Business owners and managers sometimes feel as though they’re held hostage by one or more team members who play key roles in the business. Owners and managers believe these individuals possess sensitive information and perform vital functions. Letting them go or, in fact, taking any action that might upset them would leave the company in […]
Internal barriers or blockages to business success come in many forms: ineffective hiring practices, bad management, poor on-boarding and training, lack of teamwork, a negative culture and team members whose lack of desire and negative attitudes prevent them from performing at consistently high levels. There are also less-than-effective systems and procedures, poor customer service, inconsistent […]
The effective and efficient flow of information is critical to consistently meeting and exceeding the wants and needs of customers, foreseeing challenges and overcoming obstacles. The smooth flow of information also is essential to the production and timely delivery of high-quality goods and services. When communication is limited or even impossible because of personality conflicts, […]
Wise business owners endeavor to reduce the high costs of turnover and maximize their return on investment with new hires. Still, businesses experience turnover for a variety of reasons, and the expenses associated with finding, hiring, training and developing new team members are very real. Studies have estimated the cost of turnover to range from […]
There are two ways to look at marketplace competition. You could focus on others in your sector and take you and your company away from the success you desire. Or, you could turn your attention toward your own company and your path to becoming better. The second is a self-disciplined approach that will position you […]
Whether you’re aware of it or not, you’re a leader. You lead at work, at home and in your community. You lead by your example in all the areas of your life. Your team members are watching. Your spouse, children, extended family and people you don’t even know are watching for guidance on how to […]
Talented, motivated and competent people are at the very core of successful companies. It’s their skills and the strength of their mindset that allow them to operate at their highest levels on a consistent basis. Human capability and confidence expands, contracts or remains static depending on whether or not it receives the stimulation it needs […]
Business owners who want to create sound enterprises that survive in challenging times and thrive in easy times should consistently endeavor to turn customers into raving fans. When your customers like — or better yet, love — your business, they not only patronize your venture, but also happily share their glowing recommendations with others. How […]
Take a moment to recall the last time you enjoyed an exceptional customer service experience from a company with which you chose to do business. Remember how pleasant the experience was, how satisfied you were, how good you felt and how the experience affected you and your day in a positive way? I’d venture to […]
If you want your company to operate at the highest levels, your team members must be taught it’s acceptable — then continually encouraged — to think their way through situations rather than guessing at a solution or relying on you and others for answers. There’s an all-too-common tendency among business owners and managers to simply […]