Whether you have called the meeting or are an invitee, a leader will always have a part to play, ensuring that participants stay focused, included, and co-operative.
Focus is important, because if the discussion goes off agenda, time may be wasted. A leader can redirect the meeting: "Perhaps that is something for another dicussion - let's take notes and we could brainstorm that later" - "We should to stay with our first subject and finalize that before we start another, don't you think?"
To include everyone in the group, and maximise the outcomes, you need to identify the basic personalities. There are movers, opposers, followers, and watchers. Movers are the ones that suggest ideas and run with them, usually the first to initiate action. You are probably a mover, if you are an entrepreneur. Opposers are competing with movers, often becoming movers themselves. They look for the facts, and argue for points. Followers may see a need to play it safe, and see where the meeting is headed, before adding their often useful input. Watchers are just that - they stay out of the discussion, but take a commentators role.
As a leader, encourage the movers by pointing them in the direction of the agenda, but don't ignore the others - make sure their input is solicited. Opposers may initially block the meetings' objectives, but can be used as "Devils Advocates." Set tasks that will use their objections "Check that out and find out if that will help or hinder our agenda" Leader's tend to be opposers at meetings they have not called - be aware of that and watch for the opposer in yourself.
Followers are often very creative, once their need for safety is met. Assign them implementation tasks - they will be gratified at that, and handle challenges enthusiastically.
Watchers are usually time wasters - don't waste energy trying to get them to take a position on anything - use them to investigate and report if they are willing - but report to you privately, as they will not wish to be judged on their input publicly.
Getting people in a meeting to work co-operatively is a big ask. Everyone has their own personal needs and private agendas, and these need to be fulfilled BEFORE focus can transfer to the agenda.
Here is where a leader needs to work hard before meetings to ensure that skills essential to group interaction have been learned by the team.
Listening. We all listen, but how effective is your listening. We tend to anticipate what someone is about to say, and even if we are right we will miss something because we will be 10% (or more) wrong, and that 10% may be the really important part.
Leader's should summarize after each person speaks, and check if that is what was meant. Asking others if that is what they "heard" gives participants an opportunity to review and process what was said. Leader's may also interrupt responses that are off subject. It should be done carefully, so as not to alienate the responder.
Support. We all compete - it's natural. It is difficult at times, but supporting ideas from someone else promotes team effectiveness. Even when we disgree with MOST of an idea, showing agreement for some of the ideas fosters the team.
A leader must show the way here, by listening for things to support, and adding and building on those things. Synergy will build the rapport of the group.
Disagreeing. It would be a good feeling if everyone agreed about everything at meetings, but disagreeing is necessary, and good. Solutions are stronger if they survive criticism, and constructive disagreement is conducive to team harmony, in the longer term. When people learn how to survive criticism, it makes working with others less stressful and more productive.
Leaders need to ensure that criticisms are NOT personal, but about the ideas - personal criticism won't "win friends and influence people" and will preclude future support for ideas. By ensuring diagreement is impersonal, everyone considers the facts, not the personalities. Finding things to support before overall diagreement helps lessen feelings of loss, gives balance. Lead with questions that highlight the issue, that may expose less obvious reasons for the disagreement that may be crucial to the issue. Try to offer alternatives when disagreeing with something.
Using and teaching these skills will improve meetings you are involved with in your business. And remember, all interactions with others are really meetings...
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Optimizing Outcomes for Meetings in Your Business
Everyone who runs a business has meetings. It is unavoidable, whether you meet on-line, face-to-face, in boardrooms or at seminars; you are going to be in or at meetings.
But meetings need not be "something to be avoided". Managed properly, they can be a source of leads, cement relationships, and be a powerful venue for solving disputes or to sucessfully negotiate alliances.
The key is ALWAYS setting an agenda, and visualizing all the possible outcomes, or as many as you can anticpate. You can strategize to maximise the benefits for all participants, seeking win-win solutions to issues, or mutally acceptable compromises.
Be sure to think about the emotional responses that could occur to the content in the meetings. If there is a potential for anger or resentment, bring that up early, and devise ways to deflect or manage the emotions. Acknowledgment can be a source of strength, and can effectively defuse the many fears that could divert you from a co-operative outcome.
