top ten list too!

This definition also refers to “making something extraordinary happen”. There’s no question that when you effectively lead your referral network, extraordinary things will happen not only for you, but for the others in your network as well. It’s a win-win situation. Ordinary behaviors create ordinary results. This is probably what you’ve been experiencing. Extraordinary behaviors create extraordinary results. This is what I want you to experience.
Leadership is about helping people to achieve results they never possibly could imagine. It’s about leading and guiding yourself and others beyond your perceived finish line. Leadership is all about taking action! Begin to take action today and lead your referral network to refer you like you’ve never experienced before!

If you wish to know more about getting high quality referrals for your business, you can reach Michelle at 412-741-1926 or at Michelle@ReferralInstitutePittsburgh.com.
Michelle R. Donovan is the International Best Selling Author of The 29% Solution.
Visit Michelle’s websites at
http://www.referralinstitutepittsburgh.com/
and
http://www.michellerdonovan.com/

Three "Gives" For 2012

2012-01-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

Give them confidence; by reminding acquaintances of your name.

Give them hope; by answering your phone “… how can I help you?”

Give the peace of mind; by confirming receipt of their email or txt.

For more information on how to strategically implement the above tactics, please contact me: bobgambone@bobgambone.com

A Christmas Story

2011-12-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

***Reposting from 2010***

It was 5:00 pm Christmas Eve 1989, and I was locking the front door of the supermarket where I was Store Manager.

Over the years, I had made it a tradition for me to be the "closer" of the store on Christmas Eve.

Inside the store, my employees were rushing around counting their register tills, sweeping the floor, and generally preparing the store for closing down, so they all could rush home to their families for Christmas.

At approximately 5:30pm, I heard someone tapping on the front door.

“I just got off work and I need to shop for my family", the gentleman on the other side of the glass door shouted.

“Sorry, we are closed.” I answered.

“Please, I really need to shop and you are the only grocery store open.”

In the background several of my employees yelled out to me… “Mr. Gambone, I hope you don’t let him in, we all want to go home.”

I turned to my office manager and said , “Cindy, I feel bad for this guy…will you stick around with me until we get him checked out.”

She looked at me with a frown, “Well, I hope he only needs a few things, OK.”

We let him in…he was very gracious, grabbed a buggy and started to shop.

“I’ll only take a few minutes,” he said.

Then all of a sudden, he turned around and looked at Cindy and me in desperation… “Shit!..I’m sorry for swearing, but I left my wallet in my overalls at work….I can’t believe this!!!”

He abandoned the buggy and started walking towards the front door to leave.

Cindy looked at me and said… “Well, I guess we can leave now.”

“Hold on!” I said… “Sir, you pick up what you need and come back the day after Christmas and pay us.”

Cindy looked at me as if I was crazy. The gentleman was overjoyed and continued to shop.

When he completed his shopping, Cindy and I checked him out and bagged his groceries. He purchased lots of milk, cereal, bread and basic groceries along with some gift-wrap and children’s toys.

We wished him a Merry Christmas as he left and Cindy and I locked up and went home to our families.

...............the gentleman never returned...................

Yes, I took some heat from my boss when he found out…but that’s okay. I knew in my heart that it was right thing to do at the time.

It is moments like this is my life when I am reminded of the words a mentor of mine once shared with me early in my career...“The good you do, will come back to you.” Lou Z.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may you and your family have a glorious New Year.

Bob Gambone, The Pecan Pie Guy!

"It’s Not What Life Makes of You; It's What You Make of Life."

2011-12-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

---Some of my favorites---

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle."

Albert Einstein

"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry."
Mark Twain

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
Mohandas Gandhi

"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Work as if you were to live a hundred years. Pray as if you were to die tomorrow."
Benjamin Franklin

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
John F. Kennedy

"It’s not what life makes of you; it's what you make of life."
Unknown

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Read more "Pecans of Wisdom" from Bob Gambone in his book:

"Pecan Pie, 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked to Order" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com
Copyright (12-10-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

Lou, The Nabisco Guy

2011-12-03T05:35:00.000-08:00

***Reposting... in memory of Lou during the holiday season***

Lou the Nabisco Guy never used selling strategies …Lou had a culture of “selling.”

I was 23 years old when I first met Lou. He was the region’s number one salesman for Nabisco from 1974 to 1985.

One day I was eating lunch with Lou and asked,

“Lou, so what do you do, to be so good at selling?....can you share some tips?”

Lou replied, shaking his head and smiling, “Bob there is really no magic tips, but I do have five core beliefs about selling.”

1.) Love and believe in your product.
2.) People like to buy, but not to be sold to.
3.) I never sell anything, I solve people’s problems.
4.) Never talk yourself out of a sale.
5.) and….Never close a sale, open an opportunity.

Lou died in 1985 from a heart attack at the early age of 63.

Lou’s culture of selling has lived on. Those who adopt it become very successful.

To be the best, you need to have more than just strategies, you first need a culture, a core belief.

Dr.Ivan Misner, New York Times best selling author and founder of BNI (Business Network International) says it best, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

Today when I enjoy my favorite Nabisco crackers I always think of Lou…Lou the Nabisco Guy.

Fundamentals...Don't Leave Home Without Them

2011-11-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

From the book, The Last Lecture...author Randy Pausch reflects on his "old school" football coach.

On the first day of practice, we were all scared to death. Plus he (the coach) hadn't brought along any footballs. One kid finally spoke up for all of us.
"Excuse me, Coach. There are no footballs."
And Coach Graham reponded, "We don't need any footballs."

There was a silence, while we thought about that...
"How many men are on the football field at a time?" he asked us.
Eleven on a team, we answered, So that makes twenty-two.

"And how many people are touching the football at any given time?"
One of them.
"Right!" he said.
"So we're going to work on what the other twenty-one guys are doing."

Asked yourself the following question: What are the three basic business fundamentals?
Not sure? Contact me at bobgambone@bobgambone.com for the answer.

“Copyright (11-26-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

Make ‘em Laugh…But Don’t Tell Jokes!

2011-11-13T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yes, laughter is the best medicine.
And yes, laughter is a great icebreaker when you are speaking to an audience.

HOWEVER… in today’s politically correct climate and social sensitivity, telling jokes is not the way to go.

Why? Odds are you might offend someone.
I suggest telling funny stories about you, we all have them.

“Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused.”…or amusing. :)

Read more "Pecans of Wisdom" from Bob Gambone in his book:
"Pecan Pie, 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked to Order" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com

“Copyright (11-13-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
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" When Are You Going To Get A REAL Job?! "

2011-11-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneurs!....how many times have you heard this?!
...and to make it worse, most of the time, the question comes from our family and loved ones.
Well, it is time to fight back!

Here are Seven inspirational quotes from entrepreneurs , just like yourself, to use as ammo against the pessimists that challenge you.

"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. The choice is yours and yours alone. Refuse to throw in the towel. Go that extra mile that failures refuse to travel. It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure."
- Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

"The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer."
- Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese's

"Innovation is the specific tool of entrepreneurs, the means by which they exploit change as an opportunity for a different business or a different service. It is capable of being presented as a discipline, capable of being learned, capable of being practiced. Entrepreneurs need to search purposefully for the sources of innovation, the changes and their symptoms that indicate opportunities for successful innovation. And they need to know and to apply the principles of successful innovation."
- Peter F. Drucker, "The Father of Modern Management"

"Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you're generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make."
- Donald Trump, real estate and entertainment mogul

"The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it."
- Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies

"We were young, but we had good advice and good ideas and lots of enthusiasm. Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning."
- Bill Gates

"I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others... I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent."
- Thomas Edison

AND....Just in case someone says (like my niece did to me)
"Well Uncle Bob, you're no Thomas Edison"
"You're right", I said, "but who was Thomas Edison before he became "Thomas Edison?! "

I’m Sorry, He is With a Client Right Now!

2011-10-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Don’t you hate that?!

Your appointment (as a client / customer) was for 3:00pm and it’s now 3:20.
You ask the receptionist if he / she is available and you get… “I’m sorry, she is with a client right now.”

AND you would love to say… “So, what am I ???”

Whether you are a CPA , a doctor, a financial advisor, or a contractor…if you have people working your front desk, PLEASE never-ever have them just say “….you are with a client.”

Better answer: “I’m sorry, I will let _(name)_ know that you are waiting, he /she is with another client / customer and I apologize.

Remember….don’t let your ‘front line’ weaken your ‘bottom line.’

“Copyright (10-19-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

GO BANANAS!!! When Building Strong Business Relationships.

2011-10-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

---Top Rated Posting from September 6th 2010---

Did you know that the number one selling item at SuperWalmart is bananas. (according to Bloomberg/ Business Week).
Wow!? …who would have thought!
According to Progressive Grocer Magazine, 75% of supermarket shoppers purchase bananas on a regular basis due to their 1). nutritional value, 2). low cost, and 3). the fact that bananas are a very perishable product.

What is the number one strategy in building your business through networking?
Correct!
Building strong relationships! And, just like bananas, strong trusting relationships are nutritious (in a business sense), can be very cost effective, and very perishable if you do not keep your “credibility” in stock.
Here are three quick tips to maintain a good "credible" inventory of your networking relationships.
1). Send a “reconnecting” email if you have not seen or heard from them in the last 30 days.
2). A personal inspirational greeting card is a great way to remind them of your relationship.
3). It may be old fashion in today’s techie world, but a simple “Hi Joe, how are things going this week?” phone call, really sends a message that you care.

So when it comes to building strong relationships...Go Bananas!!!

***This is just a sample!... be sure to indulge yourself in my book,
"Pecan Pie, 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked to Order" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com

“Copyright (10-11-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

Betty the Barometer

2011-09-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

***TOP RATED POST***
Let’s call her Betty the Barometer.

Now this story dates way back to when my hair was still black and I looked more like Mark Spitz than Jay Leno. (not to say I can compare to either of them, but you get my drift).

I was assigned as the Grocery Department manager in a new store.
Towards the end of the second week, I was walking through the store in a terrible mood because the night stocking crew did not complete their assignments and my department was not meeting customer requirements... I probably looked like a chicken with my head cut off because I circled the inside parameter of the store several times barking out orders to my employees and completely ignoring the customers.

Betty, a very petite and soft-spoken meat wrapper with 23 years in the business, had been observing me in my state of frenzy while she was stocking the meat case with fresh cut meat... As I passed by her for the third time, she called out to me.

“Gambone! …come here for second.”

I quickly stopped in my tracks and started walking towards her with a huff and a puff.

“What Betty, can’t you see I’m busy.”

“You know Gambone, that’s your problem, you are too busy. You look like you are ready to explode. What happened to that smiling face I am used to seeing?...and hey, you didn’t even say hi to me this morning!

Well, I don’t know what’s going on in your head but you can’t let your employees and customers see that you are pissed off…we need you to lift us up, not let us down.”

I looked at Betty and said, “Wow Betty, thank you …I never would have thought I'd hear that from you….but you are right…thank you again.”

From that day forward, when I got in a bad mood, I would always check with Betty to see if my “mood” was actually coming to the surface.

We all need a Betty in our lives.

Ask yourself…Who is my “business barometer?”

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my book, "Pecan Pie" buy it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (9-28-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

Beware of The Grazers!

2011-09-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

In the supermarket business, we call people who eat all the samples and rarely purchase anything, Grazers.
Guess what?!.... Grazers are everywhere! And to the small businessperson they can eat you alive!

How do you recognize a Grazer? Here are 3 Red Lights!

1.Grazers attend your free seminars, sometimes two or three times but they never commit.
They are very friendly, give you great feedback, and then suddenly they are gone!
2. Grazers love to schedule first meetings with you. They make the meeting all about you; sometimes surprise you by bringing a business partner. Grazers ask you a lot a questions about yourself and particularly all about your business, but when you try to have a follow up meeting to find out more about their business, they make it almost impossible to meet again, or they cancel right before the second meeting.
3. And then there are the EGrazers. They remind me of the people who would eat the sample and then want to fill out an “incident report” claiming they choked or got sick. EGrazers eat up all of your information you have posted on the internet and then use it for their own profit.

