Saturday, December 13, 2014

The 5 Best Selling Secrets

*** In Memory of Lou ***

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.
-----------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Scrooge

aka,  Conflictor!

We all know one:

1. "Conflictors" know something about everything, just enough to be dangerous.

2. Disagree with you on everything, in a passive aggressive manner.

3. Challenge your knowledge, in a condescending manner.

4. Devalues your time, while their time is precious.

5. Tells you others are not team players, while stabbing you in the back.

6. Creates a positive facade, and then is negative about your positivity.

7. A "Conflictor" is always right, and if you try to prove them wrong...you will become mentally exhausted.

Bottom line; a "Conflictor" is a predator. When you are up they will get you down. And will you are down, they will take you deeper.

When a "Conflictor", by no choice of yours, tries to ruin your Holiday Season...do not try to handle them alone. One on one they will drain you. Bond together with people you trust and eventually the "Conflictor"  aka Scrooge, will get frustrated and move on to other prey.

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

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Gratitude Lifts Attitude

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude.

In business we can be thankful for so many things; we appreciate our clients /customers, our partners, our shareholders, our employees, our suppliers, the list can be plentiful.

One strategic way that we can show our appreciation is by bragging, not about ourselves,  but about those who help us grow and secure our business. Specifically people who may be our strategic partners, referral teams, and networking colleagues.

Pick one person, just one, and throughout this Thanksgiving holiday season brag to others about this person using the specific points answered in the following three questions.

1. What strengths do you see in this person?

2. What specific contributions has this person made to help you grow your business?

3.  How does this person bolster a positive environment?

You will find that bragging about others will benefit their credibility and yours.
Your gratitude will lift your attitude resulting in a more fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday season.

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

Thursday, November 13, 2014

How to Become a CFO

Not a Chief Financial Officer...I'm talking  "Chief Fun Officer" *

Many years ago, a very wise mentor of mine said. "When it comes to work, if you are not having fun... well, that's your fault!"
We all need to become our own CFO.
Below are some unique quotes about work and having fun:

" I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours."
- Leslie Nielsen

"When a man tells you that he got rich through hard work, ask him: 'Whose?' "
- Don Marquis

" Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."  --Theodore Roosevelt

"It is the working man who is the happy man. It is the idle man who is the miserable man."
-Benjamin Franklin

"There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.".
-Andrew Jackson

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing."
- Dale Carnegie

"I never drink coffee at work...mainly because it keeps me awake."
- Unknown

"I don't feel bad about online shopping at work, it's the only place I can spend money WHILE I make it."
- Anonymous

"I always give 100% at work: 10% Monday, 23% Tuesday, 40% Wednesday, 22% Thursday, 5 % Friday!"
- Grazer

* Leadership Freak

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



Friday, November 7, 2014

Whatever Happened to "You're Welcome"?

---- Top Rated Post---

Just last week, I had someone open the door for me, I said “Thank you!” …his response, “Sure”.

Then the server at lunch brought me an extra napkin. I said “ Thank you”…she replied, “Don’t mention it”.

Next, I dropped my pen at the bank, the person behind me picked it up and handed it to me, I said “Thank you,” he said… “No problem”

“No problem” ?  ... Well I’m glad I wasn’t a problem!

“Don’t mention it” ?… Okay guess what, I did!

“Sure” ? … Sure of what?

When a person says, “you are welcomed” or even “you’re welcomed,” they are basically saying thank you,  to you,  for thanking them and responding with politeness.

Leadership lesson?  Yes!
Saying “you are welcomed” is letting the person know that you are thankful to them for giving you the opportunity to help them.

"Leadership is Giving" ---- Sven Goebel
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Do-It-Yourselfers

When it comes to business owners, there are three types of  Do-It-Yourselfers (DIYS)

1. No Money-  DIYS

Fact: This business owner may be just starting out and has no funds to hire an admin, a marketer, web designer, business coach, etc…

Upside: When the cash starts flowing they will hire experts to help them grow their success.

