Leveraging Opportunities and Solving Problems Require Effective Listening
Wouldn’t it be awesome if once per month, you received a thank-you card of appreciation (or an extremely positive online review) from a client? To consistently receive feedback that your employees provide a highly valued experience and deliver a high value outcome is testament to your company’s brand and the long-term health of your business. …
Who is Your Competition
After a seven-year hiatus, I am back coaching a Little League team. It’s a ton of fun spending time on the baseball diamond with my neighbor Bram, who recruited me to assist coaching his son Beckett’s team of 8 and 9-year-old boys. His s/o and my friend Jessica (pictured) shows up to watch the team…
Three Attributes of Successful Companies
Last Friday night, the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted Mardi Gras in the Valley, a gala which brought the business community together for an evening of fun and celebration. As part of the festivities, Chamber Member of the Year awards were presented to Snoqualmie Casino in the Large Company category and JAKZ Group in…
Skiing on the Wildside
Last month, a nervous 11-year old girl showed up for the first of seven ski lessons. Perhaps being blind and unable to see was part of what led to being less than fully confident, but in less than two hours, she was able to convert apprehension into joy and wonderment, truly wanting to see how…
Local Businesses Need “Good” People
Small business owners play a vital role in local communities and in today’s world of consumers that demand immediate gratification and low prices, the struggle to compete against large companies and survive is real. Having said this, not all struggles are created equal. Over the weekend, I have witnessed how being a good person produces…
Who Are Your Brand Champions
Your company’s brand is not defined by its logo or tagline. Instead, brand is based upon what others say about your company. Whether the talking being done is face-to-face or on an online platform, there is plenty of talking going on. What people say directly impacts your ability to attract clients and hire great employees.…
How Enthusiasm Translates into Results
On a scale of 1 to 10, how enthusiastic are you about beginning each day? As a business owner, or an employee who thinks like an owner, the attitude you bring each morning sets the tone for how the rest of team shows up to work. Simply put, smiles and positive energy translate into productivity…
Why Effective Listening Improves Your Business
If you are struggling to come up with ideas to improve your business and engage with the right audience, start by improving your listening skills. Two elements of effective listening are: (1) identifying the right audience and (2) asking the right questions. The next step is simple; convene a focus group to uncover and identify…
Do Your Clients Feel Cared For
In a technology driven world that seemingly rewards increasing depersonalization, smaller companies can effectively compete by incorporating quaint ideas like #BuldingCaringRelationships! into their business model and strategy. On a scale of 1 to 10, do your clients feel like you truly care about their well-being? If you don’t know the answer to this question, are…
Characteristics of Consistently Winning Teams
Have you ever watched a professional sports team play and conclude that the athletes’ hearts are not in the game? Witnessing low effort and minimal energy, you can’t help but think that this game’s outcome doesn’t matter to the players; and chances are high that your instincts are right! When this happens, you feel cheated…