What can we do to prevent Grazing? Nothing!, but you can slow it down.

1. Charge a fee for seminar (adds value) and reimburse the fee with purchase.

2. Have an agenda for your meeting or at least know when to stop talking about you and then start asking about them. Say something like, “hey, enough about me for now, let’s talk about you.”

3. Make sure your information on the web is protected, copyright, trademark, etc… best to talk to an expert on this matter.

Al Sandonato, a mentor of mine once said… “Gambone, Grazers will eat everything and never buy anything.”

I would love to continue this discussion. Please email me at bobgambone@bobgambone.com.

***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my book, "Pecan Pie" by it NOW! on Amazon.com
“Copyright (9-18-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
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"Got It, Thank you."

2011-09-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Did you ever send an email to someone and then anxiously pondered if they received it?
…of course you did, I have many times.

Today with all the spam, junk and security filters, the reality is our emails (sometimes very important) can be shuffled into the never-to-be-read email abyss!

I know, some of you are saying: well I usually get a “your email was read” return.

Reality check please, those scripts are not very reliable for many reasons (which I will not get into).

Here are 4 simple words to help secure the communication and put the sender at ease:

“Got it, thank you.”….that’s right …simply email them back “Got it, thank you.”

Consider this example:
Imagine sending a potential client a proposal and instead of wondering anxiously if they received it, you get an email back from them that said “Got it, thank you.”… WOW!, you can now exhale.

“Got it, thank you.” is not meant to be an end-all solution and of course you will have to adapt it to your style.

So if you do “get it” ...then simply say, “Got it, thank you.”
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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my book, "Pecan Pie" by it NOW! on Amazon.com

“Copyright (9-2-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

Culture of Recruiting- BNI Podcast Episode 220

2011-08-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Click on this link...Thank you!

http://www.bnipodcast.com/

Synopsis

Deanna Tucci-Schmitt, Executive Director of BNI Western Pennsylvania, and Bob Gambone, author of Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked to Order, join Dr. Misner this week to talk about BNI’s culture of recruiting.

Businesses have recruiters, whose job is actively finding the right person for the right position. BNI has had a tradition of inviting new members, without qualifying them in advance. If all BNI members develop the mindset of recruiters, everyone will get more and better referrals.

Remember, culture eats strategy for breakfast. Keep your chapter’s culture in mind when recruiting new members.

Everyone Falls, Not Everyone Fails

2011-08-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

You know the cliche'... "What's old, is new again."

In a recent Success Magazine CD I heard something that was told to me years ago by John Susan.
John was a mentor of mine for many years.

...After struggling through a terrible year in one particular store, I was demoted and put on probation.

John shared with me these inspiring words:

"Bob, in business there is a difference between falling and failing...just like the stock market, all businesses fall. Its takes passionate leadership to prevent the failure."

A few weeks later he sent me a note with this quote...
"Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain." ~Author Unknown

John died of pancreatic cancer in his mid 50's. In my book Pecan Pie, I credit John for my leadership growth.
Memory Eternal - John Susan

Put On Your Customer Hat

2011-08-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

Back in early 1980’s I was a participate in a corporate think-tank. Our goal was to identify the one employee position that truly represented customer service. The strategy was to focus on this position for training tactics.

The members of the think-tank were polled and the number one choice was the store manager, followed by the assistance store manager, cashiers, meat manager, and so on. Only one person said the most important person for customer service was the lot guy. I was that person.
After the rest of the think-tank team stopped laughing at me, the facilitator said,
“Ok Bob, get serious now, what position is your choice?”
I stood firm and said… “Yes, in all seriousness the lot guy (person) is the most important employee representing our customer service brand."

Why?
The lot person is the first employee customers see when they arrive at our store and the last person they see when leaving. We only have once chance for a first and lasting impression.
I was overruled….the group voted the store manager.

UPDATE!
3 years later, we paid big bucks to have a consulting firm tell us:
“The people on the front lines, like the lot-people, are the most important employees when it comes to customer service.”
Really?!............ I never did get credit for that one.

Take a look at your business as you would a customer, put on your Customer Hat.

***10 First Impressions you may be overlooking***
YOUR…
1. Business Cards
2. Web site, LinkedIn, Facebook.
3. Dress Code and your employees dress code.
4. Parking lot, store front, entranceway.
5. Voice mail message.
6. Vehicle.
7. Smile, breath, overall appearance.
8. Email .
9. Handshake.
10. Attention-focus-eye contact.

“You never get a second chance to make a first and ever-LASTing impression.”
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“Copyright (8-05 -2011) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

In Memory of Paul

2011-07-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

I lost a good friend this week, his name was Paul Knight.
Paul was a very eclectic individual. We worked together on night crew (third shift) from 1974 to 1976. Paul was never one to give people a good first impression. His appearance was often less than professional and he was so soft spoken that he was hard to understand at times.
Many considered Paul a little weird and unmanageable, but I took the time to get to know him and truly recognize his God given talents.

“Find the number one in everyone,” a leadership quote from my book Pecan Pie¹, was a catalyst for me in identifying the right role for Paul. Because he had a special talent for memorizing numbers he was a brilliant inventory control person, however only I and a few other team members of our store knew of Paul's unique skill.

On July 2, 1975 that brilliance, that gift, became known to everyone in the store and eventually throughout the entire supermarket chain. You see on that day, the assistant store manager had accidentally erased the cassette tape (and the back-up) that contained the inventory codes for all the product that needed ordered from our warehouse for the holiday weekend. The shelves would be empty. Panic set in.

I was ending my shift when I heard of this calamity; I approached the store manager and said,
“Call Paul, he can probably help.”
“Paul? What can he do!?” he replied with a negative surprise.
“Trust Me,” I said looking firmly into his eyes, “He will know what to do.”

We had less than one hour to “place an order” with the warehouse, we needed four hours.
The manager called Paul at home.
Paul called the warehouse.
Paul had memorized all the order codes, the on hand inventory and all the product movement.
In less than 30 minutes, he verbally placed an order for approximately 300 items.
Yes, you had to be there to believe it.

Paul gained a new respect with his colleagues that day and was promoted to Company Inventory Control Manager.
Paul was a hero…and on that July 4th weekend of 1975 Paul was truly a “Knight” in shining amour.

¹ Please refer to The Diamond Rule² (page 29) and Pecans of Wisdom (page 120) in my book:
Pecan Pie, 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked to Order.
Available on Amazon.com
http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM

Lou the Nabisco Guy

2011-07-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

We have all heard, read, took training, listened to CDs, etc. on how to sell, i.e. “selling” strategies.
Lou the Nabisco Guy never used selling strategies …Lou had a culture of “selling.”
I was 23 years old when I first met Lou. He was the region’s number one salesman for Nabisco from 1974 to 1985.
One day I was eating lunch with Lou and asked,
“Lou, so what do you do to be so good at selling?....can you share some tips?”
Lou replied, shaking his head and smiling, “Bob there is really no magic tips, but I do have five core beliefs about selling.”

1.) Love and believe in your product.

2.) People like to buy, but not to be sold to.

3.) I never sell anything, I solve people’s problems.

4.) Never talk yourself out of a sale.

5.) and….Never close a sale, open an opportunity.

Lou died in 1985 from a heart attack at the early age of 63.
Lou’s culture of selling has lived on. Those that adopt it become very successful.
To be the best, you need to have more than just strategies, you first need a culture, a core belief.
Dr.Ivan Misner says it best, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

Today when I eat my favorite Nabisco crackers I always think of Lou…Lou the Nabisco Guy.

Seven Ways to Help You Identify Leaders

2011-07-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

1. Leaders have passionate enthusiasm! Attitudes are contagious and your team “leaders” need to understand that they are role models.

2. Leaders model your company’s values and “walk the talk.”

3. Leaders pull their teams up the hill, face them and don’t turn their backs.

"Old-school" managers push employees.

4. Leaders are not necessarily the best workers, and they understand that the “task” is never more important than the customer.

5. Leaders develop others, place a high value on the “we,” and discourage the “I.”

6. Leaders know when to let other “leaders” lead.

7. Leaders listen and provide positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.

Leadership Is Not Selfishness

2011-06-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

--------Top Rated Posting-------

Why do you think you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on first in an airplane emergency?
Well, the obvious answer is to save yourself. The more robust answer is to save yourself so you can help others.
Quite often leaders in our society are frowned upon because they are taking care of themselves. For example, those in leadership roles are considered “selfish” for; taking vacations with their families, allocating time for continuing education, playing golf, going on a retreat, etc.

The reality is leaders need to take care of themselves in order to effectively lead those they serve.

I don’t know about you, but I want my “leader” to be healthy and wealthy. Not just in a monetary sense, but as a whole person; physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Vince Lombardi once said: "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence regardless of their chosen endeavor."
Bottom line: Leaders need to first take care of themselves, in order to be effective quality leaders.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
*** Read MORE!!! My Book, Now Available!

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“Copyright (6-10-2011) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

Successful Leaders Know When Let Other Leaders, Lead.

2011-05-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

About two years ago, I got in the discussion with a two very successfull business leaders. The topic was BNI (Business Network International).

Joe said to me, “You know Bob, Linda and I were thinking about joining BNI but we think we can do it better by starting our own networking group.”

“So have you ever visited a chapter?” I asked.

“We both have. And we both agree that we liked some things but think we could improve on others.”

I answered, “Joe, before I joined BNI I thought the same thing, I guess entrepreneurs like us are always thinking about reinventing the wheel, so to speak.”

Linda then chimed in and said, “So maybe the three of us can team up and start a networking business?”

“Joe, Linda,” I said, “Let me tell you something. Granted we are entrepreneurs, we often think outside the box which has made us very successful business leaders in our own specific businesses, but BNI stands before us as the worlds largest networking organization, its in 45 countries, and has been growing consistently year after year for the last 25 years…well I don’t know about you, but that sends a message to me. I am a leader, but I know when to let others take the lead. And I have decided to let BNI be my leader when it comes to networking.”

That was two years ago. My business and BNI continues to grow.

Joe and Linda?…sorry to say they never came to BNI, and I never did hear anything about their networking group.

Michael Maine (social entrepreneur) says it best… “The true mark of a leader is knowing when to follow.”

Stop, Look and Listen!

2011-05-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

PLEASE, take a break from your day (60 seconds) and click on the link below...it is classic Bugs Bunny, giving us a lesson in listening...I love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-k5J4RxQdE

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The Six Rights of Merchandising

2011-05-01T01:59:00.000-07:00

***Back To Basics***

The Six Rights of Merchandising*...
...require that you have:

The Right Merchandise,
in the Right Place,
at the Right Time,
in the Right Quantity,
in the Right Condition,
at the Right Price!

(*originated in a 1978 retailing training seminar and has been generically translated by many retailers)
------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full-slice of "Pecans of Wisdom",
be sure to indulge yourself in my new book:

Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!"

BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM

“Copyright (5-1-2011) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

“Hello, ABC company, how can I help you?”

2011-04-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Just the other day I called a service provider of mine and the employee answered the phone politely but did not meet my requirements, why?

She answered: “Hello, ABC company, how can I help you?”

OK….what’s wrong with that?.....How about a name?!

And yes I have heard all the excuses.
…women are afraid to give out their first names…
…some employees think it is a violation of their privacy…

You know what I say to those excuses… bologna oil!

In the words of Dr. Tony Alessandra, "Treat others the way they want to be treated."
And yes, I am a customer or a potential customer on the other end of the phone and I would appreciate a name so I know to whom I am speaking with.

Thank you, this is Bob Gambone and yes, you can help me, here is how…

Where’s the Rolodex?

2011-03-16T05:34:00.000-07:00

I know, it’s a little outdated with all the new technology, but the concept I want to share with you is the same.

Living in the corporate world for 36 years I was spoiled, yes spoiled.

When I needed a professional’s help all I had to do was search the company’s directory or my own Rolodex and wha-laa!; Legal Dept. Real-Estate, Accounting, IT, Marketing, Advertising, Business Consulting, Training, HR, etc…all at my fingertips.