Downside: Procrastination, wrt letting go and empowering others, can and will hinder growth.


2. Control Freak – DIYS

Fact: this business owner lives in fear and trusts no one to get “inside” his or her business.

Upside: Total control can be very rewarding because you can relish in the “I did it! I did it all!”

Downside: Burn out is inevitable and horizontal growth is impossible.


3. The Know-It-All – DIYS

Fact: This business owner knows a little about everything, and believes that makes them an expert. Albert Einstein said it best, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

Upside: If your favorite photograph is a “selfie”, you are in your zone and you may be successful.

Downside: When your business does not grow and you become completely frustrated, you will catch yourself saying, “What the heck happened!”

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

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Fire, Aim, Ready!

I know what you're saying, isn't it... Ready, Aim, Fire?

When it comes to growing your business by word of mouth marketing...it is  Fire, Aim, Ready!

Fire: 
  • Ignite the "fire" with a smile and a passionate conversation.
  • Fuel the fire by showing interest in the other person.
  • Keep the fire burning by giving and offering hope.
Aim:
  • Ask; what is your target market?
  • Educate them on your target market.
  • Help each other "aim" at your respective target markets.
Ready:
  • Develop trust with each other.
  • Commit to helping each other.
  • Then you are "ready" to accept leadership for each other.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

The Best Tip for Better Storytelling

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 8 months 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 3 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!”

For more inspiring stories and leadership wisdom, please purchase my book---

Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!
"A must read!" Ivan Misner New York Times Bestselling author
BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM  click on link below
Click here to purchase Bob's Book

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

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Think Small for Huge Results

Do you ever wonder why some members of your team always come up with new and unusual approaches to problems...solutions you never considered?

In the book A Whack on the Side of the Head, author Roger Von Oech offers the following four tips for jogging your mind from its mental rut.

1. Don't always look for the "one" right answer.

2. Don't always be a "Spock", its okay to be illogical at times.

3. Avoid the "yeah, but" thinking...instead think, "what if".

4. STOP thinking you're not creative! One of the major differences between creative people and non-creative people is that;  creative people pay attention to their small ideas, knowing they could lead to a big breakthrough.
"Believe in the worth of your ideas and have the persistence to build on them."
----------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, August 31, 2014

7 Questions for a Rainy Day

Ask Yourself;

1. Are you climbing the ladder of success, or are you just 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 business team, and how do you help each other?

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?

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

Friday, August 22, 2014

10 Characteristics of Successful Leaders

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

2. Leaders model the 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 up the hill.

4. Leaders are not necessarily the best talent, they are skilled at recognizing and utilizing talent.

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

6. Leaders know when to let other and better “leaders” lead... when the situation demands it.

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

8. Leaders turn problems into opportunities.

9. Leaders understand that everyone falls, but not everyone fails.

10. At the end of the day... while others may think about the tasks that were completed, leaders reflect on the people that completed the tasks.
----------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Be the CEO of Your Life

***Please welcome my guest blogger, Maripat Abbott***

Create and Share your Transition Vision – Be the CEO of Your Life

A traditional leadership coach is someone who helps others sharpen their leadership skills in the corporate or entrepreneurial world. That is not my mission. I help my clients to become the CEOs of their life, empowering them to give themselves that promotion.

In my experience, most of us have somehow sublimated our CEO title – given our power over to someone or something else. It saddens me when I can clearly hear that a person has been demoted – or put on severance – not by a company, but by themselves.

I most often see people demote themselves during times of major life transitions like a health challenge, a job loss or change, a relationship status change, pregnancy or any other large life events. During times of transition, fear and resistance to the unknown can begin to dominate,  which can cause us to lose our power.
So how can we avoid losing our CEO title during the transitions in our life? How do we trust that there is no candidate better than ourselves to lead us through? How can we remember that we are the single most qualified one to lead our life?