I prepare a think sheet before meetings, where I list the possible issues. I distribute this, so that all cards are on the table at the start. By brainstorming the issues with peers, subordinates, clients and superiors at the least you are starting from a place you know, with a potential map to where you should be going.
But meetings need not be "something to be avoided". Managed properly, they can be a source of leads, cement relationships, and be a powerful venue for solving disputes or to sucessfully negotiate alliances.
The key is ALWAYS setting an agenda, and visualizing all the possible outcomes, or as many as you can anticpate. You can strategize to maximise the benefits for all participants, seeking win-win solutions to issues, or mutally acceptable compromises.
Be sure to think about the emotional responses that could occur to the content in the meetings. If there is a potential for anger or resentment, bring that up early, and devise ways to deflect or manage the emotions. Acknowledgment can be a source of strength, and can effectively defuse the many fears that could divert you from a co-operative outcome.
I prepare a think sheet before meetings, where I list the possible issues. I distribute this, so that all cards are on the table at the start. By brainstorming the issues with peers, subordinates, clients and superiors at the least you are starting from a place you know, with a potential map to where you should be going.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
A Reason to Recession and Inflation Proof Your Income
If you are someone who has been listening to the news about the Global Financial Crisis for
the past year or so, you are probably a little bored with some of the often repetitive
gloom.
Unless, like my friend Audie from Cinncinnati, who was laid off over a year ago, you are
listening and watching the news like a hawk, looking for the silver lining. Try to imagine
the pain, fear and frustration that he and his family feel.
But that is the good news - Audie is still positive, and his chats with me are upbeat and
full of self-deprecating humor.
I have been talking with him about the potential of on-line business, but he has an almost
uncanny belief in the power of the Chinese to bail everyone out, and is "waiting" until
things get back to "normal"
Two questions: What is normal? And Why will the Chinese help the rest of the world "get back
to normal?
Newsflash: No-one now knows what normal is; The Chinese are starting to feel the pain of
unchecked growth, with climbing inflation, that will eventually force them to act on their
currency.
Now here is the bad news: The US and the rest of the world are borrowing money from the
Chinese to stimulate their economies. They on-lend the money to banks and other
institutions, who are supposed to lend the money to people so that they can finance
businesses, service long-term liabilities, and to pay for "toys" that most are addicted to.
The banks know the real situation, and make a lot of noise about lending, but sit on the
money, because they know the reality - they are deferring losses, and they have to hoard
cash for the shake-out...
Think about it. Would you lend money out knowing that you needed it to pay for your own
inflated liabilities, sometime in the near future? If you were certain that, eventually,
cash was the only thing that would save you. Not property, falling in value, or unable to
be sold at anywhere near the Book Value. Not shares, that are so volatile that a 15% swing
in a month is not unusual anymore.
So, there is much more pain to come, unless there is a miracle, and the truly rich stop
sitting on their hands, and start lifting the awful burden that Audie and Co. carry.
I am not talking about helping those who won't help themselves, or about paying for the
toys that all walks of life seem to take for granted. I am talking about funding education
and re-training the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their jobs, for those who are
genuinely up the creek without the proverbial paddle.
Providing real jobs, even if those jobs involve public works, or perish the thought, public
housing. Real education, in fields that are future focused, rather than entertainment
support systems.
Recent comments by Alan Greenspan in the Wall Street Journal about US Federal Debt levels
are also worth considering. He repeated the truism that the US Government can produce money
at will, so there is no credit risk. But he also repeated that there is a definite
interest rate risk.
The US interest rates are still at near zero. But remember, (I can, but I am a boomer) in
1979/80 over the space of 4 months, the effective rates of interest increased by 4%. The
prime rate, that charged by the banks was 15.6%.
Debt as a percentage of the GDP rose from 38% in June 08 to 59% in June 2010. How much
more can this increase with out substantial movement in interest rates? I am not trying to
frighten anyone, but we need to look at the facts.
So, it is a no brainer. Inflation sooner or later, is going to hit. Hard. People everywhere
will need to find ways to Recession and Inflation Proof their incomes.
If you are interested in this, go to Don Paul Fuller's website,
http://www.yourworkathomebusiness.biz and learn how to start doing just that...
the past year or so, you are probably a little bored with some of the often repetitive
gloom.