Fast forward to today… Hey, I am an entrepreneur!...I own my own business…guess what? no more corporate Rolodex.

NO PROBLEM! I have something so much better…I have found BNI (Business Network International), and The Referral Institute… tremendous organizations that have introduced me to the process of building my own team with people I can trust.

ATTENTION Business Owners / Entrepreneurs! Being your own boss is a lifetime dream, right? Yes!.... but it can get “lonely at the top”. I know, I have been there, done that!

Don’t procrastinate… do yourself a huge favor and build your team with people you not only know and like, but most importantly--- you can trust.

Please contact me for more information about getting YOUR TEAM started.

Remember; T.E.A.M : Together Everyone Achieves More!

email: bobgambone@bobgambone.com or call me anytime 412-491-7317

Paralysis by Analysis

2011-02-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

----------------------- Top 10 Posting -----------------------------

PROCRASTINATION!!!

Calling all Entrepreneurs!....why do we do this?!

Yes, it is good that we examine things.
Yes , we need to be patient and cultivate business relationships.
Yes, we need to do our due diligence with respect to weighing our options.

But what I am talking about is; when the ball is in our hand, not a defensive player is in sight, our Team is surrounding us, and yet, we are afraid to run!?
… because we might trip, fumble, or not make it to the end zone?

*** Here are 7 great quotes about procrastination.
Read them, and then read them again…and oh by the way…read them one more time.

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”
Abraham Lincoln

“How soon not now, becomes never.”
Martin Luther (1483-1546) German priest and scholar.

"Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy."
Wayne Gretzky

"Even if you’re on the right track-you’ll get run over if you just sit there."
Will Rogers

“One of these days, is none of these days.”
Proverb

“I remember reading somewhere about an organization called Procrastinators Anonymous. I think they had been in existence for some years but had never gotten around to having a meeting.”
Unknown Source

“By not making a decision, you have made one.”
Bob Gambone - The Pecan Pie Guy.

*** So come on entrepreneurs! Get the lead out of your butt and make a run for it!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now Available...My Book!

Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!"

BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
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“Copyright (2-26 -2011) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

The Power of Passionate Enthusiasm!

2011-02-12T05:11:00.000-08:00

We all know great storytellers.

Whether it is a family member, friend, or a business associate… when they speak, we listen and with great anticipation.

I have always been intrigued by a great storyteller because of their ability to retell a story over and over again while sustaining the attention of their audience…I attributed that skill to a great memory.

Well....about 3 weeks ago, I had an “Oh Wow!" moment.

I was privileged to be part of a training session conducted by Ivan R. Misner, PhD. (founder of BNI, the world’s largest networking organization).

Ivan had just completed telling a story to the class, one that I know I have heard him tell at least 9 times.

After the applause quieted down, I asked Ivan;
“Ivan, how do you do it? How do you retell a story over and over again with the same passion and enthusiasm?”

Ivan looked all of us in the eye and said… “Never retell a story, RELIVE IT!”

Snow Storms and Heros

2011-02-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

The recent blizzards and ice storms remind me of that crazy day in March 1993, when the city of Pittsburgh shut down. I was a store manager for Giant Eagle in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. We kept the store open as long as we could so that customers could stock up on necessities.

The snow continued to fall and all of a sudden we realized that the 24 employees, that were still working, were stranded.

We had no protocol for this emergency. Now I know what your are thinking…we would not starve…correct, but my team needed a place to sleep.

Not far away was a hotel, actually within walking distance, so we called to book some rooms.

SOLD OUT! ...due to the storm…wow, what to do.

I gathered my team and we brainstormed ideas for sleeping arrangements.

Shawn, a challenged employee with a very serious stutter, came up with the solution:

---We called the hotel to rent blankets, they had 30 available.
---We used full cases of paper towels for bedding.
---Men slept in the front common area of the store, the women slept in the backroom.
---The store manager, me, was assigned to make breakfast.

All went well…the store reopened at 2pm the next day.

So what is the morale of this story?

Shawn rarely spoke, he was challenged in doing so, but on that day, at that moment, he did speak.
Shawn became a hero that day and was never afraid to speak up again.

We all learn something new everyday, and sometimes from those we least expect.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full-slice of "Pecans of Wisdom",
be sure to indulge yourself in my new book:
"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order

"BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM

“Copyright (2-1 -2011) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

You! Can Make It Happen.

2011-01-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

They Did Not Give Up ...

Thomas Edison's teachers said he was "too stupid to learn anything." He was fired from his first two jobs for being "non-productive." As an inventor, Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, "How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?" Edison replied, "I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps."

Albert Einstein did not speak until he was 4-years-old and did not read until he was 7. His parents thought he was "sub-normal," and one of his teachers described him as "mentally slow, unsociable, and adrift forever in foolish dreams." He was expelled from school and was refused admittance to the world reknown Zurich Polytechnic School.
Well...he did eventually learn to speak and read, and oh bye the way, he even learned to do a little math. :-)

A young man went to war a captain and returned a private. Afterwards, he was a failure as a businessman. As a lawyer he was too impractical and temperamental to be a success. He turned to politics and was defeated in his first try for the legislature, again defeated in his first attempt to be nominated for congress, defeated in his application to be commissioner of the General Land Office, defeated in the senatorial election of 1854, defeated in his efforts for the vice-presidency in 1856, and defeated in the senatorial election of 1858. On November 6, 1860, this man was elected as the sixteenth president of the United States. This man was Abraham Lincoln.

In the true spirit of American Entrepenurism, Robert F. Kennedy said it best:
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly."

Jack, The Meat Guy

2011-01-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

********** TOP RATED POSTING **********

Customers loved Jack and trusted him to solve their daily dilemma of “what’s for dinner tonight?”

I remember one day walking up to a customer, after Jack had served her, and I said…
“Thank you for your business ma’am, I see Jack has taken care of you… so what did he suggest?"
“Oh," she said so confidently, “I'm not sure what cut of meat this is, but it sounds delicious and Jack gave me all the cooking instructions, he is such a sweetie pie!"

And to top it off, after further inquiry, I found out she never even asked about the price!
This phenomenon happened repeatedly for months with thousands of customers!
I was amazed!

Customers were actually buying Jack, and not the products. He had branded himself and created a point of difference as “The Meat Guy”....Jack literally had customers buying whatever he wanted them to buy.

A few months later, Jack was transferred to a store about 5 miles down the road... sales in my meat department dropped 18%!
Why?
Customers followed Jack to the other store, because he was their ...“Jack, The Meat Guy.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full-slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my new book:
"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order"
BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM

“Copyright (1-16 -2011) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

Kennywood Practice - by guest blogger Tim Hayes

2011-01-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

Tim's new book "Jackass in a Hailstorm: Adventures in Leadership Communication" is now available for sale on Amazon.com!

Kennywood Practice

At least once each winter, as the cold and the slush and the snow seep into our bones around here, I find myself driving past Kennywood Park – a grand old Pittsburgh amusement park with some of the best roller coasters anywhere.

Of course, in the dead of winter, nobody’s enjoying the rides when they’re covered with white. But there are ways to stay in training for a lightning-fast ride on a great coaster, even when the thermometer dips into the single digits.

On a narrow strip of two-lane blacktop near our house, the road swerves and rolls around a series of hills and curves, but there’s one point where – if you gun the gas just right – as you come over the crest of a little hilltop, the road drops out from under the car suddenly, your stomach does a flip and you feel a quick moment of zero gravity, just like on a roller coaster.

Needless to say, I have perfected this little stunt over the years when I have the kids in the car. We call it “Kennywood Practice.”

We did it again just this morning, New Year’s Day, and it got me thinking about a fresh way of thinking for 2011. Why not make Kennywood Practice a habit all year round? I don’t mean swooshing over roadways to simulate riding a roller coaster, but more of a basic resetting of assumptions and attitudes.
A willingness to try things out of context.
An embracing of difficult behaviors that can lead to real excitement.
An acceptance that there is indeed a higher power, and that welcoming its grace and direction into our lives can indeed be the best strategy of all.
An admission that trying to solve everything yourself can be a fool’s errand.
A positive step into transitory discomfort with the promise of ultimate growth.

The last thing I want to do is characterize all of this as some kind of New Year’s resolution. Those are “pie-crust promises, easily made and easily broken,” to quote Mary Poppins. Instead, I’m thinking of this as a fundamentally new framework in which to think, live, and act.

Last year introduced me to some wonderful new people and some challenging new ideas about growing business relationships. Maybe it all added up to too much information to process all at once, and I felt like I didn’t make the most of these new concepts and strategies. But it’s a new day today. I’m getting back in the game with a renewed vigor and focus.

Why not you, too? The status quo may be working for you, or it may be holding you back. Either way, things can always improve. Step out, step up, step forward. Keep learning, keep trying, keep growing. With just the right touch on the accelerator, you can feel like you’re on a really exciting ride.

Let’s each take that ride in 2011. There’s a more positive vibe in the air, can you feel it? Let’s gun the gas a little. It’s time for some Kennywood Practice.

Copyright 2011 Transverse Park Productions LLC

Tim Hayes
Writer - Trainer - Speaker
The Leadership Communications Expert TM
http://www.timhayesconsulting.com/ http://www.totalprotraining.com/
412-963-0794 Desk 412-963-0795 Fax 412-708-3501 24-Hour

A Christmas Story

2010-12-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

It was 5:00 pm Christmas Eve 1989, and I was locking the front door of the supermarket where I was Store Manager.

Over the years, I made it a tradition for me to close the store on Christmas Eve.

Inside the store, my employees where rushing around counting their register tills, sweeping the floor, and generally preparing the store for closing down, so they all could rush home to their families for Christmas.

At approximately 5:30pm, I heard someone tapping on the front door.
“I just got off work and I need to shop for my family", the gentleman on the other side of the glass door shouted.
“Sorry, we are closed.” I answered.
“Please, I really need to shop and you are the only grocery store open.”

In the background several of my employees yelled out to me… “Mr. Gambone, I hope you don’t let him in, we all want to go home.”

I turned to my office manager and said , “Cindy, I feel bad for this guy…will you stick around with me until we get him checked out.”
She looked at me with a frown, “Well, I hope he only needs a few things, OK.”

We let him in…he was very gracious, grabbed a buggy and started to shop.

“I’ll only take a few minutes,” he said.

Then all of a sudden, he turned around and looked at Cindy and me in desperation… “Shit!..I’m sorry for swearing, but I left my wallet in my overalls at work….I can’t believe this!!!”

He abandoned the buggy and started walking towards the front door to leave.

Cindy looked at me and said… “Well, I guess we can leave now.”

“Hold on!” I said… “Sir, you pick up what you need and come back the day after Christmas and pay us.”

Cindy looked at me as if I was crazy. The gentleman was overjoyed and continued to shop.

When he completed his shopping, Cindy and I checked him out and bagged his groceries. He purchased lots of milk, cereal, bread and basic groceries along with some gift-wrap and children’s toys.

We wished him a Merry Christmas as he left and Cindy and I locked up and went home to our families.

...............the gentleman never returned...................

Yes, I took some heat from my boss when he found out…but that’s okay. I knew in my heart that it was right thing to do at the time.

“The good you do, will come back to you.”.... Lou Z.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may you and your family have a glorious New Year.

Bob Gambone, The Pecan Pie Guy!

Roads of Success

2010-12-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

The other day a client of mine asked me, what is the difference between a coach and a consultant? ...a teacher and a trainer? ...and a mentor and a coach?
He inspired me to write the following:

The Roads of Success

Show me the road,
and you are my teacher.

Show me how to travel the road,
and you are my trainer.

Show me the road that you traveled successfully, and you are my mentor.

Show me the road that you have improved for me to travel successfully,
and you are my consultant.