One helpful tool is to create a powerful vision statement that outlines how you intend to run the company of YOU during this transition. Then you must communicate that clearly to your support system of family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances, who are in essence a part of your company.
Like a CEO, you respectfully require that your community understand and follow your vision statement so that the company of YOU thrives throughout this transition and you do not lose your primary relationship – the one with yourself.  This is always your number one job.

Your vision statement and request might sound something like this: “I am in the midst of… [changing jobs, getting divorced, selling my home, opening a new business] and am very optimistic about the ultimate outcome. I need you to hold this vision with me and remind me when I forget.”
Your primary goal is to maintain your leadership role without being forced into a severance package from your own life.

Maripat Abbott
Executive Relocation Coach
Certified Life Coach
Certified Yoga Instructor

Phone: 630-708-RELO

Website: HolisticRelo.com

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

Monday, July 21, 2014

Are You Boring?

Researchers at the University of Chicago asked students to rate 43 boring behaviors. Here are the top eight. They'll earn you the label of being "chronically boring": *

  • Complaining about one's own problems (health, finances, relationships) and not being interested in the problems of others.
  • Talking constantly about trivial things, always including unimportant details, and repeating tired old jokes.
  • Showing no emotion, failing to make eye contact. and talking in a monotone.
  • Seriousness- never smiling, joking, or making light of things.
  • Tediousness, especially talking too slowly.
  • Low participation. Never joining in conversation and always just going along with what is being said.
  • Distracting behavior, including frequent use of expressions such as "you know" and "just saying".
  • Self-centeredness. Always talking about your own life, experiences, and interests.
Credo to live by: "Be interested first, then you will become interesting."

*Teamwork notes
---------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

It's Only a Game?

It was the bottom of the sixth, two outs, bases loaded. 
My team, the Rennerdale Braves, was beating the Rennerdale Indians 4 to 3 in the last game of the local Little League World series when Mike Grimes stepped to the plate.

Killer moment for me. How do I pitch to him? Mike was the best, a homerun king.
I remember gripping the ball tighter than ever and throwing the ball harder than ever.

And then I heard the sounds of screaming fans as I looked over my right shoulder to see the last pitch I would ever throw fly over the fence…grandslam.

For those of you that have experienced heartbreak as a young child, I really don’t have to tell you how long I cried over that moment.

As I walked towards the family car my mother put her arm around me and said; “Now that you know the feeling of losing, you will really appreciate the feeling of winning.”

Back in the ‘60s only the champions received trophies. Losers walked away with tears and parents (in efforts to comfort their kids) saying things like, “It’s only a game”.
Correct, it is only a game and by definition a game is; a competition played according to rules and decided by skill, strength or luck.

Sounds like "life" to me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Independence Day (for Entrepreneurs)



Entrepreneurs!....how many times have you heard this:
"When are you going to get a REAL job?!"
...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 and claim your INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Here are eight 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

"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." ~ J. Susan

"Everyone falls, not everyone fails." D. Hardy

"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 to you,
"You're no Thomas Edison."
Simply reply..."You're right, but who was Thomas Edison before he became "Thomas Edison? "

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

1 2 4

*** Top Rated Post***

Several decades ago, I was a young cocky manager who thought I knew it all.
After all, I just won manager of the month, scored a great bonus and received an awesome promotion.
An associate of mine, we will call her Mary, reached out to me at my awards celebration and said if I ever needed her help, just let her know.
Mary was my hero; keyword here is “was.” She was a leader, my mentor… but in my eyes, I had no need for her anymore.
“Thanks for the offer Mary, let me think about.”

Some twenty years later, I ran into Mary. She had left the company, started a new career and in my eyes, she was very successful. I of course boasted about my success and never even asked Mary how she was doing. Once again, she reached out to me and offered her help. Really, I thought… “Thanks for the offer Mary, let me think about it.”

Fast forward to today.
I was attending a business event, when out of the corner of my eye I saw Mary walking towards me. She seemed distraught. We engaged in conversation and it turns out that Mary was struggling with her business, had been for years and needed help. Help that I knew I could offer.
“Mary,” I said, “please let me help you.”
She looked at me and said, “Thanks for offer Bob, let me think about it.”
I left the event very frustrated and confused.

