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.”
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
"Feedback Is A Gift"
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.”
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
***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.”
Monday, August 2, 2010
Everyone Is Talking About Passion
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.”
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!”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***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.”
Thursday, July 29, 2010
What Is YOUR Bottom Line Focus?
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.”
-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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***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.”
Friday, July 16, 2010
Carol The Trainer
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.”
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”)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
***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.”
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Jack, The Meat Guy
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.”
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 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.”
Friday, July 9, 2010
D.R.E.A.M.S.
“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.”
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