Show me the road that you and I will travel together successfully,
and you are my coach.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full-slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my new book:

"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order"

BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.

http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM

“Copyright (12-15-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

Entrepreneurs need a “Secret Recipe”

2010-12-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

Entrepreneurial experts around the world continue to debate over why small businesses fail, however they do agree on one thing; now more than ever entrepreneurs need to differentiate themselves in the marketplace.***

We have all heard the buzzwords:

“Branding”

“Point of Difference” (POD)

“Unique Selling Proposition” (USP)

“Secret Recipe” (from yours truly)

Think about this; every Fortune 500 company has a brand, a trademark and a tagline. Did you ever ask yourself, why?... Yes!...we all know the answer!
Because it is a fundamental business strategy!

So why do millions of entrepreneurs fail to create a “Secret Recipe”?

David F. D’Alessandro (best selling author ) says it best:

~ A business based on brand is, very simply, a business primed for success. ~

***Sources: Small Business Administration, Entrepeneurship.org, Personalbrandingblog.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------

***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full-slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my new book;

"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!

"BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM

“Copyright (12-09-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

“Taking Care of Business!”

2010-12-06T13:01:00.000-08:00

“Taking Care of Business!” by B.T.O.

I love that song!

Yes, I know, I am really dating myself…but that’s ok because we all need a song to get us fired up!

...And no matter how many times I hear it … I get fired up!

Music can really be a mood changer, and for me I always look for a song that will brighten my day, or get me out of a rut, so to speak.

How about you? What song or songs set you free!... Change your blight into excite?

Now don’t procrastinate…you know what song(s) ignite your passion.

Get that song(s) on an IPOD, MP3, tape, CD, etc…. and keep it handy… listen to it when needed and start Taking Care of Business!

T.S. Eliot says it best...“You are the music while the music lasts.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------

***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full-slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my new book; "Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!

"BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM

“Copyright (12-06-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

Betty the Barometer

2010-11-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

Let’s call her Betty the Barometer.

Now this story dates way back to when my hair was still black and I looked more like Mark Spitz than Jay Leno. (not to say I can compare to either of them, but you get my drift).
I was assigned as the Grocery Department manager in a new store.

Towards the end of the second week, I was walking through the store in a terrible mood because the night stocking crew did not complete their assignments and my department was not meeting customer requirements... I probably looked like a chicken with my head cut off because I circled the inside parameter of the store several times barking out orders to my employees and completely ignoring the customers.

Betty, a very petite and soft-spoken meat wrapper with 23 years in the business, had been observing me in my state of frenzy while she was stocking the meat case with fresh cut meat... As I passed by her for the third time, she called out to me.

“Gambone! …come here for second.”
I quickly stopped in my tracks and started walking towards her with a huff and a puff.

“What Betty, can’t you see I’m busy.”
“You know Gambone, that’s your problem, you are too busy. You look like you are ready to explode. What happened to that smiling face I am used to seeing?...and hey, you didn’t even say hi to me this morning!
Well, I don’t know what’s going on in your head but you can’t let your employees and customers see that you are pissed off…we need you to lift us up, not let us down.”

I looked at Betty and said, “Wow Betty, thank you …I never would have thought I'd hear that from you….but you are right…thank you again.”

From that day forward, when I got in a bad mood, I would always check with Betty to see if my “mood” was actually coming to the surface.

We all need a Betty in our lives.

Ask yourself…Who is my “business barometer?”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full-slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my new book;

"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!"

BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
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“Copyright (11-14-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

The Diamond RULE²

2010-11-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

-----------TOP RATED POSTING-----------

We all know the Golden Rule (treat others the way you want to be treated), many of us have heard of the Platinum Rule (treat others the way they want to be treated)…

The Diamond RULE² applies specifically to leadership.

R- Respect everyone; everyone’s job is just as important as everyone else’s…pay grade is based on the position, not on the importance of the person.

U- Understand their vision, it may be different from yours; strength of a team is in its diversity of its members.

L- Listen and learn how to help; we all learn something new everyday, from anyone.

E- Enthusiastically and passionately support your team; attitudes are contagious, believe in them and they will believe in you.

E- Exceed what is expected of you; leadership is not just making a living, it’s making a life.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my new book,
"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!"
BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM

“Copyright (7-1-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

From Manager to Leader…My Own Personal Journey

2010-10-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

---------------------Top Rated Posting -----------------

I was the best.
(well, at least in my own mind)

No one could build displays, order product, stock shelves, take inventory and write schedules better than me.
“He never slows down, runs around 24/7..."
"…Bob is the hardest worker I have ever seen.”
(words often expressed by my co-workers and Store Managers.)

So why was I passed over for upper level management time and time again?
I was a great manager, everyone said so. I was winning all the display and selling contests.
I was the best at getting work done, and lived by the credo: if you want something done right you need to do it yourself.
In fact, every time I would go on vacation, I would return to deplorable conditions and I would have to work overtime just to get the department back up to standards.
Again, so why was I not promoted?

In one word…leadership.
I was lighting fires under the feet of my employees instead of inspiring the fire in the hearts of my team.
And then I was given a revelation…a great mentor of mine said:
“Bob, it's not how good your department looks when you are here, the true test of your leadership is the condition of your department, when you are not here.
We want our managers to work smart not hard.
Yes, you will always have to pitch in, but you need to let go and have your team pinch hit for you, you can’t always do everything yourself."

From that point on, I realized:
Managers live for the task, leaders live for their team.

Three months later, I was promoted.
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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early November!...stay tuned! “Copyright (10-13-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

"Got It, Thank you."

2010-09-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Did you ever send an email to someone and then anxiously pondered if they received it?

…of course you did, I have many times.

Today with all the spam, junk and security filters, the reality is our emails (sometimes very important) can be shuffled into the never-to-be-read email abyss!

I know, some of you are saying: well I usually get a “your email was read” return.
Reality check please, those scripts are not very reliable for many reasons (which I will not get into).

Here are 4 simple words to help secure the communication and put the sender at ease:

“Got it, thank you.”….that’s right …simply email them back “Got it, thank you.”

Consider this example:

Imagine sending a potential client a proposal and instead of wondering anxiously if they received it, you get an email back from them that said “Got it, thank you.”… WOW!, you can now exhale.

“Got it, thank you.” is not meant to be an end-all solution and of course you will have to adapt it to your style.

So if you do “get it” ...then simply say, “Got it, thank you.”

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned! “Copyright (9-25-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

Motivational Pledge

2010-09-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

I found this in my archives; it was written as a 'motivational pledge' for my store team, as an inspiration to maintain our #1 status in a corporate wide-year long competition...over the next 8 months, we stayed on top, and ended the year Number One!!!

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"A true champion celebrates his success,

while at the same time acknowledges his vulnerabilities.
When you are the best,
you will be tested by the best.

You are number one and being chased by those who cannot accept defeat.
Know this…second place is the first loser,

don’t settle for anything less than number one.

Remember you can’t do it alone...
it's great to be a champion,

but it takes a TEAM to win a superbowl.
The challenge is now upon us:

WE must champion our Points Of Difference,

with a

Passionate and Enthusiastic Pursuit of Excellence!"

---------------------------------------------

***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned! “Copyright (9-17-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

Paralysis by Analysis

2010-09-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

PROCRASTINATION!!!

Calling all Entrepreneurs!....why do we do this?!

Yes, it is good that we examine things.
Yes , we need to be patient and cultivate business relationships.
Yes, we need to do our due diligence with respect to weighing our options.

But what I am talking about is;
when the ball is in our hand,
not a defensive player is in sight,
our Team is surrounding us,
and yet, we are afraid to run!? … because we might trip, fumble, or not make it to the end zone? ***

Here are 7 great quotes about procrastination.
Read them, and then read them again…and oh by the way…read them one more time.

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”
Abraham Lincoln

“How soon not now, becomes never.”
Martin Luther (1483-1546) German priest and scholar.

"Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy."
Wayne Gretzky

"Even if you’re on the right track-you’ll get run over if you just sit there."
Will Rogers

“One of these days, is none of these days.”
Proverb

“I remember reading somewhere about an organization called Procrastinators Anonymous. I think they had been in existence for some years but had never gotten around to having a meeting.”
Unknown Source

“By not making a decision, you have made one.”
The Pecan Pie Guy.

*** So come on entrepeneuers! Get the lead out of your butt and make a run for it!!!
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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned! “Copyright (9-9-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

Go Bananas!!! When Building Strong Business Relationships.

2010-09-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the number one selling item at SuperWalmart (according to Bloomberg/ Business Week) is... BANANAS?
Wow!? …who would have thought!

According to Progressive Grocer Magazine, 75% of supermarket shoppers purchase bananas on a regular basis due to their nutritional value, low cost, and the fact that bananas are a very perishable product.

What is the number one strategy in building your business through networking?

Correct!
Building strong relationships. And, just like bananas, strong trusting relationships are nutritious (in a business sense), can be very cost effective, and very perishable if you do not keep your “credibility” in stock.

Here are three quick tips to maintain a good "credible" inventory of your networking relationships.

1). Send a “reconnecting” email if you have not seen or heard from them in the last 30 days.

2). A personal inspirational greeting card is a great way to remind them of your relationship.

3). It may be old fashion in today’s techy world, but a simple “Hi Joe, how are things going this week?” phone call, really sends a message that you care.

So when it comes to building strong realtionships...Go Bananas!!!
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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned! “Copyright (9-6-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”

Common Sense ?!?

2010-08-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Did you know that,
“One person’s common sense is another person’s mystery.”
…source unknown

Absolutely! It's true!

Think about this;

We live in a global economy.

We can find out what is happening on the other side of the planet in minutes.

We can talk with people in every hemisphere within seconds.

So….is anything really common anymore?

And how about “sense” ….just because it makes sense to you, doesn’t mean it makes sense to someone in Bulgaria, or even to your next door neighbor, right?

My thought is, the saying “common sense” stems from the old golden rule philosophy of treating others the way you like to be treated…so if you ask someone to use common sense, you are really asking them to think the way YOU think.

Listen…the term “common sense” had its place and time, but it is time to move forward.

Let’s consider The Platinum Rule¹ philosophy; treat others the way they would like to be treated… so let’s all delete “common sense” from our vocabularies and replace it with the words sound judgment.

Now when we ask someone to use sound judgment, we are asking him or her to take action based on the way THEY think.

Mystery solved.

¹made popular by Dr.Tony Alessandra

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!“Copyright (8-28-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

Expectations in Leadership - Take a Look Back and See Where You Started

2010-08-25T20:08:00.001-07:00

I was looking through my old files and found these training bullet points that I put together back in 1983...

I was 28 years young.

We all need to reflect. Go back; 10, 20, 30 years ago... Ask yourself, what was my vision then and what is it now?

•Positive Attitudes...We are on a stage...Attitudes are Contagious

•Professionalism... We must set the tone and the example.

•Leadership...Respect your Position as a Leader

•Employees expect you to be a leader.

•Integrity...Confidentiality...Honesty.

•Teamwork...you can’t do it all yourself.

•The task is never more important than the customer.

•The customer may not always be right but they are still the customer.

•Reward want you want repeated.

•Manage what you don’t want repeated.

•Recognition must be genuine.

•Set a goal for recognition.

•Treat employees with dignity and respect.

•Don’t Procrastinate...Have a Sense of Urgency

•Take initiative, be assertive, don’t assume.

•Learning is a continuous two -way process

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passionate enthusiasm, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!“Copyright (8-26-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

"When Are You Going To Get A REAL Job?!

2010-08-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneurs!....how many times have you heard this?!

...and to make it worse, most of the time, the question comes from our family and loved ones.

Well, it is time to fight back!

Here are Seven inspirational quotes from entrepreneurs , just like yourself, to use as ammo against the pessimists that challenge you.