Lesson learned:
Leadership is giving, and when Mary offered me help, I shut the door before I had a chance to see what was on the other side, denying her the opportunity to give. Years later, she reciprocated…I think not to be revengeful, but since I never accepted her help, she probably thought my offer was not genuine.

Songwriter and poet James Durst once wrote:
“Help one another; there’s no time like the present and no present like the time.”

No matter how successful you are in business, when someone offers you help, accept it…help is giving…help is a gift.

This is my 124th blog posting
museahaw

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

The $50 Dryer

A client of mine recently shared a story with me. 

  Back in 1980, her family was struggling financially. One day their clothes dryer died and they had very little money to purchase a new one. So she visited the local garbage dump that sold used appliances.  She found a medium size unknown brand dryer for $50. The owner of the dump said he could not guarantee that it would work, however he did state that the people who dropped it off said it was still in fine working condition.

She took their word for it.

That dryer served her family for the next five years. In 1985 the family moved and had to leave the dryer behind. The new family that purchased her home offered $100 for the used dryer; my client denied and took only $50. That same dryer served the new family for the next three years. In 1988 the new family was expanding with three new children and decided they needed a bigger dryer. So they took the used dryer back to the same junk yard. When the owner of the junkyard saw the dryer he said, “I remember that dryer, does it still work?” The new family said “Yes, it works fine.” The junk yard owner gave them $50.

When I first heard this story, several words went through my mind.  “trust” “honesty”  “ appreciation” , even “serendipity”.
When I read it through a couple more times, I had an “aha moment”. The common thread here is actually “leadership”. You do the same…read it through a few more times and you will also have an “aha moment”.
----------------------------------------------------


Monday, June 9, 2014

What is a "Conflictor"?

We all know one:

1. "Conflictors" know something about everything, just enough to be dangerous.
2. Disagree with you on everything, in a passive aggressive manner.
3. Challenge your knowledge, in a condescending manner.
4. Devalues your time, while their time is precious.
5. Tells you others are not team players, while stabbing you in the back.
6. Creates a positive facade, and then is negative about your positivity.
7. A "Conflictor" is always right, and if you try to prove them wrong...you will become mentally exhausted.

Bottom line; a "Conflictor" is a predator. When you are up they will get you down. And will you are down, they will take you deeper.

When a "Conflictor", by no choice of yours, becomes part of your team, family, or social circles...do not try to handle them alone. One on one they will drain you. Bond together with people you trust and eventually the "Conflictor" will get frustrated and move on to other prey.

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

Friday, May 30, 2014

The Right Moves

Leaders need to have the right attitude, or the leadership will fall short.
Leadership is giving...inspire vs. require...work done "with" people vs. work done "by" people.

1. Give up on perfection, make it better.
2. Believe you have more in you.
3. Falling is not failing.
4. Never make excuses.
5. Compare up.
6. Train people "who" to be,  before telling them "what" to do.
7. Train on skills;  you can't teach personalities.
8. Do what your best self longs to do.
9. Surround yourself with people who acknowledge your progress and challenge you to do better.
10. Let go of the past, strive to improve the future.

"When looking at four ounces of water in an eight ounce glass, the pessimist will say its half empty, the optimistic says its half full...the leader says-----thank you for the water."

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

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Are You Boring?

Researchers at the University of Chicago asked students to rate 43 boring behaviors. Here are the top eight. They'll earn you the label of being "chronically boring": *

  • Complaining about one's own problems (health, finances, relationships) and not being interested in the problems of others.
  • Talking constantly about trivial things, always including unimportant details, and repeating tired old jokes.
  • Showing no emotion, failing to make eye contact. and talking in a monotone.
  • Seriousness- never smiling, joking, or making light of things.
  • Tediousness, especially talking too slowly.
  • Low participation. Never joining in conversation and always just going along with what is being said.
  • Distracting behavior, including frequent use of expressions such as "you know" and "just saying".
  • Self-centeredness. Always talking about your own life, experiences, and interests.
Credo to live by: "Be interested first, then you will become interesting."

