Developing the Art of LeadershipWritten by Bea Fields
Many people are born leaders, yet ability to lead is actually an art and an amazing collection of skills which can be learned and sharpened. The following top ten daily habits will help you and/or your clients grow as a leader personally, professionally, and spiritually. 1. Spend 30 minutes each morning looking for "cracks" in major areas of your life. Your depth of character is key to determining your success as a leader. It is easy for us to say that we are "in integrity," but your actions are real indicators of strength of character. Spend 30 minutes each morning looking at major areas of your life: career, marriage, family, community, and spirituality. Write down any instances where you see "cracks" (you have cut corners, something is inconsistent, you have not kept your word, you have been dishonest, etc.) Do all in your power to repair those cracks by apologizing and dealing with consequences of your actions. After facing up to past actions, begin a plan that will rebuild you and prevent you from making further mistakes. 2. Show up and be ten minutes early for every appointment. Great leaders show up for every appointment, and they are always on time. Each day, practice not only showing up but being ten minutes early for each and every appointment. "The early bird gets worm" has never been so true than when it applies to becoming a great leader that others want to follow. 3. Be dedicated to a high level of learning. Great leaders are highly competent, because they are dedicated to a high level of learning, growth, and improvement. Spend 15-30 minutes each day devoted to learning something new. Do not settle for knowing "how" to do something. Dig deeper by asking question "why" and then, go find answer. Search internet, interview an expert, or take a day trip to find answer to a question that is on your mind or minds of those who follow you. 4. Be simple and crystal clear in all communication. As a leader, your communication should be simple, clean, and clear as a bell. Examine both written and verbal communication for simplicity and clarity. Use as few words as possible, and eliminate jargon and "big words" from your vocabulary. Express yourself in a way that your listeners can understand. 5. Surround yourself with great people. One of secrets of a great leader is great people. Hire right staff, surround yourself with a strong inner circle, and spend time daily with people who have a variety of gifts. With support of a strong circle of men, women and children, you will be ready for anything that comes your way. 6. Develop a sense of commitment and responsibility.
| | Tips on Boosting Small Biz ProfitsWritten by Bea Fields
No matter what stage your small business is in, one thing is for sure: money matters! If you are in a slump, fastest way to jump-start your sales is to reach out and touch as many people as possible using your unique talents and gifts. These ten tips will guide you to maximizing profits from your small business while becoming a biz expert one day at a time. 1. Choose your words with care. Each time you speak, you have chance to make or break your business. Use active sentences that speak confidence: "We need to fix this today," and use tones that are neutral (avoid talking too loudly, too quickly, too softly, or too slowly). 2. Consider using kids as marketing consultants. Children have a natural tendency to think outside of box, and they can be an asset for entrepreneurs trying to reach a booming, growing market. 3. Build lasting relationships. Communicate with your customers even when you are not trying to sell them something. Send handwritten congratulatory notes, give gifts as a follow-up to a sale or referral, personalize e-mails and faxes to existing clients, and incorporate "little acts of kindness" into your daily business routine. 4. Make small talk. Ask open-ended questions, and remember to listen closely. Decide who your best prospects are, where you will find them, and go where they are: meetings, committees, local coffee shop, circus, university campus, or a shopping plaza. 5. Know your birth order. Did you know that whether you are youngest, oldest, or middle in your birth order can influence how you run your business? Research shows that first-borns are often conscientious, obedient, and hard-driving. Later-borns are often more flexible, innovative, laid-back, and social. Middle-borns are often negotiators, supportive, hardworking, and love to please.
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