"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. The choice is yours and yours alone. Refuse to throw in the towel. Go that extra mile that failures refuse to travel. It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure."
- Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

"The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer."
- Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese's

"Innovation is the specific tool of entrepreneurs, the means by which they exploit change as an opportunity for a different business or a different service. It is capable of being presented as a discipline, capable of being learned, capable of being practiced. Entrepreneurs need to search purposefully for the sources of innovation, the changes and their symptoms that indicate opportunities for successful innovation. And they need to know and to apply the principles of successful innovation."
- Peter F. Drucker, "The Father of Modern Management"

"Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you're generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make."
- Donald Trump, real estate and entertainment mogul

"The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it."
- Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies

"We were young, but we had good advice and good ideas and lots of enthusiasm. Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning."
- Bill Gates

"I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others... I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent."
- Thomas Edison

AND....Just in case someone says (like my niece did to me)

"Well Uncle Bob, you're no Thomas Edison"

"You're right", I said, "but who was Thomas Edison before he became "Thomas Edison" ? "
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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passionate enthusiasm, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!“Copyright (8-11-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

"Feedback Is A Gift"

2010-08-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

His name was Lou.
Lou was 35 years my senior and started in the grocery business before I was born.
He once told me,
“Bob, always remember when a customer complains to you, make sure you listen to them, apologize to them and mean it, then make them happy by fixing the problem and last and most importantly thank them.”

“Thank them?” I asked.

“Yes!” Lou, a genuine soul, looked into my eyes and said, “Bob, any customer that takes the time to complain to you is really doing you a favor. They want to make your business better; they want to be your customer. In some cases this is your best customer.”

“Lou, come on…are you telling me that customers who complain are my better customers?”

“What I am telling you is, that you should listen to them because in many cases the feedback is very constructive, you really should encourage it… and by thanking them, you demonstrate to them that your really care about what they have to say.
Would you rather have a customer get upset, and simply not complain, and then never return? Did you ever think; a customer, who never complains but never comes back, might be your worst customer?”

Lou was right. Feedback is a gift!

In any business, a customer that is not satisfied with your product or service, does not communicate their disappointment and then never frequents your business again, well …they are your “worst” customer.

Here are 5 easy steps to take upon receiving your “gift” face to face.

1. Listen attentively.
2. Be thankful for the opportunity to fix the problem.
3. Provide a quick fix.
4. Assess the problem.
5. Implement a permanent fix.

Fact: A satisfied customer will share their positive experience with up to 5 people.
Fact: A dissatisfied customer will share their negative experience with up to 20 people.
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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!“Copyright (8-4-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

Everyone Is Talking About Passion

2010-08-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

Do you have the passion to succeed?

Are you passionate about your business?

Do your customers appreciate your passion for service?

Yes, Yes and Yes!!!

If you are an entrepreneur, of course, you have passion.

The big question is, do you also have enthusiasm?

Passion is defined as an internal mind set. (What you know)
Enthusiasm is defined as how others perceive you. (What others see and know)

I recently attended a networking event and was introduced to a financial advisor, who was in his third year of the business. Throughout our 30-minute discussion, he told me how passionate he was to succeed. All the while, not smiling and never providing me with any non-verbal communication that he was actually excited about being a financial advisor. In fact, the person beside me almost fell asleep listening to his story. Would I want this person to handle my money? Probably not.

When you have passion and show it, people want what you have, they want to tap into your ENTHUSIASM!!!

Yes…continue to be passionate…but if you want to take your business to the next level...

Repeat after me...

“Success just doesn't happen…You must GO AFTER IT, with PASSIONATE ENTHUSIASM!”

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passionate enthusiasm, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!“Copyright (7-15-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

What Is YOUR Bottom Line Focus?

2010-07-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

Single Focus -Good:

-Strategies geared towards a strong bottom line enabling financial stability benefiting your shareholders / owners.

Dual Focus- Better: (weighted equally)

1). Strategies geared towards maintaining a strong bottom line enabling financial stability for your shareholders / owners.

2). Strategies designed to sustain your customers and employees by meeting their requirements.

Triple Bottom Line Focus- BEST: People, Public, Profit (weighted equally)

1). Strategies geared towards maintaining a strong bottom line enabling financial stability for your shareholders / owners.

2). Strategies designed to sustain your customers and employees by meeting their requirements.

3). Strategies that support your community goals and in turn your community will support your company.

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!“Copyright (7-15-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

Carol The Trainer

2010-07-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

Before “Train the Trainer” (a company that patented a 4-Step Process in 1977) there was Carol the Deli Manager…the best trainer I ever met.

I was first introduced to her in 1973 when she was training employees for a new store opening. I was totally impressed with her unique training style.

Fast forward a few years later: Carol was the deli manager at a store that I was managing.
Carol’s performance appraisal and overall department rating was off the charts!
And…at a time of 60% employee turnover in deli departments, Carol’s department turnover was close to zero.

Why?
…because Carol trained her team so well that they never wanted to leave. Yes, the reality is there are many factors that cause employee turnover… “lack of training” is always high on the list.
Oh, by the way…Carol’s training was so effective, that she was one of the few deli managers that did not have to work overtime in order to maintain the standards in her department.

Carol’s 5-Step Recipe for Training:

1. Why?...tell the trainee why they are being trained; what’s in it for them.

2. How?...show them how to do it. (Be empathetic, try not to intimidate them with your expertise)

3. Try…let them try; it’s their turn. (be sure you are observing)

4. What?...tell them what they did right and what they need to improve on. Be positive!

5. Follow up and thank you…always check back with them to see how they are doing, thank them for learning something new and participating in the training process (step five was Carol’s “Midas Touch”)

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!

“Copyright (7-15-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

Jack, The Meat Guy

2010-07-15T02:19:00.000-07:00

Jack was the cleanest head butcher that ever worked for me. Why?...because Jack chose to have his team do the meat cutting, while he worked the sales floor providing meal solutions to his customers.

Customers loved Jack and trusted him to solve their daily dilemma of “what’s for dinner tonight?” I remember one day walking up to a customer, after Jack had served her, and I said… “Thank you for your business ma’am, I see Jack has taken care of you… so what did he suggest?"

“Oh," she said so confidently, “I'm not sure what cut of meat this is, but it sounds delicious and Jack gave me all the cooking instructions, he is such a sweetie pie!"
And to top it off, after further inquiry, I found out she never even asked about the price.
This phenomenon happened repeatedly for months with thousands of customers!

I was amazed!
Customers were actually buying Jack, and not the products. He had branded himself and created a point of difference as “The Meat Guy”....Jack literally had customers buying whatever he wanted them to buy.

A few months later, Jack was transferred to a store about 5 miles down the road... sales in my meat department dropped 18%!
Why?
Customers followed Jack to the other store, because he was their ...
“Jack, The Meat Guy.”

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!
“Copyright (7-15-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

D.R.E.A.M.S.

2010-07-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

“The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you.” Tom Bradley

Ask yourself the following questions:

Doing, what are you doing right now?

Really, what do you really want to be doing?

Expectations, what are your goals and vision?

Action plans; how are you developing and implementing?

Measure your performance, what process are you using?

Sustain your progress, who is holding you accountable?

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book,"Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!“Copyright (7-1-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

Goal Setting , Measurements and Vision

2010-07-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

5 Great Insights:

-What gets measured, gets done…what gets measured and shared, gets improved.

-If you do not have a destination (goal), any road you take will get you there.

-Live not to measure the length of the journey, live for the destination and the journey will measure itself.

-If your memories are bigger than your future, then its time to turn things around.

-Do what you love, Love what you do, and Share that love with everyone!

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book,"Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!“Copyright (7-1-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

The Diamond RULE² -Servant Leadership in Business

2010-07-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

We all know the Golden Rule (treat others the way you want to be treated), many of us have heard of the Platinum Rule (treat others the way they want to be treated)…

The Diamond RULE² applies specifically to leadership.

R- Respect everyone; everyone’s job is just as important as everyone else’s…pay grade is based on the position, not on the importance of the person.

U- Understand their vision, it may be different from yours; strength of a team is in its diversity of its members.

L- Listen and learn how to help; we all learn something new everyday, from anyone.

E- Enthusiastically and passionately support your team; attitudes are contagious, believe in them and they will believe in you.

E- Exceed what is expected of you; leadership is not just making a living, it’s making a life.

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book,"Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!
“Copyright (7-1-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

NETWWORKING²

2010-07-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

The definitions for networking are many… the bottom line is;
Networking = the opportunity to build relationships.

N- Never sell when networking!

E –Earn people’s interest before exchanging business cards

T- Talk with people, not at people

W- Wear a Smile!

W- “Wherever you go, there you are.”…so network!

O- Open body language, non verbal communication says it all.

R- Resource; be the one for connecting others.

K- Keep focused on your network strategy.

I- Information; gather it for your referral partners and referral sources.

N- “Net-xcitement,” its contagious…don’t get caught up in buying and selling, avoid the “morning- after dilemma”. Schedule a business meeting to buy or sell.

G- Giver’s Gain, The BNI Credo; learn it, live it, love it!

G- GO!...don’t just talk about Networking…GO do it!

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***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book,
"Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early this fall!...stay tuned!!!
“Copyright (7-1-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”

"Continuing Smart" ?

2010-06-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

A few years back I heard a very intriguing statement,

“The reason why radio and TV talk / news are so popular (i.e. Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh) is because people love to be “smart” but don’t have the time to be “educated.”

Listening to this type of media can supply you with a lot of information quickly and conveniently, and may help you demonstrate mental alertness (definition of smart) when engaged in business or casual conversations, but it will not educate you. The definition of education is knowledge acquired by learning and instruction.

Just recently, I heard another intriguing statement about condensed versions of books available for iPhones, Laptops, etc. The gentleman said “reading a condensed version of a book, is really learning the material based on what someone else, not the author, thought was important …I would rather read the full version and decide for myself what’s important. I want to be educated, not just smart.”

Wow, I thought to myself…this guy has wisdom, which is the art of utilizing accumulated knowledge and experience with sound judgment and insight.

Yes, I watch and listen to TV talk / news media and occasionally read a condensed version of a book…but I am also a strong advocate of gaining wisdom. One of my lifetime goals is to always participate in “continuing education” in order to grow personally and professionally…after all who ever heard of “continuing smart”?

Leadership is not selfishness

2010-06-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

Why do you think you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on first in an airplane emergency?

Well, the obvious answer is to save yourself. The more robust answer is to save yourself so you can help others.

Quite often leaders in our society are frowned upon because they are taking care of themselves. For example, those is leadership roles are considered “selfish” for; taking vacations with their families, allocating time for continuing education, playing golf, going on a retreat, etc.

The reality is leaders need to take care of themselves in order to effectively lead those they serve.
I don’t know about you, but I want my “leader” to be healthy and wealthy. Not just in a monetary sense, but as a whole person; physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Vince Lombardi once said: "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence regardless of their chosen endeavor."

Bottom line: Leaders need to first take care of themselves, in order to be effective quality leaders.

They Weren’t There For Me…I Was There For Them.

2010-06-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

One evening, years ago, while performing an evening audit in a store that I managed, I entered the backroom of the Produce department frustrated about some work that was not completed.

“Hi Judy, hi Paul can I see you for a minute?”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“Guys, I’ve known you both for a long time, ever since you went full time about 12 years ago.”

“Yes, it’s been about that long,” replied Judy, and Paul nodding his head. (two top senior clerks, part of a team of 18 in that department).

"Well, I don’t understand why I repeatedly have to come back here and solve problems, follow up to see if things are being done, and make all the decisions. You each have a dozen years in the business; you should know how to run this team.”

Paul put his head down, shaking it back and forth, but Judy looked right at me and said;

“First of all, Paul and I both know how to run this team. Second, well…if we wanted to take on the responsibilities we would have signed up to be Managers, well we don’t want that job…that’s your job Bob!
I think this team back here does a great job, but sometimes we drop the ball, like today, but overall things get done…and when issues surface, well guess what, that’s when we need you. We expect you to make the decisions, Bob, because we don’t want the hassle.

They were right. They weren’t there for me…I was there for them.

From that day forward, I learned that not only do I need to serve my customers, more importantly… I needed to serve my employees.

Never Run Out Of Stones

2010-06-02T04:18:00.000-07:00

As a child growing up in a small town, Rennerdale Pa., I can remember walking down to the fishpond with my father on weekends.

Along the way, my Dad would allow me to fill my pockets with stones to toss into the pond.

We would stand on the edge, and I would throw the stones in the pond making those memorable circles of ripples reaching out all the way to the water’s edge.

Eventually my pockets would empty, I would run out of stones and the ripples would fade away.