*Teamwork notes
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Business Fundamentals...Don't Leave Home Without Them.

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 responded, "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.”

Saturday, April 26, 2014

I Really Worked Hard at That!

Really?  when you hear someone say that, what does that mean?  I'm sure we've all said it and heard it.

Working hard- does that mean long hours? Sweating profusely? Experiencing physical pain? Maybe becoming mentally exhausted?

Or... It's hard work because I really don't like to do it.

Or...I really do like it, and when I work hard I feel pleasure...maybe even want to reward myself, or expect someone else to reward me?

Is your definition of hard work the same as someones else's definition?  Probably not.

Do you deny yourself hard work? Do you deny that you ever work hard?  I often say, I never work hard because I love what I do...but I can still work hard,  right?

SO...are you expecting an insightful answer from me about what "hard work" really is?

Sorry....that would be hard work.
---------------------------------------------------------

Friday, April 18, 2014

Vince

*** Reader's Poll Favorite***

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

Vince approached me and asked, “Excuse me, are you the Store Manager of the new Giant Eagle 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 out 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 7:00 to 11:00am 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!”

I pulled Vince aside and inquired about the paychecks. Vince politely replied, "I'm sorry Bob, did I get you in trouble? I will put them in the bank tomorrow, thank you."

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.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Handling Personal Problems on the Job

All of us come to work some days with a personal problem or concern on our minds. When my father was dying of heart disease, I was challenged to focus. We wouldn't be human if we could completely "turn-off" our personal lives the moment we started work each morning.

How can we separate our personal lives so we can carry on effectively at work with the assignments at hand?

Start by asking yourself, "Is there anything I can do right now to correct this personal problem?" Sometimes there is.

When you've determined that nothing can be done to solve a personal dilemma at work, try plunging into the task you are doing. For many people the greatest temporary relief is to get their minds as far from the problem as possible...at least until that time when something can be done.

The problem will still be there later...and the time away from it may help you gain perspective you need to deal with it later.

 "I have found that the best way to handle personal problems is to look them right in the eye, and also to make sure I have my reading glasses on first." --- Anonymous

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

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Pessimistic People

Pessimistic people always see the downside.
The other day a good friend of mine shared a story:

Seems there was this duck hunter who needed a new bird dog, so he found a dog that could actually walk on water to retrieve the duck.

Shocked by his find, he was sure none of his friends would ever believe him.

He decided to try to break the news to a friend of his, a true pessimist, and invited him to hunt with him and his new dog.

As they waited by the shore, a flock of ducks flew by. They fired, and a duck fell. The dog responded and jumped into the water.

The dog, however, did not sink but instead walked across the water to retrieve the bird, never getting more than his paws wet.

The friend saw everything but didn’t say a single word.

On the drive home the hunter asked his friend, “Did you notice anything funny about my new dog?”

“I sure did,” responded his friend. “He can’t swim!”

True pessimists never change, it is founded into his or her culture. No matter what strategy you may use to bring out the "optimist" in them, its never works. "Culture eats strategy for breakfast"- Ivan Misner

Leaders recognize this pessimistic culture, accept it, and move on...sometimes using it to his or her advantage.
-------------------------------------------------

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Champion Communications - Part Deux

Managing Differences*

Do you every find yourself in a conversation and you feel that it is not going the way you want it to?
I know I do...try this:

When you think a difference exists, then...

How do you handle it? Define the difference:
---State what is important to you, and why.
---Clarify/confirm what is important to the other person, and why.

Next...
When you are willing and able to consider alternatives,

How do you make that happen? Discuss the differences:
---Explore ideas to find acceptable solutions.

However...
When you are unwilling or unable to consider alternatives, or you are unable to reach a mutually acceptable decision,
How do you handle that? Terminate the discussion:
---Acknowledge the others person's right to differ.
---Explain what you have decided, and why.

