Morning Motivator - Can you Keep Up?

"The system hasn't become worse... It just hasn't changed as fast as the world."
- Anonymous

In the past weeks, I have heard multiple speakers regarding the Metro Nashville School System and its STRUGGLES. I was really MOVED by the comment above that struck a point with me regarding all "failing systems" around us. It is NOT that the school system is failing, in fact our system is better than the majority of the world, just hasn't changed as FAST as our "local world."

Often in business, we see the same MISHAPS. From the guy that REFUSES to adopt a computer as part of his daily work life, to the lady that doesn't want a BlackBerry because she doesn't want to be that "ACCESSIBLE." You also see it governance of work life, from the boss that WANTS employees in their chair from 7:45am - 5:15pm "working" to the HR manager that still BELIEVES a new graduate is looking for long-term stability in the company they are interviewing for.

Information access has CHANGED our world as we know it. The least informed employee today is MUCH more informed than a CEO of the past. We have the ABILITY to access our own solutions, COMPARE our opportunities to others and SHARE our opinions with a community of "thinkers" that direct our actions.

If you think you can just "get by" living in your bubble... THINK AGAIN!

2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
Interestingly, the school systems are only "broken" because they are too slow and too generalized. Children know more about what they do and do NOT want to do than ever before. As a result, learning must be based on BUILDING EXPERTISE within these young minds.

Consequently, our older generations have ALSO become highly educated through use of the internet in COOPERATION with their life experiences. They know EXACTLY how to help and how to succeed in the FUNDAMENTALS of business.

As we look to grow ourselves as professionals and a society, we must ACCEPT the fact that specialization is the next level of education. We will need to become EXPERTS in our respective areas of interest. And to be successful... we will need to have a GREATER EDUCATION than those we compete with.

What's next?? Go buy a book today. Something you are VERY interested in and become the local AUTHORITY in that subject matter!

Cheers,
Zach

*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com

The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.

Morning Motivator - The Truth About Learning

"Let's face it. Learning isn't fun."
- Anonymous

Yesterday, I spent the day participating and supporting a local executive LEADERSHIP training program. I am very FORTUNATE to have the opportunity to participate for a second time in this class in a new capacity.

One of the most INTERESTING comments that was made yesterday was the one above. I found it to be very POIGNANT and APPROPRIATE.

Consider your most MEMORABLE and VALUABLE learning experience. Was it in an EASY class? Was it the business EXPERIMENT that worked the very first time you tried? Do you remember how NON-EMBARRASSING that great learning opportunity was?

2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
Just know that LEARNING IS NOT FUN. It is not meant to be. Your kids will NOT have fun in school. Learning a new skill at work is NOT enjoyable every day. CHANGE is not something people look forward to.

LEARNING, however, is APPRECIATED once completed. The SACRIFICES you make to become EDUCATED create a sense of priority in APPLYING those new skills. You become a STAKEHOLDER in your own success.

Instead of looking to each day and HOPING for as little discomfort, awkwardness and stress... use these FEELINGS to gauge your GROWTH and EFFECTIVENESS in creating your own success.

If you are having a TON of fun... you probably aren't trying HARD enough! Create success and take pride in the STRUGGLE to get there.

Enjoy your weekend! ;)

Cheers,
Zach

*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com


The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.

Morning Motivator - "The Right Fit"

"Love is not about emotion. It's about compatibility and commitment."
- Unknown

I am AMAZED at how similar a personal relationship is to a business relationship. Some may even argue that EVERY business relationship IS personal.

As more and more client OPPORTUNITIES present themselves, the REALITY that compatibility is the most IMPORTANT element becomes obvious.

Think about your BEST business relationship... How much is "just business" vs how much is personally affiliated? Do you talk "shop" all the time or do you really KNOW one another?

2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
Frustrations and failed EXPECTATIONS are present in ANY relationship.

I might suggest that your business relationships need even MORE compassion if you are seeking a mutual gain.

In a personal relationship, you are both COMITTED by a natural bond and attraction. In a business relationship, your bond is based on VALUE and DELIVERY.
If you fail to COMMUNICATE and openly DISCUSS your expectations in your personal relationships... You break up and move on, only losing time.

If you fail to do the same in business... You lose time, money and support. Better be OPEN if you want to make it work.

Besides, when work is going POORLY, who do you take that burden home to??

Cheers,
Zach

*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com


The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.

Morning Motivator - Your Next Choice

"Go make your next choice be your best choice..."
- Jason Mraz

The interesting this about yesterday (and every day prior) is that they are OVER. The decisions, actions and results are all a HISTORICAL catalog of experiences.

CONFIDENCE in individuals is derived from a sense of result control based on actions. You ARE confident because you BELIEVE you know that "X" actions will yield "Y" results.

IF your past experiences are a COMPILATION of actions that yielded less than desirable results, you likely have some self doubt. There is HOPE...

2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
The RIGHT choices produce the RIGHT results.

It is possible that, in the past, your CHOICES may have been off target.

To change your FUTURE and increase your CONFIDENCES, make your next choice be your best choice... Easier said than done?? Sure.

To make BETTER decisions, consider "mirroring" someone that has the type of success you are seeking. Seek a mentor, read an autobiography, research "best practices" in your industry.

Don't be AFRAID to fail... Be afraid to REAPEAT failure.

Cheers,
Zach

*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com


The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.

Morning Motivator – A BEST Way to LOSE a Client

"It is not enough to give the customer excellent service. You must subtly make him aware of the great service he is getting."
- Unknown

I have a GREAT story for those of you that are interested in how NOT to run a business…

Last night, I called Comcast cable in an EFFORT to purchase internet and cable services. I was EXCITED as I dreamed of FAST download speeds, the NFL channel and LSU Tiger football on Saturday from my living room. I had the credit card ready to SPEND my money… BUT…

On the first ATTEMPTED call, I waited on hold for 5 minutes (statistics show that most people hang up after 60 seconds). After hearing how VALUABLE I was as a client, I was informed by the automated service that no one was available to help… then… the best part!!! And I quote, "we appreciate your call. Thank you. Good bye."

WHAT THE HELL!?!?

Long story short, I called back again, with a SIMILAR experience. On my third attempt, I was asked if I would participate in a client SATISFACTION survey post call. OF COURSE!!

After waiting 3-4 minutes, I was greeted by Curtis. He was POLITE, UNDERSTANDING and EFFICIENT. That was a GREAT experience. Frankly, he did such a good job that he SAVED the opportunity.

Once we hung up, customer service called back. I SHARED my feelings with them regarding their choice of a BEST way to lose a client via hanging up on them and providing NO OPTIONS to engage or get a call back.

2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
There are SIMPLE solutions for HELPING clients purchase your services.

1. Give them the opportunity to purchase without your involvement.
2. Give them options on how to communicate or be communicated with.
3. Provide time frames for return communications immediately (even if approximated)
4. Accept the common (and some uncommon) forms of payment.

Ultimately, make it EASY to buy. EASY to engage. EASY to follow up.

If you are able to do those things… the business will be EASY to keep. Otherwise, you might just LOSE the client you NEVER had.

Cheers,
Zach

*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com

The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.