Fast forward to today. Those seemingly endless ripples in the water remind me of word of mouth marketing. Your circles start off small and continue to expand as you build relationships with people. The secret is to never run out of stones!

For more information of having deep pockets and an endless supply of “stones,” give me a call…412.491.7317.

"You've got me? But who's got you?"

2010-05-29T05:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite scenes from a movie is the image of the "Man of Steel" comic book Superman hero / alias Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) with red cape and tights soaring over Metropolis, especially when he saves Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) as she falls from a helicopter and their conversation,
Superman (politely) :
"Easy, miss. I've got you."
Lois Lane (screaming):
"You've got me? But who's got you?"

In these great United States of America, the entrepreneur spirit is alive and well. Entrepreneurs are the foundation of the American business culture, as they live by a vision in search of their dream.

Along their journey to that dream, most entrepreneurs, feel like they too have been dropped from a helicopter. From increasing unemployment, to the devaluing of the dollar, to escalating business taxes and overall business costs, entrepreneurs need “Superman” to save them.

Unfortunately, that only happens in the movies.

The next best thing for entrepreneurs is to build a team. A team that will be there, a team they can rely on and trust to support them. The keystone for that team starts with a Business Coach.

For more information on building your team and a strong business foundation, drop me a note and I will catch it (pun intended).

Bob Gambone, rvg444@aol.com
I help entrepreneurs tap into their passion, ignite their leadership, to grow their business.
“See the Vision…Capture the Dream!”

If You Are Looking For a Competitive Edge, Start With Leadership

2010-05-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

---True Story About Leadership---

I was anxious and excited.
It was my first day as Store Manager at a new location.
As I entered the store, smile on my face and notebook and pencil in hand, I mentally prepared myself to meet new customers and employees.

Top of mind was the new “Cleaning” initiative that the company was going through, and my approach would be to talk with employees and department heads about the status of the project as I toured the store.
I was very intrigued, as I walked from department to department, to find that everyone was saying the same type of thing. “Denny has us on top of it”, “Oh yes, we make sure we follow the checklist, wouldn’t want to upset Denny”, and “Nice to meet you, and if you see Denny ask him to stop by, we have some questions”.
Of course my confidence level peaked knowing that Denny, probably a co-manager, was on top of things, and really had the store’s team engaged in the new initiative.

When I finally got upstairs where the offices were located, I asked my Human Resources Manager for a list of the store’s department heads and managers.
After reviewing the list, I turned to Debbie (the HR Manager), and said,
“Does Denny go by a different name? I don’t see him on this list”.
She looked at me, quite puzzled, and said,
“Our Denny? ... He’s the Janitor.”

Denny was not a manager or a department head and had never aspired to be one.
Denny, however, was a leader, and was clearly filling a void that was left empty by the management team.

This realization convinced me that leadership is found in the person and not in the position.
Take a hard look at your management team. Are they inspiring their teams to do the job?
Or are they just simply assigning work.
In today’s economy, more than ever, business owners and executives need their managers and department heads to be Leaders.

Here are seven quick tips to help you identify Leaders:

1. Leaders have passionate enthusiasm! Attitudes are contagious and your team “leaders” need to understand that they are role models.

2. Leaders model your company’s values and “walk the talk.”

3. Leaders pull their teams up the hill, face them, and don’t turn their backs.
Old school managers push employees.

4. Leaders are not necessarily the best workers,
and they understand that the “task” is never more important than the customer.

5. Leaders develop others, place a high value on the “we,” and discourage the “I.”

6. Leaders understand when people need to be led and when to let people take the lead.

7. Leaders listen and provide positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.

Planting the Seed

2010-05-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Leaders are full of ideas and innovations that can improve the business performance of their teams.
If you want to kick your leadership up a few notches try “planting the seed” versus just telling your team the new idea / innovation that you have formulated.

In “planting the seed,” you will need to provide “teaser” information, and then coach your team to get to the desired outcome. Along the way, your team members may even improve on your original idea, so be open to suggestions, but stay the course.

You will find that this process will motivate your teams to improve their performance because they now have ownership of the idea / innovation.
Remember the 3 P’s- Plan, Prepare, Practice before you implement “planting the seed.”

Communicating to Our Customers: Drop the Acronyms and Industry Speak!

2010-05-13T07:02:00.000-07:00

Did you ever answer a customer's question and receive a very confused
look from them in return?
A few years back a customer asked me why we were out of a particular item.
My answer was, “I know that we “surveyed” that item, but I think it was either “scratched” or on “allocation.”
The customer gave me the same look I gave the young doctor when he told me that my “diastolic” number was fine but he was concerned about my “systolic” number.

The point is we need to communicate to our customers on their terms. Many of us with retail experience use words like “discontinued”, “selector error”, “focus item” “shipper” "drop-ship" ... just to name a few...and acronyms like "OOS" "CSS" "POS" ...what do these mean to our customers? Nothing!

Knowledge of the your business is good, but the ability to successfully communicate and have your customers understand you is excellence!
This presents an unique opportunity to “raise the bar” in customer communications and in conversations with those that may not be related to your specific industry.

We All Need A Reason To Wake Up In the Morning", inspired true story

2010-05-05T19:33:00.000-07:00

His name was Vince. I met him one day at the Burger King while eating lunch.

“Excuse me; are you the Store Manager over there?”

I then introduced myself and Vince went on to tell me his story.

“So are you guys hiring?...I need a job. I am a retired executive from US Steel, my wife passed away about two years ago and my kids are spread across the country.
I fly every weekend to visit them, so I can work Monday through Friday.
You know I miss working. A man can only play so much golf, I am really getting bored, …I need a reason to wake up in the morning.”

Vince was a tall man, wearing a wrinkled non-matching jogging suit and sporting a 3-day beard. I felt sorry for him, he really looked like he needed a job and the story he told me, well that really seemed a bit far-fetched, so I hired him.

Vince came on board and worked Monday through Friday 7 to 11am pushing carts and greeting people as they entered the store. He really loved his job; smiling and saying thank you, talking to customers, keeping the place clean, and I felt good because I gave this guy a job.

About 6 months later Cindi, my office manager, came to me, “Bob, the Payroll dept. called and said they need Vince to cash his paychecks.” Well I was really surprised, Vince?...the guy who needed a job so bad, not cashing his paychecks?!
“How many paychecks hasn't he cashed”? I asked Cindi.
Cindi looked right at me and said, “Bob, Vince has not cashed a paycheck since he started 6 months ago!”

At that moment I realized, I did not give Vince a job,he gave me a life lesson.

We All Need a Reason to Wake Up in the Morning, thank you Vince P.

Inviting Your Customers to Return, the Missing Link in Service

2010-04-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

Companies that boast good customer service in most cases are missing one very important component that could really raise the bar……Invite your customers to return.

The next time you visit a retailer, restaurant or any business, pay close attention to the final words you hear.

90% will offer a thank you, 5% will say nothing and only about 5% will thank you and ask that you to return in the near future.

Step back, listen and observe…are you inviting your customers to return?
Asking your customers to come back can be a huge point of difference for your business.

You will need to practice this until it becomes a habit. Say something like, “Thank you and please come back and see us again real soon, mention 'Joe' when you return.” (one way you can measure the process)

"Willing To Learn" by Julie Ann Sullivan

2010-04-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

While getting my son’s lunch ready, I expressed that all the food and drink would not fit into his lunch box.
I told him I would have to use something different.
He said, “Can I try?”
I was outraged! I told him how rude it was for him to say that. Didn’t he think I was smart enough to have tried all the possibilities?

In that same instant, the lesson began. Still angry, I told him to try, but if he couldn’t do it, he lost TV for the day.
Indignantly, I went out of the room to get his juice box for lunch, which surely would not fit.
I’d show him!
On the way back to the kitchen, I realized there might be another side to this story besides my predicted outcome.
I said to him, “Get it all to fit and that’s $5 for you.”

You know of course, he figured out how to get it all to fit. I paid up the money and learned several valuable lessons:

1. It’s not always about me
2. People like to try for themselves and that’s not about me either.

*Julie Ann Sullivan*
Learning Never Ends
724-942-0486
Visit my web site @ > > www.julieannsullivan.com

Reached a Plateau? You May Need a Paradigm Shift

2010-04-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Time to revisit your:

-Vision Statement

-Mission Statement

-Point of Difference / Value Statement

-Target Market

-Strategy

***Most importantly; Your Team (you can’t do it all yourself, it is okay to ask for help).

Top 5 Reasons Small Businesses Fail

2010-04-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Reasons Small Businesses Fail
By Abbie Drew

If you’ve been under long-held belief that 50% of businesses fail in the first year and 95% fail within five years, you can put those dismal stats behind you.
The truth is you do have a realistic chance of success.The bad news is if you do not run your business well, your business could fail within 5 years.

And according to the NFIB over the lifetime of a business only 39% are profitable.
Another 30% of business break even, the other 30% lose money and 1% can not say.
So how do you make your business one of the profitable 39% that succeeds for the long term?

You start by avoiding these 5 big mistakes.
I have been profitably running DEMC since 1995 and I speak from experience. I have battled the mistakes I am about to review and I have worked with 100s of small businesses over the years. Thus, I have seen what works and what doesn’t.

Here is what you need to avoid.

1) Fail to establish a team.

I saw a great definition of entrepreneur in an email I received from Dan Lok recently. Entrepreneur was defined as an individual who uses the time and money of others to make his ideas a reality.Think about that definition and your own business. Are you are doing all of the work in your business yourself? If yes, you need to re-evaluate.

Too many small business people are caught up in doing the day to day tasks of running their businesses. As a result, they are unable to work on the bigger picture of growing their businesses. When your business is not growing and improving it is falling behind and headed for extinction.

You have to stop trying to be your own copy writer, web designer, customer support staff, product innovator, tax accountant, marketer, search engine optimizer, press release contact, book keeper, etc., etc., etc..Start becoming a believer in the saying – “Do what you do best and farm out the rest!

Establish a “Team” of people who help you succeed. Some will work with you and/or for you. Others will be mentors to you.
Use your team to help build your business and improve your prosperity.To emphasize the importance of establishing a team, I encourage you to review some of the Interview articles from past issues of DEMC.

In fact, I’d recommend you start by reading the interview in today’s issue of John Di Lemme.

You will find again and again in these interviews, that successful business owner mention how their “Team” has helped them arrive where they are today.

Want to know Two through Five? Clink on the link below

Bottom Line....it is okay to ask for help!

http://www.demc.com/

POWER Feedback

2010-03-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

We all like to receive compliments from our fellow business associates when our business is successful. Verbal feedback or an email is quick and immediate, but there is “feedback” and then there is “POWER Feedback.”

Listed below are five different styles of verbal / email feedback… only one is POWER Feedback.

1.) Hi Joe! Hey, nice job on growing your business, keep up the good work.

2.) Joe, I wanted to let you know that your business is really taking off. Everyone I talk to is amazed on how well you are doing.

3). Hi Joe. Wow, your business is really doing well. I heard sales were up 10% over last year as a result of the new marketing strategy you recently implemented. I really want to thank you… you made me rethink my business strategy. Great job!

4). Joe….EXCELLENT! Your business is taking off…WOW!!!! Tremendous!!!

5.) Hi Joe, well I wanted to let you know that you are doing better in your business than I am in mine. I am still struggling, maybe since you are doing so well you can send me some pointers. I mean, we go way back and I always gave you ideas, maybe its time you give me some of yours. You’re the best!

What is the correct answer?

What is POWER feedback and why?

What is the advantage of POWER feedback?

Let’s continue the discussion, email; rvg444@aol.com

5 TIPS TO SUCCESS by Crystal Barr

2010-03-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

1- Be Consistent. Do an activity everyday that will help you towards your goal, then make it 2 a day. This will help produce results.

2- Be Confident. Who cares what others think or say. When people doubt your dreams or visions, stand your ground and stay true to what you know to be true.

3. Develop Systems. This will help with the activities that you find yourself doing over and over and over, that are necessary but take alot of your time. Mary Kay always said "Don't waste dollar time doing penny jobs." for example- If you find yourself answering the same questions for clients or team members, develop an email that answers that question and save it instead of recreating it everytime.