Unless, like my friend Audie from Cinncinnati, who was laid off over a year ago, you are
listening and watching the news like a hawk, looking for the silver lining. Try to imagine
the pain, fear and frustration that he and his family feel.
But that is the good news - Audie is still positive, and his chats with me are upbeat and
full of self-deprecating humor.
I have been talking with him about the potential of on-line business, but he has an almost
uncanny belief in the power of the Chinese to bail everyone out, and is "waiting" until
things get back to "normal"
Two questions: What is normal? And Why will the Chinese help the rest of the world "get back
to normal?
Newsflash: No-one now knows what normal is; The Chinese are starting to feel the pain of
unchecked growth, with climbing inflation, that will eventually force them to act on their
currency.
Now here is the bad news: The US and the rest of the world are borrowing money from the
Chinese to stimulate their economies. They on-lend the money to banks and other
institutions, who are supposed to lend the money to people so that they can finance
businesses, service long-term liabilities, and to pay for "toys" that most are addicted to.
The banks know the real situation, and make a lot of noise about lending, but sit on the
money, because they know the reality - they are deferring losses, and they have to hoard
cash for the shake-out...
Think about it. Would you lend money out knowing that you needed it to pay for your own
inflated liabilities, sometime in the near future? If you were certain that, eventually,
cash was the only thing that would save you. Not property, falling in value, or unable to
be sold at anywhere near the Book Value. Not shares, that are so volatile that a 15% swing
in a month is not unusual anymore.
So, there is much more pain to come, unless there is a miracle, and the truly rich stop
sitting on their hands, and start lifting the awful burden that Audie and Co. carry.
I am not talking about helping those who won't help themselves, or about paying for the
toys that all walks of life seem to take for granted. I am talking about funding education
and re-training the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their jobs, for those who are
genuinely up the creek without the proverbial paddle.
Providing real jobs, even if those jobs involve public works, or perish the thought, public
housing. Real education, in fields that are future focused, rather than entertainment
support systems.
Recent comments by Alan Greenspan in the Wall Street Journal about US Federal Debt levels
are also worth considering. He repeated the truism that the US Government can produce money
at will, so there is no credit risk. But he also repeated that there is a definite
interest rate risk.
The US interest rates are still at near zero. But remember, (I can, but I am a boomer) in
1979/80 over the space of 4 months, the effective rates of interest increased by 4%. The
prime rate, that charged by the banks was 15.6%.
Debt as a percentage of the GDP rose from 38% in June 08 to 59% in June 2010. How much
more can this increase with out substantial movement in interest rates? I am not trying to
frighten anyone, but we need to look at the facts.
So, it is a no brainer. Inflation sooner or later, is going to hit. Hard. People everywhere
will need to find ways to Recession and Inflation Proof their incomes.
If you are interested in this, go to Don Paul Fuller's website,
http://www.yourworkathomebusiness.biz and learn how to start doing just that...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Video Marketing
Over the past months, I have gathered leads from Youtube ( http://tinyurl.com/29lywde ) where I uploaded a few videos that were, frankly, horrible - It is a wonder people did not run screaming into the night...
However, I WAS getting people to subscribe to my Newsletter and to my blogs regularly. I was baffled...
However, my sponsor Jeff Learner spotted the reason straight away. I had added the videos to my landing pages, where appropriate, and I had also embedded the code so that they play automatically. Jeff told me that the reason I was getting the leads was because of that code
So I tested it. I ran a campaign on identical web pages, with autoplay turned on in one but not the other. The results were as Jeff told me. I got a 40% better result from the auto-play version.
The message from this? Ensure that all embedded youtube videos have &autoplay=1 added to the code. Your lead conversions will improve substantially...
If you are unsure how to do that, send me an email, and I will help.
However, I WAS getting people to subscribe to my Newsletter and to my blogs regularly. I was baffled...
However, my sponsor Jeff Learner spotted the reason straight away. I had added the videos to my landing pages, where appropriate, and I had also embedded the code so that they play automatically. Jeff told me that the reason I was getting the leads was because of that code
So I tested it. I ran a campaign on identical web pages, with autoplay turned on in one but not the other. The results were as Jeff told me. I got a 40% better result from the auto-play version.
The message from this? Ensure that all embedded youtube videos have &autoplay=1 added to the code. Your lead conversions will improve substantially...
