Blog
How to convince yourself that you actually have a real job
You’re self-employed. You work out of your home. You’re the only person at your company. So, how do you convince yourself that you actually have a real job? Good question. As a Professional Fake Employee for the past five years, I’ve discovered many secrets for doing so. Let’s take a look at eight “GETS” for self-employed success: GET UP! An hour earlier. Doing so will instill a sense of…
Are you the echo or the origin?
There are no cover bands in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Why? Because cover bands are imitations. Copies. Replicas. Fakes. Designer imposters. In other words, echoes. An echo is defined as a “repetition or close imitation.” And if you take a quick look around, you’ll notice a WHOLE lot of companies, products, people and ideas are just that – echoes. FIRST EXAMPLE: in the mid 90’s when…
Practice intentional discomfort
When you make yourself uncomfortable, you grow the most. As a person. As a professional. When you make yourself uncomfortable, you learn the most. About others. About yourself. About the world. When you make yourself uncomfortable, you expand the most. Because you meet new people. Because you experience new things. SO, THE BIG QUESTION IS: Are you practicing intentional discomfort every single day? Me? I’m kind of a discomfort…
How to be a Sticky Note Superstar
Sticky notes. Pretty much the greatest invention ever. Especially when you post them on your: Wall. Desk. Door. Mirror. Fridge. Wallet. Pantry. Planner. Computer. Dashboard. Bulletin board. Laundry machine. The possibilities for self-motivation are endless! And even if you’re not a visual person, here are seven variations to become a Sticky Note Superstar! 1. Self-Assessment Questions. If you continuously ask yourself the same few questions every day, you will…
Approachable Service: The First Impression Fizzle
Are first impressions the most critical part of Approachable Service? Maybe. YES, it’s true that first impressions are usually correct. YES, it’s true that first impressions are based on instinct and emotion. YES, it’s true that first impressions your customers form about you are likely to stay in their minds forever. YES, it’s true that humans put pressure on themselves to behave consistently with their own existing commitments. YES,…
Approachable Service: The Touchpoint Trinity
Your first impression is only 1/3 of the battle. WHICH MEANS: simply greeting customers at the front door is NOT enough. For that reason, always remember THE TOUCHPOINT TRINITY: FIRST impressions. These lay a foundation for the service process. These frame the entire customer experience. They take between five and ten seconds, but last nearly forever. ONGOING impressions. These either reinforce or diminish customers’ initial judgments. Throughout the entire…
Grill yourself
What enables someone to be relaxed on an interview? Here’s the way I see it: Approachability comes from relaxation. Relaxation comes from comfort. Comfort comes from confidence. Confidence comes from knowledge. Knowledge comes from preparation. IN SHORT: relaxation come from preparation. So, what the best way to prepare for an interview? By asking yourself questions. Like, hard questions. Questions like: 1. What are three reasons ANYBODY would want to…
What finish line?
My mastermind group used to meet in a conference room at an ad agency. The first time we held our session there, I couldn’t help but notice the powerful slogan painted across the office wall: “What finish line?” Wow. What a concept, I thought. Imagine a company with no finish line. Meaning, they’ve never arrived. Meaning, they’re always getting better. Meaning, they’re never resting on their laurels. No finish…
When should you raise your fee?
A few years ago I was hanging out at an art gallery in Portland. I asked the owner, “How do you know how much to charge for your paintings?” Without a blink she smiled, “Depends on my rent!” Wow. I don’t think she was kidding! Still, whether you’re an artist, writer, entrepreneur or consultant, this is a tricky topic: When should you raise your fee? Lots of potential answers……
What’s next?
My first job out of college was selling couches at a discount furniture warehouse. Aside from the long hours, sub-par working conditions, terrible pay, annoying customers, pain-in-the-ass coworkers and chronic back pain from lifting too many sofa-sleepers; it was a pretty decent job. Anyway, my boss Pamela had a thing about signs. She loved to post these little notes, sayings, quotes and motivational messages around the store. My favorite…