4. Be an energy giver not a drainer. Be the person that everyone wants to be around. Not the person that everyone dreads. When people can leave your space pumped up, you will be a person of influence.

5. Set a goal and do not waiver from it. Remember, a goal is written in pen and the date in pencil. It's ok to fail when working towards a goal. That will only make the end that much sweeter. The journey is where we learn, the finish line is where we celebrate. Without a defined goal we are just lost.

Crystal Barr
Independent Sales Director
Mary Kay Cosmetics
724-375-4295
www.marykay.com/cjbarr
.

Seven Questions***

2010-02-28T12:17:00.001-08:00

1. Are you climbing the ladder of success, or are you part of the ladder?

2. Are you working to live, or living to work?

3. Is your work getting in the way of your job?

4. Who is on your team?

5. Is your month longer than your money?

6. Are you a passenger on the bus, or are you the driver?

7. Are you getting in the way of your own success?

***What are your answers?

I can help you find them, call me at 412-491-7317 or email rvg444@aol.com

Do what you love, love what you do, and share that love with everyone!

2010-02-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

Edward L Gambone Sr., my Dad, retired in 1983 after working 48 years for the Kroger Corporation. For the next several years, my Mother and Dad traveled the country in a motor home in search of a place to settle down. They fell in love with Sun City Arizona and dropped anchor. Unfortunately within a very short time my mother passed away leaving my Dad in a state of bewilderment. “She was my best friend, I don’t know what I am going to do with myself,” Dad would say repeatedly. For a short time, my Dad went into deep depression.

Then it happened. Dad’s passion came to life. He began telling stories of his business life experiences to any retiree in Sun City that would listen. He became very popular with the poker players and lady friends that cooked for him. A genuine interest in people and what they did was always Dad’s true passion in life. Yes, he worked for Kroger for 48 years, but his real job was so much more. Thousands of people loved Dad because he had a unique gift of celebrating their life experiences as they lived it. And now years later, he was reliving their stories. Dad, with his gifted photographic memory, was able to be so specific in his story telling, he truly amazed his listeners.

So Dad and I developed a great routine. I would meet someone that knew him. (This happened quite often since we were both in the Grocery Business). I would call my Dad, my Dad would tell me a funny story about this person, sometimes dating back 20 to 30 years ago, I would contact the person and relay the story….WOW! They would often say, “I can’t believe he remembered that!” Sometimes they would be so overwhelmed that my Dad, who retired as a District Zone Manager, could even remember who they were… “I was only a part time bagger when I worked for your dad!” But Dad had a gift, and he loved to use that gift until the day he died.

In the last days of his life my Dad did not talk about all the money and success he had, he talked about all the people that shared his life. Dad did what he loved, he loved what he did and he shared that love with everyone.

From Rebel To Champion - The Story of Mary

2010-02-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

Mary was a rebel.
She was a bakery manager that forgot more about baking then I would ever know.
But, my first impression of her, not good. Her performance evaluations over that last three years, fair. Her department’s performance, mediocre.
I was told by many to “watch out for her, she’s trouble.”
So how do you explain that 14 months later Mary and her Team became the most celebrated bakery in the history of the company and Mary herself won the highest award possible in the company?

I would love to have a discussion with you about the championship journey of Mary and her Team.

Email me:
Rvg444@aol.com

Thank you,
Robert V Gambone Sr.

Credibility First, Referrals Second

2010-01-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

In the world of networking and word of mouth marketing, we often have a sense of urgency to help our fellow business associates by providing them with "leads". But ask yourself, is the "lead" you are exchanging a creditable source? You may be jeopardising and diluting your "brand" if you are not 100% sure.

For more information on passing "leads" versus "credible referrals"....contact Bob Gambone at rvg444@aol.com.

Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Competition Closer

2010-01-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

"Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Competition Closer."

Sounds crazy, but it is really a progressive successful business strategy.

Lawyers have been practicing this strategy for years, and so do restaurant owners.

If you would like to know the key tactics and results of this strategy, email me at rvg444@aol.com.

Thank you
Bob Gambone

Start the New Year Off Right, Share Your Mission Statement and Customer Promise (see my example)

2010-01-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Bob Gambone
PASSION, LEADERSHIP, RESULTS
Business Life and Leadership Coach / Consultant

Mission Statement

With passionate, enthusiastic leadership, I am dedicated to coaching entrepreneur minded business professionals, in a face-to-face customized process designed to improve their business lives and the lives of the people they touch.©

Statement of Values

I will coach my customers with a personalized approach geared towards their specific needs.

I will coach with an unconditional and nondiscriminatory passion.

I will keep my customers focused by being a great listener while at the same time identifying what they ‘need to do’ vs. what they ‘want to do’.

I will utilize positive feedback and constructive criticism.

I will provide effective continuous improvement through the feeding of information and will not “fire-hose” my customer.

I will develop a professional coaching relationship with my customers, founded in honesty, diversity and respect.

I will help my customers… “See the Vision…and Capture the Dream”

Credos

Coaching is 90% attitude and 10% technique.

Coaches are not great players, coaches make their players great.

Coaches are the ‘keystone’ holding together the pillars of skill and desire, forming a “whole” that is greater than the sum of the parts.

NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

2009-12-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

*Daily / weekly planners…get yourself organized (calendars, charts, files)

*Make a list of things that need done. Follow up on action plans and update.

*Inventory tracking and record keeping.

*Proper executions of the business plans…plan your work and work your plan.

*Back to basics.

*Revisit / Update Policies and procedures in your company

*Things you have let go… Procrastination ends now!

*Personal growth and health. If you are not having fun….that’s your fault.

*Measure to improve, share and use ideas, communications, teach.

*Training; in your absence does someone know what to do?

*Are you being aggressive about getting yourself trained…take responsibility for your own success!

*Team communication: share the knowledge, listen, and create a sense of ownership.

*Recognition… “Reward want you want repeated” “Find the Number ONE in Everyone”

*Be a LEADER, not just a manager. “Call it a problem & it will BE one, Call it an opportunity, and you will HAVE one.”

*Leadership “Its great to be a champion, but it takes TEAM to win the Super-Bowl”

“The customer may not always be right , but they are still the customer”

Think like a customer: present a professional image, smile and eye contact, seek out customer contact, solve customer problems, use proper body language, thank every customer and invite them back.

Thought for the month…. “we learn from yesterdays we live for tomorrows”

“Success just doesn’t happen…You must GO AFTER IT, with
PASSIONATE ENTHUSIASM!”

From Manager to Leader…My Own Personal Journey

2009-12-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

I was the best.
(well, at least in my own mind)

No one could build displays, order product, stock shelves, take inventory and write schedules better than I.
“He never slows down, runs around 24/7” "…Bob is the hardest worker I have ever seen.”…words often expressed by my co-workers and Store Managers.
So why was I passed over for upper level management time and time again?
I was a great manager, everyone said so. I was winning all the display and selling contests.I was the best at getting work done, and lived by the credo; if you want something done right you need to do it yourself.
In fact, every time I would go on vacation, I would return to deplorable conditions and I would have to work overtime just to get the department back up to standards.

Again, so why was I not promoted?
In one word…leadership.
I was lighting fires under the feet of my employees instead of inspiring the fire in the hearts of my team.

And then I was given a revelation…a great mentor of mine said,
“Bob, it's not how good your department looks when you are here, the true test of your leadership is the condition of your department, when you are not here.
We want our managers to work smart not hard. Think of it this way; if you fish for someone, you feed them for a day... if you teach them to fish, you feed them for a lifetime.
Yes, you will always have to pitch in, but you need to let go and have your team pitch hit for you, you can’t always do everything yourself.”

From that point on, I realized; managers live for the task, leaders live for their team.
Three months later, I was promoted.

For more information on “Changing Today’s Managers into Tomorrow's Leaders”Contact Bob Gambone; email- rvg444@aol.com Phone: 412-491-7317.

“I Need A Reason To Wake Up In The Morning!”

2009-11-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

His name was Vince. I met him one day at the Burger King while eating lunch.
“Excuse me; are you the Store Manager over there?”
I then introduced myself and Vince went on to tell me his story.
“So are you guys hiring?...I need a job. I am a retired executive from US Steel, my wife passed away about two years ago and my kids are spread across the country. I fly every weekend to visit them, so I can work Monday through Friday. You know I miss working. A man can only play so much golf, I am really getting bored, …I need a reason to wake up in the morning.”

Vince was a tall man, wearing a wrinkled non-matching jogging suit and sporting a 3-day beard.
I felt sorry for him, he really looked like he needed a job and the story he told me, well that really seemed a bit far-fetched, so I hired him.

Vince came on board and worked Monday through Friday 7 to 11am pushing carts and greeting people as they entered the store. He really loved his job; smiling and saying thank you, talking to customers, keeping the place clean, and I felt good because I gave this guy a job.

About 6 months later Cindi, my office manager, came to me, “Bob, the Payroll dept. called and said they need Vince to cash his paychecks.”
Well I was really surprised, Vince?...the guy who needed a job so bad, not cashing his paychecks?!
“How many paychecks hasn't he cashed”? I asked Cindi.
Cindi looked right at me and said, “Bob, Vince has not cashed a paycheck since he started 6 months ago!”

At that moment I realized, I did not give Vince a job,
he gave me a life lesson.
We All Need a Reason to Wake Up in the Morning, thank you Vince P.

Handling Customer Complaints – the LAST-C technique.

2009-11-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

The LAST technique for handling customer complaints has been around for some time and you can Google to find several versions.

I have had great success with what I call the LAST-C process.
Bottom Line: not only will you decrease customer complaints, you will gain more business as a result of using this process.

Acronym defined:

L- Listen

A-Apologize

S-Suggest a Solution

T- Thank

C- Communicate

For more detailed information on the LAST –C process and how to effectively use the LAST-C in your business;
Contact Bob Gambone “Passion, Leadership, Results” 412-491-7317 Rvg444@aol.com.

Great Sales Building Tip for Retailers

2009-10-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

While on the sales floor, have you ever had one of those “moments of truth”, positive or negative, that you would like to respond to immediately?

Try this: Carry with you a variety of pre-activated (your specific company) Gift Cards ($5, $10, and $25), have your office managers track them.

Here is an example of how I use them: I was talking to a customer about some concerns she had with the store. I noticed she had a three- buggy order. I thanked her for being such a great customer and gave her a $5 gift card. She loved it. It was immediate (sends a great message to our customers) and a great finish to our conversation.

I have done this with new customers, people asking for donations, or even disgruntled customers (we all know the quicker the fix the faster the return) etc. Yes, you do need to use discretion and this is not the answer to every customer service issue, but believe me it works and it is immediate (save time for my customers and myself)!

In today’s fast paced world and fierce competition I have found that this builds customers confidence and not just satisfies the customers but truly delights them, a great “point of difference” to have in the marketplace.

Leadership

2009-10-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

“Leadership is not an art,

it is not a skill,
nor is it something that you can learn.

Leadership is an inherited trait,
fueled by passion, fed by desire,

and maintained by your enthusiasm.

Leadership never dies...

... it will always be in your heart, waiting."

The Six Rights of Merchandising...

2009-10-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

...require that you have:

The Right Merchandise,
in the Right Place,
at the Right Time,
in the Right Quantity,
in the Right Condition,
at the Right Price!

Work Expands to Fill the Time Allotted...and the Time Allotted Must Equal the Work Required.

2009-10-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

The following questions are geared towards taking a proactive leadership approach with your most valuable asset.
(As a business owner / executive you are not doing yourself, your shareholders or your employees any justice by either overworking your employees or paying your employees for nonproductive, non value-added time.)

Ask yourself the following:

How many hours a week are you scheduling your employees? Why?

Are you writing schedules based on the hours needed for employee compensation requirements or based on the work that is needed?

When was the last time you measured the amount of work needed based on fulfilling all internal and external customer requirements?