If you are unsure how to do that, send me an email, and I will help.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Taking Time To Stay Organized Means A Lot In A Work At Home Business
Working from the comfort of your home has it benefits. However, you will to need to follow some self disciplinary rules for your work to be successful. To be able to spend time with family and do all the things you dreamed about by working at home, you will need to follow these work at home business tips.
How many times have you heard that phrase that says timing is everything? This is really true when you are running a business from your home. Your schedule is going to need to be strict. This means you should make a schedule at the start of every work week. Write down specific hours that are for your work and your work only. Paste it in the same place every time that will allow you to see it each day. This will be a reminder for you to stay on that schedule.
Do you have a place to work that is going to be free from distractions? If not, then you should start making one. Choose an extra room or a corner of the den. The place you choose does not matter as long as you know you will be able to work in it free from as many interruptions as possible. This space should be kept clean as well for you to be able to work efficiently.
Do you have children? If so, then you will need to make arrangements to avoid the interruptions that come with having kids. If you can afford it, invest in day care or a babysitter for the time you are working. You can also make a room for the kids to play in. Put all their toys and video games in it. This is a great idea that will keep you from worrying over them while you are trying to work. One tip is to schedule your working hours around the times the kids are sleeping. This will help with not having any interruptions.
Have you ever tried to work in a cluttered and disorganized area? This is a certain recipe for disaster. Make sure you keep your workspace neat and organized. This will enable you to find things easily and you will get more done. Use pigeon hole shelving to organize your tools or other supplies. Make sure you use a filing cabinet for important paperwork.
Think about all the supplies you may need for your business. Make a list and make sure you include everything on it so that one trip to the supply store will do it. Running back and forth for additional things you might need is a time consumer. One thing you will need to keep in mind is utilizing your time. Time is money in every business, at home or otherwise.
Do you run your business emails through your personal account? You should make a separate email account for just the business. Checking your email every hour or so will cause you to be distracted. The point in saving time is to steer away from as many interrupting situations possible.
For you to be able to stay at home and run a successful business, you are going to have to practice self discipline. Make sure that those in your family understand why you are locked away in that room or why you tell everyone to play quietly. The key to the profits for your work at home business will depend on you adhering to schedule.
Developing and enhancing a home based business is one answer to the problem of higher living costs on less income. With an on line marketing company, you have benefits beyond those of income.
How many times have you heard that phrase that says timing is everything? This is really true when you are running a business from your home. Your schedule is going to need to be strict. This means you should make a schedule at the start of every work week. Write down specific hours that are for your work and your work only. Paste it in the same place every time that will allow you to see it each day. This will be a reminder for you to stay on that schedule.
Do you have a place to work that is going to be free from distractions? If not, then you should start making one. Choose an extra room or a corner of the den. The place you choose does not matter as long as you know you will be able to work in it free from as many interruptions as possible. This space should be kept clean as well for you to be able to work efficiently.
Do you have children? If so, then you will need to make arrangements to avoid the interruptions that come with having kids. If you can afford it, invest in day care or a babysitter for the time you are working. You can also make a room for the kids to play in. Put all their toys and video games in it. This is a great idea that will keep you from worrying over them while you are trying to work. One tip is to schedule your working hours around the times the kids are sleeping. This will help with not having any interruptions.
Have you ever tried to work in a cluttered and disorganized area? This is a certain recipe for disaster. Make sure you keep your workspace neat and organized. This will enable you to find things easily and you will get more done. Use pigeon hole shelving to organize your tools or other supplies. Make sure you use a filing cabinet for important paperwork.
Think about all the supplies you may need for your business. Make a list and make sure you include everything on it so that one trip to the supply store will do it. Running back and forth for additional things you might need is a time consumer. One thing you will need to keep in mind is utilizing your time. Time is money in every business, at home or otherwise.
Do you run your business emails through your personal account? You should make a separate email account for just the business. Checking your email every hour or so will cause you to be distracted. The point in saving time is to steer away from as many interrupting situations possible.
For you to be able to stay at home and run a successful business, you are going to have to practice self discipline. Make sure that those in your family understand why you are locked away in that room or why you tell everyone to play quietly. The key to the profits for your work at home business will depend on you adhering to schedule.
Developing and enhancing a home based business is one answer to the problem of higher living costs on less income. With an on line marketing company, you have benefits beyond those of income.
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