"You can please some of the people some of the time, all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time." - Abraham Lincoln

*Learning International
---------------------------------------------------------


Saturday, February 22, 2014

Champion Communications

Part I

Did you ever walk away from an important business conversation and felt that you weren't really understood and /or you really were not sure what the other person was saying?

Try this: Clarifying and Confirming*

WHEN you will make a decision or take action based on the information, opinion, or suggestion offered. Or your immediate impulse is to reject, ignore, or disagree with what you are hearing, you need to CLARIFY.

HOW?  Clarify by seeking additional information about:
--- what has been said and/or why ("...what else can you tell about this?")

Next...
CONFIRM  By stating your understanding of:
--- what has been said and why ("... so what your saying is...")

This technique will dramatically decrease your frustration and enhance your credibility with business associates,  because they know you have listened to what they have said.

* IMS / Learning International

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

Saturday, February 15, 2014

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

---Some of my favorites "Life" quotes---


"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

Read more "Pecans of Wisdom" from Bob Gambone in his book:
PECAN PIE!-Click here for a preview! 
"The Secret to Success...It's in the Recipe! 

Copyright (12-10-2011) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.
----------------------------------------------------------

Monday, February 10, 2014

Everyone Falls, Not Everyone Fails

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

In a recent Success Magazine CD I heard something that reminded me of some heartfelt words,  shared with 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
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Are You Still A Groundhog?

Did you know that Groundhog Day has been around since 1841?
Well, it is true!
Punxsutawney Phil has been coming out of his burrow, once a year, for 173 years!...AND he still looks the same! He never changes!

Is your business changing?  Are you adapting to changing times?... or does it look the same as it did ten, five, or even two years ago?

Top Three Ways to Continuously Improve Your Business:

1. Network! -  not just once a year...EVERY week, get out of your burrow!

2. Sunny day and business is booming?  That shadow you see is your competition. "Keep your friends close, and your competition closer."

3. Avoid the "Bill Murray Effect"... live by "Giver's Gain"...the good you do will come back to you and to your business.

Happy Belated Groundhog Day!
-------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, January 24, 2014

Five Fundamental Business Paradigms

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.
----------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Think Small, Stay Small

A collection of  "Really?!" one-liners,  business owners or potential business owners have shared with me in my free consultation sessions. Many became clients and I have helped them. The rest? Oh well,  I hope they found help somewhere.

Here we go...

"Do I really need a logo and branding, I thought only big businesses had that."

"Well, I want to make more money but I don't trust people."

"Do I have a vision and mission statement for my business? Not at all, do I need one?"

"I really don't plan too much or even have a strategic plan...I kinda just see how things happen."

"I want to open a restaurant because I love to cook, I'm a hard worker, and I have the support of my family...isn't that enough?"

"No, I have never worked in retail, but this new franchise opportunity this guy was talking about sounds great!"

" ...not sure if my business is up or down from last year, but I do know my bills are getting paid."

"What's a target market?"

"My point of difference? I offer great service."

"There is enough free help out there...I don't need to pay for it."

"What measurements do I have in place?...they are all right here (as he pointed to his head)."

" What is horizontal growth?"

"I have more clients then I can handle...I don't need any help."

I have so many more I can share, but you get the point. Now I admit, when I started my own business five years ago I said some of the same things, that is why I hired a coach...enough said.

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







Friday, January 3, 2014

Three "Gives" for 2014

Give people confidence,
by reminding acquaintances of your name.

-Did you ever forget someone's name that you should have remembered?                 
Think about how you felt during the conversation.



Give people hope, 
by answering your phone, 
 “… how can I help you?”

- Opened ended questions are always more inviting and productive.



Give people peace of mind,
by confirming receipt of their email or text.

-Did you ever send a very important email or text and wonder if he or she ever received it?


Simple, yet very impactful and rewarding. Start "giving" today!
--------------------------------------------