Do your salary employees write daily work planners? How many hours a week are they really "working"? (note: overworked employees and slackers are equally detrimental to your team)

How many hourly employees punch in late and punch out early and do not get “docked” for pay?(a recent study done at a Fortune 500 company revealed this cost to be well over 11 million dollars annually).

Do you allow hourly employees to work "off the clock"? Why?

Think about this….as a leader you need to make decisions on what is best for the team. Successful teams are strengthened by creating a synergy of balanced input from each team member. Demanding too much work from some and accepting less work from others deteriorates that synergy. Ask yourself the above questions one more time...and then take a proactive approach with your "people".

Top Ten Reasons Employees / Managers should shop at [Your] Company

2009-09-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

10. Spend your money where you make it, reinvest in your future.

9. A chance to see the store through a customer’s perspective.

8. Sends a message of confidence when customers see you shop.

7. Sends a message of teamwork to your fellow employees.

6. Can you say “Job Security”?

5. It is convenient, saves time, travel, and gas.

4. You know what the deals are!

3. What better way to increase sales?

2. It’s great to shop where everyone
knows your name.

And the Number One reason is:
The best employees deserve the best quality products and services, [Your] Company. --- Show, Know, and Live The Brand!

Communicating to Our Customers: Drop the Acronyms and Industry Speak!

2009-09-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

Did you ever answer a customer's question and receive a very confused

look from them in return?

A few years back a customer asked me why we were out of a particular item.

My answer was, “I know that we “surveyed” that item, but I think it was either “scratched” or on “allocation.”

The customer gave me the same look I gave the young doctor when he told me that my “diastolic” number was fine but he was concerned about my “systolic” number.

The point is we need to communicate to our customers on their terms. Many of us in retail use words like “discontinued”, “selector error”, “focus item” “shipper” "drop-ship" ... just to name a few...and acronyms like "OOS" "CSS" "POS" ...what do these mean to our customers? Nothing!

Knowledgeable employees are one thing but the ability to successfully communicate and have your customers understand is another. This presents an excellent opportunity to “raise the bar” in customer communications and delivering your brand promise.

Be Seen...Be Trusted...Be Profitable

2009-09-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Three steps to building your “brand” …no shortcuts here.

The other day I had a conversation with a gentleman that recently launched his own independent carpet cleaning business. He was so upset because he spent over $600 in advertising and received zero business from the ad. His mistake: trying to jump from visibility to profitability without building customer confidence, i.e. building trust in his “brand.”

Why do we know that FED EX will deliver overnight?…because they have walked the talk for years…we trust them!

You can talk the talk through advertising…more importantly, you must walk the talk by building customer confidence…then and only then will you be able to walk the walk of a profitable business.

For more information on building a sustainable / profitable business, contact Bob Gambone
412-491-7317, or email rvg444@aol.com

Inviting Your Customers to Return, the Missing Link in Service

2009-09-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Companies that boast good customer service in most cases are missing one very important component that could really raise the bar…
…Invite your customers to return.

The next time you visit a retailer, restaurant or any business that serves the ultimate consumer, pay close attention to the final words you hear. 90% will offer a thank you, 5% will say nothing and only about 5% will thank you and ask that you to return in the near future.

Step back, listen and observe…are you inviting your customers to return? Asking your customers to come back can be a huge point of difference for your business. You will need to practice this until it becomes a habit. Say something like, “Thank you and please come back and see us again real soon, mention 'Joe' when you return.” (one way you can measure the process)

Do you remember the TV show that ended with… “Y’all come back now, Ya hear!”
.... and millions of viewers did and still do!

Great Players Win Games, Great Teams Win Superbowls

2009-09-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

***This is a true story as told to me by my father many times over the years. Edited for privacy....the powerful message remains.***

Dad, you were the original Business Life and Leadership Coach. I know you are up there…this one is for you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
John was an inventor of a product that is used by every retail business throughout the entire world. He played football with my Dad in high school, work with him for a short time and they became lifetime business associates.

When John was getting ready to launch his product, my Dad met with him to discuss his strategy.

“Who is on your team, John?”
“What team, I don’t need a team… I have over 35 companies out there ready to buy.”
“What’s your strategy, you know, your game plan?”
“Sell!, Sell!, Sell!...simple as that.”
“Do you have a test market area?”
“No.”
“So, let's look at it this way…you are ready to kickoff, you have never practiced, your fans are filling the stands in anticipation, and you have no team behind you?...no plays to run?"
“Hey, I thought you were my friend… not my coach!” ... John’s last words as the meeting and their friendship ended.

Good news and bad news followed.

The bad news: John’s product took off like crazy, but he ran into continuous problems with his patent, branding issues, competition, tax issues, quality of product, etc…until he finally went bankrupt.

The good news: years later John invented a process that is used in almost every vending machine in the United States. John went back to my Dad, not to beg for his friendship, to ask him to be his coach.

My Dad, a pure coach at heart, provided John with support. John formed a team by purchasing the products and services of professionals, referred to him by my Dad, and this time built a successful sustainable business that was passed on to the next generation.

---If you are an entrepreneur and in the early stages of starting your business, please contact me for more information on building a foundation for your company.---

Bob Gambone, Business Life and Leadership Coach / Consultant
412-491-7317 rvg444@aol.com
Find me on LinkedIn.

From Manager to Leader…My Own Personal Journey

2009-08-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

I was the best.
(well, at least in my own mind)
No one could build displays, order product, stock shelves, take inventory and write schedules better than me.
“He never slows down, runs around 24/7” "…Bob is the hardest worker I have ever seen.”
…words often expressed by my co-workers and Store Managers.

So why was I passed over for upper level management time and time again?
I was a great manager, everyone said so. I was winning all the display and selling contests.
I was the best at getting work done, and lived by the credo; if you want something done right you need to do it yourself. In fact, every time I would go on vacation, I would return to deplorable conditions and I would have to work overtime just to get the department back up to standards.

Again, so why was I not promoted?
In one word…leadership.
I was lighting fires under the feet of my employees instead of inspiring the fire in the hearts of my team.

And then I was given a revelation…a great mentor of mine said, “Bob, it's not how good your department looks when you are here, the true test of your leadership is the condition of your department, when you are not here. We want our managers to work smart not hard. Yes, you will always have to pitch in, but you need to let go and have your team pitch hit for you, you can’t always do everything yourself.”
From that point on, I realized; managers live for the task, leaders live for their team.
Three months later, I was promoted.

For more information on “Changing Today’s Managers into Tomorrow's Leaders”
Contact Bob Gambone; email- rvg444@aol.com Phone: 412-491-7317.

Your Business, from a team of 'one' to a team of many, needs a purpose....here is mine:

2009-08-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

Bob Gambone
Business Life and Leadership Coach / Consultant

Mission Statement

With passionate enthusiastic leadership, I will coach my customers to improve their business lives thereby improving the lives of the people they touch.

Statement of Values

I will coach my customers with a personalized approach geared towards their specific needs.

I will coach with an unconditional and nondiscriminatory passion.

I will keep my customers focused by being a great listener while at the same time identifying what they ‘need to do’ vs. what they ‘want to do’.

I will utilize positive feedback and constructive criticism.

I will provide effective continuous improvement through the feeding of information and will not “fire-hose” my customer.

I will develop a professional coaching relationship with my customers, founded in honesty, diversity and respect.

I will help my customers… “See the Vision…and Capture the Dream”

Credos

Coaching is 90% attitude and 10% technique.

Coaches are not great players, coaches make their players great.

Coaches are the ‘keystone’ holding together the pillars of skill and desire, forming a “whole” that is greater than the sum of the parts.

Bob Gambone’s Pillars for Organizational Sustainability

2009-08-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

---Foundations For Building Your Strategies---

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Leaders are always on stage. Their attitudes are contagious. Their attitudes have the power to create an epidemic of negativity or success.
Leaders pull their teams “up the hill”, face them, and do not turn their backs. Old school managers push employees.
Leaders develop others. Leaders understand when people need to be led and when to let people take the lead.

CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Drop the word Change (negative connotation) and replace with Continuous Improvement.
Need a consistent and credible W.I.I.F.M. (What's In It For Me)
Listen to concerns, be empathetic….but stay the course.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

The organization’s customer service must add value to the customers’ lives. Your customers must feel good about their relationship with your organization.

The organization’s customer service must add value to the employees’ lives. Your employees must feel good about their relationship with your customers.
Customer Service is not work. It is an integral part of everyone’s job, practiced by all team members, and modeled by leaders at all times.

INITIATIVE ROLLOUTS

Grass roots development (pilot), plant the seed with the front line employees and with guidance have them grow the ideas, creates ownership….then recognize the individuals or teams.
A top-level commitment to invest in “true” training.
(5-step process; Intro, show, try, feedback, follow up)
Sustain the process by instilling a continuous improvement mentality and start building a bridge for that improvement to avoid “flavor of the month” ‘isms.

BUSINESS TURNAROUND

First, revisit the above 4 foundation skills to determine the current state of the organization.

Business turnaround often calls for leadership changes, improved change management skills, ratcheted up customer service, and the introduction of new initiatives.

The organization must identify a vision and constantly focus on its achievement. Invite ideas and actions from everyone.

My Favorite Personal Quotes used for Team Inspiration

2009-08-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

“Leadership is not an art, it is not a skill,
nor is it something that you can learn.
Leadership is an inherited trait,
fueled by passion, fed by desire, and maintained by your enthusiasm.
Leadership never dies; it will always be in your heart… waiting.”

_________________________________________________

"A true champion celebrates his success while at the same time acknowledges his vulnerabilities.
When you are the best you will be tested by the best.
You are number one and being chased by those who cannot accept defeat.
Know this…second place is the first loser, don’t settle for anything less than number one.
Remember you can’t do it alone…
Its great to be a champion, but it takes a team to win the Super Bowl.
The challenge is now upon us…
Our Pledge:
---We Will Champion Our Points of Difference with a
Passionate and Enthusiastic Pursuit of Excellence!---"

If You Are Looking For a Competitive Edge, Start With Leadership

2009-08-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

---True Story About Leadership---

I was anxious and excited. It was my first day as Store Manager at a new location.

As I entered the store, smile on my face and notebook and pencil in hand, I mentally prepared myself to meet new customers and employees. Top of mind was the new “Cleaning” initiative that the company was going through, and my approach would be to talk with employees and department heads about the status of the project as I toured the store.

I was very intrigued, as I walked from department to department, to find that everyone was saying the same type of thing. “Denny has us on top of it”, “Oh yes, we make sure we follow the checklist, wouldn’t want to upset Denny”, and “Nice to meet you, and if you see Denny ask him to stop by, we have some questions”. Of course my confidence level peaked knowing that Denny, probably a co-manager, was on top of things, and really had the store’s team engaged in the new initiative.

When I finally got upstairs where the offices were located, I asked my Human Resources Manager for a list of the store’s department heads and managers. After reviewing the list, I turned to Debbie (the HR Manager), and said, “Does Denny go by a different name? I don’t see him on this list”. She looked at me, quite puzzled, and said, “Our Denny? He’s the Janitor.”

Denny was not a manager or a department head and had never aspired to be one. Denny, however, was a leader, and was clearly filling a void that was left empty by the management team. This realization convinced me that leadership is found in the person and not in the position.

Take a hard look at your management team. Are they inspiring their teams to do the job? Or are they just simply assigning work.

In today’s economy, more than ever, business owners and executives need their managers and department heads to be Leaders.

Here are seven quick tips to help you identify Leaders:

1. Leaders have passionate enthusiasm! Attitudes are contagious and your team “leaders” need to understand that they are role models.

2. Leaders model your company’s values and “walk the talk.”

3. Leaders pull their teams up the hill, face them, and don’t turn their backs. Old school managers push employees.

4. Leaders are not necessarily the best workers. They understand that the “task” is never more important than the customer.

5. Leaders develop others, place a high value on the “we,” and discourage the “I.”

6. Leaders understand when people need to be led and when to let people take the lead.

7. Leaders listen and provide positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.

For more information on how you can transform your managers into Leaders, contact:
Bob Gambone; Business Life and Leadership Coach/Consultant
36 years experience in Retail and Supermarkets
Email: rvg444@aol.com