October 2012

Episode 146 – The Small Business Triple Death Trap

Podcast: Download | Non-Flash Playback

Crying like a baby won’t help.

Business isn’t easy. It’s hard work.

That doesn’t mean it’s not fun, exciting and rewarding. It can be all of those things.

It can also be a death sentence – a J.O.B. that we can’t quit.

Today’s show is about three things that consistently hasten the death knell for many small businesses (and larger ones, too).

Let’s discuss these 3 things and see if we can avoid killing our own small business.

1. Toxic viewpoint

2. Lack of strategic thinking

3. Poor communication

Help others find the podcast by leaving me a review over at iTunes. It’ll only take a few minutes and I’ll greatly appreciate it.

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Stop Letting Envy Kill Your Success (Grow Where You’re Planted)



Mentioned in today’s video:

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Jian Ghomeshi is a Canadian broadcaster. He released a short audio essay about the death of teenager, Amanda Todd.

• Jian was brilliant. Billy Bob Thornton? Not so much. Watch it here.

The Knowing-Doing Gap by Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton

Do the work.
Move forward.
Stop looking at what you don’t have.
Quit focusing on what you’ve failed to do.
Or things you’ve not yet accomplished.
Just do what you know to do.
The best you can.
Be patient.
Be strong.
Be bold.

I wish you well.

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What’s Blocking Your Commitment?

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Quite a long time ago, during a phone call with a client who kept resisting and pushing back every nudge toward improvement in business processes, I wrote this note in my notebook…

Yes, I asked the question of my client. And I kept asking. If memory serves me correctly, I had one more conversation, then parted ways because I realized I wouldn’t be able to help him. It was sad really because the potential for greater success was evident. At least to me! Unfortunately, he couldn’t see what I could see.

And he never made a commitment. I don’t know exactly what blocked his commitment. But I did point out one major cause that was apparent. It’s likely one major cause for all of us. I’ll share it with you in today’s video show.

What’s blocking your commitment?

I often ask myself this question. Sometimes I get what seems like a decent answer, but mostly, I get excuses. How is it with you?

P.S. Here’s the quote that historically has been attributed to Goethe, but that’s not likely true according to folks who claim to know. It’s believed to be a quote from William Hutchinson Murray, a Scottish mountain climber and writer. It’s been a longtime favorite of mine. When you read it, you’ll understand why.

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation. There is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans; that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen events, meetings and material assistance which no one could have dreamed would have come their way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now!”

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Episode 145 – If Your End Of The Boat Sinks, So Does Mine

Podcast: Download | Non-Flash Playback
Running Time 30:27

Are you bringing on water?

Warning: You may be shocked at what I have to say about the “tropical auto-pilot” businesses you hear so much about.

“If your end of the boat sinks, so does mine.”

I’ve used that phrase through the years with regard to teamwork, but today I’m not necessarily talking about teamwork.

I am talking about ROI – return on investment.

Value. Providing high value.

Employees need to understand. Contract workers need to understand. Business owners need to understand. We all need to better understand these truths.

Life can be so much better. More profitable. More successful. More fun. But it demands we think about ourselves as a resource whose value is determined by our own efforts. Personal responsibility and accountability for what we bring to the party (or boat)…that’s the stuff of success! We can be an asset. Or, we can be a liability.

Listen around the 27:38 mark and you’ll hear Rosie bark. She’s determined to make it into every recording. Shame on me for not closing the door to The Yellow Studio!

Thank you for subscribing and listening.

P.S. Click that iTunes button below and subscribe. While you’re at it, leave me a review at iTunes. It’ll help more people find the podcast.

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5 Steps To The Art Of Figuring It Out: The Business Model Of YOU!

I know you think everybody has “it” figured out, but you’re wrong! Everybody encounters times where they need to figure “it” out. Because things change. Circumstances change. Situations change.

Life isn’t static.

Sometimes we feel like we’re in the ocean and the waves are constantly tossing us about. If things are calm, experience has taught us that it won’t last long.

There are a number of effective steps we can take when we’re faced with challenges to “figure it out.” Today, let me give you just 5 of them. I have found these helpful. No, I’m not a ninja at these, but I do know they work. My inadequate use of them doesn’t mean they’re ineffective. It just means I’m a lot like you. Sometimes the resistance beats me.

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